Voltage-Controlled Magnon Transistor via Tuning Interfacial Exchange Coupling.

Magnon transistors that can effectively regulate magnon transport by an electric field are desired for magnonics, which aims to provide a Joule-heating free alternative to the conventional electronics owing to the electric neutrality of magnons (the key carriers of spin-angular momenta in the magnonics). However, also due to their electric neutrality, magnons have no access to directly interact with an electric field and it is thus difficult to manipulate magnon transport by voltages straightforwardly. Here, we demonstrated a gate voltage (V_{g}) applied on a nonmagnetic metal and magnetic insulator (MI) interface that bent the energy band of the MI and then modulated the probability for conduction electrons in the nonmagnetic metal to tunnel into the MI, which can consequently enhance or weaken the spin-magnon conversion efficiency at the interface. A voltage-controlled magnon transistor based on the magnon-mediated electric current drag (MECD) effect in a Pt-Y_{3}Fe_{5}O_{12}-Pt sandwich was then experimentally realized with V_{g} modulating the magnitude of the MECD signal. The obtained efficiency (the change ratio between the MECD voltage at ±V_{g}) reached 10%/(MV/cm) at 300 K. This prototype of magnon transistor offers an effective scheme to control magnon transport by a gate voltage.

Efficient Spin-to-Charge Conversion via Altermagnetic Spin Splitting Effect in Antiferromagnet RuO_{2}.

The relativistic spin Hall effect and inverse spin Hall effect enable the efficient generation and detection of spin current. Recently, a nonrelativistic altermagnetic spin splitting effect (ASSE) has been theoretically and experimentally reported to generate time-reversal-odd spin current with controllable spin polarization in antiferromagnet RuO_{2}. The inverse effect, electrical detection of spin current via ASSE, still remains elusive. Here we show the spin-to-charge conversion stemming from ASSE in RuO_{2} by the spin Seebeck effect measurements. Unconventionally, the spin Seebeck voltage can be detected even when the injected spin current is polarized along the directions of either the voltage channel or the thermal gradient, indicating the successful conversion of x- and z-spin polarizations into the charge current. The crystal axes-dependent conversion efficiency further demonstrates that the nontrivial spin-to-charge conversion in RuO_{2} is ascribed to ASSE, which is distinct from the magnetic or antiferromagnetic inverse spin Hall effects. Our finding not only advances the emerging research landscape of altermagnetism, but also provides a promising pathway for the spin detection.

[Effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Method: From August 2018 to August 2021, 92 patients newly diagnosed with MM who had received either the bortezomib combined with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD) or the bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) induction regimens followed by sequential ASCT were assessed for overall survival (OS) and the MRD negative rate. The differences in efficacy at 100 days after transplantation were assessed according to factors, including age, risk stratification, target organ damage, and pre-transplant regimen, etc. Results: Among the 92 patients, there were 45 males and 47 females, with a median age of 57.3 (35-67) years. Fifty-seven patients received the VCD regimen, and 35 received VRD as induction regimen. Forty-three patients received busulphan combined with cyclophosphamide and etoposide (BCV), and 49 patients received high-dose melphan (HDM) regimen as pre-transplantation treatment. After transplantation, the total complete remission (CR) rate of 92 patients increased from 23.9% (22/92) to 58.7% (54/92), and the MRD negative rate increased from 4.4% (4/92) to 33.7% (31/92), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After transplantation, the MRD negative rates of patients with PR, VGPR and ≥CR before transplantation were 17.6% (6/34), 33.3% (12/36) and 59.1% (13/22), respectively (P=0.006). The CR rates of patients with or without plasmacytoma at initial diagnosis were 36.4% (4/11) and 65.4% (53/81), respectively (P=0.029), and the MRD negative rates were 18.2% (2/11) and 39.5% (32/81), respectively (P=0.037), and the differences were statistically significant. The MRD negative rates in high-risk patients and standard-risk group were 30.5% (12/28) and 42.9% (18/59), respectively (P=0.258). For patients who achieved efficacy above VGPR before transplantation, the MRD negative rates after transplantation in VCD-induced group and VRD group were 29% (9/31) and 59.3% (16/27), respectively (P=0.033), and in BCV group and HDM group were 24% (6/25) and 57.6% (19/33), respectively (P=0.016), the differences between the groups were both statistically significant. Conclusion: ASCT can overcome the adverse factors such as high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, and significantly improve the CR rate and MRD negative rate of MM patients. However, the benefit for patients with plasmacytoma at initial diagnosis is not as good as that of patients without.

