Progress of research on the surface functionalization of tantalum and porous tantalum in bone tissue engineering.

Tantalum and porous tantalum are ideal materials for making orthopedic implants due to their stable chemical properties and excellent biocompatibility. However, their utilization is still affected by loosening, infection, and peripheral inflammatory reactions, which sometimes ultimately lead to implant removal. An ideal bone implant should have exceptional biological activity, which can improve the surrounding biological microenvironment to enhance bone repair. Recent advances in surface functionalization have produced various strategies for developing compatibility between either of the two materials and their respective microenvironments. This review provides a systematic overview of state-of-the-art strategies for conferring biological functions to tantalum and porous tantalum implants. Furthermore, the review describes methods for preparing active surfaces and different bioactive substances that are used, summarizing their functions. Finally, this review discusses current challenges in the development of optimal bone implant materials.

Fe-CP-based Catalytic Oxidation and Dissipative Self-Assembly of a Ferrocenyl Surfactant Applied in DNA Capture and Release.

Dissipative self-assembly plays a vital role in fabricating intelligent and transient materials. The selection and design of the molecular structure is critical, and the introduction of valuable stimuli-responsive motifs into building blocks would bring about a novel perspective on the fuel driven nonequilibrium assemblies. For redox-responsive surfactants, novel methods of catalytic oxidation are very important for their activation/deactivation process through designing fuel input/energy dissipation. As an enzyme with a fast catalytic rate, Fe-based coordination polymers (Fe-CPs) are found to be highly effective oxidase-like enzymes to induce a reversible switch of a ferrocene-based surfactant over a wide range of temperatures and pH. This builds a bridge between the CPs materials and surfactants. Furthermore, glucose oxidase can also induce a switchable transition of a ferrocene-based surfactant. The GOX-catalyzed, glucose-fueled transient surfactant assemblies have been fabricated for many cycles, which has a successful application in a time-controlled and autonomous DNA capture and release process. The intelligent use of enzymes including CPs and GOX in ferrocene-based surfactants will pave the way for the oxidation of redox surfactants, which extends the application of stable or transient ferrocenyl self-assemblies.

Does curve of Spee affect the precision of 3D-printed curvature-adaptive splints?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to propose a standardized protocol for the fabrication of three-dimensionally (3D)-printed curvature-adaptive splints (CASs) and assess the precision of CASs on dentitions with different depths of the curve of Spee (COS). METHODS: 76 lower dental resin models, each exhibiting one of the four types of COS (0-, 2-, 4-, and 6-mm deep), were selected and digitally scanned. CASs were designed, 3D printed, and grouped into C0, C2, C4, and C6, corresponding to the four types of COS depths. To assess precision, the CASs occluded with the resin model were scanned as a whole and compared with the originally designed ones. RESULTS: In terms of translational deviations observed in the CASs, the mean value of absolute sagittal deviation (0.136mm) was significantly higher than those of vertical (0.091mm) and transversal deviations (0.045mm) (P < 0.01). Regarding rotational deviations of the CASs, the mean deviation in pitch (0.323°) was significantly higher than those in yaw (0.083°) and roll (0.110°) (P < 0.01). However, when comparing the accuracy of CASs across C0, C2, C4, and C6 groups, no statistically significant difference was found. Additionally, the translational deviations, rotational deviations, and RMSE of all groups were significantly lower than the clinically acceptable limits of 0.5mm, 1°, and 0.25mm, respectively (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The depth of the COS has no significant impact on the precision of CASs, as evidenced by the absence of statistically significant differences in translational, rotational deviations, and RMSE among all groups (C0, C2, C4, and C6). Moreover, despite relatively high deviations in the sagittal dimension and pitch, all dimensional deviations and RMSE remained statistically significantly lower than the corresponding clinically acceptable limits (CALs) in all groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This standardized protocol incorporating "curvature-adaptation" represents an optimized approach to fabricating diverse 3D-printed splints tailored to dentitions with different anatomical features in contemporary digital dentistry.

Comprehensive characterization of hemicelluloses obtained from Gleditsia sinensis Lam. pods and the application of moderately degraded hemicelluloses in galactomannan film.

