Virtual reality(VR)technology revitalises rehabilitation training by creating rich,interactive virtual rehabilitation scenes and tasks that deeply engage patients.Robotics with immersive VR environments have the poten...Virtual reality(VR)technology revitalises rehabilitation training by creating rich,interactive virtual rehabilitation scenes and tasks that deeply engage patients.Robotics with immersive VR environments have the potential to significantly enhance the sense of immersion for patients during training.This paper proposes a rehabilitation robot system.The system integrates a VR environment,the exoskeleton entity,and research on rehabilitation assessment metrics derived from surface electromyographic signal(sEMG).Employing more realistic and engaging virtual stimuli,this method guides patients to actively participate,thereby enhancing the effectiveness of neural connection reconstruction—an essential aspect of rehabilitation.Furthermore,this study introduces a muscle activation model that merges linear and non-linear states of muscle,avoiding the impact of non-linear shape factors on model accuracy present in traditional models.A muscle strength assessment model based on optimised generalised regression(WOAGRNN)is also proposed,with a root mean square error of 0.017,347 and a mean absolute percentage error of 1.2461%,serving as critical assessment indicators for the effectiveness of rehabilitation.Finally,the system is preliminarily applied in human movement experiments,validating the practicality and potential effectiveness of VRcentred rehabilitation strategies in medical recovery.展开更多
Strained germanium hole spin qubits are promising for quantum computing,but the devices hosting these qubits face challenges from high interface trap density,which originates from the naturally oxidized surface of the...Strained germanium hole spin qubits are promising for quantum computing,but the devices hosting these qubits face challenges from high interface trap density,which originates from the naturally oxidized surface of the wafer.These traps can degrade the device stability and cause an excessively high threshold voltage.Surface passivation is regarded as an effective method to mitigate these impacts.In this study,we perform low-thermal-budget chemical passivation using the nitric acid oxidation of silicon method on the surface of strained germanium devices and investigate the impact of passivation on the device stability.The results demonstrate that surface passivation effectively reduces the interface defect density.This not only improves the stability of the device's threshold voltage but also enhances its long-term static stability.Furthermore,we construct a band diagram of hole surface tunneling at the static operating point to gain a deeper understanding of the physical mechanism through which passivation affects the device stability.This study provides valuable insights for future optimization of strained Ge-based quantum devices and advances our understanding of how interface states affect device stability.展开更多
BACKGROUND Endoscopic papillectomy(EP)via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgery for duodenal papillary adenomas(DPAs),which is traditionally associated wi...BACKGROUND Endoscopic papillectomy(EP)via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgery for duodenal papillary adenomas(DPAs),which is traditionally associated with notable postoperative risks.AIM To compare quality of life(QoL)and outcomes between DPA patients undergoing EP vs surgical resection,and to assess the influencing factors of QoL and complications.METHODS We conducted a retrospective,single-center analysis involving patients treated for DPA at the Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from 2011 to 2023.The participants completed post-discharge telephone surveys using the 12-item short form survey to assess mental(MCS)and physical component summary(PCS)scores,with norm-based scoring where≥50 denotes normal.Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables was used to compare QoL scores.RESULTS Compared with EP patients,surgically treated patients had significantly lower PCS[median:53.0,interquartile range(IQR):46.0-55.1 vs 54.2,IQR:51.7-55.9,P=0.008]and MCS scores(median:48.6,IQR:41.8-56.0 vs 55.9,IQR:51.7-60.7,P<0.001).These disparities persisted even after adjustments for demographic and medical factors.Longterm follow-up of the EP group revealed that abdominal pain and poor sleep were factors negatively impacting PCS scores,whereas postoperative pancreatitis and hypertension were associated with lower MCS scores.CONCLUSION EP has emerged as a QoL-preserving alternative for patients with DPA,conditional upon ensuring equivalent efficacy and safety.QoL outcomes should be considered when choosing interventions for this patient population.展开更多
The electron-doped cuprate superconductor exhibits a unique electronic structure,where both electron and hole Fermi surface(FS)pockets coexist in the optimally doped(OP)region,while in the overdoped(OD)region there ex...The electron-doped cuprate superconductor exhibits a unique electronic structure,where both electron and hole Fermi surface(FS)pockets coexist in the optimally doped(OP)region,while in the overdoped(OD)region there exists only a large hole FS pocket.It is therefore an intriguing question whether or not a p-n junction arises if the OD electron-doped cuprate interfaces with the OP compound.Here,we construct such an in-plane junction by selectively modulating the doping levels in thin films of La_(2-x)Ce_(x)CuO_(4)(LCCO)—a typical electron-doped cuprate.We find that the junction exhibits non-linear,asymmetricⅠ-Ⅴcharacteristics,which are consistent with those of a p-n semiconductor junction,across a wide temperature range from 250 K to 10 K,regardless of the Hall coefficient sign change or the superconducting transition.We attribute these features to a potential barrier formed at the junction,which is set by the band bending in both OD and OP LCCO.展开更多
