The calculated electronic and optical properties of ß-Ga2O3 based on the first principles.

INTRODUCTION: The electronic and optical properties of ß-Ga2O3 have been investigated by CASTEP using first principles. It is found that ß-Ga2O3 has an indirect band gap and the conduction band base is located at the Γ point. The stability of ß-Ga2O3 is demonstrated by the calculation of elastic constants, and the ductility of ß-Ga2O3 is demonstrated by the ratio of Poisson's ratio to shear modulus. The optical property analysis shows that ß-Ga2O3 has a high absorption capacity in the ultraviolet region, but a low absorption capacity in visible and infrared light. CONTEXT: The structure, optical, and electronic properties of ß-Ga2O3 are calculated and analyzed based on first-principles calculation. The optimized structures of ß-Ga2O3 are in good agreement with previously studied. In this paper, the elastic, electronic, and optical properties of ß-Ga2O3 are calculated. METHODS: The CASTEP code was employed to execute these calculations in the present work, where the exchange-correlation interactions were treated in the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) using the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional in the geometry optimizations and electronic and elastic properties.

A Soy Protein-Based Film Based on Chemical Treatment and Microcrystalline Cellulose Reinforcement Obtained from Corn Husk Byproducts.

Developing an environmentally friendly soy protein-based film that offers excellent performance has garnered considerable interest while also posing a significant challenge. Herein, we propose the strategy of covalent and noncovalent cross-linking to improve the mechanical properties of the films. First, chemical denaturation was carried out under the combined action of sodium sulfite, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and urea to reshape the structure of the protein to improve the solubility of protein and release active groups. Then, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) derived from low-cost agro-industrial byproducts (corn husk) was employed to balance the covalent cross-linking reaction between proteins and the noncovalent reaction between MCC and protein. The results indicate that the structure and properties of the soy protein-based films were modified and improved through chemical treatment in conjunction with biomass enhancement. It is concluded that the addition of 1% MCC improves the tensile strength, elastic modulus, water solubility, and water vapor permeability of "MCC-1%" by 64.7, 75.9, 22.7, and 12.9%, respectively. Additionally, the resulting film of "MCC-1%" exhibits better resistance to thermal degradation and improved thermo-stability. However, the elongation at break decreased by increasing the addition of MCC. Thus, this work may provide a simple and affordable approach to preparing a high-performing soy protein-based film.

The influence of pontic distribution on the marginal and internal gaps of CAD/CAM five-unit anterior zirconia framework.

Background/purpose: Nowadays, zirconia-based framework has been used for longspan or full-arch fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pontic distribution on marginal and internal gaps of five-unit anterior zirconiabased DPs. Materials and methods: Right maxillary central incisor and second premolar were selected as terminal abutments and three different edentulous conditions with one nonterminal abutment were simulated. Marginal and internal gaps in each zirconia-based samples(n = 10) were examined by computer-aided replica technique. Five regions, including marginal gaps at mesial or distal finishing line, internal gaps at the mesial or distal axial wall, and occlusal surface, were statistically analyzed (α = .05). Results: Most of marginal gaps and internal gaps at axial wall were clinically acceptable, but larger at occlusal surface. For the three experimental groups, clinically accepted percentage with qualified gaps were less than 30%.There were statistical differences at axial wall over pontic side and marginal gaps over non-pontic side between groups (P<0.05). For sum of gaps of all abutments in each group, statistical differences were found at marginal and axial wall (P < 0.05). As for those on terminal and non-terminal abutments, statistical differences were found on second premolar (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Except for occlusal surface, the overall marginal gaps and internal gaps at axial wall of five-unit anterior zirconia-based FDPs with different pontic distribution were clinically acceptable. However, the percentage with qualified gaps were low (<30%). Greater gaps were noted when adjacent pontic existed. Different pontic size and distribution with curvature had an influence on the gaps.

Novel Peptide DR3penA as a Low-Toxicity Antirenal Fibrosis Agent by Suppressing the TGF-ß1/miR-212-5p/Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Class a Domain Containing 4/Smad Axis.

