Single-Particle Imaging Reveals the Electrical Double-Layer Modulated Ion Dynamics at Crowded Interface.

The dynamics of ion transport at the interface is the critical factor for determining the performance of an electrochemical energy storage device. While practical applications are realized in concentrated electrolytes and nanopores, there is a limited understanding of their ion dynamic features. Herein, we studied the interfacial ion dynamics in room-temperature ionic liquids by transient single-particle imaging with microsecond-scale resolution. We observed slowed-down dynamics at lower potential while acceleration was observed at higher potential. Combined with simulation, we found that the microstructure evolution of the electric double layer (EDL) results in potential-dependent kinetics. Then, we established a correspondence between the ion dynamics and interfacial ion composition. Besides, the ordered ion orientation within EDL is also an essential factor for accelerating interfacial ion transport. These results inspire us with a new possibility to optimize electrochemical energy storage through the good control of the rational design of the interfacial ion structures.

Dysfunction of motor cortices in Parkinson's disease.

The cerebral cortex has long been thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The impaired cortical function is believed to be a direct and immediate effect of pathologically patterned basal ganglia output, mediated to the cerebral cortex by way of the ventral motor thalamus. However, recent studies in humans with Parkinson's disease and in animal models of the disease have provided strong evidence suggesting that the involvement of the cerebral cortex is much broader than merely serving as a passive conduit for subcortical disturbances. In the present review, we discuss Parkinson's disease-related changes in frontal cortical motor regions, focusing on neuropathology, plasticity, changes in neurotransmission, and altered network interactions. We will also examine recent studies exploring the cortical circuits as potential targets for neuromodulation to treat Parkinson's disease.

Decreased cellular excitability of pyramidal tract neurons in primary motor cortex leads to paradoxically increased network activity in simulated parkinsonian motor cortex.

Decreased excitability of pyramidal tract neurons in layer 5B (PT5B) of primary motor cortex (M1) has recently been shown in a dopamine-depleted mouse model of parkinsonism. We hypothesized that decreased PT5B neuron excitability would substantially disrupt oscillatory and non-oscillatory firing patterns of neurons in layer 5 (L5) of primary motor cortex (M1). To test this hypothesis, we performed computer simulations using a previously validated computer model of mouse M1. Inclusion of the experimentally identified parkinsonism-associated decrease of PT5B excitability into our computational model produced a paradoxical increase in rest-state PT5B firing rate, as well as an increase in beta-band oscillatory power in local field potential (LFP). In the movement-state, PT5B population firing and LFP showed reduced beta and increased high-beta, low-gamma activity of 20-35 Hz in the parkinsonian, but not in control condition. The appearance of beta-band oscillations in parkinsonism would be expected to disrupt normal M1 motor output and contribute to motor activity deficits seen in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

A nanofluidic spiking synapse.

Currently, the nanofluidic synapse can only perform basic neuromorphic pulse patterns. One immediate problem that needs to be addressed to further its capability of brain-like computing is the realization of a nanofluidic spiking device. Here, we report the use of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate membrane to achieve bionic ionic current-induced spiking. In addition to the simulation of various electrical pulse patterns, our synapse could produce transmembrane ionic current-induced spiking, which is highly analogous to biological action potentials with similar phases and excitability. Moreover, the spiking properties could be modulated by ions and neurochemicals. We expect that this work could contribute to biomimetic spiking computing in solution.

