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Abstract: Dissolved organic matters (DOM) are critical in the formation of the mutagenic disinfection byproducts (DBPs). In this study, five DOM fractions were isolated and investigated from a contaminated river and a clean reservoir source waters using resin adsorption. The DOM fractions were characterized with excitation–emission matrix, and several typical DBPs formation potentials and the mutagenicity of each DOM fraction were measured. Among these fractions, hydrophobic neutrals (HON), hydrophilic acids (HIA) and hydrophilic bases (HIB) generated the highest carbon-containing DBPs in the river source water, as did HIB and hydrophobic bases (HOB) in reservoir water. Hydrophobic acids (HOA), HON, and HIA were the three most important fractions forming nitrogen-containing DBPs. Following chlorination, the mutagenicity of HON, HIA, HOA and HIB was 1503, 626, 422 and 116ng 4-NQO/mg DOC in river water, respectively. Only HIA and HOA were mutagenic with 85 and 10ng 4-NQO/mg DOC in reservoir water, respectively. The soluble microbial products like substances and aromatic proteins contributed significantly to the mutagenicity of river water; whereas the humic acid-like and fulvic acid-like substances were the primary contributors to the mutagenicity of reservoir water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study which examined factors affecting work and welfare program participation among poor single mothers. Features of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act; Description of data collected from the 1992-1994 National Survey of Families and Households; Bivariate probit analysis; Results.

We have studied the phase behaviors of sphere-forming triblock copolymers in confined spaces using the mean-field dynamic density functional theory. The focus is on the morphologies induced by cylindrical nanopores. The effects of the pore diameter and the surface field strength on the phase behaviors are investigated systematically. Typical structures different from the bulk morphologies are observed, which are consistent with available experiments. A series of novel morphologies are predicted in our simulation. Furthermore, the shape effect of the pore cross section on the helical structures is studied. The results of our simulation should provide a guide for designing polymeric nanomaterials confined in cylindrical nanochannels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the weak segregation limit, the structure evolution of the hexagonal cylindrical phase of diblock copolymers in films was investigated. Employing the Landau-Brazovskii mean field theory, we obtained three amplitude parameters as functions of temperature, surface field strength and film thickness. By controlling confinement size and surface field strength, lamellae and undulated lamellae appear in the cylindrical bulk phase of diblock copolymers. "Phase diagrams" of confinement-induced structures are constructed at different surface field strengths. The obtained theoretical results are in agreement with relevant theoretical and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the expression and switching of Th1/Th2 cytokines gene in human gliomas and its effects on occurring and developing of human gliomas. Methods Interleukin(IL)-2 and interferon-γ represent Th1 type cytokines. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 represent Th2 type cytokines. The gene expressions of Th1/Th2 cytokines in human glioma cells, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes, and glioma cell lines were detected by reverse transcription p01ymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The biological activity of cytokines in the supernatant of glioma cell lines was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results The total positive rates of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines gene in human glioma cells were 14.77% and. 75%. The total positive rates of Th1 and Th2 type eytokines gene in glioma infiltrating lymphocytes were 22.73% and 68.17%. There was obviously predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human glioma tissues, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes, and glioma cell lines. There was no unbalanced expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in normal brain tissues. Conclusion There is a predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human glioma cells. The switching of Th1/Th2 cytokines gene may play an important role in the occurring and developing of human gliomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is a highly invasive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes, with increasing incidence in recent years. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent and non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species. Morphologically, ferroptosis exhibits the alteration in cells, such as reduced mitochondrial volume, increased density of bilayer membrane, and a decrease or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae. Ferroptosis has shown tremendous potential and applicability in regulating the development of melanoma. As melanoma progresses, certain biomarkers associated with ferroptosis display characteristic patterns of expression. These changes not only reveal the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis but also provide potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. Besides, inducing ferroptosis has been well-documented to inhibit the growth of melanoma and enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Hence, this review emphasizes the roles and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis in melanoma development, the involved immune regulation, as well as the potential for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The continuous explorations will endow novel strategies for developing ferroptosis-based therapies for melanoma., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All the authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers the advantage of effectively relieving rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with minimal side effects. The Juanbi recipe is a commonly utilized TCM treatment for RA, yet its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. Network pharmacology serves as an effective tool for identifying pharmaceutical ingredients and potential therapeutic targets of TCM, thereby uncovering its mechanisms. This study aimed to identify the core target genes and explore the mechanisms underlying the treatment of RA with the Juanbi recipe., Methods: This study adopted the method of network pharmacology to filter key gene targets of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. Single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing data was used to screen the key genes to form the core genes of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. The molecular docking technique was used to verify the core target genes and explore the mechanisms of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. The RA model of mice was induced by the collagen-induced arthritis and the effect of Juanbi recipe was evaluated by intragastric administrating of extraction of Juanbi recipe. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to analysis serum inflammatory factors. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate inflammation and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to evaluate core target genes and pathways in synovium of ankle., Results: This study screened out 281 active molecules in Juanbi recipe, found 105 key target genes of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment, and drew an "ingredient - molecule - gene" diagram. Juanbi recipe reduced the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, the inflammatory infiltration in synovium, demonstration that Juanbi recipe reduced both systemic and synovial inflammatory response. Single cell RNA sequencing data were used to select six core target genes and six core active molecules of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. The pathways of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment involved in activator protein-1 ( AP-1 ) and nuclear factor kappa B ( NF-κB ) pathway. Results of western blot and IHC staining showed that Juanbi recipe decreased the expressions of c-jun and p65 , which demonstrated that Juanbi recipe inhibited the expression of AP-1 and NF-κB pathway in RA., Conclusions: The core active molecules of Juanbi recipe could inhibit key factors of AP-1 and NF-κB pathway to inhibit the inflammation, which played a protective role in RA., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://aoj.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/aoj-23-72/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Annals of Joint. All rights reserved.)

Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a devastating disease affecting young adults, resulting in significant pain, articular surface collapse, and disabling dysfunction. ONFH can be divided into two broad categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. It has been established that ONFH results from an inadequate blood supply that causes the death of osteocytes and bone marrow cells. Nonetheless, the precise mechanism of ONFH remains to be elucidated. In this regard, preclinical animal and cell models to study ONFH have been established to assess the efficacy of various modalities for preventing and treating ONFH. Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that many models do not share the same physiologic and metabolic characteristics as humans. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a reproducible model that better mimics human disease., Methods: We systematically reviewed the literatures in regard to ONFH experimental models over the past 30 years. The search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science. Original animal, cell studies with available full-text were included. This review summarizes different methods for developing animal and cell experimental models of ONFH. The advantages, disadvantages and success rates of ONFH models are also discussed. Finally, we provide experimental ONFH model schemes as a reference., Results: According to the recent literatures, animal models of ONFH include traumatic, non-traumatic and traumatic combined with non-traumatic models. Most researchers prefer to use small animals to establish non-traumatic ONFH models. Indeed, small animal-based non-traumatic ONFH modeling can more easily meet ethical requirements with large samples. Otherwise, gradient concentration or a particular concentration of steroids to induce MSCs or EPCs, through which researchers can develop cell models to study ONFH., Conclusions: Glucocorticoids in combination with LPS to induce ONFH animal models, which can guarantee a success rate of more than 60% in large samples. Traumatic vascular deprivation combines with non-traumatic steroids to induce ONFH, obtaining success rates ranging from 80% to 100%. However, animals that undergo vascular deprivation surgery may not survive the glucocorticoid induction process. As for cell models, 10-6mol/L Dexamethasone (Dex) to treat bone marrow stem cells, which is optimal for establishing cell models to study ONFH., The Translational Potential of This Article: This review aims to summarize recent development in experimental models of ONFH and recommended the modeling schemes to verify new models, mechanisms, drugs, surgeries, and biomaterials of ONFH to contribute to the prevention and treatment of ONFH., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose in relation to this article., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Background: To retrospectively characterize the clinical characteristics and efficacy of total hip arthroplasty and the important factors needing attention in hypophosphatemic osteomalacia (HO) patients with hip involvement., Patients and Methods: We performed a review of seven patients (two women and five men) referred to our clinic with a final diagnosis of HO who received total hip arthroplasty between 2010 and 2018. Five patients (Group 1) received proper medical management with or without aetiologic therapy, while the other two patients (Group 2) did not receive due to misdiagnosis. The mean follow-up duration was 5.1 ± 2.0 years., Results: The patients in Group 1 had significant relief of pain and improved laboratory results. The mean Harris Hip Score of Group 1 increased from 44.2 ± 6.0 to 94.0 ± 3.0, and the mean VAS score decreased from 8.8 ± 0.4 to 1.8 ± 0.7. However, the progressive extensive pain score in Group 2 had no obvious improvement, with the Harris Hip Score increasing from 45.5 ± 0.5 to 60 ± 28.0 and the VAS score decreasing from 9.0 ± 1.0 to 6.5 ± 2.5., Conclusion: THA appears to be an effective method for hip arthritis or joint deformities resulting from hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. A satisfactory outcome of the surgery depends on the early etiological identification, the treatment of hypophosphatemia, a careful operation, and the operative strategies, as well as proper medical treatment., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to SICOT aisbl.)