Disrupting a phospholipase A2 gene increasing lipid accumulation in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

AIMS: Phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) is a diverse superfamily that hydrolyzes fatty acyl ester bonds at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. The correlation between phospholipid metabolism and the anabolism of neutral lipids remains unclear in yeasts. This study aims to explore the effects of PLA2 on lipid accumulation in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study identified an actively expressed phospholipase A2 gene (PLA2-3, YAIL0_E16060g) in Y. lipolytica by quantitative PCR analysis. The gene PLA2-3 was disrupted in the strain po1gΔKu70 by homologous recombination and in the strain po1g-G3 by a CRISPR-Cas9 system, which caused an increase in stress sensitivity while the cell growth was not altered under fermentative conditions. Lipid production was performed in both flasks and bioreactors. The results showed that the lipid titre and lipid content were improved over 25% and 8-30%, respectively, in PLA2-3 disrupted strains compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Disruption of the phospholipase PLA2-3 gene could effectively improve lipid production in Y. lipolytica. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study presented a strategy on improving the lipid production of oleaginous yeasts and a similar strategy might be used in other oleaginous microbes.

[Clinical value of intact parathyroid hormone levels on the first day after total thyroidectomy on prediction for permanent hypoparathyroidism].

Objective: To examine the value serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels measured on the first day after total thyroidectomy on prediction for permanent hypoparathyroidism. Methods: Totally 546 patients with thyroid cancer and benign thyroid lesions who underwent total thyroidectomy at Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2008 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 158 males and 388 females aging (50.9±13.2) years (range: 19.0 to 79.2 years). Serum calcium and iPTH levels were collected before surgery, on the first day and 6 months after surgery. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between each data and the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism after surgery.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive power of iPTH for postoperative occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Results: Among the 546 cases of total thyroidectomy, 22 cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred, with an incidence of 4.0% (22/546). Multivariate analysis showed that iPTH levels on the first day after total thyroidectomy (OR=2.932, 95%CI: 1.129 to 7.616, P=0.027) and serum calcium levels (OR=2.584, 95%CI: 1.017 to 6.567, P=0.046) were independent prognosis factors for postoperative permanent hypoparathyroidism. When the threshold value of iPTH at 24 hours after total thyroidectomy was 5.51 ng/L, the AUC was 0.956 (95%CI: 0.936 to 0.972, P=0.000), sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 85.1%, positive predictive value was 22%, negative predictive value was 100%. When the threshold value of serum calcium at 24 hours after total thyroidectomy was 1.93 mmol/L, the AUC was 0.733 (95%CI: 0.694 to 0.770, P=0.000), sensitivity was 63.6%, specificity was 78.1%, positive predictive value of 10.8% and negative predictive value of 98.1%. Conclusions: Serum iPTH and calcium levels on the first day after total thyroidectomy were related to the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism postoperatively. The predictive value of iPTH level is higher than that of serum calcium level.

[Application of KeyPort access to transanal endoscopic mircrosurgery].

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of KeyPort access in transanal endoscopic mircrosurgery (TEM). Methods: A descriptive case series study was performed. Clinicopathological data of 20 patients undergoing KeyPort access TEM in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University from December 2016 to April 2018 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Procedure of KeyPort access TEM: general anesthesia or combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA); lithotomy or prone jack-knife position; anal dilation; placement of the KeyPortaccess; connection of TEM pneumoperitoneum device, light source and imaging equipment; placement of 5 mm dedicated endoscope; insufflation of CO2 with pressure of 1.6-2.0 kPa (12-15 mmHg); after rinsing the intestinal lumen, circular resection marginlabeled by the needle-shaped electrocautery;electric coagulation or ultrasonic knife used to perform a full-thickness resection with a 0.5 cm-1 cm margin along the marking line. Indications of KeyPort access TEM: (1) benign large sessile polyps which were difficult to resect under colonoscopy; (2) submucosal lesions with diameter <2 cm; (3) Tis and T1 stage rectal carcinoma without lymph node metastasis; (4) palliative resection of T2 stage rectal carcinoma without lymph node metastasis. Contraindications: (1) accompanying serious diseases without the tolerance of anesthesia and operation; (2) distance from lesion to anal verge >20 cm. Results: There were 10 males and 10 females with age of (63±15) years old and BMI of (24.5±3.3) kg/m(2). The diameter of the lesions was (2.0±1.3) cm, and the distance from lesion to anal verge was (6.2±2.2) cm. One patient had 3 lesions at different positions in rectum with diameters of 0.5 cm, 0.5 cm, and 1 cm, respectively. All operations were accomplished through the KeyPort access TEM and no case was transferred to other methods. The duration of surgery was 75 (30-220) minutes; intraoperative blood loss was 10 (0-30) ml. Two patients with rectal anterior wall lesions underwent full-thickness resection of the intestine wall reaching the peritoneal reflex with penetration into the peritonealcavity, and received suture closure immediately. For the patient with 3 rectal lesions, the 1.0 cm lesion received a full-thickness resection and the other 2 lesions received submucosal resection. No postoperative complication occurred. Postoperative pathology showed that there were 1 case of chronic inflammatory lesion, 4 cases of benign tumor, 3 cases of carcinoma in situ, 4 cases of neuroendocrine tumor, 6 cases of pT1 rectal cancer, 2 cases of pT2 rectal cancer (both invading the superficial muscle layer). The median hospital stay was 6 (3-7) days. The postoperative follow-up was (7.2±3.8) months. No postoperative complication or recurrence was observed. Conclusion: TEM with KeyPort access is safe, rapid and effective in the treatment of rectal tumors.

