Metasurface array for single-shot spectroscopic ellipsometry.

Spectroscopic ellipsometry is a potent method that is widely adopted for the measurement of thin film thickness and refractive index. Most conventional ellipsometers utilize mechanically rotating polarizers and grating-based spectrometers for spectropolarimetric detection. Here, we demonstrated a compact metasurface array-based spectroscopic ellipsometry system that allows single-shot spectropolarimetric detection and accurate determination of thin film properties without any mechanical movement. The silicon-based metasurface array with a highly anisotropic and diverse spectral response is combined with iterative optimization to reconstruct the full Stokes polarization spectrum of the light reflected by the thin film with high fidelity. Subsequently, the film thickness and refractive index can be determined by fitting the measurement results to a proper material model with high accuracy. Our approach opens up a new pathway towards a compact and robust spectroscopic ellipsometry system for the high throughput measurement of thin film properties.

Fetal Hemodynamics, Early Survival, and Neurodevelopment in Patients With Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Fetuses with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) exhibit profound fetal circulatory disturbances that may affect early outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the relationship between fetal hemodynamics and early survival and neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes in patients with cyanotic CHD. METHODS: In this longitudinal observational study, fetuses with cyanotic CHD underwent late gestational fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to measure vessel blood flow and oxygen content. Superior vena cava (SVC) flow was used as a proxy for cerebral blood flow. Primary outcomes were 18-month mortality and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III assessment. RESULTS: A total of 144 fetuses with cyanotic CHD were assessed. By 18 months, 18 patients (12.5%) died. Early mortality was associated with reduced combined ventricular output (P = 0.01), descending aortic flow (P = 0.04), and umbilical vein flow (P = 0.03). Of the surviving patients, 71 had ND outcomes assessed. Cerebral oxygen delivery was the fetal hemodynamic variable most strongly associated with cognitive, language, and motor outcomes (P < 0.05). Fetal SVC flow was also associated with cognitive, language, and motor outcomes (P < 0.01), and it remained an independent predictor of cognitive (P = 0.002) and language (P = 0.04) outcomes after adjusting for diagnosis. Diminished SVC flow also performed better than other fetal CMR and echocardiographic predictors of cognitive ND delay (receiver-operating characteristic curve area: 0.85; SE 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among fetuses with cyanotic CHD, diminished fetal combined ventricular output is associated with mortality, whereas cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery are associated with early cognitive, language, and motor development at 18 months of age. These results support the inclusion of fetal CMR to help identify patients at risk of adverse ND outcomes.

Analysis of alterations in serum vitamins and correlations with gut microbiome, microbial metabolomics in patients with sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play key roles in many biological pathways associated with sepsis. The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in the progression of sepsis and may contribute to the onset of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in serum vitamins, and their correlation with intestinal flora and metabolomic profiles in patients with sepsis. METHODS: The serum levels of vitamins were determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) targeted metabolomics were used for microbiome and metabolome analysis. RESULTS: In the training cohort: After univariate, multivariate (OPLS-DA) and Spearman analyses, it was concluded that vitamin levels of 25 (OH) VD3 and (VD2 + VD3), as well as vitamins A and B9, differed significantly among healthy controls (HC), non-septic critical patients (NS), and sepsis patients (SS) (P < 0.05). The validation cohort confirmed the differential vitamin findings from the training cohort. Moreover, analyses of gut flora and metabolites in septic patients and healthy individuals revealed differential flora, metabolites, and metabolic pathways that were linked to alterations in serum vitamin levels. We found for the first time that vitamin B9 was negatively correlated with g_Sellimonas. CONCLUSION: Sepsis patients exhibited significantly lower levels of 25 (OH) VD3 and (VD2 + VD3), vitamins A and B9, which hold potential as predictive markers for sepsis prognosis. The changes in these vitamins may be associated with inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and changes in gut flora.

Pulmonary Vascular Regulation in the Fetal and Transitional Lung.

Fetal lungs have fewer and smaller arteries with higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) than a newborn. As gestation advances, the pulmonary circulation becomes more sensitive to changes in pulmonary arterial oxygen tension, which prepares them for the dramatic drop in PVR and increase in pulmonary blood flow (PBF) that occur when the baby takes its first few breaths of air, thus driving the transition from fetal to postnatal circulation. Dynamic and intricate regulatory mechanisms control PBF throughout development and are essential in supporting gas exchange after birth. Understanding these concepts is crucial given the role the pulmonary vasculature plays in the development of complications with transition, such as in the setting of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and congenital heart disease. An improved understanding of pulmonary vascular regulation may reveal opportunities for better clinical management.

Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) significantly impacts global society since it is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and extracellular vesicle (EV)-based therapies have been extensively investigated. EV delivery is involved in mediating the progression of CVDs and has great potential to be biomarker and therapeutic molecular carrier. Besides, EVs from stem cells and cardiac cells can effectively protect the heart from various pathologic conditions, and then serve as an alternative treatment for CVDs. Moreover, the research of using EVs as delivery carriers of therapeutic molecules, membrane engineering modification of EVs, or combining EVs with biomaterials further improves the application potential of EVs in clinical treatment. However, currently there are only a few articles summarizing the application of EVs in CVDs. This review provides an overview of the role of EVs in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of CVDs. It also focuses on how EVs promote the repair of myocardial injury and therapeutic methods of CVDs. In conclusion, it is of great significance to review the research on the application of EVs in the treatment of CVDs, which lays a foundation for further exploration of the role of EVs, and clarifies the prospect of EVs in the treatment of myocardial injury.

Feasibility of MRI assessment of maternal-fetal oxygen transport and consumption relative to maternal position in healthy late gestational pregnancies.

Late gestational supine positioning reduces maternal cardiac output due to inferior vena caval (IVC) compression, despite increased collateral venous return. However, little is known about the impact of maternal position on oxygen (O2 ) delivery and consumption of the gravid uterus, fetus, placenta and lower limbs. We studied the effects of maternal positioning on these parameters in 20 healthy pregnant subjects at 36 ± 2 weeks using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); a follow-up MRI was performed 6-months postpartum (n = 16/20). MRI techniques included phase-contrast and T1/T2 relaxometry for blood flow and oximetry imaging, respectively. O2 transport was measured in the following vessels (bilateral where appropriate): maternal abdominal descending aorta (DAoabdo ), IVC, ovarian, paraspinal veins (PSV), uterine artery (UtA) and external iliacs, and umbilical. Maternal cardiac output was measured by summing DAothoracic and superior vena cava flows. Supine mothers (n = 6) had lower cardiac output and O2 delivery in the DAoabdo , UtA and external iliac arteries, and higher PSV flow than those in either the left (n = 8) or right (n = 6) lateral positions during MRI. However, O2 consumption in the gravid uterus, fetus, placenta and lower limbs was unaffected by maternal positioning. The ratio of IVC/PSV flow decreased in supine mothers while ovarian venous flow and O2 saturation were unaltered, suggesting a major route of pelvic venous return unaffected by maternal position. Placental-fetal O2 transport and consumption were similar between left and right lateral maternal positions. In comparison to non-pregnant findings, DAoabdo and UtA O2 delivery and pelvic O2 consumption increased, while lower-limb consumption remained constant , despite reduced external iliac artery O2 delivery in late gestation. KEY POINTS: Though sleeping supine during the third trimester is associated with an increased risk of antepartum stillbirth, the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. Maternal cardiac output and uteroplacental flow are reduced in supine mothers due to inferior vena caval compression from the weight of the gravid uterus. This MRI study provides a comprehensive circulatory assessment, demonstrating reduced maternal cardiac output and O2 delivery (uteroplacental, lower body) in supine compared to lateral positioning; however, O2 consumption (gravid uterus, fetus, placenta, lower limbs) was preserved. Unlike other mammalian species, the ovarian veins conduct substantial venous return from the human pregnant uterus that is unaffected by maternal positioning. Lumbar paraspinal venous flow increased in supine mothers. These observations may have important considerations during major pelvic surgery in pregnancy (i.e. placenta percreta). Future studies should address the importance of maternal positioning as a potential tool to deliver improved perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with compromised uteroplacental O2 delivery.

Cellulase immobilization to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass: An all-inclusive review.

Cellulase-mediated lignocellulosic biorefinery plays a crucial role in the production of high-value biofuels and chemicals, with enzymatic hydrolysis being an essential component. The advent of cellulase immobilization has revolutionized this process, significantly enhancing the efficiency, stability, and reusability of cellulase enzymes. This review offers a thorough analysis of the fundamental principles underlying immobilization, encompassing various immobilization approaches such as physical adsorption, covalent binding, entrapment, and cross-linking. Furthermore, it explores a diverse range of carrier materials, including inorganic, organic, and hybrid/composite materials. The review also focuses on emerging approaches like multi-enzyme co-immobilization, oriented immobilization, immobilized enzyme microreactors, and enzyme engineering for immobilization. Additionally, it delves into novel carrier technologies like 3D printing carriers, stimuli-responsive carriers, artificial cellulosomes, and biomimetic carriers. Moreover, the review addresses recent obstacles in cellulase immobilization, including molecular-level immobilization mechanism, diffusion limitations, loss of cellulase activity, cellulase leaching, and considerations of cost-effectiveness and scalability. The knowledge derived from this review is anticipated to catalyze the evolution of more efficient and sustainable biocatalytic systems for lignocellulosic biomass conversion, representing the current state-of-the-art in cellulase immobilization techniques.

