RESUMEN

Smart memristors with innovative properties are crucial for the advancement of next-generation information storage and bioinspired neuromorphic computing. However, the presence of significant sneak currents in large-scale memristor arrays results in operational errors and heat accumulation, hindering their practical utility. This study successfully synthesizes a quasi-free-standing Bi2O2Se single-crystalline film and achieves layer-controlled oxidation by developing large-scale UV-assisted intercalative oxidation, resulting ß-Bi2SeO5/Bi2O2Se heterostructures. The resulting ß-Bi2SeO5/Bi2O2Se memristor demonstrates remarkable self-rectifying resistive switching performance (over 105 for ON/OFF and rectification ratios, as well as nonlinearity) in both nanoscale (through conductive atomic force microscopy) and microscale (through memristor array) regimes. Furthermore, the potential for scalable production of self-rectifying ß-Bi2SeO5/Bi2O2Se memristor, achieving sub-pA sneak currents to minimize cross-talk effects in high-density memristor arrays is demonstrated. The memristors also exhibit ultrafast resistive switching (sub-100 ns) and low power consumption (1.2 pJ) as characterized by pulse-mode testing. The findings suggest a synergetic effect of interfacial Schottky barriers and oxygen vacancy migration as the self-rectifying switching mechanism, elucidated through controllable ß-Bi2SeO5 thickness modulation and theoretical ab initio calculations.

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Objective: Osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) is one of the most common forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis; however, limited epidemiological data are available on this public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to analyze the clinical epidemiology and drug resistance characteristics of OATB cases in Hunan province which located in South-central China. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled OATB patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture positive at Hunan Chest Hospital from January 2013 through March 31, 2022. The multiple demographic, clinical variables and drug susceptibility data of the patients were collected from the hospital's electronic patient records. Descriptive statistical methods, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were employed as statistical methods. Results: Of the 269 OATB cases, 197 (73.23%) were males, 206 (76.85%) were farmers; patients' ages ranged from 5 to 85 years, 57 (21.19%) aged at 20-29 years old and 52 (19.33%) aged at 60-69 years old. In terms of the disease, 177 (65.80%) had spinal TB with most occurrence in lumbar vertebrae (26.02%, 70/269), multiple spinal sites (18.96%, 51/269) and thoracic vertebrae (15.24%, 41/269). Outside of the spine, OATB mainly occurred in the lower limb (13.38%, 36/269). In terms of drug resistance, 40 (14.87%) and 72 (26.77%) were resistant to rifampicin (RFP) and isoniazid (INH) respectively; 38 (14.13%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR), and a total of 78 (29.00%) isolates were drug resistant. OATB patients aged 40-49 years old (compared to those aged ≥70 years) and from the west of Hunan province, China (compared to those from the center of Hunan) were at risk for developing RR/MDR (ORs were 5.057 and 4.942, respectively; 95% CIs were 1.009-25.342 and 1.458-16.750, respectively). Conclusion: In South-central China, OATB mainly affected males, farmers and those aged 20-29 and 60-69 years old. Spinal TB is prone to occur in the lumbar and multiple spinal sites. The resistance situation of OATB was serious, and people aged 40-49 years old and patients from the west of Hunan were risk factors of RR/MDR. All these findings will help to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies of OATB.

Asunto(s)

Antituberculosos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculosis Osteoarticular , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , China/epidemiología , Femenino , Anciano , Adolescente , Niño , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tuberculosis Osteoarticular/epidemiología , Tuberculosis Osteoarticular/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis Osteoarticular/microbiología , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/efectos de los fármacos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/aislamiento & purificación , Preescolar , Antituberculosos/farmacología , Antituberculosos/uso terapéutico , Adulto Joven , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/epidemiología , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/microbiología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana

