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Both classical and quantum arguments suggest that if Barrow entropy is correct, its index δ must be energy-dependent, which would affect the very early universe. Based on thermodynamic stability that sufficiently large black holes should not fragment, we argue that Barrow entropy correction must be small, except possibly at the Planckian regime. Furthermore, the fact that a solar mass black hole does not fragment implies an upper bound δ ≲ O (10 − 3) , which surprisingly lies in the same range as the bound obtained from some cosmological considerations assuming fixed δ. This indicates that allowing δ to run does not raise its allowed value. We briefly comment on the case of Kaniadakis entropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a destructive complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MIAT in high-glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury associated with DN. Methods: Three human kidney podocyte (HKP) cultures were treated with HG to mimic DN. Expression of lncRNA MIAT, podocyte-specific and injury-related proteins, and apoptosis were assessed before and after MIAT knockdown using MIAT shRNAs. Results: MIAT expression was upregulated in HKPs in response to glucose stress. HG treatment resulted in a significant increase in the apoptotic rate, Bax level, and levels of injury-related proteins desmin, fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1), and smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), and a significant reduction in Bcl-2 levels and the levels of podocyte-specific proteins synaptopodin and podocin. Transfection of HKPs with shRNAs significantly reduced MIAT levels (p < 0.05) and attenuated apoptosis in HG-medium. Correspondingly, the levels of synaptopodin and podocin were upregulated, and desmin, FSP-1, and α-SMA were reduced (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis also showed that anti-apoptotic active caspase-3 and Bax and proapoptotic Bcl-2 were elevated and decreased, respectively, after MIAT knockdown, suggesting that apoptosis pathways are deactivated after MIAT downregulation. Conclusions: High glucose upregulates MIAT level in HKPs and induces cellular injury. Knockdown of MIAT alleviates the injury likely via deactivating apoptosis pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of the Mo element on the microstructure and frictional properties of the coating, we prepared novel CoCrCu0.2FeMox (ie., x values in molar ratio, where x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) high-entropy alloy coatings on the surface of 304 stainless steel substrate by using plasma arc cladding technology in this work. By using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, microhardness tester and three-dimensional laser measurement microscope, we analyzed the effect of Mo element on the phase structure, microscopic morphology, microhardness and friction properties of the coatings. The friction mechanism of the coatings was carefully investigated. The experimental results show that the CoCrCu0.2FeMox high-entropy alloy coatings are composed of Face-Centered Cubic phase (FCC phase) and δ phase (rich Mo, Cr). The microscopic morphology of the alloy changes gradually from branch crystal to eutectic structure with the increase of Mo content. At the same time, the hardness of the coatings increased, while the wear volume, wear rate and average surface roughness decreased. When the Mo content is increased to 0.3, the delamination of the oxide layer is effectively reduced. The friction mechanism changed from abrasive wear, oxidation wear and fatigue spalling to abrasive wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The intraocular lens (IOL) is a common, yet important, implantable device used in treatment of cataract in clinics. However, the unexpected adhesion of postoperative residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) often causes serious complications, such as posterior capsular opacification (PCO), which lead to vision loss again. In this investigation, a poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) brush coating was fabricated on an IOL to generate a hydrophilic surface coating on the IOL for enhanced cell adhesion resistance so as to decrease PCO incidence. Methods: The PSBMA brush coating on the IOL surface was fabricated using surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to demonstrate the surface coating preparation. The water contact angle (WCA) measurement was used to test surface hydrophilicity. In vitro LEC culture was use to evaluate the cell behavior on the IOL material surfaces, with or without PSBMA coating modification. Finally, animal cataract surgeries were carried out to evaluate in vivo biocompatibilities and anti-PCO effects. Results: The XPS and WCA measurements illustrate successful surface modification and good surface hydrophilicity. The in vitro cell culture results show that the hydrophilic PSBMA polymer brush coating evidently decreases adhesion and proliferation of LECs. Results of the in vivo cataract surgery with intraocular implantation show that PSBMA modification on the IOL surface does not induce side effects in nearby tissues, whereas posterior capsular hyperplasia can be evidently reduced. Conclusion: The PSBMA brush surface-modified IOL has good in vivo biocompatibility and it can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative PCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maltodextrin (MD) is a partially hydrolyzed product of starch that can be used to encapsulate food, medicine, essential oil and other substances. MD-based microcapsules can enhance the color, aroma, and taste of products, improve the solubility and stability of core materials, and slowly release the core materials for a long time to achieve certain specific uses. Therefore, the development of MD-based microcapsules is a key research field in food, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and other industries. In this paper, the progress of MD microcapsules and their applications in recent ten years is reviewed. First, the main characteristics of MD microcapsules are briefly introduced. Then, the preparation process, influencing factors, physical and chemical properties, stability, release mechanism and application in various fields of MD microcapsules are introduced in detail. This review is intended to provide reference on the properties of MD for researchers who desire to prepare microcapsules. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coumarin contained terpolymer PPGC was synthesized and grafted onto IOL surface. • 5-FU was conjugated onto the PPGC@IOL surface via [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. • 5-FU can be photo-control released from the IOL when triggered. • Photo-controllable drug releasing IOL can inhibit LEC proliferation on demand. • Such IOL inhibit PCO well after implantation and present good biosafety in vivo. Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most common complication after cataract surgery, which is caused by the adhesion, proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of the residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) in lens capsule. The drug eluting coating modification provides a powerful way to inhibit PCO incidence after IOL implantation. However, the uncontrolled proliferative drug brings intraocular biosafety issues when application. Therefore, developing new strategies with controlled drug release for PCO prevention is of great significance. In this investigation, a hydrophilic photo-responsive drug release coating was successfully constructed on IOL surface, which was verified through 1H•NMR, UV–Vis, FTIR and XPS. In vitro assay indicated that the IOL coating exhibited excellent anti-adhesion and anti-proliferation effects on LECs under irradiation. The photo-controlled drug release in vitro can be achieved by simply adjusting the intensity and time of irradiation. Finally, the surface-modified IOL was implanted in rabbit eyes and in vivo evaluation was carried out. In vivo assay demonstrated that the implantation of the modified IOL into eyes can significantly reduce the occurrence of PCO. Moreover, the modified IOL exhibited good biocompatibility and biosafety. We believe that this work will provide a synergistic strategy for effective prevention of PCO through a photo-controllable drug release coating on IOL surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and sensitive determination of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables is critical for human health and ecosystems. This paper used an Ag-modified CuO sphere-cavity array (CuO@Ag) electrode as a thiram SERS/electrochemical dual readout detection platform. Numerous Raman "hotspots" generated by uniformly distributed silver nanoparticles, charge transfer at the CuO@Ag interface, and the formation of Ag-thiram complexes contribute to the significant enhancement of this SERS substrate, which results in excellent SERS performance with an enhancement factor up to 1.42 × 106. When using SERS as the readout technique, the linear range of the substrate for thiram detection was 0.05–20 nM with a detection limit (LOD) of up to 0.0067 nM. Meanwhile, a correlation between the value of change in current density and thiram concentration was established due to the formation of stable complexes of thiram with Cu2+ generated at specific potentials. The linear range of electrochemical detection was 0.05–20.0 μM, and the detection limit was 0.0167 μM. The newly devised dual-readout sensor offers notable sensitivity and stability. The two signal readout methods complement each other in terms of linear range and detection limit, making it a convenient tool for assessing thiram residue levels in agro-food. At the same time, the combination of commercially available portable equipment makes on-site monitoring possible. Ag-modified CuO cavity arrays have been established as SERS-electrochemical dual-signal platforms for thiram detection. [Display omitted] • CuO@Ag cavity arrays were used as SERS/electrochemical dual-signal sensors. • The EM and CT synergistic effect endow CuO@Ag with excellent SERS performance. • The highly ordered array structure ensures excellent SERS signal reproducibility. • The complex between the electrode and thiram enhances the electrochemical response. • The sensor demonstrated the feasibility of detecting thiram in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has proven to be an effective treatment for improving cognition, a crucial factor in motor learning. However, current studies are predominantly focused on the motor cortex, and the potential brain mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effects are still unclear. Given the interconnected nature of motor learning within the brain network, we have proposed a