Assessment of artificial bone materials with different structural pore sizes obtained from 3D printed polycaprolactone/ß-tricalcium phosphate (3D PCL/ß-TCP).

Artificial bone is the alternative candidate for the bone defect treatment under the circumstance that there exits enormous challenge to remedy the bone defect caused by attributes like trauma and tumors. However, the impact of pore size discrepancy for regulating new bone generation is still ambiguous. Using direct 3D printing technology, customized 3D polycaprolactone/ß-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/ß-TCP) artificial bones with different structural pore sizes (1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, and 2.8 mm) were successfully prepared, abbreviated as the 3D PCL/ß-TCP. 3D PCL/ß-TCP exhibited a 3D porous structure morphology similar to natural bone and possessed outstanding mechanical properties. Computational fluid dynamics analysis indicated that as the structural pore size increased from 1.8 to 2.8 mm, both velocity difference (from 4.64 × 10-5to 7.23 × 10-6m s-1) and depressurization (from 7.17 × 10-2to 2.25 × 10-2Pa) decreased as the medium passed through.In vitrobiomimetic mineralization experiments confirmed that 3D PCL/ß-TCP artificial bones could induce calcium-phosphate complex generation within 4 weeks. Moreover, CCK-8 and Calcein AM live cell staining experiments demonstrated that 3D PCL/ß-TCP artificial bones with different structural pore sizes exhibited advantageous cell compatibility, promoting MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and adhesion.In vivoexperiments in rats further indicated that 3D PCL/ß-TCP artificial bones with different structural pore sizes promoted new bone formation, with the 2.5 mm group showing the most significant effect. In conclusion, 3D PCL/ß-TCP artificial bone with different structural pore sizes could promote new bone formation and 2.5 mm group was the recommended for the bone defect repair.

Spatial distribution, influencing factors and innovative development countermeasures of farmer cooperatives in Hunan Province, China.

China's rural reform is reliant on farmers' cooperatives as a key organization vehicle. It plays an important role in promoting rural revitalization. Such as, realizing the organic connection between small farmers and agricultural modernization. This study used the nearest neighbor index and kernel density estimation to analyze the spatial distribution and structural characteristics of farmer cooperatives in Hunan Province. It revealed the spatial differentiation law of cooperatives. Also using geographical detectors to figure out the main factors that affect the spatial distribution. The results show that: ① Hunan Farmers Cooperatives show significant spatial agglomeration. The overall spatial distribution shows the spatial characteristics of "one core, one circle, and multiple points". And the spatial distribution pattern of "large agglomeration, finger-shaped radiation distribution". Among them, the distribution of provincial demonstration cooperatives is relatively balanced. ② Cooperatives in six types of industries, such as planting, forestry, and feeding, showed agglomeration distribution. Different industrial cooperatives spread out in different ways, such as in an anti-"L" shape, a dual-core shape, or a one-center area. ③ The 24 influence factors selected from the five dimensions of the natural environment, social economic basis, production basis, output capacity, and facility basis have high, general, and weak influence on cooperatives' spatial distribution. The development and distribution of cooperatives mainly depend on resource endowment, social and economic development level, and market dependence. The spatial distribution heterogeneity of different professional cooperatives is mainly affected by slope, per capita disposable income of rural residents, road density, and other factors. ④ The progression of farmer cooperatives in Hunan Province should prioritize high-quality development, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches and transformative strategies within rural industrial organizations. It is imperative to optimize the spatial distribution of cooperatives, strategically contributing to the establishment of a novel framework for modern agricultural development in Hunan Province. Additionally, there is a critical emphasis on spearheading collaborative initiatives among cooperatives of varied industrial types, aimed at fostering the integrated development of rural primary, secondary, and tertiary industries.

Prognostic Nutritional Index Enhances the Discriminatory Ability of Procalcitonin for Predicting Pediatric Sepsis.

