Safety and effectiveness of tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters versus conventional PICC in adult cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters (T-PICC) vs. conventional PICCs (C-PICC) in adult cancer patients. METHODS: A multicentre randomized controlled trial was conducted between April 2021 and January 2022 in seven hospitals in China. 564 participants were randomly assigned to T-PICC or C-PICC. These data were collected and compared: the baseline characteristics and catheterization-related characteristics, periprocedural complications, and long-term complications. RESULTS: Five-hundred fifty-three participants (aged, 52.6 ± 12.3 years; female, 39.1%) were ultimately analyzed. No significant differences in periprocedural complications were found between the T-PICC and C-PICC groups (all p > 0.05). Compared with C-PICC, T-PICC significantly reduced the incidence of long-term complications (26.4% vs. 39.9%, p < 0.001). Specifically, reduced complications were found in central line-associated bloodstream infection (1.8% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.04), thrombosis (1.1% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.03), catheter dislodgement (4.7% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.01), non-infectious oozing (17.3% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.002), local infection (3.6% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.04), skin irritation (6.1% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.046), and reduced unplanned catheter removal (2.2% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.005). No significant differences were found between T-PICC and C-PICC regarding catheter occlusion (6.5% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.73) or skin damage (2.2% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.58). CONCLUSION: T-PICC is safe and effectively reduces long-term complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The tunneled technique is effective in reducing PICC-related long-term complications. Thus, it is recommended for cancer patients at high risk of PICC-related complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The registration number on https://www.chictr.org.cn/ is ChiCTR2100044632. The name of the trial registry is "A multicenter randomized controlled study of clinical use of tunneled vs. non-tunneled PICC". KEY POINTS: Cather-related complications are associated with the technique of catheterization. Compared with conventional PICC, tunneled PICC reduced catheter-related long-term complications. Tunneled PICC placement provides an alternative catheterization method for cancer patients.

Hemostatic Effects of Bio-Zeolite Gauze and QuikClot Combat Gauze on Major Bleeding in Rabbits Acutely Exposed to High Altitude.

Objective: Hemostatic gauze application is an effective way to control major bleeding, which is the most common cause of death in trauma in both civilian and military settings. Coagulation derangement after acute exposure to high altitude might alter the effects of hemostatic gauzes. The present study aimed to observe the hemostatic effects of bio-zeolite gauze (BZG) and QuikClot Combat Gauze® (QCG) on major bleeding in rabbits acutely exposed to high altitude.Methods: Sixty rabbits were randomly and evenly divided into six groups. Animal models of simulated blast- and fragment-induced inguinal major bleeding were prepared in lower altitude and high-altitude areas, and BZG, QCG, and ordinary gauze without hemostatic material were used to control bleeding. The primary outcomes included immediate hemostasis rate, blood loss, and survival rate, while the secondary outcomes included hemodynamic parameters, laboratory examinations, and coagulation-relevant markers.Results: The overall effects of BZG and QCG were better than those of ordinary gauze, with a higher immediate hemostatic rate, less blood loss, and higher survival rate at 90 min after gauze application and higher red blood cell and platelet counts and lower creatinine level at 30 min after gauze application in lower altitude. The concentrations of coagulation factor XII and factor X in rabbits acutely exposed to high altitude were significantly lower than those in lower altitude. At high altitude, the hemostatic effects of BZG did not decrease significantly compared to those in the lower altitude, whereas those of ordinary gauze and QCG decreased significantly at high altitude compared to those in the lower altitude.Conclusions: Coagulation derangement after acute exposure to high altitude has negative effects on ordinary gauze and QCG but has no significant negative hemostatic effects on BZG.

Preparation of CaMgAl-calcined layered double hydroxides and application on the removal of phosphates.

