Terahertz metasurface with multiple BICs/QBICs based on a split ring resonator.

Bound state in the continuum (BIC) refers to the trapped state in the radiation continuum of a system. In the terahertz band, BIC provides a unique and feasible method to design devices with ultra-high quality factor (Q factor) and to achieve intense terahertz-matter interaction, which is of great value to terahertz science and technology. Here, multiple BICs protected by the resonance symmetry in the terahertz metasurface consisting of metallic split ring resonators (SRR) is demonstrated. The evolution from the BIC to the quasi-BIC (QBIC) is induced by changing the gap width of the SRRs. The proposed BICs are experimentally demonstrated and analyzed by the coupled mode theory along with the numerical simulation. It is found that the leakage behavior of these QBICs is strongly affected by the intrinsic Ohmic loss in the SRRs while it is quite robust to the tilted incidence.

Moisture-resistant and green cyclodextrin metal-organic framework nanozyme based on cross-linkage for visible detection of cellular hydrogen peroxide.

A moisture-resistant and green cyclodextrin metal-organic framework (CD-MOF) nanosheet has been prepared via an one-pot antisolvent synthesis procedure. After the treatment of in situ chemical cross-linkage, the two-dimensional (2D) cross-linked CD-MOF exhibited both peroxidase (POD) and oxidase (OXD) enzymatic activities, as well as hydrolytic stability. On the basis of its POD mimics function, the proof-of-concept biosensors were constructed to realize the colorimetric detection for H2O2 and glucose, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments showed that the 2D cross-linked CD-MOF nanozymes still maintained excellent biocompatibility even at a concentration reaching up to several mg/mL. The in situ colorimetric detection of H2O2 secreted by HepG2 cells further confirmed its promising biocompatibility, showing its great promises as label-free colorimetric probe in early cancer detection and pathological process monitoring.

All-dielectric nanograting for increasing terahertz radiation power of photoconductive antennas.

Photoconductive antenna (PCA) is a widely used terahertz (THz) radiation source, but its low radiated power limits the signal-to-noise ratio and bandwidth in THz imaging and spectroscopy applications. Here, we achieved significant PCA power enhancement through etching nanograting directly on the surface of the PCA substrate. The integrated nanograting not only maximizes the generation of photocarriers, but also benefits the bias electric field loaded on the photocarriers. Comparing with the conventional PCA, our PCA realizes a frequency independent THz power enhancement of 3.92 times in the range of 0.05-1.6 THz. Our results reported here not only provide a new method for increasing the THz power of PCAs, but also reveal another way that artificial nanostructures affect the PCAs, which paves the way for the subsequent researches of next-generation PCAs.

Src family protein tyrosine kinase regulates the basolateral K channel in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) by phosphorylation of KCNJ10 protein.

The loss of function of the basolateral K channels in the distal nephron causes electrolyte imbalance. The aim of this study is to examine the role of Src family protein tyrosine kinase (SFK) in regulating K channels in the basolateral membrane of the mouse initial distal convoluted tubule (DCT1). Single-channel recordings confirmed that the 40-picosiemen (pS) K channel was the only type of K channel in the basolateral membrane of DCT1. The suppression of SFK reversibly inhibited the basolateral 40-pS K channel activity in cell-attached patches and decreased the Ba(2+)-sensitive whole-cell K currents in DCT1. Inhibition of SFK also shifted the K reversal potential from -65 to -43 mV, suggesting a role of SFK in determining the membrane potential in DCT1. Western blot analysis showed that KCNJ10 (Kir4.1), a key component of the basolateral 40-pS K channel in DCT1, was a tyrosine-phosphorylated protein. LC/MS analysis further confirmed that SFK phosphorylated KCNJ10 at Tyr(8) and Tyr(9). The single-channel recording detected the activity of a 19-pS K channel in KCNJ10-transfected HEK293T cells and a 40-pS K channel in the cells transfected with KCNJ10+KCNJ16 (Kir.5.1) that form a heterotetramer in the basolateral membrane of the DCT. Mutation of Tyr(9) did not alter the channel conductance of the homotetramer and heterotetramer. However, it decreased the whole-cell K currents, the probability of finding K channels, and surface expression of KCNJ10 in comparison to WT KCNJ10. We conclude that SFK stimulates the basolateral K channel activity in DCT1, at least partially, by phosphorylating Tyr(9) on KCNJ10. We speculate that the modulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of KCNJ10 should play a role in regulating membrane transport function in DCT1.

