Nanozyme‑Engineered Hydrogels for Anti‑Inflammation and Skin Regeneration

Inflammatory skin disorders can cause chronic scarring and functional impairments,posing a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system.Conventional therapies,such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,are limited in efficacy and associated with adverse effects.Recently,nanozyme(NZ)-based hydrogels have shown great promise in addressing these challenges.NZ-based hydrogels possess unique therapeutic abilities by combining the therapeutic benefits of redox nanomaterials with enzymatic activity and the water-retaining capacity of hydrogels.The multifaceted therapeutic effects of these hydrogels include scavenging reactive oxygen species and other inflammatory mediators modulating immune responses toward a pro-regenerative environment and enhancing regenerative potential by triggering cell migration and differentiation.This review highlights the current state of the art in NZ-engineered hydrogels(NZ@hydrogels)for anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration applications.It also discusses the underlying chemo-mechano-biological mechanisms behind their effectiveness.Additionally,the challenges and future directions in this ground,particularly their clinical translation,are addressed.The insights provided in this review can aid in the design and engineering of novel NZ-based hydrogels,offering new possibilities for targeted and personalized skin-care therapies.

High efficiency CZTSSe solar cells enabled by dual Ag-passivation approach via aqueous solution process

Ag substitution in Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)is a promising way to mitigate Cu/Zn related defects,electrostatic fluctuations and Shockley-Read-Hall(SRH)recombination centers.However,high performance ACZTSSe solar cells are generally demonstrated with more Ag amounts and strenuous fabrication processes,which are not ideal when using cheap constituent materials CZTSSe.To reduce the Ag amount(2%-3%),local Ag substitutions into CZTSSe at front(F),back(B)and dual front/back(FB)were proposed.Experimental results revealed that F-passivation effectively reduced the Cu/Zn related defects and further limits the interface/bulk recombination whereas B-passivation improved the grain growth at the back interface and further allows enhanced transport of charge carriers.By employing the dual Agpassivation approach,the final ACZTSSe device parameters were significantly improved and remarkable power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 12.43%was achieved with eco-friendly aqueous solution process.

Environment drives the co-occurrence of bacteria and microeukaryotes in a typical subtropical bay

The co-occurrence of bacteria and microeukaryote species is a ubiquitous ecological phenomenon,but there is limited cross-domain research in aquatic environments.We conducted a network statistical analysis and visualization of microbial cross-domain co-occurrence patterns based on DNA sampling of a typical subtropical bay during four seasons,using high-throughput sequencing of both 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes.First,we found obvious relationships between network stability and network complexity indices.For example,increased cooperation and modularity were found to weaken the stability of cross-domain networks.Secondly,we found that bacterial operational taxonomic units(OTUs)were the most important contributors to network complexity and stability as they occupied more nodes,constituted more keystone OTUs,built more connections,more importantly,ignoring bacteria led to greater variation in network robustness.Gammaproteobacteria,Alphaproteobacteria,Bacteroidetes,and Actinobacteria were the most ecologically important groups.Finally,we found that the environmental drivers most associated with cross-domain networks varied across seasons(in detail,the network in January was primarily constrained by temperature and salinity,the network in April was primarily constrained by depth and temperature,the network in July was mainly affected by depth,temperature,and salinity,depth was the most important factor affecting the network in October)and that environmental influence was stronger on bacteria than on microeukaryotes.