A calcined CaMgAl-layered double hydroxide nanocomposite, CaMgAl-LDH (CCMA-0.83-600), was prepared by introducing Mg on the basis of CaAl-LDHs for the removal of phosphate from wastewater. The structure of the as-synthesized CCMA-0.83-600 was confirmed by XRD and SEM analyses. Parameters affecting the adsorption process of phosphate adsorbed by CCMA-0.83-600 were thoroughly explored, such as initial pH, adsorbent dosage and co-existing anions. The adsorption kinetic study suggested that the adsorption process accorded with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption rate was controlled by both the liquid film diffusion and intra-particle diffusion. The adsorption isotherm study indicated the adsorption process followed by the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic analysis suggested that the adsorption of phosphate was spontaneous and exothermic. The obtained results indicated that CCMA-0.83-600 is a suitable candidate for the removal of phosphate from wastewater.

[A preliminary study on the role of V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis]. / Tç»†èƒžæ´»åŒ–å ç–«çƒè›‹ç™½æŠ‘åˆ¶Våž‹ç»“æž„åŸŸåœ¨å¹¼å¹´ç‰¹å‘æ€§å ³èŠ‚ç‚Žä¸­ä½œç”¨çš„åˆæ­¥ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the expression of V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) in peripheral blood of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and its role in the pathogenesis of JIA. METHODS: In this prospective study, peripheral blood was collected from 47 children with different subtypes of JIA and 10 healthy children. Flow cytometry was used to measure the expression levels of VISTA, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on CD14+ mononuclear cells, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and CD8+ T lymphocytes. RESULTS: The children with JIA had a significantly lower expression level of VISTA than the healthy children (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the expression of VISTA between the children with different subtypes of JIA, with the lowest expression level in those with systemic JIA (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference in the expression of VISTA between different immune cells, with a significantly higher expression level on the surface of monocytes (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that VISTA was negatively correlated with the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α on CD4+ T cells (r=-0.436 and -0.382 respectively, P<0.05), CD8+ T cells (r=-0.348 and -0.487 respectively, P<0.05), and CD14+ mononuclear cells (r=-0.582 and -0.603 respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The insufficient expression of VISTA may be associated with the pathogenesis of JIA, and enhancing the immunomodulatory effect of VISTA might be one option for the treatment of JIA in the future.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 High Molecular Weight Isoforms in Dentoalveolar Mineralization.

Transgenic mice overexpressing human high molecular weight fibroblast growth factor 2 (HMWFGF2) isoforms in osteoblast and odontoblast lineages (HMWTg) exhibit decreased dentin and alveolar bone mineralization, enlarged pulp chamber, and increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). We examined if the alveolar bone and dentin mineralization defects in HMWTg mice resulted from increased FGF23 expression and whether an FGF23 neutralizing antibody could rescue the hypomineralization phenotype. HMWTg and VectorTg control mice were given subcutaneous injections of FGF23 neutralizing antibody twice/week starting at postnatal day 21 for 6 weeks. Since Calcitriol (1,25D) have direct effects in promoting bone mineralization, we also determined if 1,25D protects against the defective dentin and alveolar bone mineralization. Therefore, HMWTg mice were given subcutaneous injections of 1,25D daily or concomitantly with FGF23 neutralizing antibody for 6 weeks. Our results showed that HMWTg mice displayed thickened predentin, alveolar bone hypomineralization, and enlarged pulp chambers. FGF23 neutralizing antibody and 1,25D monotherapy partially rescued the dentin mineralization defects and the enlarged pulp chamber phenotype in HMWTg mice. 1,25D alone was not sufficient to rescue the alveolar bone hypomineralization. Interestingly, HMWTg mice treated with both FGF23 neutralizing antibody and 1.25D further rescued the enlarged pulp chamber size, and dentin and alveolar bone mineralization defects. We conclude that the dentin and alveolar bone mineralization defects in HMWTg mice might result from increased FGF23 expression. Our results show a novel role of HMWFGF2 on dentoalveolar mineralization.

