Search

Background: After pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), incision and suture of the abdominal muscles cause inflammatory changes and elicit somatic pain that deteriorates the quality of life. There have been no previous reports on needle electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (NETOIMS) in abdominal open operation; this study aimed to apply NETOIMS for postoperative somatic pain in patients undergoing PPPD as a new treatment modality for pain control.Methods: Between June 2018 and January 2019, 44 patients who underwent PPPD were randomly assigned to a control group and the NETOIMS group. The NETOIMS group received NETOIMS in the transverse abdominis muscle under ultrasound guidance right after operation under general anesthesia. The pain score (visual analog scale), peak cough flow (PCF), and gait speed were repetitively measured from 1 day before operation to 2 weeks after discharge as scheduled. Data were analyzed by the linear mixed model and repeated-measures analysis of variance.Results: Of the 44 patients recruited, data from 38 patients were finally analyzed. The pain scores were significantly lower in the NETOIMS group after PPPD (p = 0.01). Although the PCF at each measuring time point did not show inter-group difference (p = 0.20), improvement of PCF from the second day after operation to discharge was greater (p = 0.02) and gait speed improved significantly faster (p < 0.01) in the NETOIMS group than in the control group.Conclusions: NETOIMS helps in rapid reduction of postoperative somatic pain developed after PPPD and in improvement of PCF and gait speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work presents a facile fabrication method for vertical polymerised structures with a tuned superhydrophobic surface on an aluminium alloy. This method includes vertically polymerising heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetra-hydrodecyltrichlorosilane (HDFS), which is used for self-assembled monolayer (SAM) coatings, wherein vertical polymerisation is normally considered a process defect. For fabricating the base structure, aluminium hydroxide was generated to form a nanostructure. HDFS was coated as an SAM and microflake fabrication was carried out on this surface for various lengths of time. Microflakes were fabricated by vertical polymerisation of HDFS through this process. Samples coated for 10–30 min showed the water contact angle ( θ C ) of >168.3° and the lowest water sliding angle ( θ S ) of <11.8°. After 30 min, the water droplet clung to the microstructure that increased in size beyond 1 μm, thereby increasing of θ S . This micro/nano dual-scale-flake surface was achieved without any hazardous etching processes and can be facilely applied in various industrial fields that require superhydrophobic surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This large randomized controlled trial examined the effect of naproxen, simvastatin or both on patients with schizophrenia. This was a large multi-center, twelve-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm clinical trial administering naproxen, simvastatin or both to 232 subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The primary outcome was change in PANSS total score. ANCOVA and mixed model analyses of the PANSS total score change showed no significant difference between naproxen and placebo (adjusted p = 0.78), simvastatin and placebo (adjusted p = 0.38) or the combination of naproxen and simvastatin compared to placebo (adjusted p = 0.72). No statistically significant drug-placebo differences were found in the PANSS subscales, CGI or BACS between all groups. There was a near significant improvement in negative symptoms (p = 0.06), and an analysis of the 5 factor PANSS factors analysis found a significant improvement in simvastatin above placebo in withdrawal (p = 0.03). These finding were not significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. A meta-analysis on changes in total PANSS scores in studies on statins in schizophrenia, including the present study together with six other studies showed a significant improvement for statins compared to placebo (Hedges' G of -0.245 (CI= -0.403, -0.086, p = 0.002). When one outlying study which showed particularly strong effects of statins was removed, part of the effect went away. In conclusion, in this study, naproxen and simvastatin alone or in combination were not efficacious in the treatment of symptoms in schizophrenia. However, the meta-analysis of all studies of simvastatin for schizophrenia indicates further research on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This study found a new molecular mechanism that XIAP directly interacts with p53 and modulates p53 stability in medium spiny neuons. • XIAP modulates the turnover of p53 via autophagy pathway. • XIAP dysfunction leads to abnormal increase of p53 activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and striatal neuron damage in HD. • XIAP-p53 pathway can be a novel pathological marker and a therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of HD. