A low-voltage alternant direct current electroporation chip for ultrafast releasing the genome DNA of Helicobacter pylori bacterium.

Nucleic acid detection, as an important molecular diagnostic method, is widely used in bacterial identification, disease diagnosis. For detecting the nucleic acid of bacteria, the prerequisite is to release nucleic acids inside the bacteria. The common means to release nucleic acids is the chemical method, which involves complex processes, is time-consuming, and remains chemical inhibitors. Compared with chemical methods, electroporation as a physical method has the advantages of easy operation, short-time consumption, and chemical reagents free. However, the current works using electroporation often necessitates high-frequency or high-voltage conditions, entailing bulky power devices. Herein, we propose a low-voltage alternant direct current (LADC) electroporation chip and the corresponding miniature device for ultrafast releasing the genome DNA from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) for detection. We connected a micrometer-interdigital electrode in the chip with a 20 V portable battery to make the miniature device. Using this low-voltage device, our chip released genome DNA of H. pylori within only 5 ms, achieving a cell lysis rate of 99.5%. We further combined this chip with a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay to visually detect H. pylori within ~ 25 min at 10 CFU/µL. We detected 11 clinical samples using the chip, and the detection results were consistent with those of the clinical standard. The results indicate that the LADC electroporation chip is useful for ultrafast release of genome DNA from bacteria and is expected to promote the development of nucleic acid detection in POCT and other scenarios.

Microstructure-Driven Self-Transport and Convection of Water on Membrane Surface for Ultra-Fast, Highly Sensitive, Low-Cost Lateral-Flow Assays.

Lateral-flow assay (LFA) is one of the most commonly used detection technologies, in which the chromatographic membranes are currently used as the lateral-flow membrane (e.g., nitrocellulose membrane, NC Mem). However, several disadvantages of existing chromatographic membranes limit the performance of LFA, including relatively low flow velocity of sample solution and relatively more residuals of sample on membrane, which increase detection time and detection noise. Herein, a surface structure membrane (SS Mem) is proposed, which enables fast self-transport of water with a convection manner and realizes low residuals of sample on membrane surface after the flow. On SS Mem, the flow velocity of water is 7.1-fold higher, and the residuals of sample are decreased by 60-67%, comparing those in NC Mem. SS Mem is used as lateral-flow membrane to prepare lateral-flow strips of nanogold LFA and fluorescence LFA for rapid detection of SARS CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. These LFAs require 210 s per detection, with limits of detection of 3.98 pg mL-1 and 53.3 fg mL-1 , sensitivity of 96.5%, and specificity of 90%. The results suggest that SS Mem enables ultrafast, highly sensitive lateral-flow immunoassays and shows great potential as a new type of lateral-flow membrane to broaden the application of LFA.

A dual-functional fluorescent probe based on kaolin nanosheets for the detection and separation of aluminum ions.

Aluminum ions (Al3+) are closely related to environmental protection and human health, thus the detection and separation of Al3+ is of great significance. In this study, a dual-functional fluorescent probe for the detection and separation of Al3+ was successfully developed by grafting fluorophore onto kaolin nanosheets. The probe has the characteristics of good dispersion without the involvement of organic solvents, excellent specificity, the low limit of detection (0.55 µM), and fast response time (10 min). And the recovery rates of Al3+ using this probe are in the range from 93.0% to 101.8%, and the corresponding relative standard deviations are in the range from 3.5% to 5.8%. Besides, it also can remove Al3+ in aqueous solution through adsorption, and the removal rates is in the range from 95.1% to 99.3% when the concentration of the probe is 0.4 mg/mL. The probe combines detection and separation functions, overcomes the defect that single-function materials can only be used for detection or separation, which has important significance and good application value.

Liquid-embedded (bio)printing of alginate-free, standalone, ultrafine, and ultrathin-walled cannular structures.