CT-guided transthoracic pulmonary artery catheterization: an experimental study in a porcine model.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the safety and feasibility of CT-guided transthoracic pulmonary artery catheterization (TPAC) in a porcine model. METHODS: Procedures were conducted on ten mature Bama miniature pigs. After anesthesia, chest CT was performed in the left lateral decubitus position to determine the puncture route. Under the guidance of multiple CT scans, the introducer sheath was inserted from the right chest wall of the pig into the right pulmonary artery using the Seldinger technique. Then, a catheter connected with a transducer was inserted into the sheath to measure the pulmonary artery pressure. Finally, an active approximator was used to close the puncture site on the pulmonary artery. The pigs were followed up for 8 weeks to evaluate the operation-related complications and survival. RESULTS: Ten of 11 CT-guided TPAC procedures were successfully performed on ten pigs, rendering a technical success rate of 90.9%. One pig had hemoptysis while the needle was being inserted during the first operation, and a second procedure was successfully conducted 17 days later. Other complications, including pulmonary bleeding along the needle track (3 of 11; 27.3%), unclosed pulmonary artery puncture sites (3 of 10; 30%), pneumothorax (1 of 11; 9.1%), and hemopericardium (1 of 11; 9.1%), spontaneously resolved without complication-specific treatment. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 32 ± 17.6 mmHg. All animals survived the procedure and reached the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided TPAC is feasible and safe in a porcine model, serving as a potential alternative pathway for pulmonary artery intervention. KEY POINTS: • TPAC is feasible and safe in a porcine model, serving as a potential alternative pathway for pulmonary artery intervention. • This novel approach allows for faster access to the pulmonary artery, and it might be easier to operate the tip of the catheter to super-select the intent branch of the pulmonary artery. • TPAC can be an alternative pulmonary artery intervention pathway in patients with mechanical right-heart valves, great-vessel transposition, and other obstacles.

Acute kidney injury in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome: influencing factors and coping strategies.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS). We aimed to evaluate the influencing factors of AKI in patients with PNS, to provide implications for the clinical management and nursing care of patients with PNS. METHODS: PNS patients who were treated in the Department of Nephrology in our hospital from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021 were included. The clinical characteristics and pathological type of PNS patients were evaluated. Pearson correlation and Logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the related risk factors of AKI in patients with PNS. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients with PNS were included, the incidence of AKI in PNS patients was 28.05%. Pearson correlation analysis showed that diabetes(r = 0.688), pulmonary infection (r = 0.614), albumin (r = 0.779), serum creatinine (r = 0.617), uric acid (r = 0.522), blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.616), renal tubular casts (r = 0.707) were correlated with AKI in PNS patients (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that diabetes (OR2.908, 95%CI1.844 ~ 4.231), pulmonary infection(OR3.755, 95%CI2.831 ~ 4.987), albumin ≤ 24 g/L (OR1.923, 95%CI1.214 ~ 2.355), serum creatinine ≥ 90 µmol/L (OR2.517, 95%CI2.074 ~ 3.182), blood urea nitrogen ≥ 6.5 mmol/L (OR1.686, 95%CI1.208 ~ 2.123), uric acid ≥ 390 µmol/L (OR2.755, 95%CI2.131 ~ 3.371), renal tubular casts(OR1.796, 95%CI1.216 ~ 2.208) were the independently influencing factors of AKI in PNS patients (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AKI is common in PNS patients. Actively controlling diabetes and pulmonary infection, strengthening nutrition support and renal function monitoring are essential to reduce the occurrence of AKI in PNS patients.

Nitrogen removal from summer to winter in a field pilot-scale multistage constructed wetland-pond system.

A pilot-scale multistage constructed wetland-pond (MCWP) system with a "pre-ecological oxidation pond, two-stage horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSCW) and surface flow constructed wetland (SFCW) as the core and postsubmerged plant pond" as the process was used to treat actual polluted river water in the field, and the variation in nitrogen removal from summer to winter was investigated. The results showed that the average total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency in the MCWP was approximately 40.74%. The significant positive correlation between the daily highest temperature and the TN removal efficiency of the whole system was fitted with a nonlinear curve (R2 = 0.7192). The TN removal load rate in the HSCWs was 2.7-3.7 times that in the SFCW. The SFCW, which had high-density plants (35 plants/m2), increased the proportion of nitrogen removed by plant harvesting and microbial function. The TN transformed by Iris pseudacorus L. accounted for 54.53% in the SFCW. Furthermore, bacteria completed the nitrogen cycle in the SFCW through a variety of nitrogen removal pathways. This research not only investigated the TN removal performance in an MCWP system but also made it possible to predict the TN removal efficiency according to the daily highest temperature from summer to winter in the field.