The Gleditsia sinensis Lam. pods (GSP) are consistently discarded as waste after saponin extraction due to a lack of industrial or high-value utilization. Herein, the hemicelluloses were extracted from two varieties of GSP and subjected to comprehensive characterization. The molar mass of DMSO-soluble hemicelluloses (53.3-66.0 kDa) was higher compared to that of alkali-soluble ones (24.9-32.6 kDa). The presence of minimal acetyl substitution (3.85-4.49 %) on xylan was unequivocally confirmed. NMR spectroscopic analysis indicated that the hemicelluloses in GSP predominantly consist of a 1,4-ß-ᴅ-Xyl backbone with arabinose substituents at O-3 and 4-O-methyl-α-ᴅ-GlcA substituents at O-2 of the xylose residues. p-Coumaric acid substitution also occurred on the 1,4-ß-ᴅ-Xyl backbone. Hydrothermal treatment significantly reduced the hemicelluloses' relative molar mass and produced 7-10 % xylo-oligosaccharides. Furthermore, the moderately degraded hemicelluloses exhibited significantly enhanced biological activity. Finally, the incorporation of the moderately degraded hemicelluloses imparted the galactomannan film with exceptional antioxidant properties (81.1 % DPPH scavenging activity), while negligibly affecting its transparency. Our study's findings will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the structural and biochemical properties of hemicellulose in waste G. sinensis pods, thereby facilitating their enhanced utilization in industrial applications.

Photosensitive AIEgens sensitize bacteria to oxidative damage and modulate the inflammatory responses of macrophages to salvage the photodynamic therapy against MRSA.

The urgent need for antimicrobial agents to combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria facilitates the exploration of alternative strategies such as photosensitizer (PS)-mediated photoinactivation. However, increasing studies have discovered uncorrelated bactericidal activities among PSs possessing similar photodynamic and pathogen-targeted properties. To optimize the photodynamic therapy (PDT) against infections, we investigated three type-I PSs of D-π-A AIEgens TI, TBI, and TTI. The capacities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of TI, TBI, and TTI did not align with their bactericidal activities. Despite exhibiting the lowest photodynamic efficiency, TI exhibited the highest activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by impairing the anti-oxidative responses of bacteria. By comparison, TTI, characterized by the strongest ROS production, inactivated intracellular MRSA by potentiating the inflammatory response of macrophages. Unlike TI and TTI, TBI, despite possessing moderate photodynamic activities and inducing ROS accumulation in both MRSA and macrophages, did not exhibit any antibacterial activity. Therefore, relying on the disturbed anti-oxidative metabolism of pathogens or potentiated host immune responses, transient ROS bursts can effectively control bacterial infections. Our study reevaluates the contribution of photodynamic activities of PSs to bacterial elimination and provides new insights into discovering novel antibacterial targets and agents.

Two-Photon Absorption Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen/Paclitaxel Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics.

Multifaceted nanoplatforms integrating fluorescence imaging and chemotherapy have garnered acknowledgment for their potential potency in cancer diagnosis and simultaneous in situ therapy. However, some drawbacks remain for traditional organic photosensitizers, such as poor photostability, short excitation wavelength, and shallow penetration depth, which will greatly lower the chemotherapy treatment efficiency. Herein, we present lipid-encapsulated two-photon active aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen and paclitaxel (PTX) nanoparticles (AIE@PTX NPs) with bright red fluorescence emission, excellent photostability, and good biocompatibility. The AIE@PTX NPs exhibit dual functionality as two-photon probes for visualizing blood vessels and tumor structures, achieving penetration depth up to 186 and 120 µm, respectively. Furthermore, the tumor growth of the HeLa-xenograft model can be effectively prohibited after the fluorescence imaging-guided and PTX-induced chemotherapy, which shows great potential in the clinical application of two-photon cell and tumor fluorescence imaging and cancer treatment.

Protocol to synthesize sequence-controlled glycooligomers for tumor targeting in mice.

Due to the higher and more rapid consumption of carbohydrates by cancer cells compared to normal cells, carbohydrates can be effectively employed as a targeted therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment. Here, we present a protocol for synthesizing sequence-controlled glycooligomers using both solution-phase and solid-phase systems. We outline detailed procedures for evaluating the safety and tumor-targeting properties of the sequence-controlled glycooligomers in vivo. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Chen et al.1.