Techno-economic analysis of residential building heating strategies for cost-effective upgrades in European cities.

The energy crisis in Europe requires cost-effective evaluations of residential heating strategies to reduce costs and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This research studied different heating systems in China and Europe. Based on heating energy surveys, simulation models were developed and further expanded for European cities. Monte Carlo analyses were conducted to understand the heating demand and utility costs in Rome, Madrid, and Athens. The sensitivity analysis found that electrifying heating systems with heat pumps can reduce household heating costs and mitigate European cities' dependence on natural gas. However, the high upfront investment may hinder the cost-effective deployment of high-performance heat pump systems. Building envelope retrofits can also provide plausible energy savings despite relatively long payback periods. Financial incentive analyses were conducted to quantify how fiscal measures can improve technologies' techno-economic performance. Finally, the paper provided policy recommendations on future building cost-effective retrofits and heating electrification in Europe.

Diagnosis and surgical outcomes of coarctation of the aorta in pediatric patients: a retrospective study.

Background: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a common congenital cardiovascular malformation, and improvements in the diagnostic process for surgical decision-making are important. We sought to compare the diagnostic accuracy of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to diagnose CoA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 197 cases of CoA diagnosed by TTE and CTA and confirmed at surgery from July 2009 to August 2019. Results: The surgical findings confirmed that 19 patients (9.6%) had isolated CoA and 178 (90.4%) had CoA combined with other congenital cardiovascular malformations. The diagnostic accuracy of CoA by CTA was significantly higher than that of TTE (χ2 = 6.52, p = 0.01). In contrast, the diagnostic accuracy of TTE for associated cardiovascular malformations of CoA was significantly higher than that of CTA (χ2 = 15.36, p < 0.0001). Infants and young children had more preductal type of CoA, and PDA was the most frequent cardiovascular lesion associated with CoA. The pressure gradient was significantly decreased after the first operation, similar at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years follow-ups by TTE. Conclusions: CTA is more accurate as a clinical tool for diagnosing CoA; however, TTE with color Doppler can better identify associated congenital cardiovascular malformations. Therefore, combining TTE and CTA would benefit clinical evaluation and management in patients suspected of CoA. TTE was valuable for post-operation follow-up and clinical management.

Advanced imaging of fetal cardiac function.

Over recent decades, a variety of advanced imaging techniques for assessing cardiovascular physiology and cardiac function in adults and children have been applied in the fetus. In many cases, technical development has been required to allow feasibility in the fetus, while an appreciation of the unique physiology of the fetal circulation is required for proper interpretation of the findings. This review will focus on recent advances in fetal echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), providing examples of their application in research and clinical settings. We will also consider future directions for these technologies, including their ongoing technical development and potential clinical value.

Identification of potential biomarkers and pathways for sepsis using RNA sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been proven by many to play a crucial part in the process of sepsis. To obtain a better understanding of sepsis, the molecular biomarkers associated with it, and its possible pathogenesis, we obtained data from RNA-sequencing analysis using serum from three sepsis patients and three healthy controls (HCs). Using edgeR (one of the Bioconductor software package), we identified 1118 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and 1394 differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DElncRNAs) between sepsis patients and HCs. We identified the biological functions of these disordered genes using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analyses. The GO analysis showed that the homophilic cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion molecules was the most significantly enriched category. The KEGG signaling pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were most significantly enriched in retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. Using STRING, a protein-protein interaction network was also created, and Cytohubba was used to determine the top 10 hub genes. To examine the relationship between the hub genes and sepsis, we examined three datasets relevant to sepsis that were found in the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. PTEN and HIST2H2BE were recognized as hub gene in both GSE4607, GSE26378, and GSE9692 datasets. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicate that PTEN and HIST2H2BE have good diagnostic value for sepsis. In conclusion, this two hub genes may be biomarkers for the early diagnosis of sepsis, our findings should deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of sepsis.

A novel DEAH-box helicase 37 mutation associated with differences of sex development.

