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Objective: To address the research gap in the epidemiology of pediatric respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in Luzhou, Southern Sichuan, China, by analyzing respiratory pathogens in a large pediatric cohort from 2018 to 2021, covering the pre- and during-COVID-19 periods. Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of children with RTIs in Luzhou from July 2018 to January 2021. Strict exclusion criteria were applied to ensure an accurate representation of the pediatric population. Pathogen detection included viruses, bacteria, and atypical agents. Results: Pathogens were identified in 52.8% of 12,546 cases. Viruses accounted for 32.2% of infections, bacteria for 29.8%, and atypical agents for 29.7%, with significant findings of Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Age-related analysis indicated a higher incidence of bacterial infections in infants and viral infections in preschool-aged children, with atypical pathogens being most prevalent in 3-5-year-olds. Gender-based analysis, adjusted for age, revealed similar overall pathogen presence; however, females were more susceptible to viral infections, while males were more prone to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Notably, there was an unusual increase in pathogen cases during spring, potentially influenced by behavioral changes and public health measures related to COVID-19. Co-infections were identified as a significant risk factor for the development of pneumonia. Conclusion: The study provides essential insights into the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens in pediatric populations, emphasizing the need for healthcare strategies tailored to age, gender, and seasonality. The findings highlight the impact of environmental and public health factors, including COVID-19 measures, on respiratory pathogen prevalence, underscoring the importance of targeted diagnostic and treatment protocols in pediatric respiratory infections.
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A large fraction of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) in the troposphere originates from secondary formation through photochemical processes, which remarkably contributes to the deterioration of regional air quality in China. The photochemical reactions initiated by hydroxyl radicals (OH) play vital roles in secondary PM2.5 and O3 formation. In contrast, the OH levels in polluted areas are underestimated by current chemical transport models (CTMs) because of the strongly unknown daytime sources of tropospheric nitric acid (HONO), which has been recognized as the dominant source of primary OH in polluted areas of China. In this study, the atmospheric HONO levels at two urban sites were found to be significantly underestimated by the WRF-Chem model based on available information on HONO sources. The HONO levels could be well reproduced by the WRF-Chem model after incorporating two new potential HONO sources from the photochemical reactions of NOx, as proposed in our previous study based on chamber experiment results. Comparing the simulations with available information of HONO sources, the simulated levels of atmospheric OH, secondary inorganic and organic aerosols (SIA and SOA), PM2.5 and daily maximum 8-h average (MDA8) O3 were evidently elevated or were closer to the observations over the North China Plain (NCP), with elevation percentages of 0.48-20.1 %, and a decrement percentage of -5.79 % for pNO3-. Additionally, the compensating errors in modeling PM2.5 and the gap in MDA8 O3 levels between observation and simulation in 2 + 26 cities became evidently smaller. The results of this study indicated that the empirical parameterization of two new potential HONO sources through photochemical reactions of NOx improved the model performance in modeling PM2.5 and O3 by narrowing the gap in daytime HONO levels between simulation and observation, although their detailed chemical mechanisms are still unknown and should be further investigated and explicitly parameterized.
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In solids, chemical short-range order (CSRO) refers to the self-organization of atoms of certain species occupying specific crystal sites. CSRO is increasingly being envisaged as a lever to tailor the mechanical and functional properties of materials. Yet quantitative relationships between properties and the morphology, number density, and atomic configurations of CSRO domains remain elusive. Herein, it is showcased how machine learning-enhanced atom probe tomography (APT) can mine the near-atomically resolved APT data and jointly exploit the technique's high elemental sensitivity to provide a 3D quantitative analysis of CSRO in a CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy. Multiple CSRO configurations are revealed, with their formation supported by state-of-the-art Monte-Carlo simulations. Quantitative analysis of these CSROs allows establishing relationships between processing parameters and physical properties. The unambiguous characterization of CSRO will help refine strategies for designing advanced materials by manipulating atomic-scale architectures.
