Synergistic Polarization Engineering on Bulk and Surface for Boosting CO2 Photoreduction.

Sluggish charge kinetics and low CO2 affinity seriously inhibit CO2 photoreduction. Herein, the synchronous promotion of charge separation and CO2 affinity of Bi4 Ti3 O12 is realized by coupling corona poling and surface I-grafting. Corona poling enhances ferroelectric polarization of Bi4 Ti3 O12 by aligning the domains direction, which profoundly promotes charge transfer along opposite directions across bulk. Surface I-grafting forms a surface local electric field for further separating charge carriers and provides abundant active sites to enhance CO2 adsorption. The two modifications cooperatively further increase the ferroelectric polarization of Bi4 Ti3 O12 , which maximize the separation efficiency of photogenerated charges, resulting in an enhanced CO production rate of 15.1 µmol g-1 h-1 (nearly 9 times) with no sacrificial agents or cocatalysts. This work discloses that ferroelectric polarization and surface ion grafting can promote CO2 photoreduction in a synergistic way.

Quantitative diagnostic advantages of three-dimensional ultrasound volume imaging for fetal posterior fossa anomalies: Preliminary establishment of a prediction model.

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively assess prenatal diagnostic performance of three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) for posterior fossa anomalies (PFA) and establish a preliminarily 3D-US prediction model. METHODS: Sixty singleton fetuses suspected of PFA by 2D-US presented their detailed 3D-US evaluation. The surface area of vermis (SAV), brainstem-vermis, and brainstem-tentorium angles were measured by 3D-US. The good prognosis was defined as normal neurodevelopmental outcome. MRI and autopsy were the diagnostic reference standard. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between 2D-US (60.0%, 36/60) and 3D-US (94.8%, 55/58) for the diagnostic accuracy (P < .01). Prenatal 3D-US prediction model was established with observed/expected SAV as the main predictor (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.901; 95% CI, 0.810-0.992, P < .001). When it was more than 107.5%, the prognosis seemed to be good (sensitivity: 96.4%, specificity: 26.7%), which led to consideration of mega cisterna magna, Blake pouch cyst, or small arachnoid cyst. The prognosis appeared to be poor when it was less than 73% (sensitivity: 71.4%, specificity: 100%), and the diagnosis tended to be a Dandy-Walker malformation, vermian hypoplasia, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Brainstem-vermis and brainstem-tentorium angles were the secondary indicators (AUC: 0.689 vs 0.761; 95% CI, 0.541-0.836 vs 0.624-0.897, P = .014 vs.001). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the exact types of PFA can be effectively diagnosed by quantitative indicators of 3D-US.

Combination of radiological and gray level co-occurrence matrix textural features used to distinguish solitary pulmonary nodules by computed tomography.

The objective of this study was to investigate the method of the combination of radiological and textural features for the differentiation of malignant from benign solitary pulmonary nodules by computed tomography. Features including 13 gray level co-occurrence matrix textural features and 12 radiological features were extracted from 2,117 CT slices, which came from 202 (116 malignant and 86 benign) patients. Lasso-type regularization to a nonlinear regression model was applied to select predictive features and a BP artificial neural network was used to build the diagnostic model. Eight radiological and two textural features were obtained after the Lasso-type regularization procedure. Twelve radiological features alone could reach an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.84 in differentiating between malignant and benign lesions. The 10 selected characters improved the AUC to 0.91. The evaluation results showed that the method of selecting radiological and textural features appears to yield more effective in the distinction of malignant from benign solitary pulmonary nodules by computed tomography.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of ozone therapy for neuropathic pain management by integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approach.

Introduction: Neuropathic pain remains a prevalent and challenging condition to treat, with current therapies often providing inadequate relief. Ozone therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option; however, its mechanisms of action in neuropathic pain remain poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of ozone treatment on gene expression and metabolite levels in the brainstem and hypothalamus of a rat model, using a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic approach. Results: Our findings revealed significant alterations in key genes, including DCST1 and AIF1L, and metabolites such as Aconitic acid, L-Glutamic acid, UDP-glucose, and Tyrosine. These changes suggest a complex interplay of molecular pathways and region-specific mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of ozone therapy. Discussion: Our study provides insights into the molecular targets of ozone treatment for neuropathic pain, laying the groundwork for future research on validating these targets and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Anomalous cerebral morphology of pregnant women with cleft fetuses.

