Polypyrrole@CNT@PU Conductive Sponge-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Human Motion Monitoring and Self-Powered Ammonia Sensing.

Elastic sponges are ideal materials for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to harvest irregular and random mechanical energy from the environment. However, the conductive design of the elastic materials in TENGs often limits its applications. In this work, we have demonstrated that an elastic conductive sponge can be used as the triboelectric layer and electrode for TENGs. Such an elastic conductive sponge is prepared by a simple way of adsorbing multiwalled carbon nanotubes and monomers of pyrrole to grow conductive polypyrroles on the surface of an elastic polyurethane (PU) sponge. Due to the porous structure of the PU sponge and the conductive multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), PPy on the surface of PU could provide a large contact area to improve the output performance of TENGs, and the conductive sponge-based TENG could generate an output of open-circuit voltage of 110 V or a short-circuit current of 12 µA, respectively. The good flexibility of the conductive PU sponge makes the TENG harvest the kinetic energy of disordered motion with different amplitudes, allowing for human motion monitoring. Furthermore, the porous structure of PU and the synergistic effects of PPy and MWCNTs enable the conductive sponge to sense NH3 as a self-powered NH3 sensor. This work offers a simple way to construct a flexible TENG system for random mechanical energy harvesting, human motion monitoring, and self-powered NH3 sensing.

Metal-Organic Framework Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for a Self-Powered Methanol Sensor with High Sensitivity and Selectivity.

Triboelectric nanogenerators have shown great potential in the area of self-powered gas sensors in the past decade. In this paper, we developed a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on spiky structured ZIF-8@ZnO, which can harvest energy with high efficiency and act as a self-powered methanol sensor. The open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current generated by a ZIF-8@ZnO-based TENG is 58 V and 10 µA, achieving 2.4 times and 3.3 times enhancement compared to ZnO-based TENGs. The TENG can charge capacitors fast and light up at least 40 LEDs. ZIF-8@ZnO-based TENGs show good sensitivity and selectivity to methanol gas at room temperature due to the porous structure provided by ZIF-8 and the heterostructure of ZIF-8@ZnO. The response of ZIF-8@ZnO-based TENG to methanol reaches 30.35% at 100 ppm with excellent response (∼5.9 s) and recovery time (∼2.2 s). This work demonstrates the application of MOF-modified metal oxide semiconductors based on a self-powered gas sensor and proposes a promising solution to enhance the output performance and sensing properties of TENGs based on metal oxide semiconductors.

Down-regulation of miR-155 inhibits inflammatory response in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells infected with influenza A virus by targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cells play a key role in the cytokine storm caused by influenza A virus. MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is an important regulator in inflammation. Its role in the inflammatory response to influenza A infection, however, has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the role as well as the underlying mechanism of miR-155 in the cytokine production in influenza A-infected endothelial cells. METHODS: Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were infected with the influenza A virus strain H1N1. The efficiency of H1N1 infection was confirmed by immunofluorescence. The expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and miR-155 were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. A dual-luciferase reporter assay characterized the interaction between miR-155 and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1). Changes in the target protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: MiR-155 was elevated in response to the H1N1 infection in HPMECs (24 h post-infection vs. 0 h post-infection, 3.875 ±â€Š0.062 vs. 1.043 ±â€Š0.013, P = 0.001). Over-expression of miR-155 enhanced inflammatory cytokine production (miR-155 mimic vs. negative control, all P < 0.05 in regard of cytokine levels) and activation of nuclear factor kappa B in infected HPMECs (miR-155 mimic vs. negative control, P = 0.004), and down-regulation of miR-155 had the opposite effect. In addition, S1PR1 was a direct target of miR-155 in the HPMECs. Inhibition of miR-155 enhanced the expression of the S1PR1 protein. Down-regulation of S1PR1 decreased the inhibitory effect of the miR-155 blockade on H1N1-induced cytokine production and nuclear factor kappa B activation in HPMECs. CONCLUSION: MiR-155 maybe modulate influenza A-induced inflammatory response by targeting S1PR1.

Epidemiological Trends of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in China From 2007 to 2014: A Retrospective Study.

The emergence and spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) has become the major concern in global TB control nowadays due to its limited therapy options and high mortality. A comprehensive evaluation for the epidemiological trends of DR-TB in mainland China, of which TB incidences remain high, is essential but lacking. This study aimed to describe the trends of DR-TB overtime, especially multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB); and to identify unique characteristics of MDR-TB cases compared with drug-susceptible TB cases in Mainland China. We retrospectively analyzed surveillance data collected from 36 TB prevention and control institutions in Shandong Province, China over an 8-year period. Unique characteristics of MDR-TB were identified; Chi-square test for trends and linear regression were used to assess the changes in proportions of different resistance patterns overtime. The overall MDR rate was 6.2% in our sample population. There were no statistically significant changes in the percentage of drug-susceptible, isoniazid (INH) resistance, ethambutol (EMB) resistance, streptomycin (SM) resistance, and MDR TB during our study period except that the overall rifampin (RFP) resistance and rifampin monoresistance (RMR) increased at a yearly rate of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. Among those with known treatment histories, a higher MDR rate of 8.7% was observed, in which 53.9% were primary MDR-TB patients, and this rate was increasing at a yearly rate of 4.1% over our study period. MDR-TB patients were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.34), aged 25 to 44 years (OR, 1.67; 95%CI, 1.45-1.93), retreated (OR, 11.95; 95%CI, 9.68-14.76), having prior TB contact (OR, 1.89; 95%CI, 1.19-2.78) and having cavity (OR, 1.57; 95%CI 1.36-1.81), or bilateral disease (OR, 1.45; 95%CI 1.19-1.76) on chest radiology. Persistent high levels of MDR-TB, increasing rates of primary MDR-TB and RMR characterize DR-TB cases in mainland China; community-acquired drug resistance may be one of the most modifiable factors in future TB control strategies.

