Pushing the Limits of Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection for Capillary Electrophoresis.

Capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D) has proven to be an efficient technique for the separation and detection of charged inorganic, organic, and biochemical analytes. It offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, nanoliter injection volume, short analysis time, good separation efficiency, suitability for miniaturization, and portability. However, the routine determination of common inorganic cations (NH4+, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Li+) and inorganic anions (F-, Cl-, Br-, NO2-, NO3-, PO43-, and SO42-) in water quality monitoring typically exhibits limits of detection of about 0.3-1 µM without preconcentration. This sensitivity often proves insufficient for the applications of CE-C4D in trace analysis situations. Here, we explore methods to push the detection limits of CE-C4D through a comprehensive consideration of signal and noise sources. In particular, we (i) studied the model of C4D and its guiding roles in C4D and CE-C4D, (ii) optimized the bandwidth and noise performance of the current-to-voltage (I-V) converter, and (iii) reduced the noise level due to the strong background signal of the background electrolyte by adaptive differential detection. We characterized the system with Li+; the 3-fold signal-to-noise (S/N) detection limit for Li+ was determined at 20 nM, with a linear range spanning from 60 nM to 1.6 mM. Moreover, the optimized CE-C4D method was applied to the analysis of common mixed inorganic cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Li+), anions (F-, Cl-, Br-, NO2-, NO3-, PO43-, and SO42-), toxic halides (BrO3-) and heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+) at trace concentrations of 200 nM. All electropherograms showed good S/N ratios, thus proving its applicability and accuracy. Our results have shown that the developed CE-C4D method is feasible for trace ion analysis in water quality control.

Environmentally responsive changes in mucus indicators and microbiota of Chinese sturgeon Acipensersinensis.

The impact of environmental factors on the health of the endangered Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) and the potential hazards associated with sample collection for health monitoring pose urgent need to its conservation. In this study, Chinese sturgeons were selected from indoor and outdoor environments to evaluate metabolic and tissue damage indicators, along with a non-specific immune enzyme in fish mucus. Additionally, the microbiota of both water bodies and fish mucus were determined using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The correlation between the indicators and the microbiota was investigated, along with the measurement of multiple environmental factors. The results revealed significantly higher levels of two metabolic indicators, total protein (TP) and cortisol (COR) in indoor fish mucus compared to outdoor fish mucus (p < 0.05). The activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher in indoor fish, serving as indicators of tissue damage (p < 0.05). The activity of lysozyme (LZM) was significantly lower in indoor fish (p < 0.01). Biomarker analysis at the phylum and genus levels in outdoor samples revealed that microorganisms were primarily related to the catabolism of organic nutrients. In indoor environments, microorganisms displayed a broader spectrum of functions, including ecological niche establishment, host colonization, potential pathogenicity, and antagonism of pathogens. KEGG functional enrichment corroborated these findings. Dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), turbidity (TU), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) exerted effects on outdoor microbiota. Temperature (TEMP), nitrate (NO3-), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) influenced indoor microbiota. Changes in mucus indicators, microbial structure, and function in both environments were highly correlated with these factors. Our study provides novel insights into the health impacts of different environments on Chinese sturgeon using a non-invasive method.

Effects of Citrobacter freundii on sturgeon: Insights from skin mucosal immunology and microbiota.

Skin mucus analysis has recently been used as a non-invasive method to evaluate for fish welfare. The present research study was conducted to examine the skin mucosal immunity and skin microbiota profiles of sturgeons infected with Citrobacter freundii. Our histology results showed that the thickness of the epidermal layer of skin remained thinner, and the number of mucous cells was significantly decreased in sturgeons after infection (p < 0.05). Total protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, and creatine kinase levels in the mucus showed biphasic pattern (decrease and then increase). Lactate dehydrogenase, lysozyme, and acid phosphatase activities in the mucus showed an increasing trend after infection. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing also revealed that C. freundii infection also affected the diversity and community structure of the skin mucus microbiota. An increase in microbial diversity (p > 0.05) and a decrease in microbial abundance (p < 0.05) after infection were noted. The predominant bacterial phyla in the skin mucus were Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Specifically, the relative abundance of Fusobacteria increased after infection. The predominant bacterial genera in the skin mucus were Cetobacterium, Pelomonas, Bradyrhizobium, Flavobacterium, and Pseudomonas. The relative abundance of Cetobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Flavobacterium increased after infection. Our current research findings will provide new insights into the theoretical basis for future research studies exploring the mechanism of sturgeon infection with C. freundii.