Higher rates of laboratory-confirmed cases of syphilis in Western Canadian blood donors compared with Eastern Canadian blood donors following a period of societal re-opening.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a growing infectious syphilis outbreak in Western Canada. Although blood donors are screened for syphilis risks, some blood donors will still be confirmed test-positive for syphilis. This study compares the characteristics of confirmed test-positive syphilis donations in both Western Canada and Eastern Canada, November 2022-August 2023. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Donors were defined as Western or Eastern Canadian. Blood donations were tested for syphilis using the PK-TP assay (Beckman Coulter PK7300 Automated Microplate System). Confirmatory Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assays were performed by one of two reference laboratories. An RPR titre ≥1:8 was used as a proxy for possible infectious syphilis. RESULTS: Rates of laboratory-confirmed syphilis were higher in Western (n = 43, 13.4/100,000 donations) versus Eastern donors (n = 19, 4.7/100,000 donations; Fisher's exact test, two-sided, p ≤ 0.0001). Most syphilis confirmations were in first-time donors (Western Canada n = 31/43, 72.1%, Eastern Canada 12/19, 63.2%). CONCLUSION: Although rates of laboratory-confirmed syphilis were higher in Western versus Eastern donors, Western donors did not have higher rates of infectious syphilis. Further studies might assess whether donors with laboratory-confirmed syphilis understood pre-donation screening questions or were completely unaware of a past infection.

Interfacial Hydrogen-Bond Interactions Driven Assembly toward Polychromatic Copper Nanoclusters.

Constructing versatile metal nanoclusters (NCs) assemblies through noncovalent weak interactions between inter-ligands is a long-standing challenge in interfacial chemistry, while compelling interfacial hydrogen-bond-driven metal NCs assemblies remain unexplored so far. Here, the study reports an amination-ligand o-phenylenediamine-coordinated copper NCs (CuNCs), demonstrating the impact of interfacial hydrogen-bonds (IHBs) motifs on the luminescent behaviors of metal NCs as the alteration of protic solvent. Experimental results supported by theoretical calculation unveil that the flexibility of interfacial ligand and the distance of cuprophilic CuI···CuI interaction between intra-/inter-NCs can be tailored by manipulating the cooperation between the diverse IHBs motifs reconstruction, therewith the IHBs-modulated fundamental structure-property relationships are established. Importantly, by utilizing the IHBs-mediated optical polychromatism of aminated CuNCs, portable visualization of humidity sensing test-strips with fast response is successfully manufactured. This work not only provides further insights into exploring the interfacial chemistry of NCs based on inter-ligands hydrogen-bond interactions, but also offers a new opportunity to expand the practical application for optical sensing of metal NCs.

A novel nomogram to predict the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation using extended selection criteria.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantations (LTs) with extended criteria have produced surgical results comparable to those obtained with traditional standards. However, it is not sufficient to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after LT according to morphological criteria alone. The present study aimed to construct a nomogram for predicting HCC recurrence after LT using extended selection criteria. METHODS: Retrospective data on patients with HCC, including pathology, serological markers and follow-up data, were collected from January 2015 to April 2020 at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify and construct the prognostic nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Kaplan-Meier curves, decision curve analyses (DCAs), calibration diagrams, net reclassification indices (NRIs) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) values were used to assess the prognostic capacity of the nomogram. RESULTS: A total of 301 patients with HCC who underwent LT were enrolled in the study. The nomogram was constructed, and the ROC curve showed good performance in predicting survival in both the development set (2/3) and the validation set (1/3) (the area under the curve reached 0.748 and 0.716, respectively). According to the median value of the risk score, the patients were categorized into the high- and low-risk groups, which had significantly different recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates (P < 0.01). Compared with the Milan criteria and University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria, DCA revealed that the new nomogram model had the best net benefit in predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS. The nomogram performed well for calibration, NRI and IDI improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram, based on the Milan criteria and serological markers, showed good accuracy in predicting the recurrence of HCC after LT using extended selection criteria.

Gallic acid pretreatment mitigates parathyroid ischemia-reperfusion injury through signaling pathway modulation.

Thyroid surgery often results in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) to the parathyroid glands, yet the mechanisms underlying this and how to ameliorate IRI remain incompletely explored. Our study identifies a polyphenolic herbal extract-gallic acid (GA)-with antioxidative properties against IRI. Through flow cytometry and CCK8 assays, we investigate the protective effects of GA pretreatment on a parathyroid IRI model and decode its potential mechanisms via RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis. Results reveal increased apoptosis, pronounced G1 phase arrest, and significantly reduced cell proliferation in the hypoxia/reoxygenation group compared to the hypoxia group, which GA pretreatment mitigates. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis indicate GA's modulation of various signaling pathways, including IL-17, AMPK, MAPK, transient receptor potential channels, cAMP, and Rap1. In summary, GA pretreatment demonstrates potential in protecting parathyroid cells from IRI by influencing various genes and signaling pathways. These findings offer a promising therapeutic strategy for hypoparathyroidism treatment.

