High Specificity For Detection Research Articles

Adaptive Segmentation of DAPI-stained, C-banded, Aggregated and Overlapping Chromosomes.

Existing algorithms for automated segmentation of chromosomes and centromeres do not work well for condensed, C-banded and DAPI-stained chromosomes and centromeres. Overlapping and aggregation, which frequently occur in metaphase spreads, introduce additional challenges to the counting of chromosomes and centromeres in the Dicentrics Chromosome Assay (DCA). In this paper, we introduce adaptive algorithms, for segmentation of difficult metaphase spreads that include overlapping and aggregated chromosomes. In order to enhance and segment chromosomes, two optimizations are done: (1) the best algorithm among several options is automatically chosen based on predefined figures of merit, (2) the algorithm is automatically optimized with a binary search to modify its parameters to achieve predefined thresholds. These algorithms are designed to separate mildly or moderately aggregated chromosomal clusters. The clusters are segmented by skeleton junctions, reduction of the overall object thickness, and the watershed algorithm. The chromosomes are characterized by rules we establish, using minimal assumptions. Centromeres are detected by detecting bright spots on the surface of the chromosomes, and then using cluster analysis and shape and intensity profiles to identify them as centromeres. High sensitivity and specificity for chromosome and centromere detection were achieved.

Challenges in the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Nervous System

Neurological involvement has been widely reported in SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, viral identification in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is rarely found. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of virological and immunological biomarkers in CSF for the diagnosis of neuroCOVID-19. We analyzed 69 CSF samples from patients with neurological manifestations: 14 with suspected/confirmed COVID-19, with 5 additional serial CSF samples (group A), and as a control, 50 non-COVID-19 cases (group B—26 with other neuroinflammatory diseases; group C—24 with non-inflammatory diseases). Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) was used to determine SARS-CoV-2, and specific IgG, IgM, neopterin, and protein 10 induced by gamma interferon (CXCL-10) were evaluated in the CSF samples. No samples were amplified for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR. The sensitivity levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM were 50% and 14.28%, respectively, with 100% specificity for both tests. CXCL-10 showed high sensitivity (95.83%) and specificity (95.83%) for detection of neuroinflammation. Serial CSF analysis showed an association between the neuroinflammatory biomarkers and outcome (death and hospital discharge) in two cases (meningoencephalitis and rhombencephalitis). The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and specific immunoglobulins in the CSF can be used for neuroCOVID-19 confirmation. Additionally, CXCL-10 in the CSF may contribute to the diagnosis and monitoring of neuroCOVID-19.

Electrochemical sensing technology based on a ligation-initiated LAMP-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a system for high-specificity detection of EGFR E746–A750 deletion mutation

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status is pivotal in predicting the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatments against tumors. Among EGFR mutations, the E746–A750 deletion is particularly common and accurately quantifying it can guide targeted therapies. This study introduces a novel visual sensing technology using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a system guided by ligation-initiated loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect the del E746–A750 mutation in EGFR. Conventional LAMP primers were simplified by designing a pair of target-specific stem-loop DNA probes, enabling selective amplification of the target DNA. The CRISPR/Cas12a system was employed to identify the target nucleic acid and activate Cas12a trans-cleavage activity, thereby enhancing the specificity of the assay. Furthermore, the biosensor utilized high-performance nanomaterials such as triangular gold nanoparticles and graphdiyne, known for their large specific surface area, to enhance sensitivity effectively as a sensing platform. The proposed biosensor demonstrated outstanding specificity, achieving a low detection limit of 17 fM (S/N=3). Consequently, this innovative strategy not only expands the application scope of CRISPR/Cas12a technology but also introduces a promising approach for clinical diagnostics in modern medicine.

Compact SERS detection system enabling automated assay on disc combined with advanced data analysis – A case study of methotrexate

