Surface profile measurement and parameter analysis of silicon wafers in the upright state.

A novel approach, to the best of our knowledge, is presented for assessing silicon wafer surface profiles using an interferometer and vertically rotatable wafer holder. This approach significantly enhances precision and reduces costs, and outperforms traditional techniques in measurement consistency and accuracy. It effectively reduces sample distortion and positional shifts owing to the removal and reinstallation of the wafers. Using this method, a global backsurface-referenced ideal range of 0.385 µm, warp of 0.193 µm, and other parameters were obtained, demonstrating its practicality in efficiently capturing key surface profile metrics for silicon wafers. This innovation promises substantial improvements in high-volume wafer surface profile testing, overcoming prevalent technological challenges in this industry.

Paradox: Curcumin, a Natural Antioxidant, Suppresses Osteosarcoma Cells via Excessive Reactive Oxygen Species.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive tumor with a rare incidence. Extended surgical resections are the prevalent treatment for OS, which may cause critical-size bone defects. These bone defects lead to dysfunction, weakening the post-surgical quality of patients' life. Hence, an ideal therapeutic agent for OS should simultaneously possess anti-cancer and bone repair capacities. Curcumin (CUR) has been reported in OS therapy and bone regeneration. However, it is not clear how CUR suppresses OS development. Conventionally, CUR is considered a natural antioxidant in line with its capacity to promote the nuclear translocation of a nuclear transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NRF2). After nuclear translocation, NRF2 can activate the transcription of some antioxidases, thereby circumventing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are deleterious to cells. Intriguingly, this research demonstrated that, in vitro, 10 and 20 µM CUR increased the intracellular ROS in MG-63 cells, damaged cells' DNA, and finally caused apoptosis of MG-63 cells, although increased NRF2 protein level and the expression of NRF2-regulated antioxidase genes were identified in those two groups.

Enhanced energy density and thermal conductivity in poly(fluorovinylidene-co-hexafluoropropylene) nanocomposites incorporated with boron nitride nanosheets exfoliated under assistance of hyperbranched polyethylene.

Polymer dielectric film with a large dielectric constant, high energy density and enhanced thermal conductivity are of significance for the development of impulse capacitors. However, the fabrication of polymer dielectrics combining high energy density and thermal conductivity is still a challenge at the moment. Here we demonstrate the facile exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) in common organic solvents under sonication with the assistance of hyperbranched polyethylene (HBPE). The noncovalent CH-π interactions between the nanosheets and HBPE ensure the dispersion of BNNSs in organic solvents with high concentrations, because of the highly branched chain structure of HBPE. Subsequently, the resultant BNNSs with a few defects are distributed uniformly in the poly(fluorovinylidene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) nanocomposite films prepared via simple solution casting. The BNNS/P(VDF-HFP) nanocomposite exhibits outstanding dielectric properties, high energy density and high thermal conductivity. The dielectric constant of the 0.5 wt% nanocomposite film is 35.5 at 100 Hz with an energy density of 5.6 J cm-3 at 325 MV m-1 and a high charge-discharge efficiency of 79% due to the depression of the charge injection and chemical species ionization in a high field. Moreover, a thermal conductivity of 1.0 wt% nanocomposite film reaches 0.91 W·m-1 · K-1, which is 3.13 times higher than that of the fluoropolymer matrix. With dipole accumulation and orientation in the interfacial zone, lightweight, flexible BNNS/P(VDF-HFP) nanocomposite films with high charge-discharge performance and thermal conductivity, exhibit promising applications in relatively high-temperature electronics and energy storage devices.

Styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer compatibilized carbon black/polypropylene/polystyrene composites with tunable morphology, electrical conduction and rheological stabilities.

We report a facile kinetic strategy in combination with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer compatibilizers for preparing carbon black (CB) filled immiscible polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) (1/1) blends with finely tuned morphologies and show the important role of location and migration of CB nanoparticles in determining the electrical conductivity and rheological behaviour of the composites. A novel method of mixing a SBS/CB (5/3) masterbatch with the polymers allowed producing composites with CB aggregates dispersed partially in the unfavorable PP phase and partially in the PP side of the interface to exhibit diverse phase connectivity and electrical conductivity depending on the compounding sequences. A cocontinuous morphology with CB enrichment along the interface was formed in the composite prepared by mixing the SBS/CB masterbatch with the premixed PP/PS blend, giving rise to a highest electrical conductivity and dynamic moduli at low frequencies. On the other hand, mixing the masterbatch with one and then with another polymer yielded droplet (PS)-in-matrix (filled PP) composites. The composites underwent phase coalescence and CB redistribution accompanied by marked dynamic electrical conduction and modulus percolations as a function of time during thermal annealing at 180 °C. The composites with the initial droplet-in-matrix morphology progressed anomalously into the cocontinuous morphology, reflecting a common mechanism being fairly nonspecific for understanding the processing of filled multicomponent composites with tailored performances of general concern.