Clinical experience of infantile hepatic hemangioma.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical presentation, treatment preference, and relevant complications of infantile hepatic hemangioma (IHH) in propranolol era. METHODS: The National Taiwan University Hospital integrated Medical Database (NTUH-iMD) was used to enroll twenty-one cases of IHH diagnosed from 2006 to 2020. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In nine patients (42.9%), IHH was found incidentally, and in seven patients (33%), it was detected during postnatal self-paid ultrasonography. Focal disease was determined in 17 patients, multifocal disease in 1 patient, and diffuse disease in 3 patients. Patients with diffuse disease had a lower hemoglobulin level than patients with focal IHH (9.38 vs. 12.6 mg/dL, p = 0.045). Two patients had Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), one had hypothyroidism, and one had both. All patients with KMP had focal hepatic hemangiomas. Among the 17 patients with focal IHH, nine were prescribed propranolol, one was treated by surgical resection of the tumor, and the others had expectant management. All patients with multifocal and diffuse IHH were administered propranolol. One infant (7.7%) treated with propranolol had bradycardia initially but it subsided after dose adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Most IHH is found incidentally or detected during postnatal ultrasonography screening. Patients with large focal lesions should also be screened for associated complications. Propranolol is the drug of choice and a safe therapeutic option for IHH, especially for focal tumors >5 cm as well as multifocal and diffuse lesions.

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with paliperidone palmitate long-acting injection on withdrawal symptoms and neurotransmitters in methamphetamine addicts.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture combined with paliperidone palmitate long-acting injection (PP-LAI) on withdrawal symptoms and neurotransmitters in methamphetamine (MA) addicts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 109 methamphetamine addicts, who were treated in the hospital from October 2021 to October 2022, were selected. According to the random number table, the patients were divided into the study group (n=54) and the control group (n=55), in which the control group was treated with PP-LAI and the study group was treated with electroacupuncture on the basis of the control group; the methamphetamine withdrawal symptom score scale was used to assess the therapeutic effect before treatment and within 12 months after treatment; the changes of brain neurotransmitters dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, acetylcholine values were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: 1) There was no statistical difference in MA withdrawal symptom scores between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05); 2) MA withdrawal symptom scores have a statistically significant difference between the study group and the control group after 3 and 6 months of treatment; 3) dopamine levels in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group after 6 months of completion of treatment, and γ-aminobutyric acid values and 5- serotonin values in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Electroacupuncture combined with PP-LAI can partially improve the withdrawal symptoms and anxiety of methamphetamine addicts. This is a potential treatment for preventing relapse of withdrawal symptoms.

Comparative analysis of perioperative outcomes in obese patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) versus open radical prostatectomy (ORP): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the perioperative outcomes associated with robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RARP) versus open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in the obese population diagnosed with prostate cancer. We performed a comprehensive search in key databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, encompassing studies of all languages, with a final search date of April 2024. We also omitted articles that consisted of conference abstracts and content that was not pertinent to our study. The aggregated outcomes were evaluated utilizing the metrics of weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs). A sensitivity analysis was also integrated into our assessment. The meta-analysis was facilitated by employing Stata/MP version 18 software. Additionally, the study was duly registered with PROSPERO under the identifier: CRD 42024540216. This meta-analysis, which included five trials, shows that compared to ORP, RARP is associated with a reduced estimated blood loss (EBL) (WMD -445.77, 95%CI -866.08, -25.45; p = 0.038), a decreased transfusion rate (OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.13, 0.21; p < 0.001), and a diminished overall complication rate (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.58, 0.86; p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in operative time (OT) (WMD 1.88, 95%CI -46.53, 50.28; p = 0.939) or length of stay (LOS) (WMD -0.41, 95%CI -1.07, 0.25; p = 0.221). Among patients with obesity and prostate cancer, RARP demonstrates advantages over ORP by reducing estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, and the incidence of complications. Notably, there were no significant differences in operative duration and hospital stay between the two surgical approaches. These findings suggest that RARP could be a preferable surgical option for obese individuals with prostate cancer.