CTX-M ß-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in suburban New York City, New York, USA.

CTX-M extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates are infrequently reported in the United States. In this study, we analyzed nonduplicate ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli clinical isolates collected during 2005-2012 at a tertiary care medical center in suburban New York City, USA, for the presence of blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaKPC genes. Despite a high prevalence of blaCTX-M genes in ESBL-producing E. coli since 2005, blaCTX-M genes were not detected in K. pneumoniae until 2009. The prevalence of CTX-M-producing K. pneumoniae increased significantly over time from 1.7% during 2005-2009 to 26.4% during 2010-2012 (p<0.0001). CTX-M-15 was the dominant CTX-M genotype. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing revealed high genetic heterogeneities in CTX-M-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. This study demonstrates the recent emergence and polyclonal spread of multidrug resistant CTX-M-producing K. pneumoniae isolates among patients in a hospital setting in the United States.

Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi nucleic acids after antibiotic treatment does not confirm viability.

The persistence of dormant, noncultivable Borrelia burgdorferi after ceftriaxone treatment was examined. B. burgdorferi isolates were cultivated in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium in the presence or absence of ceftriaxone, and cultures were monitored for up to 56 days. Viability of B. burgdorferi was assessed by subculture, growth, morphology, and pH (as a surrogate for metabolic activity). In addition, the presence of B. burgdorferi DNA and mRNA was assayed by PCR and by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, respectively. Spirochetes could not be successfully subcultured by day 3 after exposure to ceftriaxone. In cultures treated with ceftriaxone, the pH of the culture medium did not change through day 56, whereas it declined by at least 1 pH unit by 14 days in untreated cultures. These results suggest that B. burgdorferi viability is rapidly eliminated after antibiotic treatment. Nevertheless, DNA was detected by B. burgdorferi-specific PCR for up to 56 days in aliquots from both ceftriaxone-treated and untreated cultures. In addition, although ceftriaxone treatment resulted in a reduction in the quantities of transcript for ospC, ospA, flaB, and pfk, certain mRNAs could be detected through day 14. Transcript for all 4 genes was essentially undetectable after 28 days of treatment. Taken together, the results suggest that B. burgdorferi DNA and mRNA can be detected in samples long after spirochetes are no longer viable as assessed by classic microbiological parameters. PCR positivity in the absence of culture positivity following antibiotic treatment in animal and human studies should be interpreted with caution.

Active terahertz beam steering based on mechanical deformation of liquid crystal elastomer metasurface.

Active metasurfaces are emerging as the core of next-generation optical devices with their tunable optical responses and flat-compact topography. Especially for the terahertz band, active metasurfaces have been developed as fascinating devices for optical chopping and compressive sensing imaging. However, performance regulation by changing the dielectric parameters of the integrated functional materials exhibits severe limitations and parasitic losses. Here, we introduce a C-shape-split-ring-based phase discontinuity metasurface with liquid crystal elastomer as the substrate for infrared modulation of terahertz wavefront. Line-focused infrared light is applied to manipulate the deflection of the liquid crystal elastomer substrate, enabling controllable and broadband wavefront steering with a maximum output angle change of 22° at 0.68 THz. Heating as another control method is also investigated and compared with infrared control. We further demonstrate the performance of liquid crystal elastomer metasurface as a beam steerer, frequency modulator, and tunable beam splitter, which are highly desired in terahertz wireless communication and imaging systems. The proposed scheme demonstrates the promising prospects of mechanically deformable metasurfaces, thereby paving the path for the development of reconfigurable metasurfaces.

Prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet counts during chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the predictive significance of dynamic changes in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet counts (PLTs) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) during chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 259 advanced GC patients receiving chemotherapy were enrolled and grouped by high or low NLR with a cut value of 2.5 and PLT with cut value of 300×109/L. The Kaplan-Meier survival model and the Log-rank test were carried out to determine the comparison on the overall survival differences. Cox regression analysis was employed to carry out both univariate and multivariate regression studies, aiming to explore potential prognostic factors acting independently. RESULTS: Higher pre-chemotherapy NLR exhibited an association with metastasis and advanced grade of Borrmann type, and higher NLR of pre- or post-chemotherapy GC patients was related with Borrmann type grade. Moreover, higher PLT counts are associated with advanced grades of Borrmann type. Interestingly, patients with lower post-chemotherapy NLR or decreasing NLR hold better overall response rate and disease control rate than those with higher NLR or increasing NLR. Furthermore, patients with high post-chemotherapy NLR alone or higher post-chemotherapy NLR plus higher post-chemotherapy PLT. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that high post-chemotherapy NLR and post-chemotherapy PLT might be adverse prognostic markers in advanced GC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Synergistic effect of novel Co-modified micro/nano geopolymers in a photo-PDS system.

Persulfate activation is an efficient advanced oxidation process for water treatment. However, many catalyst materials make their preparation methods and raw materials very complicated and expensive while pursuing high-efficiency catalytic effects. In this research, a novel Co-modified micro/nano geopolymer (Co-MNG) material was prepared from solid waste using a mechanochemical method. The whole preparation process of Co-MNG is simple and time-saving, and most of its raw materials are solid waste. In addition, it has few adverse effects on the environment during preparation and use and has a good effect on PDS activation. Under dark conditions, 1 mg L-1 of unloaded Co metal MNG material could degrade 20 mg L-1 Rhodamine B solution by 79% in 60 min with 15 mM PDS, but the application of visible light could not enhance its effect. However, after adding 4 wt% of different Co-containing compounds, the prepared Co-MNG materials could improve their degradation effect under the same conditions, and it is more obvious under the condition of applying visible light. Among them, MNG-Co(NO3)2 could completely degrade RhB within 40 min under the application of visible light. ESR (electron spin resonance) tests showed that the MNG-Co(NO3)2 material could generate a variety of active radicals in a photo-PDS system, such as h+, ·OH, ·O2- and SO4-. Mechanistic research experiments showed that both visible light and Co-MNG materials can activate PDS to a certain extent, but when both exist at the same time, the material could effectively couple visible light and Co activation of PDS in a photo-PDS activation system to achieve synergistic degradation of pollutants in water.

Effects of alendronate sodium combined with InterTan on osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures and fracture recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a global disease affecting 6.6% of the total population. Osteoporosis complications include fractures, increased bone fragility, and reduced bone strength. The most commonly affected parts are the vertebral body, hip, and wrist. AIM: To examine the effect of alendronate sodium combined with InterTan for osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures on bone and fracture recurrence. METHODS: In total, 126 cases of osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures were selected and divided into two groups according to the 1:1 principle by the simple random method. They were admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical College, from January 2018 to September 2020. The control group was treated with InterTan fixation combined with placebo, and the observation group with alendronate sodium based on InterTan fixation. Operation-related indicators, complications, and recurrent fractures were compared between the groups. Changes in bone metabolism markers, t value for hip bone mineral density, and Harris Hip Score were observed. RESULTS: Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation time, and complications were compared between the groups, and no significant difference was found. The fracture healing time was significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group. ß-Collagen-specific sequence (ß-CTX) and total aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (T-PINP) in the control group at 3 mo after operation were compared with those before operation, and the difference was not significant. Six months after the operation, the ß-CTX level decreased and T-PINP level increased. ß-CTX level at 3 and 6 mo in the observation group after operation was lower, and T-PINP level was higher, than that before operation. Compared with the control group, T-PINP level of the observation group was significantly higher and ß-CTX level was significantly lower at 3 and 6 mo after operation. The t value of hip bone mineral density was compared in the control group before and 1 mo after operation, and significant difference was not found. Compared with the control group, the t value of hip bone mineral density in the observation group was significantly higher at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after operation. Compared with the control group, the Harris score of the observation group was significantly higher at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after operation. The recurrence rate of fractures in the observation group within 12 mo was 0.00%, which was significantly lower than 6.35% in the control group. CONCLUSION: Alendronate sodium combined with InterTan in the treatment of osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures can increase bone mineral density, improve hip joint function, promote fracture healing, and reduce fracture recurrence.