Maternal Vascular Dysfunction in Congenital Heart Defects

Background:Research on fetal congenital heart defect(CHD)mostly focuses on etiology and mechanisms.However,studies on maternal complications or pathophysiology are limited.Our objective was to determine whether vascular dysfunction exists in pregnant women carrying a fetus with congenital heart defects.Methods:We conducted a case-control study.27 cases of pregnant women carrying a fetus with major CHD admitted to our hospital for delivery between April 2021 and August 2022 were selected.Every case was matched with about 2 pregnant complication-free controls without fetal abnormalities.The proangiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors and pregnancy outcomes were compared.Results:The proangiogenic factors include vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and placental growth factor(PlGF).The anti-angiogenic factors involve soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1(sFlt-1)and soluble endoglin(sEng).No differences were found in maternal plasma concentrations of PlGF,VEGF,and sFlt-1 between case-control groups when analyzed at 36 weeks≤gestational age(GA)<39 weeks and 39 weeks≤GA≤41 weeks.The concentrations of sEng in maternal plasma in the fetal CHD group were significantly higher than those in the control group:0.60(0.77)vs.0.32(0.26)ng/ml at 36 weeks≤GA<39 weeks,p=0.001 and 0.75(0.55)vs.0.28(0.27)ng/ml at 39 weeks≤GA≤41 weeks,p<0.001.Conclusion:Vascular dysfunction exists in pregnant women with fetal congenital heart defects,manifesting significantly elevated sEng concentration at delivery.

16S rRNA is a better choice than COI for DNA barcoding hydrozoans in the coastal waters of China

Identification of hydrozoan species is challenging, even for taxonomic experts, due to the scarcity of distinct morphological characters and phenotypic plasticity. DNA barcoding provides an efficient method for species identification, however, the choice between mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I（COI） and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene（16S） as a standard barcode for hydrozoans is subject to debate. Herein, we directly compared the barcode potential of COI and 16S in hydrozoans using 339 sequences from 47 pelagic hydrozoan species. Analysis of Kimura 2-parameter genetic distances（K2P） documented the mean intraspecific/interspecific variation for COI and 16S to be 0.004/0.204 and 0.003/0.223, respectively. An obvious ＂barcoding gap＂ was detected for all species in both markers and all individuals of a species clustered together in both the COI and 16S trees. These results suggested that the species within the studied taxa can be efficiently and accurately identified by COI and 16S. Furthermore, our results confirmed that 16S was a better phylogenetic marker for hydrozoans at the genus level, and in some cases at the family level. Considering the resolution and effectiveness for barcoding and phylogenetic analyses of Hydrozoa, we strongly recommend 16S as the standard barcode for hydrozoans.

An Improved Velocity Volume Processing Method

Velocity volume processing （VVP） retrieval of single Doppler radar is an effective method which can be used to obtain many wind parameters. However, due to the problem of an ill-conditioned matrix arising from the coefficients of equations not being easily resolved, the VVP method has not been applied adequately and effectively in operation. In this paper, an improved scheme, SVVP （step velocity volume processing）, based on the original method, is proposed. The improved algorithm retrieves each group of components of the wind field through a stepwise procedure, which overcomes the problem of an ill-conditioned matrix, which currently limits the application of the VVP method. Variables in a six-parameter model can be retrieved even if the analysis volume is very small. In addition, the source and order of errors which exist in the traditional method are analyzed. The improved method is applied to real cases, which show that it is robust and has the capability to obtain the wind field structure of the local convective system. It is very helpful for studying severe storms.

Fabrication of a Polymer Micro Needle Array by Mask-Dragging X-Ray Lithography and Alignment X-Ray Lithography

Polymer materials such as transparent thermoplastic poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)have been of great interest in the research and development of integrated circuits and micro-electromechanical systems due to their relatively low cost and easy process.We fabricated PMMA-based polymer hollow microneedle arrays by maskdragging and aligning x-ray lithography.Techniques for 3D micromachining by direct lithography using x-rays are developed.These techniques are based on using image projection in which the x-ray is used to illuminate an appropriate gold pattern on a polyimide film mask.The mask is imaged onto the PMMA sample.A pattern with an area of up to 100×100 mm^(2)can be fabricated with sub-micron resolution and a highly accurate order of a few microns by using a dragging mask.The fabrication technology has several advantages,such as forming complex 3D micro structures,high throughput and low cost.