Qufeng tongluo decoction decreased proteinuria in diabetic mice by protecting podocytes via promoting autophagy.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of diabetic complications, which has become the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. In addition to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker(ACEI/ARB) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an effective alternative treatment for DKD. In this study, the effect of Qufeng Tongluo (QFTL) decoction in decreasing proteinuria has been observed and its mechanism has been explored based on autophagy regulation in podocyte. Methods: In vivo study, db/db mice were used as diabetes model and db/m mice as blank control. Db/db mice were treated with QFTL decoction, rapamycin, QFTL + 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), trehalose, chloroquine (CQ) and QFTL + CQ. Mice urinary albumin/creatinine (UACR), nephrin and autophagy related proteins (LC3 and p62) in kidney tissue were detected after intervention of 9 weeks. Transcriptomics was operated with the kidney tissue from model group and QFTL group. In vitro study, mouse podocyte clone-5 (MPC-5) cells were stimulated with hyperglycemic media (30 mmol/L glucose) or cultured with normal media. High-glucose-stimulated MPC-5 cells were treated with QFTL freeze-drying powder, rapamycin, CQ, trehalose, QFTL+3-MA and QFTL + CQ. Cytoskeletal actin, nephrin, ATG-5, ATG-7, Beclin-1, cathepsin L and cathepsin B were assessed. mRFP-GFP-LC3 was established by stubRFP-sensGFP-LC3 lentivirus transfection. Results: QFTL decoction decreased the UACR and increased the nephrin level in kidney tissue and high-glucose-stimulated podocytes. Autophagy inhibitors, including 3-MA and chloroquine blocked the effects of QFTL decoction. Further study showed that QFTL decoction increased the LC3 expression and relieved p62 accumulation in podocytes of db/db mice. In high-glucose-stimulated MPC-5 cells, QFTL decoction rescued the inhibited LC3 and promoted the expression of ATG-5, ATG-7, and Beclin-1, while had no effect on the activity of cathepsin L and cathepsin B. Results of transcriptomics also showed that 51 autophagy related genes were regulated by QFTL decoction, including the genes of ATG10, SCOC, ATG4C, AMPK catalytic subunit, PI3K catalytic subunit, ATG3 and DRAM2. Conclusion: QFTL decoction decreased proteinuria and protected podocytes in db/db mice by regulating autophagy.

First Principles Study of the Structure-Performance Relation of Pristine Wn+1Cn and Oxygen-Functionalized Wn+1CnO2 MXenes as Cathode Catalysts for Li-O2 Batteries.

Li-O2 batteries are considered a highly promising energy storage solution. However, their practical implementation is hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions at cathodes during discharging and charging, respectively. In this work, we investigated the catalytic performance of Wn+1Cn and Wn+1CnO2 MXenes (n = 1, 2, and 3) as cathodes for Li-O2 batteries using first principles calculations. Both Wn+1Cn and Wn+1CnO2 MXenes show high conductivity, and their conductivity is further enhanced with increasing atomic layers, as reflected by the elevated density of states at the Fermi level. The oxygen functionalization can change the electronic properties of WC MXenes from the electrophilic W surface of Wn+1Cn to the nucleophilic O surface of Wn+1CnO2, which is beneficial for the activation of the Li-O bond, and thus promotes the Li+ deintercalation during the charge-discharge process. On both Wn+1Cn and Wn+1CnO2, the rate-determining step (RDS) of ORR is the formation of the (Li2O)2* product, while the RDS of OER is the LiO2* decomposition. The overpotentials of ORR and OER are positively linearly correlated with the adsorption energy of the RDS LixO2* intermediates. By lowering the energy band center, the oxygen functionalization and increasing atomic layers can effectively reduce the adsorption strength of the LixO2* intermediates, thereby reducing the ORR and OER overpotentials. The W4C3O2 MXene shows immense potential as a cathode catalyst for Li-O2 batteries due to its outstanding conductivity and super-low ORR, OER, and total overpotentials (0.25, 0.38, and 0.63 V).

