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Abstract Currently, flexible capacitive sensors have a wide range of application scenarios in the field of wearable electronic devices. In order to detect more subtle joint movements of the human body, a method of fabricating stacked capacitive sensors is demonstrated. An ultrathin dielectric elastomer film of about 110 μm by the “secondary calendering” method was prepared. The shape of the electrode layers was designed, printed the electrode materials on the dielectric elastomer film by screen-printing, realized the stacked-layer technology, and connected each sensor unit in parallel by the electrode columns formed inside. A 12-layer flexible capacitive sensor with an initial capacitance of 10.2nF, good resolution (1% strain), high sensitivity (1.09) and stability under 10,000 cycles is fabricated. The sensor fabricated in this paper can recognize the motion at various joints of the human body, such as elbow and knee joints. This paper provides a new method for fabrication of stacked flexible capacitive sensors, which opens up new applications in flexible sensors, wearable electronic devices and human-computer interaction.

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by complex etiology, with genetic determinants that are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of MDD and to explore its association with the immune system by identifying hub biomarkers using bioinformatics analyses and examining immune infiltrates in human autopsy samples.MethodsGene microarray data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE32280, GSE76826, GSE98793, and GSE39653. Our approach included differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to identify hub genes associated with MDD. Subsequently, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Cytoscape plugin CluGO, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were utilized to identify immune-related genes. The final selection of immune-related hub genes was determined through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression analysis and PPI analysis. Immune cell infiltration in MDD patients was analyzed using CIBERSORT, and correlation analysis was performed between key immune cells and genes. The diagnostic accuracy of the identified hub genes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Furthermore, we conducted a study involving 10 MDD patients and 10 healthy controls (HCs) meeting specific criteria to assess the expression levels of these hub genes in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The Herbal Ingredient Target Database (HIT) was employed to screen for herbal components that target these genes, potentially identifying novel therapeutic agents.ResultsA total of 159 down-regulated and 51 up-regulated genes were identified for further analysis. WGCNA revealed 12 co-expression modules, with modules “darked”, “darkurquoise” and “light yellow” showing significant positive associations with MDD. Functional enrichment pathway analysis indicated that these differential genes were associated with immune functions. Integration of differential and immune-related gene analysis identified 21 common genes. The Lasso algorithm confirmed 4 hub genes as potential biomarkers for MDD. GSEA analysis suggested that these genes may be involved in biological processes such as protein export, RNA degradation, and fc gamma r mediated cytotoxis. Pathway enrichment analysis identified three highly enriched immune-related pathways associated with the 4 hub genes. ROC curve analysis indicated that these hub genes possess good diagnostic value. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) demonstrated significant expression differences of these hub genes in PBMCs between MDD patients and HCs. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant correlations between immune cells, including Mast cells resting, T cells CD8, NK cells resting, and Neutrophils, which were significantly correlated with the hub genes expression. HIT identified one herb target related to IL7R and 14 targets related to TLR2.ConclusionsThe study identified four immune-related hub genes (TLR2, RETN, HP, and IL7R) in MDD that may impact the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. By leveraging the GEO database, our findings contribute to the understanding of the relationship between MDD and immunity, presenting potential therapeutic targets.

Abstract With the rapid development of electronic equipment and communication technology, the demand for polymer composites with high thermal conductivity and mechanical properties has increased significantly. However, its nondegradable polymer matrix will inevitably bring more and more serious environmental pollution. Therefore, it is urgent to develop biodegradable thermally conductive polymer composites. In this work, biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is used as the matrix material, and vacuum‐assisted filtration technology is employed to prepare carbon nanotube (CNT) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) networks with high thermal conductivity. Then CNT–CNC/PBAT composites with high thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical properties are prepared by the ultrasonic‐assisted forced infiltration method. Both experiment and simulation methods are used to systematically investigate the thermally conductive and dissipation performances of the CNT–CNC/PBAT composites. Above all, a simple alcoholysis reaction is applied to realize the separation of the PBAT matrix and functional fillers without destroying the conductive network skeleton, which makes it possible for the recycling of thermally conductive polymer composites.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, correlation, and differences of C-shaped root canals (CSRCs) morphology in permanent mandibular premolars and molars in Eastern Chinese individuals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 8000 mandibular first premolars (MFPs), mandibular second premolars (MSPs), mandibular first molars (MFMs), and mandibular second molars (MSMs) CBCT images from 1000 patients (692 females and 308 males) were collected. The prevalence, correlation, bilateral/unilateral presence, the morphology of CSRCs, level of canal bifurcation, gender differences, and location of radicular grooves (RGs) were evaluated. The prevalence of CSRCs in MFPs, MSPs, MFMs and MSMs were 10.25%, 0.25%, 0.55% and 47.05%, respectively. The prevalence of CSRCs in MFPs of males was higher than that in females, while the prevalence of CSRCs in MSMs of females was higher than that in males (P