Indexing serum and mucous biochemical parameters of endangered Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis with implications for health assessment.

The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is a critically endangered aquatic fish. Health monitoring and welfare assessments are critical for the conservation of Chinese sturgeon. In this study, biochemical parameters of serum and skin mucus in Chinese sturgeon were examined to evaluate the potential biomarkers. Serum and mucous samples were obtained from Chinese sturgeon, and the levels of total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), lactic acid (LD), acid phosphatase (ACP), lysozyme (LYZ), glucose (GLU), and cortisol were determined. The concentrations of ALT, AST, cortisol, and LYZ were significantly higher in the mucous group than those in the serum group (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentrations of ALP, ACP, LD, LDH, CK, and TP were significantly higher level in the serum group than those in the mucous group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the correlations between serum and mucous biochemical parameters were established. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between serum and skin mucous markers (ACP, cortisol, and LYZ). AST versus ALT in serum and mucus showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between cortisol and CK in mucus (p < 0.01). Moreover, LD versus LDH in serum showed a significant but weak positive correlation (p < 0.01). Principal component analysis revealed a complete separation between the serum and mucous groups, with the biomarkers that contributed the most being ALP, TP, ALT, and AST. This study provides baseline data and reference intervals for serum and mucous biochemical parameters in presumably healthy Chinese sturgeons. The current study has important implications for the development of conservation strategies and the conservation status of critically endangered species.

Benchmarking the Intrinsic Activity of Transition Metal Oxides for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction with Advanced Nanoelectrodes.

The intrinsic activity assessment of transition metal oxides (TMOs) as key electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has not been standardized due to uncertainties regarding their structure and composition, difficulties in accurately measuring their electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and deficiencies in mass-transfer (MT) rates in conventional measurements. To address these issues, we utilized an electrodeposition-thermal annealing method to precisely synthesize single-particle TMOs with well-defined structure and composition. Concurrently, we engineered low roughness, spherical surfaces for individual particles, enabling precise measurement of their ECSA. Furthermore, by constructing a conductor-core semiconductor-shell structure, we evaluated the inherent OER activity of perovskite-type semiconductor materials, broadening the scope beyond just conductive TMOs. Finally, using single-particle nanoelectrode technique, we systematically measured individual TMO particles of various sizes for OER, overcoming MT limitations seen in conventional approaches. These improvements have led us to propose a precise and reliable approach to evaluating the intrinsic activity of TMOs, not only validating the accuracy of theoretical calculations but also revealing a strong correlation of OER activity on the melting point of TMOs. This discovery holds significant importance for future high-throughput material research and applications, offering valuable insights in electrocatalysis.

Accelerating the Discovery of Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts: High-Throughput Screening of Element Combinations in Pt-Based High-Entropy Alloys.

The vast number of element combinations and the explosive growth of composition space pose significant challenges to the development of high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Here, we propose a procedural research method aimed at accelerating the discovery of efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) based on Pt-based quinary HEAs. The method begins with an element library provided by a large language model (LLM), combined with microscale precursor printing and pulse high-temperature synthesis techniques to prepare multi-element combination HEA array in one step. Through high-throughput measurement using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), precise identification of highly active HEA element combinations and exploration of composition space for a specific combination are achieved. Advantageous element combinations are further validated in practical electrocatalytic evaluations. The contributions of individual element sites and the synergistic effects among elements of such HEAs in enhancing reaction activity are elucidated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This method integrates high-throughput experiments, practical catalyst validation, and DFT calculations, providing a new pathway for accelerating the discovery of efficient multi-element materials in the field of energy catalysis.