Alert for non-respiratory symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 patients in epidemic period: A case report of familial cluster with three asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.

At present, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rampaging around the world. However, asymptomatic carriers intensified the difficulty of prevention and management. Here we reported the screening, clinical features, and treatment process of a family cluster involving three COVID-19 patients. The discovery of the first asymptomatic carrier in this family cluster depends on the repeated and comprehensive epidemiological investigation by disease control experts. In addition, the combination of multiple detection methods can help clinicians find asymptomatic carriers as early as possible. In conclusion, the prevention and control experience of this family cluster showed that comprehensive rigorous epidemiological investigation and combination of multiple detection methods were of great value for the detection of hidden asymptomatic carriers.

Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and infant atopic dermatitis: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy has been linked with the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children, while the results were inconsistent. The objective of this study was to assess the potential association. METHODS: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured in pregnant women from the birth cohort MKFOAD. Infant AD was diagnosed according to Williams' criteria. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the association of maternal serum 25(OH)D levels in the first, second, and third trimester of gestation with the risk of infant AD at first year of age. RESULTS: In total, 121 (26.5%) of 456 infants developed AD prior to 1 year of age. In general, higher maternal serum 25(OH)D levels throughout pregnancy were associated with increased risks of AD in infants prior to 1 year of age in multivariate logistic regression models, with borderline statistical significance in the first (per ln unit increase: adjusted OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.96, 3.88) and second (per ln unit increase: adjusted OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 0.93, 3.19) trimester. Multivariate logistic regression models using categorical variables of maternal 25(OH)D levels by tertiles showed similar results: Infants born to mothers with serum 25(OH)D levels in the highest tertile had higher risk of AD than those with 25(OH)D in the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found some evidence supporting that higher maternal 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy increased the risk of infant AD. However, the clinical implication of the findings should be limited for those with blood levels over the recommendations.

Maternal periconceptional folate status and infant atopic dermatitis: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal folate status is linked with the risk of allergic disorders including atopic dermatitis (AD) in children, but findings remain inconclusive. We aim to assess the relationship between maternal folate status in early gestation and early-onset infant AD, based on a prospective mother-child cohort study. METHODS: Pregnant women were recruited at 12-14 weeks of gestation. Red blood cell folate (RBC folate) and serum folate concentrations were examined at enrollment. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation was investigated through a self-administered questionnaire. The primary outcome was AD incidence before 6 months of age, diagnosed according to Williams' criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of maternal folate status with infant AD by adjusting parental and child covariates. RESULTS: In total, 107 (23.4%) of 458 infants developed AD before 6 months, with more male infants affected (P = .002). Higher maternal RBC folate levels (per 100 ng/mL) were associated with an increased risk of AD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.31). An RBC folate level ≥620 ng/mL was associated with increased infant AD by 91% (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.09-3.36). However, associations were not observed for maternal serum folate at early gestation or periconceptional folic acid supplement intakes. CONCLUSIONS: We provide the first evidence that higher maternal RBC folate concentrations during early gestation are associated with increased early-onset infant AD. Our findings support the importance of maintaining appropriate folate levels during the periconceptional period to reduce the risk of AD in infants.

The application of steel slag in a multistage pond constructed wetland to purify low-phosphorus polluted river water.

To investigate the effect of a constructed wetland (CW) with steel slag as the filler on water contaminated by low phosphorus levels, a multistage pond CW system was designed in this study. Low-phosphorus polluted river water was used as the research object. This study explored the effects of using steel slag as a CW filler on phosphorus removal and the total phosphorus (TP) purification effect of the wetland system. The results showed that the TP removal rates in the ecological pond, oxidation pond, surface flow wetlands and submerged plant pond were 5.17%, 8.02%, 21.56%, and 16.31%, respectively. Intermittent increases in phosphorus concentration were observed in the reactors and were caused by the decay of plant tissues, which released pollutants. Because steel slag was added to the filler, the TP concentrations in the effluent of the first- and second-level horizontal subsurface CWs increased by 151.13% and 16.29%, respectively, compared to the influent concentration. The 20th to 40th days of the test run was a period of rapid phosphorus release of the system. The use of steel slag has a potential risk of phosphorus release when applied in CWs used to purify low-phosphorus contaminated water bodies.