Background: Malunion and nonunion of vertically displaced pelvic fractures result in lower limb length discrepancies, claudication, and pain. There have been few previous reports of this type of corrective surgery for these old pelvic fractures. We present a surgical technique of sacral osteotomy combined with triangular osteosynthesis in the treatment of malunion and nonunion of vertically displaced pelvic fractures and report on its short-term clinical results., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed nine patients (five males and four females) with malunion or nonunion of vertically displaced pelvic fractures treated with sacral osteotomy and triangular osteosynthesis from April 2015 to January 2020. The age ranged from 14 to 45 years (average, 30.7 years). The time from injury to deformity correction surgery ranged from 3 months to 5 years (average, 12.8 months). The vertical displacement of a unilateral hemipelvis was 3.0-4.5 cm (average, 3.80 cm). According to AO/OTA classification at the initial fracture, there are eight cases in type C1.3 and one case in type C3.3. Sacral osteotomy and triangular osteosynthesis were used in all nine patients. The degree of unilateral hemipelvic reduction was assessed postoperatively based on measurements from the anteroposterior (AP) X-ray. Majeed score and pain visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess the therapeutic effect of the patients during follow-up., Results: In all nine patients, postoperative AP X-ray showed correction displacement of 1.7-3.9 cm (average, 3.20 cm). All the patients were followed up for 6-36 months (average, 12.7 months). At the last follow-up, the Majeed score of pelvic fracture increased from an average of 53.9 points (30-84 points) preoperatively to 87.0 points (72-94 points), and the VAS score for pain decreased from an average of 6.0 points (4-8 points) preoperatively to 1.2 points (0-3 points). None had complications like infection, implant broken, screw loosening, iatrogenic nerve, and blood vessel injury., Conclusion: Sacral osteotomy combined with triangular osteosynthesis for the treatment of pelvic malunion and nonunion caused by sacral fractures can correct significantly vertical displacement of a unilateral pelvis, prolong limb length, and reconstruct the stability of a pelvic ring, achieving good clinical results., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the surface area ratio of medial tibial plateau (MTP) to lateral tibial plateau (LTP) and the mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA)., Methods: Lower limb computed tomography (CT) images were collected at our hospital. Then, the original CT data were analyzed and reconstructed using medical image processing software. The proximal and distal centres of the femur and tibia were marked. The surface areas of MTP and LTP were identified using image processing software. GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 was used to perform the statistical analysis., Results: The surface area ratio of MTP to LTP was significantly correlated with the mTFA in all patients (P<0.0001), male group (P<0.0001), female group (P<0.0001), varus group (P<0.0001), and valgus group (P=0.002). Furthermore, the surface area of MTP and LTP was significantly greater in the male group than in the female group (P<0.0001). There was significant difference in the surface area of the MTP between the varus and valgus groups (P<0.0001). Significant difference was also observed in the surface area ratio of MTP to LTP between the varus and valgus groups (P<0.0001)., Conclusion: The surface area ratio of MTP to LTP was correlated with the mTFA. Within a certain range, the smaller the mTFA, the greater the surface area ratio of MTP to LTP. For patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, of whom the surface area of the MTP was basically equal to that of the LTP, it is recommended that the osteotomy should be performed in accordance with mechanical alignment standards, and that a symmetrical tibial plateau prosthesis should be used. For patients whose surface area of MTP is significantly greater than that of the LTP, it is recommended that the osteotomy should be performed in accordance with kinematic alignment standards, and that an anatomical tibial plateau prosthesis should be used., (© 2022. Huazhong University of Science and Technology.)

