Recent advances have been made in second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence bioimaging and many related applications because of its advantages of deep penetration, high resolution, minimal invasiveness, and good dynamic visualization. To achieve high-performance NIR-II fluorescence bioimaging, various materials and probes with bright NIR-II emission have been extensively explored in the past few years. Among these NIR-II emissive materials, conjugated polymers and conjugated small molecules have attracted wide interest due to their native biosafety and tunable optical performance. This review summarizes the brightness strategies available for NIR-II emissive conjugated materials and highlights the recent developments in NIR-II fluorescence bioimaging. A concise, detailed overview of the molecular design and regulatory approaches is provided in terms of their high brightness, long wavelengths, and superior imaging performance. Then, various typical cases in which bright conjugated materials are used as NIR-II probes are introduced by providing step-by-step examples. Finally, the current problems and challenges associated with accessing NIR-II emissive conjugated materials for bright NIR-II fluorescence bioimaging are briefly discussed, and the significance and future prospects of these materials are proposed to offer helpful guidance for the development of NIR-II emissive materials.
BACKGROUND: Reference intervals (RIs) play an important role in clinical decision-making. However, due to the time, labor, and financial costs involved in establishing RIs using direct means, the use of indirect methods, based on big data previously obtained from clinical laboratories, is getting increasing attention. Different indirect techniques combined with different data transformation methods and outlier removal might cause differences in the calculation of RIs. However, there are few systematic evaluations of this. OBJECTIVE: This study used data derived from direct methods as reference standards and evaluated the accuracy of combinations of different data transformation, outlier removal, and indirect techniques in establishing complete blood count (CBC) RIs for large-scale data. METHODS: The CBC data of populations aged ≥18 years undergoing physical examination from January 2010 to December 2011 were retrieved from the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University in northern China. After exclusion of repeated individuals, we performed parametric, nonparametric, Hoffmann, Bhattacharya, and truncation points and Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance (kosmic) indirect methods, combined with log or BoxCox transformation, and Reed-Dixon, Tukey, and iterative mean (3SD) outlier removal methods in order to derive the RIs of 8 CBC parameters and compared the results with those directly and previously established. Furthermore, bias ratios (BRs) were calculated to assess which combination of indirect technique, data transformation pattern, and outlier removal method is preferrable. RESULTS: Raw data showed that the degrees of skewness of the white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were much more obvious than those of other CBC parameters. After log or BoxCox transformation combined with Tukey or iterative mean (3SD) processing, the distribution types of these data were close to Gaussian distribution. Tukey-based outlier removal yielded the maximum number of outliers. The lower-limit bias of WBC (male), PLT (male), hemoglobin (HGB; male), MCH (male/female), and MCV (female) was greater than that of the corresponding upper limit for more than half of 30 indirect methods. Computational indirect choices of CBC parameters for males and females were inconsistent. The RIs of MCHC established by the direct method for females were narrow. For this, the kosmic method was markedly superior, which contrasted with the RI calculation of CBC parameters with high |BR| qualification rates for males. Among the top 10 methodologies for the WBC count, PLT count, HGB, MCV, and MCHC with a high-BR qualification rate among males, the Bhattacharya, Hoffmann, and parametric methods were superior to the other 2 indirect methods. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to results derived by the direct method, outlier removal methods and indirect techniques markedly influence the final RIs, whereas data transformation has negligible effects, except for obviously skewed data. Specifically, the outlier removal efficiency of Tukey and iterative mean (3SD) methods is almost equivalent. Furthermore, the choice of indirect techniques depends more on the characteristics of the studied analyte itself. This study provides scientific evidence for clinical laboratories to use their previous data sets to establish RIs.
Big Data , Blood Cell Count , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , China , Leukocyte Count , Reference Values , Clinical Decision-Making
The annealing effects on Pb0.97La0.03Sc0.45Ta0.45Ti0.1O3 (PLSTT) ceramics prepared by the solid-state reaction method are systemically investigated using experimental and theoretical techniques. Comprehensive studies are performed on the PLSTT samples by varying annealing time (AT) from t (=0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60) h. The properties involving ferroelectric polarization (FP), electrocaloric (EC) effect, energy harvesting performance (EHP) and energy storage performance (ESP) are reported, compared and contrasted. All these features are seen to gradually improve with the increase in AT, and they all reach the climaxed-shaped values and then decrease by further increasing the AT. For t = 40 h, the maximum FP (23.2 µC/cm2) is attained at an electric field of 50 kV/cm, while the high EHP effects (0.297 J/cm3) and positive EC are achieved (for ΔT~0.92 K and ΔS~0.92 J/(K·kg)) at 45 kV/cm. The EHP value of the PLSTT ceramics increased by 21.7% while the polarization value was enhanced by 33.3%. At t = 30 h, the ceramics have attained the best ESP value of 0.468 J/cm3 with an energy loss of 0.05 J/cm3. We strongly believe that the AT plays a crucial role in the optimization of different traits of the PLSTT ceramics.