Objective. Improving diagnostic ability of pediatric sepsis is of great significance for reducing the mortality of sepsis. This study explored the discriminatory capacity of nutritional index (PNI) in pediatric sepsis. Methods. We retrospectively enrolled 134 children with suspected sepsis and collected their clinical and laboratory data. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) were performed to compare the predictive significance of the PNI, procalcitonin (PCT) and their combination. Results. Among 134 patients, 65 children were diagnosed with sepsis and 69 children with non-sepsis. PCT and PNI were independently associated with pediatric sepsis. PCT was superior to PNI to predict pediatric sepsis. The model based on PCT + PNI improved the predictive capacity than them alone, as demonstrated by ROC, DCA and NRI, respectively. Conclusion. PNI was independently associated with pediatric sepsis, and addition of PNI could improve the capacity of PCT to predict pediatric sepsis.

Experimental Study on the Diffusion Law of Coal-Based Solid Waste Slurry with Grouting Filling in the Gangue Voids of the Caving Zone.

Due to the concealment of the caving zone, it is difficult to detect and grasp the diffusion law of the slurry in the voids of the gangue pile. On the preparation of reasonable grouting filling materials, a large-scale three-dimensional gangue grouting filling test system has been established to detect the slurry pressure and resistivity inside the gangue pile and analyze the flow pattern of the slurry in the voids of the gangue pile. The research results show that the slump and bleeding rate of the filling slurry are significantly reduced with the increase of the fly ash content. The optimal ratio of fly ash, coal gangue, and gasification slag is 7:2:1, with a mass fraction of 72%. In the process of grouting, the internal pressure of the gangue pile can be divided into the initial stable stage, the step growth stage, and the pressure stability stage, and the change curve of the pressure sensor at the lower level is similar. The resistance value of the original broken gangue in the experiment is approximately 1600 Ω. Grouting filling forms a slurry-rock mixture, and its resistance continuously decreases with the stable injection of the slurry (minimum value 150 Ω). It is determined that the slurry near the grouting hole mainly diffuses longitudinally with a good void filling effect. The void channels of slurry diffusion are randomly distributed and have different shapes, which hinder slurry flow and diffusion. Slurry particles accumulate and settle at local small voids. Meanwhile, the surface of the gangue blocks is dry, and the slurry absorbs part of the water during diffusion, resulting in the increase of the slurry concentration and the weakening of the lateral diffusion ability. Secondary or multiple grouting can effectively fill the void of the broken gangue and further improve the filling effect.

Artificial LiF-Rich Interface Enabled by In situ Electrochemical Fluorination for Stable Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Lithium (Li)-metal batteries are promising next-generation energy storage systems. One drawback of uncontrollable electrolyte degradation is the ability to form a fragile and nonuniform solid electrolyte interface (SEI). In this study, we propose the use of a fluorinated carbon nanotube (CNT) macrofilm (CMF) on Li metal as a hybrid anode, which can regulate the redox state at the anode/electrolyte interface. Due to the favorable reaction energy between the plated Li and fluorinated CNTs, the metal can be fluorinated directly to a LiF-rich SEI during the charging process, leading to a high Young's modulus (~2.0 GPa) and fast ionic transfer (~2.59×10-7  S cm-1 ). The obtained SEI can guide the homogeneous plating/stripping of Li during electrochemical processes while suppressing dendrite growth. In particular, the hybrid of endowed full cells with substantially enhanced cyclability allows for high capacity retention (~99.3 %) and remarkable rate capacity. This work can extend fluorination technology into a platform to control artificial SEI formation in Li-metal batteries, increasing the stability and long-term performance of the resulting material.

Regulatory mechanisms of the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) family in cancers.