[The rescue effect of RANKL on zoledronate induced acid inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and gene expression of NF-kappaB p50 and c-Jun].

In this study, the rescue effect of receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) on zoledronate acid (ZOL) induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and gene expression of NF-kappaB p50 and c-Jun was investigated. Mice calvarial osteoblasts (OBs) were harvested and co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells and the cells were divided into 4 groups and received treatment with ZOL and RANKL, either single or combined. The formation of multi-nucleated osteoclast (OC) was examined and gene expression of NF-kappaB p50 and c-Jun was detected. Group B (ZOL) showed least multi-nucleated OC and resorption lacunae among the 4 groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and it was followed by group C (ZOL+RANKL). Group D (RANKL) showed highest OC and resorption lacunae while it was similar to Group A (control) (P > 0.05). Gene expression of NF-kappaB p50 and c-Jun was the lowest in group B (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) among the four groups and was significantly increased in group C when compared with group B (P < 0.05). Group A and D showed highest gene expression and they were similar to each other (P > 0.05). This study suggest that RANKL might partly rescue ZOL induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, and the effect of RANKL and ZOL on osteoclastogenesis may be mediated by NF-kappaB p50 and c-Jun.

Regulation of intestinal flora in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis by modified Chai Shao Liu Jun Zi decoction based on 16S rRNA sequencing.

Chai Shao Liu Jun Zi decoction (CSLJZD) is an effective Chinese medicine for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). However, the effect of CSLJZD on the intestinal flora of patients with CAG remains unclear. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the regulatory effects of CSLJZD on intestinal microflora in patients with CAG. Eight patients with CAG were randomly selected as the model group and 8 healthy medical examiners as the control group; the treatment group comprised patients with CAG after CSLJZD treatment. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of the V3V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of intestinal bacteria obtained from the intestinal isolates of fecal specimens from all participants were performed separately. A rarefaction curve, species accumulation curve, Chao1 index, and ACE index were calculated to assess the alpha diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA), non-metric multi-dimensional scaling, and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean were used to examine beta diversity. The LEfSe method was used to identify the differentially expressed bacteria. Differential function analysis was performed using PCA based on KEGG function prediction. Rarefaction and species accumulation curves showed that the sequencing data were reasonable. The Chao1 and ACE indices were significantly increased in patients with CAG compared with those in the healthy group. Following CSLJZD and vitacoenzyme treatment, Chao1 and ACE indices decreased. The PCA, non-metric multi-dimensional scaling, and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean results showed that the CAG group was distinct from the healthy and treatment groups. The LEfSe results showed that the abundances of the genus Bilophila, family Desulfovibrionaceae, order Desulfovibrionales and genus Faecalibacterium were significantly higher in the healthy group. The abundance of genus Klebsiella, order Deltaproteobacteria, genus Gemmiger, and other genera was significantly higher in the treatment group. Treatment with CSLJZD had a therapeutic effect on the intestinal flora of patients with CAG.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction in the Treatment of Chronic Gastritis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic gastritis (CG) is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which can progress to atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia. Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction (XSLJZD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription commonly used to treat digestive system diseases, is widely used to treat CG. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of XSLJZD in the treatment of CG. METHODS: Chinese and English databases were searched, and randomized controlled trials of XSLJZD for the treatment of CG were collected from the establishment of the databases to December 28, 2022. Studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk-of-bias assessment tool in the Cochrane Handbook. Data from the included studies were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 15.1. Finally, funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with a sample size of 1434 cases. XSLJZD has more advantages than conventional treatment in the treatment of CG, as it can improve the clinical cure rate, clinical efficacy rate, efficacy rate of endoscopic examination, recurrence rate, and TCM symptom scores, and is relatively safe. Funnel plots and Egger's tests indicated publication bias in the included studies. CONCLUSION: The results of the meta-analysis showed that XSLJZD has advantages in treating CG compared with conventional treatment and is relatively safe. However, owing to the limitations in the quality and quantity of the included studies, caution is recommended when generalizing and applying these results. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Virtual pterygoid implant planning in maxillary atrophic patients: prosthetic-driven planning and evaluation.

