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All-inorganic perovskite materials have gained enormous attention in photodetectors (PDs) due to their high charge carrier mobility, cost-effectiveness, and tunable bandgap. However, instability and corresponding performance degradation of perovskite PDs when exposed to surrounding humidity persist as challenges. In this work, a composite PD was fabricated by combining CsPb2Br5 nanowires and CsPbBr3 thin-film perovskites as an example to address these problems. The CsPb2Br5 nanowires were prepared by a facile water-bath method to improve the water resistance, and the subsequent evaporation of the CsPbBr3 film formed a type-I heterostructure to enhance its photosensitivity of PDs. As a result, the device exhibits a 10 times higher responsivity of 206 mA/W than that of the bare CsPbBr3 thin film device and maintains 92.85% of its original detectivity after being exposed to a humid environment (RH = 75%) for 144 h. Furthermore, the corresponding fundamental characterization was also performed to reveal the role of CsPb2Br5 nanowires in enhancing the overall performance of the PD. This work provides a simple and efficient approach to enhancing the durability and performance of all-inorganic halide perovskite devices through the embedding of CsPb2Br5 perovskite nanowires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐halide perovskites have emerged as one of the most promising contenders for the next‐generation X‐ray scintillators on account of their large absorption coefficients, high light yields, and low‐cost fabrication. However, the existing X‐ray scintillators are plagued either by poor stability or high toxicity. Here, highly stable and flexible CsCu2I3@polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite films are fabricated simply by a facile one‐step drop‐coating technique. Benefiting from the reasonable light yields (24 100 photons MeV−1), short photoluminescence decay time (207 ns), and flat surface, a low detection limit of 39 nGyair s−1 and a record‐high resolution of up to 25 lp mm−1 are demonstrated in these CsCu2I3@PMMA composite films. The X‐ray imaging tests show that the CsCu2I3@PMMA composite films display excellent properties in the dynamic and irregular objects imaging. In addition, the CsCu2I3@PMMA composite films exhibit a desirable endurance to the high‐energy X‐ray's irradiation and the water erosion (photoluminescence quantum yield remains up of 90% of its initial value even after submersion in water for 300 h). This work provides a potential to develop eco‐friendly and highly stable halide perovskite materials for high‐resolution X‐ray imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hierarchical chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol/nonwoven fabric (CS/PVA/PEG/NWF) micro/nanofiber composite membrane (CM) was prepared via electrospinning as a potential wound dressing. The polyester/viscose NWF acting as a substrate to receive the nanofiber layer was modified by alkali deweighting. Meanwhile, PEG with various additive amount was used to afford morphological regulation and control. As a result, the NWF modified with 7.5% NaOH solution exhibited a good hydrophilia and a superior dimensional stability based on smaller elongation at break and higher peel strength. In addition, the morphology of the nanofiber layer was closely related to PEG content. CS/PVA/PEG nanofiber with smaller diameter was spun when PEG content reached to 3.0%. Accordingly, the micro/nanofiber CM showed an opportune water absorption and good air permeability. Furthermore, neither hemolysis nor cytotoxicity phenomena appeared for the resultant CM, since the hemolysis rate and the cell viability were less than 5% and more than 70%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics released in the water pose a serious threat to human and ecological health. Therefore, it is of great importance to effectively remove antibiotics from wastewater. In this study, recyclable bacterial cellulose/sodium alginate/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (BC/SA/ZIF-8) aerogel composites were prepared by chemical cross-linking and in situ growth in freeze-drying. The successful preparation of the composite aerogel was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results reveal that BC/SA/ZIF-8 aerogel composite has significantly high BET specific surface area of 165.24 m2/g than that of BC/SA at 7.39 m2/g. The BC/SA/ZIF-8 composite aerogel exhibited excellent adsorption performance for tetracycline hydrochloride, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 746.27 mg/g. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Moreover, the reusability test on BC/SA/ZIF-8 composite aerogel revealed an insignificant decline in adsorption after six cycles. Therefore, BC/SA/ZIF-8 composite aerogel has a high potential as a novel and recyclable adsorbent for efficient removal of tetracycline hydrochloride from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REEs) can be used to trace source materials and identify their provenances, because of significant conservation and immobility during chemical alteration processes after erosion of materials from the provenance. This study focused on the temporal variation of REEs for columnar sediments from the mouth of Jiaozhou Bay in North China to understand the potential controls for the geochemical variations of sediments. Through extraction experiments, we identified that the residual fraction is the main host for REEs compared with other fractions (i.e., exchangeable and carbonate fraction, easily reducible oxides fraction, reducible oxides fraction, magnetite fraction). REE ratios (e.g., LaN/SmN and LaN/YbN; N: normalized by chondrite) lack correlations with grain size or the chemical index of alteration (CIA), which is correlated with major elements. All these indicate that these REE variations reflect the varying contribution of source materials from different provenances instead of grain size or chemical weathering effects. REE ratios (e.g., LaN/SmN and LaN/YbN) remain relatively constant until the depth of roughly 40 cm (equivalent to the year 1995), and show obvious changes beyond this depth. Compared REE characteristics of Jiaozhou Bay with those of neighboring rivers and bedrocks, the relative contributions of Dagu River-Jiaolai River, and Licun River may have been increased during the sedimentary processes, which could be caused by the construction of reservoir and related change of aquaculture (e.g., rapid accumulation of organic materials). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste classification is comprehensively carried out in China as an important national-level policy, and the large amount and the wide range of food waste generation (FWG) cause problems in the collection, transportation, and treatment. This study has conducted the prediction of FWG from the catering industry under high resolution, and provided suggestions and insights for food waste management and treatment. Taking Dongguan as an example, a Back Propagation Network (BPN) model is used to predict FWG under different operation data, and based on the acquired theoretical FWG numerical distribution, the intervals used to divide FWG values are determined. Then a Random Forest (RF) model is applied to predict the FWG intervals of the restaurants in the Point of Interest (POI) data. FWG of 96,303 restaurants is predicted, and the predicted FWG from the catering industry is about 3,106 t per day. Variation of FWG in different categories of restaurants, the material flow of FWG at the restaurant level, patterns of FWG at the restaurant level, and spatial patterns of FWG at the city level are also investigated. Suggestions for improvement of food waste collection standard and source reduction of FWG, and insights into food waste collection and distributed treatment system are raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is challenging. In our previous study, CEACAM6 mRNA was found to be highly expressed in the circulating tumor cells of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with lung adenocarcinoma with LM (LUAD‐LM). The aim of this study was to identify whether CEACAM6 could be used as a biomarker for LUAD‐LM. Materials and methods: The level of CEACAM6 was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in CSF from 40 LUAD‐LM and 44 normal controls, and additional serum samples from 138 LUAD patients, including 12 LUAD‐LM patients, and 30 healthy controls. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21‐1) and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) levels in the CSF and sera were detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for LUAD‐LM. Results: CSF CEACAM6 level was higher in LUAD‐LM than that in normal controls. In serum, LUAD patients had a higher level of CAECAM6 than healthy controls, and LM patients had the highest level among them. Serum CEACAM6 had a higher AUC than CEA in differentiating LM from non‐LM in LUAD patients (0.95 vs. 0.64, p < 0.001). Conclusion: CEACAM6 may serve as a potential biomarker in diagnosing LUAD‐LM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed at determining the association between preoperative denosumab and the risk of local recurrence in patients with giant cell tumors of the bone. Methods and Materials: Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were comprehensively searched on April 20th, 2022. Data from the included articles were analyzed using meta-analysis. The bias of all included studies was evaluated according to ROBINS-I. Also, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Eight studies with 1270 cases (195 in the denosumab group and 1075 in the control group) were eventually included. Patients receiving denosumab before curettage had a higher risk of local recurrence than those who underwent curettage alone (odds ratio: 2.29, 95% confidence intervals: 1.44–3.64, P = 0.0005). The denosumab group showed a significantly higher risk of local recurrence in most subgroup analyses, except for those with preoperative denosumab duration ≤six months/doses (P = 0.66) and sample size ranging from 100 to 180 (P = 0.69). Conclusion: Denosumab before curettage may increase the risk of local recurrence in patients with giant cell tumor of the bone. Preoperative denosumab should be used with caution after weighing an increased risk of local recurrence against the clinical benefits and a duration time of less than six months before surgery is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food delivery service is under prosperous development in China, and the huge FDPWG (food delivery package waste generation) has brought unignorable environmental burdens. Thus, it's important to clarify the distribution and composition of FDPW (food