COMPANION-002 A clinical trial of investigational drug CTX-009 plus paclitaxel vs paclitaxel in second line advanced BTC.

Treatment options for patients with biliary tract cancer are limited, and the prognosis is poor. CTX-009, a novel bispecific antibody targeting both DLL4 and VEGF-A, has demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with advanced cancers as both a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. In a phase II study of patients with advanced biliary tract cancer who had received one or two prior therapies, CTX-009 with paclitaxel demonstrated a 37.5% overall response rate (ORR). Described here is the design of and rationale for COMPANION-002, a randomized phase II/III study, which will evaluate the safety and efficacy of CTX-009 in combination with paclitaxel versus paclitaxel alone as second-line treatment for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. The primary end point is ORR, and crossover is allowed.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05506943 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Looking for new options for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer? Explore COMPANION-002, Compass Therapeutics' phase II/III study of CTX-009 + paclitaxel as a second line treatment.#CMPX #biotech #healthcare #rarecancer.

Decorating Pd-Au Nanodots Around Porous In2 O3 Nanocubes for Tolerant H2 Sensing Against Switching Response and H2 S Poisoning.

With the recently-booming hydrogen (H2 ) economy by green H2 as the energy carriers and the newly-emerged exhaled diagnosis by human organ-metabolized H2 as a biomarker, H2 sensing is simultaneously required with fast response, low detection limit, and tolerant stability against humidity, switching, and poisoning. Here, reliable H2 sensing has been developed by utilizing indium oxide nanocubes decorated with palladium and gold nanodots (Pd-Au NDs/In2 O3 NCBs), which have been synthesized by combined hydrothermal reaction, annealing, and chemical bath deposition. As-prepared Pd-Au NDs/In2 O3 NCBs are observed with surface-enriched NDs and nanopores. Beneficially, Pd-Au NDs/In2 O3 NCBs show 300 ppb-low detection limit, 5 s-fast response to 500 ppm H2 , 75%RH-high humidity tolerance, and 56 days-long stability at 280 °C. Further, Pd-Au NDs/In2 O3 NCBs show excellent stability against switching sensing response, and are tolerant to H2 S poisoning even being exposed to 10 ppm H2 S at 280 °C. Such excellent H2 sensing may be attributed to the synergistic effect of the boosted Pd-Au NDs' spillover effect and interfacial electron transfer, increased adsorption sites over the porous NCBs' surface, and utilized Pd NDs' affinity with H2 and H2 S. Practically, Pd-Au NDs/In2 O3 NCBs are integrated into the H2 sensing device, which can reliably communicate with a smartphone.

Deep ensemble learning for accurate retinal vessel segmentation.

Significant progress has been made in deep learning-based retinal vessel segmentation in recent years. However, the current methods suffer from low performance and the robust of the models is not that good. Our work introduces an novel framework for retinal vessel segmentation based on deep ensemble learning. The results of benchmarking comparisons indicate that our model outperforms the existing ones on multiple datasets, demonstrating that our models are more effective, superior, and robust for the retinal vessel segmentation. It evinces the capability of our model to capture the discriminative feature representations through introducing the ensemble strategy to integrate different base deep learning models like pyramid vision Transformer and FCN-Transformer. We expect our proposed method can benefit and accelerate the development of accurate retinal vessel segmentation in this field.

Simultaneously elevating the resistive switching level and ambient-air-stability of 3D perovskite (TAZ-H)PbBr3-based memory device by encapsulating into polyvinylpyrrolidone.