Monolayer Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Metal-Free Catalyst with Enhanced Performance in Photo- and Electro-Catalysis

The exfoliation of bulk graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))into monolayer has been intensively studied to induce maximum sur-face area for fundamental studies,but ended in failure to realize chemi-cally and physically well-defined monolayer of g-C_(3)N_(4)mostly due to the difficulty in reducing the layer thickness down to an atomic level.It has,therefore,remained as a challenging issue in two-dimensional(2D)chemistry and physics communities.In this study,an“atomic monolayer of g-C_(3)N_(4)with perfect two-dimensional limit”was successfully prepared by the chemically well-defined two-step routes.The atomically resolved monolayer of g-C_(3)N_(4)was also confirmed by spectroscopic and micro-scopic analyses.In addition,the experimental Cs-HRTEM image was collected,for the first time,which was in excellent agreement with the theoretically simulated;the evidence of monolayer of g-C_(3)N_(4)in the perfect 2D limit becomes now clear from the HRTEM image of orderly hexagonal symmetry with a cavity formed by encirclement of three adjacent heptazine units.Compared to bulk g-C_(3)N_(4),the present g-C_(3)N_(4)monolayer showed significantly higher photocatalytic gen-eration of H2O2 and H2,and electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction.In addition,its photocatalytic efficiency for H2O2 production was found to be the best for any known g-C_(3)N_(4)nanomaterials,underscoring the remarkable advantage of monolayer formation in optimizing the catalyst performance of g-C_(3)N_(4).

Overview of surface ozone variability in East Asia-North Pacific region during IGAC/APARE(1994—1996)

Surface ozone(O\-3) was measured at Oki Island(Japan), Cheju Island(South Korea), Lanyu Island(Taiwan Province, China), Cape D'Aguilar(Hong Kong SAR) and Lin'an, Longfenshan, Waliguan(China mainland) during January 1994—December 1996 as a component of IGAC/APARE(International Global Atmospheric Chemistry/East Asia-North Pacific Regional Experiment). This paper gave a joint discussion on the observational results at these stations over the study region. Investigations showed that the average of surface O 3 mixing ratios at the seven sites are 47.9±15.8, 48.1±17.9, 30.2±16.4, 31.6±17.5, 36.3±17.5, 34.8±11.5 and 48.2±9.5 ppbv, respectively. Significant diurnal variations of surface O 3 have been observed at Oki, Cheju, D’Aguilar, Lin'an and Longfenshan. Their annual averaged diurnal differences range from 8 to 23 ppbv and differ in each season. Surface O 3 at Lanyu and Waliguan do not show strong diurnal variability. Seasonal cycles of surface O 3 showed difference at the temperate and the subtropical remote sites. Oki has a summer minimum-spring maximum, while Lanyu has a summer minimum-autumn maximum. The suburban sites at D'Aguilar and Lin'an report high-level O 3 in autumn and low level O 3 in summer. Surface O 3 remains high in autumn and low in winter at the rural site Longfenshan. For the global background station Waliguan, surface O 3 exhibits a broad spring-summer maximum and autumn-winter minimum. The backward air trajectories to these sites have shown different pathways of long-range transport of air pollution from East Asia Continent to North Pacific Ocean. Surface O 3 was found to be strongly and positively correlated with CO at Oki and Lanyu, especially in spring and autumn, reflecting the substantial photochemical buildup of O\-3 on a regional scale. It is believed that the regional sources of pollution in East Asia have enhanced the average surface O 3 concentrations in the background atmosphere of North Pacific.

Fabrication and Characterization of a Lead Zirconate Titanate Micro Energy Harvester Based on Eutectic Bonding

A lead zirconate titanate(PZT)-Si energy harvester cantilever with PZT bulk ceramics is fabricated by eutectic bonding,polishing and dicing processes.The feasibility of this process is studied using a successful operation of the cantilever in both actuation and harvesting modes.The first prototype made from a PZT-Au-Si cantiliever is tested.The testing results show the voltage output of 632 mV at the frequency of 815 Hz when the excitation acceleration is 0.5 g.The PZT and silicon layers are bonded together to form a sandwiched structure using a gold layer as an intermediate layer.