Investigating the technology of UV nanosecond laser milling for cutting CFRP laminates.

An enhanced ultraviolet (UV) nanosecond laser milling cutting method is innovatively adopted to cut carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites. This paper aims to achieve a more efficient and facile way to cut the thicker sheet cutting mode. The technology of UV nanosecond laser milling cutting is studied in detail. The effects of milling mode and filling spacing on the cutting effect are explored in milling mode cutting. Cutting with the milling method can obtain a smaller heat-affected zone at the slit entrance and a shorter effective processing time. When the longitudinal milling method is adopted, the machining effect of the lower side of the slit is better when the filling spacing is 20 µm and 50 µm, with no burr or other defects. Additionally, the filling spacing below 50 µm can obtain a better machining effect. The coupled photochemical and photothermal effects of UV laser cutting CFRP are elucidated, and the experiments verify this phenomenon successfully. Overall, it is anticipated that this study can offer a practical reference for UV nanosecond laser milling cutting CFRP composites and make contributions to military fields.

Harnessing the LdCsm RNA Detection Platform for Efficient microRNA Detection.

In cancer diagnosis, diverse microRNAs (miRNAs) are used as biomarkers for carcinogenesis of distinctive human cancers. Thus, the detection of these miRNAs and their quantification are very important in prevention of cancer diseases in human beings. However, efficient RNA detection often requires RT-PCR, which is very complex for miRNAs. Recently, the development of CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection tools has brought new promises to efficient miRNA detection. Three CRISPR systems can be explored for miRNA detection, including type III, V, and VI, among which type III (CRISPR-Cas10) systems have a unique property as they recognize RNA directly and cleave DNA collaterally. In particular, a unique type III-A Csm system encoded by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LdCsm) exhibits robust target RNA-activated DNase activity, which makes it a promising candidate for developing efficient miRNA diagnostic tools. Herein, LdCsm was tested for RNA detection using fluorescence-quenched DNA reporters. We found that the system is capable of specific detection of miR-155, a microRNA implicated in the carcinogenesis of human breast cancer. The RNA detection system was then improved by various approaches including assay conditions and modification of the 5'-repeat tag of LdCsm crRNAs. Due to its robustness, the resulting LdCsm detection platform has the potential to be further developed as a better point-of-care miRNA diagnostics relative to other CRISPR-based RNA detection tools.

Precise Polishing and Electrochemical Applications of Quartz Nanopipette-Based Carbon Nanoelectrodes.

Quartz nanopipette-based carbon nanoelectrodes (CNEs) have attracted extensive attention in nanoscale electrochemistry due to their simple and efficient fabrication, chemically inert materials, flexible size (down to a few nanometers), and ultrathin insulating encapsulation. However, these pristine CNEs usually have significantly irregular morphology on the surface, which greatly limits the applications where inlaid nanodisks are urgently needed. To address this critical issue, we have developed a new precise polishing strategy using paraffin coating protection (i.e., avoiding breakage of quartz materials) and real-time monitoring with a high impedance meter (i.e., indicating electrode exposure) to produce flat carbon nanodisk electrodes. The surface flatness of polished CNEs has been confirmed by a combination of scanning electron microscopy, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and scanning electrochemical microscopy. As compared to the expensive focused ion beam processing, this strategy is competitive in terms of the low cost and availability of the equipment and enables the preparation of polished CNEs with sufficiently small size. The flattened CNEs have been exemplified for grafting molecular catalysts to achieve the durable catalysis of reactive molecules or for immobilizing single-particle electrocatalysts to measure the intrinsic activity under sufficient mass-transfer rates.

Investigation of the Contact Angle and Packing Density of Silica Nanoparticles at a Pickering Emulsion Interface Fixed by UV Polymerization.

