Polybenzimidazole Membranes Doped with Sulfonic Acid-Containing Covalent Organic Frameworks and Polymers for Enhanced Performance in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries.

Polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based membranes in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) achieve high Coulombic efficiency due to their excellent ion selectivity; however, their energy efficiency remains relatively low due to restricted proton transport. Covalent organic framework (COF) and polymer (COP)-based proton-selective membranes have been developed to address the trade-off between proton permeability and selectivity, significantly improving the redox flow battery performance, including all-vanadium systems. These membranes achieve precise proton and vanadium ion separation with an optimized pore size, reducing vanadium ion crossover while maintaining low area resistance through their microporous structure and imine group functionalities.

Synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dot/tin disulfide nanosheet composite electro-catalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells.

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) and vertically-grown tin disulfide (SnS) nanosheets are synthesized via hydrothermal method and chemical vapor deposition technique, respectively. The SnSnanosheets are directly fabricated on flexible carbon cloth (CC), and then their basal planes are decorated with N-CDs. The as-prepared composite electrodes are used as the counter electrode for the application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Highly catalytic Prussian blue analogues and their application on the three-dimensional origami paper-based sweat sensors.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are promising materials due to their rich active sites and straightforward synthesis. However, their limited conductivity and electron transfer inefficiency hinder practical applications. This study utilizes a simple one-pot synthesis approach to produce a tungsten-disulfide (WS) and iron-cobalt Prussian blue analogue composite (WS-PBA), enhancing conductivity and electron transfer rate performance.

Diagnosis of using palladium-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles combined with paper-based analytical devices.

In this study, we demonstrate that palladium-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles (Pd@Pt NPs) as the nanozyme, combined with a multi-layer paper-based analytical device and DNA hybridization, can successfully detect . This nanozyme has peroxidase-like properties, which can increase the oxidation rate of the substrate. Compared with horseradish peroxidase, which is widely used in traditional detection, the Michaelis constants of Pd@Pt NPs are fourteen and seventeen times lower than those for 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine and HO, respectively.

Effects of inclined treadmill training on inadequate ankle control during walking in individuals after stroke: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Inadequate ankle control influences walking ability in people after stroke. Walking on inclined surface activates ankle muscles and movements. However, the effect of inclined treadmill training on ankle control is not clear.

Precisely tuning the longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanorods additive-regulated overgrowth.

Gold nanorods (GNRs) with desired longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance (LLSPR) and strong scattering intensity are important for extending their practical applications in bioimaging and sensing. Herein, a simple additive (HCl and NaS)-regulated overgrowth approach has been proposed for preparing GNRs with tunable LLSPR. In this approach, HCl is used to slow down the growth reaction rate by changing chemical equilibrium, while NaS is utilized to halt the reaction when LLSPR is reaching the expected wavelength under monitoring by a UV-Vis spectrometer.

11-Mercaptoundecanoic acid capped gold nanoclusters with unusual aggregation-enhanced emission for selective fluorometric hydrogen sulfide determination.

In present study, we discovered unusual solvent-mediated aggregation-enhanced emission (AEE) character of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid capped gold nanoclusters (MUA-Au NCs). When aggregated in aqueous media, the MUA-Au NCs showed strong emission, which was weakened by adding ethanol. Interestingly, the suppressed emission was selectively enhanced in the presence of hydrogen sulfide (HS) because HS was absorbed onto Au NCs through the strong sulfur-gold bonding affinity.

Effect of wu chu yu tang on gastroesophageal reflux disease: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD are heartburn and acid regurgitation. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) are considered to be safe and effective for the treatment of GERD. In traditional Chinese medicine, wu chu yu tang (WCYT) is used to treat nausea after eating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Inhibition of catalytic activity of fibrinogen-stabilized gold nanoparticles via thrombin-induced inclusion of nanoparticle into fibrin: Application for thrombin sensing with more than 10-fold selectivity.

Citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified with thrombin-binding aptamer are often implemented for colorimetric, fluorescent, and electrochemical detection of thrombin in an aqueous solution. However, researchers have rarely explored the application of fibrinogen-modified AuNPs (F-AuNPs) for thrombin sensing. We present a simple, inexpensive, sensitive, and selective probe for colorimetric assay of thrombin through combining thrombin-induced inclusion of F-AuNPs into Fibrin and F-AuNPs-catalyzed reduction of 4-nitrophenol with an excess amount of NaBH.

Splenic cystic lymphangiomatosis in association with omental varices and portal hypertension: A case report.

Rational: Lymphangiomatosis is rare and benign, and slowly proliferating lymphatic vessels of unknown etiology and visceral lymphangiomatosis involving the spleen is rare. Since lymphangiomatosis may be asymptomatic or present as a sense of fullness, splenic cystic lymphangiomatosis is a disease of little concern.

Patient Concerns: A 34-year-old woman suffering from progressive epigastric fullness after oral intake for two weeks.

Boosting catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles for 4-nitrophenol reduction: Modification of metal naoparticles with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride).

Most of the previously reported studies have focused on the change in the size, morphology, and composition of metal nanocatalysts for improving their catalytic activity. Herein, we report poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) [PDDA]-stabilized nanoparticles (NPs) of platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) as highly active and efficient catalysts for hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of NaBH4. PDDA-stabilized Pt and Pd NPs possessed similar particle size and same facet with citrate-capped Pt and Pd NPs, making this study to investigate the inter-relationship between catalytic activity and surface ligand without the consideration of the effects of particle size and facet.

Colorimetric assay of heparin in plasma based on the inhibition of oxidase-like activity of citrate-capped platinum nanoparticles.

We report citrate-capped platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) as oxidase mimetics for effectively catalyzing the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), dopamine, and methylene blue in the presence of O. To confirm oxidase-like activity of citrate-capped Pt NPs, their activity toward oxygen reduction reaction was studied using cyclic voltammetry and rotating ring-disk electrode method. The results obtained showed that Pt NP NPs can catalyze the oxidation of organic substrates to the colored product and the reduction of oxygen to water through a four-electron exchange process.

Evaluation of dose-efficacy of sorafenib and effect of transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a retrospective study.

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and sorafenib are the therapeutic standard for intermediate and advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients respectively. High costs with adverse events (AE) of sorafenib might limit sorafenib dosage, further affecting therapeutic response. To attain greatest benefit, we evaluated the efficacy of different doses and effect of TACE during and after sorafenib discontinuation in patients representing Child-Pugh Classification Class A with venous or extra-hepatic invasion.

IL-6, through p-STAT3 rather than p-STAT1, activates hepatocarcinogenesis and affects survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a cohort study.

Background: Biologic activities of functional mediators activate downstream transducers regulating inflammation and carcinogenesis. Correlation among mediators (IL-6, IL-27, TNF-α, and VEGF) with STAT proteins at diverse clinical-pathologic stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains limited.

Methods: Serum mediators assayed from 147 untreated HCC cases (HCC-total group) included 70 HBV-infected (HCC-HBV group), 64 HCV-infected (HCC-HCV group), and 13 without HBV-/HCV-infection (HCC-NBNC group).

IL-6 significantly correlates with p-STAT3 expression and presents high variceal bleeding with mortality in cirrhotic patients: A cross-sectional study.

Background/purpose: Effective mediators activate downstream transducers regulating inflammation and angiogenesis. Correlation among mediators IL-6, IL-27, TNF-α, and VEGF with STAT proteins at diverse clinical-pathologic stages of cirrhotic patients remains limited.

Methods: Plasma mediators were assayed from 158 naïve liver cirrhosis (LC-total group) and 144 non-LC individuals.

Formation of fluorescent polydopamine dots from hydroxyl radical-induced degradation of polydopamine nanoparticles.

This study describes the synthesis of fluorescent polydopamine dots (PDs) through hydroxyl radical-induced degradation of polydopamine nanoparticles. The decomposition of polydopamine nanoparticles to fluorescent PDs was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy and dark-field microscopy. The analysis of PDs by using laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed that the PDs consisted of dopamine, 5,6-dihydroxyindole, and trihydroxyindole units.