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with neuronal damage in Huntington's disease (HD), but the precise mechanism of mitochondria-dependent pathogenesis is not understood yet. Herein, we found that colocalization of XIAP and p53 was prominent in the cytosolic compartments of normal subjects but reduced in HD patients and HD transgenic animal models. Overexpression of mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) reduced XIAP levels and elevated mitochondrial localization of p53 in striatal cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, XIAP interacted directly with the C-terminal domain of p53 and decreased its stability via autophagy. Overexpression of XIAP prevented mitochondrially targeted-p53 (Mito-p53)-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and striatal cell death, whereas, knockdown of XIAP exacerbated Mito-p53-induced neuronal damage in vitro. In vivo transduction of AAV-shRNA XIAP in the dorsal striatum induced rapid onset of disease and reduced the lifespan of HD transgenic (N171-82Q) mice compared to WT littermate mice. XIAP dysfunction led to ultrastructural changes of the mitochondrial cristae and nucleus morphology in striatal cells. Knockdown of XIAP exacerbated neuropathology and motor dysfunctions in N171-82Q mice. In contrast, XIAP overexpression improved neuropathology and motor behaviors in both AAV-mHTT-transduced mice and N171-82Q mice. Our data provides a molecular and pathological mechanism that deregulation of XIAP triggers mitochondria dysfunction and other neuropathological processes via the neurotoxic effect of p53 in HD. Together, the XIAP-p53 pathway is a novel pathological marker and can be a therapeutic target for improving the symptoms in HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six undescribed compounds (1–6) were isolated from the leaves of Viburnum erosum along with four known compounds 7–10. The structures were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses, and their absolute configurations were established by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 – 6 were α -glucosidic hydroquinone derivatives with different linear monoterpenoid structures. Compounds 1–10 were also evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory activities, and 10 showed potent inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme with IC 50 value of 37.9 μ M compared to 47.6 μ M of the positive control (β -arbutin). [Display omitted] • Six undescribed α-glucosidic hydroquinone derivatives were isolated from Viburnum erosum. • Six undescribed compounds were structurally diversed by different linear monoterpenoid derivatives. • The potent tyrosinase inhibition of V. erosum extract was gave arisen from (−)-epipinoresinol. • The potent bioactive biflavonoid, amentoflavone, was found in high content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Introduction: b Pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) is a treatment for the resectable tumor or cancer in pancreaticoduodenal system. We therefore suggest electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) as a new treatment modality for pain control after PPPD. Through the course of pain relieving, the pain scores were significantly lower in Group 2 after PPPD (P = 0.01). [Extracted from the article]

The surface functional group dependency of atomic force microscope (AFM) lithography was investigated using three kinds of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as a resist film on silicon wafer. The amine-modified surface of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, phenyl-modified surface of phenyltriethoxysilane and methyl-modified surface of octadecyltrichlorosilane SAMs were investigated. The characterizations of these SAMs were carried out by ellipsometer, contact angle goniometer and AFM. The effect of applied voltage of AFM lithography on the line-height and the effect of surface chemical functionality of the resist film on the line-width are discussed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Laboratory scale sorption and desorption experiments were performed to investigate the cesium (Cs) removal efficiency of a bead-shaped polysulfone carrier containing HNO 3 -treated bamboo charcoal (BC). The average Cs removal efficiency of BC only and of polysulfone carrier without BC after 1 h sorption reaction was 53 and 18%, respectively. However, the Cs removal efficiency for the polysulfone carrier with 5% HNO 3 -treated BC (P-5N-BC) after 1 h and 24 h reaction was 66 and 98%, respectively. The Cs removal efficiency after 24 h reaction remained >85% over a wide range of pH and temperature conditions, suggesting that using P-5N-BC as the Cs adsorbent is feasible in a variety of aquatic environments. The maximum Cs sorption capacity (q m) of P-5N-BC, as calculated from a Langmuir isotherm model, was 60.9 mg/g, which is much higher than those of other adsorbents from previous studies for 1 h of sorption time. The Cs desorption rate of P-5N-BC for 24 h desorption time was <17%, showing that the Cs was stably enough attached to the HNO 3 -treated BC for long-term use. The results of continuous column experiments showed that the total amount of treated water from the column packed with P-5N-BC increased more than nine times when compared with that from the only BC-granule-packed column. The P-5N-BC maintained more than 68% Cs removal efficiency after 90 pore volumes of flushing, suggesting that only 15 g of P-5N-BC (with only 0.75 g of HNO 3 -treated BC) could clean 5 L of Cs-contaminated water (initial Cs concentration: 1.0 mg/L; effluent concentration: < 0.09 mg/L). The present results demonstrate that P-5N-BC has remarkable potential for removal of Cs from diverse water systems. Image 1 • Using bamboo charcoal in a polysulfone carrier to remove Cs is a novel approach. • The polysulfone carrier with HNO 3 treated bamboo charcoal was used for Cs removal. • It had the highest Cs removal efficiency (>90%) under diverse water conditions. • Its Cs sorption capacity and field feasibility were proven by column experiments. • The Cs sorption mechanism was revealed by imagery techniques and isotherm models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The atomic force microscope (AFM) lithography was locally applied to the methyl group-modified substrate and selective immobilization of polystyrene (PS) nanospheres onto an anchored self-assembled monolayer was successfully carried out. In order to immobilize PS nanospheres on the rigid surface selectively, the patterned area was further modified with amine group by self-assembly process. The PS nanospheres modified with carboxylic acid group were selectively immobilized by the covalent bond onto the amine-modified area. The immobilized polystyrene nanospheres were characterized by a tapping mode AFM and ellipsometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • A new affinity peptide against β-LG was successfully screened, designed, synthesized, and characterized. • A conductive TA–PEI network was incorporated into electrode for electrochemical sensing of β-LG. • The developed sensor demonstrated a linear correlation range of 50 to 750 ng with a K d value of 213.9 ng. • The sensor could detect β-LG in cow and goat milk, with mean recoveries of 88.5% and 92.2%. Harmful substances that cause food allergies can pose a significant threat to consumers along with food safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10 % of the global population is currently affected by food allergies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of more accurate and precise biosensors capable of detecting these hazardous substances including beta-lactoglobulin. Although numerous detection and analysis methods have been developed, they still suffer from various limitations. In this study, a tannic acid–polyethyleneimine (TA-PEI) network modified screen-printed electrodes (SPE) are newly developed and the binding sequence of peptide against β-LG was successfully screened using random peptide library. A novel affinity peptide with the desired sequence of S-L-S-P-S-L-W-Q-V-S-M-L-G-G-G-G-E-P-L-Q-L-K-M against β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) is designed and synthesized. The synthesized affinity peptide was immobilized on TA-PEI modified SPE to develop peptide-based sensor against β-LG for the first time. Under successful optimization, the developed sensor exhibited a linear relationship between 50 and 750 ng, with a K d of 213.9 ng. In addition, the sensor was able to detect β-LG in cow and goat milk, with average recoveries of 88.5 % and 92.2 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinic agonists have been shown to improve cognition and mood, but this improvement is inconsistent and short-lived, possibly due to receptor desensitization. Positive Allosteric Modulators (PAMs) of the nicotinic alpha-7 nicotinic-acetyl-choline receptor (a7nAChR) are hypothesized to change the configuration of the nicotinic receptor and delay desensitization, potentially increasing the duration of the activation of the receptor, and improving clinical efficacy. This was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) adding JNJ-39393406 9 (a PAM of the a7nAChR) (n =35) or placebo (n =36) to treatment as usual for two weeks in 71 patients with unipolar depression. Mixed models for repeated measures analyses were performed Primary outcome measures were the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) composite and the Montgomery-Asperg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores. The drug was well tolerated, however mixed models for repeated measures comparing JNJ-39393406 to placebo showed no significant difference for MADRS total score (p =0.78), BACS composite score (p =0.34), or any of the secondary outcome measures. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the study groups (p =0.44). In conclusion, this study's findings do not support the hypothesis that a positive nicotinic receptor modulator can improve cognitive or depressive symptomatology in patients with unipolar depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Self-compassion, a trait that involves responding to one's difficulties with care and concern, may offer unique stress coping benefits during the challenges of adolescence. Methods This cross-sectional study used survey data from a large adolescent sample within two U.S. school settings (N = 1057; 65% female; 68% white; mean age 14.7 years) to examine whether self-compassion buffers the impact of perceived stress on internalizing symptoms, and secondarily, if these relationships differ by gender. Results Regression analysis revealed self-compassion is inversely related to internalizing symptoms. Moreover, the relationship between stress and depression and anxiety symptoms differed by level of self-compassion. This moderation effect was similar between genders for depressive symptoms, but slightly greater in males compared to females for anxiety. Conclusions These results add to our understanding of self-compassion as an adaptive emotion regulation strategy with potential benefits for youth experiencing stress. Further research is needed to confirm if moderation effects for anxiety differ by gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different operating parameters on humidification and cooling for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using direct water injection method were experimentally investigated. Experiments with various injection water temperature, operating pressure and relative humidity of cathode side were carried out. In order to quantitatively analyze the performance of direct water injection method, polarization curves and dew point temperatures of cathode outlet gas were measured. Also, the possible mechanisms of the effect of each parameter were discussed. The experimental results showed that elevation of the injection water temperature and relative humidity of cathode side led to the improvement of stack performance. It resulted from humidification and cooling effect by the evaporation of injected water. Operating pressure also had an effect on the performance of direct water injection method. In pressurized operating condition, the evaporation of injected water was difficult to occur, and the effect of direct water injection method decreased. Based on the experimental results, it was demonstrated that the stack performance was remarkably improved because of humidification and cooling effect from direct water injection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, protein-imprinted sensors with thin bulk films were electrochemically fabricated on gold-coated quartz crystal electrodes with hemispherical porous gold patterns for detecting trypsin (Trp). The gold patterns were electrodeposited on a polystyrene colloidal monolayer and then rinsed using toluene. For