Comparing Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound to contrast-enhanced CT and MRI for differentially diagnosing renal lesions: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasound using Sonazoid (SNZ-CEUS) by comparing with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) for differentiating benign and malignant renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 306 consecutive patients (from 7 centers) with renal masses (40 benign tumors, 266 malignant tumors) diagnosed by both SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT or CE-MRI were enrolled between September 2020 and February 2021. The examinations were performed within 7 days, but the sequence was not fixed. Histologic results were available for 301 of 306 (98.37%) lesions and 5 lesions were considered benign after at least 2 year follow-up without change in size and image characteristics. The diagnostic performances were evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and compared by McNemar's test. RESULTS: In the head-to-head comparison, SNZ-CEUS and CE-MRI had comparable sensitivity (95.60 vs. 94.51%, P = 0.997), specificity (65.22 vs. 73.91%, P = 0.752), positive predictive value (91.58 vs. 93.48%) and negative predictive value (78.95 vs. 77.27%); SNZ-CEUS and CE-CT showed similar sensitivity (97.31 vs. 96.24%, P = 0.724); however, SNZ-CEUS had relatively lower than specificity than CE-CT (59.09 vs. 68.18%, P = 0.683). For nodules > 4 cm, CE-MRI demonstrated higher specificity than SNZ-CEUS (90.91 vs. 72.73%, P = 0.617) without compromise the sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT, and CE-MRI demonstrate desirable and comparable sensitivity for the differentiation of renal mass. However, the specificity of all three imaging modalities is not satisfactory. SNZ-CEUS may be a suitable alternative modality for patients with renal dysfunction and those allergic to gadolinium or iodine-based agents.

Two {CuI[P4Mo6]2}-Based Coordination Polymers Incorporating In Situ Converted Tetrapyridyl Ligands for Trace Analysis of Nitrofuran Antibiotics.

Nitrofurans are important synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs with the basic structure of 5-nitrofuran. Due to their toxicity, it is essential to develop a sensitive sensor with strong anti-interference capabilities for their detection. In this work, two {P4Mo6O31}12--based compounds, [H4(HPTTP)]2{CuI[Mo12O24(OH)6(PO4)3(HPO4)(H2PO4)4]}·xH2O (x = 13 for (1), 7 for (2); HPTTP = 4,4',4″,4‴-(1H-pyrrole-2,3,4,5-tetrayl)tetrapyridine), exhibiting similar coordination but distinct stacking modes. Both compounds were synthesized and used for the electrochemical detection of nitrofuran antibiotics. The tetrapyridine-based ligand was generated in situ during assembly, and its potential mechanism was discussed. Composite electrode materials, formed by mixing graphite powder with compounds 1-2 and physically grinding them, proved to be highly effective in the electrochemical trace detection of furazolidone (FZD) and furaltadone hydrochloride (FTD·HCl) under optimal conditions. Besides, the possible electrochemical detection mechanisms of two nitro-antibiotics were studied.

Hazard evaluation of forest combustibles based on the correlation between pyrolysis products and combustion parameters.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) sourced by the forest fire release are emerging as significant contributors. Despite their increasing importance, the impact of forest fires on POPs remains inadequately explored and an unclear understanding. Herein, the research, choosing four typical forest combustibles, focuses on the relationship between typical POPs and wildfire parameters by assessing the predominant compounds and their concentration in POPs emissions from such fuels through molecular-level analysis. Experiments reveal forest combustibles thermally degrade to release products, releasing a variety of products, including acids (>7.94 %), aldehydes (>2.32 %), ketones (>3.40 %), alcohols (>7.70 %), esters (>2.33 %), ethers (>4.44 %), hydrocarbons (>6.36 %), aromatic compounds (>21.40 %), and nitrogen-bearing compounds (>11.83 %); notably, aromatic compounds, containing substantial concentrations, are also recognized as POPs. By delving into the pyrolysis (20 °C·ms-1) and burning processes (25, 35 and 50 kW/m2) of forest combustibles, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the origin of POPs in wildfires. Moreover, Pearson correlation analysis is employed to establish connections between emitting volatiles and forest fire risk, further unveiling a significant correlation between fire hazards of forest combustibles and the presence of aromatic compounds (Correlation over 0.8). These findings are crucial for comprehending the POPs in forests and evaluating forest fire hazards at the molecular level.