Ablation of low-molecular-weight FGF2 isoform accelerates murine osteoarthritis while loss of high-molecular-weight FGF2 isoforms offers protection.

FGF2 is an essential growth factor implicated in osteoarthritis (OA), and deletion of full-length FGF2 (Fgf2ALLKO ) leads to murine OA. However, the FGF2 gene encodes both high-molecular-weight (HMW) and low-molecular-weight (LMW) isoforms, and the effects of selectively ablating individual isoforms, as opposed to total FGF2, has not been investigated in the context of OA. We undertook this study to examine whether mice lacking HMW FGF2 (Fgf2HMWKO ) or LMW FGF2 (Fgf2LMWKO ) develop OA and to further characterize the observed OA phenotype in Fgf2ALLKO mice. Fgf2HMWKO mice never developed OA, but 6- and 9-month-old Fgf2LMWKO and Fgf2ALLKO mice displayed signs of OA, including eroded articular cartilage, altered subchondral bone and trabecular architecture, and increased OA marker enzyme levels. Even with mechanical induction of OA, Fgf2HMWKO mice were protected against OA, whereas Fgf2LMWKO and Fgf2ALLKO displayed OA-like changes of the subchondral bone. Before exhibiting OA symptoms, Fgf2LMWKO or Fgf2ALLKO joints displayed differential expression of genes encoding key regulatory proteins, including interleukin-1ß, insulin-like growth factor 1, bone morphogenetic protein 4, hypoxia-inducible factor 1, B-cell lymphoma 2, Bcl2-associated X protein, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5, ETS domain-containing protein, and sex-determining region Y box 9. Moreover, Fgf2LMWKO OA cartilage exhibited increased FGF2, FGF23, and FGFR1 expression, whereas Fgf2HMWKO cartilage had increased levels of FGFR3, which promotes anabolism in cartilage. These results demonstrate that loss of LMW FGF2 results in catabolic activity in joint cartilage, whereas absence of HMW FGF2 with only the presence of LMW FGF2 offers protection from OA.

Interfacial Electronic Interaction Induced Engineering of ZnO-BiOI Heterostructures for Efficient Visible-Light Photocatalysis.

Heterostructural engineering and three-dimensional architecture construction are effective strategies to optimize the photocatalytic performance of semiconductors. Herein, we integrate these two strategies and controllably synthesize ZnO-BiOI heterostructures with well-defined architectures. Microstructural and surface analysis reveals that the strong electronic interaction between ZnO and Bi3+ ensures a bounded nucleation and growth of BiOI on the surface of ZnO, which leads to the formation of ZnO-BiOI nanorod heterostructures (ZnO-BiOI-NR) with very high dispersion of BiOI on ZnO nanorods. In contrast, when the nucleation and growth of BiOI occurs before reacting with ZnO nanorods, ZnO-BiOI heterostructures (ZnO-BiOI-NF) are composed of BiOI nanoflowers (NFs) and ZnO nanorods. The precise control over the interfaces of ZnO-BiOI heterostructures provides ideal models to investigate the influence of the interfaces on the catalytic performance of heterostructures. It is important to highlight that the photocatalytic activity of ZnO-BiOI-NR is 12 times higher than that of ZnO-BiOI-NF. Mechanism studies suggest that the abundant ZnO-BiOI interfaces in ZnO-BiOI-NR benefit the generation and separation of hole-electron pairs, which consequently improve the catalytic performance.

Spatial variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from rivers in hilly regions of Southern China in the wet and dry seasons.