Trp imprinting on the gold patterned electrodes, a thin layer with a poly(o -phenylenediamine) and Trp protein was formed using a cyclic voltammetry method under optimized conditions. In addition, a two-dimensional molecularly imprinted polymer (2D-MIP) film was prepared on a planar gold electrode under the same conditions to compare to the dependence of Trp selective recognition on three-dimensional (3D) thin MIP structure, and each corresponding nonimprinted polymer film were constructed by electropolymerization, in the absence of Trp template, to compare molecular imprinting effects. The sensing properties of Trp imprinted sensors were investigated using electrochemical, such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and microgravimetric methods to confirm the sensitivity and selectivity of MIP films. The 3D-MIP films demonstrated a higher imprinting factor (3.51) in 48-μg/mL of Trp concentration than the 2D-MIP film, and the limit of detection was calculated to be 70.9-ng/mL. In addition, the films exhibited higher electrochemical sensing responses due to increased Trp recognition by the effective molecular imprinting over a larger surface area. Thus, the construction of 3D-MIP films for the protein imprinting could provide excellent specificity, faster kinetics, and higher sensitivity for detecting macromolecular proteins than 2D-MIP films. [Display omitted] • Trypsin-imprinted sensors. • Gold-coated quartz crystal electrodes with hemispherical porous gold patterns. • Electropolymerized poly(o -phenylenediamine) for protein imprinting. • Electrochemical and microgravimetric sensing responses on molecularly imprinted polymers. • High sensitivity and selectivity in detecting trypsin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppers (Piper nigrum L.) are distinguished by their pungent flavor and aroma. Piperine is a major acid-amide alkaloid with a piperidine ring that gives pepper its flavor and scent. In plant metabolomics research, the accessibility of the chemical standards is critical for scientific credibility. We isolated and identified 10 novel dimers of acid amide alkaloids (9–15 and 20–22), along with 12 known monomers (1–6) and dimers (7 , 8 , 16 – 19) from black pepper. Subsequently, we found the distribution of monomers and dimers of acid amide alkaloids in black and white peppers by twenty-two acid amide alkaloids which we obtained using the molecular networking technique and multivariate analysis to reveal the molecular relationships between the acid amide alkaloids in black and white peppers. Our research delved into the chemical diversity of acid amide alkaloids in black and white peppers, which could help inform future culinary and potential medicinal utilization of pepper. [Display omitted] • Discovery of new dimeric acid amide alkaloids from pepper • Variations in acid amide alkaloids due to geographic and morphologic properties • More dimers with piperidine backbones are seen in white pepper. • The molecular networking predicts the undiscovered acid amide alkaloids in pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saxitoxin (STX), which is produced by certain dinoflagellate species, is a type of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin that poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, developing a technology for the convenient and cost-effective detection of STX is imperative. In this study, we developed an affinity peptide-imprinted polymer-based indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA) without using enzyme–toxin conjugates. AuNP/Co 3 O 4 @Mg/Al cLDH was synthesized by calcining AuNP/ZIF-67@Mg/Al LDH, which was obtained by combining AuNPs, ZIF-67, and flower-like Mg/Al LDH. This synthesized nanozyme exhibited high catalytic activity (K m = 0.24 mM for TMB and 132.5 mM for H 2 O 2). The affinity peptide-imprinted polymer (MIP) was imprinted with an STX-specific template peptide (STX MIP) on a multi-well microplate and then reacted with an STX-specific signal peptide (STX SP). The interaction between the STX SP and MIP was detected using a streptavidin-coated nanozyme (SA-AuNP/Co 3 O 4 @Mg/Al cLDH). The developed MIP-based ic-ELISA exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 3.17 ng/mL (equivalent: 0.317 μg/g). Furthermore, the system was validated using a commercial ELISA kit and mussel tissue samples, and it demonstrated a high STX recovery with a low coefficient of variation. These results imply that the developed ic-ELISA can be used to detect STX in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical stimulation (ES) induces wound healing and skin regeneration. Combining ES with the tissue-engineering approach, which relies on biomaterials to construct a replacement tissue graft, could offer a self-stimulated scaffold to heal skin-wounds without using potentially toxic growth factors and exogenous cells. Unfortunately, current ES technologies are either ineffective (external stimulations) or unsafe (implanted electrical devices using toxic batteries). Hence, we propose a novel wound-healing strategy that integrates ES with tissue engineering techniques by utilizing a biodegradable self-charged piezoelectric PLLA (Poly (l -lactic acid)) nanofiber matrix. This unique, safe, and stable piezoelectric scaffold can be activated by an external ultrasound (US) to produce well-controlled surface-charges with different polarities, thus serving multiple functions to suppress bacterial growth (negative surface charge) and promote skin regeneration (positive surface charge) at the same time. We demonstrate that the scaffold activated by low intensity/low frequency US can facilitate the proliferation of fibroblast/epithelial cells, enhance expression of genes (collagen I, III, and fibronectin) typical for the wound healing process, and suppress the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria in vitro simultaneously. This approach induces rapid skin regeneration in a critical-sized skin wound mouse model in