Dystrophin 71 deficiency causes impaired aquaporin-4 polarization contributing to glymphatic dysfunction and brain edema in cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The glymphatic system serves as a perivascular pathway that aids in clearing liquid and solute waste from the brain, thereby enhancing neurological function. Disorders in glymphatic drainage contribute to the development of vasogenic edema following cerebral ischemia, although the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine whether a deficiency in dystrophin 71 (DP71) leads to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) depolarization, contributing to glymphatic dysfunction in cerebral ischemia and resulting in brain edema. METHODS: A mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion was used. A fluorescence tracer was injected into the cortex and evaluated glymphatic clearance. To investigate the role of DP71 in maintaining AQP4 polarization, an adeno-associated virus with the astrocyte promoter was used to overexpress Dp71. The expression and distribution of DP71 and AQP4 were analyzed using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation techniques. The behavior ability of mice was evaluated by open field test. Open-access transcriptome sequencing data were used to analyze the functional changes of astrocytes after cerebral ischemia. MG132 was used to inhibit the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The ubiquitination of DP71 was detected by immunoblotting and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: During the vasogenic edema stage following cerebral ischemia, a decline in the efflux of interstitial fluid tracer was observed. DP71 and AQP4 were co-localized and interacted with each other in the perivascular astrocyte endfeet. After cerebral ischemia, there was a notable reduction in DP71 protein expression, accompanied by AQP4 depolarization and proliferation of reactive astrocytes. Increased DP71 expression restored glymphatic drainage and reduced brain edema. AQP4 depolarization, reactive astrocyte proliferation, and the behavior of mice were improved. After cerebral ischemia, DP71 was degraded by ubiquitination, and MG132 inhibited the decrease of DP71 protein level. CONCLUSION: AQP4 depolarization after cerebral ischemia leads to glymphatic clearance disorder and aggravates cerebral edema. DP71 plays a pivotal role in regulating AQP4 polarization and consequently influences glymphatic function. Changes in DP71 expression are associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This study offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of brain edema following cerebral ischemia.

Sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity and the clinical outcome of the older inpatients with COVID-19 infection: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) on the clinical outcome in older patients with COVID-19 infection and chronic disease. METHODS: We prospectively collected data from patients admitted to Huadong Hospital for COVID-19 infection between November 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023. These patients were included from a previously established comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) cohort. We collected information on their pre-admission condition regarding sarcopenia, SO, and malnutrition, as well as their medical treatment. The primary endpoint was the incidence of intubation, while secondary endpoints included in-hospital mortality rates. We then utilized Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves and the log-rank tests to compare the clinical outcomes related to intubation or death, assessing the impact of sarcopenia and SO on patient clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients (age 89.6 ± 7.0 years) were included in the study. Among them, 51 patients had sarcopenia and 39 had SO prior to hospitalization. Intubation was required for 6 patients without sarcopenia (9.7%) and for 18 sarcopenia patients (35.3%), with 16 of these being SO patients (41%). Mortality occurred in 2 patients without sarcopenia (3.3%) and in 13 sarcopenia patients (25.5%), of which 11 were SO patients (28%). Upon further analysis, patients with SO exhibited significantly elevated risks for both intubation (Hazard Ratio [HR] 7.43, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.26-43.90, P < 0.001) and mortality (HR 6.54, 95% CI 1.09-39.38, P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sarcopenia or SO was high among senior inpatients, and both conditions were found to have a significant negative impact on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is essential to regularly assess and intervene in these conditions at the earliest stage possible.

Helicobacter pylori-Induced Angiopoietin-Like 4 Promotes Gastric Bacterial Colonization and Gastritis.