Modulation of a Specific Pattern of microRNAs, Including miR-29a, miR-30a and miR-34a, in Cultured Human Skin Fibroblasts, in Response to the Application of a Biofunctional Ingredient that Protects against Cellular Senescence <i>in Vitro</i>

Skin aging is a process of structural and compositional remodeling that can be manifested by wrinkling and sagging. Remarkably, the dermis plays a dominant role in the aging process. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs are implicated in the regulation of gene expression during aging. However, studies about age-related microRNAs and how they modulate skin aging remain limited. In the present work, a complex of hydrolyzed natural yeast proteins (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and hydrolyzed natural soya bean was developed and showed the ability to modulate the expression of telomere-binding protein TRF2, which is a key factor for telomere protection and to prevent cellular senescence in vitro and DNA damage. The aim of the study was to identify microRNAs specifically modulated after application of the ingredient complex to cultured fibroblasts, and their possible involvement in remodeling of the human extracellular matrix and fibroblast senescence. Consequently, human skin fibroblasts were cultured and treated with 1% of the ingredient complex for 48 h before analyzing microRNA modulation by RT-qPCR. The use of bioinformatics allowed us to predict the target genes for modulated microRNAs. Results show that the ingredient complex modulated a pattern of microRNAs including the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p, which are associated with fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the human dermal extracellular matrix. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p possibly represent key microRNAs that impact human fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the dermal extracellular matrix.

Developing an effective industrial cluster from strawberry farms： A case of Dahu Township in Taiwan

Dahu, a small township in northern Taiwan, is famous for its produce of strawberries. Near Dahu, there are some attractions, such as hot springs, native Taiwan Residents tribes and a national park named Shei-pa. In order to better support more small businesses in this area, the local government is eager to promote an industrial cluster of agriculture and tourism based on the well-developed strawberry farms. In this research, the authors investigated 200 strawberry farmers to examine forming factors of the cluster, and effects of cluster on organizational performance. The findings are firstly, capital resource is regarded as the most effective forming factor of the cluster. Secondly, institutionalization, interaction mechanism and knowledge flow positively intermediate the clustering effects on organizational performance. These findings have important implications for the local government and the businesses as well.

State Modeling Based Prediction of Torsional Resonances for Horizontal-Axis Drive Train Wind Turbine

This paper focuses on the state space modeling approach and output torques prediction of torsional vibrations for variable speed wind turbines. The multi-body system model under study is mainly comprised of a wind turbine, a three stage planetary gear box and an induction generator. The masses-springs approach of shaft system differential equations is developed from Newton＇s law and Lagrange formulas. For an easy comprehension for electrical engineers and tutorial purpose, an electrical equivalent circuit of the system is proposed by using mechanical and electrical components similarities. Extensive numerical simulations are performed to investigate system mechanical resonances and impacts of damping factors on the system dynamic and stability.

Accuracy of an administrative database for pancreatic cancer by international classification of disease 10th codes: A retrospective large-cohort study

BACKGROUND Korean National Health Insurance(NHI)claims database provides large-cohort.However,studies regarding accuracy of administrative database for pancreatic cancer(PC)have not been reported.We aimed to identify accuracy of NHI database regarding PC classified by international classification of disease(ICD)-10 codes.AIM To identify the accuracy and usefulness of administrative database in PC and the accurate ICD codes for PC with location.METHODS Study and control groups were collected from 2003 to 2016 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.Cases of PC were identified in NHI database by international classification of diseases,10th revision edition(ICD-10 codes)supported with V codes.V code is issued by medical doctors for covering 95%of medical cost by Korean government.According to pathologic reports,definite or possible diagnoses were defined using medical records,images,and pathology.RESULTS A total of 1846 cases with PC and controls were collected.Among PC,only 410(22.2%)cases were identified as specific cancer sites including head in 234(12.7%)cases,tail in 104(5.6%)cases and body in 72(3.9%)cases.Among PC,910(49.3%)cases were diagnosed by definite criteria.Most of these were adenocarcinoma(98.0%).The rates of definite diagnosis of PC were highest in head(70.1%)followed by body(47.2%)and tail(43.3%).False-positive cases were pancreatic cystic neoplasm and metastasis to the pancreas.In terms of the overall diagnosis of PC,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value were 99.95%,98.72%,98.70%,and 99.95%,respectively.Diagnostic accuracy was similar both in terms of diagnostic criteria and tumor locations.CONCLUSION Korean NHI claims database collected according to ICD-10 code with V code for PC showed good accuracy.