vivo. The piezoelectric PLLA skin scaffold thus assumes the role of a multi-tasking, biodegradable, battery-free electrical stimulator which is important for skin-wound healing and bacterial infection prevention simultaneuosly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Separation of surfactant-free micron-sized oil droplet–water emulsions is achieved. • Hierarchical microcubic–nanoflake-structured surfaces are prepared. • Superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic patterning is applied. • Pattern design is optimized for oil separation, collection, and control. • Has potential as a continuous separation system in aquatic environments. Emulsion separation has global environmental implications owing to the increasing generation of oily industrial wastewater and oil spill incidents. For most existing emulsion separation techniques, secondary treatments are required, such as using additional chemicals or high voltages for emulsion decomposition. Furthermore, the minimum diameter of separable oil droplets is limited, or the separation flux is low. Conventional methods are difficult to apply in practice owing to their low continuity, lack of separation ability, or limited throughput capacity. In this study, a wettability-patterned surface is designed to realize micron-sized oil droplet separation and high-purity oil collection (99.9%). The surface comprises a subaqueous superoleophobic region (interior space) and a subaqueous superoleophilic region (exterior rectangle), with a subaqueous superoleophilic drainage path. The surface outlet geometry was optimized according to Stokes' law to enable quick delivery of the condensed oil film to the collector, thereby improving the practical oil collection efficiency. An underwater system with this patterned surface can be used to continuously separate oil–water emulsions. The proposed method is considered to be the world's first surfactant-free emulsion-separation technique, and serves as a promising tool for isolating and collecting micron-sized oil droplets in real aquatic environments for reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the association between intellectual humility (IH)—a willingness to consider credible new information and alternative views and revise one's own views if warranted—and adherence to experts' health behavior recommendations in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 (N = 541) results showed that people higher in IH are more likely to engage in recommended health behaviors (e.g., mask-wearing, social distancing)—even when controlling for political affiliation. Additional analyses focused specifically on mask-wearing produced initial evidence consistent with mediation of the IH-mask-wearing relationship by the beliefs that mask-wearing 1) is an effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and 2) protects others. Based on the pathway from IH to mask-wearing through a concern for others found in Study 1, Study 2 further examined the relationship between IH and prosocial tendencies. The results from Study 2 (N s for correlation coefficients ranged from 265 to 702) showed an association between IH and several values and traits that reflect a concern for others (e.g., agreeableness, benevolence). These findings suggest that IH may influence behavior through both intra- and interpersonal mechanisms. Implications of these findings for the health-behavior domain are discussed. • Intellectually humble people more likely to follow expert-recommended behaviors. • Intellectual humility related to greater mask-wearing during COVID-19 pandemic. • Intellectual humility-masking link mediated by beliefs it cuts spread, helps others. • Intellectual humility related to values and traits that reflect concern for others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we developed extended-gate field-effect transistor (EG-FET)-based chemosensors with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) on a gold-dendritic (AD) electrode to detect tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum. The poly(β-cyclodextrin) film was electrochemically prepared on the AD electrode using a potentiodynamic technique, followed by TNF-α immobilization by host-guest interaction. The MIP film was formed via electropolymerization of thiophene-3-amidoxime (T3A) monomer in PBS solution with one scan cycle at an applied voltage of 0–1.2 V. After electrochemical optimization, the sensing behavior (based on drain current, I ds) of the MIP films was investigated to explore the validity of the sensors, resulting in excellent reproducibility, reusability, and stability. Based on the Δ I ds – C TNF-α regression curves obtained in serum containing various analyte concentrations, the imprinting factor (IF) of MIP-based EG-FET sensor was 5.55. The selectivity was evaluated by comparing sensing property using analogous cytokine proteins (interleukin 1β [IL-1β] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]). The MIP-based EG-FET sensors exhibited high sensitivity (LOD: 0.55 pg/mL, LOQ: 1.82 pg/mL) and excellent selectivity (coefficient (α)> 3). Based on the excellent sensing performances, including high sensitivity and selectivity, excellent reproducibility, robustness, reusability, and stability, our (EG-FET)-based chemosensor with TNF-α-recognizing MIP film can be used for the early diagnosis and point–of–care of immune-related diseases. [Display omitted] • Highly selective detection of serum TNF-α was achieved. • Extended-gate field-effect transistors (EG-FETs) were employed for TNF-α sensing. • A poly (β-CD) layer was electrodeposited on gold dendrite electrodes. • The TNF-α template self-assembled on a poly(β-CD) layer. • Protein imprinting was performed on modified electrodes for TNF-α detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza viruses are known to cause pandemic flu through inter-human and animal-to-human transmissions. Neuraminidase (NA), which is a surface glycoprotein of both influenza A and B viruses, is