The CREB3 family of proteins, encompassing CREB3 and its four homologs (CREB3L1, CREB3L2, CREB3L3, and CREB3L4), exerts pivotal control over cellular protein metabolism in response to unfolded protein reactions. Under conditions of endoplasmic reticulum stress, activation of the CREB3 family occurs through regulated intramembrane proteolysis within the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Perturbations in the function and expression of the CREB3 family have been closely associated with the development of diverse diseases, with a particular emphasis on cancer. Recent investigations have shed light on the indispensable role played by CREB3 family members in modulating the onset and progression of various human cancers. This comprehensive review endeavors to provide an in-depth examination of the involvement of CREB3 family members in distinct human cancer types, accentuating their significance in the pathogenesis of cancer and the manifestation of malignant phenotypes.

Evaluation of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with multivariate analysis as a novel diagnostic tool for lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a vibration spectroscopy that uses infrared radiation to vibrate to absorb the molecular bonds in its absorbed sample. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate FTIR spectroscopy as a novel diagnostic tool for lymph node metastasis (LNM) of gastric cancer. We collected 160 fresh non-metastatic and metastatic lymph nodes (80 each) from 60 patients with gastric cancer for spectral analysis. FTIR spectra of lymph node (LN) samples were obtained in the wavenumber range of 4000 cm-1 to 900 cm-1. We calculated the changes in the ratio of spectral intensity (/ I1460). Principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher's discriminant analysis (FDA) were used to distinguish malignant from normal LN. Four significant bands at 1080 cm-1, 1640 cm-1, 1740 cm-1 and 3260 cm-1 separated metastatic and non-metastatic LN spectra into two distinct groups by PCA.T-tests showed that, along with the relative intensity ratios (I1080/I1460, I1640/I1460, I3260/I1460, I1740/I1460), these band ratios were also able to differentiate between malignant and benign LN spectra. Six parameters (P1080 cm-1, P1300 cm-1, I1080/I1460, I1640/I1460, I3260/I1460, I1740/I1460) were selected as independent factors to set up discriminant functions. The sensitivity of FTIR spectroscopy in diagnosing LNM was 95 % by discriminant analysis. Our study suggested that FTIR spectroscopy can be a useful tool to examine LNM with high sensitivity and specificity for LNM diagnosis. Therefore it can be used in clinical practice as a non-invasive method.

3D printing calcium alginate adsorbents for highly efficient recovery of U(VI) in acidic conditions.

In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) porous calcium alginate (3D CA) scaffold was successfully constructed using a direct-ink-writing-based 3D printing method combined with an in-situ calcium ion cross-linking procedure. The 3D CA contained orderly aligned microstructures with excellent structural robustness and an abundant number of active binding sites. The adsorption experiments verified that 3D CA had a considerably wide pH value (3-10) serving range, but also delivered a significantly higher adsorption capacity for U(VI) (117.3 mg/g at pH = 2.5) under acidic conditions, compared to other previously reported alginate-based porous adsorbents. The adsorption mechanisms originated from the synergistic effect of electrostatic interactions and ion exchange. The 3D CA eluted the adsorbed U(VI) in a strong acid solution through protonation mechanism, facilitating the continued enrichment and recycling of U(VI). In addition, the 3D CA demonstrated good microstructure stability and absorption capacity stability when it was immersed in hydrochloric acid solutions at different concentrations (3.6 × 10-3 to 2 mol/L) for 24 h. Therefore, the 3D CA could be used for the removal and recycling of U(VI) from acidic solutions beyond its wide pH working range, due to its stronger acid stability and higher U(VI) adsorption capacity.

Innovative Design of Intelligent Health Equipment for Helping the Blind in Smart City.

The rapid advancement of information technology in today's modern society is contributing to an increase in the general degree of civilization in society. People are pleased with technological progress, but they are also becoming more aware that a major challenge confronting the advancement of social civilization at the moment is determining how to alleviate the difficulties associated with traveling and participating in social activities for the blind, as well as increasing the frequency with which they go out, travel, and participate in other activities. The blindness equipment that is now accessible in China is no longer suitable to meet the needs of blind people, but the growth of smart cities offers an opportunity to change this. Guide devices are crucial among the numerous types of equipment to assist the blind, and in order to better fulfill their various demands, we must upgrade and optimize the existing devices. The Chinese People's Daily highlights some of the key barriers to blind people's access in its 2019 article: random parking that blocks blind lanes; and "snake" and "broken" blind lanes that are not created with blind people's access in mind. In a smart city, accurate placement via smart maps helps alleviate a number of traffic-related issues for blind individuals. In this paper, we propose an intelligent guide device and interactive software to provide a more intelligent way for blind people to travel, which can effectively improve blind people's traffic conditions and make their travel easy, convenient, and safe, reflecting society's concern for blind people.