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Metals manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) with different directions exhibit different mechanical properties. This study conducted dynamic and static mechanical tests using a universal testing machine and split-Hopkinson bar (SHPB). The mechanical properties of 18Ni300 with 0° and 90° build directions manufactured by SLM were compared, and the micro-structure properties of the two build directions were analysed by metallographic tests. The Johnson-Cook (J-C) constitutive model was fitted according to the experimental results, and the obtained constitutive parameters were verified by numerical simulations. The results revealed that the constitutive model could predict the mechanical properties of 18Ni300 in a dynamic state. The build direction had little influence on the mechanical properties in a static state, but there was a significant difference in the dynamic state. The difference in the dynamic compressive yield strength of the 18Ni300 material manufactured by SLM with two build directions was 9.8%. The SLM process can be improved to produce 18Ni300 with uniform mechanical properties by studying the reasons for this difference.

RESUMEN

Cognitive dysfunction is an important comorbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a short-chain fatty acid and has an effect improving T2DM-associated cognitive dysfunction. Using a high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM mouse model, the present study investigated the mechanism involved in the beneficial effect of butyrate on diabetic cognitive dysfunction, with a focus on ameliorating mitochondrial damage through regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (AMPK/PGC-1α) pathway considering the important role of mitochondrial impairments in the occurrence of T2DM-associated cognitive dysfunction. We found, based on reconfirmation of the improvement of NaB on cognitive impairment, that NaB treatment improved damaged synaptic structural plasticity including the decrease in dendritic spine density and downregulation in the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 and synaptophysin in the hippocampus in the model mice. NaB treatment also ameliorated mitochondrial ultrastructural damage, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine 5'-triphosphate content, and improved mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in the model mice. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated AMPK and PGC-1α was upregulated after NaB treatment in the model mice. In particular, the above beneficial effects of NaB were blocked by the inhibition of either AMPK or PGC-1α. In conclusion, NaB treatment improved cognitive impairment and damaged synaptic structural plasticity in the hippocampus by ameliorating damage to mitochondrial morphology and function through regulating the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in HFD/STZ-induced T2DM mice.

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The 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskites Cs2PbI2Cl2 (Pb-based, n = 1) and Cs2SnI2Cl2 (Sn-based, n = 1) stand out as unique and rare instances of entirely inorganic constituents within the more expansive category of organic/inorganic 2D perovskites. These materials have recently garnered significant attention for their strong UV-light responsiveness, exceptional thermal stability, and theoretically predicted ultrahigh carrier mobility. In this study, we synthesized Pb and Sn-based n = 1 2D RP perovskite films covering millimeter-scale areas for the first time, utilizing a one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method under atmospheric conditions. These films feature perovskite layers oriented horizontally relative to the substrate. Multilayered Cs3Pb2I3Cl4 (Pb-based, n = 2) and Cs3Sn2I3Cl4 (Sn-based, n = 2) films were also obtained for the first time, and their crystallographic structures were refined by combining X-ray diffraction (XRD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT calculations and experimental optical spectroscopy support band-gap energy shifts related to the perovskite layer thickness. We demonstrate bias-free photodetectors using the Sn-based, n = 1 perovskite with reproducible photocurrent and a fast 84 ms response time. The present work not only demonstrates the growth of high-quality all-inorganic multilayered 2D perovskites via the CVD method but also suggests their potential as promising candidates for future optoelectronic applications.

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APE1, an essential enzyme for DNA repair, is overexpressed in various cancers and has been identified as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis. However, detecting APE1 at low expression levels in the early stage of cancer presents a significant obstacle. Here, we introduced a novel localized Cas12a-based cascade amplification (LCas12a-CA) method. This method confined both the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and the crRNA/Cas12a complex onto the surfaces of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This confinement not only boosts the stability of the multiple enzymes but also induces a substrate channeling effect. As a result, it significantly accelerates the reaction rate and enhances the sensitivity of APE1 detection. Upon the addition of APE1, the AP sites within the APE1 primer can be recognized and cleaved by APE1, exposing the 3'-OH ends. In the presence of LCas12a-CA, polyA sequences are generated at 3'-OH ends with the help of TdT and dATP. The sequences directly enter the Cas12a system, activating the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a, thereby cutting the reporters on the surface of AuNPs and releasing fluorescence. Our platform demonstrates a detection limit (LOD) as low as 2.51 × 10-6 U/mL, which is more than 60 times lower than that of free Cas12a-CA. Furthermore, the LCas12a-CA exhibits enhanced resistance ability in extreme environments and has been proven effective for the detection of APE1 in clinical samples. Overall, this work offers a promising platform for robust biosensing in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Asunto(s)