Helicobacter pylori infection is characterized as progressive processes of bacterial persistence and chronic gastritis with features of infiltration of mononuclear cells more than granulocytes in gastric mucosa. Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is considered a double-edged sword in inflammation-associated diseases, but its function and clinical relevance in H. pylori-associated pathology are unknown. Here, we demonstrate both pro-colonization and pro-inflammation roles of ANGPTL4 in H. pylori infection. Increased ANGPTL4 in the infected gastric mucosa was produced from gastric epithelial cells (GECs) synergistically induced by H. pylori and IL-17A in a cagA-dependent manner. Human gastric ANGPTL4 correlated with H. pylori colonization and the severity of gastritis, and mouse ANGPTL4 from non-bone marrow-derived cells promoted bacteria colonization and inflammation. Importantly, H. pylori colonization and inflammation were attenuated in Il17a -/-, Angptl4 -/-, and Il17a -/- Angptl4 -/- mice. Mechanistically, ANGPTL4 bound to integrin αV (ITGAV) on GECs to suppress CXCL1 production by inhibiting ERK, leading to decreased gastric influx of neutrophils, thereby promoting H. pylori colonization; ANGPTL4 also bound to ITGAV on monocytes to promote CCL5 production by activating PI3K-AKT-NF-κB, resulting in increased gastric influx of regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) via CCL5-CCR4-dependent migration. In turn, ANGPTL4 induced Treg proliferation by binding to ITGAV to activate PI3K-AKT-NF-κB, promoting H. pylori-associated gastritis. Overall, we propose a model in which ANGPTL4 collectively ensures H. pylori persistence and promotes gastritis. Efforts to inhibit ANGPTL4-associated pathway may prove valuable strategies in treating H. pylori infection.

[Effect of different degrees of primary varus knee on short-term effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

Objective: To investigate whether different degrees of primary varus knee affect joint function and stability in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: A clinical data of 160 patients with primary varus knee, who were admitted between January 2020 and December 2021 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent primary ACL reconstruction using autologous single-bundle hamstring tendon. Patients were divided into three groups based on the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA): group A (64 patients with HKA 0°-3°), group B (55 patients with HKA 3°-6°), and group C (41 patients with HKA 6°-9°). Except for the significant difference in HKA among the three groups ( P<0.05), baseline data such as age, gender, affected side, body mass index, interval between injury and operation, Kellgren-Lawrence grading, posterior tibial slope, proportion of combined meniscal injuries, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score, anterior drawer test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, and the results of KT1000 (side-to-side difference, SSD) showed no significant difference ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, joint stability was assessed through the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, and SSD; joint function was evaluated using the Tegner score, Lysholm score, and IKDC objective score. Results: All incisions in the three groups healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 24-31 months, with an average of 26 months; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time among the three groups ( Z=0.675, P=0.714). At last follow-up, the knee stability and functional assessment indicators in each group significantly improved when compared to preoperative ones ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference among the three groups ( P>0.05) in terms of the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, IKDC objective scores, and the changes of the Lysholm scores and Tegner scores. The Kellgren-Lawrence grading and HKA at last follow-up were consistent with preoperative results in the three groups. Conclusion: Varying degrees of primary varus knee do not affect early knee joint stability and functional recovery after ACL reconstruction, and there is no significant difference in effectiveness between different degrees of varus knee.

ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) protein interacts with elicitor PvNLP7 from Plasmopara viticola to mediate PvNLP7-triggered immunity.

Revealing the effector-host molecular interactions is crucial for understanding the host immunity against Plasmopara viticola and devising innovative disease management strategies. As a pathogenic oomycete causing grapevine downy mildew, Plasmopara viticola employs various effectors to manipulate the defense systems of host plants. One of these P. viticola derived effectors is necrosis- and ethylene-inducing peptide 1 (Nep1) -like protein (PvNLP7), which has been known to elicit cell death and immune responses in plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure, prompting the focus of this study. Through yeast two-hybrid screening, we have identified the Vitis rotundifolia ADP-ribosylation factor (VrARF1) as a host interactor of PvNLP7. This interaction is corroborated through bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays. Heterologous expression of VrARF1 in Nicotiana benthamiana verifies its accumulation in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and induction of cell death. Moreover, the VrARF1 gene is strongly induced during early P. viticola infection and upon PvNLP7 transient expression. Overexpression of the VrARF1 gene in grapevine and N. benthamiana enhances resistance to P. viticola and Phytophthora capsici, respectively, via induction of defense related genes PR1 and PR2. Conversely, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of NbARF1 in N. benthamiana, homologous to VrARF1, markedly attenuates PvNLP7-triggered cell death and reduces the expression of four PTI marker genes (PTI5, Acre31, WRKY7 and Cyp71D20) and two defense related genes (PR1 and PR2), rendering plants transiently transformed with PvNLP7 more susceptible to oomycete P. capsici. These findings highlight the role of ARF1 in mediating PvNLP7-induced immunity and indicate its potential as a target for engineering disease-resistant transgenic plants against oomycete pathogens.

