Competence and perceptions of spiritual care among clinical nurses: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To identify latent profiles of competence and perceptions of spiritual care among clinical nurses and explore the possible influencing factors. BACKGROUND: Understanding nurses' level of spiritual care competence and their perceptions and acceptance of such care is important, which could help devise nurse training programmes to address such competence in clinical nurses. However, research addressing interindividual variability in competence and perceptions among Chinese nurses is lacking. DESIGN: Multicentre cross-sectional study. METHODS: Nurses working in departments with critically ill patients from 12 community, 5 secondary and 10 tertiary hospitals in Shanghai completed a demographic information questionnaire and the Chinese versions of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale, Spiritual Care-Giving Scale and Spiritual Perspectives Scale. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS v26.0 and Mplus version 8.3. Latent profile analysis identified subgroups with different levels of spiritual care competence. RESULTS: In total, 1277 Chinese nurses were recruited. Four profiles of competence and perceptions of spiritual care were revealed: Low ability (23.8%), High ability (6.4%), High acceptance (34.9%) and Moderate (34.9%). The level of job position, spiritual care-related education, hospital grade and nurses' perceptions and perspectives of spiritual care predicted the probability of profile memberships in their competence. CONCLUSIONS: There was heterogeneity in the characteristics of spiritual care competence. Nursing managers can implement individualised interventions, including relevant training, according to the influencing factors of different competence profiles to improve the level of such competence among nurses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results provide a new and expanded view of improving nurses' spiritual care competence. Interprofessional collaboration with clinicians, administrators, educators and spiritual leaders can contribute to the development of related education and training. REPORTING METHOD: EQUATOR guidelines, STROBE checklist: cross-sectional studies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: All participants were clinical nurses. Participants were informed they could withdraw from the study at any time.

lncRNA MALAT1 promotes HCC metastasis through the peripheral vascular infiltration via miRNA-613: a primary study using contrast ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the specific pathogenesis of lncRNA MALAT1 promoting the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through peripheral blood vessels by regulating the expression of miRNA-613 molecule. METHODS: The data of 60 HCC metastatic patients and 60 HCC non-metastatic patients detected by the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College from January 2020 to June 2021 were collected, as well as postoperatively retained HCC tissues and paired paracancer tissues (5 cm laterally from the edge of the cancer area), to study the changes of microangiogenesis in HCC tissues with CEUS. The correlation between CEUS grading and lncRNA MALAT1 in patients with HCC was analyzed through Pearson correlation analysis, lncRNA MALAT1 and miRNA-613 in HCC tissues of patients with HCC were detected by qRT-PCR, followed by the bioinformatic analysis for the relationship between lncRNA MALAT1 and miRNA-613. The Log-growing human HCC cell strain, HepG2, was selected for experiments. Adenovirus transfection knocked down lncRNA MALAT1 in HCC cells, which was divided into two groups (inhibitor-NC group and lncR-inhibitor group), followed by knocking down miRNA-613 on the basis of knocking down lncRNA MALAT1, which was divided into three groups (inhibitor-NC group, lncR-inhibitor groups, and lncR/miR613-inhibitor group). The expression of miRNA-613 and lncRNA MALAT1 in each group was detected by qRT-PCR. The migration and invasiveness of cells in each group were detected by Transwell assay. RESULTS: CEUS of HCC and Pearson correlation analysis showed that CEUS grading and lncRNA MALAT1 were positively correlated in patients with HCC. In HCC tissues of patients with HCC, lncRNA MALAT1 expressed high and miRNA-613 expressed low. The results of bioinformatic analysis showed the targeting of lncRNA MALAT1 and miRNA-613. Knocking down lncRNA MALAT1 could increase miRNA-613 expression significantly, and reduce the migration of HCC cells. Inhibiting miRNA-613 based on knocking down lncRNA MALAT1 could increase the survival and migration of HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: lncRNA MALAT1 can promote HCC metastasis through the peripheral vascular infiltration by inhibiting the level of MiRNA-613, which can, therefore, be used as a potential target for the treatment of HCC.

Investigating the repair of alveolar bone defects by gelatin methacrylate hydrogels-encapsulated human periodontal ligament stem cells.