The demand for a compact, all-in-one, sample-to-answer solution for analyzing small molecules within complex matrices is persistent and challenging in analytical chemistry. This manuscript presents a breakthrough in enabling surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) - based analytical assay in a compact detection system, integrating the sample preparation, detection, and data analysis enhanced by machine learning techniques. As a case study, methotrexate (MTX), an anticancer drug, was selected for detection in human serum.The compact tabletop Raman detection unit is equipped with a spectrometer and a motor for the rotation of the incorporated Lab-on-a-Disc unit, which allows simultaneous sample pretreatment of up to eight samples in less than 5 minutes and SERS mapping with a speed of 5 min/analysis. The automated program of the SERS on Disc system simplifies the workflow and enhances the efficiency of analyses.To address the complexity of serum before high sensitivity and specificity detection with SERS, we developed a sample preparation method on a microfluidic disc cartridge that involves precipitation and a nanopillar-assisted separation process, ensuring the isolation of MTX from other analytes. In addition, we implemented a machine learning technique, Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), to utilize the fingerprint of SERS spectra for precise and robust quantification of MTX, even in low concentrations. We calculated all figures of merit for the developed method and found that for the PLSR, the accuracy, precision, systematic error, sensitivity, analytical sensitivity, and inverse of analytical sensitivity were 9.41 μM, 9,45 μM, 0.98 μM, 211.64, 1.06 μM−1, and 0.94 μM respectively.

High-performance transistors based on monolayer all-inorganic two-dimensional halide perovskite Cs2PbI2Cl2 and its optoelectronic application

The two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden−Popper phase all-inorganic halide perovskite Cs2PbI2Cl2 has attracted tremendous attention because of its high carrier mobility, strong light-absorbing ability, and excellent environmental stability, possessing enormous potential for use as a high-performance optoelectronic device. Here, we present two transistor devices based on monolayer (ML) Cs2PbI2Cl2 and reveal their performance and current transport mechanisms through ab initio quantum transport calculations. The n-type 10 nm metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor shows a high on-state current Ion of 3160 μA/μm, and excellent performance regarding subthreshold swing, intrinsic delay time (τ), and power consumption, which completely match the International Roadmap for Device and Systems (2021 version) targets for high-performance devices and low-power devices in 2028. Moreover, phototransistors based on monolayer Cs2PbI2Cl2 also display a strong response to UV light, with a light-to-dark current ratio reaching a maximum of 104. Meanwhile, a high specific detectivity of 2.45 × 1011 Jones is obtained. The results of our study suggest that ML Cs2PbI2Cl2 is a promising candidate for high-performance transistors.

Association of serum biomarkers level transforming growth factor-β and tumor necrosis factor-α with diabetic neuropathy.

Many studies have examined the role of inflammation in the development of diabetic neuropathy (DPN). Evaluate the relation of the serum level of Transforming Growth Factor-β and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy DPN. In a case-control study, randomly selected 140 diabetic patients were included, the randomly selected patients were divided equally and matched into a case group who have diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy-free patients as a control group. For both groups whole blood sample was examined to compare for (TGF-β), and (TNF-α) levels determination by ELISA technique. The age of the study samples ranged from 25 to 80 years with a male ratio of 1.45:1 although the sex differences between both groups were not significant. The mean levels of (TNF-α) and (TGF-β) was significantly higher among cases group than that of controls group (254.86 ± 75.9 vs158.01 ± 50.600) for TNF-α and for TGF- β (312.85 ± 62.27 vs. 217.82 ± 52.95) respectively. Both TNF-α and TGF-β have high sensitivity and specificity in detection of DPN. The sensitivity of TNF-α was 95.7% and specificity of 61.4% area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.870 ± 0.029, while the sensitivity of TGF-β was 91.4%, and specificity of 67.1 with good area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.891 ± 0.026 (P=0.000). TNF-α and TGF -β are significantly elevated levels in patients with DPN, these cytokines could be used as indicators for the development of DPN.

Highly-efficient low-cost polarization-sensitive organic photodetectors based on laminated self-assembly planar and bulk heterojunctions

To overcome the severe problems arising from the insufficient light absorption of ultrathin self-assembly active layers and the high cost use of atomic force deposition (ALD)-grown low-leakage-current transport layers, we successfully developed a low-cost, simple and facile strategy of floating-film transfer and multilayer lamination (FFTML) for constructing highly-efficient ALD-free broadband polarization-sensitive organic photodetectors (OPDs) with the two commonly used structures of donor/acceptor planar heterojunction (PHJ) and donor:acceptor multilayer bulk heterojunction (BHJ). It was found that the PHJ-based polarization-sensitive OPD by FFTML possesses a low dark current due to the high carrier injection barrier, indicating it is more suitable to be applied in low polarized light detection scenarios. In contrast, the BHJ-based device by FFTML has a higher spectral responsivity in the whole wavelength due to more photo-excitons transferred to the donor:acceptor interface and dissociated into photoexcited carrirers. Furthermore, the film thickness, which is tuned by increasing lamination number of BHJ layers, has a big effect on the polarization-sensitive photodetection performance. The polarization-sensitive 4-BHJ OPD by FFTML finally achieved a high specific detectivity of 8.33 × 1010 Jones, which was much higher than 2.72 × 1010 Jones for the 2-BHJ device at 0 V. This work demonstrates that layer-by-layer lamination of self-assembly films can effectively improve the polarized-light detection performance, contributing significantly to the rapid development of the field.

