Dual-Ligand Red Perovskite Ink for Electrohydrodynamic Printing Color Conversion Arrays over 2540 dpi in Near-Eye Micro-LED Display.

The lack of stability of red perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) remains the main problem that restricts their patterning application. In this work, the dual-ligand passivation strategy was introduced to stabilize PeNCs and inhibit their halogen ion migration during high-voltage electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing. The as-printed red arrays exhibit the highest emisson intensity and least blue shift compared with samples with other passivation strategies under a high electric field during EHD inkjet printing. Combining with blue and green PeNC inks, single-color and tricolor color conversion layer arrays were successfully printed, with minimum pixel size of 5 µm and the highest spatial resolution of 2540 dpi. The color coordinate of CsPbBrI2 NCs arrays are located close to the red point, with a color gumat of 97.28% of Rec. 2020 standard. All of these show great potential in the application of color conversion layers in a near-eye micro-LED display.

Evidence of a large current of transcranial alternating current stimulation directly to deep brain regions.

Deep brain regions such as hippocampus, insula, and amygdala are involved in neuropsychiatric disorders, including chronic insomnia and depression. Our recent reports showed that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with a current of 15 mA and a frequency of 77.5 Hz, delivered through a montage of the forehead and both mastoids was safe and effective in intervening chronic insomnia and depression over 8 weeks. However, there is no physical evidence to support whether a large alternating current of 15 mA in tACS can send electrical currents to deep brain tissue in awake humans. Here, we directly recorded local field potentials (LFPs) in the hippocampus, insula and amygdala at different current strengths (1 to 15 mA) in 11 adult patients with drug-resistant epilepsy implanted with stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes who received tACS at 77.5 Hz from 1 mA to 15 mA at 77.5 Hz for five minutes at each current for a total of 40 min. For the current of 15 mA at 77.5 Hz, additional 55 min were applied to add up a total of 60 min. Linear regression analysis revealed that the average LFPs for the remaining contacts on both sides of the hippocampus, insula, and amygdala of each patient were statistically associated with the given currents in each patient (p < 0.05-0.01), except for the left insula of one subject (p = 0.053). Alternating currents greater than 7 mA were required to produce significant differences in LFPs in the three brain regions compared to LFPs at 0 mA (p < 0.05). The differences remained significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). Our study provides direct evidence that the specific tACS procedures are capable of delivering electrical currents to deep brain tissues, opening a realistic avenue for modulating or treating neuropsychiatric disorders associated with hippocampus, insula, and amygdala.

Ionogels: recent advances in design, material properties and emerging biomedical applications.

Ionic liquid (IL)-based gels (ionogels) have received considerable attention due to their unique advantages in ionic conductivity and their biphasic liquid-solid phase property. In ionogels, the negligibly volatile ionic liquid is retained in the interconnected 3D pore structure. On the basis of these physical features as well as the chemical properties of well-chosen ILs, there is emerging interest in the anti-bacterial and biocompatibility aspects. In this review, the recent achievements of ionogels for biomedical applications are summarized and discussed. Following a brief introduction of the various types of ILs and their key physicochemical and biological properties, the design strategies and fabrication methods of ionogels are presented by means of different confining networks. These sophisticated ionogels with diverse functions, aimed at biomedical applications, are further classified into several active domains, including wearable strain sensors, therapeutic delivery systems, wound healing and biochemical detections. Finally, the challenges and possible strategies for the design of future ionogels by integrating materials science with a biological interface are proposed.

Integrative roles of human amygdala subdivisions: Insight from direct intracerebral stimulations via stereotactic EEG.

Substantial studies of human amygdala function have revealed its importance in processing emotional experience, autonomic regulation, and sensory information; however, the neural substrates and circuitry subserving functions have not been directly mapped at the level of the subnuclei in humans. We provide a useful overview of amygdala functional characterization by using direct electrical stimulation to various amygdala regions in 48 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing stereoelectroencephalography recordings. This stimulation extends beyond the anticipated emotional, neurovegetative, olfactory, and somatosensory responses to include visual, auditory, and vestibular sensations, which may be explained by the functional connectivity with cortical and subcortical regions due to evoked amygdala-cortical potentials. Among the physiological symptom categories for each subnucleus, the most frequently evoked neurovegetative symptoms were distributed in almost every subnucleus. Laterobasal subnuclei are mainly associated with emotional responses, somatosensory responses, and vestibular sensations. Superficial subnuclei are mainly associated with emotional responses and olfactory and visual hallucinations. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the functional architecture of the human amygdala at the subnuclei level and as a mechanistic basis for the clinical practice of amygdala stimulation in treating patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.