The associations of volatile organic compounds(VOCs)exposure with short sleep duration(SSD)have rarely been studied.We aimed to evaluate the correlation between VOC exposure and SSD risk,while also exploring the poten...The associations of volatile organic compounds(VOCs)exposure with short sleep duration(SSD)have rarely been studied.We aimed to evaluate the correlation between VOC exposure and SSD risk,while also exploring the potential mediating influence of depressive symptoms.Blood concentrations of seven VOCs,namely benzene,toluene,ethylbenzene,m-/p-xylene,o-xylene,styrene(collectively known as BTEXS),and 1,4-dichlorobenzene,were analyzed in 2905 U.S.adults.Weighted logistic regression,quantile-based g-computation(QGC),and weighted quantile sum(WQS)regression were employed to investigate associations between selected VOCs and SSD risk.Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the potential mediating effects of depressive symptoms on these relationships.Increased blood levels of BTEXS were positively correlated with SSD risk,with odds ratios(OR)ranging from 1.130 to 1.212(all P<0.05).A nonlinear association between toluene concentration and SSD risk was observed(P for nonlinearity=0.028).Both QGC and WQS analyses indicated a positive association between co-exposure to VOCs and SSD,with styrene showing the highest positive weights(QGC:OR=1.313,95%confidence interval(CI):1.038–1.660;WQS:OR=1.386,95%CI:1.111–1.731).Furthermore,BTEXS exposure was positively linked to depressive symptoms,which in turn were significantly associated with SSD risk.Mediation analyses revealed that depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationships between individual and mixed VOCs and SSD risk,with mediation proportions ranging from 15.87%to 20.54%(all P<0.05).These findings indicated that exposure to VOCs increased SSD risk,with depressive symptoms playing a partial mediating role.展开更多
In this work we prepared several CeO2-TiO2 catalysts for the NH3-SCR reactionusing co-precipitation with assistance of microwave irradiation.The catalytic NH3-SCR activities over CeO2-TiO2 catalysts at low temperature...In this work we prepared several CeO2-TiO2 catalysts for the NH3-SCR reactionusing co-precipitation with assistance of microwave irradiation.The catalytic NH3-SCR activities over CeO2-TiO2 catalysts at low temperatures are largely enhanced by the treatment of microwave irradiation,the operation temperature window is also broadened.For better understanding the promotion mechanism,the catalyst prepared by conventional co-precipitation with and without microwave irradiation treatment was characterized with H2-TPR,NH3-TPD,XPS,XRD and BET.Microwave irradiation treatment accelerates the crystallite rate of CeO2-TiO2 catalysts,and greatly enlarges their surface area by adjusting their microstructures.The resistance to SO2 and H2O is also improved via regulating the hierarchical pore structure by the microwave irradiation.Microwave irradiation treatment can also improve the redox property and increase the acid sites over the catalyst surfaces.The result of in situ DRIFTS suggests that the microwave irradiation treatment generates more Br?nsted acid sites on CeO2-TiO2-2 h catalyst,helpful in SCR reactions.XPS results show that after microwave irradiation on the CeO2-TiO2 catalysts,the surface demonstrates an elevated concentration of chemisorbed oxygen,consequently leading to better oxidation of NO to NO2.Additionally,the molar ratio of Ce3+/Ce4+has been elevated after being treated by microwave irradiation,a vital factor in enhancing the NH3-SCR activities.展开更多
Rare earth metals are strategic resources with potential applications in optics,metallurgy and catalysis.In recent years,single-atom site catalysts(SASCs) have attracted increasing attention owing to their 100%atom ef...Rare earth metals are strategic resources with potential applications in optics,metallurgy and catalysis.In recent years,single-atom site catalysts(SASCs) have attracted increasing attention owing to their 100%atom efficiency and unique catalytic performances.Over the past decade,rare earth elements,including rare earth metals and their oxides,have shown great potential in SASCs.However,systematic analyses of data are still handful.In this mini-review,the use of rare earth metals and their oxides in SASCs was summarized and the results are discussed.A particular focus was paid to the synthetic strategies,characterization of rare earth-containing SASCs,and applications as catalysis supports,promoters and active sites.Current issues faced by rare-earth metals and their oxides in SASCs,as well as future prospects were also provided.展开更多
Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is an important type of chronic pain with unknown etiology and pathophysiology. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the development of chro...Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is an important type of chronic pain with unknown etiology and pathophysiology. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the development of chronic pain conditions. However, the role of mi RNA-325-5 p in chronic visceral pain remains unknown. The present study was designed to determine the roles and mechanism of mi RNA-325-5 p in a rat model of chronic visceral pain.This model was induced by neonatal colonic inflammation(NCI). In adulthood, NCI led to a significant reduction in the expression of mi RNA-325-5 p in colon-related dorsal root ganglia(DRGs), starting to decrease at the age of4 weeks and being maintained to 8 weeks. Intrathecal administration of mi RNA-325-5 p agomir significantly enhanced the colorectal distention(CRD) threshold in a time-dependent manner. NCI also markedly increased the expression of CCL2(C-C motif chemokine ligand 2) in colon-related DRGs at the m RNA and protein levels relative to age-matched control rats. The expression of CXCL12, IL33, SFRS7, and LGI1 was not significantlyaltered in NCI rats. CCL2 was co-expressed in Neu Npositive DRG neurons but not in glutamine synthetasepositive glial cells. Furthermore, CCL2 was mainly expressed in isolectin B4-binding-and calcitonin generelated peptide-positive DRG neurons but in few NF-200-positive cells. More importantly, CCL2 was expressed in mi R-325-5 p-positive DRG neurons. Intrathecal injection of mi RNA-325-5 p agomir remarkably reduced the upregulation of CCL2 in NCI rats. Administration of Bindarit, an inhibitor of CCL2, markedly raised the CRD threshold in NCI rats in a dose-and time-dependent manner. These data suggest that NCI suppresses mi RNA-325-5 p expression and enhances CCL2 expression, thus contributing to visceral hypersensitivity in adult rats.展开更多
