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Objective To investigate the application of indocyanine green in near-infrared fluorescence imaging to determine the scope of necrotic bone resection in osteoradionecrosis of the jaw and to provide a reference for clinicians. Methods Eight patients with osteoradionecrosis of the jaws were enrolled. Indocyanine green was intravenously injected through the elbow vein 10 minutes before osteotomy. After conservative resection of necrotic bone lesions based on imaging results, the scope of potential dead bone resection in the area of low fluorescence intensity was gradually expanded at an initial distance of 0.3 cm. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging and fluorescence intensity determination of bone cross-section were performed before and after extended resection. Statistical differences were analyzed. All patients with osteonecrosis underwent regular follow-up to evaluate the postoperative efficacy. Results Indocyanine green was injected into all 8 patients with osteoradionecrosis for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and the scans were clear; the fluorescence intensity of fresh bone wounds with an expanded mandibular resection range of (0.95 ± 0.14) cm was (226.2 ± 15.8) au, which was higher than that based on intraoperative macroscopic observation and radiological results (108.8 ± 3.4) au, (t = 20.718, P

Fusarium root rot caused by the Fusarium species complex significantly affects the yield and quality of Angelica sinensis, a valuable medicinal herb. Traditional management primarily relies on chemical fungicides, which have led to pathogen resistance, environmental hazards, and concerns regarding public health and the active components in A. sinensis. This study explores the efficacy of a novel plant-derived biopesticide Shi Chuang Zhi Feng Ning (T1; SCZFN), alongside Bacillus subtilis wettable powder (T2) and a chemical fungicide (T3), in controlling root rot and understanding their impacts on the rhizosphere microbial community and root metabolome. Results of the field experiment demonstrated that treatments T1 and T3 achieved control efficiencies of 73.17% and 75.45%, respectively, significantly outperforming T2 (39.99%) and the control. High-throughput sequencing revealed that all treatments altered the diversity and structure of microbial communities, with T1 and T2 reducing the abundance of taxa linked to root rot, such as Muribaculaceae spp., Humicola spp., Fusarium spp., and Mycochlamys spp. Treatment T1 notably enhanced beneficial bacterial taxa, including Acidobacteria spp., Nitrospira spp., and Pedosphaeraceae spp., involved in carbon cycling and plant growth promotion. Metabolomic analysis identified 39, 105, and 45 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) across the treatments, demonstrating T1's potential to modulate the root metabolome effectively. Further, a correlation analysis demonstrated a stronger correlation between distinct microorganisms with significant influence and DEMs of T1 treatment compared to other treatments. These findings underscore biopesticide SCZFN's role in enhancing plant health and disease suppression in A. sinensis, providing insights into its biocontrol mechanisms and supporting the development of sustainable disease management strategies in its cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to use machine learning techniques together with radiomics methods to build a preoperative predictive diagnostic model from spiral computed tomography (CT) images. The model is intended for the differential diagnosis of common jaw cystic lesions. Study Design: Retrospective, case‐control study. Setting: This retrospective study was conducted at Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China). All the data used to build the predictive diagnostic model were collected from 160 patients, who were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University between 2019 and 2023. Methods: We included a total of 160 patients in this study. We extracted 107 radiomic features from each patient's CT scan images. After a feature selection process, we chose 15 of these radiomic features to construct the predictive diagnostic model. Results: Among the preoperative predictive diagnostic models built using 3 different machine learning methods (support vector machine, random forest [RF], and multivariate logistic regression), the RF model showed the best predictive performance. It demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.923, a specificity of 0.643, an accuracy of 0.825, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.810. Conclusion: The preoperative predictive model, based on spiral CT radiomics and machine learning algorithms, shows promising differential diagnostic capabilities. For common jaw cystic lesions, this predictive model has potential clinical application value, providing a scientific reference for treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work introduces a novel method to construct Schottky junctions to boost the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Perovskite barium zirconium titanate (BZT) core/metal silver shell nanoparticles are synthesized to be embedded into electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) nanofibers before they are used as tribo‐negative layers. The output power of TENGs with composite fiber mat exhibited >600% increase compared to that with neat polymer fiber mat. The best TENG achieved 1339 V in open‐circuit voltage, 40 µA in short‐circuit current and 47.9 W m−2 in power density. The Schottky junctions increased charge carrier density in tribo‐layers, ensuring a high charge transfer rate while keeping the content of conductive fillers low, thus avoiding charge loss and improving performance. These TENGs are utilized to power radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for backscatter communication (BackCom) systems, enabling ultra‐massive connectivity in the 6G wireless networks and reducing information communications technology systems' carbon footprint. Specifically, TENGs are used to provide an additional energy source to the passive tags. Results show that TENGs can boost power for BackCom and increase the communication range by 386%. This timely contribution offers a novel route for sustainable 6G applications by exploiting the expanded communication range of BackCom tags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal sulfides are highly promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and ease of designing morphology and structure. In this study, a metal–organic framework (ZIF-8/67 dodecahedron) was used as a precursor due to its large specific surface area, adjustable pore structure, morphology, composition, and multiple active sites in electrochemical reactions. The ZIF-8/67/GO was synthesized using a water bath method by introducing graphene; the dispersibility of ZIF-8/67 was improved, the conductivity increased, and the volume expansion phenomenon that occurs during the electrochemical deintercalation of sodium was prevented. Furthermore, vulcanization was carried out to obtain ZnS/CoS@C/rGO composite materials, which were tested for their electrochemical properties. The results showed that the ZnS/CoS@C/rGO composite was successfully synthesized, with dodecahedrons dispersed in large graphene layers. It maintained a capacity of 414.8 mAh g−1 after cycling at a current density of 200 mA g−1 for 70 times, exhibiting stable rate performance with a reversible capacity of 308.0 mAh g−1 at a high current of 2 A g−1. The excellent rate performance of the composite is attributed to its partial pseudocapacitive contribution. The calculation of the diffusion coefficient of Na+ indicates that the rapid sodium ion migration rate of this composite material is also one of the reasons for its excellent performance. This study highlights the broad application prospects of metal–organic framework-derived metal sulfides as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We have modified the internal sinus elevation by combining it with the sinus mucoperiosteum stripping procedure, which further increases the indications for the internal lift. Similar long‐term clinical follow‐up studies and three‐dimensional finite element analyses are rare. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the modified internal sinus floor elevation method in patients with low residual bone height using a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model and report on the long‐term outcomes. Materials and Methods: Overall, 99 implants were placed in 86 patients. All patients were followed‐up for 3–24 months. The modified internal sinus floor elevation was dynamically simulated using a 3D finite element model, and the stress of the sinus membrane was measured. Results: In trial group A (modified internal sinus floor elevation group), 57 implants were placed in 52 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 6.5 mm (95%confidence interval (CI): 6.2–6.8). The perforation rate was 8.8%, and the implant survival rate was 96.5%. In control group B (external sinus floor elevation group), 42 implants were placed in 34 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 8.8 mm (95%CI: 8.4–9.3). The perforation rate was 14.3%, and the implant survival rate was 100%. In trial group A, compared with the control group B, perforation decreased by 5.5% (odds ratio = 0.50 and 95%CI: 0.14–1.78; p = 0.282), and the sinus floor lift height was 2.3 mm lower (95%CI, 1.8–2.9; p < 0.001). The finite element analysis showed that the peak stress of the sinus membrane increased with an increase in height elevation and degree of membrane separation. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the positive clinical outcomes in patients with low RBH associated with the modified internal sinus elevation procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extremely small iron oxide nanoparticles (ESIONPs), which have a switchable contrast signal and a favorable biocompatibility, are gaining considerable attention as smart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs). Adaptive MRI CAs could improve the accuracy of tumor diagnosis because they realize rapid imaging signal conversion under an endogenous stimulus. Herein, based on the hydrophilic to hydrophobic transition of polymers, we propose a pH-responsive T1/T2 switchable ESIONP contrast agent. ESIONPs are functionalized at the surface with adamantane groups through a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain, and subsequently, a stimuli-responsive polymer (PSDM) with pH-dependent solubility is introduced through the host–guest interaction between adamantane and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The obtained ESIONPs-PEG-PSDM is equipped with remarkable pH responsiveness, which triggers the aggregation of ESIONPs under the tumor acid condition, leading to the switch from a T1 to a T2 contrast agent. In vivo MRI experiments show that the T2 contrast signal is selectively enhanced at the tumor location after injection of ESIONPs-PEG-PSDM. Therefore, ESIONPs-PEG-PSDM with pH-induced hydrophilic to hydrophobic transition is a potential smart MRI contrast agent for precise tumor diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibre biopolymer composites with both fibres and matrix being derived from biomaterials are increasingly used in demanding applications, such as sensing, packaging, building, and transport, and require good electrical, thermal, and flame retardant properties. Herein, an investigation of the effectiveness of functionalising nonwoven cotton/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibre mats with graphene oxide nanosheets has been reported by using a facile dip-coating method followed by thermal reduction for enhancing the electric, thermal, and abrasion-resistance properties. The manufacturing processes for preparing biocomposites and introducing functionality are readily scalable. Experimental results reveal that with the addition of less than 0.