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Heavy crude oil rich in colloid and asphaltene is widely used in human life, but the collection and clean-up of its spills are difficult because of its high viscosity and low flowability. Herein, the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/reduced graphene oxide (ZIF-8/RGO) hybrid aerogels are prepared by in situ anchoring ZIF-8 particles onto anisotropic RGO aerogel for efficient clean-up of spilled heavy crude oil. The solar-thermal ZIF-8/RGO hybrid aerogel with numerous vertical microchannels is efficient in decreasing viscosity and improving flowability of heavy crude oil because of the high solar light absorption and solar-thermal energy conversion capabilities of the RGO and the increased solar light diffuse reflection path and hydrophobicity of the aerogel by ZIF-8. Under 1-sun irradiation, the surface temperature of the aerogel reaches rapidly to 70 °C within 1 min. At the same time, the viscosity of the heavy crude oil falls quickly from 105 to 103 mPa s, and the maximum adsorption capacity of heavy crude oil reaches 112 g g−1 within 9 min. Moreover, the hybrid aerogel exhibits satisfactory adsorption and cycling ability to various organic solvents and oily media. The excellent solar-thermal energy conversion and high adsorption capacities make the anisotropic aerogel promising for efficient clean-up of spilled heavy crude oil. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corydalis saxicola Bunting (CS), a traditional Chinese folk medicine, has been effectively used for treating liver disease in Zhuang nationality in South China. However, the main anti-liver fibrosis ingredients in CS are incompletely understood. To elucidate the main anti-liver fibrosis ingredients in CS and its underlying mechanism. Firstly, spectrum-effect relationship (SER) strategy was applied to identify the major ingredients against liver fibrosis in CS. Subsequently, 1H NMR metabonomics and metagenomics sequencing techniques were used to clarify the intervention of palmatine (PAL) on liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the expression of tight junction proteins and the levels of liver inflammation factors were examined, the effect of PAL on microbiota was verified by FMT. The SER model revealed that PAL was the most important active ingredient in CS. 1H NMR fecal metabonomics showed that PAL could reserve the abnormal levels of gut microbial-mediated metabolites of liver fibrosis, such as isoleucine, taurine, butyrate, propionate, lactate, glucose, which mainly involved in amino acid metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism and energy metabolism. Metagenomics sequencing found that PAL could callback the abundance of s__Lactobacillus_murinus, s__Lactobacillus_reuteri, s__Lactobacillus_johnsonii, s__Lactobacillus_acidophilus and s__Faecalibaculum_rodentium to varying degree. Furthermore, the intestinal barrier function and the levels of hepatic inflammation factors were significantly ameliorated by PAL. FMT demonstrated that the therapeutic efficiency of PAL was closely associated with gut microbiota. The effects of CS on liver fibrosis were attributed in part to PAL by alleviating metabolic disorders and rebalancing gut microbiota. The SER strategy may be a useful method for the discovery of active constituents in natural plants. • SER strategy was used to identify the main active ingredients in CS. • PAL was revealed as the main component of CS against liver fibrosis. • PAL could improve CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis by ameliorating metabolic disorder and rebalancing gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer has been the most commonly-diagnosed cancer worldwide, and the treatment and prognosis of which are often limited by breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Litchi seeds have shown good anti-cancer activity in various cancers including prostate cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. However, the activity and underlying mechanism of Litchi seeds against BCSCs remain unknown. To investigate the activity and mechanism of total flavonoids of litchi seed (TFLS) against BCSCs in vitro and in vivo. Two orthotopic xenograft mouse models were established using HCC1806 cells pretreated or untreated with TFLS to determine whether TFLS could target BCSCs in vivo. Mammosphere formation and flow cytometry assays were employed to evaluate the effect of TFLS on BCSCs in vitro. The underlying mechanism was investigated using RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence experiments. TFLS could significantly inhibit the viability of HCC1806, MCF-7 and HCC1937 cells in vitro and suppress the growth of HCC1806 cells in vivo. TFLS attenuated stem cell-like properties of breast cancer through reducing the percentage of CD44+CD24-/low cells, inhibiting the mammospheres formation and down-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of cancer stem cells related markers (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2) in MCF-7 and HCC1806 cells. Meanwhile, TFLS suppressed the tumor-initiating ability of BCSCs via reducing the percentage of CD44+CD24-/low cells in tumor and lowering tumor incidence rate in orthotopic xenograft mice. In addition, TFLS treatments restricted the expression and nuclear translocation of Notch3, subsequently down-regulated Hes1 and Runx2 expressions. TFLS could suppress the growth of breast cancer and eliminate breast cancer stem cells by inhibiting the Notch3 signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • TFLS inhibit breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. • TFLS attenuate breast cancer stem cells in vitro and restrict their tumorigenic ability in vivo. • TFLS decrease the expression and nuclear translocation of Notch3, subsequently down-regulate Hes1 and Runx2 expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of rare skeletal diseases is based primarily on clinical phenotype and radiographic analysis. Genetic etiology of these heterogeneous diseases remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification of two genomic mutations using exome sequencing from patients with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) of an unusual family in autosomal dominant and X-linked inheritance. A dominant mutation (c.2224G > A; p.Gly687Ser) in the known causal COL2A1 gene was identified in three patients with MED, deformed femoral heads and vertebral dysplasia. Furthermore, a hemizygous mutation (c.2830G > A; p.Ala944Thr) in the USP9X gene was identified in the fourth patient with short stature, MED, deformed femoral head, thoracic and lumbar platyspondyly, right ankle condyle dysplasia, and subchondral sclerosis. This is the first identification of an X-linked candidate causative gene in a patient with MED, suggesting a new clinical entity. Our findings shed a new light on the role of USP9X in MED-associated disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marsdenia tenacissima injection (MTE), a traditional Chinese medical injection extracted from the rattan of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon, has been approved for clinical use in China as an adjuvant therapeutic agent in multiple cancers, including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. However, the activity and mechanism of MTE on prostate cancer (PCa) remain to be defined. To investigate the activity and the underlying mechanism of MTE in the treatment of PCa. The component characterization of MTE was analyzed by HPLC-CAD-QTOF-MS/MS technology. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess PCa cell proliferation. Colony formation assay was applied to detect the clonogenic ability of the cells. MetaboAnalyst5.0 database was employed to analyze the altered metabolites of PC3 cells treated with MTE obtained by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Combined with metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology, we predicted the potential targets, which further were verified by Western Blot, RT-qPCR, and Immunohistochemistry assays. Finally, SeeSAR software was applied to predict the potential active components of MTE against PCa. A total of 21 components in MTE were confirmed by HPLC-CAD-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. MTE inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of PCa cells. A total of 20 metabolites closely related to glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were significantly changed in PC3 cells treated with MTE. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that MTE suppressed the growth of PC3 cells might by regulating the ErbB2-GSK3β-HIF1α signaling axis. Furthermore, we also confirmed that stimulation of MTE significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ErbB2 at Tyr877 and the activities of its downstream signal transducers (GSK3β and HIF1α) in PCa, as well as the mRNA levels of critical factors (IDH2, LDHA, and HIF1A) in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Molecular docking further suggested that Tenacissimoside E, cryptochlorogenic acid, and scopoletin might be the active ingredients of MTE for PCa treatment. This study proposed that MTE exerts a potential anti-tumor effect in PCa through inhibiting ErbB2-GSK3β-HIF1α signaling axis, which may be related to the TCA cycle. [Display omitted] • MTE inhibits the proliferation of PCa cells. • ErbB2-GSK3β-HIF1α signaling axis is involved in the activity of MTE against PCa. • MTE alters the metabolism of PC3 cells by reducing the mRNA levels of IDH2 and LDHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A tissue-engineered scaffold with nano-silver and collagen type I was constructed and investigated for its ability to adsorb laminin and the usefulness in the repair and regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves in animals. The nano-silver scaffold displayed ideal microtubule structure under electronic microscope; even distribution of the nano-silver particles was also seen with energy spectrometry. After immersion in a laminin solution, the laminin-attached scaffolds were implanted into rabbits to repair a 10-mm injury of the sciatic nerve. At 30 days post-implantation, regeneration of the damaged nerve was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, electrophysiological examination and fluoro-gold (FG) retrograde labelling. Compared with the control collagen-scaffold without nano-silver, the nano-silver-containing scaffold showed a higher rate of laminin adsorption, regenerated a nerve with a thicker myelin sheath and improved the nerve conduction velocity and nerve potential amplitude. FG retrograde labelled the newly grown axons in the spinal cord cortex anterior horn and the dorsal root ganglion. These results demonstrate the superior functionality of the nano-silver–collagen scaffold in the adsorption to laminin and subsequent regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We had reported that cajanolactone A (CLA) from Cajanus cajan dose-dependently inhibited ovariectomy-induced obesity and liver steatosis in mice, showing potential to prevent postmenopausal obesity and fatty liver. In this study, the role of CLA in the regulation of energy and lipid homeostasis was investigated. Ovariectomized mice treated with CLA or vehicle for 12 weeks were performed a 48 h monitoring for energy metabolism and food uptake. After that, hypothalami, perigonadal (pWATs), inguinal (iWATs) and brown (BATs) adipose tissues, livers, sera, and fecal and cecal contents were collected and analyzed. In CLA-treated mice, we observed reduced food uptake; increased energy expenditure; inhibited expression of orexigenic genes (ORX , ORXR2 , pMCH and Gal) in the hypothalami, of lipogenic genes (CD36 , SREBP-1c , ChREBP , PPARγ) in the livers, and of lipid storage proteins in the WATs (FSP27, MEST and caveolin-1) and livers (FSP27, Plin2 and Plin5); stimulated expression of metabolism-related proteins (pATGL and Echs1) in the adipose tissues and of thermogenic protein (UCP1) in the inguinal WATs; increased BAT content; increased mitochondria in the pWATs and livers; inhibited angiogenesis in the pWATs; and altered gut microbiome diversity with an increased abundance of Bacteroides. CLA prevents ovariectomy-induced obesity and liver steatosis via regulating energy intake and lipid synthesis/storage, promoting UCP1-dependent heat production, and protecting the mitochondrial function of hepatocytes and adipocytes. The improved gut microecology and inhibited angiogenesis may also contribute to the anti-obese activity of CLA. [Display omitted] • The stilbene cajanolactone A protects the ovariectomized mice fed a high-fat diet from obesity and fatty liver through reducing the food uptake and promoting the energy expenditure. • CLA reduces food uptake through downregulating the expression of orexigenic genes in the hypothalamus. • CLA Promotes energy expenditure through protecting the brown and beige adipose tissues and the mitochondria. • Altered gut microecology may contribute to the antiobese effect of CLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn is a vine distributed in southwest area of China and used in folk medicine for treatment of tumors. Recent