Although various efforts have been made to develop effective treatments for alveolar bone defect, alveolar regeneration has been emerging as the one with the most potential Herein, we investigated the potential of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels-encapsulated human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) to regenerate alveolar bone. The easy, rapid, and cost-effective nature of GelMA hydrogels makes them a promising mode of stem cell-delivery for clinically relevant alveolar bone regeneration. More importantly, GelMA hydrogels provide an optimal niche for hPDLSCs proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation, which are critical for alveolar bone regeneration. In this study, we examined the microstructure of GelMA hydrogels, and identified a highly porous and interconnected network. Compressive test of GelMA hydrogels showed that the stress reached a maximum value of 13.67 ± 0.03 kPa when the strain reached 55%. The maximum values of swelling ratio were 700 ± 47% at the fifth hour. The proliferation rate of hPDLSCs in the GelMA hydrogels resembled that in 2D culture and gradually increased. We established a critical-sized rat model of alveolar bone defects, and applied Micro-CT to assess new bone formation. Compared to the control group, there was substantial bone regeneration in the GelMA + hPDLSCs group at both 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. Histological analysis results were consistent with Micro-CT results. Our study demonstrates that the GelMA hydrogels-encapsulated hPDLSCs have a significant alveolar regenerative potential, and may represent a new strategy for the therapy of alveolar bone defects.

Numerical simulation and field test study of desulfurization wastewater evaporation treatment through flue gas.

Aimed at cost saving and pollution reduction, a novel desulfurization wastewater evaporation treatment system (DWETS) for handling wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) wastewater of a coal-fired power plant was studied. The system's advantages include simple process, and less investment and space. The feasibility of this system has been proven and the appropriate position and number of nozzles, the spray droplet size and flue gas temperature limitation have been obtained by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The simulation results show that a longer duct, smaller diameter and higher flue gas temperature could help to increase the evaporation rate. The optimal DWETS design of Shangdu plant is 100 µm droplet sprayed by two nozzles located at the long duct when the flue gas temperature is 130 °C. Field tests were carried out based on the simulation results. The effects of running DWETS on the downstream devices have been studied. The results show that DWETS has a positive impact on ash removal efficiency and does not have any negative impact on the electrostatic precipitator (ESP), flue gas heat exchanger and WFGD. The pH values of the slurry of WFGD slightly increase when the DWETS is running. The simulation and field test of the DWETS show that it is a feasible future technology for desulfurization wastewater treatment.

Spiritual Coping in Family Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

CONTEXT: Family caregivers face significant challenges when providing care to individuals with advanced cancer. Spiritual coping strategies may support caregivers in addressing these challenges. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated spiritual coping levels among Chinese family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and explored associated factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 358 family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. The Spiritual Coping Scale was used to evaluate spiritual coping levels, while various scales, including the Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale-Schwarzer, and Perceived Social Support Scale, were used to identify influencing factors. T-tests and analysis of variance were used for group comparisons. Pearson's correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the associated factors. RESULTS: Chinese family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer had moderate spiritual coping levels. Differences in spiritual coping levels were observed in sex, religion, and the presence or absence of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Women and caregivers who identified as religious had higher levels, while those with anxiety or depression had lower levels. Spiritual coping was positively correlated with self-efficacy and spiritual health (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that religion, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and spiritual health were statistically significant associated factors for spiritual coping scores, explaining 43.3% of the variance in scores (F = 53.769, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The spiritual coping of Chinese family caregivers should be considered by health care providers, who should focus on alleviating their anxiety and depression while improving self-efficacy and spiritual health, especially among nonreligious caregivers.

Impedimetric DNA biosensor based on a nanoporous alumina membrane for the detection of the specific oligonucleotide sequence of dengue virus.

A novel and integrated membrane sensing platform for DNA detection is developed based on an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane. Platinum electrodes (~50-100 nm thick) are coated directly on both sides of the alumina membrane to eliminate the solution resistance outside the nanopores. The electrochemical impedance technique is employed to monitor the impedance changes within the nanopores upon DNA binding. Pore resistance (Rp) linearly increases in response towards the increasing concentration of the target DNA in the range of 1 × 10⁻¹² to 1 × 10⁻6 M. Moreover, the biosensor selectively differentiates the complementary sequence from single base mismatched (MM-1) strands and non-complementary strands. This study reveals a simple, selective and sensitive method to fabricate a label-free DNA biosensor.