Objective: Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in brain structure for healthy women; however, little is known regarding alterations in the cortical features of pregnant women with malformed fetuses. Isolated clefts of the lip and/or palate (ICL/P) are the most common congenital anomaly in the craniofacial region, which is highly gene-associated. We speculated that pregnant women carrying fetuses with ICL/P may have associated risk genes and specific brain changes during pregnancy. Methods: In this study, we investigated T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging data from 48 pregnant women: 24 women carrying fetuses with ICL/P (ICL/P group) and 24 women carrying normal fetuses (normal controls), then explored intergroup differences in gray matter volume (GMV), cortical thickness (CT) and cortical complexity (gyrification). Results: Compared with controls, the ICL/P group had decreased total intracranial volume (TIV) than normal controls; besides, they exhibited increased GMV in the left cuneus, decreased GMV in the right superior temporal gyrus; increased CT in the left precuneus and left superior parietal gyrus, decreased CT involving parsopercularis, fusiform, middle temporal in the left hemisphere and supramarginal, precentral gyrus (PreCG) in the right hemisphere; increased gyrification in the left insula and PreCG, the left middle temporal, and the right supratemporal gyrus. Conclusion: Pregnant women with ICL/P fetuses had brain morphology changes involving language, auditory, vision, and sensory cortex, which may be their special brain changes compared to normal pregnant women. This study may provide clues for the early detection of fetuses with ICL/P, and be vital for preconception and prenatal counseling with non-invasive methods.

The Influences of Tai Chi on Balance Function and Exercise Capacity among Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the influences of Tai Chi on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, WOS (Web of Science), the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, VIP (VIP database), and CBM (China Biology Medicine disc) were retrieved to gather the figures of randomized controlled trials on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Then relevant data were input and analyzed in Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Nineteen papers were included and analyzed in this study. According to the combined effect size, the balance function of stroke patients improved significantly: the Berg Balance Function Scale score [MD = 7.67, 95% CI (3.44, 11.90)]; standing and walking test scores [MD = 3.42, 95% CI (4.22, -2.63)]; gravity swing area [MD = 0.79, 95% CI (1.48, 0.10)]; and gravity swing speed [MD = -5.43, 95% CI (-7.79, 3.08)]. In addition, the exercise capacity improved significantly as well: the FMA (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale) scale score [MD = 4.15, 95% CI (1.68, 6.63)]. There are no significant influences or changes of other related results. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke patients are able to improve their balance functions and exercise capacities prominently when they do Tai Chi exercise once or twice a week and ≥5 times/week and >30 ≤ 60 min/time.

Synergy of ferroelectric polarization and oxygen vacancy to promote CO2 photoreduction.

Solar-light driven CO2 reduction into value-added chemicals and fuels emerges as a significant approach for CO2 conversion. However, inefficient electron-hole separation and the complex multi-electrons transfer processes hamper the efficiency of CO2 photoreduction. Herein, we prepare ferroelectric Bi3TiNbO9 nanosheets and employ corona poling to strengthen their ferroelectric polarization to facilitate the bulk charge separation within Bi3TiNbO9 nanosheets. Furthermore, surface oxygen vacancies are introduced to extend the photo-absorption of the synthesized materials and also to promote the adsorption and activation of CO2 molecules on the catalysts' surface. More importantly, the oxygen vacancies exert a pinning effect on ferroelectric domains that enables Bi3TiNbO9 nanosheets to maintain superb ferroelectric polarization, tackling above-mentioned key challenges in photocatalytic CO2 reduction. This work highlights the importance of ferroelectric properties and controlled surface defect engineering, and emphasizes the key roles of tuning bulk and surface properties in enhancing the CO2 photoreduction performance.

Experimental Research on Electromechanical Properties of Multiple Contact Surfaces Copper Bulks under Normal Cyclic Loading and Variable Temperature.