decades of studies on this plant reveal its synergistic effects with certain anticancer drugs in cancer therapy. In our previous study, an extract ETA which contains total aglycones made from M. tenacissima significantly enhanced antitumor activity of paclitaxel in tumor-bearing mice. However, the effective constituents in ETA and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the study Reveal the active components in ETA as well as the molecular mechanism in enhancing antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel. Material and methods Main constituents in ETA were purified by chemical methods. Effects of the purified constituents on metabolic activity of CYP450 enzymes were evaluated in human liver microsomes. Ability of the constituents to enhance antitumor activity of paclitaxel were investigated in nude mice bearing HeLa tumors. Pharmacokinetic study was performed in SD rats. Molecular docking was carried out for investigation of drug-protein interactions. Results Three main C 21 steroidal aglycones, 11α- O -tigloyl-12β- O -acetyl-tenacigenin B (MT1), 11α- O -2-methylbutanoyl-12β- O -tigloyl-tenacigenin B (MT2) and 11α- O -2-methylbutanoyl-12β- O -acetyl-tenacigenin B (MT3), together with tenacigenin B (MT4) was prepared from ETA. Among them, MT1 , MT2 and MT3 strongly inhibit the metabolic activity of CYP3A4. MT2 also showed inhibitory effects on CYP2C8, CYP2B6 and CYP2C19. In HeLa tumor xenografts, MT1 , MT2 and MT3 (30 mg/kg) did not affect tumor growth themselves, but significantly enhanced paclitaxel-induced growth inhibition. In addition, coadministration of MT2 with paclitaxel resulted in significant reduction of liver CYP2C8. In pharmacokinetic study, MT2 significantly increased the blood concentration of paclitaxel with increased AUC value by 2.2–5.3 folds. Molecular docking analysis suggested hydrophobic interaction modes of tenacigenin B derivatives with CYP3A4, and also the essential roles of the C-11 and C-12 ester groups for effective interaction with CYP3A4. Conclusion Our study proves that, 11α- O -tigloyl-12β- O -acetyl-tenacigenin B, 11α- O -2-methylbutanoyl-12β- O -tigloyl-tenacigenin B and 11α- O -2-methylbutanoyl-12β- O -acetyl-tenacigenin B, which are the main constituents of ETA, are active inhibitors of CYP3A4 with potential to increase therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4. Tenacigenin B derivatives with C-11 and C-12 ester group substitutions, or at least a large part of them, are active components in ETA and M. tenacissima to enhance in vivo antitumor efficacies of paclitaxel. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the clinical efficacy of the minimally invasive technique and the open method in the treatment of irreducible unilateral subaxial cervical facet joint dislocation (SCFD). From March 2015 to September 2018, 62 patients with unilateral SCFD were studied. The cases were divided into 2 groups based on different surgery strategies. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group, and 31 patients were enrolled in the open surgery group. The duration of prone position operation, blood loss, and total hospitalization costs were recorded. The clinical effects were evaluated using visual analogue scale scores, the Oswestry Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores at each follow-up. In addition, the segmental Cobb angle and intervertebral height were recorded and compared. The amount of intraoperative blood loss, prone position operation duration, and total hospital costs in the MIS group were significantly lower than in the open surgery group. The visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores of the 2 groups significantly improved after the operation. A satisfactory fusion rate was obtained in both groups, and the segmental Cobb angle and intervertebral height scores in both groups improved significantly. Minimally invasive reduction had equal clinical efficacy to posterior open surgery. However, MIS was less invasive and had lower costs. Therefore, it is a potential option in the treatment of SCFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fufang Luohanguo Qingfei granules (LQG) is a Chinese patent medicine, clinically used to treat flu-like symptoms including cough with yellow phlegm, impeded phlegm, dry throat and tongue. However, the protective activity of LQG against influenza infection is indeterminate. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of LQG on influenza infection and elucidate its underlying mechanism. In vivo : A viral susceptible mouse model induced by restraint stress was established to investigate LQG's beneficial effects on influenza susceptibility. MAVS knockout (Mavs −/−) mice were used to verify the potential mechanism of LQG. In vitro : Corticosteroid (CORT)-treated A549 cells were employed to identify the active ingredients in LQG. Mice morbidity and mortality were monitored daily for 21 days. Histopathologic changes and inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues were examined by H&E staining and ELISA. RNA-seq was used to explore the signaling pathway influenced by LQG and further confirmed by qPCR. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the protein levels. CO-IP and DARTS were applied to detect protein-protein interaction and compound-protein interaction, respectively. LQG effectively attenuated the susceptibility of restrained mice to H1N1 infection. LQG significantly boosted the production of IFN-β transduced by mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), while MAVS deficiency abrogated its protective effects on restrained mice infected with H1N1. Moreover, in vitro studies further revealed that mogroside Ⅱ B, amygdalin, and luteolin are potentially active components of LQG. These results suggested that LQG inhibited the mitofusin 2 (Mfn2)-mediated ubiquitination of MAVS by impeding the E3 ligase synoviolin 1 (SYVN1) recruitment, thereby enhancing IFN-β antiviral response. Overall, our work elaborates a potential regimen for influenza treatment through reduction of stress-induced susceptibility. [Display omitted] • LQG reduces influenza virus susceptibility by improving MAVS/IFN-β pathway. • LQG curbs MAVS ubiquitination degradation by disrupting Mfn2/SYVN1 recruitment. • LQG's efficacy is abolished in Mavs−/− mice. • Mogroside Ⅱ B, amygdalin, and luteolin are potentially active components of LQG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the work, two novel conceptions of “capacity quality” (CQ) and “capacity quality coefficient” (λ) were defined to evaluate cycling power capabilities of Ni–MH rechargeable batteries when