novel approach known as multi-target tACS. This study aims to ascertain whether multi-target tACS is more effective than single-target stimulation in stroke patients and to further explore the potential underlying brain mechanisms by using techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: This study employs a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized controlled trial design with a 2-week intervention period. Both participants and outcome assessors will remain unaware of treatment allocation throughout the study. Thirty-nine stroke patients will be recruited and randomized into three distinct groups, including the sham tACS group (SS group), the single-target tACS group (ST group), and the multi-target tACS group (MT group), at a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcomes are series reaction time tests (SRTTs) combined with electroencephalograms (EEGs). The secondary outcomes include motor evoked potential (MEP), central motor conduction time (CMCT), short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Box and Block Test (BBT), and blood sample RNA sequencing. The tACS interventions for all three groups will be administered over a 2-week period, with outcome assessments conducted at baseline (T0) and 1 day (T1), 7 days (T2), and 14 days (T3) of the intervention phase. Discussion: The study's findings will determine the potential of 40-Hz tACS to improve motor learning in stroke patients. Additionally, it will compare the effectiveness of multi-target and single-target approaches, shedding light on their respective improvement effects. Through the utilization of techniques such as TMS and MRI, the study aims to uncover the underlying brain mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic impact. Furthermore, the intervention has the potential to facilitate motor learning efficiency, thereby contributing to the advancement of future stroke rehabilitation treatment. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300073465. Registered on 11 July 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is non-toxic, low cost, and possesses good biocompatibility and biodegradability. As a natural polymer material, starch is an ideal choice for microcapsule wall materials. Starch-based microcapsules have a wide range of applications and application prospects in fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others. This paper firstly reviews the commonly used wall materials and preparation methods of starch-based microcapsules. Then the effect of starch wall materials on microcapsule properties is introduced in detail. It is expected to provide researchers with design inspiration and ideas for the development of starch-based microcapsules. Next the applications of starch-based microcapsules in various fields are presented. Finally, the future trends of starch-based microcapsules are discussed. Molecular simulation, green chemistry, and solutions to the main problems faced by resistant starch microcapsules may be the future research trends of starch-based microcapsules. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) with a hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic adhesive catechol side chains was synthesized through the Michael addition reaction between multi-vinyl monomers with dopamine. Underwater adhesion experiments demonstrated that HBP had rapidly strong adhesion. Using HBP as the wall material and lavender essential oil (LO) as the core material, catechol-hyperbranched nanocapsules (CHNPs) with good adhesion and acidic responsive properties were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Subsequently, ACFs with good wash resistance were prepared by impregnation and further introduction of Fe3+. After 25 washing cycles, the retention rate of LO in CF treated solely with CHNPs solution (CHNPs@CF) was only 9.7 %, whereas the retention rate increased to 17.8 % for CHNPs@CF treated with FeCl 3 solution (Fe3+/CHNPs@CF). The persistent adhesion of CHNPs on cotton fabrics (CF) is achieved by hydrogen bonding and Fe3+-catechol coordination bonding. These results confirm the significant potential of CHNPs in aromatic textile applications and it is expected to promote the diversified development of functional textiles. [Display omitted] • HBP imparts the shell layer of CHNPs with abundant catechol structures. • CHNPs exhibit a distinctive acidic response mechanism, sustained adhesive properties and outstanding biocompatibility. • CHNPs can be persistently attached to the cotton fabric by hydrogen and metal coordination bonds. • Cotton fabrics treated with CHNPs demonstrate remarkable washing resistance properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of aromatic cotton fabrics (ACF) is gradually gaining widespread attention, but the use of cross-linking agents is unsuitable for the current textile industry. In this study, inspired by mussels, we used dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) as the wall material and lavender essential oil (LO) as the core material to prepare a novel biomimetic adhesive nanocapsule (PDMA NCs) through the emulsion polymerization method. PDMA NCs exhibit pH-responsive properties, sustained adhesive properties, and excellent biocompatibility. During impregnation, PDMA NCs are connected to cotton fabrics (CF) through hydrogen bonds. The innovative introduction of the soft monomer n-butyl acrylate (BA) and Fe3+ ions synergistically enhances the