Contact resistance is key for stable operation of electrical contact equipment, and can also be extensively applied. For Tokomak devices in fusion reactors, contact resistance of the superconductor magnet system strongly relates to the alternating current (AC) loss of the cable; the cable is assembled using a certain number of contacting superconducting tapes coated with copper layers on both sides. The contact resistance of a metal solid surface is affected by many factors. In this work, the contact resistance of copper surface samples was studied experimentally under variable normal cyclic load, temperature and number of contact surfaces. This is consistent with real-world working conditions, as the structure of superconducting cables can be changed, and such cables are used under cyclic electromagnetic forces in temperatures which range from room to working temperature. Experimental results showed that contact resistance decreased rapidly with an increase of load. Further, when temperature was varied from 77 to 373 K, the load-unload contact resistance lag decreased. When the number of contact surfaces was increased, contact resistance increased. Finally, a fitted formula describing the relationship between contact resistance and cyclic times, temperature and number of contact interfaces was determined. This formula can be used to predict variation trends of contact resistance in complex environments and provide more accurate contact resistance parameters for calculating the AC loss of superconducting cables.

Altered Functional Connectivity and Brain Network Property in Pregnant Women With Cleft Fetuses.

Non-syndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate (NSCLP) is the most common congenital anomaly in the craniofacial region. NSCLP is a highly gene-associated malformation. We speculate that pregnant women with NSCLP fetuses (pregnancies with NSCLP) may have specific brain changes during pregnancy. To explore characteristic brain function changes of pregnancies with NSCLP, we analyzed resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) data of 42 pregnant women (21 pregnancies with NSCLP and 21 pregnancies with normal fetuses) to compare intergroup differences of (fractional) amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF/ALFF), regional homogeneity (Reho), functional connectivity (FC) and network topological properties. Compared with the control group, increased ALFF in the left hippocampus, the right fusiform and the left anterior cingulate (ACG), increased Reho in left middle occipital gyrus (MOG) and right medial frontal gyrus (MFG) were found for pregnancies with NSCLP. Meanwhile, FC between the left supramarginal gyrus (SMG) and bilateral olfactory cortex (OLF), FC between left precentral gyrus (PreCG) and right MFG, FC between right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) were enhanced in pregnancies with NSCLP. Besides, FC between left PreCG and left amygdala, bilateral para-hippocampal gyrus, FC between left amygdala and left MFG, right IFG were decreased. Graph theory-based analysis explored increased degree centrality (DC), betweenness centrality (BC) and nodal efficiency (Ne) in the left ITG and left SMG for pregnancies with NSCLP. Pregnancies with NSCLP has widespread decreased FC within neural networks of speech and language, which indicated that they were more likely to be associated with defects in speech and language skills. At the same time, increased topological indices showed that speech and language related regions played dominant role in their brain networks. These findings may provide clues for early detection of NSCLP fetuses.

Effect of multiscale processing in digital chest radiography on automated detection of lung nodule with a computer assistance system.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of multiscale processing in digital chest radiography on automated detection of lung nodule with a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system. The study involved 58 small-nodule patient cases and 58 normal cases. The 58 patient cases included a total of 64 noncalcified lung nodules up to 15 mm in diameter. Each case underwent an examination with a digital radiography system (Digital Diagnost, Philips Medical Systems), and the acquired image was processed by the following three types of multiscale processing (Unique Image Processing Package, Philips Medical Systems) respectively: (1) standard image from the default processing parameter (structure preference, 0.0), (2) high-pass image with structure preference of 0.4, (3) low-pass image with structure preference of -0.4. The CAD output images were produced with a real-time computer assistance system (IQQAtrade mark-Chest, EDDA Technology). Two experienced chest radiologists established the nodule gold standard by consensus reading according to computed tomography results, and analyzed and recorded the detection of lung nodules and false-positive detections of these CAD output images. For the entire cases involved (each case with three types of different processing), a total of 348 observations were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The mean area under the ROC curve (A ( z )) value was 0.700 for the standard images, 0.587 for the high-pass images, and 0.783 for the low-pass images. There were statistically significant A (z) values among these three types of processed images (p < 0.01). Multiscale processing in digital chest radiography can affect the automated detection of lung nodule by CAD, which is consistent with effects from visual inspection.