considering the effect of the kinetic limitation. For convenient comparison, the capacity quality coefficient (λ) and the efficiency of charge/discharge (η) were in parallel applied to characterize cycling capabilities based on the data from BYD H-3/4AAA800Ni–MH batteries at 1C–3.5C. The results show that there is an obvious difference between λ and η which served as evaluation indexes for rechargeable batteries, and that the secondary battery with good capacity quality also has a good cycling capability and rate capability, especially at high rate. The introduced capacity quality not only subtly covered kinetic information of the rechargeable batteries but also factually reflected stability of the electrode materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An optimized Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program is lacking for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact and feasibility of an optimized ERAS pathway in patients with surgically treated AIS. In total, 79 patients with AIS who underwent corrective surgery without 3-column osteotomy were recruited from Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University between 2012 and 2018. Forty-four patients were treated according to a traditional protocol and 35 were managed using an optimized ERAS pathway, which was designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team. The following data were collected and retrospectively analyzed, demographic characteristics, Cobb angle, curve type (Lenke), surgical duration, fusion level, correction rate, estimated blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin level, postoperative pain score, pain relief time, hemovac drainage, drainage removal time, first ambulation time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. There was no significant difference between the traditional and ERAS groups with respect to demographic characteristics, Cobb angle, curve type (Lenke), fusion level, and correction rate. However, the ERAS group had a shorter surgical duration, less blood loss and hemovac drainage, a higher postoperative hemoglobin level, and earlier pain relief, ambulation, and discharge. The rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting were lower in the ERAS group than in the traditional group. The ERAS pathway is capable of improving the perioperative status of patients with AIS by offering stronger analgesia, faster ambulation, and earlier discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinally oriented microstructures are essential for a nerve scaffold to promote the significant regeneration of injured peripheral axons across nerve gaps. In the current study, we present a novel nerve-guiding collagen-chitosan (CCH) scaffold that facilitated the repair of 30 mm-long sciatic nerve defects in beagles. The CCH scaffolds were observed with a scanning electron microscope. Eighteen beagles were equally divided into CCH group, autograft group and non-graft group. The posture and gait of each dog was recorded at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Electrophysiological tests, Fluoro-Gold retrograde tracing test, Histological assessment of gastrocnemius and immunofluorescent staining of nerve regeneration were performed. Our investigation of regenerated sciatic nerves indicated that a CCH scaffold strongly supported directed axon regeneration in a manner similar to that achieved by autologous nerve transplantation. In vivo animal experiments showed that the CCH scaffold achieved nerve regeneration and functional recovery equivalent to that achieved by an autograft but without requiring the exogenous delivery of regenerative agents or cell transplantation. We conclude that CCH nerve guides show great promise as a method for repairing peripheral nerve defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly metastatic and recalcitrant malignancy. Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with SCLC but its mechanism remains poorly understood. An imbalance of hyaluronan catabolism in the extracellular matrix accelerates malignant progression in solid cancers due to the accumulation of low-molecular-weight HA. We previously found that CEMIP, a novel hyaluronidase, may act as a metastatic trigger in SCLC. In the present study, we found that both CEMIP and HA levels were higher in SCLC tissues than in paracancerous tissues from patient specimens and in vivo orthotopic models. Additionally, high expression of CEMIP was associated with lymphatic metastasis in patients with SCLC, and in vitro results showed that CEMIP expression was elevated in SCLC cells relative to human bronchial epithelial cells. Mechanistically, CEMIP facilitates the breakdown of HA and accumulation of LMW-HA. LMW-HA activates its receptor TLR2, and subsequently recruits c-Src to activate ERK1/2 signalling, thereby promoting F-actin rearrangement as well as migration and invasion of SCLC cells. In addition, the in vivo results verified that depletion of CEMIP attenuated HA levels and the expressions of TLR2, c-Src, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, as well as liver and brain metastasis in SCLC xenografts. Furthermore, the application of the actin filament inhibitor latrunculin A significantly inhibited the liver and brain metastasis of SCLC in vivo. Collectively, our findings reveal the critical role of CEMIP-mediated HA degradation in SCLC metastasis and suggest its translational potential as an attractive target and a novel strategy for SCLC therapy. • Firstly revealing that CEMIP generates LMW-HA, leading to the accumulation of LMW-HA in SCLC ECM. • Indicating LMW-HA is an extracellular signal for promoting metastasis in SCLC. • Binding of LMW-HA and TLR2 induces F-actin rearrangement by activating c-Src/ERK1/2 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant lung cancer with rapid growth and early metastasis, but still lacks effective targeted therapies to improve the prognosis. Here, we demonstrated that a novel oncogenic protein, cell migration inducing hyaluronic binding protein (CEMIP), was robustly overexpressed in SCLC tissues than that in noncancerous tissues and high expression of CEMIP predicted poor outcomes in clinical specimens and in large sample size cohorts from public databases (GEPIA 2 and CPTAC). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and in vitro/in vivo functional assays indicated that CEMIP contributed to the proliferation by increasing glutamine consumption and their metabolites (glutamate and glutathione) levels in SCLC cells. Moreover, the addition of a GLS1 inhibitor CB-839 dramatically reduced CEMIP-induced SCLC cell proliferation. Mechanistically, beyond as a scaffold protein, CEMIP facilitates glutamine-dependent cell proliferation through inhibiting c-Myc ubiquitination and increasing c-Myc stabilization and nuclear accumulation via hindering the interaction between FBXW7 (a E3 ubiquitin ligase) and its target substrate c-Myc. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel oncogenic role of CEMIP in sustaining SCLC growth via FBXW7/c-Myc-dependent axis, and provide new evidence that inhibition of CEMIP might be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Element doping is a promising strategy to improve the photo-response and photocatalytic activity of semiconductor photocatalyst with a wide band gap. To reduce the band gap of LiInO 2 that is considered as a novel photocatalyst, nitrogen-doped LiInO 2 (N-LiInO 2 ) is successfully fabricated by treating LiInO 2 and urea at 200 °C. It is found that interstitial instead of substitutional configurations are formed in the crystal structure of N-LiInO 2 due to the low-treating temperature and rich-oxygen conditions. The interstitial N-doping forms a doping state with 0.6 eV above the valence band maximum and a defect state with 0.1 eV below the conduction band minimum, reducing the band gap of LiInO 2 from 3.5 to 2.8 eV. N-LiInO 2 exhibits higher photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue (MB) degradation under 380 nm light irradiation, which is 1.4 times that of pure LiInO 2 . The enhanced photocatalytic activity of N-LiInO 2 is attributed to the extended light absorption and the improved charge carrier separation, which result in more reactive species participating in the photcatalytic process. This work provides a further understanding on tuning the band structure of semiconductor photocatalyst by N-doping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reported the synthesis of submicrometric TaB 2 powders by reduction of Ta 2 O 5 using B 4 C in vacuum. The starting mixture with a molar ratio of B 4 C/Ta 2 O 5 =1.57 completely converted to a mixture of TaB 2 and B 2 O 3 at 1100 °C, whereas that converted to a mixture of TaB 2 , Ta 3 B 4 and minor TaB at 1550 °C due to the boron loss resulting from the formation of gaseous boron-rich oxides. Microstructure observation showed the TaB 2 and Ta 3 B 4 particles had small equiaxed and large plate-like shapes, respectively. Excess B 4 C should be added to compensate for the boron loss. Phase-pure TaB 2 powders with equiaxed shape were synthesized at 1550 °C with a molar ratio of B 4 C/Ta 2 O 5 =1.90. The particle size and oxygen content of TaB 2 powders were ~0.7 µm and ~0.80 wt%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterojunction can not only offer a wide range of solar light absorption but also facilitate the separation of photoinduced charge carriers, and thereby lead to enhanced photoelectrochemical efficiency. Herein, we report the heterostructured g -C 3 N 4 /ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) for enhanced photoelectrocatalytic performance. The g -C 3 N 4 shell layer of about 20–30 nm was coated on the surface of ZnO nanorod uniformly through thermal annealing the melamine precursor. Compared to the pristine ZnO and g -C 3 N 4 , the as-prepared g -C 3 N 4 /ZnO NRAs exhibit enhanced photoelectrocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) decolorization under visible light illumination. This enhancement of photoelectrocatalytic performance may be mainly attributed to improved separation efficiency of charge carriers from photoexcited g -C 3 N 4 to ZnO across the g -C 3 N 4 /ZnO interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although silica aerogels with ultralow thermal conductivity are competitive for thermal insulation, their deficiencies in mechanical properties and single function affect their wide applications. Herein, we demonstrate a "soft fiber-stiff sheet" synergistic strategy for fabricating superelastic and responsive anisotropic silica nanofiber/polyvinylpyrrolidone/MXene hybrid aerogels by electrospinning, calcination, and directional-freezing. The anisotropic hybrid aerogel exhibits satisfactory thermal insulation performances at both high and low temperatures, delivering a low thermal conductivity of 21 mW m−1 K−1. The top surface temperature of the hybrid aerogel maintains at ∼74 °C after its standing on a hot plate of 300 °C. By putting the hybrid aerogel on a cold plate of −30 °C, its surface temperature is only 7.2 °C lower than the ambient temperature. Interestingly, the oxidation of MXene at high temperatures could transform the hybrid aerogel from electrically conductive to insulating, leading to sharp changes in electrical signals to trigger overheating alarm. Furthermore, the hybrid aerogel exhibits high compressibility and fatigue resistance with a high stress retention rate of 97.3% after 100 cycles under the compressive strain of 50%. Such compressive and thermally insulating aerogels are promising thermal management materials for smart alarms, and heat and cold protection of electronic devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to synthesis drug-loaded fibrous membrane scaffolds for potential applications as wound dressing. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibrous membranes were loaded with enrofloxacin (Enro) drugs by using an electrospinning process, and their mechanical strength, drug release profile and anti-bacterial properties were evaluated. Enro drug-loaded PVDF membranes exhibited good elasticity, flexibility and excellent mechanical strength. The electrospinning Enro/PVDF membranes showed a burst drug release in the initial 12 h, followed by sustained release for the next 3 days, which was an essential property for antibiotic drugs applied for wound healing. The drug-loaded PVDF fibrous membranes displayed excellent anti-bacterial activity toward Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results suggest that electrospinning PVDF membrane scaffolds loaded with drugs can be used as wound dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a crucial pathogenic factor of osteoporosis. Gastrodin, isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal agent Gastrodia elata , is a potent antioxidant. We hypothesized that gastrodin demonstrates protective effects against osteoporosis by partially reducing reactive oxygen species in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) and a macrophage cell line (RAW264.7 cells). We investigated gastrodin on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation under oxidative stress in hBMMSCs. We also tested gastrodin on osteoclastic differentiation