The contact angle of colloidal particles at an oil-water interface plays a crucial role in determining Pickering emulsion stability and emulsion type, but the contact angle cannot be directly determined using conventional methods. In this work, a Pickering emulsion was prepared with photocurable resin as the internal phase containing silica nanoparticle stabilizers. Particles adsorbed at the oil-water interface were then fixed through UV curing, allowing for the investigation of various parameters that influence the contact angle of colloidal particles at the interface. After curing, the contact angle can then be observed using scanning electron microscopy and subsequently measured. The contact angle of interfacial adsorbed silica nanoparticles gradually decreases as the size increases due to the line tension at the three-phase contact line, but, more importantly, we found that the surface chemistry of the silica nanoparticles plays the most important role in determining the contact angle. The fast fixation of solid nanoparticles at emulsion interfaces facilitates accurate measurements of the partition of particles between oil and water, providing a new method for studying the factors that affect Pickering emulsion stability.

Enhanced 2D finite element model and its application in laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites.

A tailored 2D finite element model (FEM) is proposed to describe the temperature distribution and stress distribution by the UV nanosecond pulsed laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites. This model coupled thermodynamic and thermal stress and considers the heat conduction, thermal stress, and heat flux effects during the UV laser cutting of CFRP composites. In this study, the main mechanism of UV laser cutting of CFRP is elucidated, such as pressure gradient, plasma, and vaporization effects. The temperature field and stress field in a single pulse period are successfully simulated based on these theoretical models. We believe that this research will supply a theoretical reference for the UV laser cutting of CFRP composites and pave the way for applications in the aerospace industry in the future.

A very rare case report of glycogen storage disease type IXc with novel PHKG2 variants.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic mutations in the PHKG2 are associated with a very rare disease-glycogen storage disease IXc (GSD-IXc)-and are characterized by severe liver disease. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a patient with jaundice, hypoglycaemia, growth retardation, progressive increase in liver transaminase and prominent hepatomegaly from the neonatal period. Genetic testing revealed two novel, previously unreported PHKG2 mutations (F233S and R320DfsX5). Functional experiments indicated that both F223S and R320DfsX5 lead to a decrease in key phosphorylase b kinase enzyme activity. With raw cornstarch therapy, hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis were ameliorated and serum aminotransferases decreased. CONCLUSION: These findings expand the gene spectrum and contribute to the interpretation of clinical presentations of these two novel PHKG2 mutations.

On-Site Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen by Deep Learning-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Its Biochemical Foundations.

A rapid, on-site, and accurate SARS-CoV-2 detection method is crucial for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, such an ideal screening technology has not yet been developed for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we have developed a deep learning-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy technique for the sensitive, rapid, and on-site detection of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in the throat swabs or sputum from 30 confirmed COVID-19 patients. A Raman database based on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was established from experiments and theoretical calculations. The corresponding biochemical foundation for this method is also discussed. The deep learning model could predict the SARS-CoV-2 antigen with an identification accuracy of 87.7%. These results suggested that this method has great potential for the diagnosis, monitoring, and control of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide.

Carbon Nitride Quantum Dots Enhancing the Anodic Electrochemiluminescence of Ruthenium(II) Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) via Inhibiting the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Although electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has been developed significantly in the past few decades, ECL efficiency in aqueous solutions remains quite low. Determination of the energy losses and development of new ECL-enhancing strategies are still of great value. In this work, we discovered a detrimental nonradiation relaxation pathway by a concurrent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process in a well-known ruthenium(II) tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) (Ru(bpy)32+) aqueous ECL system due to similar surface-sensitive characteristics, and for the first time, a chemical strategy was developed by which carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) could inhibit the surface OER process, alleviate the energy losses by nonradiation relaxation, and enhance the anodic ECL of Ru(bpy)32+. In the Ru(bpy)32+/CNQD system, CNQDs could enhance the anodic ECL of Ru(bpy)32+ in a nitrogen stream (10-fold) and ambient air (161-fold). The luminous and nitrogen-rich CNQDs were also confirmed not to serve as ECL luminophores, anodic coreactants, or donor/acceptors in ECL. The coreactant-free Ru(bpy)32+/CNQD system possesses several advantages over the common coreactant ECL system, such as low dosage (100 µg/mL CNQDs), favorable regeneration capacity, etc. As an example, ECL on-off detection of dopamine utilizing the Ru(bpy)32+/CNQD system was also developed to show prospects in ECL sensing. Besides, CNQDs were introduced into the classical Ru(bpy)32+/C2O42- coreactant ECL system, leading to suppressed OER and improved ECL signal. Overall, the proposed new ECL-enhancing strategy is promising for applicable ECL sensing, could be extended to other ECL luminophores with high oxidation potential, and enables an in-depth understanding of the ECL process and mechanism.