The study about simultaneously enhancing the resistive switching level and ambient-air-stability of perovskite-based memorizers will promote its commercialization. Here, a new 3D perovskite (TAZ-H)PbBr3 (TAZ-H+ = protonated thiazole) has been fabricated as FTO/(TAZ-H)PbBr3/Ag device, which only exhibits binary memory performance with the high tolerant temperature of 170 °C. After encapsulating by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the (TAZ-H)PbBr3@PVP composite-based device can demonstrate ternary resistive switching behavior with considerable ON2/ON1/OFF ratio (105.9: 103.9:1) and high ternary yield (68 %). Specially, this device presents good ambient-air stability at RH 80 % and thermal tolerance of 100 °C. The binary resistive switching mechanism can be ascribed to the halogen ion migration induced by bromine defects in the (PbBr3)nn- framework. But the ternary resistive switching phenomenon in the (TAZ-H)PbBr3@PVP-based device could be depicted as the carrier transport from filled traps of PVP to (PbBr3)nn- framework (ON1 state) and then carriers flowing in the re-arranged (TAZ-H)nn+ chain in 3D channels (ON2 state). The PVP treatment can not only modify the grain boundary defects, but also facilitate the transport of injected carriers to the perovskite films via Pb-O coordinated bonds and inhibition of order-disorder transformation. This facial strategy for implementing ternary perovskite-based memorizers with good ambient-air-stability is quite meaningful for high-density memory in harsh environments.

The effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on stroke treatment and prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Background: in recent years, n-3 PUFAs have been confirmed to be associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but the link between n-3 PUFAs and stroke remains controversial. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the association between n-3 PUFAs and stroke. Methods: we performed a comprehensive search of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI. Literature screening and quality assessment were performed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane's tool was used to assess the methodological components of each study, and the Stata 15.1 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: a total of 18 RCTs were included, and the meta-analysis showed no differences in vascular disease-related death between the n-3 PUFA and control groups (RR, 0.95, 95 % CI: 0.89 to 1.01, p = 0.114 > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the lower n-3 PUFA dose subgroup (RR, 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.87 to 0.99, p = 0.034 < 0.05). Oral administration of n-3 PUFAs did not significantly reduce the risk of the following cerebrovascular accidents: stroke (RR = 1.00, 95 % CI: 0.93 to 1.07, p = 0.983 > 0.05), ischemic stroke (RR = 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.896 to 1.094, p = 0.841 > 0.05), hemorrhagic stroke (RR = 1.249, 95 % CI: 0.939 to 1.662, p = 0.127 > 0.05) and TIA (RR = 1.016, 95 % CI: 0.882 to 1.170, p = 0.824 > 0.05). The levels of TC (SMD, -0.167, 95 % CI: -0.193 to -0.141, p = 0 < 0.05) and TG (SMD, -0.065, 95 % CI: -0.087 to -0.042, p = 0 < 0.05) in the n-3 PUFA group were significantly decreased, but no significant improvement in the LDL (SMD, 0.022, 95 % CI: 0.005 to 0.040, p = 0.889 > 0.05) and HDL (SMD, 0.008, 95 % CI: -0.009 to 0.025, p = 0.368 > 0.05) levels was observed. Conclusion: this systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that treatment with low-dose n-3 PUFAs can reduce cerebrovascular disease-related death. After the oral administration of n-3 PUFAs, the levels of TC and TG decreased significantly, but n-3 PUFAs did not prevent the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents or improve LDL or HDL levels.

Introducción: Antecedentes: en los últimos años se ha confirmado que los AGPI n-3 se relacionan con las enfermedades cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares, pero el vínculo entre los AGPI n-3 y el ictus sigue siendo objeto de controversia. Objetivo: este estudio se propuso evaluar la relación entre AGPI n-3 e ictus. Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science y CNKI. Se utilizó la herramienta de Cochrane para evaluar los componentes metodológicos de cada estudio y el software Stata para el metanálisis. Resutados: se incluyeron 18 ECA y el metanálisis no mostró diferencias en cuanto a la muerte relacionada con enfermedades vasculares entre los grupos de AGPI n-3 y de control (RR: 0,95, IC del 95 %: 0,89 a 1,01). Sin embargo, hubo una diferencia significativa en el subgrupo de dosis más baja de AGPI n-3 (RR: 0,93, IC del 95 %: 0,87 a 0,99). La administración oral de AGPI n-3 no redujo significativamente el riesgo de los siguientes accidentes cerebrovasculares: ictus (RR = 1,00, IC 95 %: 0,93 a 1,07), ictus isquémico (RR = 0,99, IC 95 %: 0,896 a 1. 094), ictus hemorrágico (RR = 1,249, IC 95 %: 0,939 a 1,662) y AIT (RR = 1,016, IC 95 %: 0,882 a 1,170). Los niveles de TC (DME: -0,167, IC del 95 %: -0,193 a 0,141) y TG (DME -0,065, IC del 95 %: -0,087 a -0,042) en el grupo de AGPI n-3 se redujeron significativamente, pero no hubo una mejora significativa en los niveles de LDL (SMD: 0,022, IC 95 %: 0,005 a 0,040) y HDL (SMD: 0,008, IC 95 %: -0,009 a 0,025). Conclusiones: esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis sugiere que el tratamiento con PUFA n-3 en dosis bajas puede reducir la muerte relacionada con la enfermedad cerebrovascular. Después de la administración oral de PUFA n-3, los niveles de TC y TG disminuyeron significativamente, pero los PUFA n-3 no impidieron la aparición de accidentes cerebrovasculares ni mejoraron los niveles de LDL o HDL.