PURPOSE: The study aims to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to (1) define the virtual valid length of pterygoid implants in maxillary atrophic patients from the prosthetic prioritized driven position and (2) measure the implant length engaged in the pterygoid process according to the HU difference of the pterygoid maxillary junction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Virtual pterygoid implants were planned with CBCT of maxillary atrophic patients in the software. The entry and angulation of the implant were planned according to the prosthetic prioritized driven position in the 3D reconstruction image. The planned implant length and the valid length defined as the implant between the pterygoid maxillary junction and pterygoid fossa were recorded. The relationship between the implant and sinus cavity was also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 120 CBCT samples were enrolled and virtually planned. The mean age of the patients was 56.2 ± 13.2 years. One hundred and sixteen samples could successfully place virtual implants according to the criterion. The mean implant length and mean implant length beyond the pterygoid maxillary junction were 16.3 ± 4.2 mm (range, 11.5-18 mm) and 7.1 ± 3.3 mm (range, 1.5-11.4 mm), respectively. Ninety percent of virtually planned implants had a close relationship with the sinus cavity, and implants exhibited longer lengths when they had no relation with the sinus. CONCLUSION: From a prosthetic prioritized driven position with fixed entry and angulation, pterygoid implants achieve adequate bone anchorage length beyond the pterygoid maxillary junction. Due to the individual anatomy and the volume of the maxillary sinus, the implants presented a different positional relationship with the maxillary sinus.

Calcium Phosphate Ceramics and Synergistic Bioactive Agents for Osteogenesis in Implant Dentistry.

Implant-supported dental prosthetics are widely used in dental practice. Sufficient peri-implant bone tissue is a crucial prerequisite for the long-term success of this treatment, as insufficient peri-implant bone volume hampers dental implant installation and negatively influences dental implant stability. However, due to tooth extraction, bone metabolism diseases, and trauma, bone defects in the jaw are common in patients, particularly in the elderly and those suffering from underlying conditions. If this is the case, the alveolar ridge has to be augmented for reliable implant placement. Various biomaterials, growth factors (GFs) or GF-based products, and trace elements have been tested and used for alveolar ridge augmentation. Among those biomaterials, calcium phosphates (CaPs) are the most popular due to their promising biocompatibility, great osteoconductivity, and distinguishing osteogenesis. Combining CaPs with GFs or trace elements can further favor bone defect repair. This review mainly focuses on applying artificial CaP biomaterials and their combination with bioactive agents to repair bone defects in implant dentistry.

Modified Chaishao Liujunzi Decoction inhibits bile acid-induced gastric intestinal metaplasia: from network prediction to experimental verification.

Modified Chaishao Liujunzi Decoction (MCLD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that is used mainly to improve clinical symptoms, alleviate gastric mucosal inflammation, and improve gastric mucosal lesions in patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). GIM is considered a precancerous gastric cancer (GC) lesion (PLGC) and exploring effective intervention measures for GIM is of great importance for the prevention of GC. The purpose of this study was to reveal the potential molecular mechanism of MCLD in improving GIM induced by bile acid (BA) using network pharmacology and experimental validation. Through network pharmacology, we speculated that MCLD could act on GIM by driving the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. After that, we used deoxycholic acid (DCA) to treat GES-1 cells to simulate BA-induced GIM and observed the effects of MCLD treatment. The results indicate that MCLD can significantly inhibit DCA-induced cell proliferation and down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and intestinal-specific markers. At the same time, MCLD also negatively regulated the expression of genes and proteins of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Combination with EGFR agonists and inhibitors suggested that MCLD may improve GIM by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which may be related to its inhibition of DCA-induced cell proliferation through this pathway. In conclusion, MCLD may improve BA-induced GIM through the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, as predicted by network pharmacology, and is a potential Chinese medicine prescription for the treatment or reversal of GIM.

Radiographic and histological evaluation of bone formation induced by rhBMP-2-incorporated biomimetic calcium phosphate material in clinical alveolar sockets preservation.