Investigation on external quantum efficiency droops and inactivation efficiencies of AlGaN-based ultraviolet-c LEDs at 265-285 nm.

The temperature-dependent external quantum efficiency (EQE) droops of 265 nm, 275 nm, 280 nm, and 285 nm AlGaN-based ultraviolet-c light-emitting diodes (UVC-LEDs) differed in Al contents have been comprehensively investigated. The modifiedABCmodel (R = An+Bn2+Cn3) with the current-leakage related term,f(n)= Dn4, has been employed to analyze the recombination mechanisms in these UVC-LED samples. Experimental results reveal that, at relatively low electrical-current levels, the contribution of Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) recombination exceeds those of the Auger recombination and carrier leakage. At relatively high electrical-current levels, the Auger recombination and carrier leakage jointly dominate the EQE droop phenomenon. Moreover, the inactivation efficiencies of 222 nm excimer lamp, 254 nm portable Mercury lamp, 265 nm, 280 nm, and 285 nm UVC-LED arrays in the inactivation ofEscherichia colihave been experimentally investigated, which could provide a technical reference for fighting against the new COVID-19.

The role of the orbitofrontal cortex and insula for prognosis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the network between the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and extratemporal structures in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) in order to explain the recurrence of MTLE after surgery. This study contributes to our current understanding of MTLE with stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of SEEG in 20 patients with MTLE in order to observe and analyze the intensity of interictal high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), as well as the dynamic course of coherence connectivity values of the MTL and extratemporal structures during the initial phase of the seizure. The results correlated with the patient prognosis. RESULTS: First, the presence of HFOs was observed during the interictal period in all 20 patients; these were localized to the MTL in 17 patients and the orbitofrontal cortex in seven patients and the insula in six patients. The better the prognosis, the greater the localization of the HFOs concentration in the MTL structures (p < 0.05). Second, significantly enhanced connectivity of MTL structures with the orbitofrontal cortex and insula was observed in most patients with MTLE, before and after the seizure onset (p < 0.05). Finally, the connectivity between extratemporal structures, such as the orbitofrontal cortex and insula, and MTL structures was significantly stronger in patients who had a worse prognosis than in other patients, before and after seizure onset (p < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: The epileptogenic network in recurrent MTLE is not limited to MTL structures but is also associated with the orbitofrontal cortex and insula. This can be used as a potential indicator for predicting the prognosis of patients after surgery, providing an important avenue for future clinical evaluation.

Pre-procedure oral administration of pronase improves efficacy of lugol chromoendoscopy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma screening: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chromoendoscopy with Lugol's staining is used to screen for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Its efficacy is greatly limited by unstandardized defoaming preparation. This study aimed to confirm whether pre-procedure oral administration of pronase could improve the diagnostic performance of Lugol chromoendoscopy in high-risk patients being screened for early ESCC. METHODS: A total of 955 patients at-risk were prospectively recruited for screening for ESCC. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to groups with or without (control group) pronase administration. Endoscopic diagnosis of early ESCC was based on the presence of pink-color sign in Lugol's unstained area, and a biopsy was routinely conducted if the Lugol's unstained lesion was larger than 0.5 cm. The early cancer detection rate was used as the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Pre-procedure oral administration of pronase improved mucosal visibility during Lugol chromoendoscopy (P = 0.008). There were no differences in the number of Lugol's unstained lesions between the 2 groups (23.27% [111/477] vs. 25.11% [120/478], P = 0.508). Meaningfully, the detection rate of ESCC (confirmed by histopathology) was significantly higher in the pronase group than in the control group (27.03% [30/111] vs. 17.50% [21/120], P = 0.041), as well as the detection rate of lesions with pink-color sign during chromoendoscopy (35.14% [39/111] vs. 13.33% [16/120], P < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of Lugol chromoendoscopy had improved with the use of pronase (area under the curve = 0.85 vs. 0.69, P = 0.019), accompanied by an increased sensitivity (86.67% vs. 47.62%, P = 0.004). There was no difference in the adverse events between the 2 groups (P = 0.793). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-procedure oral administration of pronase significantly increased the detection rate of early ESCC and optimized the diagnostic performance of Lugol chromoendoscopy, which should be recommended during routine endoscopic screening for early ESCC in high-risk patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pronase improves efficacy of Lugol chromoendoscopy screening on esophageal cancerous lesions (NCT02030769).