Lightweight Porous Polyurethane Foam Integrated with Graphene Oxide for Flexible and High-Concentration Hydrogen Sensing.

Reliable detection of high-concentration hydrogen (H2) leakage in sharp-vibration environments is highly desired such as in the application of space rockets. As hydrogen has to be detected simultaneously in a wide concentration range and at high concentrations (e.g., 100 v/v%) with outstanding linearity in response/concentration, lightweight features, and excellent tolerance against saturation and vibration, it remains challenging. Here, a flexible and high-concentration H2 sensing has been developed through "dipping-drying" a three-dimensional (3D) porous polyurethane (PU) foam integrated with graphene oxide (GO-PU). Multilayered honeycomb-structured graphene oxide appears to be tightly adhered to faveolate PU. Benefiting from the numerous adsorption sites of the "dual honeycomb" structure and abundant surface functional groups of GO, the GO-PU foam exhibits distinguished response and linearity toward 2-100 v/v% H2 and shows excellent lightweight, tailorability, and flexibility. Remarkably, the foam possesses outstanding sensing stability against 0-180° bending and low 0-20% straining, along with outstanding H2 sensing performance even after being pressed by a weight of 200 g, immersed in water, and frozen in a refrigerator at -10.8 °C. Practically, the GO-PU foam has potential for high-concentration H2 leakage detection, and our synthetic strategy may provide a way to avoid adsorbing saturation in other flexible gas sensing.

Three-Dimensional Porous Carbon/Nitrogen Framework-Decorated Palladium Nanoparticles for Stable and Wide-Concentration-Range Hydrogen Sensing.

Hydrogen (H2) as a high-energy-density carrier is of great potential in the upcoming hydrogen economy. Nevertheless, H2/air mixtures are explosive at H2 concentrations above 4 v/v % and reliable and wide-concentration-range H2 sensors are thus highly desired. Here, hydrogen sensing has been developed using palladium nanoparticles of ∼11.2 nm in diameter chemically decorated on the carbon/nitrogen three-dimensional porous framework of 308 m2 g-1 in specific surface area (Pd NPs@CN 3D framework). Theoretically, the Pd NPs and CN 3D framework are used to construct the Mott-Schottky heterojunctions, in which the CN 3D framework possesses a higher work function, promoting electron transfer to Pd NPs and therefore highly active dissociation of H2. Beneficially, the Pd NPs@CN 3D framework exhibits a wide concentration range of 200 ppm (S ≈ 0.2% and Tres ≈ 15 s) to 40 v/v % (S ≈ 73.8% and Tres ≈ 9 s) H2 sensing at room temperature. Remarkably, the H2 sensor prototype built with the Pd NPs@CN 3D framework shows excellent long-term stability that maintains reliable H2 sensing after 142 days. Such stable hydrogen sensing provides an experimental basis for the wide-concentration-range detection of H2 leakage in the future hydrogen economy.

Nanocomposite-Decorated Filter Paper as a Twistable and Water-Tolerant Sensor for Selective Detection of 5 ppb-60 v/v% Ammonia.