ADN-(Sitio Apurínico o Apirimidínico) Liasa , Oro , Nanopartículas del Metal , ADN-(Sitio Apurínico o Apirimidínico) Liasa/metabolismo , Humanos , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Oro/química , Endodesoxirribonucleasas/química , Técnicas de Amplificación de Ácido Nucleico/métodos , Límite de Detección , Técnicas Biosensibles/métodos , Proteínas Asociadas a CRISPR , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética

RESUMEN

In this study, starch (S) was gelatinized and carbonized to prepare carbonized/gelatinized S (CGS) as the research material. Then, peat extract (Pe) and surfactants with different ratios were single- and multi-modified on CGS, respectively, to prepare Pe-modified CGS (Pe-CGS) and multi-modified CGS, respectively. The microscopic morphology of multi-modified CGS was studied using various testing methods. The de-risking effect on Cd(II) and hymexazol in wastewater was investigated, and the effects of temperature, pH, and ionic strength were compared. The spheroidal structure of S was destroyed after carbonization, and Pe and surfactants were modified on the surface and changed the surface properties of CGS. The adsorption processes of Cd(II) and hymexazol were suitable to be described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities (qm) of Cd(II) and adsorption capacity parameter (k) of hymexazol on different modified CGSs presented the peak value at BS/Pe-CGS. With the increase in the modification ratio of Pe, BS, and SDS, qm and k increased, which showed a high value at 100 % modification. Increases in temperature and pH were beneficial to Cd(II) adsorption but were not conducive to hymexazol adsorption. The adsorption amount decreased for Cd(II) and increased first and then reduced for hymexazol with the rise in ionic strength. The adsorption process exhibited spontaneity, endothermic behavior for Cd(II), exothermic behavior for hymexazol, and an entropy-increasing reaction. The adsorption amount of Cd(II) and hymexazol by multi-modified CGS maintained approximately 81 % of the original sample after three rounds of regeneration.

Asunto(s)

Cadmio , Almidón , Temperatura , Aguas Residuales , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Aguas Residuales/química , Cadmio/química , Almidón/química , Adsorción , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Gelatina/química , Concentración Osmolar , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Tensoactivos/química , Cinética

RESUMEN

Utilizing softly confined self-assembly at the water surface represents a promising approach for the fabrication of two-dimensional molecular monolayers (2D MMs), which have predominantly been concentrated on amphiphilic organic compounds before. Herein, we introduce a straightforward method termed "water surface-assisted molecular deposition (WSAMD)" to organize nonamphiphilic molecules into dense monolayers with high reproducibility. To underscore the versatility and merit of this methodology in the field of supramolecular electronics, we have successfully fabricated a range of defect-free, uniform semiconducting polymer monolayers, featuring a thickness reflective of molecular architectures. The charge carrier mobility could reach 0.05 cm2 V-1 s-1 for holes and 3.5 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 for electrons, respectively, in p-type and n-type polymeric monolayers when tested as the active layer in field-effect transistors. Furthermore, in situ polymerization reactions can be exploited to generate conductive monolayers of macromolecules such as polybenzylaniline (PBnANI) and polypyrrole (PPy), where PBnANI monolayers exhibit channel length-dependent conductivity, up to 0.37 S cm-1. The advent of the WSAMD method heralds a significant leap forward in the advancement of molecular 2D materials, catalyzing new avenues of exploration within material chemistry.

