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Carbon fiber reinforced polymer–steel structural bonded joints are often subject to mixed-mode loading i.e. coupling action of normal and shear stress occurs in the joints. In this paper, an experimental approach based on fracture mechanics was adopted to obtain the fracture toughness (GΙC and GΙΙC) of an adhesive currently employed in civil engineering applications, with the corresponding pure cohesive models verified by numerical results. Furthermore, feasibility of the mixed-mode cohesive model for the current adhesive was validated through comparison of numerical and experimental results of carbon fiber reinforced polymer–steel single-lap joints. Finally, based on the validated mixed-mode cohesive model, the interfacial damage of carbon fiber reinforced polymer–steel beam joints was analyzed using the finite element method, accounting for the long-term degradation that can occur in the joint materials i.e. carbon fiber reinforced polymer and adhesive. The work in this paper can provide some useful data such as the fracture properties of the adhesive and shed some light on the design optimization of carbon fiber reinforced polymer–steel structure joints as well as the estimation of its long-term interfacial behavior when in service in civil engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary bladder carcinoma is characterized by high post-operative recurrence rates. Sufu'ning lotion, prepared with Lignum Sappan, can reduce the recurrence of urinary bladder carcinoma. Objectives: The present study describes a methodology for extracting and obtaining high purity brazilin from Lignum sappan and evaluates its effects on urinary bladder carcinoma, in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The brazilin was extracted from Lignum sappan, purified and identified. The purified brazilin was assessed in vitro for its effects on tumor cell viability and growth using human (T24) and mouse urinary bladder (BTT) cancer cell lines. The role of brazilin in the inhibition of the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. The in vivo activity of brazilin was assessed based on the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Results: Brazilin was purified of 99.10% purity and was bioactive as it significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the growth of T24 and BTT cells. The IC50was 10.08 μg/ml for T24 cells and 8.76 μg/ml for BTT cells after 48 h of treatment. Brazilin blocked the cell cycle progression in the G2 phase. Brazilin (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the survival of BTT tumor-bearing T739 mice and T24 tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mice. Conclusion: The methodology described for the extraction of brazilin from Lignum sappan yields high purity and bioactive brazilin. The extracted brazilin exerts marked inhibitory effects on urinary bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is a commonly seen sports-related injury and a major underlying pathology of chronic ankle instability. However, it is difficult to accurately identify chronic injury of the ATFL. Purpose: To investigate the value of ultrasound (US) examination in identifying chronic ATFL injury. Material and Methods: We evaluated 83 consecutive patients who underwent US examination for diagnosis of the ATFL injury and subsequent ankle arthroscopy. The arthroscopic findings were used as the reference standard. Results: Forty-four patients were found to have ATFL injury on arthroscopy. The accuracy of US examination for the detection of ATFL injury was 95.2%, with sensitivity of 97.7%, specificity of 92.3%, positive predictive value of 93.5%, negative predictive value of 97.3%, positive likelihood ratio of 12.7, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.025. Conclusion: US examination is a reliable and accurate method to evaluate chronic ATFL injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]