Optimized SEEG-guided three-dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation for insular epilepsy.

PURPOSE: The high risk of resection surgery for drug-resistant insular epilepsy has driven interest in new treatment techniques. Stereo-electroencephalography-guided three-dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SEEG-3D RFTC) offers an alternative option. Herein, we present the detailed protocol and investigation of the efficacy and safety of a preliminary observational study. METHODS: From February 2017 to April 2021, ten patients diagnosed with insular epilepsy were enrolled in the study. They underwent implantation of a combination of SEEG electrodes to form a high-density focal stereo-array in insula, including oblique electrodes through the long axis of insula and orthogonal electrodes to widely cover the medial and lateral insula. SEEG-3D RFTC was performed between two contiguous contacts of the same electrode, or between two adjacent contacts of different electrodes. RESULTS: Surgical procedures were well tolerated, with no related long-term complications. Seizure-free outcome was achieved in seven patients (70%), including ILAE I in four and ILAE II in three. Two other (20%) patients had rare seizures (ILAE III). One (10%) patient experienced an ILAE IV outcome (follow-up = 12--63 months). The responder rate (including ILAE I-IV) was 100%. CONCLUSION: The optimized SEEG-3D RFTC is an effective and safe option for the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy.

High Power- and Energy-Density Supercapacitors through the Chlorine Respiration Mechanism.

Supercapacitor represents an important electrical energy storage technology with high-power performance and superior cyclability. However, currently commercialized supercapacitors still suffer limited energy densities. Here we report an unprecedentedly respiring supercapacitor with chlorine gas iteratively re-inspires in porous carbon materials, that improves the energy density by orders of magnitude. Both electrochemical results and theoretical calculations show that porous carbon with pore size around 3 nm delivers the best chlorine evolution and adsorption performance. The respiring supercapacitor with multi-wall carbon nanotube as the cathode and NaTi2 (PO4 )3 as the anode can store specific energy of 33 Wh kg-1 with negligible capacity loss over 30 000 cycles. The energy density can be further improved to 53 Wh kg-1 by replacing NaTi2 (PO4 )3 with zinc anode. Furthermore, thanks to the extraordinary reaction kinetics of chlorine gas, this respiring supercapacitor performs an extremely high-power density of 50 000 W kg-1 .

Fatty Acid-Based Coacervates as a Membrane-free Protocell Model.

Membrane-less scenarios that involve liquid-liquid phase separation (coacervation) provide clues for how protocells might emerge. Here, we report a versatile approach to construct coacervates by mixing fatty acid with biomolecule dopamine as the protocell model. The coacervate droplets are easily formed over a wide range of concentrations. The solutes with different interaction characteristics, including cationic, anionic, and hydrophobic dyes, can be well concentrated within the coacervates. In addition, reversible self-assemblies of the coacervates can be controlled by concentration, pH, temperature, salinity, and bioreaction realizing cycles between compartmentalization and noncompartmentalization. Through in situ dopamine polymerization, the stability of coacervate droplets is significantly improved, leading to higher resistance toward external factors. Therefore, the coacervates based on fatty acid and dopamine could serve as a bottom-up membrane-less protocell model that provides the links between the simple (small molecule) and complex (macromolecule) systems in the process of cell evolution.

Delineating the Decussating Dentato-rubro-thalamic Tract and Its Connections in Humans Using Diffusion Spectrum Imaging Techniques.

The objective of this study was to identify the decussating dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (d-DRTT) and its afferent and efferent connections in healthy humans using diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) techniques. In the present study, the trajectory and lateralization of the d-DRTT was explored using data from subjects in the Massachusetts General Hospital-Human Connectome Project adult diffusion dataset. The afferent and efferent networks that compose the cerebello-thalamo-cerebral pathways were also reconstructed. Correlation analysis was performed to identify interrelationships between subdivisions of the cerebello-dentato-rubro-thalamic and thalamo-cerebral connections. The d-DRTT was visualized bilaterally in 28 subjects. According to a normalized quantitative anisotropy and lateralization index evaluation, the left and right d-DRTT were relatively symmetric. Afferent regions were found mainly in the posterior cerebellum, especially the entire lobule VII (crus I, II and VIIb). Efferent fibers mainly are projected to the contralateral frontal cortex, including the motor and nonmotor regions. Correlations between cerebello-thalamic connections and thalamo-cerebral connections were positive, including the lobule VIIa (crus I and II) to the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and lobules VI, VIIb, VIII, and IX, to the MPFC and motor and premotor areas. These results provide DSI-based tratographic evidence showing segregated and parallel cerebellar outputs to cerebral regions. The posterior cerebellum may play an important role in supporting and handling cognitive activities through d-DRTT. Future studies will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of cerebello-cerebral connections.