CdS and Ag synergistically improved the performance of g-C3N4 on visible-light photocatalytic degradation of pollution.

CdS-AgO@g-C3N4 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized and characterized by XRD, N2 physical adsorption, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDX, and UV-Vis DRS (various technical means). The adsorption light range of as-prepared materials could extend to the whole visible light region with the addition of Ag. Silver can act as a bridge to facilitate the separation of electrons and holes, thereby greatly enhancing the photocatalytic activity of CdS-AgO@g-C3N4, enabling the maximum degradation efficiency of salicylic acid in water to reach 92.8% under visible light. Peroxy radical is the most important radical in the photocatalytic reaction process, followed by electron and hole, while hydroxyl radical has almost no effect. In addition, the mechanism of photocatalytic process was also explored.

The genomic architecture of EBV and infected gastric tissue from precursor lesions to carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinomas (EBVaGCs) present unique molecular signatures, but the tumorigenesis of EBVaGCs and the role EBV plays during this process remain poorly understood. METHODS: We applied whole-exome sequencing, EBV genome sequencing, and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to multiple samples (n = 123) derived from the same patients (n = 25), which covered saliva samples and different histological stages from morphologically normal epithelial tissues to dysplasia and EBVaGCs. We compared the genomic landscape between EBVaGCs and their precursor lesions and traced the clonal evolution for each patient. We also analyzed genome sequences of EBV from samples of different histological types. Finally, the key molecular events promoting the tumor evolution were demonstrated by MTT, IC50, and colony formation assay in vitro experiments and in vivo xenograft experiments. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed increasing mutational burden and EBV load from normal tissues and low-grade dysplasia (LD) to high-grade dysplasia (HD) and EBVaGCs, and oncogenic amplifications occurred late in EBVaGCs. Interestingly, within each patient, EBVaGCs and HDs were monoclonal and harbored single-strain-originated EBV, but saliva or normal tissues/LDs had different EBV strains from that in EBVaGCs. Compared with precursor lesions, tumor cells showed incremental methylation in promotor regions, whereas EBV presented consistent hypermethylation. Dominant alterations targeting the PI3K-Akt and Wnt pathways were found in EBV-infected cells. The combinational inhibition of these two pathways in EBV-positive tumor cells confirmed their synergistic function. CONCLUSIONS: We portrayed the (epi) genomic evolution process of EBVaGCs, revealed the extensive genomic diversity of EBV between tumors and normal tissue sites, and demonstrated the synergistic activation of the PI3K and Wnt pathways in EBVaGCs, offering a new potential treatment strategy for this disease.

Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior of TP 439 and 690 TT under Film-Forming Amine Environment.

Film-forming amines have been widely used in thermal power plants for maintenance after shutdown, and there are more and more applications and researches in nuclear power secondary circuits for this purpose. However, in the direction of stress corrosion cracking, there is not much research on the influence of film-forming amines on metal materials. This article uses the high temperature slow strain rate test (SSRT) method to evaluate the influence of a commercial film-forming amine on the stress corrosion cracking behavior of two conventional island materials for PWR nuclear power plants. These two metal materials are the heat exchange tube materials of the high-pressure heater and steam generator in the high-temperature operation area of the secondary circuit of a nuclear power plant: TP 439 stainless steel and 690 TT alloy. The test analyzed the mechanical properties and fracture morphology. The test results show that in the test concentration range (<5 mg/kg), the film-forming amine will not affect the SCC of TP 439 stainless steel and 690 TT alloy under the condition of slow strain rate. The behavior has a significant impact. In practical applications, the general dosage of film-forming amine is 1-2 mg/kg. This data is lower than the film-forming amine concentration used in the experiment. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the obvious impact on the SCC behavior of TP 439 stainless steel and 690 TT alloy.