Ultrathin Ba0.75Sr0.25TiO3 nanosheets with highly exposed {001} polar facets for high-performance piezocatalytic application.

The development of piezoelectrics with high catalytic activity to address environmental pollution and energy shortage has long been pursued. In this work, for the first time, a "three-birds-with-one-stone" strategy is proposed to design high-activity piezocatalysts. Interestingly, we achieved ultrathin, highly exposed polar facets and ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transitions in Ba1-xSrxTiO3 nanosheets simultaneously. As expected, Ba0.75Sr0.25TiO3 shows superior piezocatalytic performance for organic pollutant degradation due to its excellent flexibility, highly exposed polar area, and short carrier migration distance. Then, the piezoelectric potential distribution and electron transport ability on the interface of Ba0.75Sr0.25TiO3 were investigated through finite element method (FEM) simulation and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, which provided a deep insight into the enhanced mechanism. This work thus presents a novel strategy for designing high-performance piezocatalysts and provides new insights for the optimization of the piezocatalytic activity by combining multiple advantages.

Spherical cluster heterojunction engineering of NiFeP/g-C3N4 for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution.

The construction of heterojunctions can reduce the energy barrier for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is crucial for the design of efficient electrocatalysts. A novel OER electrocatalyst, composed of g-C3N4-supported NiFeP spherical nanoclusters, was successfully synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method and a gas-phase precipitation method. Benefiting from its unique spherical nanocluster structure and strong electronic interactions among Ni, Fe, and P, the catalyst exhibited outstanding performance under alkaline conditions, with an overpotential of only 232 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 103 mV dec-1. Additionally, the electrical resistance of NiFeP/g-C3N4 (Rct = 5.1 Ω) was much lower than that of NiFeP (Rct = 10.8 Ω) and layered g-C3N4 (Rct = 44.8 Ω). The formation of a Schottky barrier heterojunction efficiently reduced electron transfer impedance during the OER process, accelerating the electron transfer from g-C3N4 to NiFeP, enhancing the carrier concentration, and thereby improving the OER activity. Moreover, The robust g-C3N4 chain-mail protects NiFeP from adverse reaction environments, maintaining a balance between catalytic activity and stability. Furthermore, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and density functional theory (DFT) were conducted to explore the thermal stability and internal electron transfer behavior of the cluster heterojunction structure. This study offers a broader design strategy for the development of transition metal phosphide (TMPs) materials in the oxygen evolution reaction.

The complete chloroplast genome of the first registered Paeonia Itoh hybrid cv. Hexie in China.

The first registered Paeonia Itoh hybrid cv. Hexie in China is a naturally occurring intersectional hybrid of Sect. Paeonia and Sect. Moutan. In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of Paeonia Itoh hybrid cv. Hexie. The result showed that the chloroplast genome of Hexie, with a typical circular tetrad structure, is 152,958 bp in length, comprising a large single copy (LSC) region of 84,613 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,051 bp, and two reverse complementary sequences (IRs) of 25,647 bp. The chloroplast genome encoded 116 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 32 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from the shared protein-coding genes showed that the Paeonia Itoh hybrid cv. Hexie had the closest phylogenetic relationship with P. suffruticosa, followed by P. ostii, indicating that P. suffruticosa was its maternal parent. This study provides a molecular resource for phylogenetic and maternal parent studies of Paeonia Itoh hybrid, contributing to a basis for Paeonia Itoh hybrid breeding strategies in the future.

[Construction of a novel tissue engineered meniscus scaffold based on low temperature deposition three-dimenisonal printing technology].