Abstract Background Guided endodontics is a successful technique that has been gradually applied to endodontic therapy in recent years without being affected by the operator’s experience. However, the guided bur produces excessive heat during continuous rotation and friction with root canal walls, it is not clear whether the degree of temperature increase may lead to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone damage. Methods A total of 58 teeth were used, of which 40 teeth were not grouped, all used to evaluate the accuracy. 40 single-rooted premolars were scanned using CBCT and an intra-oral scanner, and 3D-printed guided plates were made with the pre-designed access. A custom-made guided bur was used to prepare the access cavities. The postoperative CBCT data and pre-designed pathways were matched to evaluate the deviation between the planned and virtual paths. The other 18 teeth were randomly divided into three groups (ET20 and ProTaper F3 as the control group, guided endodontics as the test group), with 6 teeth in each group. The temperature changes on the root surfaces were inspected with a thermocouple thermometer. Results The average deviation on the tip and the base of the bur was 0.30 mm and 0.28 mm (mesial/distal), and 0.28 mm and 0.25 mm (buccal/lingual). The average angle deviation was 3.62°. The mean root surface temperature rise of the guided endodontics group was the lowest (5.07 °C) (P

Abstract Background Carbon dot has been widely used in biomedical field as a kind of nanomaterial with low toxicity and high biocompatibility. CDs has demonstrated its unique advantages in assisted drug delivery, target diagnosis and targeted therapy with its small size and spontaneous fluorescence. However, the potential biosafety of CDs cannot be evaluated. Therefore, we focused on the study of liver, the target organ involved in CDs metabolism, to evaluate the risk of CDs in vitro. Methods and results Liver macrophage KUP5 cells and normal liver cells AML12 cells were incubated in CDs at the same concentration for 24 h to compare the different effects under the same exposure conditions. The study found that both liver cell models showed ATP metabolism disorder, membrane damage, autophagosome formation and lysosome damage, but the difference was that, KUP5 cells exhibited more serious damage than AML12 cells, suggesting that immunogenic cell type is particularly sensitive to CDs. The underlying mechanism of CDs-induced death of the two hepatocyte types were also assessed. In KUP5 cells, death was caused by inhibition of autophagic flux caused by autophagosome accumulation, this process that was reversed when autophagosome accumulation was prevented by 3-MA. AML12 cells had no such response, suggesting that the accumulation of autophagosomes caused by CDs may be specific to macrophages. Conclusion Activation of the TFEB-lysosome pathway is important in regulating autophagy and apoptosis. The dual regulation of ERK and mTOR phosphorylation upstream of TFEB influences the death outcome of AML12 cells. These findings provide a new understanding of how CDs impact different liver cells and contribute to a more complete toxicological safety evaluation of CDs.

Abstract High‐performance multilayer dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are well‐positioned to overcome the insufficient output force and energy density as artificial muscles. However, due to the fabrication process, the multilayer DEAs with nonmodifiable structures often suffer from the limitation of short lifespans and scalable preparation. Herein, reusable multilayer DEAs with the detachable and reconfigurable structure are fabricated. This is achieved by realizing scalable compliant electrodes using the continuous spatial confining forced network assembly (CSNA) method and combining the vacuum lamination (VL) approach to have good attachability and detachability with the VHB dielectric elastomer. The flexible roller‐based CSNA method is used to prepare the large area compliant electrodes composed of α, ω‐dihydroxy polydimethylsiloxane and electrically conductive nanoparticles. The fabricated electrodes can continuously work over 10 000 cycles at 40% strained stretching and maintain smooth surfaces to construct multilayer DEAs. Moreover, owing to the detachable configuration of the DEAs, the electrodes can also be recovered and reused for building new actuators. The lower limb assistive device is demonstrated by detachable multilayer spring roll DEAs, achieving approximately 3.1 degrees of flexion and extension movement of knee models under a voltage of 7 kV. The detachable and reconfigurable multilayer DEAs shed new light on the applications of wearable assistive devices.