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OBJECTIVE: High serum levels of B-cell activation factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) have been observed in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN); however, their relationships with disease severity and progression remain unclear. METHODS: Patients with iMN diagnosed via renal biopsy were enrolled in this study. The concentrations of BAFF and APRIL were determined using ELISA kits. Proteinuria remission, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), and renal function deterioration were defined as clinical events. The Cox proportional hazards method was used to analyze the relationship between cytokine levels and disease progression. RESULTS: Seventy iMN patients were enrolled in this study, with a median follow-up time of 24 months (range 6-72 months). The serum levels of BAFF and APRIL were higher in iMN patients than in healthy controls but lower than those in minimal change disease (MCD) patients. The serum BAFF level was positively correlated with the serum APRIL level, serum anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) antibody level, and 24-h proteinuria and negatively correlated with the serum albumin (ALB) level. However, no significant correlation was observed between the serum APRIL level and clinical parameters. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for sex, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), immunosuppressive agent use, 24-h proteinuria, APRIL level, and anti-PLA2R antibody, only the serum BAFF level was identified as an independent predictor of PR (HR, 0.613; 95% CI, 0.405-0.927; p = 0.021) and CR of proteinuria (HR, 0.362; 95% CI, 0.202-0.648; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A high serum BAFF level is associated with severe clinical manifestations and poor disease progression in patients with iMN.

Asunto(s)

Factor Activador de Células B , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Glomerulonefritis Membranosa , Proteinuria , Miembro 13 de la Superfamilia de Ligandos de Factores de Necrosis Tumoral , Humanos , Glomerulonefritis Membranosa/sangre , Glomerulonefritis Membranosa/diagnóstico , Factor Activador de Células B/sangre , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Pronóstico , Miembro 13 de la Superfamilia de Ligandos de Factores de Necrosis Tumoral/sangre , Proteinuria/sangre , Proteinuria/etiología , Modelos de Riesgos Proporcionales , Receptores de Fosfolipasa A2/inmunología , Receptores de Fosfolipasa A2/sangre , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Anciano , Tasa de Filtración Glomerular , Riñón/fisiopatología , Riñón/patología

RESUMEN

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic significance of pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and PILE score (based on PIV, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS)) in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Patients and Methods: A total of 109 patients were enrolled. PIV was calculated as follows: (neutrophil count × platelet count × monocyte count)/lymphocyte count. The PILE score was incorporated based on PIV, LDH levels, and ECOG PS. The Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox hazards regression models were applied for survival analyses. The relationship between PIV, PILE, and therapeutic response was examined. Results: Baseline high PIV was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) in univariate (HR 3.990, 95% CI 1.778-8.954, p < 0.001) and multivariate (HR 3.047, 95% CI 1.175-7.897, p = 0.022) analyses. High PIV was also associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) in univariate (HR 2.121, 95% CI 1.075-4.186, p = 0.030) but not significant in multivariate analyses. PIV outperformed other systemic inflammation parameters. The patients in the high PILE group (PILE score 2-3) had worse OS (p = 0.008) and PFS (p < 0.001) compared to the low PILE group (PILE score 0-1). PILE was independently associated with therapeutic response to initial treatment (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05-0.46; p < 0.001). Conclusion: High PIV and PILE were correlated with worse clinical outcomes in PCNSL patients, indicating that PIV and PILE might be a powerful predictor of prognosis and a potential predictive indicator for therapeutic response in PCNSL.