Objective: To investigate the construction of a novel tissue engineered meniscus scaffold based on low temperature deposition three-dimenisonal (3D) printing technology and evaluate its biocompatibility. Methods: The fresh pig meniscus was decellularized by improved physicochemical method to obtain decellularized meniscus matrix homogenate. Gross observation, HE staining, and DAPI staining were used to observe the decellularization effect. Toluidine blue staining, safranin O staining, and sirius red staining were used to evaluate the retention of mucopolysaccharide and collagen. Then, the decellularized meniscus matrix bioink was prepared, and the new tissue engineered meniscus scaffold was prepared by low temperature deposition 3D printing technology. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microstructure. After co-culture with adipose-derived stem cells, the cell compatibility of the scaffolds was observed by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), and the cell activity and morphology were observed by dead/live cell staining and cytoskeleton staining. The inflammatory cell infiltration and degradation of the scaffolds were evaluated by subcutaneous experiment in rats. Results: The decellularized meniscus matrix homogenate appeared as a transparent gel. DAPI and histological staining showed that the immunogenic nucleic acids were effectively removed and the active components of mucopolysaccharide and collagen were remained. The new tissue engineered meniscus scaffolds was constructed by low temperature deposition 3D printing technology and it had macroporous-microporous microstructures under scanning electron microscopy. CCK-8 test showed that the scaffolds had good cell compatibility. Dead/live cell staining showed that the scaffold could effectively maintain cell viability (>90%). Cytoskeleton staining showed that the scaffolds were benefit for cell adhesion and spreading. After 1 week of subcutaneous implantation of the scaffolds in rats, there was a mild inflammatory response, but no significant inflammatory response was observed after 3 weeks, and the scaffolds gradually degraded. Conclusion: The novel tissue engineered meniscus scaffold constructed by low temperature deposition 3D printing technology has a graded macroporous-microporous microstructure and good cytocompatibility, which is conducive to cell adhesion and growth, laying the foundation for the in vivo research of tissue engineered meniscus scaffolds in the next step.

Identification of Novel Hb Guiyang [HBA2: c.151C > A α2 50 (CE8) His- Asn] and Phenotype- Genotype Correlation of Abnormal Hemoglobins in Guizhou, Southwest China.

Purpose: To analyze the composition of abnormal hemoglobin and the relationship between genotype and phenotype by screening abnormal hemoglobin in a subpopulation of Guizhou, China. Patients and Methods: Routine blood evaluation, capillary electrophoresis of hemoglobin, and mutation of α - and ß - thalassemia genes were evaluated in 19,976 individuals for thalassemia screening in Guizhou. Sanger sequencing of HBA1, HBA2 and HBB genes was performed in samples with abnormal bands or unexplained increases of normal bands. The types of abnormal hemoglobin were obtained by sequence analysis. Results: Abnormal hemoglobin was detected in 84 individuals (detection rate, 0.42%). Ten types each of α and ß globin chain variants were detected, including most commonly Hb E, Hb New York and Hb Port Phillip. In this study, the abnormal Hb Mizuho was identified for the first time in a Chinese population, and a novel abnormal hemoglobin Hb Guiyang (HBA2: c.151C > A) was detected for the first time. Except for Hb Mizuho, other abnormal hemoglobin heterozygotes without thalassemia or iron deficiency had no significant hematological changes. Conclusion: This study enriched the molecular epidemiological data of abnormal hemoglobin in Guizhou, China and provided reference data for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of abnormal hemoglobin.

The impact of microplastics polystyrene on the microscopic structure of mouse intestine, tight junction genes and gut microbiota.

Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are widely present in the environment, have become a serious threat to aquatic life and human health, potentially causing ecosystem disorders and health problems. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microplastics, specifically microplastics-polystyrene (MPs-PS), on the structural integrity, gene expression related to tight junctions, and gut microbiota in mice. A total of 24 Kunming mice aged 30 days were randomly assigned into four groups: control male (CM), control female (CF), PS-exposed male (PSM), and PS-exposed female (PSF)(n = 6). There were significant differences in villus height, width, intestinal surface area, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) between the PS group and the control group(C) (p <0.05). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the downregulation of Claudin-1, Claudin-2, Claudin-15, and Occludin, in both duodenum and jejunum of the PS group (p < 0.05). Analysis of microbial species using 16S rRNA sequencing indicated decreased diversity in the PSF group, as well as reduced diversity in the PSM group at various taxonomic levels. Beta diversity analysis showed a significant difference in gut microbiota distribution between the PS-exposed and C groups (R2 = 0.113, p<0.01), with this difference being more pronounced among females exposed to MPs-PS. KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of differential microbiota mainly involved in seven signaling pathways, such as nucleotide metabolism(p<0.05). The relative abundance ratio of transcriptional pathways was significantly increased for the PSF group (p<0.01), while excretory system pathways were for PSM group(p<0.05). Overall findings suggest that MPs-PS exhibit a notable sex-dependent impact on mouse gut microbiota, with a stronger effect observed among females; reduced expression of tight junction genes may be associated with dysbiosis, particularly elevated levels of Prevotellaceae.

Primary 3-Month Outcomes of a Double-Blind Randomized Prospective Study (The QUEST Study) Assessing Effectiveness and Safety of Novel High-Frequency Electric Nerve Block System for Treatment of Post-Amputation Pain.

Purpose: This multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, active sham-controlled pivotal study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of high-frequency nerve block treatment for chronic post-amputation and phantom limb pain. Patients and Methods: QUEST enrolled 180 unilateral lower-limb amputees with severe post-amputation pain, 170 of whom were implanted with the Altius device, were randomized 1:1 to active-sham or treatment groups and reached the primary endpoint. Responders were those subjects who received ≥50% pain relief 30 min after treatment in ≥50% of their self-initiated treatment sessions within the 3-month randomized period. Differences between the active treatment and sham control groups as well as numerous secondary outcomes were determined. Results: At 30-min, (primary outcome), 24.7% of the treatment group were responders compared to 7.1% of the control group (p=0.002). At 120-minutes following treatment, responder rates were 46.8% in the Treatment group and 22.2% in the Control group (p=0.001). Improvement in Brief Pain Inventory interference score of 2.3 ± 0.29 was significantly greater in treatment group than the 1.3 ± 0.26-point change in the Control group (p = 0.01). Opioid usage, although not significantly different, trended towards a greater reduction in the treatment group than in the control group. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the treatment and control groups. Conclusion: The primary outcomes of the study were met, and the majority of Treatment patients experienced a substantial improvement in PAP (regardless of meeting the study definition of a responder). The significant in PAP was associated with significantly improved QOL metrics, and a trend towards reduced opioid utilization compared to Control. These data indicate that Altius treatment represents a significant therapeutic advancement for lower-limb amputees suffering from chronic PAP.

A dual-signals fluorometric and colorimetric peptide-based probe for Cu(II) and glyphosate detection and its application for bioimaging and water testing.

A novel dual-signal fluorometric and colorimetric probe FMDH (5-FAM-Met-Asp-His-NH2), incorporating a tripeptide (Met-Asp-His-NH2) linked to 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM), was firstly synthesised. FMDH demonstrated exceptional selectivity and sensitivity, rapid response, wide pH response range and robust anti-interference capabilities for monitoring Cu2+. This was achieved through a distinctive naked-eye colorimetric and fluorescent quenching behaviour. A good linearity within the range of 0-3 µM (R2 = 0.9914) was attained, and the limit of detection (LOD) for Cu2+ was 47.4 nM. Furthermore, the FMDH-Cu2+ ensemble responded to glyphosate with notable selectivity and sensitivity. A good linear correlation (R2 = 0.9926) was observed at the lower concentration range (2.4-7.8 µM) and achieving a detection limit as low as 29.9 nM. The response time of FMDH with Cu2+ and glyphosate were less than 20 s, and the pH range of 7-11 that was suitable for practical application under physiological pH conditions. MTT assays confirmed that FMDH offers good permeability and low toxicity, facilitating successful application in imaging analysis of Cu2+ and glyphosate in living cells and zebrafish. In addition, FMDH was employed in the detection of these analytes in real water samples. Cost-effective, highly sensitive and easily prepared FMDH-impregnated test strips were developed for the efficient visual detection of Cu2+ and glyphosate under 365 nm UV light. Increasing concentrations of Cu2+ and glyphosate resulted in notable colour changes under 365 nm UV light, enabling visual semi-quantitative analysis via a smartphone colour-analysis App.