Renal fibrosis is a complex pathological process that contributes to the development of chronic kidney disease due to various risk factors. Conservative treatment to curb progression without dialysis or renal transplantation is widely applicable, but its effectiveness is limited. Here, the inhibitory effect of the novel peptide DR3penA (DHα-(4-pentenyl)-AlaNPQIR-NH2), which was developed by our group, on renal fibrosis was assessed in cells and mice with established fibrosis and fibrosis triggered by transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), unilateral ureteral obstruction, and repeated low-dose cisplatin. DR3penA preserved renal function and ameliorated renal fibrosis at a dose approximately 100 times lower than that of captopril, which is currently used in the clinic. DR3penA also significantly reduced existing fibrosis and showed similar efficacy after subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection. Mechanistically, DR3penA repressed TGF-ß1 signaling via miR-212-5p targeting of low-density lipoprotein receptor class a domain containing 4, which interacts with Smad2/3. In addition to having good pharmacological effects, DR3penA could preferentially target injured kidneys and exhibited low toxicity in acute and chronic toxicity experiments. These results unveil the advantages of DR3penA regarding efficacy and toxicity, making it a potential candidate compound for renal fibrosis therapy.

Intravenous immunoglobulin protects the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and inhibits ferroptosis induced by radiation exposure by activating the mTOR pathway.

Radiation exposure often leads to serious health problems in humans. The intestinal epithelium is sensitive to radiation damage, and radiation causes destruction of the intestinal epithelial barrier, which leads to radiation enteritis (RE), the loss of fluids, and the translocation of intestinal bacteria and toxins; radiation can even threaten survival. In this study, we aimed to explore the influence of IVIg on the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier after RE. Using a RE mouse model, we investigated the protective effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) on the epithelial junctions of RE mice and validated these findings with intestinal organoids cultured in vitro. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blotting (WB) and immunostaining were used to further investigate changes in intestinal epithelial ferroptosis and related signaling pathways. When RE occurs, the intestinal epithelial barrier is severely damaged. IVIg treatment significantly ameliorated this damage to epithelial tight junctions both in vivo and in vitro. Notably, IVIg alleviated RE by inhibiting intestinal epithelial ferroptosis in RE mice. Mechanistically, IVIg promoted activation of the mTOR pathway and inhibited ferroptosis in the intestinal epithelium of mice. Rapamycin, which is a potent inhibitor of the mTOR protein, significantly abolished the protective effect of IVIg against radiation-induced damage to intestinal epithelial tight junctions. Overall, IVIg can prevent RE-induced damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier and inhibit ferroptosis by activating the mTOR pathway; this study provides a new treatment strategy for patients with RE caused by radiotherapy or accidental nuclear exposure.

Identification of Coding Variants in 10q22.1 Associated with Vitiligo in the Chinese Han Population.

Objective: This study aims to identify causal variants associated with vitiligo in an expanded region of 10q22.1. Materials and Methods: We conducted a fine-scale deep analysis of the expanded 10q22.1 region using in a large genome-wide association studies dataset consisting of 1117 cases and 1701 controls through imputation. We selected five nominal coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in SLC29A3 and CDH23 and genotyped them in an independent cohort of 2479 cases and 2451 controls in a Chinese Han population cohort using the Sequenom MassArray iPLEX1 system. Results: A missense SNP in SLC29A3, rs2252996, showed strong evidence of association with vitiligo (p = 1.34 × 10-8, odds ratio [OR] = 0.82). Three synonymous SNPs (rs1084004 in SLC29A3; rs12218559 and rs10999978 in CDH23) provided suggestive evidence of association for vitiligo (p = 1.69 × 10-6, OR = 0.84; p = 9.47 × 10-5, OR = 1.18; p = 6.90 × 10-4, OR = 1.16, respectively). Stepwise conditional analyses identified two significant independent disease-associated signals from the four SNPs (both p < 0.05; both D' = 0.03; and r2 = 0.00). Conclusion: The study identifies four genetic coding variants in SLC29A3 and CDH23 on 10q22.1 that may contribute to vitiligo susceptibility with one missense variant affecting disease subphenotypes. The presence of multiple genetic variants underscores their significant role in the genetic pathogenesis of the disease.

Chinese parents' intention to vaccinate their 0-5-year-old children with the EV-71 vaccine against hand, foot, and mouth disease and willingness-to-pay.