delivery package waste). Choosing Dongguan as the study objective, this study developed an empowerment calculation method based on the POI (Point of interest) data, DHM (demographic heat map) data and FDPW data, to clarify the spatial patterns of FDPWG from food delivery merchants to consumers. The FDPWG results were aggregated into 1 km × 1 km grid, town, and functional area levels. Total FDPWG of Dongguan was 4796.68 t per month, composed of 67.61% plastic, 30.88% paper & wood, and 1.51% aluminum. Among plastic materials, HDPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE ((high-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), PET (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), and the others took the share of 4.56%, 7.44%, 75.86%, 6.74%, 0.30%, and 5.12%, respectively. It illustrated that FDPWG had a positive correlation with population and GDP (Gross domestic production), and the influences of population and GDP were almost the same. With the level of local urbanization decreased, the plastic proportion had a decreasing trend, and the paper & wood proportion and aluminum proportion had an upward trend oppositely. Policy implications for FDPW management were raised based on the calculation results of FDPWG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When unattended substations are popular, the knob is a vital monitoring object for unattended substations. However, in the actual scene of the substation, the recognition method of a knob gear has low accuracy. The main reasons are as follows. Firstly, the SNR of knob images is low due to the influence of lighting conditions, which are challenging to extract image features. Secondly, the image deviates from the front view affected by the shooting angle; that knob has a certain deformation, which causes the feature judgment to be disturbed. Finally, the feature distribution of each kind of knob is inconsistent, which interferes with image extraction features and leads to weak spatial generalization ability. For the above problems, we propose a three-stage knob gear recognition method based on YOLOv4 and Darknet53-DUC-DSNT models for the first time and apply key point detection of deep learning to knob gear recognition for the first time. Firstly, YOLOv4 is used as the knob area detector to find knobs from a picture of a cabinet panel. Then, Darknet53, which can extract features, is used as the backbone network for keypoint detection of knobs, combined with DUC structure to recover detailed information and DSNT structure to enhance feature extraction and improve spatial generalization ability. Finally, we obtained the knob gear by calculating the angle between the line of the rotating center point and the pointing point and horizontal direction. The experimental results show that this method effectively solves the above problems and improves the performance of knob gear detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) occur in patients with breast cancer (BC) and lung cancer (LC) showing exceptionally poor prognosis. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tumour microenvironment (TME) of LM patients is not well defined at a single‐cell level. Based on the 10× genomics single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data from GEO database including five patient‐derived CSF samples of BC‐LM and LC‐LM, and four patient‐derived CSF samples of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) as controls, we analysed single‐cell transcriptome characteristics of CSF TME in LM patients compared to controls simultaneously and comprehensively. In addition, we performed 10× genomics scRNA‐seq on CSF cells derived from a BC‐LM patient to help generate a solid conclusion. The CSF macrophages in LM patients showing M2‐subtype signature and the emergence of regulatory T cells in LM confirmed the direction of tumour immunity toward immunosuppression. Then, the characteristics of CSF circulating tumour cells (CTCs) of breast cancer LM (BC‐LM) patients were classified into five molecular subtypes by PAM50 model. The communication between macrophages and five subtype‐specific CSF‐CTCs showed largest number of ligand‐receptor interactions. The five subtypes‐specific CSF‐CTCs showed great heterogeneities which were manifested in cell proliferation and cancer‐testis antigens expression. Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) analysis revealed that transcription factor SREBF2 was universally activated in the five subtypes‐specific CSF‐CTCs. Our results will provide inspiration on new directions of the mechanism research, diagnosis and therapy of LM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) and signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) are aggressive colorectal cancer histological subtypes with dismal prognosis. This study investigated prognostic factors and constructed novel nomograms for MA and SRCC patients who survived for over 5 years to optimize the follow-up regime, especially for early-onset patients. Patients and Methods: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database registered between 2004 and 2018 were extracted. MA and SRCC patients were divided into two groups with survival time of 5 years as a cut-off point. Prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were determined by Cox regression models, and survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: We identified 