Synthesis and Characterization of Sulfonamide-Containing Naphthalimides as Fluorescent Probes.

A tumor-targeting fluorescent probe has attracted increasing interest in fluorescent imaging for the noninvasive detection of cancers in recent years. Sulfonamide-containing naphthalimide derivatives (SN-2NI, SD-NI) were synthesized by the incorporation of N-butyl-4-ethyldiamino-1,8-naphthalene imide (NI) into sulfonamide (SN) and sulfadiazine (SD) as the tumor-targeting groups, respectively. These derivatives were further characterized by mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), and a fluorescence assay. In vitro properties, including cell cytotoxicity and the cell uptake of tumor cells, were also evaluated. Sulfonamide-containing naphthalimide derivatives possessed low cell cytotoxicity to B16F10 melanoma cells. Moreover, SN-2NI and SD-NI can be taken up highly by B16F10 cells and then achieve good green fluorescent images in B16F10 cells. Therefore, sulfonamide-containing naphthalimide derivatives can be considered to be the potential probes used to target fluorescent imaging in tumors.

Graphene Oxide/Polyamidoamine G4 as a High Efficient and Eco-Friendly Adsorbent for Dichromate Ions.

In this study, GO/PAMAM4 was used as a biocompatible nanocomposite adsorbent to adsorb dichromate (DC) ions. In alkaline solutions, DC ions changed to chromate ions which were not adsorbed on the surface of adsorbent. Thus, experiments were carried out in acidic and neutral water solution. Under these conditions, adsorption sites of adsorbent were protonated primary and ternary amine groups of adsorbent shown as -NH3+  and -NHR2+, respectively, that adsorbed DC ions through electrostatic interaction. Adsorption isotherms of DC on GO/PAMAM4 were obtained under various ionic strengths, pHs and temperatures. Isotherms were analyzed by the ARIAN model. The highest observed adsorption capacity of this process was 246.7 mg g-1 at pH=0 and 318 K. Tests at pH=2 showed that this process was endothermic. Adsorption kinetic experiments were carried out under various initial DC concentrations, pHs, temperatures, shaking rates and ionic strengths and were analyzed by the KASRA model and intraparticle diffusion, ISO and NIPPON equations. Pb2+, Cd2+, Cr3+ and tannic acid (TA) were separated by GO/PAMAM4 from DC ions and the GO/PAMAM4 was recycled by using an alkaline solution.

An Innovative Approach to Classifying and Treating Axillary Scar Contracture.

BACKGROUND: Axillary cicatricial contracture is a debilitating condition that can greatly impair shoulder joint function. Therefore, timely correction of this condition is imperative. In light of Ogawa's prior classification of axillary cicatricial contracture deformities, we have proposed a novel classification system and reconstruction principles based on a decade of treatment experience. Our proposed system offers a more comprehensive approach to correcting axillary cicatricial contracture deformities and aims to improve patient outcomes. METHODS: Our study included 196 patients with a total of 223 axillary cicatricial contracture deformities. The range of shoulder abduction varied between 10 and 120 degrees. Our treatment approach included various methods such as the lateral thoracic flap, transverse scapular artery flap, cervical superficial artery flap, medial upper arm flap, latissimus dorsi flap, Z-shape modification, and the use of local flaps combined with skin grafting. After 2 weeks, the sutures were removed, and patients were instructed to start functional exercises. To categorize the deformities, we divided them into 2 types: axillary-adjacent region cicatricial contracture (type I) and extended area contracture (type II). RESULTS: For each subtype, a specific treatment method was chosen based on a designed algorithm decision tree. Out of the total cases, 133 patients underwent treatment with various types of local flaps, including Z-plasty, whereas 63 patients received treatment involving skin grafting and different types of local flaps. At the time of discharge, the abduction angle of the shoulder joint ranged from 80 to 120 degrees. Among the 131 patients who were followed up, 108 of them adhered to a regimen of horizontal bar exercises. After a 1-year follow-up period, the abduction angle of the shoulder joint had significantly improved to a range of 110-180 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: We have proposed a novel classification method for the correction of axillary cicatricial contracture deformity. This approach involves utilizing distinct correction strategies, in conjunction with postoperative functional exercise, to ensure the effectiveness of axillary reconstruction.