Nano-Interfacial Supramolecular Adhesion of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Separator Enables High-Safety and Wide-Temperature-Range Lithium Batteries.

Polyolefin separators are the most commonly used separators for lithium batteries; however, they tend to shrink when heated, and their Li+ transference number (t Li +) is low. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are expected to solve the above problems due to their high thermal stability, abundant pore structure, and open metal sites. However, it is difficult to prepare high-porosity MOF-based membranes by conventional membrane preparation methods. In this study, a high-porosity free-standing MOF-based safety separator, denoted the BCM separator, is prepared through a nano-interfacial supramolecular adhesion strategy. The BCM separator has a large specific surface area (450.22 m2 g-1) and porosity (62.0%), a high electrolyte uptake (475 wt%), and can maintain its morphology at 200 °C. The ionic conductivity and t Li + of the BCM separator are 1.97 and 0.72 mS cm-1, respectively. Li//LiFePO4 cells with BCM separators have a capacity retention rate of 95.07% after 1100 cycles at 5  C, a stable high-temperature cycling performance of 300 cycles at 80 °C, and good capacity retention at -40 °C. Li//NCM811 cells with BCM separators exhibit significantly improved rate performance and cycling performance. Pouch cells with BCM separators can work at 120 °C and have good safety at high temperature.

Global fungal-host interactome mapping identifies host targets of candidalysin.

Candidalysin, a cytolytic peptide toxin secreted by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, is critical for fungal pathogenesis. Yet, its intracellular targets have not been extensively mapped. Here, we performed a high-throughput enhanced yeast two-hybrid (HT-eY2H) screen to map the interactome of all eight Ece1 peptides with their direct human protein targets and identified a list of potential interacting proteins, some of which were shared between the peptides. CCNH, a regulatory subunit of the CDK-activating kinase (CAK) complex involved in DNA damage repair, was identified as one of the host targets of candidalysin. Mechanistic studies revealed that candidalysin triggers a significantly increased double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs), as evidenced by the formation of γ-H2AX foci and colocalization of CCNH and γ-H2AX. Importantly, candidalysin binds directly to CCNH to activate CAK to inhibit DNA damage repair pathway. Loss of CCNH alleviates DSBs formation under candidalysin treatment. Depletion of candidalysin-encoding gene fails to induce DSBs and stimulates CCNH upregulation in a murine model of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Collectively, our study reveals that a secreted fungal toxin acts to hijack the canonical DNA damage repair pathway by targeting CCNH and to promote fungal infection.

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits alveolar type II cell senescence and limits pulmonary fibrosis via promoting MDM2-mediated p53 degradation.

AIM: Senescence of alveolar type II (AT2) cells is an important driver of pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate whether and how dysregulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) production affected AT2 cell senescence, and then explored the effect of H2 S on the communication between AT2 and fibroblasts. METHODS: ICR mice were intratracheally administered with bleomycin (3 mg/kg). Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 28 µmol/kg/d) was intraperitoneally injected for 2 weeks. The H2 S-generating enzyme cystathionine-ß-synthase (CBS) knockout heterozygous (CBS+/- ) mice were used as a low H2 S production model. RESULTS: Analysis of microarray datasets revealed downregulation of H2 S-generating enzymes in lung tissues of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Decreased H2 S production was correlated with higher levels of cell senescence markers p53 and p21 in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. CBS+/- mice exhibited increased levels of p53 and p21. The numbers of AT2 cells positive for p53 and p21 were increased in CBS+/- mice as compared to control mice. H2 S donor NaHS attenuated bleomycin-induced AT2 cell senescence both in vivo and in vitro. H2 S donor suppressed bleomycin-induced senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of AT2 cells via inhibiting p53/p21 pathway, consequently suppressing proliferation and myofibroblast transdifferentiation of fibroblasts. Mechanically, H2 S suppressed p53 expression by enhancing the mouse double-minute 2 homologue (MDM2)-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53. CONCLUSION: H2 S inactivated p53-p21 pathway, consequently suppressing AT2 cell senescence as well as cell communication between senescent AT2 cells and fibroblasts. Aberrant H2 S synthesis may contribute to the development of pulmonary fibrosis through promoting the activation loop involving senescent AT2 cells and activated fibroblasts.