High-Performance Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on Nanoporous GaN with a Ga2O3 Single-Crystal Layer.

The utilization of a nanoporous (NP) GaN fabricated by electrochemical etching has been demonstrated to be effective in the fabrication of a high-performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD). However, the NP-GaN PD typically exhibits a low light-dark current ratio and slow light response speed. In this study, we present three types of UV PDs based on an unetched GaN, NP-GaN distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), and NP-GaN-DBR with a Ga2O3 single-crystal film (Ga2O3/NP-GaN-DBR). The unetched GaN PD does not exhibit a significant photoresponse. Compared to the NP-GaN-DBR PD device, the Ga2O3/NP-GaN-DBR PD demonstrates a larger light-dark current ratio (6.14 × 103) and higher specific detectivity (8.9 × 1010 Jones) under 365 nm at 5 V bias due to its lower dark current (3.0 × 10-10 A). This reduction in the dark current can be attributed to the insertion of the insulating Ga2O3 between the metal and the NP-GaN-DBR, which provides a thicker barrier thickness and higher barrier height. Additionally, the Ga2O3/NP-GaN-DBR PD device exhibits shorter rise/decay times (0.33/0.23 s) than the NP-GaN-DBR PD, indicating that the growth of a Ga2O3 layer on the DBR effectively reduces the trap density within the NP-GaN DBR structure. Although the device with a Ga2O3 layer presents low photoresponsivity (0.1 A/W), it should be feasible to use Ga2O3 as a dielectric layer based on the above-mentioned reasons.

A Label-free Optical Biosensor-Based Point-of-Care Test for the Rapid Detection of Monkeypox Virus.

Diagnostic approaches that combine the high sensitivity and specificity of laboratory-based digital detection with the ease of use and affordability of point-of-care (POC) technologies could revolutionize disease diagnostics. This is especially true in infectious disease diagnostics, where rapid and accurate pathogen detection is critical to curbing the spread of disease. We have pioneered an innovative label-free digital detection platform that utilizes Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) technology. IRIS leverages light interference from an optically transparent thin film, eliminating the need for complex optical resonances to enhance the signal by harnessing light interference and the power of signal averaging in shot-noise-limited operation to achieve virtually unlimited sensitivity. In our latest work, we have further improved our previous 'Single-Particle' IRIS (SP-IRIS) technology by allowing the construction of the optical signature of target nanoparticles (whole virus) from a single image. This new platform, 'Pixel-Diversity' IRIS (PD-IRIS), eliminated the need for z-scan acquisition, required in SP-IRIS, a time-consuming and expensive process, and made our technology more applicable to POC settings. Using PD-IRIS, we quantitatively detected the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), the etiological agent for Monkeypox (Mpox) infection. MPXV was captured by anti-A29 monoclonal antibody (mAb 69-126-3) on Protein G spots on the sensor chips and were detected at a limit-of-detection (LOD) - of 200 PFU/ml (∼3.3 attomolar). PD-IRIS was superior to the laboratory-based ELISA (LOD - 1800 PFU/mL) used as a comparator. The specificity of PD-IRIS in MPXV detection was demonstrated using Herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1), and Cowpox virus (CPXV). This work establishes the effectiveness of PD-IRIS and opens possibilities for its advancement in clinical diagnostics of Mpox at POC. Moreover, PD-IRIS is a modular technology that can be adapted for the multiplex detection of pathogens for which high-affinity ligands are available that can bind their surface antigens to capture them on the sensor surface.

Highly sensitive MoS2 photodetector on polarized thin-film lithium niobate with extremely low dark current

To obtain high performance optoelectronic devices, ferroelectric materials have received a lot of attention due to the various emerging effects on channel materials induced by the ferroelectric polarization. In this work, a special photodetector with the channel material of a triple-layer MoS2 on a polarized LiNbO3 substrate was fabricated. The device has a high responsivity of 113.1[Formula: see text]A/W and a high specific detectivity of up to [Formula: see text] Jones under red illumination, while maintaining the rise and fall time of 32 and 22[Formula: see text]ms, respectively. Meanwhile, the dark current of this device can be as low as [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A with a bias of 5.0[Formula: see text]V because the channel material MoS2 is almost depleted under the internal electrical field induced by the polarized LiNbO3. This work promises a feasible way for the future development of integrated high-sensitivity photodetectors.