Surgery for longer duration supranuclear ophthalmoplegia secondary to brain stem cavernoma: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports revealed that patients with acquired paralytic strabismus caused by central nervous system diseases are primarily affected by the etiology and treatment of the condition. Strabismus correction for these acquired paralytic strabismus should be performed as soon as the primary disease has been stabilized for 6 months in order to archive a favorable surgical outcome. CASE: We followed an infrequent case of longer-lasting supranuclear ophthalmoplegia secondary to brain stem cavernoma. OBSERVATION: A 25-year-old Chinese Han female developed aberrant head posture and ipsilateral conjugate gaze palsies 8 years after the first brainstem hemorrhage caused by pontine cavernoma. The patient was diagnosed with supranuclear ophthalmic palsy and brain stem cavernoma after surgery. A resection-recession procedure along with a rectus muscle transposition was performed. The patient's abnormal head position disappeared, with a normal primary position. CONCLUSION: Resection-recession procedures combined with rectus muscle transposition works very well for longer duration large-angle strabismus caused by brain stem cavernoma.

Study on structure and properties of galactomannan and enzyme changes during fenugreek seeds germination.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) galactomannan play an important role in the food and pharmaceutical sectors due to its attractive physicochemical properties. In this study, the changes of structure, properties and biological activity of fenugreek galactomannan (FG) during germination are analyzed by the activity and mechanism of endogenous enzymes (α-D-galactosidase and ß-D-mannanase). The enzymes generally increased during germination and synergistically altered the structure of GM by cutting down the main chains and removing partial side residues. The mannose to galactose ratio (M/G) increased from 1.11 to 1.59, which is accompanied by a drastic decrease in molecular weight from 3.606 × 106 to 0.832 × 106 g/mol, and the drop of viscosity from 0.27 to 0.06 Pa·sn. The degraded macromolecules are attributed to the increase in solubility (from 64.55 % to 88.62 %). In terms of antioxidation and antidiabetic ability, germinated fenugreek galactomannan has the ability to scavenge 67.17 % ABTS free radicals and inhibit 86.89 % α-glucosidase. This galactomannan with low molecular weight and excellent biological activity precisely satisfies the current demands of pharmaceutical reagents and food industry. Seeds germination holds promise as a means of industrial scale production of low molecular weight galactomannans.

A novel strategy by combining foam fractionation with high-speed countercurrent chromatography for the rapid and efficient isolation of antioxidants and cytostatics from Camellia oleifera cake.

Camellia oleifera cake is a by-product, which is rich in functional chemical components. However, it is typically used as animal feed with no commercial value. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify compounds from Camellia oleifera cake using a combination of foam fractionation and high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and to investigate their biological activities. Foam fractionation with enhanced drainage through a hollow regular decahedron (HRD) was first established for simultaneously enriching flavonoid glycosides and saponins for further separation of target compounds. Under suitable operating conditions, the introduction of HRD resulted in a threefold increase in enrichment ratio with no negative effect on recovery. A novel elution-extrusion countercurrent chromatography (EECCC) coupled with the consecutive injection mode was established for the successful simultaneous isolation of flavonoid glycosides and saponins. As a result, 38.7 mg of kaemferol-3-O-[2-O-D-glucopyranosyl-6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (purity of 98.17%, FI), 70.8 mg of kaemferol-3-O-[2-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (purity of 97.52%, FII), and 560 mg of an oleanane-type saponin (purity of 92.32%, FIII) were separated from the sample (900 mg). The present study clearly showed that FI and II were natural antioxidants (IC50 < 35 µg/mL) without hemolytic effect. FIII displayed the effect of inhibiting Hela cell proliferation (IC50 < 30 µg/mL). Further erythrocyte experiments showed that this correlated with the extremely strong hemolytic effect of FIII. Overall, this study offers a potential strategy for efficient and green isolation of natural products, and is beneficial to further expanding the application of by-products (Camellia oleifera cake) in food, cosmetics, and pharmacy.

Temporal dynamics of stomatal regulation and carbon- and water-related traits for a native tree species in low subtropical China.