MicroRNA-330-5p promotes the development of osteosarcoma by regulating SPRY2.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNA is an endogenous, non-coding small RNA that has a significant role in regulating organisms and pathology. Previous studies have demonstrated that microRNA-330-5p was a cancer-promoting gene. However, the role of microRNA-330-5p in osteosarcoma (OS) has not been reported. The aim of this work was to explore the characteristics of microRNA-330-5p expression in OS, and to further study its expression in OS and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to investigate the expression of microRNA-330-5p in 48 pairs of OS tissues and paracancer tissues, and to analyze the relationship between the expression of microRNA-330-5p and OS clinical indicators and patient prognosis. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR was performed to verify the microRNA-330-5p expression in OS cells. In addition, the microRNA-330-5p knockdown expression model was constructed using lentivirus in OS cell lines U2OS and MG63. The effects of microRNA-330-5p on the biological function of OS cells were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell experiments. The potential mechanism was explored by Western blot. RESULTS: In this paper, qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of microRNA-330-5p in OS was higher than that in paracancer tissues, and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with microRNA-330-5p low expression group, patients with high expression of microRNA -330-5p had a higher prevalence of distant metastasis and a lower overall survival rate. In vitro experiment showed that the proliferation, invasion and metastasis abilities of the cells in the microRNA-330-5p silencing group were markedly decreased compared with the negative control group (NC group). Western blot results demonstrated that microRNA-330-5p inhibitor can activate SPRY2 and regulate the expression of key proteins, such as p-Smad2, p-Smad3, TGF-ß1, MMP9 and Vimentin in the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway. It was found that there was a mutual regulation between microRNA-330-5p and SPRY2, which promoted the malignant progression of OS. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of microRNA-330-5p was markedly increased in OS, which was associated with distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Furthermore, we found that microRNA-330-5p may promote the vicious progression of OS by inter-modulating SPRY2 and the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathways.

Spin-orbit torque switching in a T-type magnetic configuration with current orthogonal to easy axes.

Different symmetry breaking ways determine various magnetization switching modes driven by spin-orbit torques (SOT). For instance, an applied or effective field parallel to applied current is indispensable to switch magnetization with perpendicular anisotropy by SOT. Besides of this mode, here we experimentally demonstrate a distinct field-free switching mode in a T-type magnetic system with structure of MgO/CoFeB/Ta/CoFeB/MgO where a perpendicular layer with tilted easy axis was coupled to an in-plane layer with a uniaxial easy axis. Current was applied orthogonal to both easy axes and thus also normal to an in-plane effective field experienced by the perpendicular layer. Dynamic calculation shows perpendicular layer could be switched at the same time as the in-plane layer is switched. These field-free switching modes realized in the same T-type magnetic system might expedite the birth of multi-state spin memories or spin logic devices which could be operated by all electric manners.