Porous nitrogen-doped carbon is an especially promising material energy storage due to its excellentconductivity, stable physicochemical properties, easy processability, controllable porosity and low price.Herein, we ...Porous nitrogen-doped carbon is an especially promising material energy storage due to its excellentconductivity, stable physicochemical properties, easy processability, controllable porosity and low price.Herein, we reported a novel well-designed hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon （HPNC） via acombination of salt template （ZnC12） and hard template （SiO2） as sulfur host for lithium-sulfur batter-ies. The low-melting ZnC12 is boiled off and leaves behind micropores and small size mesopores duringpyrolysis process, while the silica spheres are removed by acid leaching to generate interconnected 3Dnetwork of macropores. The HPNC-S electrode exhibits an initial specific capacity of 1355 mAh g^-l at 0.IC （IC= 1675 mAh g^-1 ）, a high-rate capability of 623 mAh g-l at 2 C, and a small decay of 0.13% per cycleover 300 cycles at 0.2 C. This excellent rate capability and remarkable long-term cyclability of the HPNC-Selectrode are attributed to its hierarchical porous structures for confining the soluble lithium polysulfideas well as the nitrogen doping for high absorbability of lithium polysulfide.展开更多
Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a chronic and incurable autoimmune neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system.Although the symptoms of MS can be managed by vitamin D3 treatment alone,this condition cannot be com...Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a chronic and incurable autoimmune neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system.Although the symptoms of MS can be managed by vitamin D3 treatment alone,this condition cannot be completely eradicated.Thus,there might be unknown factors capable of regulating the vitamin D receptor(VDR).Genome-wide analysis showed that miRNAs were associated with VDRs.We sought to determine the role and mechanism of action of miRNA-125a-5p and VDRs in a model of MS,mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE),which was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55 peptides.EAE mice showed decreased mean body weight but increased mean clinical scores compared with vehicle or control mice.And inflammatory infiltration was found in the lumbosacral spinal cord of EAE mice.In addition,VDR expression was significantly lower while the expression of miR-125a-5p was markedly higher in the spinal ventral horn of EAE mice than in vehicle or control mice.Importantly,activation of VDRs by paricalcitol or inhibition of miR-125a-5p by its antagomir markedly decreased the mean clinical scores in EAE mice.Interestingly,VDR and miR-125a-5p were co-localized in the same neurons of the ventral horn.More importantly,inhibition of miR-125a-5p remarkably blocked the decrease of VDRs in EAE mice.These results support a critical role for miR-125a-5p in modulating VDR activity in EAE and suggest potential novel therapeutic interventions.展开更多
Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)RR) into high value-added chemicals and fuels has been regarded as a promising approach to achieve carbon neutrality.Though nickel-nitrogen-carbon(Ni-N-C) electrocata...Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)RR) into high value-added chemicals and fuels has been regarded as a promising approach to achieve carbon neutrality.Though nickel-nitrogen-carbon(Ni-N-C) electrocatalysts have shown superior CO_(2)RR performance,the synthesis of highly effective Ni-N-C catalyst is still challenging.Herein,a three-dimensional(3D) ordered porous nitrogendoped carbon-supported Ni-N_(x) catalyst has been synthesized by direct pyrolysis of a mixture of SiO_(2),polyvinyl pyrrolidone,nickel-phenanthroline complex,followed by the removal of the SiO_(2) templates.展开更多
The performance of lithium-sulfur batteries is deteriorated by the inferior conductivity of sulfur,the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides(LiPSs),sluggish redox kinetics of polysulfide intermediates and serious vol...The performance of lithium-sulfur batteries is deteriorated by the inferior conductivity of sulfur,the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides(LiPSs),sluggish redox kinetics of polysulfide intermediates and serious volumetric expansion of sulfur.To overcome these challenges,we report a versatile route to prepare multi-functional nanocomposites with tuable hierarchical structure via ammonium hydroxide(NH_(3)·H_(2) O)induced self-assembly.The versatility of the system has been demonstrated that the organization of the hierarchical structure can be regulated by adding different amounts of NH_(3)·H_(2) O,and WS_(2) and Co_(9)S_(8) with nitrogen-doped carbon coating(denoted as WS_(2)@NC and Co_(9)S_(8)@NC)can be prepared by adding different precursor salts.When the as-prepared materials are applied for Li-S batteries,the WS_(2)@NC composite exhibits a reversible capacity of 1107.4 mAh g^(-1) at 0.1 C after 500 cycles and even 728.9 mAh g^(-1) at2 C for 1000 cycles,which is significantly better than the Co_(9)S_(8) counterpart and other reported WS_(2) sulfur hosts.Experimentally,the advantageous performance of WS_(2) could be attributed to its higher surface area and total pore volume,giving rise to the easier access to electrolyte and better ability to buffer the volume change during the charge/discharge process.Theoretically,the density function theory(DFT)calculation reveals that the as-prepared WS_(2) has a higher binding energy towards LiPSs as well as a lower energy barrier for Li^(+)diffusion on the surface than Co_(9)S_(8).More significantly,the density of states(DOS)analysis further confirms that the superior performance is mainly ascribed to the more prominent shifting and the more charge compensation from d band of W than Co,which increase electronic concentration and give more hybridization of d-p orbitals in the Fermi level of the adsorbed Li2 S4 to accelerate the lithium polysulfide interfacial redox and conversion dynamics in WS_(2).By proposing this mechanism,this work sheds new light on the understanding of catalytic conversion of lithium polysulfides at the atomic level and the strategy to develop advanced cathode materials for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.展开更多
Electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction into CO has been regarded as one of the most promising strategies for sustainable carbon cycles at ambient conditions,but still faces challenges to achieve both high product selectivit...Electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction into CO has been regarded as one of the most promising strategies for sustainable carbon cycles at ambient conditions,but still faces challenges to achieve both high product selectivity and large current density.Here,we report a Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)heterostructured electrocatalyst embedded in accordion-like N-doped carbon through a simple molten salt annealing strategy.The optimal Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)electrocatalyst achieves a high CO Faraday efficiency of 92.3%and a large total current density of-15.8 m A cm^(-2)at-0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode,together with a long-term stability about 30 h.Density functional theory results reveal that the energy barrier for*COOH intermediate formation largely decreased on Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)heterostructure compared with Ni_(4)N and Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7),thus giving rise to enhanced activity and selectivity.A rechargeable Zn-CO_(2)battery is further assembled with Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)catalyst as the cathode,which shows a maximum power density of 0.85 mW cm^(-2)and excellent stability.展开更多
BACKGROUND Human-derived mesenchymal stromal cells have been shown to improve cognitive function following experimental stroke.The activity of exosomes has been verified to be comparable to the therapeutic effects of ...BACKGROUND Human-derived mesenchymal stromal cells have been shown to improve cognitive function following experimental stroke.The activity of exosomes has been verified to be comparable to the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stromal cells.However,the effects of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(HUC-MSCs)(ExoCtrl)on post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)have rarely been reported.Moreover,whether exosomes derived from C-C chemokine receptor type 2(CCR2)-overexpressing HUC-MSCs(ExoCCR2)can enhance the therapeutic effects on PSCI and the possible underlying mechanisms have not been studied.AIM To investigate the effects of ExoCtrl on PSCI and whether ExoCCR2 can enhance therapeutic effects on PSCI.METHODS Transmission electron microscopy,qNano®particles analyzer,and Western blotting were employed to determine the morphology and CCR2 expression of ExoCtrl or ExoCCR2.ELISA was used to study the binding capacity of exosomes to CC chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)in vivo.After the intravenous injection of ExoCtrl or ExoCCR2 into experimental rats,the effect of ExoCtrl and ExoCCR2 on PSCI was assessed by Morris water maze.Remyelination and oligodendrogenesis were analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy.QRT-PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy were conducted to compare the microglia/macrophage polarization.The infiltration and activation of hematogenous macrophages were analyzed by Western blotting and transwell migration analysis.RESULTS CCR2-overexpressing HUC-MSCs loaded the CCR2 receptor into their exosomes.The morphology and diameter distribution between ExoCtrl and ExoCCR2 showed no significant difference.ExoCCR2 bound significantly to CCL2 but ExoCtrl showed little CCL2 binding.Although both ExoCCR2 and ExoCtrl showed beneficial effects on PSCI,oligodendrogenesis,remyelination,and microglia/macrophage polarization,ExoCCR2 exhibited a significantly superior beneficial effect.We also found that ExoCCR2 could suppress the CCL2-induced macrophage migration and activation in vivo and in vitro,compared with ExoCtrl treated group.CONCLUSION CCR2 over-expression enhanced the therapeutic effects of exosomes on the experimental PSCI by promoting M2 microglia/macrophage polarization,enhancing oligodendrogenesis and remyelination.These therapeutic effects are likely through suppressing the CCL2-induced hematogenous macrophage migration and activation.Key words:Cognitive impairment;Stroke;Exosomes;C-C chemokine receptor type 2;Microglia/macrophage polarization;Remyelination.展开更多
Purinergic receptors have been reported to be involved in brain disorders.In this study,we explored their roles and mechanisms underlying the memory impairment in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM).T2 DM rats e...Purinergic receptors have been reported to be involved in brain disorders.In this study,we explored their roles and mechanisms underlying the memory impairment in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM).T2 DM rats exhibited a worse performance in the T-maze and Morris water maze(MWM) than controls.Microglia positive for P2 X purinoceptor 4(P2 X4 R) in the hippocampus were reduced and activated microglia were increased in T2 DM rats.Long Amplicon PCR(LA-PCR) showed that DNA amplification of the p2 x4 r gene in the hippocampus was lower in T2 DM rats.Minocycline significantly reduced the number of activated microglia and the mean distance traveled by T2 DM rats in the MWM.Most importantly,P2 X4 R overexpression suppressed the activated microglia and rescued the memory impairment of T2 DM rats.Overall,T2 DM led to excessive activation of microglia in the hippocampus,partly through the DNA damagemediated downregulation of P2 X4 Rs,thus contributing to memory impairment.展开更多