adhesive property of PDMA NCs. Washing resistance experiments show that the CF obtained from impregnation (PDMA NCs/BA/Fe3+@CF) exhibited an LO retention rate of 40.08 % after 25 washing cycles. Since the adhesion mechanism of this strategy is based on dual dynamic bonds (hydrogen bonds and Fe3+-catechol coordination bonds), the development of this technology is expected to promote the diversified development of functional textiles, increase the added value of textiles, and provide new approaches for the preparation of smart textiles. [Display omitted] • The innovative introduction of soft monomer and Fe3+ enhances the persistent adhesion property of PDMA NCs. • PDMA NCs exhibit pH-responsive properties, sustained adhesive properties, and excellent biocompatibility. • The persistent adhesion mechanism of PDMA NCs is based on hydrogen bonds and Fe3+-catechol coordination bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients often suffer moderate or even severe pain after total hip arthroplasty; such pain seriously affects early postoperative recovery. This study aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block combined with fascia iliaca compartment block for elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Methods: Fifty-four patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were included in this randomized controlled study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive only transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (group Q) or transmuscular quadratus lumborum block combined with fascia iliaca compartment block (group QF) with ultrasound guidance. Postoperatively in both groups, paracetamol 1 g was regularly administered at 6 h intervals and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was administered. The primary outcome was cumulative sufentanil consumption via patient-controlled intravenous analgesia 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included pain degree, time to the first analgesic requirement, joint range of motion, quality of recovery, and the incidence of postoperative complications. Results: Fifty patients were included, and their data were analyzed. The cumulative sufentanil consumption in group QF was significantly lower during the first 24 h after surgery than that in group Q, and the cumulative sufentanil consumption in group QF was reduced at 6–12 and 12–18 h after surgery. The postoperative pain intensity was lower in group QF than in group Q (linear mixed-effects model, the main effect of treatment: P < 0.001). Compared with group Q, group QF had higher quality of recovery and joint range of movement. The time to the first analgesic requirement was longer in group QF than in group Q (log-rank, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in complications postoperatively between the two groups. Conclusions: Our study provides a multimodal, opioid-sparing analgesic regimen for elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The combination of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block and fascia iliaca compartment block provides a significant advantage for early postoperative functional recovery. Further studies are required to confirm the minimum effective dose. Trial registration: The study was registered on the 21st December 2020 (retrospectively registered) on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000038686. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly ordered CuO@Ag SPE with excellent peroxidase properties has been established for on-site SERS detection of leuco crystal violet in aquatic products. [Display omitted] • CuO@AgNPs nanozyme screen-printed electrodes have been developed for catalysis and SERS detection. • Various preparation methods facilitate the laboratory and industrial manufacture of the CuO@Ag SPE. • The EM and CT synergistic effect endows CuO@Ag SPE with excellent SERS performance. • The highly ordered cavity array structure ensures excellent SERS signal reproducibility. • The sensor demonstrates the feasibility of on-site detection of leuco crystal violet in aquatic products. The research on the use of metal–semiconductor hybrid systems for constructing chemical and biological sensors has received increasing attention. In this work, a screen-printed electrode (SPE) with peroxidase activity was developed using AgNPs decorated CuO cavity array (CuO@Ag SPE) for on-site SERS detection of Leuco crystal violet (LCV) in aquatic products. The low Michaelis-Menten constant (K m = 42.8 μM) and the high maximum reaction velocity (V m = 5.1 × 10−8 mol·L−1s−1) indicate that the CuO@Ag SPE has a strong affinity and excellent catalytic efficiency. Moreover, this substrate has a considerable SERS enhancement with EF of 6.1 × 106, resulting from the synergetic effect of the electromagnetic enhancement (EM) and chemical enhancement (CM) after modifying noble metal onto semiconductor materials. The CuO@Ag SPE can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of the Raman-inactive reporter (LCV) and simultaneously act as SERS-active substrates for detecting the generated Raman-active crystal violet (CV), providing a relatively wide linear range (2.0 nM-2.0 μM) and a lower detection limit (0.3 nM). The recoveries obtained from the proposed SPE range from 100.1 to 109.2% and RSD from 4.9 to 10.4%, demonstrating that the SPE has high accuracy and reliability in real sample detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]