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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and drug resistance (DR) characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in South-Central China. Methods: EPTB inpatients who were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were retrospectively included in a study at a provincial TB hospital in Hunan, a province in South-Central China, from January 2013 to December 2021. Demographic, clinical, and drug susceptibility data were retrieved from TB treatment records. Descriptive statistical methods and a Chi-squared test were used to analyze the epidemiological and DR characteristics of EPTB patients. A logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors of rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant (RR/MDR)-EPTB. Results: A total of 1,324 cases were included. The majority of EPTB patients were in the age range of 20-29 years, were predominantly men (male-to-female ratio: 2.03), and were farmers (65.63%). Most EPTB cases were found in 2013 and 2017 from 2013 to 2021. The most prevalent subtypes of EPTB were lymphatic TB (29.83%, 395/1,324), multiple EPTB (20.85%, 276/1,324), and musculoskeletal TB (14.65%, 194/1,324). Musculoskeletal TB and genitourinary TB predominantly presented as exclusive EPTB forms, while lymphatic TB and pharyngeal/laryngeal TB often co-occurred with pulmonary TB (PTB). Drug susceptibility testing results showed that total DR rates (resistance to any of RFP, isoniazid [INH], streptomycin [STR], and/or ethambutol [EMB]) and RR/MDR rates in EPTB were 25.23% and 12.39%, respectively. Musculoskeletal TB exhibited the highest rates of total DR (31.40%), INH resistance (28.90%), STR resistance (20.10%), EMB resistance (6.20%), MDR (13.90%), and poly-DR (6.70%). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that patients aged from 20 to 59 years (compared to those aged 10 years), workers (compared to retirees), and EPTB patients from the south and west of Hunan (compared to those from the east of Hunan) were at an increased risk of developing RR/MDR EPTB (all OR values > 1). Conclusion: Our study provided a detailed account of the epidemiological and DR characteristics of EPTB in Hunan province, China. The significant DR rates, particularly in musculoskeletal TB cases, highlight the need for timely diagnosis, effective drug susceptibility testing, and the development of more effective treatment regimens for EPTB, especially targeting musculoskeletal TB treatments.

Asunto(s)

Antituberculosos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculosis Extrapulmonar , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Antituberculosos/uso terapéutico , Antituberculosos/farmacología , China/epidemiología , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/aislamiento & purificación , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/efectos de los fármacos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Rifampin/uso terapéutico , Rifampin/farmacología , Factores de Riesgo , Tuberculosis Extrapulmonar/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis Extrapulmonar/epidemiología , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/epidemiología , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/tratamiento farmacológico

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BACKGROUND: Though atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A+B) offer promise for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) treatment, the response rate remains suboptimal. Our previous studies highlighted the potential of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) when combined with FOLFOX-based hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in HCC treatment. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of A+B plus TACE-HAIC for high tumor burden uHCC (HTB-uHCC). METHODS: This three-center retrospective study involved 82 HTB-uHCC patients administered with TACE-HAIC followed by A+B. We characterized HTB-uHCC patients as those surpassing the up-to-11 criteria, exhibiting VP 3-4, or presenting extrahepatic metastases. The primary outcomes were the objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes encompassed the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Employing the mRECIST criteria, the ORR was 62.2 %, wherein 18 (22.0 %) patients achieved complete response, 33 (40.2 %) demonstrated partial response, 21 (25.6 %) maintained stable disease, and 10 (12.2 %) exhibited disease progression. Impressively, 11 (13.4 %) patients were converted to resectable HCC and underwent curative hepatectomy. The median PFS was 10.1 months (95 % CI, 8.4 to NA), and the median OS was still pending. At the one-year mark, the OS and PFS rates were 92.8 % (95 % CI, 86.1 to 100.0) and 42.9 % (95 % CI, 31.3 to 58.7), respectively. 79 (96.3 %) experienced TRAEs, and 39 (47.6 %) had grade 3-4 TRAEs, though no treatment-related death was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the potential of the A+B and TACE-HAIC combined treatment for HTB-uHCC patients, marking it as a viable therapeutic option, given its potent efficacy and tolerable safety profile.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica , Bevacizumab , Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Quimioembolización Terapéutica , Infusiones Intraarteriales , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Humanos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/terapia , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/mortalidad , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/terapia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/mortalidad , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Bevacizumab/administración & dosificación , Bevacizumab/uso terapéutico , Anciano , Estudios Retrospectivos , Quimioembolización Terapéutica/métodos , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados/uso terapéutico , Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados/administración & dosificación , Adulto , Carga Tumoral , Arteria Hepática , Resultado del Tratamiento , Terapia Combinada , Estudios de Cohortes