Construction of Bimetallic Selenides Encapsulated in Nitrogen/Sulfur Co-Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres for High-Performance Sodium/Potassium-Ion Half/Full Batteries.

Metallic selenides have been widely investigated as promising electrode materials for metal-ion batteries based on their relatively high theoretical capacity. However, rapid capacity decay and structural collapse resulting from the larger-sized Na+ /K+ greatly hamper their application. Herein, a bimetallic selenide (MoSe2 /CoSe2 ) encapsulated in nitrogen, sulfur-codoped hollow carbon nanospheres interconnected reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO@MCSe) are successfully designed as advanced anode materials for Na/K-ion batteries. As expected, the significant pseudocapacitive charge storage behavior substantially contributes to superior rate capability. Specifically, it achieves a high reversible specific capacity of 311 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1 in NIBs and 310 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 in KIBs. A combination of ex situ X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy tests reveals the phase transition of rGO@MCSe in NIBs/KIBs. Unexpectedly, they show quite different Na+ /K+ insertion/extraction reaction mechanisms for both cells, maybe due to more sluggish K+ diffusion kinetics than that of Na+ . More significantly, it shows excellent energy storage properties in Na/K-ion full cells when coupled with Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 O2 F and PTCDA@450 °C cathodes. This work offers an advanced electrode construction guidance for the development of high-performance energy storage devices.

Rational Construction of 2D Fe3 O4 @Carbon Core-Shell Nanosheets as Advanced Anode Materials for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Half/Full Cells.

Transition metal oxides have vastly limited practical application as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their rapid capacity decay. Here, a versatile strategy to mitigate the volume expansion and low conductivity of Fe3 O4 by coating a thin carbon layer on the surface of Fe3 O4 nanosheets (NSs) was employed. Owing to the 2D core-shell structure, the Fe3 O4 @C NSs exhibit significantly improved rate performance and cycle capability compared with bare Fe3 O4 NSs. After 200 cycles, the discharge capacity at 0.5 A g-1 was 963 mA h g-1 (93 % retained). Moreover, the reaction mechanism of lithium storage was studied in detail by ex situ XRD and HRTEM. When coupled with a commercial LiFePO4 cathode, the resulting full cell retains a capacity of 133 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1 , which demonstrates its superior energy storage performance. This work provides guidance for constructing 2D metal oxide/carbon composites with high performance and low cost for the field of energy storage.

MoS2/ZnO-Heterostructures-Based Label-Free, Visible-Light-Excited Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Sensitive and Selective Determination of Synthetic Antioxidant Propyl Gallate.

Propyl gallate (PG) as one of the important synthetic antioxidants is widely used in the prevention of oxidative deterioration of oils during processing and storage. Determination of PG has received extensive concern because of its possible toxic effects on human health. Herein, we report a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on ZnO nanorods and MoS2 flakes with a vertically constructed p-n heterojunction. In this system, the n-type ZnO and p-type MoS2 heterostructures exhibited much better optoelectronic behaviors than their individual materials. Under an open circuit potential (zero potential) and visible light excitation (470 nm), the PEC sensor exhibited extraordinary response for PG determination, as well as excellent anti-inference properties and good reproducibility. The PEC sensor showed a wide linear range from 1.25 × 10-7 to 1.47 × 10-3 mol L-1 with a detection limit as low as 1.2 × 10-8 mol L-1. MoS2/ZnO heterostructure with proper band level between MoS2 and ZnO could make the photogenerated electrons and holes separated more easily, which eventually results in great improvement of sensitivity. On the other hand, formation of a five membered chelating ring structure of Zn(II) with adjacent oxygen atoms of PG played significant roles for selective detection of PG. Moreover, the PEC sensor was successfully used for PG analysis in different samples of edible oils. It demonstrated the ability and reliability of the MoS2/ZnO-based PEC sensor for PG detection in real samples, which is beneficial for food quality monitoring and reducing the risk of overuse of PG in foods.