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has posed a huge global health threat since December 2019. Wearing face masks is known as an effective measure for controlling the wide spread of COVID-19 and its variants. But on the other hand, face masks could be a potential source of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) as they are extensively added in masks. However, knowledge associated with the occurrence as well as inhalation risks of OPEs and PAEs in masks is limited. In this study, OPEs and PAEs were determined in different types of mask samples collected from the local market. OPEs and PAEs were detected in mask samples ranging from 36.7 to 855 ng/g, and from 251 to 3830 ng/g, respectively. Relatively lower OPEs and PAEs concentrations were observed in disposable mask for toddlers. Simulated inhalation experiment indicated that the mass loss of OPEs and PAEs was 136 and 3910 ng/mask in disposable masks, 71.9 and 763 ng/mask in disposable mask for toddlers, 924 and 1020 ng/mask in N95 mask after 12 h, respectively. Significantly negative correlations were exhibited between the decrement of OPEs in masks and the increment of OPEs in corresponding polyurethane foams (PUFs) during the course, elucidating OPEs released from masks could be well captured by PUFs. With regard to the variation over time, predominant OPE and PAE analogues showed semblable release and absorption tendency in mask and corresponding PUF. Inhalation exposure risk of OPEs and PAEs was estimated based on the increment of pollutants in PUF. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were also calculated and they were within the threshold levels. This study provides the evidence of OPEs and PAEs releasing from the face masks during wearing and unveiled a potential source of OPEs and PAEs exposure to humans.
COVID-19 , Inhalation Exposure , Humans , Esters , Masks , Organophosphates
Self-powered photodetectors are of significance for the development of low-energy-consumption and environment-friendly Internet of Things. The performance of semiconductor-based self-powered photodetectors is limited by the low quality of junctions. Here, a novel strategy was proposed for developing high-performance self-powered photodetectors with boosted electrostatic potential. The proposed self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetector consisted of an indium tin oxide and titanium dioxide (ITO/TiO2) heterojunction and an electret film (poly tetra fluoroethylene, PTFE). The PTFE layer introduces a built-in electrostatic field to highly enhance the photovoltaic effect, and its high internal resistance greatly reduces the dark current, and thus remarkable performances were achieved. The self-powered UV photodetector with PTFE demonstrated an extremely high on-off ratio of 2.49 × 105, a responsivity of 76.87 mA/W, a response rise time of 7.44 ms, and a decay time of 3.75 ms. Furthermore, the device exhibited exceptional stability from room temperature to 70 °C. Compared with the conventional ITO/TiO2 heterojunction without the PTFE layer, the photoresponse of the detector improved by 442-fold, and the light-dark ratio was increased by 8.40 × 105 times. In addition, the detector is simple, easy to fabricate, and low cost. Therefore, it can be used on a large scale. The electrostatic modulation effect is universal for various types of semiconductor junctions and is expected to inspire more innovative applications in optoelectronic and microelectronic devices.
Background: Danhong injection (DHI) accounts for the highest proportion of drug costs for inpatients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, if DHI price influences utilization remains unclear. Objective: The objective was to compare changes in the use of DHI for CHD patients during three stages after two comprehensive reforms of public hospitals in Beijing. These findings will provide support for controlling the drug burden of CHD patients and regulating drug use behavior. Research Design: CHD diagnosis and treatment data were extracted from the Hospital Information System (HIS) of 33 public hospitals. Patients were grouped according to different treatment methods and clinical classifications. Changes in the utilization of DHI, including the use rate (the percentage of CHD patients using DHI), number of prescribed units (average number of units of DHI prescribed per hospital stay), and cost of DHI per hospital stay (equal to the unit price multiplied by the number of prescribed units) between the three stages were statistically analyzed. Association rules were applied to identify changes in drug combinations. Results: After the two reforms, the unit price of DHI dropped from $6.46 to $5.61. At the same time, the use rate increased from 20.77 to 24.00%, the number of prescribed units dropped from 29.76 to 29.21, and the cost of DHI per hospital stay dropped from $192.12 to $163.96. The changes in the use rate and number of prescribed units varied among patients with different clinical types and treatment methods, and the cost of CHI per hospital stay was consistent with the overall situation. The variety of drugs used in combination with DHI remained relatively stable. Conclusion: The use rate of DHI for CHD patients increased, indicating increased applications of DHI in clinical practice. Due to the drop in price, the cost of using DHI decreased, and the financial burden of this drug was reduced.