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China,Grant/Award Number:2022YFB4700701National Outstanding Youth Science Fund Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Number:52025054。
文摘Virtual reality(VR)technology revitalises rehabilitation training by creating rich,interactive virtual rehabilitation scenes and tasks that deeply engage patients.Robotics with immersive VR environments have the potential to significantly enhance the sense of immersion for patients during training.This paper proposes a rehabilitation robot system.The system integrates a VR environment,the exoskeleton entity,and research on rehabilitation assessment metrics derived from surface electromyographic signal(sEMG).Employing more realistic and engaging virtual stimuli,this method guides patients to actively participate,thereby enhancing the effectiveness of neural connection reconstruction—an essential aspect of rehabilitation.Furthermore,this study introduces a muscle activation model that merges linear and non-linear states of muscle,avoiding the impact of non-linear shape factors on model accuracy present in traditional models.A muscle strength assessment model based on optimised generalised regression(WOAGRNN)is also proposed,with a root mean square error of 0.017,347 and a mean absolute percentage error of 1.2461%,serving as critical assessment indicators for the effectiveness of rehabilitation.Finally,the system is preliminarily applied in human movement experiments,validating the practicality and potential effectiveness of VRcentred rehabilitation strategies in medical recovery.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.92265113,12034018,12474490,and 62404248)the Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology(Grant No.2021ZD0302300)。
文摘Strained germanium hole spin qubits are promising for quantum computing,but the devices hosting these qubits face challenges from high interface trap density,which originates from the naturally oxidized surface of the wafer.These traps can degrade the device stability and cause an excessively high threshold voltage.Surface passivation is regarded as an effective method to mitigate these impacts.In this study,we perform low-thermal-budget chemical passivation using the nitric acid oxidation of silicon method on the surface of strained germanium devices and investigate the impact of passivation on the device stability.The results demonstrate that surface passivation effectively reduces the interface defect density.This not only improves the stability of the device's threshold voltage but also enhances its long-term static stability.Furthermore,we construct a band diagram of hole surface tunneling at the static operating point to gain a deeper understanding of the physical mechanism through which passivation affects the device stability.This study provides valuable insights for future optimization of strained Ge-based quantum devices and advances our understanding of how interface states affect device stability.
文摘BACKGROUND Endoscopic papillectomy(EP)via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgery for duodenal papillary adenomas(DPAs),which is traditionally associated with notable postoperative risks.AIM To compare quality of life(QoL)and outcomes between DPA patients undergoing EP vs surgical resection,and to assess the influencing factors of QoL and complications.METHODS We conducted a retrospective,single-center analysis involving patients treated for DPA at the Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from 2011 to 2023.The participants completed post-discharge telephone surveys using the 12-item short form survey to assess mental(MCS)and physical component summary(PCS)scores,with norm-based scoring where≥50 denotes normal.Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables was used to compare QoL scores.RESULTS Compared with EP patients,surgically treated patients had significantly lower PCS[median:53.0,interquartile range(IQR):46.0-55.1 vs 54.2,IQR:51.7-55.9,P=0.008]and MCS scores(median:48.6,IQR:41.8-56.0 vs 55.9,IQR:51.7-60.7,P<0.001).These disparities persisted even after adjustments for demographic and medical factors.Longterm follow-up of the EP group revealed that abdominal pain and poor sleep were factors negatively impacting PCS scores,whereas postoperative pancreatitis and hypertension were associated with lower MCS scores.CONCLUSION EP has emerged as a QoL-preserving alternative for patients with DPA,conditional upon ensuring equivalent efficacy and safety.QoL outcomes should be considered when choosing interventions for this patient population.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2022YFA1403100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52388201,12361141820,and 12274249)the Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology(Grant No.2021ZD0302400)。
文摘The electron-doped cuprate superconductor exhibits a unique electronic structure,where both electron and hole Fermi surface(FS)pockets coexist in the optimally doped(OP)region,while in the overdoped(OD)region there exists only a large hole FS pocket.It is therefore an intriguing question whether or not a p-n junction arises if the OD electron-doped cuprate interfaces with the OP compound.Here,we construct such an in-plane junction by selectively modulating the doping levels in thin films of La_(2-x)Ce_(x)CuO_(4)(LCCO)—a typical electron-doped cuprate.We find that the junction exhibits non-linear,asymmetricⅠ-Ⅴcharacteristics,which are consistent with those of a p-n semiconductor junction,across a wide temperature range from 250 K to 10 K,regardless of the Hall coefficient sign change or the superconducting transition.We attribute these features to a potential barrier formed at the junction,which is set by the band bending in both OD and OP LCCO.