Nanofiller Dispersion in Polymer Dielectrics

Nanodielectric composites have been developed in recent years attempting to improve the dielectric properties such as dielectric constant, dielectric strength and voltage endurance. Among various investigations, nanoparticle dispersion was particularly emphasized in this work. General Electric Global Research Center in Niskayuna NY USA has investigated various nanoparticles, nanocomposites and nanocomposite synthesis methods intending to understand particle dispersion and their impact on the nanocomposite dielectric properties. The breakdown strength and microstructures of the nanocomposites containing different particles were studied for projects related to capacitor and electrical insulation technologies. The nanocomposite synthesis methods either employed commerical nanoparticles or utilized nanoparticles that were self-assembled (in-situ precipitation) in a matrix. Our investigations have shown that nanocomposites prepared with solution chemistry were more favorable for producing uniform dispersion of nanoparticles. Structural information of nanocomposites was studied with transmission electron microscopy and the interection between particles and matrix polymers were tentatively probed using dielectric spectroscopy. In these new class of materials high energy densities on the order of 15J/cc were achievable in nanocomposites.

DNA microarray unravels rapid changes in transcriptome of MK-801 treated rat brain

AIM:To investigate the impact of MK-801 on gene expression patterns genome wide in rat brain regions. METHODS:Rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 [0.08(low-dose) and 0.16(highdose) mg/kg] or NaC l(vehicle control). In a first series of experiment,the frontoparietal electrocorticogram was recorded 15 min before and 60 min after injection. In a second series of experiments,the whole brain of each animal was rapidly removed at 40 min post-injection,and different regions were separated:amygdala,cerebral cortex,hippocampus,hypothalamus,midbrain and ventral striatum on ice followed by DNA microarray(4 × 44 K whole rat genome chip) analysis.RESULTS:Spectral analysis revealed that a single systemic injection of MK-801 significantly and selectively augmented the power of baseline gamma frequency(30-80 Hz) oscillations in the frontoparietal electroencephalogram. DNA microarray analysis showed the largest number(up- and down- regulations) of gene expressions in the cerebral cortex(378),midbrain(376),hippocampus(375),ventral striatum(353),amygdala(301),and hypothalamus(201) under low-dose(0.08 mg/kg) of MK-801. Under high-dose(0.16 mg/kg),ventral striatum(811) showed the largest number of gene expression changes. Gene expression changes were functionally categorized to reveal expression of genes and function varies with each brain region.CONCLUSION:Acute MK-801 treatment increases synchrony of baseline gamma oscillations,and causes very early changes in gene expressions in six individual rat brain regions,a first report.

Synthesis of Zirconia Oxide (ZrO₂) Nanofibers on Zirconnia Substrates by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Zirconia oxide (ZrO2) nanofibers were synthesized using Phosphorus/water mixture as catalyst by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis CVD on the zirconia substrate at 900°C for 1 h in N2 gas. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) examinations show that all the synthesized nanofibers have uniform surface morphology and their diameters are in the range of 100 nm. The HRTEM selected-area electron diffraction pattern (SAED) shows that crystalline ZrO2 phase exist in the nanofibers, and the energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results show that the elements of Zr and O are uniformly distributed across the nanofiber matrix. The phosphorus atoms corroded the entire Zirconia substrate surface, and the Zirconia-Phosphorus liquid-catalyzed the solid-liquid-solid mechanism is proposed to explain the growth of the nanofibers.