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Birnessite-type MnO2 (δ-MnO2) exhibits great potential as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). However, the structural instability and sluggish reaction kinetics restrict its further application. Herein, a unique protons intercalation strategy was utilized to simultaneously modify the interlayer environment and transition metal layers of δ-MnO2. The intercalated protons directly form strong O  H bonds with the adjacent oxygens, while the increased H2O molecules also establish a hydrogen bond network (O  H···O) between H2O molecules or bond with adjacent oxygens. Based on the Grotthuss mechanism, these bondings ultimately enhance the stability of layered structures and facilitate the rapid diffusion of protons. Moreover, the introduction of protons induces numerous oxygen vacancies, reduces steric hindrance, and accelerates ion transport kinetics. Consequently, the protons intercalated δ-MnO2 (H-MnO2-x) demonstrates exceptional specific capacity of 401.7 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and a fast-charging performance over 1000 cycles. Density functional theory analysis confirms the improved electronic conductivity and reduced diffusion energy barrier. Most importantly, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance tests combining with ex-situ characterizations verify the inhibitory effect of the interlayer proton environment on basic zinc sulfate formation. Protons intercalation behavior provides a promising avenue for the development of MnO2 as well as other cathodes in AZIBs.

RESUMEN

The damage threshold of an Au-coated flat mirror, one of the reflective optics installed on the FEL-2 beamline of the Dalian Coherent Light Source, China, upon far-UV free-electron laser irradiation is evaluated. The surface of the coating is characterized by profilometer and optical microscope. A theoretical approach of the phenomenon is also presented, by application of conventional single-pulse damage threshold calculations, a one-dimensional thermal diffusion model, as well as finite-element analysis with ANSYS.

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Diamond nanopillar arrays can enhance the fluorescence collection of diamond color centers, playing a crucial role in quantum communication and quantum sensing. In this paper, the preparation of diamond nanopillar arrays was realized by the processes of polystyrene (PS) sphere array film preparation, PS sphere etching shrinkage control, tilted magnetron sputtering of copper film, and oxygen plasma etching. Closely aligned PS sphere array films were prepared on the diamond surface by the gas-liquid interfacial method, and the effects of ethanol and dodecamethylacrylic acid solutions on the formation of the array films were discussed. Controllable reduction of PS sphere diameter is realized by the oxygen plasma etching process, and the changes of the PS sphere array film under the influence of etching power, bias power, and etching time are discussed. Copper antietching films were prepared at the top of arrayed PS spheres by the tilted magnetron sputtering method, and the antietching effect of copper films with different thicknesses was explored. Diamond nanopillar arrays were prepared by oxygen plasma etching, and the effects of etching under different process parameters were discussed. The prepared diamond nanopillars were in hexagonal close-rowed arrays with a spacing of 800 nm and an average diameter of 404 nm, and the spacing, diameter, and height could be parametrically regulated. Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy detection revealed that the prepared diamond nanopillar array still maintains polycrystalline diamond properties, with only a small amount of the graphite phase appearing. Moreover, the prepared diamond nanopillar array can enhance the photoluminescence of diamond color centers by approximately 2 times. The fabrication method of diamond nanopillar array structures described in this article lays the foundation for quantum sensing technology based on diamond nanostructures.