Optimal Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction Percentage in Dual-energy Monochromatic CT Portal Venography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article was to study the influence of different adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) percentages on the image quality of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) portal venography in portal hypertension patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DECT scans of 40 patients with cirrhosis (mean age, 56 years) at the portal venous phase were retrospectively analyzed. Monochromatic images at 60 and 70 keV were reconstructed with four ASIR percentages: 0%, 30%, 50%, and 70%. Computed tomography (CT) numbers of the portal veins (PVs), liver parenchyma, and subcutaneous fat tissue in the abdomen were measured. The standard deviation from the region of interest of the liver parenchyma was interpreted as the objective image noise (IN). The contrast-noise ratio (CNR) between PV and liver parenchyma was calculated. The diagnostic acceptability (DA) and sharpness of PV margins were obtained using a 5-point score. The IN, CNR, DA, and sharpness of PV were compared among the eight groups with different keV + ASIR level combinations. RESULTS: The IN, CNR, DA, and sharpness of PV of different keV + ASIR groups were all statistically different (P < 0.05). In the eight groups, the best and worst CNR were obtained in the 60 keV + 70% ASIR and 70 keV + 0% ASIR (filtered back-projection [FBP]) combination, respectively, whereas the largest and smallest objective IN were obtained in the 60 keV + 0% ASIR (FBP) and 70 keV + 70% combination. The highest DA and sharpness values of PV were obtained at 50% ASIR for 60 keV. CONCLUSIONS: An optimal ASIR percentage (50%) combined with an appropriate monochromatic energy level (60 keV) provides the highest DA in portal venography imaging, whereas for the higher monochromatic energy (70 keV) images, 30% ASIR provides the highest image quality, with less IN than 60 keV with 50% ASIR.

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging with Two Different b-Values in Detection of Solid Focal Liver Lesions.

One hundred and eighty-two consecutive patients with suspected liver disease were recruited to receive diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with two different b-values, in comparison with T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). The detection rate of three MR sequences in solid focal liver lesions (FLLs) and subgroup analyses were performed. Our prospective study found that DWI600 was equivalent to DWI100 and T2WI for the detection of solid FLLs overall but was significantly more accurate in the detection of malignant solid FLLs and lesions larger than 10 mm.

Improved stability of recombinant hemagglutinin using a formulation containing sodium thioglycolate.

This study was designed to improve the stability of liquid formulations of recombinant influenza hemagglutinin (rHA) and to understand the mechanism of early loss of potency for rHA. The potency of rHA derived from several influenza strains was determined using single radial immunodiffusion (SRID), and the structure of the rHA was characterized using SDS-PAGE and dynamic light scattering. rHA formed disulfide cross-linked multimers, and potency decreased during extended storage. To reduce disulfide-mediated cross-linking and early potency loss, rHA was formulated with sodium thioglycolate (STG) and citrate. Addition of 80 mM STG and 55 mM sodium citrate inhibited disulfide-mediated cross-linking without affecting protein function for each rHA tested. The shelf life of the rHA formulation with STG-citrate, based on potency as determined by SRID, was extended as much as 20-fold, compared to a control formulation without STG-citrate. STG-citrate did not have a significant effect on the immunogenicity of H1 A/California/7/2009 rHA in mice.

Kinetics of heat- and acidification-induced aggregation of firefly luciferase.

The general approach to analysis of the kinetics of protein aggregation registered by the turbidimetric method has been elaborated. The terminal part of the kinetic curves is analyzed using a theoretical equation connecting the derivative of the apparent absorbance (A) with respect to time (dA/dt) and A (t is time). This analysis allows the limiting value of A at t--> infinity (A(lim)) and the order of aggregation with respect to protein (n) to be calculated. Approach proposed was applied to analysis of thermal and acidification-induced aggregation of firefly luciferase. In both cases the A(lim) value is a linear function of the protein concentration. The terminal part of the kinetic curves of thermal aggregation follows the first-order kinetics (n=1), whereas the kinetics of acidification-induced aggregation are characterized by the value of n higher than unity (n=1.29). The mechanism of nucleation-dependent aggregation has been discussed.