Ammonia (NH3) sensors proposed for the simultaneous exhalation diagnosis, environmental pollution monitoring, and industrial leakage alarm require high flexibility, selectivity, stability, humidity tolerance, and wide-concentration-range detection; however, technical challenges still remain. Herein, twistable and water-tolerant paper-based sensors integrated over surgical masks have been developed for NH3 detection at room temperature, via decorating specially designed ternary nanocomposites (ternary-NCs) on the commercial filter paper. The NCs consist of a multiwalled carbon nanotube framework with a polypyrrole nanolayer and are further loaded with Pt nanodots. Benefiting from the synergy effect of ternary components, the ternary-NCs exhibit an ultrasensitive response to 5 ppb-60 v/v% NH3 and present high selectivity confirmed by the theory calculations. Remarkably, the filter-paper-based sensors possess outstanding stability against twisting 0-1080°, along with excellent cuttability and foldability. Critically, such paper-based sensors can be integrated over surgical masks for simulated exhaled diagnosis and display superior water tolerance even being immersed in water for 24 h. Practically, the detecting accuracy of the filter-paper-based sensor toward the simulated exhaled NH3, environmental NH3 pollution, and industrial NH3 leakage is validated using ion chromatography.

Radial ZnO nanorods decorating Co3O4 nanoparticles for highly selective and sensitive detection of the 3-hydroxy-2-butanone biomarker.

Indirect monitoring of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) via a gas sensor that can detect the bacterial metabolite 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (3H-2B) is a newly emerged strategy. However, such sensors are required simultaneously endow with outstanding selectivity, high sensitivity, and ppb-level detection limit, which remains technologically challenging. Herein, we have developed highly selective and sensitive 3H-2B sensors that consist of zinc oxide nanorods decorated with cobaltosic oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NRs/Co3O4 NPs), which have been synthesized by combined optimized hydrothermal and annealing process. Specifically, the ZnO NRs/Co3O4 NPs exhibit ultrahigh sensitivity to 5 ppm 3H-2B (Ra/Rg = 550 at 260 °C). The sensor prototypes enable detection as low as 10 ppb 3H-2B, show excellent long-term stability, and present remarkable selectivity through interfering selectivity survey and principal component analysis (PCA). Such outstanding sensing performance is attributed to the modulated electron depletion layer by n-p heterojunctions and abundant gas diffusion pathways via the radial architecture, which was verified via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test, Mott-Schottky measurement, and ultraviolet-visible absorption analysis. Our highly selective and sensitive ZnO NRs/Co3O4 NPs have the potential in the real-time detection of 3H-2B biomarker.

The "screening behavior" of lithium: Boosting H2S selectivity of WO3 nanofibers.

An ideal way to boost the selectivity of sensing materials is that improving the sensitivity of the target gas while suppressing that of other interfering ones. Here, the "screening behavior" of the Li doped WO3 nanofibers (Li/WO3 NFs) have been discovered in suppressing the response from interfering gases, while elevating the H2S sensing response. Beneficially, the H2S response of Li/WO3 NFs sensor prototype is three times (Ra / Rg = 64@10 ppm) as high as that of the pristine WO3 ones (Ra / Rg = 21@10 ppm) at ~75% relative humidity and 260 °C. Moreover, Li/WO3 NFs sensor prototype presents the detection limit as low as 100 ppb. Particularly, the Li/WO3 NFs sensors detect simulated halitosis breath, of which the accuracy is comparable with gas chromatography. Theoretically, the decrease of the responses of Li/WO3 NFs to interfering gases is ascribed to the enhancement of the adsorption of water molecules by Li dopant. While the improved response to H2S is attributed to stronger adsorption of H2S and WO3 and to the increased defect oxygen. The "screening behavior" of Li doped into WO3 NFs provides a new strategy that might improve the selectivity of other gas sensing.

Highly Sensitive and Selective NiO/WO3 Composite Nanoparticles in Detecting H2S Biomarker of Halitosis.