Combined tween 20-stabilized gold nanoparticles and reduced graphite oxide-Fe3O4 nanoparticle composites for rapid and efficient removal of mercury species from a complex matrix.

This study describes a simple method for removing mercuric ions (Hg(2+)) from a high-salt matrix based on the use of Tween-20-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Tween 20-Au NPs) as Hg(2+) adsorbents and composites of reduced graphite oxide and Fe3O4 NPs as NP collectors. Citrate ions adsorbed on the surface of the Tween 20-Au NPs reduced Hg(2+) to Hg(0), resulting in the deposition of Hg(0) on the surface of the NPs. To circumvent time-consuming centrifugation and transfer steps, the Hg(0)-containing gold NPs were collected using reduced graphite oxide-Fe3O4 NP composites.

Lysozyme-directed synthesis of platinum nanoclusters as a mimic oxidase.

We present a simple, one-pot approach for synthesizing ultrafine platinum (Pt) nanoclusters (NCs) under alkaline conditions using lysozyme (Lys) as a template. From the analysis of the nanoclusters by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Lys VI-stabilized Pt NCs majorly consisted of Pt4 clusters. The formation of Pt NCs was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy.

The Clinical Features and Prognosis of Gastric Remnant Carcinoma after Treatment.

Background/aims: The incidence of gastric remnant carcinoma does not decrease after partial gastrectomy The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of gastric remnant carcinoma after treatment.

Methodology: Among 412 gastric carcinoma patients who were admitted to our hospital 21 were found to have gastric remnant carcinoma. We analyzed their clinicopathological features and prognosis.

Sinapinic acid-directed synthesis of gold nanoclusters and their application to quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Core etching of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into smaller-sized clusters is a classic method for fabricating gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). The top down-based synthesis of AuNCs includes two steps: (i) reducing the Au(3+) precursor solution to generate AuNPs in the presence of protecting ligands and (ii) core etching of the formed AuNPs into the AuNCs via ligand exchange. For the first time, this paper describes a one-step approach for preparing AuNCs using a top down approach.

Magnetite nanoparticle-induced fluorescence quenching of adenosine triphosphate-BODIPY Conjugates: application to adenosine triphosphate and pyrophosphate sensing.

We report that magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) act as an efficient quencher for boron dipyrromethene-conjugated adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BODIPY-ATP) that is highly fluorescent in bulk solution. BODIPY-ATP molecules attached to the surface of Fe3O4 NPs through the coordination between the triphosphate group of BODIPY-ATP and Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) on the NP surface. The formed complexes induced an apparent reduction in the BODIPY-ATP fluorescence resulting from an oxidative-photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the BODIPY-ATP excited state to an unfilled d shell of Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) on the NP surface.

Fluorescence assay of catecholamines based on the inhibition of peroxidase-like activity of magnetite nanoparticles.

We report a fluorescence approach for the highly selective and sensitive detection of catecholamines using magnetite nanoparticles (Fe(3)O(4) NPs) in the presence of Amplex UltraRed (AUR) and H(2)O(2). Fe(3)O(4) NPs catalyze H(2)O(2)-mediated oxidation of AUR. The resulting product fluoresces (excitation/emission maxima, ca.

Rather than interleukin-27, interleukin-6 expresses positive correlation with liver severity in naïve hepatitis B infection patients.

Aims: Effective cytokines can drive the commitment of naive T cells to regulate immune response after antigen-mediated activation. Aims are to elucidate the clinical role of serum IL-27 and IL-6 in the different stages of naïve hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients.

Methods: Samples with well-characterized clinical profiles were assessed from 395 HBV-infected patients including chronic hepatitis B (CHB) group in 291 patients, liver cirrhosis (LC) group in 57 patients, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group in 47 patients.

The clinical features and prognosis of gastric remnant carcinoma after treatment.

Introduction. The incidence of gastric remnant carcinoma does not decrease after partial gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of gastric remnant carcinoma after treatment.