Comparing N-acetylcysteine with sodium thiosulfate for relieving symptoms caused by Lugol's iodine chromoendoscopy: a randomized, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lugol's iodine chromoendoscopy is an important method to detect esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Sodium thiosulfate solution (STS) has been used to neutralize iodine after Lugol's chromoendoscopy; however, it is not available in many medical centers. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine solution (NAC) for relieving symptoms caused by Lugol's iodine chromoendoscopy. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive either STS or NAC after spraying Lugol's iodine solution on the esophagus. The neutralizing effects for residual iodine in the esophagus and gastric mucous pool were observed. The primary endpoint was the intensity of retrosternal pain and/or heartburn measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) score 30 minutes after chromoendoscopy. Secondary endpoints were the rate of patients with any adverse symptom, rate of moderate to severe retrosternal discomfort occurring, and heart rate variability between time points before and after chromoendoscopy. RESULTS: The neutralization rates for residual iodine between the NAC and STS groups were not significantly different (P > .999). The difference of median VAS scores between the NAC and STS groups 30 minutes after chromoendoscopy was .0 (P = .719; 95% confidence interval, .0-.0), and the 95% confidence interval higher limit was .0, which was less than our prespecified margin of .5, concluding an noninferiority of NAC with regard to STS. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the rate of patients with any adverse symptom, rate of moderate to severe retrosternal discomfort, or heart rate variability at 5 minutes or 30 minutes after chromoendoscopy. CONCLUSION: As a very easily accessible reagent in clinical circumstances, NAC can also alleviate mucosal irritation symptoms induced by Lugol's chromoendoscopy at similar efficacy as STS and can be routinely recommended. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT04764643.).

Clinical benefit of tunnel endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal squamous cancer: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely accepted as a primary treatment modality for dysplastic and early cancerous lesions of the GI tract. However, prolonged procedure time and life-threatening adverse events remain obstacles to the successful treatment of esophageal cancer. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of tunnel ESD (T-ESD) with conventional ESD (C-ESD) for superficial esophageal squamous neoplasms. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter trial was conducted at 5 hospitals in China. Patients with esophageal squamous neoplasms were enrolled and randomly assigned to undergo C-ESD or T-ESD. Randomization was stratified by tumor location and circumference extent (<1/2 or ≥1/2). The primary endpoint was procedure time. RESULTS: Between January and July 2018, 160 patients were enrolled. One hundred fifty-two patients (76 in the C-ESD group and 76 in the T-ESD group) were included in the final analysis. The median procedure time was 47.3 minutes (interquartile range, 31.7-81.3) for C-ESD and 40.0 minutes (interquartile range, 30.0-60.0) for T-ESD (P = .095). However, T-ESD specifically reduced the median procedure time 34.5% (29.5 minutes) compared with C-ESD for lesions ≥1/2 circumference (P < .001). Among the multiple secondary outcomes, muscular injury was less frequent in the T-ESD group compared with the C-ESD group (18.4% vs 38.2%, P = .007), but complete healing of artificial mucosal defect in 1-month follow-up was more common in the T-ESD group than the C-ESD group (95.9% vs 84.7%, P =.026). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that T-ESD results in shorter procedure time, specifically for lesions ≥1/2 circumference of the esophagus. In addition, T-ESD has a better safety profile indicated by less frequent muscular injury and improved healing of artificial mucosal defects caused by ESD procedures. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03404921.).

Remarkable Black-Phase Robustness of CsPbI3 Nanocrystals Sealed in Solid SiO2 /AlOx Sub-Micron Particles.