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BACKGROUND: The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients is highly heterogeneous. Abnormalities in lipids and their metabolism play an important role in the development of IPF. AIM: To investigate the value of lipid parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/C-reactive protein (HDL-C/CRP) ratio levels in the prognosis of IPF patients. DESIGN: An observational cohort study. METHODS: We collected baseline data of non-IPF controls and IPF patients, and IPF patients were followed up for 4 years. All-cause death or lung transplantation and IPF-related death were the outcome events. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the predictive effect of lipid parameters, CRP and HDL-C/CRP ratio on the prognosis of IPF patients. RESULTS: IPF patients had lower HDL-C, HDL-C/CRP ratio and higher CRP compared to non-IPF controls. IPF patients who died or underwent lung transplantation were older and had worse pulmonary function, lower HDL-C, HDL-C/CRP ratio and higher CRP compared with surviving patients. HDL-C/CRP ratio was better than HDL-C and CRP in predicting all-cause death or lung transplantation. IPF patients with low HDL-C/CRP ratio had shorter survival times. HDL-C/CRP ratio and DLCO% of predicted were independent protective factors for all-cause death or lung transplantation and IPF-related death in IPF patients, while age and GAP stage ≥ 2 (HR = 4.927)were independent risk factors for all-cause death or lung transplantation. Age > 65 years (HR = 3.533) was an independent risk factor for IPF-related death. CONCLUSIONS: HDL-C/CRP ratio was a valid predictor of clinical outcomes in IPF patients, including all-cause death or lung transplantation and IPF-related death.
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Eleven undescribed monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids, alstomaphyines A-K (1-11), along with three known analogues were isolated from the leaves and stem bark of the Alstonia macrophylla. Compounds 1-3 were unprecedented dimerization alkaloids incorporating a macroline-type motif with an ajmaline-type motif via a C-C linkage. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation, and CD exciton chirality method. Compounds 1-3 displayed potential inhibitory bioactivity against AChE with IC50 values of 4.44 ± 0.35, 3.59 ± 0.18, and 3.71 ± 0.23 µM, respectively. Enzyme kinetic study revealed compounds 1-3 as mixed competitive AChE inhibitors. Besides, compounds 8 and 12-14 exhibited better cytotoxicity against human cancer cell line HT-29 than cisplatin. Flow cytometry data revealed that compounds 8, 13, and 14 significantly induced the HT-29 cells arrest in G0/G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner.
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Importance: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common developmental motor disorder in children. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using a wearable robot can provide intensive overground walking experience. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of overground RAGT in children with CP using an untethered, torque-assisted, wearable exoskeletal robot. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted from September 1, 2021, to March 31, 2023, at 5 rehabilitation institutions in Korea. Ninety children with CP in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II to IV were randomized. Intervention: The RAGT group underwent 18 sessions of RAGT during 6 weeks, whereas the control group received standard physical therapy for the same number of sessions during the same period. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome measure was the Gross Motor Function Measure 88 (GMFM-88) score. Secondary outcome measures were the GMFM-66, Pediatric Balance Scale, selective control assessment of the lower extremity, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), 6-minute walking test scores (distance and oxygen consumption), muscle and fat mass via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and gait parameters measured via 3-dimensional analysis. All assessments were performed for all patients at baseline, at the end of the 6-week intervention, and after the 4-week follow-up. Results: Of the 90 children (mean [SD] age, 9.51 [2.48] years; 49 [54.4%] male and 41 [45.6%] female) in the study, 78 (86.7%) completed the intervention, with 37 participants (mean [SD] age, 9.57 [2.38] years; 19 [51.4%] male) and 41 participants (mean [SD] age, 9.32 [2.37] years; 26 [63.4%] male) randomly assigned to the RAGT and control groups, respectively. Changes in the RAGT group significantly exceeded changes in the control group in GMFM-88 total (mean difference, 2.64; 95% CI, 0.50-4.78), GMFM-E (mean difference, 2.70; 95% CI, 0.08-5.33), GMFM-66 (mean difference, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.01-2.60), and PEDI-CAT responsibility domain scores (mean difference, 2.52; 95% CI, 0.42-4.63), indicating independence in daily living at postintervention assessment. At the 4-week follow-up, the RAGT group showed significantly greater improvements in balance control (mean difference, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.03-2.94) and Gait Deviation Index (mean difference, 6.48; 95% CI, 2.77-10.19) compared with the control group. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, overground RAGT using a wearable robot significantly improved gross motor function and gait pattern. This new torque-assisted wearable exoskeletal robot, based on assist-as-needed control, may complement standard rehabilitation by providing adequate assistance and therapeutic support to children with CP. Trial Registration: CRIS Identifier: KCT0006273.