Nomogram for Predicting the Recurrence Rate in Selective Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of the Trigeminal Nerve Based on Regression via Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous selective radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of the trigeminal nerve is a novel, minimally invasive technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, but the high recurrence rate after surgery might pose a serious problem. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors affecting the recurrence rate after RFT and to predict the recurrence rate and provide evidence for the early prediction. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center retrospective study. SETTING: This study was carried out in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University in China. METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine patients were included in this study. The cumulative survival rates according to temperature and type of pain were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model was used to build the nomogram. Time-independent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the signature's predictive capacity. A calibration curve was generated to judge the accuracy of absolute risk predictions, and Brier scores were used to quantitatively evaluate the calibration. Decision curve analysis was applied to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the model. A multiparameter nomogram was used to analyze the scores and predict the risk of relapse. RESULTS: Three predictors were screened by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Pain grade (refit hazard ratio [HR]: 1.6807; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1963-2.3613) and type of pain (HR: 6.2802; 95% CI: 3.3705-11.7021) were considered to be risk factors affecting the recurrence rate after RFT, while temperature (HR: 0.5203; 95% CI: 0.2859-0.9468) was identified as a protective factor. The recurrence rate within 2 years in 85°C group was 51.09%, while that in 95°C group was 29.79%. The nomogram exhibited good discrimination and calibration. Compared with the preoperative period, all of the patients' postoperative Numeric Rating Scale scores (NRS-11)decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The main postoperative complication was numbness, with a gradual decrease in the Barrow Neurological Institute score over time. Autonomic symptoms and decrease of masticatory muscle function were the secondary postoperative complications, and no other adverse events were observed. Overall patient satisfaction at 2 years postoperatively was 7.83 ± 1.93. LIMITATIONS: This study contains a small sample size from a single center and the conclusion of randomized controlled trials will be more convincing. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing temperature can effectively reduce the recurrence rate after RF, and the combination of atypical pain and higher NRS-11s could be a risk factor increasing the recurrence rate. The novel nomogram exhibited favorable survival stratification accuracy and shown a great potential for screening high-risk groups and evaluating the risk of recurrence rate.

Evaluating the Extent of Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block in the Lower Cervical Spine: Evidence Based on Computed Tomography Images.

Objective: To verify the injectate dispersal patterns (IDP) and therapeutic outcome of ultrasound-guided cervical selective nerve root block (UG-SCNRB) in treating cervical radiculopathy (CR). Methods: Overall, 18 CR patients were recruited to undergo UG-SCNRB in the CT room. Following placement of the puncture needle tip between the target nerve root and posterior tubercle, 3 mL of the drug was administered per root (0.33% lidocaine 0.5 mL + Compound betamethasone injection 0.5mL + methylcobalamin injection 1mL + iohexol 1mL). Subsequently, the IDP was assessed on postintervention CT scan images. Results: In all, 18 participants were analyzed. We injected 21 target cervical nerve roots, namely, 1 C4 nerve, 9 C5 nerves, and 11 C6 nerves. Among the IDPs on postintervention CT scan images, two IDPs were most prevalent, namely, the contrast spread into the extraforaminal spaces (Zone I, the interscalene) in 100% (21/21) of cases, and the foraminal space spread (Zone II) in 61.90% (13/21) of cases. The injectate spread into the epidural spaces (Zone III) in only 2 out of 21 cases (9.52%). The pain relief was significantly improved two hours after surgery, compared to the preoperative VAS pain scores (2 hours, 1.39±0.50 vs VAS at baseline, P<0.01). The VAS pain scores during follow-up were significantly lower than preoperation (1 weeks, 1.94±0.54 vs VAS at baseline; 2 weeks, 2.61±0.70, P<0.01 vs VAS at baseline; 4 weeks, 2.67±0.59, P<0.01 vs VAS at baseline). Conclusion: We verified, via CT imaging, that the UG-SCNRB drug diffusion was within safe range (the injectate mainly spread to the extraforaminal spaces), and without any serious complications, such as, intravascular drug injection, extensive diffusion of the epidural space, and general spinal anesthesia.