This work combines the high-temperature sintering method and atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, and yields SiO2 /AlOx -sealed γ-CsPbI3 nanocrystals (NCs). The black-phase CsPbI3 NCs, scattered and encapsulated firmly in solid SiO2 sub-micron particles, maintain in black phases against water soaking, ultraviolet irradiation, and heating, exhibiting remarkable phase stability. A new phase-transition route, from γ via ß to α phase without transferring into δ phase, has been discovered upon temperature increasing. The phase stability is ascribed to the high pressure exerted by the rigid SiO2 encapsulations, and its condensed amorphous structures that prevent the permeation of H2 O molecules. Nanoscale coating of Al2 O3 thin films, which are deposited on the surface of the CsPbI3 -SiO2 by ALD, enhances the protection against O2 infiltration, greatly elevating the high-temperature stability of CsPbI3 NCs sealed inside, as the samples remain bright after 1-h annealing in air at 400 °C. These fabrication and encapsulation techniques effectively prevent the formation of δ-CsPbI3 under harsh environment, bringing the high-pressure preservation of black-phase CsPbI3 from laboratory to industry toward potential applications in both photovoltaic and fluorescent areas.

Assessment of localization accuracy and postsurgical prediction of simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/MRI in refractory epilepsy patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracies of simultaneous 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ([18F]-FDG PET/MRI) in preoperative localization and the postsurgical prediction. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on ninety-eight patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy whose presurgical evaluation included [18F]-FDG PET/MRI, with 1-year post-surgery follow-up between August 2016 and December 2018. PET/MRI images were interpreted by two radiologists and a nuclear medicine physician to localize the EOZ using standard visual analysis and asymmetry index based on standard uptake value (SUV). The localization accuracy and predictive performance of simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/MRI based on the surgial pathology and postsurgical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 41.8% (41/98) patients were found to have a definitely structural abnormality on the MR portion of PET/MRI; 93.9% (92/98) were shown hypometabolism on the PET portion of the hybrid PET/MRI. PET/MRI identified 18 cases with subtle structural abnormalities on MRI re-read. Six percent (6/98) of patients PET/MRI were negative. A total of 65.3% (64/98) patients showed seizure-free at 1-year follow-up after epilepsy surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of [18F]-FDG PET/MRI was 95.3%, 8.8%, and 65.3% for seizure onset localization based on surgical pathology and postsurgical outcome, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that concordant of EOZ localization between PET/MRI and surgical resection range, which was a good positive predictor of seizure freedom (Engel I) (OR = 14.741, 95% CI 3.934-55.033, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: [18F]-FDG PET/MRI used as two combined modalities providing additional sensitivity when detecting possible epileptic foci and will probably improve the surgical outcome. KEY POINTS: • Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of [18F]-FDG PET/MRI were 95.3%, 8.8%, and 65.3% for seizure onset localization based on surgical pathology and postsurgical outcome, respectively. • Concordance of EOZ localization between PET/MRI and surgical resection range was a good positive predictor of seizure freedom; presurgical [18F]-FDG PET/MRI will probably improve the surgical outcome.

Temperature and pH Responsive Light-Harvesting System Based on AIE-Active Microgel for Cell Imaging.

A highly emissive microgel is synthesized by polymerizing tetraphenylethene (TPE) based comonomers, acrylic acid, NIPAM, and permanent crosslinker ethylenebisacrylamide (BIS) (named as TPE microgel), which exhibited temperature responsive fluorescence emission. Rhodamine B (RhB), a positively charged molecule, is then inserted onto the surface of fabricated microgels through electrostatic interaction. As a result, a novel artificial light harvesting system with high energy transfer efficiency is constructed (named as TPE microgel-RhB light harvesting system), which is the first light harvesting system based on TPE microgels presenting dual response to pH and temperature. MTT assay indicates the fabricated TPE microgel and TPE microgel-RhB light harvesting system has good cytocompatibility. The strong fluorescence and good cytocompatibility make them perfect candidates for cell imaging. The prepared emissive microgel and light-harvesting system with desirable fluorescent property not only provide a new strategy for the fabrication of tunable luminescent nanomaterials, but also expand potential applications in the fields of stomach recognition, temperature sensors, and drug delivery.