A comprehensive study on formation and characteristics of soluble microbial products (SMP) during drinking water biofiltration was made in four parallel pilot-scale ceramic biofilters with acetate as the substrate. Excellent treatment performance was achieved while microbial biomass and acetate carbon both declined with the depth of filter. The SMP concentration was determined by calculating the difference between the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) and acetate carbon. The results revealed that SMP showed an obvious increase from 0 to 100 cm depth of the filter. A rising specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) was also found, indicating that benzene or carbonyl might exist in these compounds. SMP produced during this drinking water biological process were proved to have weak mutagenicity and were not precursors of by-products of chlorination disinfection. The volatile parts of SMP were half-quantity analyzed and most of them were dicarboxyl acids, others were hydrocarbons or benzene with 16-17 carbon atoms.

Objective: To study the expression and switching of Th1/Th2 cytokines gene in human gliomas and its effects on occurring and developing of human gliomas., Methods: Interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-gamma represent Th1 type cytokines. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 represent Th2 type cytokines. The gene expressions of Thl/Th2 cytokines in human glioma cells, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes, and glioma cell lines were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The biological activity of cytokines in the supernatant of glioma cell lines was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: The total positive rates of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines gene in human glioma cells were 14.77% and 75%. The total positive rates of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines gene in glioma infiltrating lymphocytes were 22.73% and 68.17%. There was obviously predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human glioma tissues, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes, and glioma cell lines. There was no unbalanced expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in normal brain tissues., Conclusion: There is a predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human glioma cells. The switching of Thl/Th2 cytokines gene may play an important role in the occurring and developing of human gliomas.

Objective: To discuss the surgical treatment of chiari-I malformation complicated with syringomyelia., Methods: The surgical treatments of 247 cases were analyzed retrospectively. The indication of operation styles was proposed by various surgical treatment to different MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) findings. MRI findings includes: tonsillar herniation with no or slight syringomyelia (126 cases), tonsillar herniation with syringomyelia above C(2) (second cervical vertebrae) vertebral level (38 cases), serious tonsillar herniation (to C(2) approximately C(3) level) with syringomyelia of isolated spinal segments (67 cases), serious tonsillar herniation (to C(2) approximately C(3) level) with syringomyelia above C(2) vertebral level (16 cases). They were performed by posterior fossa decompression, posterior fossa decompression and incision of the syringomyelia, posterior fossa decompression and resection of the cerebellar tonsils, posterior fossa decompression and incision of the syringomyelia combined with resection of the cerebellar tonsils respectively., Results: The clinical signs and symptoms had been markedly improved or improved in 197 cases (79.8%) until patients were discharged from hospital, unchanged in 39 cases (15.8%), deteriorated in 7 cases (2.8%). there were 4 death in all cases after surgery. 107 cases were followed up from 5 months to 9 years. The postoperative MRI findings in the 107 patients demonstrated that the cavities in spinal cords disappeared completely or nearly in 78 cases, reduced in 14 cases, unchanged in 15 cases., Conclusions: Posterior fossa decompression, posterior fossa decompression and incision of the syringomyelia, posterior fossa decompression and resection of the cerebellar tonsils, posterior fossa decompression and incision of the syringomyelia combined with resection of the cerebellar tonsils should be an effective method for treatment of chiari-I malformation complicated with syringomyelia. Surgical treatment may fully ameliorate the clinical syndromes.

Objective: To explore whether X-irradiation can enhance the functional and structural recovery of the injured spinal cord of rats., Methods: Seventy Sprague-Dawley rats received spinal cord injury by clip compression at the T2 level were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received X-irradiation at 14 days after injury, the control group did not receive X-irradiation. The functional tests were performed at day 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 after irradiation including open field movement, inclined plane and pain withdrawal test. All injured rats were sacrificed at 43 days after injury and the injured spinal cords were taken out for histological tests., Results: Sixty-two rats met the experimental requirements among 70 injured rats, 32 rats in experimental group and 30 rats in control group. Statistically significant difference was achieved between two groups in open field movement and inclined plane (P < 0.01), but not for the pain withdrawal test. The edema and necrosis area of injured spinal cords of experimental group were less than those in control group, and the number of axons of experimental group were more than those in control group., Conclusions: X-irradiation can enhance the functional recovery by improving and restoring structural integrity of the injured spinal cord.