Indirectly monitoring halitosis via the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biomarkers using gas sensors is a newly emerging technique. However, such H2S sensors are required with critically high selectivity and sensitivity, as well as a ppb-level detection limit, which remains technologically challenging. To address such issues, here, we have developed highly sensitive and selective H2S sensors with NiO/WO3 nanoparticles (NPs), which have been synthesized by firstly hydrolyzing WO3 NPs and subsequently decorating with NiO NPs in a hydrothermal process. Theoretically, the NiO/WO3 NPs assist in forming a thicker electron depletion layer, adsorbing more oxygen species O2- to oxidize H2S and finally release more electrons. Beneficially, 2.1 wt % NiO/WO3 NPs show high sensitivity to H2S (Ra/Rg = 15031 ± 1370 @ 10 ppm, 100 °C), which is 42.6-fold higher than that of the pristine WO3 NPs (Ra/Rg = 353 ± 5.6 @ 10 ppm, 100 °C). Further, the H2S sensor shows ppb-level detection limit (Ra/Rg = 4.95 ± 2.9 @ 0.05 ppm, 100 °C) and high selectivity. Practically, NiO/WO3 NP sensor prototype has been employed to detect the simulated exhaled halitosis compared with that of gas chromatography, revealing a close concentration of H2S. Our investigation offers an experimental base in future intelligent medical applications.

Kojic acid enhances the proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells via p38 and p21 signaling pathways.

PURPOSE: Treatment of corneal injury depends on the self-proliferation ability of human corneal epithelial cells (HCEp). Our previous study revealed kojic acid had the anti-senescence function on human corneal endothelial cells. In this study, we researched the enhancive proliferation effect of kojic acid in HCEp. METHODS: Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The expression of proliferation-related protein was detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Kojic acid could enhance HCEp proliferation, characterized by promoting cell proliferation rate, decreasing the expression levels of p21, galectin 8 and ki67, and increasing that of p-p38. The p38 signaling pathway inhibitor, SB203580, could reverse the enhancive proliferation function of kojic acid. Furthermore, knockdown of p21 had similar enhancive proliferation effect to kojic acid. CONCLUSION: Kojic acid might enhance HCEp proliferation through p38 and p21 signaling pathways, potentially via reduced expression levels of galectin 8 and ki67. Hence, kojic acid might be a potential drug to accelerate the healing of corneal epithelial injury.

Gas Sensor Detecting 3-Hydroxy-2-butanone Biomarkers: Boosted Response via Decorating Pd Nanoparticles onto the {010} Facets of BiVO4 Decahedrons.

The newly emerged gas sensing detection of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (3H-2B) biomarker is deemed as an effective avenue to indirectly monitor Listeria monocytogenes (LM). However, 3H-2B sensing materials requiring critically high sensitivity and selectivity, and ppb-level detection limit, remain challenging. Here, we report the advanced gas sensors built with bismuth vanadate microdecahedron (BiVO4 MDCD) {010} facets selectively decorated with Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs, Pd-{010}BiVO4 MDCDs) for boosted detection of the 3H-2B biomarker. Meanwhile, BiVO4 MDCDs with overall facets are randomly deposited with Pd NPs (Pd-BiVO4 MDCDs). Comparatively, Pd-{010}BiVO4 MDCD sensors show 1 order of magnitude higher response toward the 3H-2B biomarker at 200 °C. Further, Pd-{010}BiVO4 MDCD sensors enable to detect as low as 0.2 ppm 3H-2B and show best selectivity and stability, and fastest response and recovery. Density functional theory calculations reveal a lower adsorption energy of 3H-2B onto Pd-{010}BiVO4 MDCDs than those of pristine and Pd-BiVO4 MDCDs. The extraordinary Pd-{010}BiVO4 sensing performance is ascribed to the Pd NP-assisted synergetic effect of the preferential adsorption of 3H-2B target molecules, accumulated sensing agent of ionic oxygen species, and concentrated catalysts on the {010} facets. This strategy offers rapid and noninvasive detection of LMs and is thus of great potential in the upcoming Internet of Things.

Complement receptor 1 genetic polymorphism contributes to sporadic Alzheimer's disease susceptibility in Caucasians: a meta-analysis.