Establishment of an amplification strategy - specific binding - convenient processing integrated aflatoxin B1 detection method based on Fe3O4-NH4/AuNPs/apt-S1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent toxin in food, necessitating rapid, instant, and sensitive detection. We have engineered an electrochemical sensor to monitor AFB1 using a system composed of Fe3O4-NH4/AuNPs/apt-S1. The aptamer specifically recognizes AFB1, while ‘S1’ is functionalized with methylene blue to enhance the current. The RecJf exonuclease promotes the formation of the electrochemical strategy. The Fe3O4 component, with its magnet properties, enables a rapid separation of solids and liquids without the need for instrumentation. The sensor exhibits a linear range for AFB1 ranging from 1 ng to 10 μg. The regression equation is I(nA) = 446.8 × logc+2085 (where I and c represent the peak current and AFB1 concentration, respectively). The correlation coefficient is 0.9508, and the detection limit is 3.447 nM. The relative standard deviation of AFB1 in peanut oil ranges from 4.49% to 6.80%. These results demonstrate that the sensor has high sensitivity, stability, repeatability, and specificity for AFB1 detection.

A “turn-on” fluorescence probe based on a novel hypochlorous acid-induced cyclization response mechanism, and its applications in real water samples and bioimaging in vitro and in vivo

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), as an important reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays key roles in normal physiological activities. Simultaneously, HOCl is also an efficient and strong oxidant, and is widely used in disease prevention and disinfection. Nevertheless, abnormal expression or excessive intake of HOCl may cause some serious diseases. Accordingly, the high sensitivity and specificity detection of HOCl in organisms and the environment is significant for understanding its roles in biology and environmental protection. Herein, a novel responsive 1,8-naphthalimide-based fluorescence probe PNL for the detection of HOCl was reported by a novel recognition mechanism. In the presence of HOCl, the PET effect of PNL was inhibited by the HOCl-induced cyclization reaction, leading to the “turn-on” fluorescence response. The recognition mechanism of PNL towards HOCl was determined by HR-MS, and the fluorescence “turn-on” sensing mechanism was rationalized via DFT calculation. PNL possesses the advantages of short response time (10 s), excellent selectivity, low cytotoxicity and reliability at a wide range of pH (3.0-11.5). Furthermore, the quantitative determinations of HOCl in practical water samples were achieved via the smartphone using PNL as the probe. Most importantly, the applications of PNL in fluorescent imaging of HOCl in vitro and the visualization of HOCl in an inflammatory model were successfully demonstrated. The development of PNL would also provide more abundant design strategies for the construction of HOCl fluorescence probes in the future.

Revealing the photo-sensing capabilities of a super-flexible, paper-based wearable a-Ga2O3 self-driven ultra-high-performance solar-blind photodetector

To address the growing demand for wearable optoelectronic devices in secure communication, environmental monitoring, biomedical, and military applications, the development of self-driven solar-blind photodetectors (SBPDs) is crucial. This work reports the fabrication of super-flexible, wearable, and ultralight self-driven SBPD based on an amorphous-Ga2O3 film grown on various paper substrates (including glossy, parchment, and 75 GSM paper) with interdigitated Pt electrodes using a magnetron sputtering. The developed device on glossy, parchment, and 75 GSM paper exhibits superior responsivity of 8.30 mAW−1, 14.53 mAW−1, and 20.96 mAW−1, along with a fast response speed of 115/118 ms, 90/95 ms, and 65/67 ms for 266 nm light irradiation under self-driven conditions. Comparatively superior performance is recorded for 75 GSM paper-based device, owing to their surface roughness, porosity, and microfibrous structure, which enhance light absorption in the device. In addition, the developed device shows an ultraviolet C-to-visible rejection ratio of over ∼ 106, a high specific detectivity of 2.01 × 1011 Jones, a high responsivity of 1.38 × 103 mAW−1 and a low noise equivalent power of 2.44 × 10-13 WHz−1/2 at a 5 V bias on 75 GSM paper. The photocurrent remains close to its initial values even when bent to lo/l = 5, demonstrating outstanding flexibility, bending endurance, and deformability. The performance of the self-driven PD remains stable over two months and steady up to 600 bending cycles. Further, the fabricated device underwent thorough testing across various wearable applications, and the analysis demonstrates discernible alteration in its performance across real-world scenarios. This technique paves the way for developing self-driven paper-based SBPDs with high-performance, wearable, next-generation flexible optoelectronic device applications.