RUNX1 regulates MCM2/CDC20 to promote COAD progression modified by deubiquitination of USP31.

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the second leading cause of cancer death, and there is still a lack of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In this study, bioinformatics analysis of the TCGA database was used to obtain RUNX1, a gene with prognostic value in COAD. RUNX1 plays an important role in many malignancies, and its molecular regulatory mechanisms in COAD remain to be fully understood. To explore the physiological role of RUNX1, we performed functional analyses, such as CCK-8, colony formation and migration assays. In addition, we investigated the underlying mechanisms using transcriptome sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. RUNX1 is highly expressed in COAD patients and significantly correlates with survival. Silencing of RUNX1 significantly slowed down the proliferation and migratory capacity of COAD cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CDC20 and MCM2 may be target genes of RUNX1, and that RUNX1 may be physically linked to the deubiquitinating enzyme USP31, which mediates the upregulation of RUNX1 protein to promote transcriptional function. Our results may provide new insights into the mechanism of action of RUNX1 in COAD and reveal potential therapeutic targets for this disease.

Open-source platform for kinematic analysis of mouse forelimb movement.

Here we present an open-source behavioral platform and software solution for studying fine motor skills in mice performing reach-to-grasp task. We describe steps for assembling the box, training mice to perform the task, and processing the video with the custom software pipeline to analyze forepaw kinematics. The behavioral platform uses readily available and 3D-printed components and was designed to be affordable and universally reproducible. We provide the schematics, 3D models, code, and assembly instructions in the open GitHub repository.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of perineal hydrodissection in perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes for patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

This study aims to compare the perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes of perineal hydrodissection (HD) with standard treatment (ST) in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. We performed an exhaustive search in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, seeking English-language studies relevant to our research question, with a cutoff date of April 2024. The pooled results were assessed using the weighted mean differences (WMDs), standardized mean differences (SMDs), and odds ratios (ORs) metrics. We also performed a sensitivity analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted utilizing Stata/MP version 18 software. The study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD 42024536400). We included a total of five studies (three RCTs and two retrospective studies). According to the data from the Meta-analysis, the HD group showed positive effects in promoting urinary continence (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.36, 5.12; p = 0.004 < 0.05) and erectile function (SMD 0.92, 95%CI 0.56, 1.27; p < 0.05) within 3 months after surgery. However, no notable disparities were observed in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss, bilateral nerve-sparing rate, or the rate of positive surgical margin. Perineal hydrodissection can be safely applied in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), offering a distinct advantage in functional outcomes compared to those who undergo standard robot-assisted prostatectomy alone.

Limit state equation and failure pressure prediction model of pipeline with complex loading.

Assessing failure pressure is critical in determining pipeline integrity. Current research primarily concerns the buckling performance of pressurized pipelines subjected to a bending load or axial compression force, with some also looking at the failure pressure of corroded pipelines. However, there is currently a lack of limit state models for pressurized pipelines with bending moments and axial forces. In this study, based on the unified yield criterion, we propose a limit state equation for steel pipes under various loads. The most common operating loads on buried pipelines are bending moment, internal pressure, and axial force. The proposed limit state equation for intact pipelines is based on a three-dimensional pipeline stress model with complex load coupling. Using failure data, we investigate the applicability of various yield criteria in assessing the failure pressure of pipelines with complex loads. We show that the evaluation model can be effectively used as a theoretical solution for assessing the failure pressure in such circumstances and for selecting appropriate yield criteria based on load condition differences.

Enhanced Aggregation-Induced Delayed Electrochemiluminescence Triggered by Spatial Perturbation of Organic Dots.