文摘The associations of volatile organic compounds(VOCs)exposure with short sleep duration(SSD)have rarely been studied.We aimed to evaluate the correlation between VOC exposure and SSD risk,while also exploring the potential mediating influence of depressive symptoms.Blood concentrations of seven VOCs,namely benzene,toluene,ethylbenzene,m-/p-xylene,o-xylene,styrene(collectively known as BTEXS),and 1,4-dichlorobenzene,were analyzed in 2905 U.S.adults.Weighted logistic regression,quantile-based g-computation(QGC),and weighted quantile sum(WQS)regression were employed to investigate associations between selected VOCs and SSD risk.Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the potential mediating effects of depressive symptoms on these relationships.Increased blood levels of BTEXS were positively correlated with SSD risk,with odds ratios(OR)ranging from 1.130 to 1.212(all P<0.05).A nonlinear association between toluene concentration and SSD risk was observed(P for nonlinearity=0.028).Both QGC and WQS analyses indicated a positive association between co-exposure to VOCs and SSD,with styrene showing the highest positive weights(QGC:OR=1.313,95%confidence interval(CI):1.038–1.660;WQS:OR=1.386,95%CI:1.111–1.731).Furthermore,BTEXS exposure was positively linked to depressive symptoms,which in turn were significantly associated with SSD risk.Mediation analyses revealed that depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationships between individual and mixed VOCs and SSD risk,with mediation proportions ranging from 15.87%to 20.54%(all P<0.05).These findings indicated that exposure to VOCs increased SSD risk,with depressive symptoms playing a partial mediating role.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21577005)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFB0600400)
文摘In this work we prepared several CeO2-TiO2 catalysts for the NH3-SCR reactionusing co-precipitation with assistance of microwave irradiation.The catalytic NH3-SCR activities over CeO2-TiO2 catalysts at low temperatures are largely enhanced by the treatment of microwave irradiation,the operation temperature window is also broadened.For better understanding the promotion mechanism,the catalyst prepared by conventional co-precipitation with and without microwave irradiation treatment was characterized with H2-TPR,NH3-TPD,XPS,XRD and BET.Microwave irradiation treatment accelerates the crystallite rate of CeO2-TiO2 catalysts,and greatly enlarges their surface area by adjusting their microstructures.The resistance to SO2 and H2O is also improved via regulating the hierarchical pore structure by the microwave irradiation.Microwave irradiation treatment can also improve the redox property and increase the acid sites over the catalyst surfaces.The result of in situ DRIFTS suggests that the microwave irradiation treatment generates more Br?nsted acid sites on CeO2-TiO2-2 h catalyst,helpful in SCR reactions.XPS results show that after microwave irradiation on the CeO2-TiO2 catalysts,the surface demonstrates an elevated concentration of chemisorbed oxygen,consequently leading to better oxidation of NO to NO2.Additionally,the molar ratio of Ce3+/Ce4+has been elevated after being treated by microwave irradiation,a vital factor in enhancing the NH3-SCR activities.
基金Project supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2020M670355)the National Key R&D Program of China(2016YFC0204305)National Natural Science Foundation of China(21777004)。
文摘Rare earth metals are strategic resources with potential applications in optics,metallurgy and catalysis.In recent years,single-atom site catalysts(SASCs) have attracted increasing attention owing to their 100%atom efficiency and unique catalytic performances.Over the past decade,rare earth elements,including rare earth metals and their oxides,have shown great potential in SASCs.However,systematic analyses of data are still handful.In this mini-review,the use of rare earth metals and their oxides in SASCs was summarized and the results are discussed.A particular focus was paid to the synthetic strategies,characterization of rare earth-containing SASCs,and applications as catalysis supports,promoters and active sites.Current issues faced by rare-earth metals and their oxides in SASCs,as well as future prospects were also provided.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81471137, 31730040, and 81771187)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China