[Liver targeting of compound liposomes mediated by glycyrrhetinic acid derivative receptor and its effect on hepatic stellate cells].

The 3-succinate-30-stearyl glycyrrhetinic acid(18-GA-Suc) was inserted into glycyrrhetinic acid(GA)-tanshinone Ⅱ_A(TSN)-salvianolic acid B(Sal B) liposome(GTS-lip) to prepare liver targeting compound liposome(Suc-GTS-lip) mediated by GA receptors. Next, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Suc-GTS-lip and GTS-lip were compared by UPLC, and in vivo imaging tracking of Suc-GTS-lip was conducted. The authors investigated the effect of Suc-GTS-lip on the proliferation inhibition of hepatic stellate cells(HSC) and explored their molecular mechanism of improving liver fibrosis. Pharmacokinetic results showed that the AUC_(Sal B) decreased from(636.06±27.73) µg·h·mL~(-1) to(550.39±12.34) µg·h·mL~(-1), and the AUC_(TSN) decreased from(1.08±0.72) µg·h·mL~(-1) to(0.65±0.04) µg·h·mL~(-1), but the AUC_(GA) increased from(43.64±3.10) µg·h·mL~(-1) to(96.21±3.75) µg·h·mL~(-1). The results of tissue distribution showed that the AUC_(Sal B) and C_(max) of Sal B in the liver of the Suc-GTS-lip group were 10.21 and 4.44 times those of the GTS-lip group, respectively. The liver targeting efficiency of Sal B, TSN, and GA in the Suc-GTS-lip group was 40.66%, 3.06%, and 22.08%, respectively. In vivo imaging studies showed that the modified liposomes tended to accumulate in the liver. MTT results showed that Suc-GTS-lip could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HSC, and RT-PCR results showed that the expression of MMP-1 was significantly increased in all groups, but that of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was significantly decreased. The mRNA expressions of collagen-I and collagen-Ⅲ were significantly decreased in all groups. The experimental results showed that Suc-GTS-lip had liver targeting, and it could inhibit the proliferation of HSC and induce their apoptosis, which provided the experimental basis for the targeted treatment of liver fibrosis by Suc-GTS-lip.

Dual Photo-Responsive Diphenylacetylene Enables PET In-Situ Upcycling with Reverse Enhanced UV-Resistance and Strength.

A novel in situ chemical upcycling strategy for plastic waste is proposed by the customized diphenylacetylene monomer with dual photo-response. That is, diphenylacetylene reactive monomers are in situ inserted into the macromolecular chain of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics/fibers through one-pot transesterification of slight-depolymerization and re-polymerization. On the one hand, the diphenylacetylene group absorbs short-wave high-energy UV rays and then releases long-wave low-energy harmless fluorescence. On the other hand, the UV-induced photo-crosslinking reaction among diphenylacetylene groups produces extended π-conjugated structure, resulting in a red-shift (due to decreased HOMO-LUMO separation) in the UV absorption band and locked crosslink points between PET chains. Therefore, with increasing UV exposure time, the upcycled PET plastics exhibit reverse enhanced UV resistance and mechanical strength (superior to original performance), instead of serious UV-photodegradation and damaged performance. This upcycling strategy at oligomer-scale not only provides a new idea for traditional plastic recycling, but also solves the common problem of gradual degradation of polymer performance during use.

Oral Microbiota: A New Insight into Cancer Progression, Diagnosis and Treatment.