Background: Here, we establish a prognostic signature based on glycosyltransferase-related genes (GTRGs) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients.Methods: The prognostic signature of GTRGs was constructed via univariate and multivariate Cox analyses after obtaining the expression patterns of GTRGs from the TCGA. A nomogram based on the signature and clinical parameters was established to predict the survival of each HNSCC patient. Potential mechanisms were explored through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, immunotherapy, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) analyses. The expression differences and prognostic efficacy of the signature were verified through the gene expression omnibus (GEO) and several online databases.Results: The prognostic signature was constructed based on five glycosyltransferases (PYGL, ALG3, EXT2, FUT2, and KDELC1) and validated in the GSE65858 dataset. The pathways enriched in the high- and low-risk groups were significantly different. The high-risk group had higher tumor purity; lower infiltration of immune cells, such as CD8+ T cells and Tregs; higher cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) infiltration; lower immune function; and lower checkpoint expression. The signature can also be applied to distinguish whether patients benefit from immunotherapy. In addition, the high-risk group had a higher TMB and more gene mutations, including those in TP53, CSMD1, CDKN2A, and MUC17.Conclusion: We propose a prognostic signature based on glycosyltransferases for HNSCC patients that may provide potential targets and biomarkers for the precise treatment of HNSCC.

The hydraulically amplified self‐healing electrostatic actuator is an emerging driving component for soft robotics, which is composed of a flexible dielectric polymer shell that is partially covered by conductive electrodes and filled with a liquid dielectric. However, the low permittivity and dielectric strength of the polymer shell remain a challenge that limits the actuator performance. Herein, a Peano‐hydraulically amplified self‐healing electrostatic actuator is constructed by innovatively integrating a bilayer polymer shell for combined favorable properties of high dielectric strength, dielectric permittivity, and elastic modulus. Compared with a traditional single‐layer shell actuator, the new bilayer actuator architecture generates an increased strain (164%) at 5 kV and improves load‐bearing capability (620 mN) at 6 kV, thereby providing a significantly enhanced actuation performance. The new actuator is further applied in driving a ratchet system, which converts the reciprocating motion of the actuator into a rotating motion and a flexible output torque, in order to protect the rotating components from impact. The high strain and load characteristics of the bilayer configuration and the easy‐to‐deform characteristics of the new actuator design make it an attractive approach to fabricate complex geometries and achieve a variety of motion modes in soft systems.

Abstract Background Better understanding of the danger zone anatomy in mesial roots (MRs) of mandibular first molars (MFMs) may serve to decrease the risk of mishaps. This study aimed to measure the minimal distal dentine thicknesses of danger zone in MRs of MFMs in a native Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods CBCT images of 1792 MFMs from 898 Chinese patients were analyzed. The minimal distal dentine thicknesses of the mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals below the furcation 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mm were measured. The association between the minimal distal dentine thicknesses and the root lengths, patient’s age and gender, side were assessed. Results The minimal distal dentine thicknesses of MB and ML canals are located 3 ∼ 4 mm below the furcation for both men and women. There are no differences between MB and ML canals, while the minimal distal dentine thicknesses of MB and ML canals were higher in men than women (P 0.05). The minimal distal dentine thicknesses of MB and ML canals increased with age in both men and women at each location (P 0.05). Conclusions The minimal distal dentine thicknesses of MRs in MSMs have close correlation with root length, patient’s age and gender.