Temporal patterns of influenza A subtypes and B lineages across age in a subtropical city, during pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic seasons.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal patterns of influenza A subtypes and B lineages in tropical/subtropical regions across age have remained to be explored. The impact of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on seasonal influenza activity have not been well understood. METHODS: Based on a national sentinel hospital-based influenza surveillance system, the epidemiology of influenza virus during 2006/07-2015/16 was characterized in the subtropical city, Chengdu. Chengdu is one of the most populous cities in southwestern China, where the first reported case of A/H1N1pdm09 in mainland China was identified. Wavelet analysis was applied to identify the periodicities of A/H3N2, seasonal A/H1N1, A/H1N1pdm09, Victoria, and Yamagata across age, respectively. The persistence and age distribution patterns were described during the pre-pandemic (2006/07-2008/09), pandemic (2009/10), and post-pandemic (2010/11-2015/16) seasons. RESULTS: A total of 10,981 respiratory specimens were collected, of which 2516 influenza cases were identified. Periodicity transition from semi-annual cycles to an annual cycle was observed for composite influenza virus as well as A/H3N2 along in Chengdu since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Semi-annual cycles of composite influenza virus and A/H3N2 along were observed again during 2014/15-2015/16, coinciding with the emergence and predominance of A/H3N2 significant antigenic drift groups. However, A/H1N1pdm09, Victoria, and Yamagata generally demonstrated an annual winter-spring peak in non-pandemic seasons. Along with periodicity transitions, age groups with higher positive rates shifted from school-aged children and adults to adults and the elderly for A/H1N1pdm09 during 2009/10-2010/11 and for A/H3N2 during 2014/15-2015/16. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in periodicity and age distribution by subtype/lineage and by season highlight the importance of increasing year-round influenza surveillance and developing subtype/lineage- and age-specific prevention and control measures. Changes of periodicity and age shifts should be considered in public health response to influenza pandemics and epidemics. In addition, it is suggested to use quadrivalent influenza vaccines to provide protection against both influenza B lineages.

Correction to: Temporal patterns of influenza A subtypes and B lineages across age in a subtropical city, during pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic seasons.

Following publication of the original article [1], the author reported an error in the title.

Pelvic plexus block to provide better anesthesia in transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of pelvic plexus block (PPB) in relief pain during transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy (TTPB), compared with conventional periprostatic nerve block (PNB). METHODS: From July 2016 to August 2017, 245 patients who were performed TTPB in Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University were recruited. The patients were randomized into three groups using a random number table. Group-1 received prostate capsule local anesthesia with 22 ml of 1% lidocaine. Group-2 additionally received PNB on the basis of Group-1. To perform PNB, 5 ml 1% lidocaine was injected into the region of prostatic neurovascular bundle situated in the angle of prostate-bladder-seminal vesicle. Group-3 received prostate capsule local anesthesia plus PPB (5 ml of 1% lidocaine injection into the pelvic plexus which located on lateral to the bilateral seminal vesicle apex). The patients' pain and satisfaction were evaluated by visual analogue scale and visual numerical scale, respectively. RESULTS: The age, total prostate volume, PSA and the number of cores were comparable among the three groups. The visual analog scale scores of group-3 were significantly lower than group-2 during biopsy (P = 0.003). Conversely, the visual numeric scale scores were higher in group-3 (P = 0.039). Both the group-2 and group-3 outperformed the group-1 in alleviating pain and had a higher quantification of satisfaction. There were no significant differences in the pain scores or the satisfaction scores at 30 min after the procedure among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The analgesic efficacy of PPB guided by Doppler ultrasound in TTPB was better than that of PNB and both were superior to no nerve block. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-IOR-17013533 , 01/06/2016.