High Sensitive and Stable UV-Vis Photodetector Based on MoS2/MoO3 vdW Heterojunction.

The development of new high-performance photodetectors (PDs) is currently focused on achieving small size, low power consumption, low cost, and large bandwidth. Two-dimensional (2D) materials and heterostructures offer promising approaches for the future development of optoelectronic devices. However, there has been limited research on 2D wide-bandgap semiconductor heterostructures. In this study, we successfully constructed a MoS2/MoO3 vdW heterojunction PD. This PD exhibited excellent response and significant photovoltaic behavior in the ultraviolet (UV) to visible (Vis) range. Under 365 nm UV light and 1 V bias voltage, the PD demonstrated a high responsivity of 645 mA/W, a high specific detectivity of 8.98 × 1010 Jones, and fast response speeds of 55.9/59.6 ms. At 0 V bias voltage, the responsivity reached as high as 157 mA/W. Furthermore, the PD exhibited remarkable stability in its performance. These outstanding characteristics can be attributed to the strong internal electric field created by the type II heterojunction structure and the chemical stability of the materials. This work opens a route for the application of 2D wide-bandgap semiconductor materials in optoelectronic devices.

Bias‐Switchable Dual‐Mode Organic Photodetector with High Operational Stability Using Self‐Trapped Cs3Cu2I5 Interfacial Layer

AbstractConventional photovoltaic (PV)‐photodetectors are hard to detect fainted signals, while photomultiplication (PM)‐capable devices indispensable for detecting weak light and are prone to degrade under strong light illumination and large bias, and it is urgent to realize highly efficient integrated detecting system with both PM and PV operation modes. In this work, one lead‐free Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals with self‐trapping exciton nature was introduced as interfacial layer adjacent to bulk and layer‐by‐layer heterojunction structure, and corresponding organic photodetectors with bias‐switchable dual modes are demonstrated. The fabricated device exhibits low operating bias (0 V for PV mode and 0.8 V for PM mode), high specific detectivity (~1013 Jones), fast response speed as low as 1.59 μs, large bandwidth over 0.2 MHz and long‐term operational stability last for 4 months in ambient condition. This synergy strategy also validated in different materials and device architectures, providing a convenient and scalable production process to develop highly efficient bias‐switchable multi‐functional organic optoelectrical applications.

Vacuum‐Deposited Perovskite Photodiodes for Visible and X‐Ray Photon Detection

AbstractMetal halide perovskite photodiodes have garnered extensive attention owing to their favorable optoelectronic properties, rendering them attractive for visible, near‐infrared, and X‐ray sensors. However, their predominant reliance on solution‐processing deposition techniques poses challenges for seamless integration into existing industrial processes. In this study, this limitation is addressed by developing fully vacuum‐processed perovskite photodiodes with varying hole transport layers (HTL). These findings underscore the critical role of HTL selection in influencing the dark and noise current characteristics of the diodes. With an optimized HTL, photodiodes are obtained with low noise current (≈3 10−14 A Hz−1/2) and high specific detectivity (≈1012 Jones at 710 nm at −0.5 V). The photodiodes are also tested as X‐ray detectors and are found to be stable under X‐ray radiation, with state‐of‐the‐art sensitivity of 33 ± 4 µC Gy−1 cm−2 and a low limit of detection of 2.0 ± 1.6 µG s−1. These insights contribute to the development of perovskite photodiodes with improved performance and broader industrial applicability.

Label-free detection of platelet-derived growth factor-BB via liquid crystal/aqueous interface functionalized using a double-stranded DNA probe

A liquid crystal (LC)-filled transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grid cell coated with cationic surfactant octyltrimethylammonium bromide (OTAB) and adsorbed with a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) probe at the LC/aqueous interface (TEMOTAB/DNA) was utilized for the highly specific detection of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). Upon adsorption of the OTAB-coated 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) on the TEM grid (TEMOTAB) and subsequent adsorption of the dsDNA probe, a homeotropic orientation was observed. Subsequently, the TEMOTAB/DNA biosensor was exposed to PDGF-BB, which induced a homeotropic-to-planar configurational change in 5CB, as observed using polarized optical microscopy with crossed polarizers. The optimized adsorption density of the dsDNA probe facilitated the detection of 2.63 pg mL−1 PDGF-BB in the detection range of 5–200 pg mL−1. Remarkably, this LC-based biosensor discriminated PDGF-BB from bovine serum albumin, immunoglobulin G, hemoglobin, carcinoembryonic antigen, epidermal growth factor, PDGF-AA, and PDGF-AB. The application potential of this sensor was further demonstrated by its effective performance in detecting PDGF-BB in both human serum and synthetic urine samples. Because of its high specificity, sensitivity, and label-free detection capabilities, this biosensor has potential applications in cancer detection.