While there has been considerable success in the three-dimensional bioprinting of relatively large standalone filamentous tissues, the fabrication of solid fibers with ultrafine diameters or those cannular featuring ultrathin walls remains a particular challenge. Here, an enabling strategy for (bio)printing of solid and hollow fibers whose size ranges could be facilely adjusted across a broad spectrum, is reported, using an aqueous two-phase embedded (bio)printing approach combined with specially designed cross-linking and extrusion methods. The generation of standalone, alginate-free aqueous architectures using this aqueous two-phase strategy allowed freeform patterning of aqueous bioinks, such as those composed of gelatin methacryloyl, within the immiscible aqueous support bath of poly(ethylene oxide). Our (bio)printing strategy revealed the fabrication of standalone solid or cannular structures with diameters as small as approximately 3 or 40 µm, respectively, and wall thicknesses of hollow conduits down to as thin as <5 µm. With cellular functions also demonstrated, we anticipate the methodology to serve as a platform that may satisfy the needs for the different types of potential biomedical and other applications in the future, especially those pertaining to cannular tissues of ultrasmall diameters and ultrathin walls used toward regenerative medicine and tissue model engineering.

An Adhesive Bioink toward Biofabrication under Wet Conditions.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is driving significant innovations in biomedicine over recent years. Under certain scenarios such as in intraoperative bioprinting, the bioinks used should exhibit not only cyto/biocompatibility but also adhesiveness in wet conditions. Herein, an adhesive bioink composed of gelatin methacryloyl, gelatin, methacrylated hyaluronic acid, and skin secretion of Andrias davidianus is designed. The bioink exhibits favorable cohesion to allow faithful extrusion bioprinting in wet conditions, while simultaneously showing good adhesion to a variety of surfaces of different chemical properties, possibly achieved through the diverse bonds presented in the bioink formulation. As such, this bioink is able to fabricate sophisticated planar and volumetric constructs using extrusion bioprinting, where the dexterity is further enhanced using ergonomic handheld bioprinters to realize in situ bioprinting. In vitro experiments reveal that cells maintain high viability; further in vivo studies demonstrate good integration and immediate injury sealing. The characteristics of the bioink indicate its potential widespread utility in extrusion bioprinting and will likely broaden the applications of bioprinting toward situations such as in situ dressing and minimally invasive tissue regeneration.

A near-infrared Fluorescent Probe Based on Dicyanisophorone for the Detection of Zinc Ions (Zn2+) in Water and Living Cells.

As one of the important metal ions, zinc ions (Zn2+) are widely involved in various physiological and pathological processes, and play fundamental roles in neurotransmission, cell metabolism and apoptosis. However, the convenient monitor of Zn2+ in environmental and biological samples remains challenging. In this study, a small molecule dicyanoisophorone-based schiff base incorporating with o-phenylenediamine was synthesized. It can rapidly combine with Zn2+ to emit significant near-infrared fluorescence (maximum emission wavelength: 660 nm), so it can be used as a probe to quantitatively detect Zn2+ in the range of 0-10 µM, with a detection limit as low as 4.8 nM, showing the probe has high sensitivity for Zn2+. And the probe has a fast response time to Zn2+ (less than 30 s) and a large Stoke-shift (179 nm). In addition, the high recovery rates in practical water samples, and the clear fluorescent images in living A549 cells were obtained, which are of great significance for the detection of Zn2+ in the environment and biosystem. Due to its simple operation, good selectivity and anti-interference ability, short detection time and high sensitivity, this probe has great application potential as a fast detection tool for Zn2+ in environmental water and biological samples.

A Critical Review on Organic Small Fluorescent Probes for Monitoring Carbon Monoxide in Biology.

Endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) is an important intracellular gas messenger that is intimately involved in many physiological and pathological processes. The abnormal concentration of CO in living organisms can cause many diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to monitor CO in biological samples. Fluorescent probe technology provides an effective and convenient method for CO monitoring, with the advantages of high selectivity and sensitivity, fast response time and in situ fluorescence imaging in biological tissues, which is favored by the majority of researchers. In this paper, the research progress of CO fluorescent probes since 2018 is reviewed, and the design, detection mechanism and biological application of the related fluorescent probes are summarized. And the relationship between the structure and performance of the probes is discussed. Furthermore, the development trend and application prospect of CO fluorescent probes are prospected.

The value of CT features and demographic data in the differential diagnosis of type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma from fat-poor angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma.