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficiency of low-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) incorporated biomimetic calcium phosphate on ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) (rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TCP) on bone formation in a model of socket preservation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning and histological examination. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing minimally invasive single-root tooth extraction for dental implantation were randomized to three groups according to the material used for socket preservation: filling with rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TCP, ß-TCP, or natural healing (kept unfilled) (controls). The alveolar sockets (including the control group) were covered by two-layer collagen membranes and sutured. Two CBCT scans were taken, one immediately after socket preservation procedure (baseline) and another 6 weeks later. Gray values (GVs) obtained from CBCT were recorded. During insertion of the dental implant, biopsies were taken and analyzed histologically for new bone formation, residual material, and unmineralized bone tissue at the core of the biopsy. RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation) changes of GVs of the CBCT scans at the central area of filled materials were as follows: 373.19 ± 157.16 in the rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TCP group, 112.26 ± 197.25 in the ß-TCP group, and -257 ± 273.51 in the control group. The decrease of GVs in the rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TCP group as compared with the ß-TCP group was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Differences in new bone formation (P = 0.006) were also found: 21,18% ± 7.62% in the rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TCP group, 13.44% ± 6.03% in the ß-TCP group, and 9.49% ± 0.08% in controls. The residual material was10.04% ± 4.57% in the rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TCP group vs. 20.60% ± 9.54%) in the ß-TCP group (P < 0.001). Differences in unmineralized bone tissue (P < 0.001) were also found (68.78% ± 7.67%, 65.96% ± 12.64%, and 90.38% ± 7.5% in the rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TC, ß-TCP, and control groups, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that rhBMP-2/BioCaP/ß-TCP is a promising bone substitute with fast degradation and potent pro-osteogenic capacity that can be useful for socket preservation in implant dentistry. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000035263. Registered 5 August 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/ChiCTR2000035263 .

Research on financing strategy of low-carbon supply chain based on cost-sharing contract.

The paper considers a low-carbon supply chain which consists of a capital constrained manufacturer and a retailer. We consider the retailer takes part in low-carbon cost sharing when the manufacturer faces capital constraints due to increasing investment in low-carbon production technologies. We further construct and analyze the performance of the supply chain under three financing strategies: capital constraint without financing (NF), trade credit financing (TCF), and bank credit financing (BCF). Our model provides a financing decision-making model for a low-carbon supply chain with capital constraints, and we design a cost-sharing contract can coordinate supply chain and strengthen the cooperation between enterprises. Moreover, through numerically analyzing the impact of cost-sharing ratio, low carbon preference coefficient of consumers, and interest rate on supply chain decisions and profits, we find (i) the profit of low-carbon supply chain members with capital constrain under TCF strategy is always better than BCF strategy; (ii) cost-sharing contract can increase the profit of the manufacturer and the retailer; and (iii) the low carbon preference coefficient of consumers is also a positive factor in the optimal profit of the manufacturer and retailer.

Curcumin in Osteosarcoma Therapy: Combining With Immunotherapy, Chemotherapeutics, Bone Tissue Engineering Materials and Potential Synergism With Photodynamic Therapy.

Osteosarcoma is a dominating malignant bone tumor with high mortality due to pulmonary metastases. Furthermore, because of the cancer cell erosion and surgery resection, osteosarcoma always causes bone defects, which means dysfunction and disfigurement are seldom inevitable. Although various advanced treatments (e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy) are coming up, the 5-year survival rate for osteosarcoma with metastases is still dismal. In line with this, the more potent treatments for osteosarcoma are in high demand. Curcumin, a perennial herb, has been reportedly applied in the therapy of various types of tumors via different mechanisms. In vitro, it has also been reported that curcumin can inhibit the proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines and can be used to repair bone defects. This seems curcumin is a promising candidate in osteosarcoma treatment. However, due to its congenital property like hydrophobicity, and low bioavailability, affecting its anticancer effect, clinical applications of curcumin are highly limited. To enhance its performance in cancer therapies, some synergist approaches with curcumin have emerged. The present review presents some prospective ones (i.e. combinations with immunotherapy, chemotherapeutics, bone tissue engineering, and biomaterials) applied in osteosarcoma treatment. Additionally, with the advancements of photodynamic therapy in cancer therapy, this review also prospects the combination of curcumin with photodynamic therapy in osteosarcoma treatment.

To B (Bone Morphogenic Protein-2) or Not to B (Bone Morphogenic Protein-2): Mesenchymal Stem Cells May Explain the Protein's Role in Osteosarcomagenesis.