a minor immunogenic determinant; however, it has been proposed as an ideal candidate for a real testing. We successfully identified an affinity peptide which is specific to the influenza H5N1 virus NA via phage display technique and observed initially its binding affinities using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, four synthetic peptides were chemically synthesized to develop an affinity peptide-based electrochemical biosensing system. Among all peptides tested, INA BP2 was selected as a potential candidate and subjected to square-wave voltammetry (SWV) for evaluating their detection performance. To enhance analytical performance, a three-dimensional porous bovine serum albumin (BSA)–MXene (BSA/MXene) matrix was applied. The surface morphology of the BSA/MXene film-deposited electrode was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Using SWV measurement, the BSA/MXene nanocomposite-based peptide sensor exhibited significant the dissociation constant (K d = 9.34 ± 1.20 nM) and the limit of detection (LOD, 0.098 nM), resulting in good reproducibility, stability and recovery, even in the presence with spiked human plasma. These results demonstrate an alternative way of new bioanalytical sensing platform for developing more desirable sensitivity in other virus detection. [Display omitted] • Highly sensitive and label-free electrochemical biosensor for detection of H5N1 viral antigen was developed. • 3D porous affinity peptide/BSA/MXene nanocomposite electrode was observed by XPS, SEM, EIS and SWV. • The developed electrochemical biosensor exhibited excellent detection for H5N1 NA protein with high sensitivity, selectivity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the influence of a Si-doped graded superlattice (SiGSL) on the electrostatic discharge (ESD) characteristics of green InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is discussed. To investigate the effects of Si doping to the superlattice, green LEDs were also fabricated on undoped graded superlattice (unGSL). Furthermore, a conventional green InGaN/GaN LED without the superlattice (C-LED), emitting at a wavelength of 534 nm, was also prepared as a reference. The current-voltage (I-V) curves for the C-LED and the unGSL-LED subjected to the ESD treatments at surge voltages from 2000 to 8000 V showed a drastic increase in the leakage current. However, there was relatively small change in the I-V curves for the SiGSL-LED after the ESD treatments, even at the surge voltages of 6000 and 8000 V. After the ESD treatment at a surge voltage of 8000 V, the EL intensities for the C-LED, unGSL, and SiGSL, measured at a driving current of 120 mA, were reduced by 55, 53, and 30%, respectively, compared to those of the as-fabricated LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agastache rugosa (fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Kuntze (A. rugosa) is used in traditional medicine in Korea since it has variety of medicinal activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-photoaging. Acacetin, tilianin, and rosmarinic acid are the active components of A. rugosa but their metabolites have not yet been fully identified. The purpose of this study was to identify the metabolites of A. rugosa after oral administration in Sprague-Dawley rats. For this study, active components (acacetin, tilianin, rosmarinic acid) and A. rugosa extract were dissolved in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium solution respectively and treated by oral gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg (for single compounds) and 200 mg/kg (for A. rugosa extract). For metabolite identification, plasma, urine, and fecal samples were collected after oral administration and analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS) for data acquisition and metabolite identification. Metabolite identification was performed by considering the mass difference of the metabolites from the parent compounds and using their exact m/z and MS/MS fragments. The main biotransformation of the major components of A. rugosa was hydrolysis to acacetin, followed by demethylation, methylation, and conjugation. That of rosmarinic acid is methylated and conjugated. There were differences in metabolism between the treatment of single active components and extract; some sulfate-conjugated metabolites or metabolic intermediates were only detected in the treatment of single active components. The reason for this is thought to be the low content of the active components in the extract, which react competitively with the components present in the extract in the metabolic process. This study provides valuable evidence for a comprehensive understanding of the metabolism of A. rugosa. [Display omitted] • Metabolism of single active components and extract of A.rugosa were compared. • Main metabolism were methylation, demethylation and conjugation in common. • Some sulfation or intermediates were not detected in the metabolism of extract. • Metabolites showed a rapid increase and slow clearance in plasma. • Most dominant metabolite for extract was acacetin in urine and feces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a specific binding peptide (BP1)-imprinted film comprising crosslinked poly(acrylamide-co-diallyamine-co-N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide) matrix was photochemically fabricated on a gold-coated quartz crystal electrode for detecting neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a promising biomarker of inflammatory bowel disease. Microcontact surface imprinting was performed using a BP1 template-adsorbed PDMS mold with a concave hemispherical array to form patterned films. The surface morphologies of the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the limit of detection (LOD, 0.07 μg/mL) and limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.24 μg/mL), including sensitivity and reproducibility, were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, the sensing properties