Background: This study aimed to determine the intention and willingness-to-pay (WTP) of Chinese parents/guardians to vaccinate their children with the EV-71 vaccine. Knowledge levels about hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and the EV-71 vaccine were also investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. A stratified multi-stage random sampling method was used to recruit parents/guardians of children aged 0-5 years in southeastern China. Results: A total of 3,626 complete responses were received. The mean knowledge score of HFMD was 9.99 (±4.23) out of a total of 14 points. The majority of the participants reported a somewhat willing intent (58.8%), followed by an extremely willing intent (28.9%). Participants who did not consider the EV-71 vaccine expensive (OR = 2.94, 95%CI 2.45-3.53) perceived that the EV-71 vaccine is effective (OR = 2.73, 95%CI 1.52-4.90), and a high knowledge level of HFMD (OR = 1.90, 95%CI 1.57-2.29) had the highest significant odds of having an extremely willing intent to vaccinate their children with the EV-71 vaccine. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of WTP for the EV-71 vaccine was CNY¥200/USD$28 (IQR CNY¥100-400/USD$14-56). The highest marginal WTP for the vaccine was mainly influenced by the perceived high cost of the vaccine. Those participants who did not consider the EV-71 vaccine expensive had more than 10 times higher odds of vaccinating their children (OR = 10.86, 95%CI 8.49-13.88). Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers were also significant influencing factors in the highest marginal WTP. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the importance of improving health promotion and reducing the barriers to EV-71 vaccination. Therefore, it is important to improve health promotion and reduce the barriers to EV-71 vaccination.

Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of aildenafil citrate tablets, a novel oral PDE5 inhibitor, in healthy Chinese volunteers after multiple-dose administration.

Background: Aildenafil citrate is a potent and selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase type 5, developed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim: This study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of aildenafil citrate tablets after multiple doses in healthy Chinese males. Methods: Twenty participants were divided into 2 groups, 10 participants each. Participants were administered multiple doses of aildenafil citrate tablets at 30 and 60 mg. Outcomes: The safety evaluation was based on clinical symptoms and adverse events. Concentrations of aildenafil and its key metabolites (M1, M5, and M12) in human serum were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Pharmacokinetic analysis showed rapid absorption and elimination of aildenafil, with a median time to maximum serum concentration of 1 hour and mean terminal half-lives of 2.75 and 3.26 hours in the respective dose groups. The mean maximum concentration was proportional to the aildenafil dose in the range of 30 to 60 mg, although the area under the curve was not proportional for serum concentration vs time 0 to the last measurable time point (24 hours). Multiple doses of aildenafil were well tolerated, with 60.0% of men experiencing treatment-emergent adverse events, notably myalgia and fatigue, particularly in the 60-mg group. Clinical Implications: Aildenafil citrate tablets demonstrated favorable tolerability with once-daily administration over the clinical dose range. The occurrence of myalgia and fatigue was more prevalent in the 60-mg group. From a pharmacokinetic perspective, optimal administration of aildenafil citrate tablets appears to be 1 hour before sexual intercourse in men with ED. Strengths and Limitations: This study presents robust safety and pharmacokinetic data at expected therapeutic doses, unaffected by clinical factors. The efficacy of aildenafil citrate tablets warrants further validation in individuals with ED. Conclusion: Aildenafil citrate tablets exhibited good tolerability in healthy Chinese males following multiple doses at 30 and 60 mg. The 60-mg group showed an increased incidence of myalgia and fatigue, suggesting the need for heightened clinical vigilance. The mean maximum concentration, but not the area under the curve, displayed dose proportionality within the 30- to 60-mg dose range, and no significant drug accumulation was observed with repeated daily administration. Clinical Trial Registration: CTR20192473 (http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn).

Adalimumab exhibits superiority over etanercept in terms of a numerically higher response rate and equivalent adverse events: A real-world finding.

INTRODUCTION: Adalimumab (ADA) and etanercept (ETN) are the most commonly applied biologics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management in China; however, the evidence regarding their superiority is controversial. In addition, in real-world clinical settings, many factors may affect the application of these agents, such as dosage and administration period. Therefore, the present real-world study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ADA and ETN treatment in RA patients via the propensity score matching method. METHODS: In total, 105 RA patients receiving ADA (n = 66) or ETN (n = 39) were reviewed in this retrospective study. The propensity score matching method was used to eliminate discrepancies in baseline features. Clinical response, low disease activity (LDA), and remission were evaluated based on the DAS28. RESULTS: Before propensity score matching, compared with ETN, ADA yielded higher rates of clinical response at W24 (97.0% vs. 84.6%, p = .021), LDA at W12 (78.8% vs. 51.3%, p = .003), and remission at W24 (75.8% vs. 46.2%, p = .002). After propensity score matching, compared with ETN, ADA only achieved a higher rate of clinical response at W24 (96.3% vs. 77.8%, p = .043), whereas the rates of LDA and remission were not different between ADA and ETN treatments at any time point (all p > .05). In addition, the incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the ADA and ETN treatments (all p > .05). CONCLUSION: ADA shows superiority over ETN in terms of a numerically greater response rate and equivalent adverse events.