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Parálisis Cerebral , Robótica , Dispositivos Electrónicos Vestibles , Humanos , Parálisis Cerebral/rehabilitación , Parálisis Cerebral/fisiopatología , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Método Simple Ciego , Robótica/métodos , Marcha/fisiología , Terapia por Ejercicio/métodos , Terapia por Ejercicio/instrumentación , Dispositivo Exoesqueleto , República de Corea , Caminata/fisiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Trastornos Neurológicos de la Marcha/rehabilitación , Trastornos Neurológicos de la Marcha/fisiopatología , Trastornos Neurológicos de la Marcha/etiologíaRESUMEN
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.02.007.].
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Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) following sudden acceleration and deceleration can lead to cognitive function decline. Various treatments have been proposed. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive stimulation technique, is a potential treatment for enhancing neuroplasticity in cases of brain injury. The therapeutic efficacy of rTMS on cognitive function remains unconfirmed. This study investigated the effects of rTMS and the underlying molecular biomechanisms using a rat model of DAI. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 18) were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving rTMS after DAI and the other without brain stimulation. All rats were subjected to sudden acceleration and deceleration using a DAI modeling machine to induce damage. MRI was performed to confirm the DAI lesion. The experimental group received rTMS at a frequency of 1 Hz over the frontal cortex for 10 min daily for five days. To assess spatial memory, we conducted the Morris water maze (MWM) test one day post-brain damage and one day after the five-day intervention. A video tracking system recorded the escape latency. After post-MWM tests, all rats were euthanized, and their brain tissues, particularly from the hippocampus, were collected for immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses. The escape latency showed no difference on the MWM test after DAI, but a significant difference was observed after rTMS between the two groups. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses indicated increased expression of BDNF, VEGF, and MAP2 in the hippocampal brain tissue of the DAI-T group. In conclusion, rTMS improved cognitive function in the DAI rat model. The increased expression of BDNF, VEGF, and MAP2 in the DAI-T group supports the potential use of rTMS in treating cognitive impairments associated with DAI.
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Two-dimensional (2D) materials have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional properties requisite for next-generation electronics, including ultrahigh carrier mobility, superior mechanical flexibility, and unusual optical characteristics. Despite their great potential, one of the major technical difficulties toward lab-to-fab transition exists in the seamless integration of 2D materials with classic material systems, typically composed of three-dimensional (3D) materials. Owing to the self-passivated nature of 2D surfaces, it is particularly challenging to achieve well-defined interfaces when forming 3D materials on 2D materials (3D-on-2D) heterostructures. Here, we comprehensively review recent progress in 3D-on-2D incorporation strategies, ranging from direct-growth- to layer-transfer-based approaches and from non-epitaxial to epitaxial integration methods. Their technological advances and obstacles are rigorously discussed to explore optimal, yet viable, integration strategies of 3D-on-2D heterostructures. We conclude with an outlook on mixed-dimensional integration processes, identifying key challenges in state-of-the-art technology and suggesting potential opportunities for future innovation.
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Silicon (Si) has been widely studied as one of the promising anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and low working voltage. However, the poor interfacial stability of silicon against conventional liquid electrolytes has largely impeded its practical use. Therefore, the combination of silicon-based anodes and solid electrolytes has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Here, we demonstrate three types of microsized porous silicon/carbon (Si/C) electrodes (i.e., pristine, prelithiated by liquid electrolyte, and preinfiltrated by polymer electrolyte) that are paired with poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO)-based electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). We found that when compared with ionic conductivity, the mechanical stability of the PEO electrolyte dominates the electrochemical performance of ASSLBs using Si/C electrodes at elevated temperature. Additionally, both prelithiated and preinfiltrated Si/C electrodes show higher specific capacity in comparison to the pristine electrode, which is attributed to continuous lithium-ion conducting pathways within the electrode and thus improved utilization of active material. Moreover, owing to good interfacial lithium-ion transport in the electrode, a solid-state half-cell with preinfiltrated Si/C electrode and PEO-lithium bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide electrolyte delivers a specific capacity of â¼1,000 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles under 800 mA g-1 at 60 °C with average Coulombic efficiency >98.9%. This work provides a strategy for rationally designing the microstructure of silicon-based electrodes with solid electrolytes for high-performance all-solid-state lithium batteries.