Breathable, antifreezing, mechanically skin-like hydrogel textile wound dressings with dual antibacterial mechanisms.

Hydrogels are emerging as the most promising dressings due to their excellent biocompatibility, extracellular matrix mimicking structure, and drug loading ability. However, existing hydrogel dressings exhibit limited breathability, poor environmental adaptability, potential drug resistance, and limited drug options, which extremely restrict their therapeutic effect and working scenarios. Here, the current research introduces the first paradigm of hydrogel textile dressings based on novel gelatin glycerin hydrogel (glyhydrogel) fibers fabricated by the Hofmeister effect based wet spinning. Benefiting from the unique knitted structure, the textile dressing features excellent breathability (1800 times that of the commercially available 3 M dressing) and stretchability (535.51 ± 38.66%). Furthermore, the glyhydrogel textile dressing can also withstand the extreme temperature of -80 °C, showing the potential for application in subzero environments. Moreover, the introduction of glycerin endows the textile dressing with remarkable antibacterial property and expands the selection of loaded drugs (e.g., clindamycin). The prepared glyhydrogel textile dressing shows an excellent infected wound healing effect with a complete rat skin closure within 14 days. All these functions have not been achievable by traditional hydrogel dressings and provide a new approach for the development of hydrogel dressings.

Polyetheretherketone implants with hierarchical porous structure for boosted osseointegration.

BACKGROUND: Good osseointegration is the key to the long-term stability of bone implants. Thermoplastic polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been widely used in orthopedics; however, its inherent biological inertia causes fibrous tissue to wrap its surface, which leads to poor osseointegration and thus greatly limits its clinical applications. METHODS: Herein, we developed a facile yet effective surface modification strategy. A commonly used sulfonation coupled with "cold pressing" treatment in the presence of porogenic agent formed a three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure on PEEK surface. Subsequently, the effects of porous surface on the in vitro adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were evaluated. Finally, the osteoinduction and osseointegration of surface-porous PEEK implant were examined in the rat distal femoral defect model. RESULTS: In vitro results showed that the surface modification did not significantly affect the mechanical performance and cytocompatibility of PEEK substance, and the porous structure on the modified PEEK substrate provided space for cellular ingrowth and enhanced osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of BMSCs. In vivo tests demonstrated that the surface-porous PEEK implant could effectively promote new bone formation and had higher bone-implant contact rate, thereby achieving good bone integration with the surrounding host bone. In addition, this modification technique was also successfully demonstrated on a medical PEEK interbody fusion cage. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that topological morphology plays a pivotal role in determining implant osseointegration and this facile and effective modification strategy developed by us is expected to achieve practical applications quickly.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia impaired collagen synthesis in mouse genioglossus via ROS accumulation: A transcriptomic analysis.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by intermittent and recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep that leads to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). The genioglossus (GG) is the largest dilator muscle, which controls the upper airway and plays an important role in OSA pathology. Elucidating its genetic alterations may help identify potential targets for OSA. However, the genetic aspects of the GG in CIH mice remain unclear. Here, we have conducted an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis to assess the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the GG between CIH mice and normoxia (NOR) mice. A total of 637 DEGs were identified to be dysregulated in CIH mice compared with control mice. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the DEGs were related to various physiological processes, such as the endogenous stimulus responses, cellular component organization and metabolic processes. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction was the top KEGG pathway in the environmental information processing category with high significance and large fold changes. From the gene weight distributions of collagen (Col)-related biological processes (BPs), we found several significant DEGs, such as Col1a1, Col1a2, Mmp2, Col3a1, Col5a1, Fmod, and Col5a2. A PPI network showed that Col1a1 was linked to ECM-receptor interactions, responses to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Col-related BPs. It was verified in vivo and in vitro that hypoxia can induce excess ROS and reduce Col expression levels. Moreover, we found NAC can effectively scavenge ROS and restore collagen synthesis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms linking OSA and upper airway muscle injury and may help identify potential therapeutic targets.

Interferon-beta inhibits human glioma stem cell growth by modulating immune response and cell cycle related signaling pathways.