in RAW264.7 cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was used to establish an oxidative cell injury model. Our results showed that gastrodin significantly promoted the proliferation of hBMMSCs, improved some osteogenic markers, reduced lipid generation and inhibited the mRNA expression of several adipogenic genes in hBMMSCs. Moreover, gastrodin reduced the number of osteoclasts, TRAP activity and the expression of osteoclast-specific genes in RAW264.7 cells. Gastrodin suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species in both hBMMSCs and RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, we established a murine ovariectomized (OVX) osteoporosis model. Our data revealed that gastrodin treatment reduced the activity of serum bone degradation markers, such as CTX-1 and TRAP. Importantly, it ameliorated the micro-architecture of trabecular bones. Gastrodin decreased osteoclast numbers in vivo by TRAP staining. To conclude, these results indicated that gastrodin shows protective effects against osteoporosis linking to a reduction in reactive oxygen species, suggesting that gastrodin may be useful in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogen plays an essential role in bone formation, and estrogen modulation dysfunction is tightly associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). The underlying mechanisms of estrogen-mediated osteogenic differentiation have not been well defined. In this study, murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation, and gene expression analysis or GPR40 expression manipulation was performed. Bilateral ovariectomized or sham-operated C57BL/6 mice were administered GPR40 agonist (GW9508) for bone mineral density analysis. We identified GPR40, a long chain unsaturated fatty acid receptor, to be regulated by estrogen and involved in osteogenic differentiation both in vivo and in vitro . Mechanistically, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is essential for GPR40 to promote osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, in vivo GW9508 administration rescued estrogen-deficient bone loss, indicating the essential role of the GPR40 receptor. To our knowledge, this is the first study that provides evidence for GPR40 as a positive regulator of osteogenesis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results indicate that GPR40 may function as an endogenous promoter of estrogen-induced osteogenic differentiation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation. Therefore, as the global population of ages and the prevalence of metabolic-related disorders, especially PMOP, increases, our findings suggest that GPR40 is a key in understanding the link between bone and fat. It may also be a useful target for the treatment of bone complications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a significant pathogenic factor of osteoporosis. Ginsenoside-Rb 2 (Rb 2 ), a 20(S)-protopanaxadiol glycoside extracted from ginseng, is a potent antioxidant that generates interest regarding the bone metabolism area. We tested the potential anti-osteoporosis effects of Rb 2 and its underlying mechanism in this study. We produced an oxidative damage model induced by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells to test the essential anti-osteoporosis effects of Rb 2 in vitro . The results indicated that treatment of 0.1 to 10 μM Rb 2 promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, improved alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, elevated calcium mineralization and mRNA expressions of Alp , Col1a1 , osteocalcin ( Ocn ) and osteopontin ( Opn ) against oxidative damage induced by H 2 O 2 . Importantly, Rb 2 reduced the expression levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and IL-6 and inhibited the H 2 O 2 -induced production of ROS. The in vivo study indicated that the Rb 2 administered for 12 weeks partially decreased blood malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and elevated the activity of reduced glutathione (GSH) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Moreover, Rb 2 improved the micro-architecture of trabecular bones and increased bone mineral density (BMD) of the 4th lumbar vertebrae (L4) and the distal femur. Altogether, these results demonstrated that the potential anti-osteoporosis effects of Rb 2 were linked to a reduction of oxidative damage and bone-resorbing cytokines, which suggests that Rb 2 might be effective in preventing and alleviating osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To investigate the effect of locally slow-released rapamycin (RAPA) from bionic peripheral nerve stent to reduce the incidence of neuropathic pain or mitigate the degree of pain after nerve injury. Main methods We constructed a neural tissue engineering scaffold with sustained release of RAPA to repair 20 mm defects in rat sciatic nerves. Four presurgical and postsurgical time windows were selected to monitor the changes in the expression of pain-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) voltage-gated sodium channels 1.3 (Na v 1.3), 1.7 (Na v 1.7), and 1.8 (Na v 1.8) through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western Blot, along with the observation of postsurgical pathological pain in rats by pain-related behavior approaches. Key findings Relatively small upregulation of DRG sodium channels was observed in the experimental group (RAPA + poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) + stent) after surgery, along with low degrees of neuropathic pain and anxiety, which were similar to those in the Autologous nerve graft group. Significance Autoimmune inflammatory response plays a leading role in the occurrence of post-traumatic neuropathic pain, and that RAPA significantly inhibits the abnormal upregulation of sodium channels to reduce pain by alleviating inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We developed a mathematical model using interpolation function, to characterize the correlation between blood ATP levels in the right ventricle of rabbit and post mortem interval (PMI) at different ambient temperatures. Methods: Forty-eight healthy rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 each. The sacrificed rabbits were maintained in calorstats at 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C and 35 °C, respectively. Blood from the right ventricle was sampled every 4 h until 72 h after death. At different time points, ATP concentrations in the blood samples were measured using an ATP fluorescence rapid detector, and then displayed on the detector screen in the form of relative light units (RLU). Relationship between PMI and ATP degradation levels was investigated statistically by SPSS 17.0 and MATLAB 10.0 software. Results: We obtained six regression equations (R2a= 0:887-0:929) with RLU values at PMIs of 72 h (10 °C), 60 h (15 °C), 56 h (20 °C), 52 h (25 °C), 40 h (30 °C) and 32 h (35 °C), and an interpolation function (R2a= 0:930) was established with PMI as the dependent variable (z), RLU value as independent variable (x) and temperature as independent variable (y). Conclusion: Interpolation function is an appropriate choice for PMI estimation by weakening influence of ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oxidative stress can induce apoptosis and decrease activities of osteoblasts. 