Complement receptor 1 (CR1) plays an important role in the development of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) in Caucasians. However, the influence of CR1 (rs6656401A/G and rs3818361T/C) genetic polymorphisms on the risk of SAD remains controversial. A meta-analysis of 18 case-control studies was performed to derive a more precise association of CR1 (rs6656401A/G or rs3818361T/C) genetic polymorphism with the risk of SAD in Caucasians. A statistical difference was found in the dominant model (odds ratio (OR): 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-1.30, P=0.00), recessive model (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05-1.56, P=0.02), homozygote comparison (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12-1.66, P=0.002) or heterozygote comparison (AG versus GG) (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15-1.29, P=0.00) of CR1 rs6656401A/G. For CR1 rs3818361T/C, a statistical difference was observed in the dominant model (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13-1.31, P=0.00), recessive model (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07-1.53, P=0.006), homozygote comparison (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13-1.62, P=0.001) or heterozygote comparison (TC versus CC) (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11-1.29, P=0.00). In summary, despite some limitations, the present meta-analysis indicated that rs6656401A/G or rs3818361T/C polymorphism was related to SAD risk. Moreover, a carrier of rs6656401A/G or T carrier of rs3818361T/C in CR1 genetic polymorphism might be an increased factor for SAD in Caucasians.

Phase Ib/II study combining tosedostat with capecitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the aminopeptidase inhibitor tosedostat with capecitabine in advanced PDAC. METHODS: We conducted a phase Ib/II trial of tosedostat with capecitabine as second-line therapy for advanced PDAC. Planned enrollment was 36 patients. Eligible patients were treated with capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 oral twice-daily days 1-14 and oral tosedostat in a dose de-escalation design on days 1-21 of each 21-day cycle. Primary endpoints were the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Sixteen patients were enrolled. Tosedostat 120 mg oral twice daily with capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 oral twice daily was the RP2D. There was one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) (grade 3 acute coronary syndrome) during phase Ib. The most common treatment-related adverse events were gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea), cardiac [QTc prolongation, decreased ejection fraction (EF)], and fatigue. The median PFS was 7.1 months, and the median treatment failure free survival was 3 months. Eight patients experienced stable disease for greater than 3 months. The study was closed early due to lack of drug availability. CONCLUSIONS: Tosedostat with capecitabine displayed tolerable toxicity, and prolonged disease control in a subset of patients. These data encourage further exploration of aminopeptidase inhibitors in pancreatic cancer.

Palladium/cobalt nanowires with improved hydrogen sensing stability at ultra-low temperatures.

The metallic dopants in palladium (Pd) sensing materials enable modification of the d-band center of Pd, which is expected to tune the α-ß phase transitions of the PdHx intermediate, thus improve the sensing stability to hydrogen. Here, the boosted hydrogen-sensing stability at ultra-low temperatures has been achieved with palladium/cobalt nanowires (PdCo NWs) as the sensing material. The various Co contents in PdCo NWs were modulated via AAO-template-confined electrodeposition. The temperature-dependent sensing evaluations were performed in 0.1-3 v/v% hydrogen. Such sensors integrated with PdCo NWs are able to stably detect hydrogen as low as 0.1 v/v%, even when the temperature is lowered to 273 K. In addition, the critical temperatures of "reverse sensing behavior" of the PdCo NWs (Pd82Co18: Tc = 194 K; Pd63Co37: Tc = 180 K; Pd33Co67: Tc = 184 K) are observed much lower than that of pristine Pd NWs (Tc = 287 K). Specifically, the Pd63Co37 NWs (∼37 at% Co content) sensor shows outstanding stability of sensing hydrogen against α-ß phase transitions within the wide temperature range of 180-388 K, which is attributed to both the electronic interactions between Pd and Co and the lattice compression strain caused by Co dopants. Moreover, the "reverse sensing behavior" of the PdCo NWs is explicitly interpreted using the α-ß phase transition model.