Osteosarcoma (OS), a primary malignant bone tumor, stems from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and/or committed osteoblast precursors. Distant metastases, in particular pulmonary and skeletal metastases, are common in patients with OS. Moreover, extensive resection of the primary tumor and bone metastases usually leads to bone defects in these patients. Bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) has been widely applied in bone regeneration with the rationale that BMP-2 promotes osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs. Thus, BMP-2 might be useful after OS resection to repair bone defects. However, the potential tumorigenicity of BMP-2 remains a concern that has impeded the administration of BMP-2 in patients with OS and in populations susceptible to OS with severe bone deficiency (e.g., in patients with genetic mutation diseases and aberrant activities of bone metabolism). In fact, some studies have drawn the opposite conclusion about the effect of BMP-2 on OS progression. Given the roles of BMSCs in the origination of OS and osteogenesis, we hypothesized that the responses of BMSCs to BMP-2 in the tumor milieu may be responsible for OS development. This review focuses on the relationship among BMSCs, BMP-2, and OS cells; a better understanding of this relationship may elucidate the accurate mechanisms of actions of BMP-2 in osteosarcomagenesis and thereby pave the way for clinically safer and broader administration of BMP-2 in the future. For example, a low dosage of and a slow-release delivery strategy for BMP-2 are potential topics for exploration to treat OS.

Clinical observation on hyperlipemia treated with antihyperlipidemic decoction.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of antihyperlipidemic decoction on hyperlipemia. METHODS: 77 hyperlipemia patients are selected and randomly divided into two groups. 37 cases in the treatment group received the treatment of antihyperlipidemic decoction, and 40 cases in the control group received western medicine, zhinbiticose. The course of treatment for both groups was 8 weeks. RESULTS: The difference in total effective rate between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Antihyperlipidemic decoction has a better therapeutic effect for hyperlipemia, with a lower recurrence rate and less side effect.

OVOL1 inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis by suppressing zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1.

INTRODUCTION: Lymph node metastasis is the primary cause of death in oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, so understanding the underlying molecular mechanism is critical for treating metastatic OSCC. OVOL1, a transcription factor, functions as a "break" to repress metastasis in breast cancer and prostate cancer. AIMS: To explore the roles of OVOL1 in the progression of OSCC, especially during metastasis. RESULTS: The OVOL1 level was increased significantly in non-metastatic OSCC tissues and negatively correlated with ZEB1 level. OVOL1 repressed ZEB1 expression by directly binding to the promoter region of ZEB1. OVOL1 functioned as a tumor suppressor, and suppressed SCC-152 cells proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis. ZEB1 almost fully rescued the overexpressed OVOL1 function in SCC-152 cells. CONCLUSION: OVOL1 overexpression contributes to the progression of OSCC through inhibiting ZEB1, which may provide a marker for prognosis in OSCC.

A Community-Based Addiction Rehabilitation Electronic System to Improve Treatment Outcomes in Drug Abusers: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Relapse is very common in drug abusers and contributes to a series of negative consequences. Effective addiction treatment exists but there are some problems in the implementation process. Mobile health (mHealth) offers a potential solution to improving recovery outcome for drug abusers in the community. The research team developed a community-based addiction rehabilitation electronic system (CAREs). The primary aim of this study is to explore whether the integrated rehabilitation based on program CAREs promotes drug abusers to keep abstinence. The secondary aim is to evaluate the impact of CAREs on interaction between drug users and service providers, and on addiction-related physical and social functions. Method and analysis: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted. The study is a superiority trial with parallel group design. Seventy drug abusers who are newly ordered to undergo community rehabilitation will be recruited from the community in Shanghai. Participants will be 1:1 randomly assigned to receive integrated community rehabilitation by using CAREs or only receiving routine community rehabilitation for 6 months. Corresponding social workers will provide service and monitor their drug use behavior in accordance with the routine work-flow. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and in the 6th month. The primary outcome is the performance on illicit drug urine test which will be carried out regularly twice per week during the study period. Secondary study outcomes include longest duration of sustained abstinence, days that participants interact with social workers, and the decrease rate of addiction-related issues severity index. Chi-square tests and ANOVAs will be used to compare characteristics of the members of the two groups. GEE will be used to compare the seven dimensions scores of the ASI between groups. Discussion: The study provides evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of the "CAREs" system through comparing the results of the intervention group with the control group. This paper describes the design and methodology of the study. Ethics and dissemination: The Ethical Board of SMHC approved the study protocol. All participants will present for the informed consent process. After study completion, the results will be published. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03451344, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03451344.