Corticosteroids in treatment of aspiration-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: results of a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute stroke patients suffering from aspiration may present with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There is still a lack of convincing data about the efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of aspiration-related ARDS. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical impact of corticosteroids on aspiration-related ARDS. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2014, we conducted a retrospective study among acute stroke patients diagnosed with aspiration-related ARDS. The data analyzed included demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, chest imaging, and hospital discharge status. RESULTS: Seventy-three acute stroke patients were diagnosed with aspiration-related ARDS. The hospital mortality rate was 39.7%. Corticosteroids were administered in 47 patients (64.4%). The mean dosage was 1.14 (standard deviation [SD] 0.47) mg/kg daily of methylprednisolone (or an equivalent) by intravenous infusion for a period of 7.3 (SD 3.8) days. Ground glass opacities in chest computed tomography images were resolved when corticosteroids were administered. The admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio [OR] 5.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-10.64) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.12-3.56) were associated with an increased risk of hospital mortality, while albumin (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.64-0.92) and corticosteroids therapy (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.70) were associated with a decreased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose and short-term corticosteroid therapy may have an impact on survival in aspiration-related ARDS. The presence of ground glass opacities on the chest computed tomography, performed to rule out aspiration-related ARDS, could be translated into an increased possibility of positive response to corticosteroid therapy.

Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in China.

BACKGROUND: Relatively little is known about the specific relationship and impact from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on multidrug-resistant tuberculsosis (MDR-TB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study included patients aged ≥40 years with a confirmed pulmonary TB at three tertiary hospitals (Shandong, China) between January 2011 and October 2014. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the relationship of MDR-TB and COPD. RESULTS: A total of 2164 patients aged ≥ 40 years with available results of drug susceptibility test (DST) and medical records were screened for this study: 268 patients with discharge diagnosis of COPD and 1896 patients without COPD. Overall, 14.2% of patients with COPD and 8.5% patients without COPD were MDR-TB. The rate of MDR-TB were significantly higher in patients with COPD (P<0.05). Migrant (odds ratios (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.72), previous anti-TB treatment (OR 4.58, 95% CI 1.69-12.42), cavity (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.14-4.75), and GOLD stage (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.01-2.93) were the independent predictors for MDR-TB among patients with COPD. CONCLUSIONS: MDR-TB occurs more frequently in patients with underlying COPD, especially those with being migrant, previous anti-TB therapy, cavity and severe airway obstruction.

The Relationship between Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) is unclear. Identification of the relationship between XDR-TB and MDR-GNB would have important implications for patient care. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study reviewing the records of patients admitted with a confirmed pulmonary TB from 2011 to 2014. To identify the relationship between XDR-TB and MDR-GNB, univariable comparison and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Among 2962 pulmonary TB patients, 45(1.5%) patients had a diagnosis of XDR-TB. A total of 165 MDR-GNB strains were detected in 143 (4.8%) pulmonary TB patients. XDR-TB patients had a significantly higher occurrence of MDR-GNB than non-XDR-TB patients (24.4% vs. 4.5%; P<0.001). Age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.18-1.85), chronic renal failure (OR 6.67, 95% CI 1.42-31.47), chronic hepatic insufficiency (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.15-3.43), presence of XDR-TB (OR 6.56, 95% CI 1.61-26.69), and duration of TB diagnostic delay (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02) were the independent risk factors for MDR-GNB infection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with XDR-TB have a significantly higher risk of being affected by MDR-GNB pathogen. The underlying mechanism association warrant further studies.

Aspiration-related acute respiratory distress syndrome in acute stroke patient.

BACKGROUND: Aspiration of oral or gastric contents into the larynx and lower respiratory tract is a common problem in acute stroke patients, which significantly increases the incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, little is known about the clinical characteristics of aspiration-related ARDS in acute stroke patients. METHODS: Over 17-month period a retrospective cohort study was done on 1495 consecutive patients with acute stroke. The data including demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, chest imaging, and hospital discharge status were collected to analysis. RESULTS: Aspiration-related ARDS was diagnosed in 54 patients (3.6%). The most common presenting symptom was tachypnea (respiratory rate ≥25 breaths/min) in 50 cases. Computed tomography (CT) images usually demonstrated diffuse ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and inhomogeneous patchy consolidations involving the low lobes. Age, NIHSS score, GCS score, dysphagia, dysarthria, hemoglobin concentration, serum aspertate aminotransferase (AST), serum albumin, serum sodium, and admission glucose level were independently associated with aspiration-related ARDS (odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.04-1.07); OR 2.87, (2.68-3.63); OR 4.21, (3.57-5.09); OR 2.18, (1.23-3.86); OR 1.67, (1.31-2.14); OR 2.31, (1.11-4.84); OR 1.68, (1.01-2.80); OR 2.15, (1.19-3.90); OR 1.92, (1.10-3.36) and OR 1.14, (1.06-1.21) respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration-related ARDS frequently occurs in acute stroke patient with impairment consciousness. It is advisable that performing chest CT timely may identify disease early and prompt treatment to rescue patients.