PURPOSES: To determine the CT features and demographic data predictive of type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) that can help distinguish this neoplasm from fat-poor angiomyolipoma (fpAML) and oncocytoma. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with type 2 PRCC, 48 with fpAML, and 47 with oncocytoma in the kidney from multiple centers were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic data and CT features of type 2 PRCC were analyzed and compared with those of fpAML and oncocytoma by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the predictive factors for differential diagnosis. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to further assess the logistic regression model and set the threshold level values of the numerical parameters. RESULTS: Older age (≥ 46.5 years), unenhanced lesion-to-renal cortex attenuation (RLRCA) < 1.21, corticomedullary ratio of lesion to renal cortex net enhancement (RLRCNE) < 0.32, and size ≥ 30.1 mm were independent predictors for distinguishing type 2 PRCC from fpAML (OR 14.155, 8.332, and 57.745, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). The area under the curve (AUC) of the multiple logistic regression model in the ROC curve analysis was 0.970. In the combined evaluation, the four independent predictors had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.896 and 0.889, respectively. A corticomedullary RLRCNE < 0.61, irregular shape, and male sex were independent predictors for the differential diagnosis of type 2 PRCC from oncocytoma (OR 15.714, 12.158, and 6.175, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). In the combined evaluation, the three independent predictors had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.889 and 0.979, respectively. The AUC of the multiple logistic regression model in the ROC curve analysis was 0.964. CONCLUSION: The combined application of CT features and demographic data had good ability in distinguishing type 2 PRCC from fpAML and oncocytoma, respectively.

Morphologic CT and MRI features of primary parotid squamous cell carcinoma and its predictive factors for differential diagnosis with mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Primary parotid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare entity with a poor prognosis. Pathologically, the diagnosis of it requires the exclusion of parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). Currently, the imaging features of primary parotid SCC and the predictive indicators for differential diagnosis of the two entities have not been well reported. Our purpose was to identify the imaging characteristics of primary parotid SCC and to determine the predictive factors for its' differential diagnosis. RESULTS: Thirty-one participants with primary parotid SCC and 59 with primary parotid MEC were enrolled. Clinical, CT and MRI features were reviewed and compared by univariate analysis. Then, multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the predictors to distinguish parotid SCC from MEC. Most primary parotid SCCs exhibited irregular shape, ill-defined margin, incomplete or no capsule, heterogeneous and marked or moderate enhancement, necrosis, local tumor invasiveness (LTI). Age, maximal dimension, shape, degree of enhancement, gradual enhancement, necrosis, and LTI were different between the primary parotid SCCs and MECs in univariate analysis (p < 0.05). While in multinomial logistic regression analysis, only age and necrosis were the independent predictors for distinguishing parotid SCC from MEC, and this model exhibited an area under curve of 0.914 in ROC curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Primary parotid SCC has some distinct imaging features including the large tumor size, irregular shape, ill-defined margin, and particularly the marked central necrosis. Patients with age ≥ 51.5 years and necrosis on the image of the primary tumor in the parotid gland could be more likely to be SCCs than MECs.

Micropore-Forming Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Bioink Toolbox 2.0: Designable Tunability and Adaptability for 3D Bioprinting Applications.

It is well-known that tissue engineering scaffolds that feature highly interconnected and size-adjustable micropores are oftentimes desired to promote cellular viability, motility, and functions. Unfortunately, the ability of precise control over the microporous structures within bioinks in a cytocompatible manner for applications in 3D bioprinting is generally lacking, until a method of micropore-forming bioink based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) was reported recently. This bioink took advantage of the unique aqueous two-phase emulsion (ATPE) system, where poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) droplets are utilized as the porogen. Considering the limitations associated with this very initial demonstration, this article has furthered the understanding of the micropore-forming GelMA bioinks by conducting a systematic investigation into the additional GelMA types (porcine and fish, different methacryloyl-modification degrees) and porogen types (PEO, poly(vinyl alcohol), and dextran), as well as the effects of the porogen concentrations and molecular weights on the properties of the GelMA-based ATPE bioink system. This article exemplifies not only the significantly wider range of micropore sizes achievable and better emulsion stability, but also the improved suitability for both extrusion and digital light processing bioprinting with favorable cellular responses.

Context-dependent effects of inflammation on retina regeneration.