Seasonal variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface sediments from 13 rivers in hilly regions of southern China were studied. Concentrations of PAHs analyzed in the wet season were higher than those analyzed in the dry season, with residues ranging from 74.3 to 1930.9 ng g-1 dw in the wet season and from 96.9 to 1388.9 ng g-1 dw in the dry season. The primary contributors were 3- and 4-ringed congeners accounting for 59.8% ±â€¯10.1% and 58.3% ±â€¯9.3% of the identified PAHs in the wet and the dry seasons, respectively. Proximity to sources and locations susceptible to high atmospheric depositional inputs results in high concentrations of PAH. Diagnostic ratios have indicated that the sources of PAHs in different seasons make no apparent difference. Furthermore, a principal component analysis and multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) studies indicate that combustion sources such as vehicle emissions and coal combustion are the primary sources of PAHs. Toxicological risk assessments based on TEQcare suggested that Benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene could pose high ecological risks in this area.

Clinically Relevant Concentrations of Ketamine Inhibit Osteoclast Formation In Vitro in Mouse Bone Marrow Cultures.

Ketamine has been used safely in clinics for decades for analgesia and anesthesia. It is increasingly popular in clinical practice due to its new uses and importance for emergency procedures. It is known that ketamine is sequestered in the bone marrow and the major receptors for ketamine, noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), are expressed in osteoclasts (OCs) and osteoblasts. However, the impact of ketamine on OCs or osteoblasts is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of ketamine on osteoclastogenesis and regulation of NMDARs expression in vitro. Bone marrows (BMs) or bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were cultured in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) with or without ketamine for up to 6 days. OC formation peaked at day 5. On day 5 of culture, ketamine inhibited OC formation from both BM and BMM cultures at clinically relevant concentrations (3-200 µM). Ketamine inhibited RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 1 (NFATc1) in BMM cultures. Inhibition of ketamine on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis is associated with down-regulation of NMDARs. In addition, ketamine significantly inhibited the M-CSF induced migration of BMMs, inhibited cell fusion and significantly increased mature OC apoptosis. We conclude that clinically relevant concentrations of ketamine inhibit OC formation in both BM and BMM cultures in vitro through inhibiting migration and fusion process and enhancing mature OC apoptosis. It is likely that ketamine regulates osteoclastogenesis, at least in part, via its effects on NMDAR expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 914-923, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Catalytic Activity Control via Crossover between Two Different Microstructures.

Metal nanocatalysts hold great promise for a wide range of heterogeneous catalytic reactions, while the optimization strategy of catalytic activity is largely restricted by particle size or shape control. Here, we demonstrate that a reversible microstructural control through the crossover between multiply twinned nanoparticle (MTP) and single crystal (SC) can be readily achieved by solvent post-treatment on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Polar solvents (e.g., water, methanol) direct the transformation from MTP to SC accompanied by the disappearance of twinning and stacking faults. A reverse transformation from SC to MTP is achieved in nonpolar solvent (e.g., toluene) mixed with thiol ligands. The transformation between two different microstructures is directly observed by in situ TEM and leads to a drastic modulation of catalytic activity toward the gas-phase selective oxidation of alcohols. On the basis of the combined experimental and theoretical investigations of alcohol chemisorption on these nanocatalysts, we propose that the exposure of {211}-like microfacets associated with twin boundaries and stack faults accounts for the strong chemisorption of alcohol molecules on MTP AuNPs and thus the exceptionally high catalytic activity.

FGFR Inhibitor Ameliorates Hypophosphatemia and Impaired Engrailed-1/Wnt Signaling in FGF2 High Molecular Weight Isoform Transgenic Mice.