Effect of a Dual Functional Polymer on the Electro-Optical Properties of Blue Phase Liquid Crystals.

The effects of the fluorinated monomer with an ethynyl group on the electro-optical properties of polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystals (PSBPLCs) were investigated in different polymer systems. In rigid polymer systems, the Kerr constant can be increased by about 27.6%, while keeping a microsecond response time. In soft polymer systems, hysteresis decreased by about 45.5% and residual birefringence can be reduced from 1.85% to 0.6%. The above phenomena exhibited dual functions of affecting the anchoring energy and the viscosity of the system simultaneously. The results provide a potential value for the ethynyl-containing monomers in PSBPLC systems.

Inhibition of miR-205 impairs the wound-healing process in human corneal epithelial cells by targeting KIR4.1 (KCNJ10).

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to test the hypotheses that injury stimulates the expression of miR-205, which in turn inhibits KCNJ10 channels by targeting its 3' UTR, thereby facilitating the wound-healing process in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). METHODS: A stem-loop qRT-PCR was used to examine the miR-205 expression. BrdU cell proliferation assay and wound scratch assay were applied to measure the effect of miR-205 mimic or antagomer in HCECs. The patch-clamp technique, dual luciferase reporter assay, and Western blot analysis were employed to test whether miR-205 regulates KCNJ10, one of the target genes of miR-205. Both of the primary human and mouse corneal epithelial cells (pH/MCECs) were employed to further confirm the observations obtained in HCECs. RESULTS: The scratch injury in pH/MCECs increased the expression of miR-205 and decreased the expression of KCNJ10 within 24 hours. The notion that miR-205 may target KCNJ10 was supported by dual luciferase reporter assay showing an inhibition effect of miR-205 on 3' UTR of KCNJ10. Application of miR-205 antagomer significantly delayed the regrowth in wounded HCECs. However, inhibition of KCNJ10 partially abolished the effect from miR-205 antagomer and restored the healing process. Moreover, overexpression miR-205 antagomer enhanced the protein expression of KCNJ10 but not KCNJ16. In addition, patch-clamp demonstrated that inhibition of endogenous miR-205 expression increased Ba²âº-sensitive inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels. In addition, an electrophysiological study of pHCECs showed the presence of KCNJ10-like 20 pS K⁺ channels and scratch injury significantly decreased the Ba²âº-sensitive inwardly rectifying K⁺ currents. CONCLUSIONS: miR-205 stimulates wound healing by inhibiting its target gene KCNJ10.

CD19: a biomarker for B cell development, lymphoma diagnosis and therapy.

The human CD19 antigen is a 95 kd transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. CD19 is classified as a type I transmembrane protein, with a single transmembrane domain, a cytoplasmic C-terminus, and extracellular N-terminus. CD19 is a biomarker for normal and neoplastic B cells, as well as follicular dendritic cells. CD19 is critically involved in establishing intrinsic B cell signaling thresholds through modulating both B cell receptor-dependent and independent signaling. CD19 functions as the dominant signaling component of a multimolecular complex on the surface of mature B cells, alongside complement receptor CD21, and the tetraspanin membrane protein CD81 (TAPA-1), as well as CD225. Through study of CD19 transgenic and knockout mouse models, it becomes clear that CD19 plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between humoral, antigen-induced response and tolerance induction. This review also summarized latest clinical development of CD19 antibodies, anti-B4-bR (an immunotoxin conjugate), blinatumomab (BiTE), and SAR3419 (huB4-DM4), a novel antibody-drug conjugate.

Novel CD20 monoclonal antibodies for lymphoma therapy.

Rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CD20, has been widely used for lymphoma therapy. RTX in combination with cyclophosphamide /doxorubicin /vincristine /prednisone (R-CHOP) remains the standard frontline regimen for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, suboptimal response and /or resistance to rituximab have remained a challenge in the therapy of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Novel agents are under active clinical trials. This review will summarize the latest development in new mAbs against CD20, which include second-generation mAbs, ofatumumab, veltuzumab (IMMU-106), ocrelizumab (PRO70769), and third-generation mAbs, AME-133v (ocaratuzumab), PRO131921 and GA101 (obinutumumab).