Objective: To determine the genetic etiology of a family pedigree with two patients affected by differences of sex development (DSD). Methods: Assess the clinical characteristics of the patients and achieve exome sequencing results and in vitro functional studies. Results: The 15-year-old proband, raised as female, presented with delayed puberty and short stature associated with atypical genitalia. Hormonal profile showed hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism. Imaging studies revealed the absence of a uterus and ovaries. The karyotype confirmed a 46, XY pattern. Her younger brother presented with a micropenis and hypoplastic scrotum with non-palpable testis and hypospadias. Laparoscopic exploration was performed on the younger brother. Streak gonads were found and removed due to the risk of neoplastic transformation. Post-operative histopathology showed the co-existence of Wolffian and Müllerian derivatives. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel mutation (c.1223C>T, p. Ser408Leu) in the Asp-Glu-Ala-His-box helicase 37 gene, which was found to be deleterious by in silico analysis. Segregation analysis of the variant displayed a sex-limited, autosomal dominant, maternal inheritance pattern. In vitro experiments revealed that the substitution of 408Ser by Leu caused decreased DHX37 expression both at the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, the ß-catenin protein was upregulated, and the p53 protein was unaltered by mutant DHX37. Conclusions: We described a novel mutation (c.1223C>T, p. Ser408Leu) of the DHX37 gene associated with a Chinese pedigree consisting of two 46, XY DSD patients. We speculated that the underlying molecular mechanism might involve upregulation of the ß-catenin protein.

Kinetic modeling of xylonic acid production by Gluconobacter oxydans: effects of hydrodynamic conditions.

In this study, the synthesis of xylonic acid from xylose by Gluconobacter oxydans NL71 has been investigated. According to the relationship between oxygen transfer rate and oxygen uptake rate, three different kinetic models of product formation were established and the nonlinear fitting was carried out. The results showed that G. oxydans has critical dissolved oxygen under different strain concentrations, and the relationship between respiration intensity and dissolved oxygen conformed to the Monod equation [Formula: see text]. The maximum reaction rate per unit cell mass and the theoretical maximum specific productivity of G. oxydans obtained by the kinetic model are 0.042 mol/L/h and 6.97 g/gx/h, respectively. These results will assist in determining the best balance between the airflow rate and cell concentration in the reaction and improve the production efficiency of xylonic acid.

Study on the relationship between hydrodynamic conditions and arsenic content in Quaternary sediments.

Groundwater is susceptible to arsenic contamination by sediment with high arsenic content, which is the primary culprit of regional arsenic pollution and poisoning. To explore the influence of the change in hydrodynamic conditions caused by changes in the sedimentary environment over time on arsenic content in sediments during the Quaternary, the hydrodynamic characteristics and arsenic content enrichment of borehole sediments were studied in typical high-arsenic groundwater areas of the Jianghan-Dongting Basin, China. The regional hydrodynamic conditions represented by each borehole location were analyzed, the correlation between the variation in groundwater dynamics characteristics and arsenic content in different hydrodynamic periods was analyzed, and the relationship between arsenic content and grain size distribution was quantitatively investigated using grain size parameter calculation, elemental analysis, and statistical estimates of arsenic content in borehole sediments. We observed that the relationship between arsenic content and hydrodynamic conditions differed between sedimentary periods. Furthermore, arsenic content in the sediments from the borehole at Xinfei Village was significantly and positively correlated with a grain size of 127.0-240.0 µm. For the borehole at Wuai Village, arsenic content was significantly and positively correlated with a grain size of 1.38-9.82 µm size (at 0.05 level of significance). However, arsenic content was inversely correlated with grain sizes of 110.99-716.87 and 133.75-282.07 µm at p values of 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. For the borehole at Fuxing Water Works, arsenic content was significantly and positively correlated with a grain size of 409.6-655.0 µm size (at 0.05 level of significance). Arsenic tended to be enriched in transitional and turbidity facies sediments with normal corresponding hydrodynamic strength but poor sorting. Furthermore, continuous and stable sedimentary sequences were conducive to arsenic enrichment. Fine-grain sediments provided abundant potential adsorption sites for high-arsenic sediments, but finer particle size was not correlated with higher arsenic levels.

Structurally integrated asymmetric polymer electrolyte with stable Janus interface properties for high-voltage lithium metal batteries.