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (TSG), is a potent antioxidant derived from a Chinese herb Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. To evaluate the protective effect provided by TSG to osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, the cells were pretreated with TSG for 24h before being treated with 0.3mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24h, then some markers of osteoblast function and oxidative damage of the cells were examined. Our data demonstrated that TSG significantly (P< 0.05) increased cell survival, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and the mRNA expression of ALP, collagen I (COL-I) and osteocalcin (OCN) in the presence of H2O2. In addition, TSG decreased the production of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (MDA) of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells induced by H2O2. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the protective effect provided by TSG to osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells was mediated, at least in part, via inhibition of the release of bone-resorbing mediators and oxidative damage of the cells. Our results indicated that TSG may be effective in providing protection against osteoporosis associated with oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Context: Spring-back complication after open-door laminoplasty as described by Hirabayashi is a well-known risk, but its definition, incidence, and associated neurologic outcome remain unclear. Objective: To investigate the incidence and the neurologic consequence of spring-back closure after open-door laminoplasty. Study Design: A retrospective radiographic and clinical review. Outcome Measures: Lateral cervical spine X-rays were evaluated. Anteroposterior diameters (APD) of the vertebral canal of C3-C7 were measured. Spring-back was defined as loss of APD on follow-up in comparison to immediate postoperative canal expansion. The loss of the end-on lamina silhouette with consequent reappearance of the lateral profile of the spinous processes was also assessed to verify the presence of spring-back. Spring-back closure was classified based on whether the collapse was total or partial, and whether all the operated levels or only a subset had collapsed (ie, complete vs. partial closure, segmental closure vs. total-construct closure). Neurologic status was documented using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients who underwent open-door laminoplasty from 1995 to 2005 at a single institution with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were assessed. They were all operated on using the classic Hirabayashi technique. Radiographic outcomes were assessed independently by two individuals. Results: Sixteen men and 14 women with an average follow-up of 5 years (range, 2-12 years) were included. Of these patients, 24 had cervical spondylotic myelopathy and six had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Spring-back closure was found in three patients (10%) and 7 of 117 laminae (6%) within 6 months of the operation, which was further confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. All spring-back closures were partial segmental closures. Gender and age were not significant factors related to spring back (p>.05). The mean JOA score on follow-up was 12.5, with a recovery rate of 40%. All patients with spring back and available JOA data exhibited postoperative neurologic deterioration. Of the three patients with spring back, two patients underwent revision surgery, whereas one declined. Conclusions: Spring-back closure occurred in 10% of our patients at or before 6 months after surgery. The incidence of spring-back by level (ie, 117 laminae) was 6%, mainly occurring at the lower cervical spine. All spring-back closures were partial segmental closures, most commonly involving C5 and C6. Postoperative neurologic deficit was associated with spring-back closure; therefore, surgeons should adopt preemptive surgical measures to prevent the occurrence of such a complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background context: Spring-back complication after open-door laminoplasty as described by Hirabayashi is a well-known risk, but its definition, incidence, and associated neurologic outcome remain unclear. Objective: To investigate the incidence and the neurologic consequence of spring-back closure after open-door laminoplasty. Study design: A retrospective radiographic and clinical review. Outcome measures: Lateral cervical spine X-rays were evaluated. Anteroposterior diameters (APD) of the vertebral canal of C3–C7 were measured. Spring-back was defined as loss of APD on follow-up in comparison to immediate postoperative canal expansion. The loss of the end-on lamina silhouette with consequent reappearance of the lateral profile of the spinous processes was also assessed to verify the presence of spring-back. Spring-back closure was classified based on whether the collapse was total or partial, and whether all the operated levels or only a subset had collapsed (ie, complete vs. partial closure, segmental closure vs. total-construct closure). Neurologic status was documented using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients who underwent open-door laminoplasty from 1995 to 2005 at a single institution with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were assessed. They were all operated on using the classic Hirabayashi technique. Radiographic outcomes were assessed independently by two individuals. Results: Sixteen men and 14 women with an average follow-up of 5 years (range, 2–12 years) were included. Of these patients, 24 had cervical spondylotic myelopathy and six had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Spring-back closure was found in three patients (10%) and 7 of 117 laminae (6%) within 6 months of the operation, which was further confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. All spring-back closures were partial segmental closures. Gender and age were not significant factors related to spring back (p>.05). The mean JOA score on follow-up was 12.5, with a recovery rate of 40%. All patients with spring back and available JOA data exhibited postoperative neurologic deterioration. Of the three patients with spring back, two patients underwent revision surgery, whereas one declined. Conclusions: Spring-back closure occurred in 10% of our patients at or before 6 months after surgery. The incidence of spring-back by level (ie, 117 laminae) was 6%, mainly occurring at the lower cervical spine. All spring-back closures were partial segmental closures, most commonly involving C5 and C6. Postoperative neurologic deficit was associated with spring-back closure; therefore, surgeons should adopt preemptive surgical measures to prevent the occurrence of such a complication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study examined the protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO-PC) and the role of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-induced rat model by using single prolonged stress (SPS). Rats were randomly divided into Sham, HBO, SPS and HBO+SPS groups. HBO-PC was conducted by exposing rats to 100% oxygen at 2.5atm absolute for 1h each day for 5 consecutive days. SPS was performed 24h after the last HBO-PC conditioning event. At 1h, 6h, 12h, 24h and 72h after SPS, TrxR mRNA expression was analyzed in the hippocampus; Nissl and TUNEL staining were performed at 72h after SPS. The results indicated that HBO-PC was able to significantly preserve viable neurons in the CA1 subfield of hippocampus following SPS exposure, as evidenced by reduced amounts of CA1 neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, HBO-PC upregulate the expression of TrxR-1 and TrxR-2 mRNA in the hippocampus at 6h and 12h after SPS exposure and ameliorated anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairments normally induced by SPS. Taken together, these findings suggest that HBO-PC is beneficial for the improvement of anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairments induced by SPS exposure, and this effect might be associated with inhibition of neuronal apoptosis via upregulation of TrxR in stressed rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to elucidate the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal administration of huwentoxin-I (HWTX-I), a N-type calcium channel blocker from the venom of the Chinese bird spider Ornithoctonus huwena (Wang) [=Selenocosmia huwena wang], by comparison with ω-Conotoxin-MVIIA (ω-CTX-MVIIA) and morphine hydrochloride in the formalin test in conscious rats. Similar to ω-CTX-MVIIA and morphine, intrathecal pre-treatment with HWTX-I resulted in suppression of nociceptive behavior in a dose-dependent manner. The ED50 values of HWTX-I and ω-CTX-MVIIA were 0.28 and 0.19μg/kg, respectively. It was also found that, at lower doses (0.1 and 0.5μg/kg), the antinociceptive effect of HWTX-I was identical to that of ω-CTX-MVIIA, while ω-CTX-MVIIA acted more remarkably than HWTX-I at higher dose (1.0μg/kg). However, the antinociception induced by ω-CTX-MVIIA were companied with motor dysfunction, and these side-effects became more evident with the doses of ω-CTX-MVIIA increasing. In contrast, HWTX-I did not show these side-effects at the doses of 0.5–1.0μg/kg. Compared with HWTX-I and ω-CTX-MVIIA, the analgesic effect of intrathecal morphine hydrochloride was initiated faster, but lasted for a shorter time (about 2–3h at 1.0μg/kg) than that of HWTX-I and ω-CTX-MVIIA (about 4–5h at 1.0μg/kg). Therefore, the present results show that, like ω-CTX-MVIIA, the intrathecal administration of HWTX-I is effective in antinociception in the rat model of the formalin test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The intervertebral disc is the largest avascular organ of the body. Vascularization of the disc has been typically regarded as a pathological feature of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the underlying mechanism of vascularization in IDD is still unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the role of AF cell derived exosome (AF-exo) in the interaction with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and its potential role in the regulation of vascularization in IDD. Human AF tissues were obtained from patients with IDD and idiopathic scoliosis. The AF-exo were isolated and identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle trafficking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting. Then, the AF-exo were used for HUVECs cultures. The migration of HUVECs was observed in 2D and 3D cultures. The inflammatory phenotype of HUVECs was examined by Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, apoptosis of HUVECs were analyzed by flow cytometry. Here, we for the first time found that AF cells could secrete AF-exo and that the AF-exo could be phagocytosed by HUVECs. Additionally, we found that degenerated AF-exo exerted pro-vascularization effect on HUVECs by promoting cell migration (in 2D and 3D cultures) and inflammatory factor expression including IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, MMP-13 and VEGF, whereas the application of non-degenerated AF-exo demonstrated inverse effects. These results showed that AF-exo is an essential regulator mediating intercellular communication between AF cells and HUVECs, suggesting its important role in vascularization in the intervertebral disc. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report the first case of fatal extensive bone cement embolism appearing in pulmonary arterioles following surgical vertebral screw augmentation, which histological evidence of bone cement emboli was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A 47-year-old woman has accepted multilevel spine fusion and pedicle screw augmentation with totally 4 ml bone cement infusion. She suddenly developed low blood pressure, dyspnoea, and unconsciousness approximately 1 h post anaesthetic recovery, and then she was dead. It was shown both lungs were edematous in autopsy, and bluish emboli were appeared in extensive pulmonary arterioles in H&E stained sections. Negative information was shown in Molybdenum target X-ray imaging, but the emboli were confirmed to be PMMA bone cement by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The present case indicated it might be effective to confirm the dubious trace component in histology by FTIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]