A multivariate prediction model for high malignancy potential gastric GI stromal tumors before endoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic resection is becoming an option in the management of gastric GI stromal tumors (GISTs). Although no consensus has been reached, patients with high malignancy potential GISTs are generally considered to be surgical candidates. However, no systematic preoperative evaluation strategy has yet been developed. The current study was performed to develop a preoperative multivariate model to predict the malignant potential of gastric GISTs. METHODS: This study consisted of 2 stages. First, a multivariate prediction model for gastric GISTs smaller than 5 cm was developed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis in a retrospective cohort. Next, the prediction model was validated further in a validation cohort of gastric GISTs. RESULTS: In the developing stage, 275 patients were included. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that independent risk factors for high malignancy potential gastric GISTs smaller than 5 cm were tumor size ≥2 cm (according to cutoff value), an irregular tumor shape, and mucosal ulceration (P < .05). Based on accordant regression coefficients, 3 risk factors were weighted with point values: 1 point for mucosal ulceration, 2 points for an irregular tumor shape, and 3 points for tumor size ≥2 cm. In the validation stage, 186 patients were included. The area under the curve of the prediction model was .80 (95% confidence interval, .73-.85), which was significantly higher than that of tumor size alone (P = .034). CONCLUSIONS: The independent risk factors for high malignancy potential gastric GISTs smaller than 5 cm were tumor size larger than 2 cm, an irregular tumor shape, and mucosal ulceration. These factors could be used to predict malignancy potential of gastric GISTs in a simple combination.

Morphological Transformation between Orthogonal Dynamic Covalent Self-Assembly of Imine-Boroxine Hybrid Polymer Nanocapsules and Thin Films via Linker Exchange.

Orthogonal dynamic covalent self-assembly is used as a facile method for constructing polymer hollow nanocapsules (NCs) and thin films. The bifunctional precursor 4-formylphenylboronic acid is symmetrically installed with a boronic acid group for the boroxine linkage, and an aldehyde group for the Schiff base reaction which can react with twofold symmetry linkers ethylenediamine and para phenylenediamine to attain polymer NCs and nanosheets. Owing to the reversibility of the imine linkages, the mutual morphological transformation between polymer NCs and thin films via an amine-imine-exchange strategy is successfully achieved. Multiple reversible covalent bonds allow the control the release of the load in polymer NCs using different techniques. This may be useful for designing stimulus-responsive smart materials.

Detecting small conflicting drainages with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography for surgical planning: a technical description and quantified analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown the challenges involved in detecting small conflicting vessels (1.0-1.5 mm) on contrast-enhanced (CE) T1 images during stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) planning. Improving the resolution of non-invasive approaches to identify these vessels is possible and important. We present a superior sagittal sinus mapping-based CE-magnetic resonance venography (CE-MRV) protocol calibrated by craniotomies. METHOD: Seven patients with epileptic symptoms who received craniotomy were enrolled. CE-MRV was acquired with a bolus mapping of the superior sagittal sinus. Together with the T1 image, 3D veins and the brain surface were visualized. The resolution of the CE-MRV was quantified by measuring the diameter of superficial drainages after exposure of the brain surface during craniotomy. RESULTS: A total of 37 superficial drainages were exposed in the bone windows. CE-MRV visualized all these drainages. On average, one superficial drainage could be found in every 13.2 mm diameter of the bone window. The boundary resolution of the CE-MRV was 0.58-0.8 mm in vessel diameter, while drainages larger than 0.8 mm were visualized consistently. CONCLUSIONS: The resolution of the CE-MRV in the present study met the requirement for detection of small conflicting vessels during SEEG planning. The visualized venous landmarks could be used for visual guidance to the surgical zone. As a non-invasive approach, CE-MRV is practical to use in the clinical setting.

Injectable and fast self-healing protein hydrogels.

Injectable hydrogels are adapted to irregularities in the desired location by injection as a liquid and gelation in situ. However, traditional slow-gelling injectable hydrogels may result in loss of cargo (cells/drugs) as well as diffusion at the target site, and extremely rapid gelation may lead to undesired premature coagulation. These practical problems can be solved by using self-healing hydrogels. Herein, through the reduction of disulfide bonds in BSA protein by using a reducing agent, the disulfide bonds between the individual BSA protein molecules are re-matched to form a network structure, thereby forming a protein hydrogel. This hydrogel shows an efficient and rapid self-healing property, and the broken protein hydrogel can be fast repaired within 1-2 minutes in response to H2O2 stimulation, and the repair efficiency reached up to 100%. The hydrogel can be extruded using only a pinhole syringe, and cytotoxicity experiments have demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the protein hydrogel. This non-toxic, injectable, fast self-healing protein hydrogel is expected to be widely used in biomedical, tissue engineering, injectable gel, 3D bioprinting, and other applications.