Diagnostic value of MR and CT enterography in post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Post-operative recurrence is a critical issue in the surveillance of Crohn's disease after ileocecal resection. This meta-analysis aims to assess the diagnostic yield of enterography techniques in post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease. A systematic electronic bibliographic databases search was conducted. The inclusion criteria of original articles were: Utilized MR enterography or CT enterography after ileocolonic resection; Documented recurrence by ileo-colonoscopy (Rutgeerts' score ≥ i2); Provided crude data of diagnostic performance. A random-effect method was used for analysis. Relative risk and diagnostic value of each imaging feature were calculated. Eleven studies (11 populations and 589 patients) were included (4 CTE and 7 MRE with 248 and 341 patients, respectively). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the enterography were 91% (95% CI: 0.85-0.95) and 75% (95% CI: 0.56-0.87), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CTE were 93% (95% CI: 0.87-0.96) and 67% (95% CI: 0.35-0.90), respectively. MRE revealed pooled sensitivity and specificity of 90% (95% CI: 0.78-0.96) and 78% (95% CI: 0.57-0.90), respectively. The inter-study heterogeneity was low for sensitivity (I2 = 29%, p-value = 0.17) and high for specificity (I2 = 85%, p-value < 0.01). Wall enhancement, anastomosis wall thickening, anastomosis stenosis, pre-anastomotic dilatation, penetrating lesion, comb sign, and perivisceral edema were significantly higher in POR patients. Wall thickening and penetrating lesion were the most sensitive (81%) and specific (97%) findings, respectively. MRE and CTE exhibit high sensitivity and acceptable specificity (especially MRE) for detection of recurrence in Crohn's disease which makes them an effective initial screening tool and reserves ileo-colonoscopy for those patients with inconclusive enterography results.

Detection of miR-203 expression using a nanofluorescent probe to study the neuroprotective effect of sevoflurane in a neuroinflammatory injury rat model

Ischemic cerebrovascular disease has high disability and mortality rates that can result in related sequelae if not treated promptly and properly. Nanofluorescent probes are useful in the early diagnosis of the disease due to their high sensitivity and specificity, thus facilitating early therapeutic measures and observation of disease progression. Here, a novel nanostructure probe was designed to detect the expression of miR-203 in a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) model after sevoflurane treatment, and the effects of sevoflurane and neuroinflammatory injury were discussed. A CIRI rat model was established to study miR-203 expression, nerve injury, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors in the brain tissue of rats treated with sevoflurane. The nanofluorescent probe showed high specificity and sensitivity for miR-203 detection. miR-203 was over-expressed in CIRI rats, which was decreased by sevoflurane treatment. In addition, sevoflurane treatment significantly improved neurological function, learning, and memory in CIRI rats; decreased malondialdehyde, lactate dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase levels; and inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukins 1 and 6. Moreover, an inverse correlation was determined between miR-203 expression and the degree of neuroinflammation. This study demonstrated that miR-203 may be a useful diagnostic and prognostic index for neuroinflammatory injury.

SnS Quantum Dots Enhancing Carbon-Based Hole Transport Layer-Free Visible Photodetectors.

The recombination of charges and thermal excitation of carriers at the interface between methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (PVK) and the carbon electrode are crucial factors that affect the optoelectronic performance of carbon-based hole transport layer (HTL)-free perovskite photodetectors. In this work, a method was employed to introduce SnS quantum dots (QDs) on the back surface of perovskite, which passivated the defect states on the back surface of perovskite and addressed the energy-level mismatch issue between perovskite and carbon electrode. Performance testing of the QDs and the photodetector revealed that SnS QDs possess energy-level structures that are well matched with perovskite and have high absorption coefficients. The incorporation of these QDs into the interface layer effectively suppresses the dark current of the photodetector and greatly enhances the utilization of incident light. The experimental results demonstrate that the introduction of SnS QDs reduces the dark current by an order of magnitude compared to the pristine device at 0 V bias and increases the responsivity by 10%. The optimized photodetector exhibits a wide spectral response range (350 nm to 750 nm), high responsivity (0.32 A/W at 500 nm), and high specific detectivity (>1 × 1012 Jones).