Inflammation is required for the proliferation of Müller glia (MG) into multipotent progenitors (MGPCs) in the injured fish and avian retinas. However, its function in retina regeneration has not been fully understood. Here we investigated the role of inflammation in three different retinal regeneration paradigms in zebrafish (stab-injury, NMDA-injury and insulin treatment). We first show that different types of immune cells and levels of inflammatory cytokines were found in the retinas of these paradigms. Though zymosan injection alone was insufficient to induce MG proliferation in the uninjured retina, immune suppression significantly inhibited MGPC formation in all three paradigms. Enhancing inflammation promoted MGPC formation after stab-injury, while exhibiting a context-dependent role in the NMDA or insulin models. We further show that proper levels of inflammation promoted MG reprogramming and cell cycle re-entry after stab- or NMDA-injury, but excessive inflammation also suppressed MG proliferation in the latter model. Finally, inflammation differentially affected neuronal regeneration in various injury paradigms. Our study reveals the complex and context-dependent role of inflammation during retinal repair in fish and suggests accurate inflammation management may be crucial for successful retina regeneration in mammals.

Two near-infrared fluorescent probes based on dicyanoisfluorone for rapid monitoring of Zn2+and Pb2.

Zinc (Zn2+) and lead (Pb2+) ions in the environment have important effects on human health and environmental safety. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively detect them by a convenient and reliable analysis method. In this study, two near-infrared fluorescent probes for the fast determination of Zn2+and Pb2+were synthesized by a simple Schiff base reaction between the dicyanoisophorone skeleton and carbohydrazide derivatives. Among them, the probe with the thiophene-2-carbohydrazide group showed a selective fluorescence response to Zn2+and Pb2+with a maximum emission wavelength of 670 nm. And the detection limits of the probe for Zn2+and Pb2+were 1.59 nM and 1.65 nM, respectively. In contrast the probe modified by the furan-2-carbohydrazide group achieved quantitative detection of Zn2+, with a detection limit of 2.7 nM. These results were attributed to the fact that the probes bind to Zn2+and Pb2+in stoichiometric ratios of 1:1, blocking the intramolecular PET effect. Furthermore, these two probes can be recycled through the action of EDTA and have been successfully used to detect Zn2+and Pb2+in real water samples.

Role of computed tomography features in the differential diagnosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma from oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma without visible fat.

Background: Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is often confused with oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma without visible fat (AML.wovf). The aim of this study was to determine computed tomography (CT) features predictive of chRCC to distinguish it from oncocytoma and AML.wovf. Methods: This multicenter study enrolled 38 patients with chRCC, 32 with oncocytoma, and 43 with AML.wovf of the kidney. The clinical and imaging features of all cases were reviewed retrospectively, and associations between the features and histopathology were analyzed using univariate analysis, followed by multinomial logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate logistic regression models and determine optimal cut-off values for numeric data. Results: Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between chRCC and oncocytoma in tumor ratios of lesion to renal cortex net enhancement (RLRCNE) on both corticomedullary and nephrographic phase images (P<0.001 for both) and calcification (P=0.035). On multinomial logistic regression analysis, only corticomedullary RLRCNE remained an independent predictor for the differential diagnosis of chRCC from oncocytoma (P<0.001), with an optimal cut-off value of 0.53. Comparing chRCC and AML.wovf, univariate analysis revealed significant differences in age (P=0.003), segmental enhancement inversion (SEI) (P=0.006), corticomedullary RLRCNE (P<0.001), unenhanced ratio of lesion to renal cortex attenuation (RLRCA; P<0.001), size (P<0.001), enhancement pattern over time (P=0.017), angle (P=0.014), and central scar (P<0.001). Only unenhanced RLRCA (P<0.001), size (P=0.003), and enhancement pattern over time (P=0.002) remained as independent predictors on multinomial logistic regression analysis, with optimal cut-off values of 1.13 and 30.9 mm for RLRCA and size, respectively. On ROC curve analysis of the logistic regression models, the areas under curve (AUC) were 0.888 and 0.963 for chRCC versus oncocytoma and AML.wovf, respectively. Conclusions: Corticomedullary RLRCNE on CT images was an independent predictor for the differential diagnosis of chRCC from oncocytoma. Unenhanced RLRCA, size, and enhancement pattern over time on CT had predictive value for discriminating chRCC from AML.wovf.

A near infrared fluorescent probe for detection and bioimaging of zinc ions and hypochlorous acid.