[Mechanism of acteoside in prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis based on liver metabolomics].

This study aims to reveal the effect of acteoside on gouty arthritis(GA) in rats based on liver metabolomics. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to search for the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. SD rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, colchicine(0.3 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-, medium-, low-dose(200, 100, and 50 mg·kg~(-1), respectively) acteoside groups(n=7). The rats were administrated once a day for 7 continuous days. Monosodium urate(MSU) was used to induce GA model in rats during administration. The degree of joint swelling and pathological changes of synovial tissue in rats were observed, and the levels of interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in the synovial tissue of rats were measured. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to collect rat liver data, and Progenesis QI and EZ info were used for data analysis. Human Metabolomics Database(HMDB) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) were employed to predict the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. The results showed that acteoside alleviated joint swelling, reduced synovial tissue damage, and lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines in GA rats. A total of 19 common biomarkers were identified, 17 of which can be regulated by acteoside. Seven metabolic pathways were enriched, such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, among which glycerophospholipid metabolism was strongly disturbed. The metabolomics analysis suggested that acteoside may down-regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines and alleviate the symptoms of GA rats by regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. The findings provide a reference for future research and development of acteoside.

Application of improved GalNAc conjugation in development of cost-effective siRNA therapies targeting cardiovascular diseases.

N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies have received approval for treating both orphan and prevalent diseases. To improve in vivo efficacy and streamline the chemical synthesis process for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing, we conducted this study to identify better designs of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates for therapeutic development. Here, we present data on redesigned GalNAc-based ligands conjugated with siRNAs against angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), two target molecules with the potential to address large unmet medical needs in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. By attaching a novel pyran-derived scaffold to serial monovalent GalNAc units before solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, we achieved increased GalNAc-siRNA production efficiency with fewer synthesis steps compared to the standard triantennary GalNAc construct L96. The improved GalNAc-siRNA conjugates demonstrated equivalent or superior in vivo efficacy compared to triantennary GalNAc-conjugated siRNAs.

Artificial Trachea from Microtissue Engineering and Three-Dimensional Printing for Tracheal Personalized Repair.

Millions of people suffer from tracheal defect worldwide each year, while autograft and allograft cannot meet existing treatment needs. Tissue-engineered trachea substitutes represent a promising treatment for tracheal defect, while lack of precisely personalized treatment abilities. Therefore, development of an artificial trachea that can be used for personalized transplantation is highly desired. In this study, we report the design and fabrication of an artificial trachea based on sericin microsphere (SM) by microtissue engineering technology and three-dimensional (3D) printing for personalized repair of tracheal defect. The SM possessed natural cell adhesion and promoting cell proliferation ability. Then, the microtissue was fabricated by coincubation of SM with chondrocytes and tracheal epithelial cells. This microtissue displayed good cytocompatibility and could support seed cell adhesion and proliferation. After that, this microtissue was individually assembled to form an artificial trachea by 3D printing. Notably, artificial trachea had an encouraging complete cartilaginous and epithelial structure after transplantation. Furthermore, the artificial trachea molecularly resembled native trachea as evidenced by similar expression of trachea-critical genes. Altogether, the work demonstrates the effectiveness of microtissue engineering and 3D printing for individual construction of artificial trachea, providing a promising approach for personalized treatment of tracheal defect.