8286 MA patients (45.73%) and 551 SRCC patients (20.32%) who survived for over 5 years. Multivariable Cox analyses identified age, tumor location, N stage, metastasis, CEA level, surgery, and lymph nodes dissection as independent risk factors for MACSS. SRCC was more aggressive and only N2 stage (P = 0.011) and metastasis (P = 0.043) were inversely associated with SRCCSS. Furthermore, we observed that small tumor size, well differentiation, and chemotherapy no longer provided survival benefit to ≥ 5-year survivors. Therefore, we constructed novel nomograms appropriate for MA patients who survived for over 5 years. The consistency indexes for predicting 10-year OS and CSS were respectively 0.717, 0.712 in the training cohort and 0.727, 0.735 in the validation cohort. Conclusion: Our well-calibrated nomograms represent the first clinical prognostic models developed especially for MA patients with a survival longer than 5 years. For both MA and SRCC patients, TNM stage was a stable prognostic factor, while the prognostic values of tumor size, differentiation grade, and chemotherapy changed over time. We are hopeful that our prognostic models will help define personalized follow-up managements to further prolong patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has attracted considerable attention in precision medicine. However, few data are available regarding to the prognostic value of cfDNA variables in CA15-3 normal breast cancer (BC) patients. Here, we aimed at investigating the prognostic value of cfDNA variables including gene mutations in CA15-3 normal BC patients. Methods. A total of 68 BC patients with normal CA15-3 levels were enrolled. cfDNA concentration and integrity were assessed based on qPCR. cfDNA gene mutations were conducted by using next gene sequencing (NGS). The association between cfDNA variables and the prognosis of patients was analyzed. Results. cfDNA concentration was related to tumor stage (P = 0.002), metastases (P = 0.001), and distant metastases (P < 0.001). The elevated copy number variants (CNV) were found in distant metastasis patients compared with patients without distant metastases (P = 0.008). Nineteen mutant genes were validated in enrolled CA15-3 normal BC patients. Thirty-two patients (47.0%) had single nucleotide variants (SNV), and 13 (19.1%) patients had TP53 mutations (TP53mut). SNV (P = 0.033) was related to tumor stage, and TP53mut was related to metastases (P = 0.016) and distant metastases (P = 0.006). In multivariate logistic analysis, cfDNA concentration was associated with metastases (OR = 3.404 , 95% CI: 1.074-10.788, P = 0.037) and distant metastases (OR = 13.750 , 95% CI: 1.473-128.358, P = 0.021). Cases with high cfDNA levels (>15.6 ng/ml), SNV, and TP53mut showed worse DFS compared with patients with low cfDNA levels (P < 0.001), without SNV (P = 0.002) and with TP53 wildtype (P < 0.001), respectively. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, cfDNA concentration was an independent predictor of poor survival (HR = 5.786 , 95% CI: 1.101-30.407, P = 0.038). Conclusions. Assessment of cfDNA concentration, CNV, SNV, and TP53mut could be useful in predicting prognosis for CA15-3 normal BC patients. The cfDNA concentration was an independent predictor prognostic factor in CA15-3 normal BC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether behavioral responses elicited by olfactory stimulation are a predictor of conscious behavioral response and prognosis of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Methods: Twenty-three DOC patients (8 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [UWS]; 15 minimally conscious state [MCS]) were recruited for this study in which 1-Octen-3-ol (familiar neutral odor) and pyridine were used to test odor behavioral responses, and water was used as an odorless stimulus. One rater presented the three odors in front of each patient's nose randomly, and another one videotaped all behavioral responses (e.g., pouting, wrinkling nose, slightly shaking head, frowning, etc.). Two independent raters, blind to the stimuli and the patient's diagnosis, gave the behavioral results according to the recorded videos. One-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up evaluations were conducted to obtain a good prognostic value. Results: All MCS patients showed behavioral responses to the 1-Octen-3-ol stimulus; nine MCS and one UWS showed olfactory emotional responses to the pyridine, and two MCS showed olfactory emotional responses to the water stimulus. The incidence of behavioral response was significantly higher using 1-Octen-3-ol than it was for water by McNemar test (p < 0.001), significantly higher using pyridine than it was for water (p < 0.01). The χ2 test results indicated that there were significant differences between MCS and UWS to 1-Octen-3-ol (p < 0.001). For MCS patients, the incidence of behavioral response was no different between using 1-Octen-3-ol and pyridine (p > 0.05). There was no significant relationship between the olfactory behavioral response and the improvement of consciousness based on the χ2 test analysis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Olfactory stimuli, especially for the familiar neutral odor, might be effective for eliciting a conscious behavioral response and estimating the clinical diagnosis of DOC patients. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03732092], [identifier NCT03732092]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a case study of a 58-year-old man with a giant sacral schwannoma, a type of tumor that originates from the sacral roots. The patient underwent a laparoscopic-assisted posterior-anterior approach for the resection of the tumor. The surgery was performed in two phases, with the posterior phase done in the prone position and the anterior phase done in the supine position. The operation was successful, with the patient experiencing a marked remission of symptoms after one month. The study concludes that this approach is feasible and safe for the treatment of giant sacral schwannoma. [Extracted from the article]