Diagnostic accuracy of administrative database for bile duct cancer by ICD-10 code in a tertiary institute in Korea

Background:Administrative database provides valuable information for large cohort studies,especially when tissue diagnosis is rather difficult such as the diagnosis for bile duct cancer(BDC).The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of administrative database for BDC by International Classification of Diseases(ICD)-10 codes in a tertiary institute.Methods:BDC and control groups were collected from 2003 to 2016 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.Cases of BDC were identified in the National Health Insurance Service(NHIS)database by ICD 10-code supported by V code.The control group was selected from cases without ICD-10 codes for BDC.A definite or possible diagnosis was defined according to pathologic reports.Medical records,images,and pathology reports were analyzed to evaluate ICD-10 codes for BDC.Sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value for BDC were analyzed according to diagnostic criteria and cancer locations.Results:A total of 1707 patients with BDC and 1707 controls were collected.Among those with BDC,1320(77.3%)were diagnosed by definite criteria.Most(99.4%)of them had adenocarcinoma.Rate of definite diagnosis was the highest for ampulla of Vater(88.9%),followed by that for extrahepatic(84.9%)and intrahepatic(68.3%)BDCs.False positive cases commonly had hepatocellular carcinomas.For overall diagnosis of BDC,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value were 99.94%,98.33%,98.30%,and 99.94%,respectively.Diagnostic accuracies were similar regardless of diagnostic criteria or tumor locations.Conclusions:Administrative database for BDC collected according to ICD-10 code with V code shows good accuracy.

Disciplinary development of global health academic degree programs in China

This study aims to provide a brief overview of the history and development of global health education(GHE)as academic degree programs worldwide,and to identify GHE’s development opportunities and obstacles in China.This is a state-of-the-art review of published and unpublished information that described and evaluated disciplinary development of global health degree programs worldwide,written in English,and published or shared between 1990 and 2020.Data were derived from official websites of leading global health institutions,like“Google Scholar”,“PubMed”,and unpublished information such as presentation files and unpublished manuscripts collected from knowledgeable leaders in the field.We retrieved and reviewed a total of 35 articles and a large amount of unpublished information or sources on the internet.Global Health emerged as a new discipline around the end of the last millennium and proliferated in the last two decades in developed nations,especially the United States and the United Kingdom.The development of China’s GHE programs was built on China’s increasing engagement in global health affairs and research.In 2012,Wuhan University established the first official global health department in China.Several universities such as Peking University and Duke Kunshan University subsequently set up departments or programs to offer undergraduate and postgraduate majors and degrees.The first school-level global health unit was established in Shanghai in 2019.The Consortium of Chinese Universities for Global Health(CCUGH)grew from 10 founding members in 2013 to 25 in 2020.Major desirable attributes“unique”to students majoring in global health include global-mindedness,health interests,compassion,intercultural sensitivity,and adventurous spirit.Graduates from GHE programs have a diverse set of career choices spanning research,government,not-for-profit,and private sector occupations.We identified a number of strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats to the future development of GHE in China.To ensure sustainable future growth,we advocate addressing the following key aspects:(1)clearer disciplinary distinctions;(2)multidisciplinary collaborations;(3)public-sector investments;and(4)non-public sectors participation.Amidst China’s increasing engagement in health affairs globally and the proliferation of GHE programs in developed nations,China has experienced fast growth in GHE degree programs since 2012 while a number of challenges remain for its future development.

Unraveling the role of METTL14 in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease:insights and therapeutic implications

The recent article published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy sheds light on the significance of N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase-like protein METTL14 in mitigating the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).1 In this study,Wang et al.elucidated the downregulation of METTL14 in hepatocytes from both MAFLD patients and high-fat diet(HFD)-induced MAFLD mouse models,underscoring its pivotal role in maintaining hepatic lipid and redox homeostasis in normal livers.