Improving image quality in portal venography with spectral CT imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of energy spectral CT on the image quality of CT portal venography in cirrhosis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 portal hypertension patients underwent spectral CT examination using a single-tube, fast dual tube voltage switching technique. 101 sets of monochromatic images were generated from 40keV to 140keV. Image noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for portal veins from the monochromatic images were measured. An optimal monochromatic image set was selected for obtaining the best CNR for portal veins. The image noise and CNR of the intra-hepatic portal vein and extra-hepatic main stem at the selected monochromatic level were compared with those from the conventional polychromatic images. Image quality was also assessed and compared. RESULTS: The monochromatic images at 51keV were found to provide the best CNR for both the intra-hepatic and extra-hepatic portal veins. At this energy level, the monochromatic images had about 100% higher CNR than the polychromatic images with a moderate 30% noise increase. The qualitative image quality assessment was also statistically higher with monochromatic images at 51keV. CONCLUSION: Monochromatic images at 51keV for CT portal venography could improve CNR for displaying hepatic portal veins and improve the overall image quality.

Expression and purification of an influenza hemagglutinin--one step closer to a recombinant protein-based influenza vaccine.

Numerous human infections with avian influenza viruses in Asia in recent years have raised the concern that the next influenza pandemic is imminent. The most effective way to combat influenza is through the vaccination of the public. However, a minimum of 3-6 months is needed to develop an influenza vaccine using the traditional egg-based vaccine approach. The influenza hemagglutinin protein (HA), the active ingredient in the current vaccine, can be expressed in insect cells using the baculovirus expression vector system and purified rapidly. An influenza vaccine based on such a recombinant antigen allows a more timely response to a potential influenza pandemic. Here, we report an innovative monitoring assay for recombinant HA (rHA) expression and a rapid purification process. Various biochemical analyses indicate that the purified rHA is properly folded and biologically active.

Protein profile of aging and its retardation by caloric restriction in neural retina.

Aging is a slow, gradual deterioration process of an organism. The only experimental intervention, which can reliably retard aging and age-related degenerative diseases, is dietary caloric restriction (CR). To gain insight into the mechanism of CR intervention, we have investigated the protein profile of aging and its retardation by CR in the neural retina of Brown Norway (BN) rats using the comprehensive proteomic approach. We found that the intensities of 18 proteins decreased significantly with age. CR intervention can completely prevent seven of them, and partially protect eight of them, from such age-related declines. The major protein targets protected by CR intervention appear to be glycolytic enzymes and molecular chaperones. These data are the first to suggest that CR may retard the age-related degeneration of retina by maintaining sufficient glucose metabolism, by ensuring proper protein folding, and/or by preventing protein denaturation in the neural retina.

Dietary caloric restriction may delay the development of cataract by attenuating the oxidative stress in the lenses of Brown Norway rats.

Dietary caloric restriction (CR) is the only experimental intervention that can reliably retard the development of cataract in a normal animal model. Here we have studied the possible mechanisms by which CR retards the age-related degeneration of the lens of Brown Norway rats. We have found that CR slowed protein insolubilization and blunted declines of the total soluble thiols, protein thiols, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid levels in the lenses of old BN rats. From the lens protein point of view, the development of cataract in rat lenses has 3 stages: (1) the precipitation of gamma-crystallin, (2) the insolubilization of beta-crystallin, and (3) the final precipitation of alpha-crystallin which was saturated with other denatured lens proteins. A similar sequence is also observed when the lens proteins are subjected to oxidative stress in vitro. These data are the first to suggest that CR may retard the age-related degeneration of the lens by attenuating the oxidative stress in the lens. Since oxidative stress is likely a main cause of human cataract, CR intervention may be relevant to humans as well.

Caloric restriction retards age-related changes in rat retina.

The neural retina of mammals consists of light sensitive photoreceptors and connecting neural cells that receive and send visual signal to the brain. Dietary caloric restriction (CR) is the only experimental intervention that can reliably retard the age-related degeneration of the retina in a normal mammalian model. Here, we studied the effect of CR on various biochemical parameters in the retina of male Brown Norway rats at different ages. We found that CR slowed the age-dependent protein insolubilization, blunted the declines in the total soluble thiols, and reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid levels in neural retina. We also observed that CR retarded the age-related decline in the levels of taurine, a vital amino acid in neural retina. These data are the first to implicate that CR may retard the age-related degeneration of retina by attenuating the oxidative stress and/or by sustaining the pool of protective factors in the neural retina.