Malignant Glioma is characterized by strong self-renewal potential and immature differentiation potential. The main reason is that malignant glioma holds key cluster cells, glioma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs contribute to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, recurrence, and treatment resistance. Interferon-beta (IFN-ß) is well known for its anti-proliferative efficacy in diverse cancers. IFN-ß also displayed potent antitumor effects in malignant glioma. IFN-ß affect both GSCs and Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the treatment of gliomas. However, the functional comparison, similar or different effects of IFN-ß on GSCs and NSCs are rarely reported. Here, we studied the similarities and differences of the responses to IFN-ß between human GSCs and normal NSCs. We found that IFN-ß preferentially inhibited GSCs over NSCs. The cell body and nucleus size of GSCs increased after IFN-ß treatment, and the genomic analysis revealed the enrichment of the upregulated immune response, cell adhesion genes and down regulated cell cycle, ribosome pathways. Several typical cyclin genes, including cyclin A2 (CCNA2), cyclin B1 (CCNB1), cyclin B2 (CCNB2), and cyclin D1 (CCND1), were significantly downregulated in GSCs after IFN-ß stimulation. We also found that continuous IFN-ß stimulation after passage further enhanced the inhibitory effect. Our study revealed how genetic diversity resulted in differential effects in response to IFN-ß treatment. These results may contribute to improve the applications of IFN-ß in anti-cancer immunotherapy. In addition, these results may also help to design more effective pharmacological strategies to target cancer stem cells while protecting normal neural stem cells.

Glioma stem cells and neural stem cells respond differently to BMP4 signaling.

Malignant glioma is a highly heterogeneous and invasive primary brain tumor characterized by high recurrence rates, resistance to combined therapy, and dismal prognosis. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are likely responsible for tumor progression, resistance to therapy, recurrence, and poor prognosis owing to their high self-renewal and tumorigenic potential. As a family member of BMP signaling, bone morphogenetic protein4 (BMP4) has been reported to induce the differentiation of GSCs and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the BMP4-mediated effects in these two cell types are unclear. In this study, we treated hGSCs and hNSCs with BMP4 and compared the phenotypic and transcriptional changes between these two cell types. Phenotypically, we found that the growth of hGSCs was greatly inhibited by BMP4, but the same treatment only increased the cell size of hNSCs. While the RNA sequencing results showed that BMP4 treatment evoked significantly transcriptional changes in both hGSCs and hNSCs, the profiles of differentially expressed genes were distinct between the two groups. A gene set that specifically targeted the proliferation and differentiation of hGSCs but not hNSCs was enriched and then validated in hGSC culture. Our results suggested that hGSCs and hNSCs responded differently to BMP4 stimulation. Understanding and investigating different responses between hGSCs and hNSCs will benefit finding partner factors working together with BMP4 to further suppress GSCs proliferation and stemness without disturbing NSCs.

Efficacy of Dorsal Root Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency Combined with Paravertebral Injection of Recombinant Human Interferon-α2b in Herpetic Neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) pulsed radiofrequency combined with paravertebral injection of recombinant human interferon-α2b in the treatment of patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia and its preventive effectiveness on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 62 patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia was implemented. All patients were divided into two groups: pulsed radiofrequency paraspinal injection of recombinant human interferon-α2b (group P); pulsed radiofrequency combined with paravertebral injection of saline (group C). The numerical rating scales (NRS) scores were used for pain assessment, and the dose of the analgesic drug was recorded. Gal-3 and IL-6 levels in blood were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 1 week, 2, and 4 weeks after treatment. The incidence of PHN was recorded in both groups. RESULTS: The pain intensity, the levels of Gal-3 and IL-6 in blood and the dose of oral administration of gabapentin capsules and morphine were reduced in all patients after treatment. Compared with group C, patients in group P had lower NRS scores, blood levels of Gal-3 and IL-6, and dosages of oral gabapentin capsules and morphine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets after treatment. The incidence of PHN was significantly lower at 8 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: DRG pulsed radiofrequency combined with paravertebral injection of recombinant human interferon-α2b for acute stage herpes zoster neuralgia is a more effective treatment, and can effectively prevent the incidence rate of PHN.