Although reference intervals (RIs) play an important role in clinical diagnosis, there remain significant differences with respect to race, gender, age and geographic location. Accordingly, the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP28-A3c has recommended that clinical laboratories establish RIs appropriate to their subject population. Unfortunately, the traditional and direct approach to establish RIs relies on the recruitment of a sufficient number of healthy individuals of various age groups, collection and testing of large numbers of specimens and accurate data interpretation. The advent of the big data era has, however, created a unique opportunity to "mine" laboratory information. Unfortunately, this indirect method lacks standardization, consensus support and CLSI guidance. In this review we provide a historical perspective, comprehensively assess data processing and statistical methods, and post-verification analysis to validate this big data approach in establishing laboratory specific RIs.
Big Data , Clinical Laboratory Services , Humans , Laboratories , Reference Standards , Reference Values
OBJECTIVES: A large number of people undergo annual health checkup but accurate laboratory criterion for evaluating their health status is limited. The present study determined annual biological variation (BV) and derived parameters of common laboratory analytes in order to accurately evaluate the test results of the annual healthcare population. METHODS: A total of 43 healthy individuals who had regular healthcare once a year for six consecutive years, were enrolled using physical, electrocardiogram, ultrasonography and laboratory. The annual BV data and derived parameters, such as reference change value (RCV) and index of individuality (II) were calculated and compared with weekly data. We used annual BV and homeostatic set point to calculate personalized reference intervals (RIper) which were compared with population-based reference intervals (RIpop). RESULTS: We have established the annual within-subject BV (CVI), RCV, II, RIper of 24 commonly used clinical chemistry and hematology analytes for healthy individuals. Among the 18 comparable measurands, CVI estimates of annual data for 11 measurands were significantly higher than the weekly data. Approximately 50% measurands of II were <0.6, the utility of their RIpop were limited. The distribution range of RIper for most measurands only copied small part of RIpop with reference range index for 8 measurands <0.5. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with weekly BV, for annual healthcare individuals, annual BV and related parameters can provide more accurate evaluation of laboratory results. RIper based on long-term BV data is very valuable for "personalized" diagnosis on annual health assessments.
Chemistry, Clinical , Hematology , Humans , Laboratories , Reference Values
Fresh-cut (FC) red pitaya fruit were treated with 5ga.i.l-1 apple polyphenols (APP) and then stored at 20°C for up to 4days to evaluate the effects on attributes. Results showed that FC pitaya fruit with APP treatment showed greater colour retention, delayed softening, reduced loss of soluble solids content, titratable acidity, betacyanin and total phenolics compared with untreated FC fruit. APP treatment also maintained antioxidant activity, as indicated by higher DPPH radical-scavenging activity and reducing power compared with untreated FC pitaya fruit. APP treatment strongly suppressed microbial growth, contributing to improvement of product safety. Because APP is a natural product, we propose that application of APP could be a convenient, safe and low-cost approach to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of FC red pitaya fruit.
Cactaceae/drug effects , Food Preservation/methods , Malus/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Polyphenols/pharmacology , Antioxidants/analysis , Cactaceae/chemistry , Cactaceae/growth & development , Color , Food Storage , Fruit/chemistry , Fruit/drug effects , Fruit/growth & development , Phenols/analysis
BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to the development of heart disease and arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Since altered conduction through gap junction channels can contribute to the pathogenesis of such arrhythmias, we examined the abundance and distributions of the major cardiac gap junction proteins, connexin40 (Cx40) and connexin43 (Cx43) in mice treated with sleep fragmentation or intermittent hypoxia (IH) as animal models of the components of obstructive sleep apnea. RESULTS: Wild type C57BL/6 mice or mice lacking NADPH 2 (NOX2) oxidase activity (gp91phox(-/Y)) were exposed to room air or to SF or IH for 6 weeks. Then, the mice were sacrificed, and atria and ventricles were immediately dissected. The abundances of Cx40 or Cx43 in atria and ventricles were unaffected by SF. In contrast, immunoblots showed that the abundance of atrial Cx40 and Cx43 and ventricular Cx43 were reduced in mice exposed to IH. qRT-PCR demonstrated significant reductions of atrial Cx40 and Cx43 mRNAs. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the abundance and size of gap junctions containing Cx40 or Cx43 were reduced in atria by IH treatment of mice. However, no changes of connexin abundance or gap junction size/abundance were observed in IH-treated NOX2-null mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that intermittent hypoxia (but not sleep fragmentation) causes reductions and remodeling of atrial Cx40 and Cx43. These alterations may contribute to the substrate for atrial fibrillation that develops in response to obstructive sleep apnea. Moreover, these connexin changes are likely generated in response to reactive oxygen species generated by NOX2.
Connexin 43/metabolism , Connexins/metabolism , Heart Atria/metabolism , Hypoxia/metabolism , Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism , NADPH Oxidases/metabolism , Animals , Cadherins/metabolism , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , NADPH Oxidase 2 , Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