Solid-state polymer electrolytes are outstanding candidates for next-generation lithium metal batteries in the realm of high specific energy densities, high safeties and tight contact with electrodes. However, their applications are still hindered by the limitations that no single polymer is electrochemically stable with the oxidizing high-voltage cathode and the highly reductive Li anode, simultaneously. Herein, a bilayer asymmetric polymer electrolyte (SL-SPE) without accessional interface resistance that using poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as a "bridge" to connect the sulfonyl (OS = O)-contained oxidation-tolerated layer and polyether-derived reduction-tolerated layer (SPE), is proposed and synthesized by sequential two-step UV polymerizations. SL-SPE can provide widened electrochemical stability window up to 5 V, while simultaneously deploying a stable Janus interface property. Eventually, the superior high-voltage (4.4 V) cycling durability can be displayed in LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2|SL-SPE|Li batteries. This finding provides a bran-new idea for designing multifunctional polymer electrolytes in the application of solid-state batteries.

Fetal cardiovascular blood flow MRI: techniques and applications.

Fetal cardiac MRI is challenging due to fetal and maternal movements as well as the need for a reliable cardiac gating signal and high spatiotemporal resolution. Ongoing research and recent technical developments to address these challenges show the potential of MRI as an adjunct to ultrasound for the assessment of the fetal heart and great vessels. MRI measurements of blood flow have enabled the assessment of normal fetal circulation as well as conditions with disrupted circulations, such as congenital heart disease, along with associated organ underdevelopment and hemodynamic instability. This review provides details of the techniques used in fetal cardiovascular blood flow MRI, including single slice and volumetric imaging sequences, post-processing and analysis, along with a summary of applications in human studies and animal models.

Corynoline protects against zearalenone-induced liver injury by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Corynoline has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. In the present study, the potential protective effects of corynoline against zearalenone (ZEA)-induced liver injury were investigated. ZEA was administered daily for 5 days. Then, liver tissues were used for subsequent experiments. Corynoline attenuated liver histopathological changes induced by ZEA. The production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß in liver tissues, as well as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum, was also inhibited by corynoline. Meanwhile, ZEA-induced MPO activity and MDA content were both attenuated by corynoline. ZEA-induced NF-κB p65 and IκBα phosphorylation were inhibited by corynoline. Furthermore, SIRT1, Nrf2, and HO-1 expression were increased by corynoline. In addition, the protective effects of corynoline against liver injury were reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527. Taken together, corynoline protected against ZEA-induced liver injury by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

A guide to prenatal counseling regarding neurodevelopment in congenital heart disease.

Advances in cardiac surgical techniques taking place over the past 50 years have resulted in the vast majority of children born with congenital cardiac malformations now surviving into adulthood. As the focus shifts from survival to the functional outcomes of our patients, it is increasingly being recognized that a significant proportion of patients undergoing infant cardiac repair experience adverse neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes. The etiology of abnormal brain development in the setting of congenital heart disease is poorly understood, complex, and likely multifactorial. Furthermore, the efficacy of therapies available for the learning disabilities, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorders and other ND deficits complicating congenital heart disease is currently uncertain. This situation presents a challenge for prenatal counseling as current antenatal testing does not usually provide prognostic information regarding the likely ND trajectories of individual patients. However, we believe it is important for parents to be informed about potential issues with child development when a new diagnosis of congenital heart disease is disclosed. Parents deserve a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to this subject, which conveys the uncertainties involved in predicting the severity of any developmental disorders encountered, while emphasizing the improvements in outcomes that have already been achieved in infants with congenital heart disease. A balanced approach to counseling should also discuss what local arrangements are in place for ND follow-up. This review presents an up-to-date overview of ND outcomes in patients with congenital heart disease, providing possible approaches to communicating this information to parents during prenatal counseling in a sensitive and accurate manner.

Oxygen mass transfer enhancement by activated carbon particles in xylose fermentation media.

In this work, the effect of activated carbon particles on the production of xylonic acid from xylose by Gluconobacter oxydans in a stirred tank bioreactor was investigated. The enhancement of the oxygen transfer coefficient by activated carbon particles was experimentally evaluated under different solids volume fractions, agitation and aeration rates conditions. The experimental conditions optimized by response surface methodology (agitation speed 800 rpm, aeration rate 7 L min-1, and activated carbon 0.002%) showed a maximum oxygen transfer coefficient of 520.7 h-1, 40.4% higher than the control runs without activated carbon particles. Under the maximum oxygen transfer coefficient condition, the xylonic acid titer reached 108.2 g/L with a volumetric productivity of 13.53 g L-1 h-1 and a specific productivity of 6.52 g/gx/h. In conclusion, the addition of activated carbon particles effectively enhanced the oxygen mass transfer rate. These results demonstrate that activated carbon particles enhanced cultivation for xylonic acid production an inexpensive and attractive alternative.