Co-Contraction of Lower Limb Muscles Contributes to Knee Stability During Stance Phase in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND Knee stability has an important role in the gait of hemiplegic stroke patients. However, factors affecting knee stability have not been assessed concerning gait. The purpose of this study was to explore whether co-contraction of the lower limb muscles contributes to the knee stability during the stance phase of the gait cycle in hemiplegic stroke patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 30 hemiplegic stroke patients, ages 36-79 years, were instructed to walk at their natural speed. The root mean square of surface electromyography was used to measure activities of the biceps femoris and rectus femoris muscles, while the co-contraction ratio was computed based on the root mean squares. The peak angle of knee extension was acquired in the stance phase by 3D kinematic analyses. Lower limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer scale for lower limb motor assessment. RESULTS A statistically significant increase of the muscle co-contraction ratio of the involved extremity was observed compared with that of the uninvolved extremity (t=-4.066, P<0.05). The muscle co-contraction ratio was significantly correlated with the peak angle of knee extension (r=0.387, P=0.035), Fugl-Meyer scale (r=-0.522, P=0.003), and Modified Ashworth Scale (r=0.404, P=0.027) during the stance phase of the gait cycle. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that co-contraction of the rectus femoris muscle contributes to the stability of the knee and lower limb function in hemiplegic stroke patients, and suggests that co-contraction should be considered in the rehabilitation of knee stability during gait in hemiplegic stroke patients. Appropriate rehabilitation assessment planning with hemiplegic stroke patients, such as muscle co-contraction or knee stability of, might be created based on our results.

Interconnected Pd Nanoparticles Supported on Zeolite-AFI for Hydrogen Detection under Ultralow Temperature.

The stability for a hydrogen sensor is of crucial importance under a low-temperature range (e.g., 200-400 K), especially in critical environments (e.g., aerospace). However, the "reverse sensing behavior" of Pd-based sensing materials at low temperatures limits their wide application. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) hydrogen-sensing material of interconnected Pd nanoparticles supported on zeolite-AFI (zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs) is designed for the hydrogen sensor at low temperature. The interconnected Pd NPs of ∼15 nm in diameter are achieved onto the zeolite-AFI framework by reduction-controlled self-assembly growth, followed by partially etching-off zeolite. The 3D structure provides a larger surface ratio for improving hydrogen adsorption onto Pd, and more space for PdHx intermediate expansion, which effectively facilitates response to hydrogen and suppresses the α-ß phase transition. Remarkably, there is no "reverse sensing behavior" observed in zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs, though temperature is as low as to 200 K compared with that of pristine Pd nanowires at 287 K. Furthermore, the zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs sensors yield excellent sensing response and high stability to hydrogen at temperature from 200 to 400 K. Such Zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs sensors are expected to detect hydrogen leakage, especially in critical environments of low temperature.

Palladium/Bismuth/Copper Hierarchical Nano-Architectures for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution and Stable Hydrogen Detection.

Efficient, stable electrode catalysts and advanced hydrogen sensing materials are the core of the hydrogen production and hydrogen detection for guaranteeing the safe issues. Although a universal material to achieve the above missions is highly desirable, it remains challenging. Here, we report palladium/bismuth/copper hierarchical nanoarchitectures (Pd/Bi/Cu HNAs) for advanced dual-applications toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrogen detection, via first electrodeposition of cylindrical nanowires and subsequent wet-chemical etching art. For HER, the Pd/Bi/Cu HNAs present the overpotential (79 mV at 10 mA-2) and tafel slope (61 mV dec-1) closing to those of Pt/C. For hydrogen detection, the Pd/Bi/Cu HNAs was able to work at a wide-temperature range (∼156-418 K), and remarkably, their critical temperature (∼156 K) of the "reversing sensing behavior" is much lower than that of pure Pd nanowires (278 K). These excellent performances are ascribed to the synergic effect of hierarchical morphology induced more exposure of Pd, and the Pd d-band modification via Cu and Bi dopants. It is feasible that Pd/Bi/Cu HNAs serve as universal materials for both efficient catalysts toward hydrogen evolution via water electrolysis and wide-temperature adapted hydrogen detection.