A comparative study of proximal femoral locking compress plate, proximal femoral nail antirotation and dynamic hip screw in intertrochanteric fractures.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of three different internal fixation methods, i.e. proximal femoral locking compress plate (PF-LCP), proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) system in intertrochanteric femur fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We selected a total of 150 patients with Intertrochanteric femur fracture who were admitted to this hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 for treatment, and those patients were divided into three groups according to the difference in treatment methods, i.e., Group A (n=50), Group B (n=50) and Group C (n=50). For patients in Group A, they received the PF-LCP treatment, patients in Group B received PFNA treatment while those in Group C received DHS treatment; ultimately, clinical efficacy was compared among three groups. RESULTS: In Group B, the efficacy was superior to those in Group A and C in terms of comparison of surgical duration, bleeding amount, time point of callus formation, healing time of fracture and length of stay (LOS) in hospital (p<0.05); after operation, the prevalence rate of complication in Group B was significantly lower than those in Group A and Group C (p<0.05); in comparison of preoperative Harris score among three groups, the different had no statistical significance (p>0.05). The Harris scores in Group B at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month after operation were all significantly higher than those in Group A and C (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with PF-LCP and DHS, PFDA can better fix the intertrochanteric femur fracture with little effect on blood circulation at the fracture end and slight damage to sclerotin, thereby accelerating the recovery of hip joint function without any increase in prevalence of complications. Therefore, PFDA has a promising clinical efficacy and safety, which is worthy of being promoted in clinical practice.

Experimental investigation and micromagnetic simulations of hybrid CoCr2O4/Ni coaxial nanostructures.

Multiphase CoCr2O4/Ni core-shell nanowires (NWs) have been synthesized within anodic aluminum oxide membranes by the combination of the sol-gel method with electrodeposition techniques. X-ray diffraction and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy results confirmed the formation of a cubic spinel structure of CoCr2O4 shell with space group Fd-3m (227). The morphology and composition of the as-grown NWs were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy, as well as transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic properties of the CoCr2O4 NT shell and hybrid CoCr2O4/Ni NWs were measured at low temperature using a physical property measurement system. The temperature dependence of the magnetization curves showed that CoCr2O4 NTs undergo a transition from a paramagnetic state to a ferrimagnetic state at about 90 K and a spiral ordering transition temperature near 22 K. An enhanced coercivity and saturation field were observed for the CoCr2O4/Ni core-shell NWs compared to the single-phase Ni NWs. Micromagnetic simulation results indicated that there is a strong coupling between the shell and core layers during the magnetization reversal process. The combination of hard CoCr2O4 and soft Ni in a single NW structure may have potential applications in future multifunctional devices.

Magnon Valve Effect between Two Magnetic Insulators.

The key physics of the spin valve involves spin-polarized conduction electrons propagating between two magnetic layers such that the device conductance is controlled by the relative magnetization orientation of two magnetic layers. Here, we report the effect of a magnon valve which is made of two ferromagnetic insulators (YIG) separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer (Au). When a thermal gradient is applied perpendicular to the layers, the inverse spin Hall voltage output detected by a Pt bar placed on top of the magnon valve depends on the relative orientation of the magnetization of two YIG layers, indicating the magnon current induced by the spin Seebeck effect at one layer affects the magnon current in the other layer separated by Au. We interpret the magnon valve effect by the angular momentum conversion and propagation between magnons in two YIG layers and conduction electrons in the Au layer. The temperature dependence of the magnon valve ratio shows approximately a power law, supporting the above magnon-electron spin conversion mechanism. This work opens a new class of valve structures beyond the conventional spin valves.

[Application and analysis of abdominal aortic branch malperfusion pattern in thoracic endovascular aortic repair for Stanford B aortic dissection].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in dealing with abdominal aortic branch malperfusion based on the analysis of aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) images in pre- and post-TEVAR. METHODS: Retrospective analysis from September 2015 to March 2016 in single institution to 32 patients, diagnosed as Stanford B aortic dissection with abdominal aortic branch malperfusion, CTA images in pre- and post-TEVAR were collected. Based on the aortic branch malperfusion pattern redefined by Nagamine, we identified and characterized branch malperfusion pattern for four abdominal aortic branches (celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, bilateral renal artery) in statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the four abdominal aortic branches (total 128 branches), 86 branches (67.2%) expressed with Class I patterns, in which subtype I-b presented with 0.8%, subtype I-c with 5.5%; 14 branches (10.9%) expressed with Class II patterns, in which subtype II-b-1 with 3.9%, subtype II-b-2 with 3.1%; 16 branches (12.5%) expressed with Class III patterns, all with subtype III-a, no subtype III-b and III-c presented. The remaining 12 branches were normal. The 100% successful rate of TEVAR obtained in 32 patients performed. The mean following-up was 4 months. Aortic CTA showed that among the 14 "high-risk" abdominal aortic branch malperfusion, 13 (92.9%) with obvious branch malperfusion in post-TEVAR were observed to improve, and the remaining one branch malperfusion (7.1%) was observed to change from subtype I-b to I-c. CONCLUSION: Few ratios in abdominal aortic branches suffered with obvious malperfusion complicated by Stanford B aortic dissection. For branches with "high-risk" malperfusion pattern, optimal changes were observed in abdominal aortic branch without revascularization in post-TEVAR, as well other branches with non-"high-risk" pattern perfusion were mostly stable in post-TEVAR. It could be of profound benefit to extend branch malperfusion patterns redefined by Nagamine in clinical practice to assess aortic dissection and in further guide for revascularization or not.