of (NGAL-BP1)-imprinted MIP ("I-MIP")-assisted biosensors for detecting NGAL protein were investigated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and EIS. Normalized current peak (I N) and impedance (R N) values linearly increased with NGAL ranging from 1 to 300 ng/mL. Moreover, the selectivity coefficient (k *) of NGAL proteins on the BP1-imprinted film was 3.5–5.8 against bovine serum albumin for the binding process in the entire low-concentration range owing to a high affinity between the imprinted BP1 peptide and target NGAL protein. Remarkable impedance difference was registered with respect to different stages of the Crohn's disease with the biosensors at the adsorption of NGAL proteins using samples from real patients. Moreover, the NGAL concentration measured using the developed (I-MIP)-assisted biosensors was comparable with that estimated using the commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Therefore, peptide-imprinted biosensors based on electrochemical impedance sensing platforms are potentially promising for detecting macromolecular proteins. [Display omitted] • Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) differential pulse voltammetric and impedimetric biosensors. • Photopolymerized acrylamide for peptide imprinting. • Electrochemical impedimetric sensing responses on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP). • High sensitivity and selectivity in determining trace NGAL. • Sensing behaviors of MIP-assisted biosensors proteins using samples from real patients with Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, protein-imprinted sensors were electrochemically fabricated on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) detection. A double layer comprising poly(o -phenylenediamine) and poly(chromotrope 2R) with a template (i.e., IL-1β biomacromolecules) was formed through the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique to modify the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) films on the SPCEs. The electrochemical sensing properties were investigated via CV and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to confirm the imprinting effect on the MIP films. The results show that the MIP sensor has a highly sensitive response in the trace IL-1β solution (a few pg/mL) with a limit of detection of 0.23 pg/mL and a limit of quantification of 0.78 pg/mL. Furthermore, the MIP sensor showed high selectivity for IL-1β adsorption compared to other proteins. In summary, based on binary double layers, the impedance sensing platforms of electropolymerized MIP films show potential application in the practical detection of macromolecular proteins. [Display omitted] ● Cytokine interleukin-1β differential pulse voltammetric and impedimetric chemosensors. ● Electropolymerized chromotrope 2R for protein imprinting. ● A thin bulk imprinted films were optimized by controlling film thickness. ● Electrochemical impedimetric sensing responses on molecularly imprinted polymers. ● High sensitivity and selectivity in determining trace interleukin-1β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Patterned formaldehyde-imprinted poly(TFMAA-–co–EGDMA–co–ST) films were fabricated using colloidal lithography and photosynthesis. • The porous MIP–QCM sensor showed the more enhanced sensing features rather than the planar MIP film. • The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of the formaldehyde-imprinted films were evaluated using nonlinear fitting models. • The selectivity features of the porous MIP film for formaldehyde detection were investigated. In this study, formaldehyde (HCHO)-imprinted hemispherical pore-patterned thin films, consisting of poly(2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid–co–ethylene glycol dimethacrylate–co–styrene) (poly(TFMAA–co–EGDMA–co–ST)), were fabricated using the design of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and a subsequent lithographic micro/nanoimprinting method to amplify HCHO sensing signals in quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. Its molecular imprinting condition was optimized by controlling the added amount of a ST monomer in a MIP precursor solution. From the resonant frequency change with respect to HCHO adsorption, the imprinting factor of the porous MIP film was calculated to have a value of 2.38 and the sensitivity (0.132 mg g−1 ppm−1) of the porous MIP film exhibited markedly improved characteristics with respect to the porous non-imprinted polymer (NIP) film (0.05 mg g−1 ppm−1). The selectivity of the MIP-QCM sensors for the detection of HCHO was examined in the presence of other analogous toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride. The HCHO-absorbed porous MIP film had higher selective features with selectivity coefficients (k * ≈ 3.83 (HCl) and 4.46 (HF)) than porous NIP films (k * ≈ 1.53 (HCl) and 2.20 (HF)). Moreover, the relative selectivity of the porous MIP film appeared to be 2.03–2.5, which was higher than those of the planar MIP film (1.70–1.73). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), which is extensively used in the plastic industry, is a known endocrine disrupting chemical whose release into the environment from industrial products is detrimental to human health. In this study, to characterize BPA-detectable imprinted films on quartz crystals (QCs), sensitive molecularly imprinted quartz crystal microbalance (MIP-QCM) sensors were fabricated. The MIP films were synthesized on 2D porous SiO 2 and Au pinholes that were generally observed from replica structures prepared using a polystyrene colloidal monolayer as an insulating mold. For MIP film formation, surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization was precisely controlled to adjust the MIP film growth on initiator-modified porous structures. Note that three BPA-imprinted poly(4-VP-co-EGDMA) films, i.e., MIP(8-h), MIP(16-h), and MIP(24-h), under reaction time control were successfully prepared. Furthermore, all imprinted patterned