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots (QDs) can be employed as imaging and drug delivery tools; however, the toxic effects and mechanisms of low-dose exposure are unclear. Therefore, this pioneering study focused on hepatic macrophages (Kupffer cells, KCs) and explored the potential damage process induced by exposure to low-dose CdTe QDs. In vivo results showed that both 2.5 μM/kg·bw and 10 μM/kg·bw could both activate KCs to cause liver injury, and produce inflammation by disturbing antioxidant levels. Abnormal liver function further verified the risks of low-dose exposure to CdTe QDs. The KC model demonstrated that low-dose CdTe QDs (0 nM, 5 nM and 50 nM) can be absorbed by cells and cause severe reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Additionally, the expression of NF-κB, caspase-1, and NLRP3 were decreased after pretreatment with ROS scavenging agent N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mM pretreated for 2 h) and the NF-κB nuclear translocation inhibitor Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ, 10 μg/mL pretreatment for 4 h) respectively. The results indicate that the activation of the NF-κB pathway by ROS not only directly promotes the expression of inflammatory factors such as pro-IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, but also mediates the assembly of NLRP3 by ROS activation of NF-κB pathway, which indirectly promotes the expression of NLRP3. Finally, a high-degree of overlap between the expression of the NF-κB and NLRP3 and the activated regions of KCs, further support the importance of KCs in inflammation induced by low-dose CdTe QDs.

Abstract Background Maxillary posterior teeth have close anatomical proximity to the maxillary sinus floor (MSF), and the race, gender, age, side and presence/absence of adjacent teeth may influence the mean distances between the root apices and the MSF. This study aimed to evaluate both the relationship between the maxillary posterior teeth and MSF, and the influence of adjacent teeth loss on the distance between the maxillary posterior roots and MSF. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography images were collected from 1011 Chinese patients. The relationship between the maxillary posterior teeth and the MSF was divided into three types: Type OS (the root apex extending below/outside the MSF), Type CO (the root apex contacting with the MSF), Type IS (the root apex extending above/inside the MSF). The minimum vertical distances between the maxillary posterior roots apices and the MSF were recorded. The correlations of the distances with gender and age were analyzed. The distances between the maxillary posterior root apices and the MSF with different types of adjacent teeth loss was evaluated. Results Type OS was the most common relationship of all posterior root apices (P

ABSTRACT: Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the accuracies of arterial stimulation with simultaneous venous sampling (ASVS) in preoperative localization of insulinomas.Materials and Methods: A cohort consisting of 6 males and 14 females (median age, 48.5y; range, 28–62y) with pathologically proven insulinomas were included in this study. Selective angiographies were performed with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), gastroduodenal artery (GDA), proximal splenic artery, and midsplenic artery in all individuals. Then ASVS procedures were followed after angiographies for these arteries. Clinical characteristics of the patient and the tumor number, location, and size were recorded. The accuracy of preoperative localization of insulinomas was tested.Results: A total of 22 tumors were identified by histopathological diagnosis. The mean size of the tumor was 1.40±0.60cm. Five tumors were in the head/neck region and 17 in the body/tail region. ASVS accurately localized 17/20 (85%) cases with only biochemical data and 19/20 (95%) cases with biochemical data and angiography images. Variant pancreatic arterial anatomy was revealed in 2 false cases with inferior pancreatic artery replaced by the superior mesenteric artery.Conclusion: ASVS was highly accurate in localizing insulinomas and should be performed in most of the patients with suspected insulinomas before the operation. Keywords:: insulinomas, arterial stimulation with simultaneous venous sampling, localization diagnosis

Microneedle (MN) delivery system has been greatly developed to deliver drugs into the skin painlessly, noninvasively, and safety. In the past several decades, various types of MNs have been developed by the newer producing techniques. Briefly, as for the morphologically, MNs can be classified into solid, coated, dissolved, and hollow MN, based on the transdermal drug delivery methods of “poke and patch,” “coat and poke,” “poke and release,” and “poke and flow,” respectively. Microneedles also have other characteristics based on the materials and structures. In addition, various manufacturing techniques have been well-developed based on the materials. In this review, the materials, structures, morphologies, and fabricating methods of MNs are summarized. A separate part of the review is used to illustrate the application of MNs to deliver vaccine, insulin, lidocaine, aspirin, and other drugs. Finally, the review ends up with a perspective on the challenges in research and development of MNs, envisioning the future development of MNs as the next generation of drug delivery system.