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelets, the biocomposites showed significant improvements in abrasion resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and diffusivity. Furthermore, the composite shows excellent piezo-resistivity to act as strain sensors with a gauge factor of 2.59 at strains up to 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the regulatory mechanisms that drive nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in crops is important for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. In this study, we generated a high-quality genome assembly for the high-NUE wheat cultivar Kenong 9204 and systematically analyzed genes related to nitrogen uptake and metabolism. By comparative analyses, we found that the high-affinity nitrate transporter gene family had expanded in Triticeae. Further studies showed that subsequent functional differentiation endowed the expanded family members with saline inducibility, providing a genetic basis for improving the adaptability of wheat to nitrogen deficiency in various habitats. To explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of high NUE, we compared genomic and transcriptomic data from the high-NUE cultivar Kenong 9204 (KN9204) and the low-NUE cultivar Jing 411 and quantified their nitrogen accumulation under high- and low-nitrogen conditions. Compared with Jing 411, KN9204 absorbed significantly more nitrogen at the reproductive stage after shooting and accumulated it in the shoots and seeds. Transcriptome data analysis revealed that nitrogen deficiency clearly suppressed the expression of genes related to cell division in the young spike of Jing 411, whereas this suppression of gene expression was much lower in KN9204. In addition, KN9204 maintained relatively high expression of NPF genes for a longer time than Jing 411 during seed maturity. Physiological and transcriptome data revealed that KN9204 was more tolerant of nitrogen deficiency than Jing 411, especially at the reproductive stage. The high NUE of KN9204 is an integrated effect controlled at different levels. Taken together, our data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of NUE and important gene resources for improving wheat cultivars with a higher NUE trait. A high-quality genome assembly of the high-NUE wheat cultivar Kenong 9204 was generated and genes related to nitrogen uptake and metabolism were systematically analyzed. Genomic and transcriptomic comparative analyses of Kenong 9204 with the low-NUE cultivar Jing 411 revealed key developmental stages and associated metabolic pathways responsible for N status, as well as possible molecular mechanisms that drive NUE in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the discovery of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been identified as the third gasotransmitter in humans. Increasing evidence have shown that H2S is of preventive or therapeutic effects on diverse pathological complications. As a consequence, it is of great significance to develop suitable approaches of H2S‐based therapeutics for biomedical applications. H2S‐releasing agents (H2S donors) play important roles in exploring and understanding the physiological functions of H2S. More importantly, accumulating studies have validated the theranostic potential of H2S donors in extensive repertoires of in vitro and in vivo disease models. Thus, it is imperative to summarize and update the literatures in this field. In this review, first, the background of H2S on its chemical and biological aspects is concisely introduced. Second, the studies regarding the H2S‐releasing compounds are categorized and described, and accordingly, their H2S‐donating mechanisms, biological applications, and therapeutic values are also comprehensively delineated and discussed. Necessary comparisons between related H2S donors are presented, and the drawbacks of many typical H2S donors are analyzed and revealed. Finally, several critical challenges encountered in the development of multifunctional H2S donors are discussed, and the direction of their future development as well as their biomedical applications is proposed. We expect that this review will reach extensive audiences across multiple disciplines and promote the innovation of H2S biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid metal droplets of gallium (Ga) and Ga‐based alloys are traditionally incorporated as deformable additives into soft elastomers to make them conductive. However, such a strategy has not been implemented to develop conductive sponges with real sponge‐like characteristics. Herein, polyurethane‐based sponges with Ga microdroplets embedded inside the polyurethane walls are developed. The liquid phase (at 45 °C) and solid phase (at room temperature) transition of the Ga fillers shows the temperature‐dependent functional variations in the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties on the prepared composite sponges, which are investigated in detail. Unlike elastomers, the sponge possesses excellent elastic recovery, at ≈90%, and conductivity durability without sacrificing structural integrity. The reversible change of resistivity range is remarkable. When the Ga fillers account for 18% of the total sponge volume, the electrical resistivity varies from infinite values (insulator) under no applied pressure to 39.0 Ω m for the solid phase and 3.8 Ω m for the liquid phase under 386.8 kPa. New opportunities in developing flexible electrically conductive composite sponges with tunable mechanical and electrical properties that can be implemented for a variety of future applications are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]