Mulberry silkworm cocoon (MSC) carbonisata has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases for hundreds of years; however, after years of research efforts, little information is available on its anti-inflammatory components and underlying mechanism. We developed novel carbon dots (CDs) derived from MSC carbonisata (MSC-CDs), for the first time, with an average diameter of 2.26–9.35 nm and a quantum yield (QY) of 6.32%. The MSC-CDs were prepared using a modified pyrolysis method, and no further modification and external surface passivation agent was required. With abundant surface groups, MSC-CDs showed distinct solubility and bioactivity. In this study, we innovatively used three classical experimental models of inflammation to evaluate the anti-inflammatory bioactivity of MSC-CDs. The results indicated that MSC-CDs exhibited marked anti-inflammatory bioactivity which was likely mediated by inhibition of the expression of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α. These results suggest that MSC-CDs possess a remarkable anti-inflammatory property, which provides evidence to support further investigation of the considerable potential and effective material basis of this traditional Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an emerging nanomaterial, carbon dots (CDs) have been the focus of tremendous attention for biomedical applications. However, little information is available on their bioactivity of inhibiting acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by snake venom. Methods: This study reports the development of a green, one-step pyrolysis process to synthesize CDs using Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) as the sole precursor, and their potential application as a protectant against Deinagkistrodon acutus (D. acutus) venom-induced AKI was investigated for the first time. The AKI model was established by injecting D. acutus venom into the abdominal cavity of mice and the potential protective effects of PCC Carbonisata-CDs (PCCC-CDs) on renal abnormalities including dysfunction, inflammatory reactions, tissue damage, and thrombocytopenia at six time points (1, 3, and 12 h, and 1, 2, and 5 days) were investigated. Results: These results demonstrated that PCCC-CDs significantly inhibited the kidney dysfunction (reduced serum creatinine (SCR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary total protein (UTP), and microalbuminuria (MALB) concentrations) and the production of chemoattractant (monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1)), proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β), and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in response to intraperitoneal injection of D. acutus venom. The beneficial effect of PCCC-CDs on the envenomed mice was similar to that on the change in renal histology and thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: These results demonstrated the remarkable protective effects of PCCC-CDs against AKI induced by D. acutus venom, which would not only broaden the biomedical applications of CDs but also provide a potential target for the development of new therapeutic drugs for AKI induced by D. acutus snakebite envenomation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the railway track section occupation detection failure, this paper proposes a maximum posterior probability model that uses multisensor information fusion to detect track occupation. Based on the installation method of the sensor, this model obtains stable base data of occupied track sections and extracts its features, including train's running velocity, acceleration, direction, occupied area, wheelset axle counting, and track vibration. The maximum posterior probability and logarithm model are then derived by computing the prior probability, the posterior probability, and the conditional joint probability for the features. The judgment of the track occupation is more accurate compared with experience value. The experiments demonstrate that our track occupation detection method is able to effectively judge the occupation of the train, persons, and tool cart. Based on the maximum posterior probability, the Bayes optimal data fusion ratio for a measured parameter in this paper reaches 99.9983%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the hemostatic and hepatoprotective bioactivity of Junci Medulla Carbonisata-derived Carbon Dots (JMC-CDs). Materials & methods: The JMC-CDs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, HPLC, Fourier transform IR, UV, fluorescence and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The hemostatic effect of JMC-CDs was evaluated and confirmed by trauma hemorrhagic animal models and internal hemorrhage