The polymorphic microbiome has been defined as one of the "Hallmarks of Cancer". Extensive studies have now uncovered the role of oral microbiota in cancer development and progression. Bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses in the oral cavity interact dynamically with the oral microenvironment to maintain the oral micro-ecological homeostasis. This complex interaction is influenced by many factors, such as maternal transmission, personal factors and environmental factors. Dysbiosis of oral microbiota can disturbed this host-microbiota interaction, leading to systemic diseases. Numerous studies have shown the potential associations between oral microbiota and a variety of cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic insights are still poorly understood. In this review, we mainly focus on the following aspects: (1) the factors affect oral microbiota composition and function; (2) the interaction between microenvironment and oral microbiota; (3) the role of multi-kingdom oral microbiota in human health; (4) the potential underlying mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of oral microbiota against cancer. Finally, we aim to describe the impact of oral microbiota on cancer progression and provide novel therapeutic insights into cancer prevention and treatment by targeting oral microbiota.

A Rule for Response Sensitivity of Structural-Color Photonic Colloids.

To mimic natural photonic crystals having color regulation capacities dynamically responsive to the surrounding environment, periodic assembly structures have been widely constructed with response materials. Beyond monocomponent materials with stimulus responses, binary and multiphase systems generally offer extended color space and complex functionality. Constructing a rule for predicting response sensitivity can provide great benefits for the tailored design of intelligently responsive photonic materials. Here, we elucidate mathematical relationships between the response sensitivity of dynamically structural-color changes and the location distances of photonic co-phases in three-dimensional Hansen space that can empirically express the strength of their interaction forces, including dispersion force, polarity force, and hydrogen bonding. Such an empirical rule is proven to be applicable for some typical alcohols, acetone, and acetic acid regardless of their molecular structures, as verified by angle resolution spectroscopy, in situ infrared spectroscopy, and molecular simulation. The theoretical method we demonstrate provides rational access to custom-designed responsive structural coloration.

Case report of hepatic retiform hemangioendothelioma: A rare tumor treated with ultrasound-guided microwave ablation.

Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is a type of low-grade malignant angiosarcoma. It commonly involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower extremities, but a few cases have been reported in the gut. However, hepatic RH has not been previously reported. This report presents the case of RH of the liver in a 61-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital having presented with liver space-occupying lesions of 2 months evolution. The patient underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination, which indicated a hemangioma, but abdominal computed tomography diagnosed a liver abscess. In order to determine the nature of the lesion, an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy was performed, after which a pathological diagnosis confirmed the presence of RH in the liver. The patient underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation three times and has been followed up for 8 years with no tumor recurrence or metastasis. Surgical excision is still the first choice for the treatment of hepatic RH. As shown in this case, however, for patients who refuse to undergo surgery or have surgical contraindications, ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is an alternative treatment option. The report of this case expands the scope of liver tumors to a certain extent and provides a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

A randomized controlled trial of iliopsoas plane block vs. femoral nerve block for hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Iliopsoas plane block (IPB) is a novel analgesic technique for hip surgery that retains quadriceps strength. However, evidence from randomized controlled trial is remains unavailable. We hypothesized that IPB, as a motor-sparing analgesic technique, could match the femoral nerve block (FNB) in pain management and morphine consumption, providing an advantage for earlier functional training in patients underwent hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We recruited ninety patients with femoral neck fracture, femoral head necrosis or hip osteoarthritis who were scheduled for unilateral primary hip arthroplasty were recruited and received either IPB or FNB. Primary outcome was the pain score during hip flexion at 4 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included quadriceps strength and pain scores upon arrival at post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 2, 4, 6, 24, 48 h after surgery, the first time out of bed, total opioids consumption, patient satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of pain score during hip flexion at 4 h after surgery between the IPB group and FNB group. The quadriceps strength of patients receiving IPB was superior to those receiving FNB upon arrival at PACU and at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after surgery. The IPB group showed a shorter first time out of bed compared to the FNB group. However, there were no significant differences in terms of pain scores within 48 h after surgery, total opioids consumption, patient satisfaction and complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: IPB was not superior to FNB in terms of postoperative analgesia for hip arthroplasty. However, IPB could serve as an effective motor-sparing analgesic technique for hip arthroplasty, which would facilitate early recovery and rehabilitation. This makes IPB worth considering as an alternative to FNB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200055493; registration date: January 10, 2022; enrollment date: January 18, 2022; https://www.chictr.org.cn/searchprojEN.html ).

Construction of cellulose structural-color pigments with tunable colors and iridescence/non-iridescence.