surfaces were characterized via atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MIP(24-h) film demonstrated the highest imprinting factor (i.e., IF ≈ 2.4) and sensitivity (i.e., 1.219 ± 0.079 Hz nM−1), although the maximum binding capacity (Q max) and binding capacity (Q e) at 1-h rebinding equilibrium was relatively lesser than those of the MIP(8-h) and MIP(16-h) owing to the differentiation of the deposited MIP mass. Using the Freundlich isotherm model, the binding affinity of the BPA imprinted MIP films measured in an aqueous solution of BPA whose concentration ranged between 45 and 225 nM was evaluated. Finally, the selectivity of the MIP-QCM sensors for BPA detection was investigated in aqueous solutions in the presence of other analogous chemicals such as bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol AP (BPAP), and bisphenol B (BPB). The MIP(8-h) film showed extremely high recovery percentage (≈ 94.54 %) owing to the relatively thinner film formation, which was significantly comparable with that of other MIP films, i.e., 68.37 % for MIP(16-h) and 61.99 % for MIP(24-h). However, the MIP(24-h) film appeared to have higher selective features with selectivity coefficients and relative selectivity (k * and k ' ≈ 2.5, respectively) despite measurement in a limited period (i.e., 1-h rebinding process). • Bisphenol A-imprinted poly(4-VP-co-EGDMA) films were synthesized via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. • The MIP–QCM (MIP-24h) sensor showed the more enhanced sensing features rather than other MIP films. • The binding affinity of the Bisphenol A-imprinted films was evaluated using the Freundlich isotherm model. • The selectivity of the structured MIP films for Bisphenol A detection was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Iprodione-imprinted poly(MAA-co-TFMAA-co-EGDMA) is synthesized via ultraviolet (UV)-assisted photopolymerization. • Patterned MIP–QCM sensors have enhanced detection capabilities owing to the increased binding affinity. • The binding affinity of the iprodione MIP films is evaluated using the Freundlich isotherm model. • The selectivity of the patterned MIP films is investigated in the presence of two other fungicides. Despite being one of the most widely used fungicides in the agricultural industry, iprodione is a known water pollutant, and its continuous release into water sources is detrimental to human health. In this study, sensitive molecularly imprinted quartz crystal microbalance (MIP–QCM) sensors were prepared by fabricating two types of frisbee-like pillar patterns (MIP-3 μm and MIP-5 μm) onto the surface of gold quartz crystals for the real-time detection of iprodione in aqueous solutions. This study describes the synthesis of iprodione-imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-co-2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), referred to as poly(MAA–co–TFMAA–co–EGDMA), in combination with a micro-contact printing technique (μ-CP), via ultraviolet (UV)-assisted photopolymerization. The patterned surfaces with increased surface-to-volume (S/V) ratio were characterized via atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning force microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The planar imprinted films and the corresponding non-imprinted films were prepared as the control samples for evaluating the sensor's detection capabilities. According to the results, the MIP–QCM sensors had enhanced detection capabilities compared to their planar MIP counterparts owing to the increased binding affinity on the structured surfaces. The imprinting factor (IF) (i.e., Q e,MIP /Q e,NIP) indicated that the imprinting effects for each MIP film was comparatively assessed, resulting in the following order: 1.69 (MIP-plane) <2.21 (MIP-5 μm) <2.74 (MIP-3 μm). The LOQ and LOD values were 54.407 and 17.954 nM−1 (MIP-plane), 24.624 and 8.126 nM−1 (MIP-5 μm), and 62.423 and 20.600 nM−1 (MIP-3 μm). The binding affinity of the iprodione MIP films was evaluated using the Freundlich isotherm model, and the template amount detected in an iprodione aqueous solution ranged between 30 and 303 nM. Furthermore, the selectivity of the patterned MIP films for iprodione detection was also investigated in aqueous solutions in the presence of two other fungicides: pyrimethanil and procymidone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic foot ulcers represent one of the major and rising health issues, as the number of diabetic patients is increasing. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are among various bioactive molecules under investigation for diabetic wound healing. The prolonged pro-inflammatory phase in diabetic wounds partly attributes to its non-healing nature. Therefore, we hypothesized that miRNA-497, known for its regulation of inflammatory responses, would enhance diabetic wound healing. We screened miRNA candidates, including miRNA-497 in the wounded skin of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice. The therapeutic potential of miRNA-497 mimic was studied by intradermal injection around the wound in diabetic mice. In addition, the effects of miRNA-497 on pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in the wound lesion of diabetic mice, and in human dermal fibroblasts cells exposed to high glucose and lipopolysaccharide.We found a significant reduction of miRNA-497 expression in the dermal wounds of the diabetic mice relative to normal mice. Intradermal injection of miRNA-497 around the full-thickness dermal wounds in diabetic mice accelerated wound closure effectively compared to the control miRNA. miRNA-497 treatment in vivo and in vitro decreased representative pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Such anti-inflammatory effects of miRNA-497 shed light on its role in accelerating diabetic wound healing. In conclusion, miRNA-497, with its down-regulation activity for pro-inflammatory cytokines, is proposed as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]