Correlation between the facial skin microbiome and sensitive skin using the 2bRAD-M technique.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to expound on the correlation between facial skin microbiome and sensitive skin (SS) using a novel sequencing technique. METHODS: We applied the 2bRAD sequencing for the microbiome, which enables accurate characterization of the low-biomass microbiome at species resolution to profile facial skin microbes in SS and non-SS groups. Further, the bacterial colonies were isolated and cultured from skin surfaces to study the pro-inflammatory effect on human keratinocytes by ELISA. RESULTS: We accordingly identified 1142 genera and 4436 strains. In the SS group, the proportions of Actinomyces and Microbotryomycetes were significantly increased, whereas that of Acidimicrobiia was decreased. Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed significant differences in 11 genera and 35 species, among which the proportions of Dermabacter, Chryseobacterium, Rhodotorula and Peptoniphilus A were increased in the SS group. Analysis of the top 10 genera revealed increased proportions of Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus. Moreover, the proportion of Dermabacter hominis was significantly increased by 18.9-fold in the SS group, whereas those of many Streptococcus strains were significantly decreased. Focus on the isolated bacterial colonies from skin surfaces, more yellow colonies were found in SS group when cultured in Tryptic Soy Broth medium for 48 h, and more interleukin-8 was detected on keratinocytes after yellow colonies stimulation, such as S.capitis, M.luteus. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that more SS-associated microorganisms can be identified using the 2bRAD technique even with a small sample size. Dermabacter hominis and Chryseobacterium was firstly reported with a significantly increase in SS, and the S.capitis, as well as M.luteus, but not S.aureus, may be associated with skin inflammation.

OBJECTIF: Cette étude visait à expliquer la corrélation entre le microbiome de la peau du visage et la peau sensible (PS) à l'aide d'une nouvelle technique de séquençage. MÉTHODES: Nous avons appliqué le séquençage 2bRAD pour le microbiome, ce qui nous a permis de caractériser précisément le microbiome à faible biomasse à la résolution des espèces pour profiler les microbes de la peau du visage dans les groupes PS et non-PS. En outre, les colonies bactériennes ont été isolées et cultivées à partir de surfaces cutanées pour étudier l'effet pro-inflammatoire sur les kératinocytes humains par ELISA. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons donc identifié 1 142 genres et 4 436 souches. Dans le groupe PS, on a pu constater des proportions d'Actinomyces et de microbotryomycètes significativement accrues, pour de moindres proportions d'Acidimicrobiia. L'analyse de Kruskal-Wallis a révélé des différences significatives dans 11 genres et 35 espèces, parmi lesquelles des proportions de Dermabacter, Chryseobacterium, Rhodotorula et Peptoniphilus A accrues dans le groupe PS. L'analyse des 10 principaux genres a montré une augmentation des proportions de Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium et Staphylococcus. En outre, la proportion de Dermabacter hominis a été multipliée par 18,9 dans le groupe PS, soit une augmentation significative, tandis que celle de nombreuses souches de Streptococcus s'est avérée significativement plus basse. En se concentrant sur les colonies bactériennes isolées des surfaces cutanées, plus de colonies jaunes ont été trouvées dans le groupe PS lorsqu'elles étaient cultivées dans du milieu de bouillon trypticase soja pendant 48 h, et davantage d'interleukine-8 a été détectée sur les kératinocytes après la stimulation des colonies jaunes comme S. capitis, M. luteus. CONCLUSIONS: Cette étude suggère que davantage de micro-organismes associés au PS peuvent être identifiés à l'aide de la technique 2bRAD, même avec un échantillon de petite taille. Dermabacter hominis et Chryseobacterium ont été rapportés avec une augmentation significative pour les PS, et S. capitis, ainsi que M. luteus, mais pas S. aureus, pouvant être associés à une inflammation cutanée.

A nomogram based on clinical factors and CT radiomics for predicting anti-MDA5+ DM complicated by RP-ILD.

OBJECTIVES: Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive (anti-MDA5+) DM complicated by rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) has a high incidence and poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to establish a model for the prediction and early diagnosis of anti-MDA5+ DM-associated RP-ILD based on clinical manifestations and imaging features. METHODS: A total of 103 patients with anti-MDA5+ DM were included. The patients were randomly split into training and testing sets of 72 and 31 patients, respectively. After image analysis, we collected clinical, imaging and radiomics features from each patient. Feature selection was performed first with the minimum redundancy and maximum relevance algorithm and then with the best subset selection method. The final remaining features comprised the radscore. A clinical model and imaging model were then constructed with the selected independent risk factors for the prediction of non-RP-ILD and RP-ILD. We also combined these models in different ways and compared their predictive abilities. A nomogram was also established. The predictive performances of the models were assessed based on receiver operating characteristics curves, calibration curves, discriminability and clinical utility. RESULTS: The analyses showed that two clinical factors, dyspnoea (P = 0.000) and duration of illness in months (P = 0.001), and three radiomics features (P = 0.001, 0.044 and 0.008, separately) were independent predictors of non-RP-ILD and RP-ILD. However, no imaging features were significantly different between the two groups. The radiomics model built with the three radiomics features performed worse than the clinical model and showed areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.805 and 0.754 in the training and test sets, respectively. The clinical model demonstrated a good predictive ability for RP-ILD in MDA5+ DM patients, with an AUC, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 0.954, 0.931, 0.837 and 0.847 in the training set and 0.890, 0.875, 0.800 and 0.774 in the testing set, respectively. The combination model built with clinical and radiomics features performed slightly better than the clinical model, with an AUC, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 0.994, 0.966, 0.977 and 0.931 in the training set and 0.890, 0.812, 1.000 and 0.839 in the testing set, respectively. The calibration curve and decision curve analyses showed satisfactory consistency and clinical utility of the nomogram. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the combination model built with clinical and radiomics features could reliably predict the occurrence of RP-ILD in MDA5+ DM patients.