Mesoporous calcium-silicate nanoparticles (MCSNs) are advanced biomaterials for drug delivery and mineralization induction. They can load silver and exhibit significantly antibacterial effects. However, the effects of MCSNs and silver-loaded MCSNs on dentin are unknown. The silver (Ag) and/or zinc (Zn) incorporated MCSNs (Ag-Zn-MCSNs) were prepared by a template method, and their characterizations were tested. Then the nanoparticles were filled into root canals and their effects on the dentin were investigated. Ag-Zn-MCSNs showed characteristics of mesoporous materials and sustained release of ions over time. Ag-Zn-MCSNs adhered well to the root canal walls and infiltrated into the dentinal tubules after ultrasound activation. Ag-Zn-MCSNs showed no significantly negative effects on either the flexural strength or the modulus of elasticity of dentin, while CH decreased the flexural strength of dentin significantly (P

A new type of flexible sensor, which could maintain the deformation consistency and achieve the real-time detection of the variation in load of the measured object, was proposed in this work. According to the principle of forced assembly, PDMS was used as the substrate of sensitive components and electrodes, while carbon fiber was added as a conductive medium to prepare a polymer-based flexible sensor, which effectively overcame the deformation limitation and output instability of conventional flexible sensors due to different substrates of sensitive components and the electrode. Combined with the sensor structure and the forced assembly method, a theoretical analysis of its conductive measurement mechanism was carried out. Meanwhile, an experimental test device was designed to test and analyze the output characteristics of the flexible sensor under a static and dynamic alternating load. The results show that the flexible sensor exhibited linear output under the dynamic alternating load of 10 kN to 60 kN and frequency of 3 Hz. Peak and valley value had the same phase with the load extremes. The dynamic and static experiments show that the resistance output signal and the sensitivity was in the range of 310~624.15 Ω and 171–183 N/Ω respectively. However, due to the hysteresis of the elastic recovery of the polymer, the output repeatability of the flexible sensor under the dynamic alternating load was 5.03% and 0.78% lower than that of the static load, respectively. Combined with the static and dynamic experiments, it was verified that the polymer-based flexible sensor can maintain the same deformation characteristics with the measured object, and at the same time outputted a resistance signal with a certain mapping relationship with the applied load. The repeatability of the output signal under dynamic and static experiments was within ±7%, which can meet the measurement requirements of the fatigue life of the measured body during periodic load.

Investigation of cell behavior under different environments and manual operations can give information in specific cellular processes. Among all cell-based analysis, single-cell study occupies a peculiar position, while it can avoid the interaction effect within cell groups and provide more precise information. Microfluidic devices have played an increasingly important role in the field of single-cell study owing to their advantages: high efficiency, easy operation, and low cost. In this review, the applications of polymer-based microfluidics on cell manipulation, cell treatment, and cell analysis at single-cell level are detailed summarized. Moreover, three mainly types of manufacturing methods, i.e., replication, photodefining, and soft lithography methods for polymer-based microfluidics are also discussed.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is able to non-invasively treat and diagnose various cancers and nonmalignant diseases by combining light, oxygen, and photosensitizers (PSs). However, the application of PDT is hindered by poor water solubility and limited light-penetration depth of the currently available photosensitizers (PSs). Water solubility of PSs is crucial for designing pharmaceutical formulation and administration routes. Wavelength of light source at visible range normally has therapeutic depth less than 1 mm. In this review, focus is on the recent research progress of metal-based nanoparticles being applied in PDT. The potential toxicity of these nanoscales and future directions are further discussed.

Light scattering material with gradient refractive index was prepared under the electrical field by taking methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer as the matrix with the addition of a little preheated styrene (ST) and peroxidation benzoin formyl (BPO). The material obtained under electrical field presented different transmittance and molecular weight at different parts of the cylindrical sample along the axis of the direction of electric field which led to the layering phenomenon and gradient refractive index. The disparity of molecular weight between different layers can be as much as 230 thousand. There were several peaks in the figure of GPC test of the sample under electric field. This proved that there were polymers with different molecular weights in the sample. Therefore, it can be concluded that electrical field has a significant effect on polymerization.