Different combinations of GABA, BMP7, and Activin A induced the in vitro differentiation of rat pancreatic ductal stem cells into insulin-secreting islet-like cell clusters.

AIMS: We investigated the in vitro differentiation of adult rat PDESCs into ß-like cells through supplementation of different combinations of GABA, BMP7, and Activin A in basic culture media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PDESCs were cultured using different inducement combinations for 28 days and microscopy, dithizone (DTZ) staining, immunohistochemical staining, real-time PCR, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assay were used to delineate the differentiation inducement potential of these combinations. KEY FINDINGS: The results show that after 28 days, the PDESCs were differentiated into ICCs containing insulin-secreting ß-like cells in different groups treated with A + B, A + G, B + G, and A + B + G but not in the control group. Upon DTZ staining the cells in ICCs were stained crimson red, demonstrating the presence of ß-like cells in ICCs and the immunohistochemistry showed the expression of Pdx1 and insulin in ICCs. Further, on 28 d the expression of Pdx1 and insulin mRNA was high in inducement groups as compared to the control group and ß-like cells in ICCs also secreted insulin and C-peptide upon glucose stimulation. Thus, the supplementation of GABA, BMP7, and Activin A in different combinations in basic culture media can induce the in vitro differentiation of PDESCs into ICCs containing ß-like cells. SIGNIFICANCE: The in vitro development of ß-like cells is a herald for cell therapy of diabetic patients and our results are a step closer towards finding the cure for diabetes.

Differentiation of rat pancreatic duct stem cells into insulin-secreting islet-like cell clusters through BMP7 inducement.

To cure the epidemic of diabetes, in vitro produced ß-like cells are lauded for cell therapy of diabetic patients. In this regard, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) on the differentiation of rat pancreatic ductal epithelial-like stem cells (PDESCs) into ß-like cells. For inducement of the differentiation, PDESCs were cultured in the basal media (H-DMEM + 10 % FBS + 1% penicillin-streptomycin) supplemented with 5 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL, 15 ng/mL, and 20 ng/mL of BMP7 for 28 days. To corroborate the identity of induced cells, they were examined through cell morphology, dithizone (DTZ) staining, immunofluorescence staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assay (GSIS). The enrichment of induced cells was high among 5 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL, 15 ng/mL, and 20 ng/mL of BMP7 supplemented groups as compared to the control group. Further, the induced cells were positive, while, the control group cells were negative to DTZ staining and the differentiated cells also have shown the upregulated expression of ß cell-specific marker genes (Ins1 and Pdx1). The GSIS assay of inducement groups for insulin and C-peptide secretion has shown significantly higher values as compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Hence, the addition of BMP7 to basal medium has effectually induced differentiation of adult rat PDESCs into islet like-cell clusters containing insulin-secreting ß-like cells.

Potential influence of COVID-19/ACE2 on the female reproductive system.

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) appeared in December 2019 and then spread throughout the world rapidly. The virus invades the target cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 and modulates the expression of ACE2 in host cells. ACE2, a pivotal component of the renin-angiotensin system, exerts its physiological functions by modulating the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7). We reviewed the literature that reported the distribution and function of ACE2 in the female reproductive system, hoping to clarify the potential harm of 2019-nCoV to female fertility. The available evidence suggests that ACE2 is widely expressed in the ovary, uterus, vagina and placenta. Therefore, we believe that apart from droplets and contact transmission, the possibility of mother-to-child and sexual transmission also exists. Ang II, ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) regulate follicle development and ovulation, modulate luteal angiogenesis and degeneration, and also influence the regular changes in endometrial tissue and embryo development. Taking these functions into account, 2019-nCoV may disturb the female reproductive functions through regulating ACE2.