animal model induced by Deinagkistrodon acutus venom. Results: The JMC-CDs ranged in diameter from 1.0 to 8 nm and had a yield of 0.12%. Moreover, JMC-CDs not only possessed remarkable hemostatic efficacy but could also prevent hemorrhage-induced liver injury, as demonstrated by the reduced serum levels of biochemical indicators of liver damage such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Conclusion: The JMC-CDs may have great potentials in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizonepetae Spica Carbonisata (SSC) has pronounced haemostatic effects for hundreds of years and has been acknowledged in the 2015 Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (PPRC) as a haemostatic charcoal drug. However, after years of efforts, the underlying mechanism and the material basis is still less defined. In this research, we developed a novel CDs derived from SSC (SSC-CDs) with an average diameter of 1.29-6.87 nm and a quantum yield of 6.31%. SSC was prepared using a modified pyrolysis method and no further modification and external surface passivation agent is required. With abundant surface groups, SSC-CDs showed distinct solubility and bioactivity. In this study, we innovatively used the Deinagkistrodon acutus (D. acutus) venom model as well as the classical haemorrhagic animal model to evaluate the haemostatic bioactivity of SSC-CDs. The results indicated that SSC-CDs had outstanding haemostatic bioactivity and might inhibit the haemorrhagic activity via PLT elevation. According to the results of this study and our previous work, we discovered that CDs derived from different kinds of charcoal drugs presented similarities and differences in the structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity. In order to further explore the self-bioactivities, we first named this kind of CDs as "Chinese Medicine charcoal drug nanoparticles" (CMNP). These results may not only provide evidence for further researches of self-bioactivities of CDs but give new insights into potential biomedical and healthcare applications of CDs, therefore, make contributions to future drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have been looking for a faster and simpler method for traditional Chinese medicine and natural product assay. In this study, we developed a fluorescent immunoassay approach to detect icariin (ICA) using a fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibody. The ICA-specific antibody was purified by the caprylic acid-ammonium sulphate method and then labelled with rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC). Subsequently, an indirect competitive fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (icFLISA) was developed to detect ICA using RBITC-labelled anti-ICA MAbs. The RBITC-labelled monoclonal antibody was highly specific for ICA. The fluorescence assay demonstrated an effective ICA measurement range of 1.28 ng/mL to 20 μg/mL (R = 0.9946) with relative standard deviations below 10% for both intra-assay and inter-assay repeatability and precision. This icFLISA for ICA is simple, rapid, and sensitive, with a 20-fold greater linear range and a 10-fold lower limit of detection than with the previously developed indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus, this study establishes a useful method for detecting ICA, enabling in vivo visualization research. In the future, FLISA can be also used to assay the concentrations of ICA in biological samples, as well as to investigate the pharmacokinetics of ICA in different tissues to explore the targets of ICA in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have shown that a single Coma-Recovery Scale-Revision (CRS-R) assessment can identify high rates of misdiagnosis by clinical consensus. The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of misdiagnosis by clinical consensus compared to repeated behavior-scale assessments in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC).Methods: Patients with prolonged DOC during hospitalization were screened by clinicians, and the clinicians formed a clinical-consensus diagnosis. Trained professionals used the CRS-R to evaluate the consciousness levels of the enrolled patients repeatedly (≥5 times) within a week. Based on the repeated evaluation results, the enrolled patients with prolonged DOC were divided into unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), minimally conscious state (MCS), and emergence from MCS (EMCS). Finally, the relationship between the results of the CRS-R and the clinical consensus were analyzed.Results: In this study, 137 patients with a clinical-consensus diagnosis of prolonged DOC were enrolled. It was found that 24.7% of patients with clinical UWS were actually in MCS after a single CRS-R behavior evaluation, while the repeated CRS-R evaluation results showed that the proportion of misdiagnosis of MCS was 38.2%. A total of 16.7% of EMCS patients were misdiagnosed with clinical MCS, and 1.1% of EMCS patients were misdiagnosed with clinical UWS.Conclusions: The rate of the misdiagnosis by clinical consensus is still relatively high. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the importance of the bedside CRS-R behavior assessment and should apply the CRS-R tool in daily procedures.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04139239 ; Registered 24 October 2019 - Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]