Stomata are pivotal in modulating water and carbon processes within plants. However, our understanding of the temporal dynamics of water- and carbon-related traits, as influenced by stomatal behavior, remains limited. Here, we explore how stomatal regulation behavior and water- and carbon-related traits vary with changing environments by examining the seasonal variations in these traits of the native tree species Schima superba in low subtropical China. In February, April, and July of 2022, a series of water- and carbon-related traits were measured in the leaves and stems. The results showed that S. superba exhibited isohydric behavior in February when the soil dried out and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was lower but anisohydric behavior in April and July when the soil was wetter and VPD was higher. In February, NSC and their components increased, and a relatively large contribution of soluble sugars to the change in NSC was observed. In the branches and phloem, NSC and their components displayed a relatively high monthly variability, suggesting their role in maintaining carbon balance within the trees. Conversely, the NSC in the leaves demonstrated minimal monthly variability. The specific leaf area, as well as the concentration of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) per unit mass in leaves and the cumulative stem water release, exhibited a decrease with a reduction in soil water potential. Interestingly, the hydraulic conductivity remained consistent throughout this process. Furthermore, the relatively low monthly growth rate observed in February could suggest a carbon sink limitation. In conclusion, the increased NSC and decreased water status of S. superba under relatively stressed soil conditions indicated a trade-off between water and carbon storage. Our findings enhance our comprehension of the dynamics and regulation of water and carbon status in forests, thereby advancing the development of plant carbon and water process models under climate change scenarios.

Fabrication of multi-functional biodegradable liquid mulch utilizing xyloglucan derived from tamarind waste for agricultural application.

Biodegradable liquid mulch is considered a promising alternative to plastic mulch for sustainable agriculture. This work proposed a xyloglucan-based liquid mulch with multi-function using a combination of chemical modification and blending methods. The esterification product of tamarind xyloglucan (TXG) from forestry wastes was synthesized with benzoic anhydride (BA). The effect of esterification modification was investigated, and BA-TXG was utilized as a film-forming and sand-fixation agent. The rheological properties, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity were improved following esterification. Additionally, waterborne polyurethane and urea were incorporated into the mulch to enhance its mechanical strength (23.28 MPa, 80.71 %), and homogeneity, as well as improve its nutritive properties. The xyloglucan-based liquid mulch has excellent UV protection, a high haze value (approximately 90 %), and retains water at a rate of 80.45 %. SEM and immersion experiment showed the effect of xyloglucan-based liquid mulch on sustainable sand-fixation. Moreover, the liquid mulch treatment demonstrated an impressive germination rate of 83.8 % and degradation rate of 51.59 % (60 days). The modified polysaccharide film increases stability and slows down the degradation rate. Tamarind xyloglucan-based liquid mulch exhibits powerful and diverse optical properties as well as sand fixation functions, indicating their great potential in sustainable agriculture as an alternative to plastic mulch.

Foam and fluid properties of purified saponins and non-purified water extracts from Camellia oleifera cake (by-product).

The physicochemical and foam properties of non-purified water extracts (WE) and purified tea saponins (TS) from Camellia oleifera cake (byproduct) were compared. WE showed different fluid properties at equal saponin concentrations (1.0 wt%) compared to TS. Particularly, it exhibited limited micelle size (average 434.1 nm), effective viscosity (0.15 Pa·s), and surface tension (43.9 mN/m) independently of pH. Moreover, the foam properties of WE were comparable to TS and better than sodium caseinate, especially foam stability. WE foam was more stable than TS foam under pH (3-7) and heating (40-80 °C). In the presence of NaCl, sucrose, and ethanol (5-20 wt%), WE and TS were effective and had similar foam behavior. Low concentrations of sucrose (<10 wt%)/ethanol (<20 wt%) significantly increased the foam capacity, while ethanol over 30 wt% was unfavorable. WE/TS foam contributes significantly to the desired physicochemical and sensory attributes (taste, texture, and appearance) of foods.

Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) FtTT8 Inhibits Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Promotes Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is an important plant, utilized for both medicine and food. It has become a current research hotspot due to its rich content of flavonoids, which are beneficial for human health. Anthocyanins (ATs) and proanthocyanidins (PAs) are the two main kinds of flavonoid compounds in Tartary buckwheat, which participate in the pigmentation of some tissue as well as rendering resistance to many biotic and abiotic stresses. Additionally, Tartary buckwheat anthocyanins and PAs have many health benefits for humans and the plant itself. However, little is known about the regulation mechanism of the biosynthesis of anthocyanin and PA in Tartary buckwheat. In the present study, a bHLH transcription factor (TF) FtTT8 was characterized to be homologous with AtTT8 and phylogenetically close to bHLH proteins from other plant species. Subcellular location and yeast two-hybrid assays suggested that FtTT8 locates in the nucleus and plays a role as a transcription factor. Complementation analysis in Arabidopsis tt8 mutant showed that FtTT8 could not recover anthocyanin deficiency but could promote PAs accumulation. Overexpression of FtTT8 in red-flowering tobacco showed that FtTT8 inhibits anthocyanin biosynthesis and accelerates proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. QRT-PCR and yeast one-hybrid assay revealed that FtTT8 might bind to the promoter of NtUFGT and suppress its expression, while binding to the promoter of NtLAR and upregulating its expression in K326 tobacco. This displayed the bidirectional regulating function of FtTT8 that negatively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and positively regulates proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. The results provide new insights on TT8 in Tartary buckwheat, which is inconsistent with TT8 from other plant species, and FtTT8 might be a high-quality gene resource for Tartary buckwheat breeding.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeted Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen for Synergetic Tumor Ablation with Glibenclamide.