It is of great significance to monitor zinc ions (Zn2+) and hypochlorous acid (HClO) conveniently in disease diagnosis and environmental protection. Herein, we successfully prepared a near-infrared fluorescent probe based on dicyanoisophorone derivative and methyl hydrazate by Schiff base reaction for effective detection of Zn2+ and HClO. After binding with Zn2+ at a molar ratio of 1:1, the fluorescence intensity (λex = 482 nm, λem = 653 nm) of the probe was significantly enhanced, thus achieving quantitative detection and optical cell imaging of Zn2+. The complexation constant (K) of the probe with Zn2+ was 2.34 × 104 M-1. The response time of the probe for Zn2+ was less than 20 s and the detection limit was 15.3 nM. Moreover, this probe also showed a specific response to HClO. After interacting with HClO, the fluorescence intensity of the probe was increased significantly with a red shift of the emission wavelength from 670 nm to 705 nm (λex = 550 nm). The response time and the detection limit of probe for HClO were 4 min and 1.39 µM, respectively. The probe was successfully applied for visual bioimaging of Zn2+ and HClO inside living cells. The recoveries of Zn2+ and HClO using the probe in actual water samples were satisfactory.

Enhanced luminescence performances of BaLaMgTaO6:Mn4+ red phosphor by Bi3+, Ca2+ doping for indoor plant lighting supplementary LED.

A new perovskite BaLaMgTaO6:Mn4+ (BLMTO:Mn4+) red phosphor was synthesized for the first time via the high-temperature solid-state method. The emission band of the phosphor ranges from 650 to 750 nm, which matches well with the absorption band of PFR and PR. By doping of Bi3+ and Ca2+ ions in the BLMTO:Mn4+ phosphor, a 4.76-fold enhancement in the luminescence emission intensity was achieved. The optimized BLMTO:0.5%Mn4+, 1.5%Bi3+, 2%Ca2+ phosphor exhibited a high quantum efficiency of 65% and a high color purity of 98.1% with the chromaticity coordinate (CIE) at (0.733, 0.267). Finally, a LED device was fabricated with the BLMTO:0.5%Mn4+, 1.5%Bi3+, 2%Ca2+ phosphor for further agricultural lighting, which emits warm white light with a low color temperature of 3549 K. The result indicates that the BLMTO:Mn4+, Bi3+, Ca2+ phosphors have a potential for applications in agricultural cultivations.

Uniaxial and Coaxial Vertical Embedded Extrusion Bioprinting.

The 3D bioprinting technologies have attracted increasing attention due to their flexibility in producing architecturally relevant tissue constructs. Here, a vertical embedded extrusion bioprinting strategy using uniaxial or coaxial nozzles is presented, which allows formation of vertical structures of homogeneous or heterogeneous properties. By adjusting the bioprinting parameters, the characteristics of the bioprinted vertical patterns can be precisely controlled. Using this strategy, two proof-of-concept applications in tissue biofabrication are demonstrated. Specifically, intestinal villi and hair follicles, two liner-shaped tissues in the human body, are successfully generated with the vertical embedded bioprinting method, reconstructing some of their key structures as well as restoring partial functions in vitro. Caco-2 cells in the bioprinted intestinal villus constructs proliferated and aggregated properly, also showing functional biomarker expressions such as ZO-1 and villin. Moreover, preliminary hair follicle structures featuring keratinized human keratinocytes and spheroid-shaped human dermal papilla cells are formed after vertical bioprinting and culturing. In summary, this vertical embedded extrusion bioprinting technique harnessing a uniaxial or coaxial format will likely bring further improvements in the reconstruction of certain human tissues and organs, especially those with a linear structure, potentially leading to wide utilities in tissue engineering, tissue model engineering, and drug discovery.

Prediction of fetal weight based on back propagation neural network optimized by genetic algorithm.

Fetal weight is an important index to judge fetal development and ensure the safety of pregnant women. However, fetal weight cannot be directly measured. This study proposed a prediction model of fetal weight based on genetic algorithm to optimize back propagation (GA-BP) neural network. Using random number table method, 80 cases of pregnant women in our hospital from September 2018 to March 2019 were divided into control group and observation group, 40 cases in each group. The doctors in the control group predicted the fetal weight subjectively according to routine ultrasound and physical examination. In the observation group, the continuous weight change model of pregnant women was established by using the regression model and the historical physical examination data obtained by feature normalization pretreatment, and then the genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the initial weights and thresholds of back propagation (BP) neural network to establish the fetal weight prediction model. The coincidence rate of fetal weight was compared between the two groups after birth. Results: The prediction error of GA-BPNN was controlled within 6%. And the accuracy of GA-BPNN was 76.3%, which were 14.5% higher than that of traditional methods. According to the error curve, GA-BP is more effective in predicting the actual fetal weight. Conclusion: The GA-BPNN model can accurately and quickly predict fetal weight.