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Combining the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is an effective technology for energy-saving hydrogen production. Herein, a bifunctional electrocatalyst with CoNiP nanosheet coating on P-doped MoO2 nanorods (P-MoO2@CoNiP) is obtained via a two-step hydrothermal followed a phosphorization process. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional alkaline HER performance due to the formation of MoO2 and the dissolution/absorption of Mo. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Co and P in the P-MoO2@CoNiP catalyst facilitated the formation of NiOOH, enhancing UOR performance. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy (ΔGH*) of P-MoO2@CoNiP is closer to 0 eV than CoNiP, favoring the HER. The catalyst only needs -0.08 and 1.38 V to reach 100 mA cm-2 for catalyzing the HER and UOR, respectively. The full urea electrolysis system driven by P-MoO2@CoNiP requires 1.51 V to achieve 100 mA cm-2, 120 mV lower than the traditional water electrolysis.
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Recently, the growing demand for amorphous oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors (AOS TFTs) with high mobility and good stability to implement ultrahigh-resolution displays has made tracking the role of hydrogen in oxide semiconductor films increasingly important. Hydrogen is an essential element that contributes significantly to the field effect mobility and bias stability characteristics of AOS TFTs. However, because hydrogen is the lightest atom and has high reactivity to metal and oxide materials, elucidating its impact on AOS thin films has been challenging. Therefore, in this study, we propose controlling the hydrogen quantities in amorphous InSnZnO (a-ITZO) thin films through thermal dehydrogenation to precisely reveal the hydrogen influences on the electrical characteristics of a-ITZO TFTs. The as-deposited device containing 15.69 × 1015 atoms/cm2 of hydrogen exhibited a relatively low saturation mobility of 18.1 cm2/V·s and poor positive bias stress stability. However, depending on the extent of thermal dehydrogenation, not only did the hydrogen quantity and interface defect density (DIT) decrease but also the conductivity and surface energy increased due to the rise in oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl groups in a-ITZO thin films. As a result, the a-ITZO TFT with a hydrogen amount of 4.828 × 1015 atoms/cm2 showed that the saturation mobility improved up to 36.8 cm2/V·s, and positive bias stress stability was remarkably enhanced. Hence, we report the ability to manage the hydrogen quantity with thermal dehydrogenation and demonstrate that high-performance a-ITZO TFTs can be realized when an appropriate hydrogen concentration is achieved.
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Combining single atoms with clusters or nanoparticles is an emerging tactic to design efficient electrocatalysts. Both synergy effect and high atomic utilization of active sites in the composite catalysts result in enhanced electrocatalytic performance, simultaneously provide a radical analysis of the interrelationship between structure and activity. In this review, the recent advances of single-atomic site catalysts coupled with clusters or nanoparticles are emphasized. Firstly, the synthetic strategies, characterization, dynamics and types of single atoms coupled with clusters/nanoparticles are introduced, and then the key factors controlling the structure of the composite catalysts are discussed. Next, several clean energy catalytic reactions performed over the synergistic composite catalysts are illustrated. Eventually, the encountering challenges and recommendations for the future advancement of synergistic structure in energy-transformation electrocatalysis are outlined.
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The brain microenvironment is tightly regulated, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system. It effectively safeguards brain tissue from harmful substances in peripheral blood. However, both acute pathological factors and age-related biodegradation have the potential to compromise the integrity of the BBB and are associated with chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as Epilepsy (EP). This association arises due to infiltration of peripheral foreign bodies including microorganisms, immune-inflammatory mediators, and plasma proteins into the central nervous system when the BBB is compromised. Nevertheless, these partial and generalized understandings do not prompt a shift from passive to active treatment approaches. Therefore, it is imperative to acquire a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying vascular disease alterations associated with the onset and progression of chronic neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the subsequent homeostatic changes triggered by BBB impairment. The present article aims to systematically summarize and review recent scientific work with a specific focus on elucidating the fundamental mechanisms underlying BBB damage in AD, PD, and EP as well as their consequential impact on disease progression. These findings not only offer guidance for optimizing the physiological function of the BBB, but also provide valuable insights for developing intervention strategies aimed at early restoration of BBB structural integrity, thereby laying a solid foundation for designing drug delivery strategies centered around the BBB.