[Application of autologous fat grafting in breast reconstruction].

Objective: To observe the outcome of breast reconstruction with autologous fat grafting in the patients following treatment for breast cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 22 patients after breast cancer modified radical mastectomy with fat grafting for breast reconstruction from January 2012 to March 2015 at Department of Body Contouring and Liposuction Center of Plastic Surgery, Hospital of Peking Union Medical College were analyzed retrospectively. The age of 22 patients (all female) was 28 to 54 years. Fifteen patients were performed breast modified radical mastectomy 5 to 16 year ago without radiotherapy, 7 patients were performed breast modified radical mastectomy following regular radiotherapy 2 years ago. Low negative pressure liposuction technical was applied to harvest fat tissue for 400 to 800 ml which was filtrated and purified by cotton pad method in low temperature environment. Fat grafting was performed with multi-level and multi-tunnel and in multi-point injection ways. All patients were followed up by regular imaging evaluation with MRI or ultrasonography after operation every 3 months. Results: All breast reconstruction were successfully performed in 22 patients, no severe complications occurred. Among 15 patients without radiotherapy, 12 patients were performed with autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction, 3 patients with prosthetic implantation for breast augmentation after autologous fat grafting. Among 7 patients with radiotherapy, 6 patients were performed with autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction, 1 patient with prosthetic implantation for breast augmentation after autologous fat grafting. The volume of fat grafting was 104 to 380 ml. It took 2.5 hours to finish the operation including 1.0 to 1.5 hours for liposuction and 40 minutes for fat grafting. Next fat grafting were performed after 3 months. The fat of the breast were survived well detecting by MRI, only 1 patient had a cystic nodule which had been resected during nipple reconstruction. Ultrasonography screened several cystic nodules with the major axis of 0.1 to 0.2 cm in the breast, which couldn't be found by palpating in 18 patients. The patients were followed up for 18 to 36 months, the outcome were satisfactory. Conclusion: Autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction simplifies the operation program with satisfied results and avoids the complications of breast reconstruction with skin flap.

Tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance driven by magnetic phase transition.

The independent control of two magnetic electrodes and spin-coherent transport in magnetic tunnel junctions are strictly required for tunneling magnetoresistance, while junctions with only one ferromagnetic electrode exhibit tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance dependent on the anisotropic density of states with no room temperature performance so far. Here, we report an alternative approach to obtaining tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance in α'-FeRh-based junctions driven by the magnetic phase transition of α'-FeRh and resultantly large variation of the density of states in the vicinity of MgO tunneling barrier, referred to as phase transition tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance. The junctions with only one α'-FeRh magnetic electrode show a magnetoresistance ratio up to 20% at room temperature. Both the polarity and magnitude of the phase transition tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance can be modulated by interfacial engineering at the α'-FeRh/MgO interface. Besides the fundamental significance, our finding might add a different dimension to magnetic random access memory and antiferromagnet spintronics.Tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance is promising for next generation memory devices but limited by the low efficiency and functioning temperature. Here the authors achieved 20% tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance at room temperature in magnetic tunnel junctions with one α'-FeRh magnetic electrode.

Controllable synthesis of ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic core-shell NWs with tunable magnetic properties.

Several nanotechnology applications are based on the promising scheme of highly anisotropic magnetic nanomaterials. Using this idea, we investigated the structure, magnetic properties, and interfacial exchange anisotropy effects of the Ni/Cr2O3 and Fe/Cr2O3 core-shell nanowires (NWs) geometry. A template-based strategy was developed to synthesize Ni (Fe)-Cr2O3 core-shell NWs, which combines a wet-chemical route and electrodeposition within the nanopores of the membranes. Structural determination in correlation with magnetic testing shows that the crystalline Cr2O3-nanoshells (NSs) cause an enhanced exchange bias, providing an extra source of anisotropy that leads to their magnetic stability. This core-shell NWs geometry, with enhanced anisotropy, should, therefore, motivate further study related to the applicability of anisotropic nanostructures. Our design opens a new pathway to obtain optimized heterostructured nanomaterials exhibiting tunable magnetic properties.

