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One-pot ethanol production, which involves successive biomass pretreatments, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation in a single vessel, is essential for practical bioethanol production. To achieve this, low-toxicity pretreatment solvents such as a zwitterionic liquid, OE2imC3C, are necessary. Although the cellulose-dissolving ability of OE2imC3C has been studied, its biomass pretreatment ability has not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we investigated the biomass pretreatment ability of OE2imC3C at various temperatures and concentrations. The mildest conditions for successful pretreatment were 75 wt% OE2imC3C at 90 °C. On the other hand, OE2imC3C exhibited a lower pretreatment ability than [C2mim]OAc, which is the best-known cellulose-dissolving ionic liquid. The main reason for the low pretreatment ability of OE2imC3C was its high viscosity. Reducing their viscosity is a key factor for designing zwitterionic liquids with high pretreatment ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hip fractures in older people result in increased mortality. Objective We developed and validated an accurate and simple prognostic scoring system for hip fractures that can be used preoperatively. Design Retrospective study. Setting Multicenter. Participants Patients aged ≥65 years with hip fractures who underwent surgery between 2011 and 2021 were enrolled. Methods The significant factors were determined with logistic regression analysis, and a scoring system was developed. The patients were classified into three groups, and a log-rank test was performed to evaluate 1-year survival rates. The model was internally and externally validated using the 5-fold cross-validation and data from another hospital, respectively. Results We included 1026 patients. The analysis revealed eight significant prognostic factors: sex, body mass index, history of chronic heart failure and malignancy, activities of daily living (ADLs) before injury, hemoglobin and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) at injury, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) after internal validation was 0.853. The external validation data consisted of 110 patients. The AUC of the model for the validation data was 0.905, showing outstanding discrimination. Sensitivity and specificity were 88.7% vs. 100% and 93.3% vs. 95.2% for the development and validation data, respectively. Conclusions We developed and validated an accurate and simple prognostic scoring system for hip fractures using only preoperative factors. Our findings highlight PNI as an important predictor of prognosis in hip fracture patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articular cartilage receives nutrients and oxygen from the synovial fluid to maintain homeostasis. However, compared to tissues with abundant blood flow, articular cartilage is exposed to a hypoxic environment (i.e., physioxia) and has an enhanced hypoxic stress response. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) play a pivotal role in this physioxic environment. In normoxic conditions, HIFs are downregulated, whereas in physioxic conditions, they are upregulated. The HIF-α family comprises three members: HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-3α. Each member has a distinct function in articular cartilage. In osteoarthritis, which is primarily caused by degeneration of articular cartilage, HIF-1α is upregulated in chondrocytes and is believed to protect articular cartilage by acting anabolically on it. Conversely, in contrast to HIF-1α, HIF-2α exerts a catabolic influence on articular cartilage. It may therefore be possible to develop a new treatment for OA by controlling the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α with drugs or by altering the oxygen environment in the joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Econazole is a widely used imidazole derivative antifungal for treating skin infections. The molecular targets for its frequent adverse effects of skin irritation symptoms, such as pruritus, burning sensation, and pain, have not been clarified. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, non-selective cation channels, are mainly expressed in peripheral sensory neurons and serve as sensors for various irritants. Methods: We investigated the effect of econazole on TRP channel activation by measuring intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) through fluorescent ratio imaging in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from wild-type, TRPA1(−/−) and TRPV1(−/−) mice, as well as in heterologously TRP channel-expressed cells. A cheek injection model was employed to assess econazole-induced itch and pain in vivo. Results: Econazole evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i, which was abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ in mouse DRG neurons. The [Ca2+]i responses to econazole were suppressed by a TRPA1 blocker but not by a TRPV1 blocker. Attenuation of the econazole-induced [Ca2+]i responses was observed in the TRPA1(−/−) mouse DRG neurons but was not significant in the TRPV1(−/−) neurons. Econazole increased the [Ca2+]i in HEK293 cells expressing TRPA1 (TRPA1-HEK) but not in those expressing TRPV1, although at higher concentrations, it induced Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores in untransfected naïve HEK293 cells. Miconazole, which is a structural analog of econazole, also increased the [Ca2+]i in mouse DRG neurons and TRPA1-HEK, and its nonspecific action was larger than econazole. Fluconazole, a triazole drug failed to activate TRPA1 and TRPV1 in mouse DRG neurons and TRPA1-HEK. Econazole induced itch and pain in wild-type mice, with reduced responses in TRPA1(−/−) mice. Conclusions: These findings suggested that the imidazole derivatives econazole and miconazole may induce skin irritation by activating nociceptive TRPA1 in the sensory neurons. Suppression of TRPA1 activation may mitigate the adverse effects of econazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imidazolium/phosphate zwitterionic liquid synthesised in this study dissolved cellulose and satisfies all other properties required for efficient cellulosic bioethanol production such as liquid at room temperature and low toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 65-year-old woman presented with right elbow pain after a fall. Imaging showed an avulsion fracture of the olecranon. The patient subsequently underwent surgery using the suture bridge technique with anchors. However, loosening was observed intraoperatively. Therefore, a McLaughlin cerclage with an artificial ligament was added, resulting in a rigid fixation. Bone union was achieved at 4 months postoperatively. At 18 months postoperatively, no limitation was observed in the range of motion of the elbow joint; the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 0. McLaughlin cerclage with an artificial ligament provided additional fixation, demonstrating greater strength compared with suture anchors and minimizing the risk of cut-through in the osteoporotic bone. This approach offers a promising alternative for such cases by combining firm fixation with a reduced risk of complications, particularly in older patients with osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) can result in poor outcomes if inadequately treated. Dynamic external fixation and internal fixation with plates and/or screws are two treatment options. The role of combining these two methods is unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the outcomes of patients with intra-articular fractures of the PIPJ treated with a combination of dynamic external fixation with a plate and/or screws. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 18 consecutive cases of intra-articular fractures of the PIPJ treated with pins and rubber band traction system (PRTS) combined with dorsal internal fixation with plates and/or screws. The patients' average age was 51 years (range: 20–81 years). The fracture patterns were volar-type (n = 2), dorsal-type (n = 4) and pilon-type (n = 12). Data with regard to time to surgery, interphalangeal joint range of motion, grip strength, VAS for pain, Quick DASH score, complications, duration of follow-up and return to work were collected. Results: The levels of articular involvement were stable (n = 1), tenuous (n = 5) and unstable (n = 12). The average time to surgery was 9 days, and the average follow-up period was 15 months. The fracture was fixed with a dorsal plate and screws in 10 patients and with only screws in eight patients. All patients had PRTS. All patients returned to their original occupation and the fractures united in good alignment. The average grip strength was 86% of that of the unaffected side. The average active PIPJ motion was 85° (range: 50°–106°), and the average active distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) motion was 48° (range: 10°–90°). Conclusions: Our results show that a combination of PRTS and open reduction and fixation with plate and/or screws achieved a good range of motion and articular reduction. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]