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Age related macular degeneration and other retinal degenerative disorders are characterized by disruption of the outer blood retinal barrier (oBRB) with subsequent ischemia, neovascularization, and atrophy. Despite the treatment advances, there remains no curative therapy, and no treatment targeted at regenerating native-like tissue for patients with late stages of the disease. Here we present advances in tissue engineering, focusing on bioprinting methods of generating tissue allowing for safe and reliable production of oBRB as well as tissue reprogramming with induced pluripotent stem cells for transplantation. We compare these approaches to organ-on-a-chip models for studying the dynamic nature of physiologic conditions. Highlighted within this review are studies that employ good manufacturing practices and use clinical grade methods that minimize potential risk to patients. Lastly, we illustrate recent clinical applications demonstrating both safety and efficacy for direct patient use. These advances provide an avenue for drug discovery and ultimately transplantation.
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PURPOSE: Although hook plate fixation is popularly used, concerns exist regarding periprosthetic fractures and the necessity to remove the plate to prevent subacromial erosion and subsequent acromion fracture, due to its non-anatomical design. We hypothesized that a low profile 2.7 mm distal locking hook plate would provide comparable stability to a properly used 3.5 mm distal locking hook plate MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3.5 mm distal locking plate (type 1) and a low profile 2.7 mm plate (type 2) were assessed by finite element analysis. Peak von Mises stress (PVMS) was calculated on the acromion's undersurface, clavicle shaft, and hook, focusing on how these stresses varied with the number and placement of distal locking screws. RESULTS: Increased distal screws in both types led to lower PVMS on the acromion's undersurface and the hook, with the lowest acromion PVMS observed in type 2 with three distal screws, and on the hook in type 1 with two distal screws. Increasing the number of distal screws similarly reduced PVMS on the clavicle shaft, with the lowest in type 1 with two distal screws. In both plate types, the most posterior distal locking screw played a crucial role in distributing stress across the acromion and the hook. CONCLUSION: The low profile 2.7 mm distal locking hook plate showed comparable biomechanical results to the 3.5 mm distal locking hook plate. Increasing the number of distal locking screws showed less stress concentration on the bone and hook in both models. The most posterior distal locking screw showed an essential role in stress distribution.
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About one-third of the global food supply is wasted. Brewers' spent grain (BSG), being produced in enormous amounts by the brewery industry, possesses an eminence nutritional profile, yet its recycling is often neglected for multiple reasons. We employed integrated metagenomics and metabolomics techniques to assess the effects of enzyme treatments and Lactobacillus fermentation on the antioxidant capacity of BSG. The biotreated BSG revealed improved antioxidant capability, as evidenced by significantly increased (p < 0.05) radical scavenging activity and flavonoid and polyphenol content. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that Lactobacillus fermentation led to the prominent synthesis (p < 0.05) of 15 novel antioxidant peptides, as well as significantly higher (p < 0.05) enrichment of isoflavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. The correlation analysis demonstrated that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exhibited strong correlation (p < 0.05) with aucubin and carbohydrate-active enzymes, namely, glycoside hydrolases 25, glycosyl transferases 5, and carbohydrate esterases 9. The fermented BSG has potential applications in the food industry as a culture medium, a functional food component for human consumption, and a bioactive feed ingredient for animals.
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cervical cancer by exploring extensive gene expression datasets to unveil new therapeutic targets. METHODS: Gene expression profiles were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and the Genotype-Tissue Expression platforms. A differential expression analysis identified DEGs in cervical cancer cases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was implemented to locate genes closely linked to the clinical traits of diseases. Machine learning algorithms, including LASSO regression and the random forest algorithm, were applied to pinpoint key genes. RESULTS: The investigation successfully isolated DEGs pertinent to cervical cancer. Interleukin-24 was recognized as a pivotal gene via WGCNA and machine learning techniques. Experimental validations demonstrated that human interleukin (hIL)-24 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis, in SiHa and HeLa cervical cancer cells, affirming its role as a therapeutic target. CONCLUSION: The multi-database analysis strategy employed herein emphasized hIL-24 as a principal gene in cervical cancer pathogenesis. The findings suggest hIL-24 as a promising candidate for targeted therapy, offering a potential avenue for innovative treatment modalities. This study enhances the understanding of molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer and aids in the pursuit of novel oncological therapies.