Structural colorations have been recognized as a significant way to replace conventional organic dyes for paints, inks, packaging, and cosmetics because of brilliant colors, high stability, and eco-friendliness. However, most current structural-color pigments present an iridescent appearance, and it remains difficult to mitigate a trade-off between lowering the iridescence effect and maintaining the color saturation and brightness. Here, we demonstrate a universal yet economical approach to prepare cellulose structural-color pigments with different sizes. A combined ultrasonication and grinding treatment is explored to adjust the pigment colors as well as control the iridescence-to-non-iridescence transition that depends on the pigment size. The cellulose pigments can be applied on irregular and curved surfaces, having high water-, chemical-, and mechanical-resistances. With humidity-sensing behaviors, the pigments can be further integrated into monitoring systems for environmental management. Such a preparation strategy overcomes the limitation of controlling iridescent and non-iridescent structural colors without sacrificing color properties, which may bring more opportunities to develop new eco-friendly pigments for wide applications.

The effect of selenium on antioxidant system in aquaculture animals.

There will be generated some adverse conditions in the process of acquculture farming with the continuous improvement of the intensive degree of modern aquaculture, such as crowding stress, hypoxia, and malnutrition, which will easily lead to oxidative stress. Se is an effective antioxidant, participating and playing an important role in the antioxidant defense system of fish. This paper reviews the physiological functions of selenoproteins in resisting oxidative stress in aquatic animals, the mechanisms of different forms of Se in anti-oxidative stress in aquatic animals and the harmful effects of lower and higher levels of Se in aquaculture. To summarize the application and research progress of Se in oxidative stress in aquatic animals and provide scientific references for its application in anti-oxidative stress in aquaculture.

Resveratrol Improves Paclitaxel-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice by Activating SIRT1/PGC-1α Pathway to Regulate Neuronal State and Microglia Cell Polarization.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol (Res) on paclitaxel (PTX)-induced cognitive impairment and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was used to evaluate the mice's spatial learning and memory abilities. Western blotting was applied to detect protein expression of receptor-interacting protein (RIP3), mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), silencing information regulator 2 related enzyme 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor coactivator-1 (PGC-1α), NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), NOX4, postsynaptic density zone 95 (PSD95), arginase-1 (Arg-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Immunofluorescence of RIP3, MLKL, Arg-1, Iba-1 and iNOS was conducted to observe the apoptosis of hippocampal cells and the polarization of microglia. qRT-PCR was performed to detect BDNF mRNA expressions. DHE staining was used to assess the level of oxidative stress response. Golgi-Cox staining and dendritic spine counting were applied to visualize synaptic structural plasticity. Postsynaptic density was performed by transmission electron microscope. ELISA was used to detect the contents of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1ß, IL-4, and IL-10. Results: PTX-induced cognitive impairment model was constructed after the application of PTX, represented as longer latency to platform and less platform crossing times over the whole period in PTX group. After Res treatment, the above indicators were reversed, indicating that cognitive function was improved. Moreover, Res reduced neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress through SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in mice, manifesting as down-regulated expression of RIP3, MLKL, NOX2 and NOX4. Meanwhile, Res increased the density of dendritic spines and the expression of PSD95 and BDNF, thereby ameliorating the PTX induced synaptic damage. Besides, M2 microglia was in the majority, eliciting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 after Res treatment in PTX+Res group, while immunofluorescence images results demonstrated an decrease in the proportion of M2 microglia a following SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527. Conclusion: Res improves PTX-induced cognitive impairment in mice by activating SIRT1/PGC-1α pathways to regulate neuronal state and microglia cell polarization.