Deep Brain Stimulation of Anterior Thalamic Nucleus for Treatment of Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis-Related Refractory Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Neuromodulation is recommended for patients with refractory tuberous sclerosis related epilepsy (TRE) who are unable to localize epileptogenic nodules after comprehensive preoperative evaluation or for patients and families who do not agree to resection. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a patient with refractory TRE who received deep brain stimulation of anterior thalamic nucleus (ANT-DBS) and achieved a satisfactory response. To our knowledge, this is the first case of TRE being treated with ANT-DBS. A 22-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for refractory TRE seeking surgical treatment. Seizures were mainly manifested by deep temporal and frontal lobe epilepsy and suspected to originate in the limbic system. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive potentially epileptogenic nodules in the brain lacking significant nodules. Scalp electroencephalogram showed a comprehensive, bilateral synchronous low-voltage rapid rhythm, unable to localize seizure origin. We performed bilateral ANT-DBS according to the preoperative evaluation, and the frequency and intensity of seizures were significantly reduced after the 15-month follow-up (P <0.05, Student's t-test). Our case extends the therapeutic indications of ANT-DBS to a certain extent, providing a neuromodulation alternative to vagus nerve stimulation for patients with TRE who are unsuitable candidates or refuse resection.

ZIC2 is downregulated and represses tumor growth via the regulation of STAT3 in breast cancer.

Although early detection and systemic therapies have improved the diagnosis and clinical cure rate of breast cancer, breast cancer remains the most frequently occurring malignant cancer in women due to a lack of sufficiently effective treatments. Thus, to develop potential targeted therapies and thus benefit more patients, it is helpful to understand how cancer cells work. ZIC family members have been shown to play important roles in neural development and carcinogenesis. In our study, we found that ZIC2 is downregulated in breast cancer tissues at both the mRNA and protein levels. Low expression of ZIC2 was correlated with poor outcome in breast cancer patients and serves as an independent prognostic marker. Furthermore, overexpression of ZIC2 repressed, whereas knockdown of ZIC2 promoted, cell proliferation and colony formation ability in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Using ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis, we screened and identified STAT3 as a potential target for ZIC2. ZIC2 bound to the STAT3 promoter and repressed the promoter activities of STAT3. ZIC2 knockdown induced the expression of STAT3, increasing the level of phosphorylated STAT3. These results suggest that ZIC2 regulates the transcription of STAT3 by directly binding to the STAT3 promoter. Additionally, interfering STAT3 with siRNAs or inhibitors abrogated the oncogenic effects induced by decreased ZIC2. Taken together, our results indicate that ZIC2 serves as a useful prognostic marker in breast cancer and acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating STAT3, implying that STAT3 inhibitors might provide an alternative treatment option for breast cancer patients with ZIC2 downregulation.

Gimmicks of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in pancreatic ß-cell regeneration through transdifferentiation of pancreatic α- to ß-cells.

In vivo regeneration of lost or dysfunctional islet ß cells can fulfill the promise of improved therapy for diabetic patients. To achieve this, many mitogenic factors have been attempted, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA remarkably affects pancreatic islet cells' (α cells and ß cells) function through paracrine and/or autocrine binding to its membrane receptors on these cells. GABA has also been studied for promoting the transformation of α cells to ß cells. Nonetheless, the gimmickry of GABA-induced α-cell transformation to ß cells has two different perspectives. On the one hand, GABA was found to induce α-cell transformation to ß cells in vivo and insulin-secreting ß-like cells in vitro. On the other hand, GABA treatment showed that it has no α- to ß-cell transformation response. Here, we will summarize the physiological effects of GABA on pancreatic islet ß cells with an emphasis on its regenerative effects for transdifferentiation of islet α cells to ß cells. We will also critically discuss the controversial results about GABA-mediated transdifferentiation of α cells to ß cells.