The platelet derived growth factor BB promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of platelet derived growth factor BB in the regulation of cell cycle, migration and differentiation of stem cells. DESIGN: The gene was overexpressed in periodontal ligament stem cells using lentiviral vectors. Normal stem cells and empty lentiviral vectors-transfected were used as controls. Real time-PCR, western blotting, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, cell scratch test, Alkaline phosphatase activity assay, cell cycle analyses were conducted to assess the biological properties of stem cells. In addition, the effect of platelet derived growth factor BB on the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway were assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: The gene was successfully overexpressed in periodontal ligament stem cells. The Cell Counting Kit-8, scratch test and cell cycle experiments proved that platelet derived growth factor BB promoted stem cells proliferation, migration and cell cycle progression. The Real time-PCR results showed that the Osterix (OSX) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) genes in the overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the control group, but the Peroxisome Proliferators-activated Receptors (PPARγ) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) gene were lower than that in the control group. Western blotting results also indicated that the Collagen Type 1 (COL-1), BMP2, Wnt1 and ß-catenin proteins were increased in the overexpression group. In addition, the expression level of ß-catenin protein in the cell nuclei was higher than that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, overexpression of platelet derived growth factor BB promoted cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle progression and decreased adipogenic differentiation. Furthermore, platelet derived growth factor BB regulated osteogenic differentiation of stem cells through the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Dispersion of carbon dioxide released from buried high-pressure pipeline over complex terrain.

To quantitatively assess the risks associated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, a better understanding of the dispersion characteristics of CO2 released from a high-pressure pipeline is necessary. The dispersion process is complicated as CO2 is denser than air, and the Joule-Thomson effect causes sharp drop of the temperature. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was used to investigate the CO2 dispersion. The CFD model is validated by simulating a full-size blasting test. The influence of topography and low temperature at the release source on the dispersion of CO2 released from buried CO2 pipelines over complex terrain types was studied. This study provides a viable method for the assessment of the risks associated with CCS.

A simvastatin-releasing scaffold with periodontal ligament stem cell sheets for periodontal regeneration.

Simvastatin (SIM) has been documented to induce the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). To establish an efficient release system for periodontal regeneration, a polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane scaffold containing SIM was electrospun and evaluated. The obtained PCL-SIM membrane scaffold showed sustained release up to 28 days, without deleterious effect on proliferation of PDLSCs on the scaffolds. PDLSCs were seeded onto scaffolds and their osteogenic differentiation was evaluated. After 21 days, expressions of collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein genes were significantly upregulated and mineralized matrix formation was increased on the PCL-SIM scaffolds compared with the PCL scaffolds. In a heterotopic periodontal regeneration model, a cell sheet-scaffold construct was assembled by placement of multilayers of PDLSC sheets on PCL or PCL-SIM scaffolds, and these were then placed between dentin and ceramic bovine bone for subcutaneous implantation in athymic mice. After 8 weeks, the PCL-SIM membrane showed formation of significantly more ectopic cementum-like mineral on the dentin surface. These findings demonstrated that the PCL-SIM membrane scaffold promotes cementum-like tissue formation by sustained drug release, suggesting the feasibility of its therapeutic use with PDLSC sheets to improve periodontal regeneration.

Application and Therapeutic Effect of Puncturing of the Costal Transverse Process for Pulsed Radiofrequency Treated T1-T3 Herpes Zoster Neuralgia.

PURPOSE: In CT-guided dorsal root ganglion puncture, especially T1-T3, it is often difficult to reach the target due to obstruction of the lamina, transverse process, and ribs. Therefore, a safe and effective puncture method with high success rate is urgently needed to guide us in our clinical work. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients with dorsal root ganglion underwent pulsed radiofrequency therapy for pain T1-T3 herpes zoster neuralgia at the pain department of Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from January 2019 to February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient underwent the same surgical method. The patient's operation time, CT filming times, nerve electrophysiological tests, the NRS scores before and after operation at one, four, eight, and 12 weeks, Pittsburgh Sleep Disorder Index (PSQI), dosage of gabapentin capsules and tramadol hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, surgical complications and incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) were recorded. RESULTS: The success rate of 44 patients who underwent puncturing of the costal transverse process to T1 target was 88.46%, to T2 target was 90.68%, and to T3 target was 90.68%, respectively. The NRS score of patients before surgery was 5.48±0.59, and those at one, four, eight, and 12 weeks after surgery were 3 (3,3), 1 (1,2), 0 (0, 1), and 0 (0, 0). The difference of NRS score between preoperation and postoperation is statistically significant. No intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. Two patients developed PHN after standard treatment, and the incidence of it was 4.55%. CONCLUSION: CT-guided puncturing of the costal transverse process in the dorsal root ganglion of patients who underwent pulsed radiofrequency treatment of T1-T3 herpes zoster neuralgia showed a high success rate and is considered to be safe and effective.