文摘Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is an important type of chronic pain with unknown etiology and pathophysiology. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the development of chronic pain conditions. However, the role of mi RNA-325-5 p in chronic visceral pain remains unknown. The present study was designed to determine the roles and mechanism of mi RNA-325-5 p in a rat model of chronic visceral pain.This model was induced by neonatal colonic inflammation(NCI). In adulthood, NCI led to a significant reduction in the expression of mi RNA-325-5 p in colon-related dorsal root ganglia(DRGs), starting to decrease at the age of4 weeks and being maintained to 8 weeks. Intrathecal administration of mi RNA-325-5 p agomir significantly enhanced the colorectal distention(CRD) threshold in a time-dependent manner. NCI also markedly increased the expression of CCL2(C-C motif chemokine ligand 2) in colon-related DRGs at the m RNA and protein levels relative to age-matched control rats. The expression of CXCL12, IL33, SFRS7, and LGI1 was not significantlyaltered in NCI rats. CCL2 was co-expressed in Neu Npositive DRG neurons but not in glutamine synthetasepositive glial cells. Furthermore, CCL2 was mainly expressed in isolectin B4-binding-and calcitonin generelated peptide-positive DRG neurons but in few NF-200-positive cells. More importantly, CCL2 was expressed in mi R-325-5 p-positive DRG neurons. Intrathecal injection of mi RNA-325-5 p agomir remarkably reduced the upregulation of CCL2 in NCI rats. Administration of Bindarit, an inhibitor of CCL2, markedly raised the CRD threshold in NCI rats in a dose-and time-dependent manner. These data suggest that NCI suppresses mi RNA-325-5 p expression and enhances CCL2 expression, thus contributing to visceral hypersensitivity in adult rats.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFB0101202)the NSFC of China (Grants 91534205,21436003 and 21576031)Graduate Research and Innovation Foundation of Chongqing China (Grant No.CYB17021)
文摘Porous nitrogen-doped carbon is an especially promising material energy storage due to its excellentconductivity, stable physicochemical properties, easy processability, controllable porosity and low price.Herein, we reported a novel well-designed hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon （HPNC） via acombination of salt template （ZnC12） and hard template （SiO2） as sulfur host for lithium-sulfur batter-ies. The low-melting ZnC12 is boiled off and leaves behind micropores and small size mesopores duringpyrolysis process, while the silica spheres are removed by acid leaching to generate interconnected 3Dnetwork of macropores. The HPNC-S electrode exhibits an initial specific capacity of 1355 mAh g^-l at 0.IC （IC= 1675 mAh g^-1 ）, a high-rate capability of 623 mAh g-l at 2 C, and a small decay of 0.13% per cycleover 300 cycles at 0.2 C. This excellent rate capability and remarkable long-term cyclability of the HPNC-Selectrode are attributed to its hierarchical porous structures for confining the soluble lithium polysulfideas well as the nitrogen doping for high absorbability of lithium polysulfide.
基金supported by the International Science and Technology Cooperation Plan of Guizhou Province,China[(2013)7027]the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81471137 and 31730040).
文摘Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a chronic and incurable autoimmune neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system.Although the symptoms of MS can be managed by vitamin D3 treatment alone,this condition cannot be completely eradicated.Thus,there might be unknown factors capable of regulating the vitamin D receptor(VDR).Genome-wide analysis showed that miRNAs were associated with VDRs.We sought to determine the role and mechanism of action of miRNA-125a-5p and VDRs in a model of MS,mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE),which was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55 peptides.EAE mice showed decreased mean body weight but increased mean clinical scores compared with vehicle or control mice.And inflammatory infiltration was found in the lumbosacral spinal cord of EAE mice.In addition,VDR expression was significantly lower while the expression of miR-125a-5p was markedly higher in the spinal ventral horn of EAE mice than in vehicle or control mice.Importantly,activation of VDRs by paricalcitol or inhibition of miR-125a-5p by its antagomir markedly decreased the mean clinical scores in EAE mice.Interestingly,VDR and miR-125a-5p were co-localized in the same neurons of the ventral horn.More importantly,inhibition of miR-125a-5p remarkably blocked the decrease of VDRs in EAE mice.These results support a critical role for miR-125a-5p in modulating VDR activity in EAE and suggest potential novel therapeutic interventions.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (No.2021YFB2401902)。
文摘Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)RR) into high value-added chemicals and fuels has been regarded as a promising approach to achieve carbon neutrality.Though nickel-nitrogen-carbon(Ni-N-C) electrocatalysts have shown superior CO_(2)RR performance,the synthesis of highly effective Ni-N-C catalyst is still challenging.Herein,a three-dimensional(3D) ordered porous nitrogendoped carbon-supported Ni-N_(x) catalyst has been synthesized by direct pyrolysis of a mixture of SiO_(2),polyvinyl pyrrolidone,nickel-phenanthroline complex,followed by the removal of the SiO_(2) templates.