Diameter-dependent multiferroic functionality in hybrid core/shell NWs.

A versatile approach towards nanofabrication of highly reproducible Co/BiCoO3 (Co/BCO) core/shell (CS) nanowires (NWs) with different diameters has been adopted by demonstrating easily available and low cost sol-gel and electrodeposition routes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the tetragonal system of the BCO nanoshells (NSs) with the space group P4mm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly demonstrates the uniform morphology with well aligned CS NWs. The magnetization reversal processes (MRPs), experimentally and with analytical modelling, have been discussed for CS NWs with θ ranging from 0° (in-plane magnetic easy axis) to 90° (out-of-plane magnetic hard axis) with magnetic hysteresis loops and geometrical parameters. Crossover from the vortex to transverse reversal mode on increasing θ has been observed for all diameters. An exchange bias effect has been observed for smaller CS NWs diameters and it is attributed to the shell thickness of ∼25 nm. Furthermore, the magnetic anisotropy effect has been discussed in some detail.

[Expression and clinical significance of autophagy-related gene Beclin1 and P62 in nasal polyps].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of autophagy-related gene Beclin1 and P62 in nasal polyps and its relationship with the pathogenesis of this disease. METHODS: The specimens were divided into two groups: nasal polyp tissue(n=50) and normal inferior turbinate mucosa(n=20). The general morphology was detected with hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the expression of Beclin1 and P62 was examined with immunohistochemistry(IHC) and real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR). SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Protein level: The expression of Beclin1 in nasal polyp tissue was lower than inferior turbinate mucosa(U=-13.36, P<0.01), in contrast, P62 in experimental group was higher than control group(U=12.99 , P<0.01). mRNA level: The relative quantity of Beclin1 and LC3B expressions in nasal polyp were 0.46±0.17 and 0.46±0.11, which was lower than those in turbinate mucosa 1.11±0.47 and 0.96±0.25.The differences were significant(t value was -4.61, -4.61, both P<0.01). But the relative quantity of P62 expression in nasal polyp was 2.19±0.44, which was higher than that in turbinate mucosa (1.05±0.33). The difference was all significant(t=6.16, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with control group, the expression of Beclin1 was deficient and P62 was much more. Autophagy was deficient in nasal polyps, which might be in connection with the pathogenesis of the disease.

Toll-like receptor-4-dependence of the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation.

Bone fractures or bones subjected to open conduction and internal fixation are easily infected by bacteria; bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been recognized as an important pathogenic factor affecting bone fracture healing. Therefore, the effect of LPS on bone metabolism is relevant for bone healing. In this study, we investigated the effect of LPS on the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 (an LPS receptor) by using real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. We also examined the regulatory role of LPS in osteoblast differentiation by measuring the ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA (essential factors affecting osteoblast differentiation) expression in LPS-treated mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. We also evaluated the effect of TLR-4 on LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation using RNA interference. LPS promotes TLR-4 mRNA and protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and inhibits osteoblast differentiation by downregulating matrix mineralization and ALP activity (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and suppressing the expression ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conversely, RNAi-mediated TLR-4 knockdown abrogates the LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In summary, LPS was shown to inhibit osteoblast differentiation by suppressing the expression of ALP, OCN, and Runx2 in a TLR-4-dependent manner. The results of this study may provide insights into the signal pathway of LPS-induced bone loss or delayed bone fracture healing.

Magnetic response of hybrid ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic core-shell nanostructures.

The synthesis of FeTiO3-Ni(Ni80Fe20) core-shell nanostructures by a two-step method (sol-gel and DC electrodeposition) has been demonstrated. XRD analysis confirms the rhombohedral crystal structure of FeTiO3(FTO) with space group R3[combining macron]. Transmission electron microscopy clearly depicts better morphology of nanostructures with shell thicknesses of ∼25 nm. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed significant enhancement of magnetic anisotropy for the permalloy (Ni80Fe20)-FTO over Ni-FTO core-shell nanostructures. Low temperature magnetic measurements of permalloy-FeTiO3 core-shell structure indicated a strong exchange bias mechanism with magnetic coercivity below the antiferromagnetic Neel temperature (TN = 59 K). The exchange bias is attributed to the alignment of magnetic moments in the antiferromagnetic material at low temperature. Our scheme opens a path towards optimum automotive systems and wireless communications wherein broader bandwidths and smaller sizes are required.