YAP inhibitor verteporfin suppresses tumor angiogenesis and overcomes chemoresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Targeting angiogenesis is an attractive strategy for the effective treatment of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activities of YAP inhibitor verteporfin (VP) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells through its inhibitory effect on tumor angiogenesis. METHODS: Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion abilities were estimated by MTT, colony formation, DAPI staining, wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation assay and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model were used to observe angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The interactions between ESCC cells and HUVECs were assessed by cell chemotactic migration and adhesion assays. The expression levels of angiogenesis-related molecules were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: We found that VP was potential to inhibit ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induce apoptosis in the dose-dependent fashion. VP also significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs and promoted apoptosis of HUVECs, and reduced angiogenesis in CAM. Moreover, VP inhibited ESCC cell-induced angiogenesis in vitro by decreasing HUVEC chemotactic migration, adhesion and tube formation, and also reduced ESCC cell-induced neovascularization of the CAM in vivo. In addition, VP suppressed the expression of pro-angiogenic molecules such as VEGFA, MMP-2 and ß-catenin in ESCC cells. Furtherly, VP increased the chemosensitivity of ESCC-resistant cells to paclitaxel (PTX). The combination of VP and PTX attenuated the resistant cell-mediated angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: These results reveal for the first time that VP potently inhibits malignant progression and overcomes chemoresistance of ESCC cells via inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. It provides insight into a new strategy for the treatment of ESCC that VP could be a potential drug candidate for targeting tumor angiogenesis.

Electrochemically Reconstructed Vanadic Oxide-Doped Cobalt Pyrophosphate as an Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

More and more attention has been paid to the development of the efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a porous vanadic oxide-doped cobalt pyrophosphate electrocatalyst, namely V2O5-Co2P2O7, was exploited by using the electrochemical reconstruction method in the alkaline electrolyte and selecting a cobalt vanadium phosphate Co(H2O)4(VOPO4)2 as a precursor. The reconstructed vanadic oxide-doped cobalt pyrophosphate catalyst V2O5-Co2P2O7 exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity for the OER in 1.0 M KOH, requiring a low overpotential of 199 mV at 10 mA cm-2, compared to the reported pyrophosphate electrocatalysts. The porous morphology and doping of vanadic oxide after electrochemical reconstruction were beneficial to enhance the electrocatalytic performance for the OER, through improving the surface area to bring in more accessibly active sites and regulating the electronic structures. The results provided a promising strategy to prepare the pyrophosphate electrocatalysts and improve the performance of the OER catalyst.

Sophisticated yet Convenient Information Encryption/Decryption Based on Synergistically Time-/Temperature-Resolved Photonic Inks.

Exploring high-safety but convenient encryption and decryption technologies to combat threats of information leakage is urgently needed but remains a great challenge. Here, a synergistically time- and temperature-resolved information coding/decoding solution based on functional photonic inks is demonstrated. Encrypted messages can be stored into multiple channels with dynamic-color patterns, and information decryption is only enabled at appointed temperature and time points. Notably, the ink can be easily processed into quick-response codes and multipixel plates. With high transparency and responsive color variations controlled by ink compositions and ambient temperatures, advanced 3D stacking multichannel coding and Morse coding techniques can be applied for multi-information storage, complex anticounterfeiting, and information interference. This study paves an avenue for the design and development of dynamic photonic inks and complex encryption technologies for high-end anticounterfeiting applications.

A 1-min double embedding method for small tissue specimens preserves comedone histology and eliminates the need for punch biopsies.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to preserve the structure and microbial distribution inside comedonal plugs during routine processing. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the optimal method to preserve the comedonal corneum plug structure and inherent microorganisms thereby eliminating the need to perform punch biopsies in relevant studies. METHODS: Corneum plugs were extracted from comedones of acne vulgaris patients. Primary embedding using either a 2% agarose, 2% agar, 25% gelatin, or 2% agar + 2.5% gelatin solution was subsequently performed and the results compared. The specimens were then fixed, waxed, sectioned, and examined by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopies to observe the structures and microorganisms within the plugs. RESULTS: Both the 25% gelatin and 2% agarose solutions successfully preserved the structural integrity of corneum plugs and the inherent microorganisms. When considering other factors such as thermostability, reusability, and convenience, the 25% gelatin solution was the superior choice among the four materials. CONCLUSION: We report a simple and effective method for double embedding comedonal plugs and other small tissue specimens. The technique preserves the structure and microbial distribution in situ within comedonal corneum plugs, eliminates the need for punch biopsies. This method may also be applied to other tiny and fragile tissue specimens, thereby enabling a potentially wide array of future large-scale investigations and alleviated patients' pain.