Exploring the efficacy of subwavelength gratings as short-wavelength infrared filters.

Advancements in nanofabrication technology have greatly facilitated research on nanostructures and their associated properties. Among these structures, subwavelength components have emerged as promising candidates for ultra-compact optical elements, can potentially supplant conventional optical components and enable the realization of compact and efficient optical devices. Spectral analysis within the infrared spectrum offers a wealth of information for monitoring crop health, industrial processes, and target identification. However, conventional spectrometers are typically bulky and expensive, driving an increasing demand for cost-effective spectral sensors. Here we investigate three distinct subwavelength grating structures designed to function as narrowband filters within the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) range. Through simple adjustments to the period of grating strips, these filters selectively transmit light across a wide wavelength range from 1100 to 1700 nm with transmission exceeding 70% and full width at half maximum (FWHM) down to 6 nm. Based on a simple design, the results present great potential of subwavelength grating filters for multiband integration and developing ultra-compact spectral sensors.

Development and validation of a prognostic model for assessing long COVID risk following Omicron wave-a large population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Long coronavirus disease (COVID) after COVID-19 infection is continuously threatening the health of people all over the world. Early prediction of the risk of Long COVID in hospitalized patients will help clinical management of COVID-19, but there is still no reliable and effective prediction model. METHODS: A total of 1905 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection were included in this study, and their Long COVID status was followed up 4-8 weeks after discharge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors for Long COVID. Patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (70%) and a validation cohort (30%), and factors for constructing the model were screened using Lasso regression in the training cohort. Visualize the Long COVID risk prediction model using nomogram. Evaluate the performance of the model in the training and validation cohort using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: A total of 657 patients (34.5%) reported that they had symptoms of long COVID. The most common symptoms were fatigue or muscle weakness (16.8%), followed by sleep difficulties (11.1%) and cough (9.5%). The risk prediction nomogram of age, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, vaccination status, procalcitonin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, interleukin-6 and D-dimer were included for early identification of high-risk patients with Long COVID. AUCs of the model in the training cohort and validation cohort are 0.762 and 0.713, respectively, demonstrating relatively high discrimination of the model. The calibration curve further substantiated the proximity of the nomogram's predicted outcomes to the ideal curve, the consistency between the predicted outcomes and the actual outcomes, and the potential benefits for all patients as indicated by DCA. This observation was further validated in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: We established a nomogram model to predict the long COVID risk of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and proved its relatively good predictive performance. This model is helpful for the clinical management of long COVID.

Multiplexable all-optical nonlinear activator for optical computing.

As an alternative solution to surpass electronic neural networks, optical neural networks (ONNs) offer significant advantages in terms of energy consumption and computing speed. Despite the optical hardware platform could provide an efficient approach to realizing neural network algorithms than traditional hardware, the lack of optical nonlinearity limits the development of ONNs. Here, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated an all-optical nonlinear activator based on the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). Utilizing the exceptional carrier dynamics of SBS, our activator supports two types of nonlinear functions, saturable absorption and rectified linear unit (Relu) models. Moreover, the proposed activator exhibits large dynamic response bandwidth (∼11.24 GHz), low nonlinear threshold (∼2.29 mW), high stability, and wavelength division multiplexing identities. These features have potential advantages for the physical realization of optical nonlinearities. As a proof of concept, we verify the performance of the proposed activator as an ONN nonlinear mapping unit via numerical simulations. Simulation shows that our approach achieves comparable performance to the activation functions commonly used in computers. The proposed approach provides support for the realization of all-optical neural networks.