Development of highly efficient, heavy-metal-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) materials is attractive but still challenging. Herein, we report an aggregation-induced delayed ECL (AIDECL) active organic dot (OD) composed of a tert-butoxy-group-substituted benzophenone-dimethylacridine compound, which shows high ECL efficiency. The resultant ODs exhibit 2.1-fold higher ECL efficiency compared to control AIDECL-active ODs. Molecular stacking combined with theoretical calculations suggests that tert-butoxy groups effectively participate in the intermolecular interactions, further inhibiting the molecular motions in the aggregated states and thus accelerating radiative decay. On the basis of these ODs exhibiting excellent ECL performance, a proof-of-concept biosensor is constructed for the detection of miR-16 associated with Alzheimer's disease, which demonstrates excellent detection ability with the limit of detection of 1.7 fM. This work provides a new approach to improve the ECL efficiency and enriches the fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship.

Scalable Dual In Situ Synthesis of Polyester Nanocomposites for High-Energy Storage.

Incorporating ultralow loading of nanoparticles into polymers has realized increases in dielectric constant and breakdown strength for excellent energy storage. However, there are still a series of tough issues to be dealt with, such as organic solvent uses, which face enormous challenges in scalable preparation. Here, a new strategy of dual in situ synthesis is proposed, namely polymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) synchronizes with growth of calcium borate nanoparticles, making polyester nanocomposites from monomers directly. Importantly, this route is free of organic solvents and surface modification of nanoparticles, which is readily accessible to scalable synthesis of polyester nanocomposites. Meanwhile, uniform dispersion of as ultralow as 0.1 wt% nanoparticles and intense bonding at interfaces have been observed. Furthermore, the PET-based nanocomposite displays obvious increases in both dielectric constant and breakdown strength as compared to the neat PET. Its maximum discharged energy density reaches 15 J cm-3 at 690 MV m-1 and power density attains 218 MW cm-3 under 150 Ω resistance at 300 MV m-1, which is far superior to the current dielectric polymers that can be produced at large scales. This work presents a scalable, safe, low-cost, and environment-friendly route toward polymer nanocomposites with superior capacitive performance.

Bear Bile Powder Ameliorates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting CD14 Pathway and Improving Intestinal Flora: Exploration of "Fei (Lung)-Dachang (Large Intestine) Interaction".

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of bear bile powder (BBP) on acute lung injury (ALI) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The chemical constituents of BBP were analyzed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). After 7 days of adaptive feeding, 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups by a random number table (n=10): normal control (NC), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), dexamethasone (Dex), low-, and high-dose BBP groups. The dosing cycle was 9 days. On the 12th and 14th days, 20 µL of Staphylococcus aureus solution (bacterial concentration of 1 × 10-7 CFU/mL) was given by nasal drip after 1 h of intragastric administration, and the mice in the NC group was given the same dose of phosphated buffered saline (PBS) solution. On the 16th day, after 1 h intragastric administration, 100 µL of LPS solution (1 mg/mL) was given by tracheal intubation, and the same dose of PBS solution was given to the NC group. Lung tissue was obtained to measure the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the lung wet/dry weight ratio and expressions of CD14 and other related proteins. The lower lobe of the right lung was obtained for pathological examination. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α ) and IL-1ß in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the number of neutrophils was counted. The colonic contents of the mice were analyzed by 16 sRNA technique and the contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). RESULTS: UPLC-MS revealed that the chemical components of BBP samples were mainly tauroursodeoxycholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid sodium salt. BBP reduced the activity of MPO, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the expression of CD14 protein, thus suppressing the activation of NF-κB pathway (P<0.05). The lung histopathological results indicated that BBP significantly reduced the degree of neutrophil infiltration, cell shedding, necrosis, and alveolar cavity depression. Moreover, BBP effectively regulated the composition of the intestinal microflora and increased the production of SCFAs, which contributed to its treatment effect (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BBP alleviates lung injury in ALI mouse through inhibiting activation of NF-κB pathway and decreasing expression of CD14 protein. BBP may promote recovery of ALI by improving the structure of intestinal flora and enhancing metabolic function of intestinal flora.