基金financially supported by National Key Research and Development Program(2018YFB1502503)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(ZYGX2019J030)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2020YJ0299)。
文摘The performance of lithium-sulfur batteries is deteriorated by the inferior conductivity of sulfur,the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides(LiPSs),sluggish redox kinetics of polysulfide intermediates and serious volumetric expansion of sulfur.To overcome these challenges,we report a versatile route to prepare multi-functional nanocomposites with tuable hierarchical structure via ammonium hydroxide(NH_(3)·H_(2) O)induced self-assembly.The versatility of the system has been demonstrated that the organization of the hierarchical structure can be regulated by adding different amounts of NH_(3)·H_(2) O,and WS_(2) and Co_(9)S_(8) with nitrogen-doped carbon coating(denoted as WS_(2)@NC and Co_(9)S_(8)@NC)can be prepared by adding different precursor salts.When the as-prepared materials are applied for Li-S batteries,the WS_(2)@NC composite exhibits a reversible capacity of 1107.4 mAh g^(-1) at 0.1 C after 500 cycles and even 728.9 mAh g^(-1) at2 C for 1000 cycles,which is significantly better than the Co_(9)S_(8) counterpart and other reported WS_(2) sulfur hosts.Experimentally,the advantageous performance of WS_(2) could be attributed to its higher surface area and total pore volume,giving rise to the easier access to electrolyte and better ability to buffer the volume change during the charge/discharge process.Theoretically,the density function theory(DFT)calculation reveals that the as-prepared WS_(2) has a higher binding energy towards LiPSs as well as a lower energy barrier for Li^(+)diffusion on the surface than Co_(9)S_(8).More significantly,the density of states(DOS)analysis further confirms that the superior performance is mainly ascribed to the more prominent shifting and the more charge compensation from d band of W than Co,which increase electronic concentration and give more hybridization of d-p orbitals in the Fermi level of the adsorbed Li2 S4 to accelerate the lithium polysulfide interfacial redox and conversion dynamics in WS_(2).By proposing this mechanism,this work sheds new light on the understanding of catalytic conversion of lithium polysulfides at the atomic level and the strategy to develop advanced cathode materials for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program,China(2018YFB1502503)the 2021 Talent Introduction Project of Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College(ygz2021104)。
文摘Electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction into CO has been regarded as one of the most promising strategies for sustainable carbon cycles at ambient conditions,but still faces challenges to achieve both high product selectivity and large current density.Here,we report a Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)heterostructured electrocatalyst embedded in accordion-like N-doped carbon through a simple molten salt annealing strategy.The optimal Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)electrocatalyst achieves a high CO Faraday efficiency of 92.3%and a large total current density of-15.8 m A cm^(-2)at-0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode,together with a long-term stability about 30 h.Density functional theory results reveal that the energy barrier for*COOH intermediate formation largely decreased on Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)heterostructure compared with Ni_(4)N and Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7),thus giving rise to enhanced activity and selectivity.A rechargeable Zn-CO_(2)battery is further assembled with Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)catalyst as the cathode,which shows a maximum power density of 0.85 mW cm^(-2)and excellent stability.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81871847 and No.81672261
文摘BACKGROUND Human-derived mesenchymal stromal cells have been shown to improve cognitive function following experimental stroke.The activity of exosomes has been verified to be comparable to the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stromal cells.However,the effects of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(HUC-MSCs)(ExoCtrl)on post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)have rarely been reported.Moreover,whether exosomes derived from C-C chemokine receptor type 2(CCR2)-overexpressing HUC-MSCs(ExoCCR2)can enhance the therapeutic effects on PSCI and the possible underlying mechanisms have not been studied.AIM To investigate the effects of ExoCtrl on PSCI and whether ExoCCR2 can enhance therapeutic effects on PSCI.METHODS Transmission electron microscopy,qNano®particles analyzer,and Western blotting were employed to determine the morphology and CCR2 expression of ExoCtrl or ExoCCR2.ELISA was used to study the binding capacity of exosomes to CC chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)in vivo.After the intravenous injection of ExoCtrl or ExoCCR2 into experimental rats,the effect of ExoCtrl and ExoCCR2 on PSCI was assessed by Morris water maze.Remyelination and oligodendrogenesis were analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy.QRT-PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy were conducted to compare the microglia/macrophage polarization.The infiltration and activation of hematogenous macrophages were analyzed by Western blotting and transwell migration analysis.RESULTS CCR2-overexpressing HUC-MSCs loaded the CCR2 receptor into their exosomes.The morphology and diameter distribution between ExoCtrl and ExoCCR2 showed no significant difference.ExoCCR2 bound significantly to CCL2 but ExoCtrl showed little CCL2 binding.Although both ExoCCR2 and ExoCtrl showed beneficial effects on PSCI,oligodendrogenesis,remyelination,and microglia/macrophage polarization,ExoCCR2 exhibited a significantly superior beneficial effect.We also found that ExoCCR2 could suppress the CCL2-induced macrophage migration and activation in vivo and in vitro,compared with ExoCtrl treated group.CONCLUSION CCR2 over-expression enhanced the therapeutic effects of exosomes on the experimental PSCI by promoting M2 microglia/macrophage polarization,enhancing oligodendrogenesis and remyelination.These therapeutic effects are likely through suppressing the CCL2-induced hematogenous macrophage migration and activation.Key words:Cognitive impairment;Stroke;Exosomes;C-C chemokine receptor type 2;Microglia/macrophage polarization;Remyelination.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31730040,81801115, and 81920108016)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M642304)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China。
文摘Purinergic receptors have been reported to be involved in brain disorders.In this study,we explored their roles and mechanisms underlying the memory impairment in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM).T2 DM rats exhibited a worse performance in the T-maze and Morris water maze(MWM) than controls.Microglia positive for P2 X purinoceptor 4(P2 X4 R) in the hippocampus were reduced and activated microglia were increased in T2 DM rats.Long Amplicon PCR(LA-PCR) showed that DNA amplification of the p2 x4 r gene in the hippocampus was lower in T2 DM rats.Minocycline significantly reduced the number of activated microglia and the mean distance traveled by T2 DM rats in the MWM.Most importantly,P2 X4 R overexpression suppressed the activated microglia and rescued the memory impairment of T2 DM rats.Overall,T2 DM led to excessive activation of microglia in the hippocampus,partly through the DNA damagemediated downregulation of P2 X4 Rs,thus contributing to memory impairment.