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Red blood cells (RBCs) are the primary mediators of oxygen transport in the human body, and their function is mainly achieved through conformational changes of hemoglobin (Hb). Hb is a tetramer composed of four subunits, with HbA being the predominant Hb in healthy adults, existing in two forms: tense state (T state) and relaxed state (R state). Endogenous regulators of Hb conformation include 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid, carbon dioxide, protons, and chloride ions, while exogenous regulators include inositol hexaphosphate, inositol tripyrophosphate, benzabate, urea derivative L35, and vanillin, each with different mechanisms of action. The application of Hb conformational regulators provides new insights into the study of hypoxia oxygen supply issues and the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Asunto(s)

Hemoglobinas , Oxígeno , Conformación Proteica , Humanos , Oxígeno/metabolismo , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Hemoglobinas/química , Transporte Biológico , Eritrocitos/metabolismo , Ácido Fítico/metabolismo , Ácido Fítico/farmacología , 2,3-Difosfoglicerato/metabolismo

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BACKGROUND: DNA methylation contributes to the epigenetic regulation of nuclear gene expression, and is associated with plant growth, development, and stress responses. Compelling evidence has emerged that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) regulates DNA methylation. Previous genetic and physiological evidence indicates that lncRNA-CRIR1 plays a positive role in the responses of cassava plants to cold stress. However, it is unclear whether global DNA methylation changes with CRIR1-promoted cold tolerance. RESULTS: In this study, a comprehensive comparative analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptome profiles was performed to reveal the gene expression and epigenetic dynamics after CRIR1 overexpression. Compared with the wild-type plants, CRIR1-overexpressing plants present gained DNA methylation in over 37,000 genomic regions and lost DNA methylation in about 16,000 genomic regions, indicating a global decrease in DNA methylation after CRIR1 overexpression. Declining DNA methylation is not correlated with decreased/increased expression of the DNA methylase/demethylase genes, but is associated with increased transcripts of a few transcription factors, chlorophyll metabolism and photosynthesis-related genes, which could contribute to the CRIR1-promoted cold tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, a first set of transcriptome and epigenome data was integrated in this study to reveal the gene expression and epigenetic dynamics after CRIR1 overexpression, with the identification of several TFs, chlorophyll metabolism and photosynthesis-related genes that may be involved in CRIR1-promoted cold tolerance. Therefore, our study has provided valuable data for the systematic study of molecular insights for plant cold stress response.

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Metilación de ADN , Epigénesis Genética , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Transcriptoma , ARN Largo no Codificante/genética , Epigenoma , Respuesta al Choque por Frío/genética , Frío

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BACKGROUND: END (Early Neurologic Deterioration) significantly elevates the risk of morbidity and mortality. While numerous studies have investigated END following hemorrhagic transformation post-thrombolysis in acute cerebral infarction research on END without hemorrhagic transformations in patients with acute cerebral infarction due to non-cardiogenic embolism remains scarce. AIM: This study aimed to elucidate the impact of PCSK9 inhibitors on early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with acute non-cardioembolism cerebral infarction without hemorrhagic transformation post-intravenous thrombolysis. Additionally it aimed to identify risk factors associated with END in patients suffering from this type of stroke. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on early neurologic deterioration (END) in patients with acute non-cardiogenic cerebral infarction without hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis and identify associated risk factors for END in this patient population. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study the data of consecutive patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis after AIS (acute ischemic stroke) without hemorrhagic transformation during hospitalization at the Stroke Center of The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2018 to February 2023 were retrieved and assessed. An increase of >2 in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 7 days after admission was defined as END. RESULTS: This study included 250 patients (56 males 22.4%) they were 63.34±12.901 years old. There were 41 patients in the END group and 209 in the non-END group. The usage rate of PCSK9 inhibitors was significantly different between the END group and non-END group (29.268% vs 58.852% P<0.001). The White blood cell count (WBC) and homocysteine levels showed a significant difference between the two groups (all P<0.05). Patients not using PCSK9 inhibitors (OR=0.282 95%CI: 0.127-0.593) and white blood cell count (OR=1.197, 95%CI: 1.085-1.325) were independently associated with END. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the sensitivity specificity and area under the curve for PCSK9 inhibitors used for END were 88.9%, 80.7% and 0.648 respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce the incidence of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute non-cardioembolism and non-hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis.