High molecular weight FGF2 transgenic (HMWTg) mouse phenocopies the Hyp mouse, homolog of human X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets with hypophosphatemis, and abnormal FGF23, FGFR, Klotho signaling in kidney. Since abnormal Wnt signaling was reported in Hyp mice we assessed whether Wnt signaling was impaired in HMWTg kidneys and the effect of blocking FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content in female HMWTg mice were significantly reduced. HMWTg mice were gavaged with FGFR inhibitor NVP-BGJ398, or vehicle and were euthanized 24 h post treatment. Serum phosphate was significantly reduced and urine phosphate was significantly increased in HMWTg and was rescued by NVP-BGJ398. Analysis of kidneys revealed a significant reduction in Npt2a mRNA in HMWTg that was significantly increased by NVP-BGJ398. Increased FGFR1, KLOTHO, P-ERK1/2, and decreased NPT2a protein in HMWTg were rescued by NVP-BGJ398. Wnt inhibitor Engrailed-1 mRNA and protein was increased in HMWTg and was decreased by BGJ398. Akt mRNA and protein was decreased in HMWTg and was increased by NVP-BGJ398. The active form of glycogen synthase 3 beta (pGSK3-ß) and phosphor-ß-catenin were increased in HMWTg and were both decreased by NVP-BGJ398 while decreased active-ß-catenin in HMWTg was increased by NVP-BGJ398. We conclude that FGFR blockade rescued hypophosphatemia by regulating FGF and WNT signaling in HMWTg kidneys. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1991-2000, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Age-Related Changes in FGF-2, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors and ß-Catenin Expression in Human Mesenchyme-Derived Progenitor Cells.

FGF-2 stimulates preosteoblast replication, and knockout of the FGF-2 gene in mice resulted in osteopenia with age, associated with decreased Wnt-ß-Catenin signaling. In addition, targeted expression of FGF-2 in osteoblast progenitors increased bone mass in mice via Wnt-ß-Catenin signaling. We posited that diminution of the intrinsic proliferative capacity of human mesenchyme-derived progenitor cells (HMDPCs) with age is due in part to reduction in FGF-2. To test this hypothesis HMDPCs from young (27-38), middle aged (47-56), and old (65-76) female human subjects were isolated from bone discarded after orthopedic procedures. HMDPCs cultures were mostly homogeneous with greater than 90% mesenchymal progenitor cells, determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. There was a progressive decrease in FGF-2 and FGFR1 mRNA and protein in HMDPCs with age. Since FGF-2 activates ß-catenin, which can enhance bone formation, we also assessed its age-related expression in HMDPCs. An age-related decrease in total-ß-Catenin mRNA and protein expression was observed. However there were increased levels of p-ß-Catenin and decreased levels of activated-ß-Catenin in old HMDSCs. FGF-2 treatment increased FGFR1 and ß-Catenin protein, reduced the level of p-ß-Catenin and increased activated-ß-Catenin in aged HMDPCs. In conclusion, reduction in FGF-2 expression could contribute to age-related impaired function of HMDPCs via modulation of Wnt-ß-catenin signaling.

Accelerated fracture healing in transgenic mice overexpressing an anabolic isoform of fibroblast growth factor 2.

The effect of targeted expression of an anabolic isoform of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) in osteoblastic lineage on tibial fracture healing was assessed in mice. Closed fracture of the tibiae was performed in Col3.6-18 kDaFgf2-IRES-GFPsaph mice in which a 3.6 kb fragment of type I collagen promoter (Col3.6) drives the expression of only the 18 kD isoform of FGF2 (18 kDaFgf2/LMW) with green fluorescent protein-sapphire (GFPsaph) as well as Vector mice (Col3.6-IRES-GFPsaph, Vector) that did not harbor the FGF2 transgene. Radiographic, micro-CT, DEXA, and histologic analysis of fracture healing of tibiae harvested at 3, 10 and 20 days showed a smaller fracture callus but accelerated fracture healing in LMWTg compared with Vector mice. At post fracture day 3, FGF receptor 3 and Sox 9 mRNA were significantly increased in LMWTg compared with Vector. Accelerated fracture healing was associated with higher FGF receptor 1, platelet derived growth factors B, C, and D, type X collagen, vascular endothelial cell growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 9, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, cathepsin K, runt-related transcription factor-2, Osterix and Osteocalcin and lower Sox9, and type II collagen expression at 10 days post fracture. We postulate that overexpression of LMW FGF2 accelerated the fracture healing process due to its effects on factors that are important in chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation and vascular invasion.