Bile Acids Impair Vaccine Response in Children With Biliary Atresia.

Background: Vaccination is the best way to protect children under 5 years from death or disability. Children with biliary atresia (BA), which is the most common pediatric cholestatic end-stage liver disease (PELD), are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. However, the vaccination coverage and factors modulating vaccine responses in children with BA are largely unknown. Methods: In this study, 288 children (median age: 7 months) diagnosed with BA before liver transplantation were enrolled for the evaluation of vaccination status and the factors affecting the immune response to the hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine. Moreover, 49 BA children (median age: 4 months) were enrolled for flow cytometric analysis of CD4+ T cells and CD19+ B cell subsets and correlations with serum bile acid levels. Results: Generally, these children had very low routine vaccination rates for the meningococcal serogroup AC (Men AC) (41.2%), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) (31.3%), poliomyelitis (Polio) (25.3%), hepatitis A (HAV) (25.0%), Japanese encephalitis (JE) (15.0%), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) (14.2%), meningococcal serogroup A (Men A) (13.5%) and varicella (VAR) (10.8%) vaccines, but not for the HBV (96.2%) and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) (84.7%) vaccines. Remarkably, 19.8% (57/288) of the patients had HBV infection. Out of 220 patients vaccinated for HBV, 113 (51.4%), 85 (38.6%) and 22 (10%) had one, two or three doses of the HBV vaccine, respectively. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed that the bile acid level was an independent factor associated with poor HBV vaccine response (p = 0.03; OR = 0.394; 95% CI = 0.170-0.969). Immunophenotyping showed that bile acids were only negatively correlated with the CD19+CD27+IgG+ post-class-switched memory B cell ratio (p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study reveals the overall vaccination rates of routine vaccines in Chinese BA children are very low and the poor HBV vaccine responses are associated with bile acids, possibly via the inhibition of CD19+CD27+IgG+ post-class-switched memory B cell response. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR1800019165.

Predictive CT features for the diagnosis of primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: comparison with squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.

BACKGROUND: To determine the predictive CT imaging features for diagnosis in patients with primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinomas (PMECs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT imaging features of 37 patients with primary PMECs, 76 with squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 78 with adenocarcinomas were retrospectively reviewed. The difference of CT features among the PMECs, SCCs and adenocarcinomas was analyzed using univariate analysis, followed by multinomial logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: CT imaging features including tumor size, location, margin, shape, necrosis and degree of enhancement were significant different among the PMECs, SCCs and adenocarcinomas, as determined by univariate analysis (P < 0.05). Only lesion location, shape, margin and degree of enhancement remained independent factors in multinomial logistic regression analysis. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve of the obtained multinomial logistic regression model was 0.805 (95%CI: 0.704-0.906). CONCLUSION: The prediction model derived from location, margin, shape and degree of enhancement can be used for preoperative diagnosis of PMECs.

Low Ice Adhesion Surfaces Based on Flexible Fluorinated Polymers with a Polynorbornene Backbone.

Realizing icephobic surfaces with low ice adhesion and durability continues to be fascinating as well as challenging. Herein, a norbornene-based fluorinated polymer (NFP) with high flexibility and high tensile strength is designed and fabricated using a fluorinated side chain and a norbornene backbone, displaying low ice shear strength less than 20 kPa and excellent durability. Experimental and theoretical analyses show that the flexibility of the polymer chains and the synergistic macromolecular aggregation of the fluorinated side groups and the norbornene backbone play key roles in the excellent surface icephobic properties of the NFP films. Moreover, we also develop a facile approach to the design of durable icephobic slippery surfaces, which possess remarkable icephobic performance. This study not only sheds light on the relationship between the polymer molecular structure and surface icephobic properties but also provides a new avenue to conveniently realize anti-icing coatings.