RESUMEN

Objectives: To investigate the clinical epidemiological and drug resistance (DR) characteristics of lymph node tuberculosis (LNTB) in Hunan Province which locates in South-central China, and to provide scientific clues for effective prevention and treatment of LNTB. Methods: We retrospectively collected LNTB patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture positive at Hunan Chest Hospital, the biggest TB reference hospital in South-central China, from January 2013 to December 2021. The multiple demographic, clinical and drug susceptibility data of patients were collected from the hospital's electronic patient records. Descriptive statistical methods, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were employed as statistical methods. Results: Of the 577 LNTB cases, 373 (64.64%) were males, 352 (61.01%) were farmers; majority (161, 33.10%) aged at 20-29 years old; 147 (25.48%) had simple LNTB, 350 (60.66%) had LNTB combined with pulmonary TB (PTB) (defined as LNTB-PTB), and 80 (13.86%) had LNTB combined with other extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) (defined as LNTB-EPTB). A total of 345 (59.79%, 345/577) LNTB patients had cervical node infection, and the simple LNTB patients (81.63%, 120/147) had higher proportion of this infection than LNTB-PTB (51.71%, 181/350) and LNTB-EPTB (55.00%, 44/80) (both p values <0.017), respectively. LNTB-EPTB was more inclined to have abdominal tuberculous LNs (20%, 16/80) and at least four tuberculous lesions (22.50%, 18/80) than simple LNTB and LNTB-PTB. Seventy-seven (13.34%) and 119 (20.62%) were resistant to rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH), respectively; 72 (12.48%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR), and a total of 150 (26.00%) were DR (resistant to at least one of RIF, INH, ethambutol and streptomycin). LNTB patients aged 30-34 and 50-54 years old (compared to those aged <30 years) were independent predictors of RIF resistance (RR) (ORs were 3.47 and 2.83, respectively; 95% CIs were 1.64-7.35 and 1.08-7.46, respectively). Conclusion: Our study disclosed the epidemiological and DR characteristics of LNTB in Hunan Province, China. High LNTB prevalence was found in younger people while high RR LNTB prevalence was found in older ones, suggesting that we should conduct further studies to clarify the occurrence of RR in LNTB, meanwhile, strengthen the diagnoses and treatments of LNTB to prevent the emergence of RR.

Asunto(s)

Antituberculosos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculosis Ganglionar , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos , Humanos , China/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Antituberculosos/uso terapéutico , Antituberculosos/farmacología , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/efectos de los fármacos , Tuberculosis Ganglionar/epidemiología , Tuberculosis Ganglionar/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/epidemiología , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Anciano , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Violent knife assaults ('stabbings') are underappreciated as a source of morbidity and mortality. The two objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology of stabbing injuries in the population of Ontario, Canada and to assess the associations between two measures of neighbourhood marginalisation-material deprivation and housing instability, and the risk of stabbing injury. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study over 2004-18 using linked administrative data. Cases suffered a stabbing injury resulting in an emergency department visit, hospitalisation or death. Four age and sex-matched controls were matched to each case. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the associations between neighbourhood material deprivation as well as housing instability and the risk of injury. Mean annualised injury incidences were estimated using the number of cases identified divided by the total population of Ontario for that year. RESULTS: We identified 26 657 individuals with a stabbing injury, of which 724 (2.7%) were fatal. The mean annualised incidence was 13.4 per 100 000 (95% CI: 12.7 to 15.9). Victims were disproportionately young (median age 25 years; IQR: 20-37 years) males (84.1%), from large urban centres (77.5%), and in the lowest income quintile (39.3%). In multivariate models, neighbourhood material deprivation (OR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.43 to 1.47) and housing instability (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.26) were associated with risk of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Stabbing injuries are a substantial public health problem that affects individuals of all ages and demographics but disproportionately affects younger men in urban settings. There is a weak association between residence in marginalised neighbourhoods and the risk of stabbing injury. Future studies should aim to better understand the nature of this association and consider opportunities for public health interventions to reduce the burden of violent knife injuries.