Correlation between Galectin-3 and Early Herpes Zoster Neuralgia and Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Retrospective Clinical Observation.

This study aims to explore the value of serum galectin-3 in patients with herpes zoster neuralgia (HZN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and other factors influencing HZN and PHN occurrence. Samples from forty patients with herpes zoster neuralgia (HZN) (Group H), 40 patients with nonherpes zoster neuralgia (Group N), and 20 cases of health check-up were collected. Patients were divided into PHN group (Group A) and non-PHN group (Group B) according to the occurrence of PHN in Group H. Galectin-3, T-lymphocyte subsets, and IL-6 were recorded in all patients. The changes of galectin-3 in patients with early HZN and PHN were analyzed by single-factor analysis and multifactor analysis. The age (P=0.012) and NRS scores (P < 0.001) of PHN patients were significantly higher than those of non-PHN patients and other neuralgia patients. The ratio of CD3+ (F = 80.336, P < 0.001), CD4+ (F = 12.459, P < 0.001) lymphocyte subsets, and CD4+/CD8+ (F = 15.311, P < 0.001) decreased significantly in PHN patients. The level of blood IL-6 (F = 139.446, P < 0.001) in PHN patients was significantly increased. Serum galectin-3 was significantly higher in HZN patients than in PHN patients (P < 0.05); IL-6 (OR = 10.002, 95% CI: 3.313-30.196, P < 0.001) and galectin-3 (OR = 3.719, 95% CI: 1.261-10.966, P=0.017) were the risk factors for HZN; galectin-3 (OR = 17.646, 95% CI: 2.795-111.428, P=0.002) was also the risk factor for PHN. ROC curve analysis also showed that serum galectin-3 was a better predictor of poor prognosis (AUC = 0.934, P < 0.001). Therefore, as an independent risk factor of HZN and PHN, serum galectin-3 may be used as a new biochemical marker in clinical practice.

Pulsed radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion of upper thoracic segment for herpes zoster neuralgia: Case report.

RATIONALE: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) therapy of dorsal root ganglion is effective in treating acute stage shingles neuralgia of chest and back. Herein, a case of herpetic neuralgia with difficult puncture of dorsal root ganglion of upper thoracic segment is report. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 62-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital for 2 days for herpes zoster with paroxysmal needle-like pain in the left chest and back. The skin lesion area of herpes zoster and the superficial location of neuralgia was left T2-4, and visual analog scale (VAS) score was 6 points. DIAGNOSIS: Two days ago, the patient had paroxysmal needle-like pain in the left chest and back, without herpes, and was admitted to the hospital for emergency treatment. Chest pain and myocardial infarction were considered; however, troponin, myocardial enzyme spectrum, and blood amylase were in the normal range. On the evening of the same day, the patient presented green bean-sized blisters distributed in clusters along the left T2-4 nerve as a banded pattern. Thus, the patient was diagnosed as shingles. INTERVENTION: Oral gabapentin capsules, varaciclovir tablets, mecobalamine tablets, and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets were administered, and topical aciclovir cream was applied. The VAS score after the above treatment was 5 points. The patient underwent computed tomography-guided PRF surgery on the dorsal root ganglion. OUTCOME: Postoperative pain was relieved. One month post-surgery, no oral analgesic drugs were administered. The VAS score was 1 point, and the pain completely disappeared at 3 months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster is most common in the chest and back. The PRF of dorsal root ganglion cannot access the target by conventional puncture, and can be completed by thoracic sympathetic nerve radiofrequency puncture path.