Preparation of cellulose acetate based flexible separator and its application in zinc-air batteries.

Flexible solid-state zinc-air batteries as a wearable energy storage device with great potential, and their separators, which control ion permeability, inhibit zinc dendrite generation, and regulate catalytic active sites, have been developed as gel electrolyte separators with high retention of electrolyte uptake. However, the gel electrolyte separator still has problems such as poor affinity with the electrolyte and poor ionic conductivity, which limits its further application. In order to further improve the electrolyte absorption, ionic conductivity and mechanical strength of cellulose acetate(CA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers, TiO2was added to CA/PVA to increase the porosity, and glutaraldehyde (GA) was used to modify the CA/PVA/TiO2separator by acetal reaction with CA and PVA to make the molecules closely linked. The results shows that the optimal mass fractions of TiO2and GA were 2% and 5%, respectively. At this time, the porosity and absorption rate of the separator increased from 48% to 68.2% and 142.4% to 285.3%, respectively. The discharge capacity reached 179 mA cm-3, and the cycle stability rate was 89% after 7 stable constant current charge/discharge cycles.

Deciphering the Mechanisms of Photo-Enhanced Catalytic Activities in Plasmonic Pd-Au Heteromeric Nanozymes for Colorimetric Analysis.

The growing demand for highly active nanozymes in various fields has led to the development of several strategies to enhance their activity. Plasmonic enhancement, a strategy used in heterogenous catalysis, represents a promising strategy to boost the activity of nanozymes. Herein, Pd-Au heteromeric nanoparticles (Pd-Au dimers) with well-defined heterointerfaces have been explored as plasmonic nanozymes. As a model system, the Pd-Au dimers with integrated peroxidase (POD)-like activity and plasmonic activity are used to investigate the effect of plasmons on enhancing the activity of nanozymes under visible light irradiation. Mechanistic studies revealed that the generation of hot electron-hole pairs plays a dominant role in plasmonic effect, and it greatly enhances the decomposition of H2 O2 to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) intermediates (•OH, •O2 - and 1 O2 ), leading to elevated POD-like activity of the Pd-Au dimers. Finally, the Pd-Au dimers are applied in the plasmon-enhanced colorimetric method for the detection of alkaline phosphatase, exhibiting broad linear range and low detection limit. This study not only provides a straightforward approach for regulating nanozyme activity through plasmonic heterostructures but also sheds light on the mechanism of plasmon-enhanced catalysis of nanozymes.

Effect of different screen brightness and devices on online visual acuity test.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to study the difference in test results of online visual acuity (VA) test under different devices and screen brightness conditions and to compare online VA test with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). METHODS: Healthy volunteers with the best corrected VA of 0.0 LogMAR or higher were recruited. VAs under ETDRS were tested first, and then online VA test (the Stanford Acuity Test, StAT) visual acuities using iPad Air2 and Microsoft Surface pro4 under 50% and 100% screen brightness were performed. The VA results and the testing times were compared between different devices and screen brightness conditions. RESULTS: A total of 101 eyes were included in this study. The VA results measured by the StAT were better than those of ETDRS. The VA results measured at 100% screen brightness were better than those of 50% brightness (mean difference, 0.013 logMAR at most, less than 1 letter); the VA results measured by iPad Air2 were better than those of Surface pro4 (mean difference, -0.009 logMAR at most, less than 1 letter). Significantly less time was spent on VA testing under StAT than that under ETDRS. CONCLUSION: The impact of screen brightness and the device on the VA results generated by online VA tests was clinically insignificant. In addition, online VA tests are found to be reliable and more time efficient than ETDRS.