Photodynamic therapy based on fluorescence illumination of subcellular organelles and in situ bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been recognized as a promising strategy for cancer theranostics. However, the short life of ROS and unclarified anticancer mechanism seriously restrict the application. Herein, we rationally designed and facilely synthesized a 2,6-dimethylpyridine-based triphenylamine (TPA) derivative TPA-DMPy with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features and production of type-I ROS. Except for its selective binding to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), TPA-DMPy, in synergy with glibenclamide, a medicinal agent used against diabetes, induced significant apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, TPA-DMPy greatly incited the release of calcium from ER upon light irradiation to further aggravate the depolarization of ER membrane potential caused by glibenclamide, thus inducing fatal ER stress and crosstalk between ER and mitochondria. Our study extends the biological design and application of AIE luminogens and provides new insights into discovering novel anticancer targets and agents.

Off-axis four-mirror telescope with a wide field of view and a long focal length using double integrated mirrors.

An off-axis four-mirror optical system has the advantages of a wide field of view (FOV) and a small telephoto ratio. However, it will bring difficulties in assembly and detection. Here we report an off-axis four-mirror free-form telescope with a long focal length and a wide field of view based on two integration mirrors. The initial structure of a coaxial four-mirror optical system is established based on the Seidel aberration theory. A Zernike Fringe free-form surface is introduced to correct aberrations. By gradually increasing the entrance pupil diameter and the FOV, we finally obtain an off-axis four-mirror telescope with a FOV of 0.4∘×20∘, an F-number of 11.5, a long focal length of 2000 mm, and a volume of 360×400×600m m 3. In addition, four mirrors remain coaxially aligned, remarkably facilitating detection and adjustment. The proposed off-axis four-mirror telescope, with double integration mirrors, holds great potential for application in aerospace remote sensing observations.

Ultrasound-responsive glycopolymer micelles for targeted dual drug delivery in cancer therapy.

Controlled drug release of nanoparticles was achieved by irreversibly disrupting polymer micelles through high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) induction. An ultrasound-responsive block copolymer was synthesized, comprising an end-functional Eosin Y fluorophore, 2-tetrahydropyranyl acrylate (THPA), and acrylate mannose (MAN). The block copolymer was then self-assembled to produce micelles. The chemotherapy drug dasatinib (DAS) and the sonodynamic therapy agent methylene blue (MB) were encapsulated by the self-assembly of the block copolymer. This targeted nanoparticle enables sonodynamic therapy through high-intensity focused ultrasound while triggering nanoparticle disassembly for controlled drug release. The ultrasound-mediated, non-invasive strategy provides external spatiotemporal control for targeted tumour treatment.

Early changes of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness and macular microvasculature in Posner-Schlossman syndrome: a binocular control study by OCTA.

To evaluate the early changes in ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness and macular microvasculature in Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) with a binocular control study involving optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Twenty-six patients with unilateral PSS were included in this cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent a thorough ocular examination. Macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) and superficial macular microvasculature measurements, including vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), were recorded. In PSS-affected eyes, the mGCIPL thickness was significantly lower in all quadrants than in the contralateral eyes (all p < 0.05). Significant macular microvascular damage was found in the PSS-affected eyes, including whole-image VD (wiVD), wiPD, perifoveal VD (periVD) and periPD (all p < 0.05); but there was no obvious difference in parafoveal VD (paraVD), paraPD and FAZ parameters (all p > 0.05). In addition, a decreased wiVD and wiPD were significantly correlated with a smaller mGCIPL thickness and a decreased MD (all p < 0.05). These parameters may contribute to the early detection of glaucomatous damage and timely supervision of disease progression in PSS.