Germanium and Tin Precursors for Chalcogenide Materials Containing N-Alkoxy Thioamide Ligands.

This study describes the synthesis of germanium and tin complexes Ge(mdpaS)2 (1), Ge(edpaS)2 (2), Ge(bdpaS)2 (3), Ge(empaS)2 (4), Sn(mdpaS)2 (5), Sn(edpaS)2 (6), Sn(bdpaS)2 (7), and Sn(empaS)2 (8) (mdpaSH = (Z)-N-methoxy-2,2-dimethylpropanimidothioic acid; edpaSH = (Z)-N-ethoxy-2,2-dimethylpropanimidothioic acid; bdpaSH = (Z)-N-(tert-butoxy)-2,2-dimethylpropanimidothioic acid; empaSH = (Z)-N-ethoxy-2-methylpropanimidothioic acid), using newly designed N-alkoxy thioamide ligands as precursors for metal chalcogenide materials. All complexes were characterized using various analytical techniques, and the single-crystal structures of complexes 5 and 7 revealed a distorted seesaw geometry in the monomeric SnL2 form. Thermogravimetric (TG) curves showed differences between Ge compounds, which exhibited single-step weight losses, and Sn compounds, which exhibited multistep weight losses. As a result, we suggest that the synthesized complexes 1-8 are potential precursors for group IV metal chalcogenide materials.

Oligomeric amyloid-ß targeted contrast agent for MRI evaluation of Alzheimer's disease mouse models.

Background: Oligomeric amyloid beta (oAß) is a toxic factor that acts in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may initiate the pathologic cascade. Therefore, detecting oAß has a crucial role in the early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of AD. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate MRI signal changes in different mouse models and the time-dependent signal changes using our novel gadolinium (Gd)-dodecane tetraacetic acid (DOTA)- ob5 aptamer contrast agent. Methods: We developed an MRI contrast agent by conjugating Gd-DOTA-DNA aptamer called ob5 to evaluate its ability to detect oAß deposits in the brain using MRI. A total of 10 control mice, 9 3xTg AD mice, and 11 APP/PS/Tau AD mice were included in this study, with the age of each model being 16 or 36 weeks. A T1-weighted image was acquired at the time points before (0 min) and after injection of the contrast agent at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min. The analyses were performed to compare MRI signal differences among the three groups and the time-dependent signal differences in different mouse models. Results: Both 3xTg AD and APP/PS/Tau AD mouse models had higher signal enhancement than control mice at all scan-time points after injection of our contrast media, especially in bilateral hippocampal areas. In particular, all Tg AD mouse models aged 16 weeks showed a higher contrast enhancement than those aged 36 weeks. For 3xTg AD and APP/PS/Tau AD groups, the signal enhancement was significantly different among the five time points (0 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, and 25 min) in multiple ROI areas, typically in the bilateral hippocampus, left thalamus, and left amygdala. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the expression of the contrast agent in different AD models demonstrates its translational flexibility across different species. The signal enhancement peaked around 15-20 min after injection of the contrast agent. Therefore, our novel contrast agent targeting oAß has the potential ability to diagnose early AD and monitor the progression of AD.

Comprehensive analysis of donor-site chest deformities after autologous costal cartilage microtia reconstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Autologous costal cartilage has gained widespread acceptance as an important material for ear reconstruction in patients with microtia. Despite its recognition as being "worth the trade-off," attention should be directed toward donor-site deformities. This systematic review focused on existing English literature related to microtia reconstruction and aimed to reveal the incidence of chest wall deformities and assess the effectiveness of the various proposed surgical techniques aimed at reducing donor-site morbidities. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted on Pubmed and OVID using the keywords "microtia," and "chest deformity" or "rib harvest." Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data acquisition encompassed patient demographics, employed surgical techniques, methods for evaluating chest deformity, and incidence of associated complications. RESULTS: Among the 362 identified articles, 21 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2600 cases involving 2433 patients with microtia were analyzed in this review. Perichondrium preservation during cartilage harvesting led to a significant reduction in chest deformities. However, the wide incidence range (0% to 50%) and the lack of specific assessment methods suggested potential underestimation. Computed tomography revealed reduced chest wall growth in the transverse and sagittal directions, resulting in decreased thoracic area. Innovative surgical techniques have shown promising results in reducing chest deformities. CONCLUSIONS: Although a quantitative analysis was not feasible, objective evidence of deformities was established through computed tomography scans. This analysis highlighted the need for dedicated studies with larger sample sizes to further advance our understanding of chest wall deformities in microtia reconstruction.

Bearing-Related Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Fourth-Generation Ceramic-On-Ceramic Articulations: Does Articular Noise Increase Over Time?

BACKGROUND: We previously reported the mean 6-year outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) articulations. With extended observations, this study aimed to report the mean 12-year outcomes focusing on bearing-related complications of CoC THA. METHODS: We reviewed primary CoC THAs performed between May 2009 and April 2012 at a single institution. Of the 831 hips (739 patients), 716 hips (635 patients) that satisfied a minimum 10-year follow-up were included. The mean age at operation was 54 years (range, 16 to 83). The occurrence of bearing-specific complications, including ceramic fractures and noise generation, was evaluated. The mean follow-up duration was 12 years (range, 10 to 14). RESULTS: A total of 2 (0.3%) ceramic liner fractures occurred, as previously reported. No additional ceramic fractures were observed during the extended follow-up period. However, the cumulative incidence of audible noise increased from 6.4 (48 of 749) to 8.2% (59 of 716). Of the 59 hips with noise, 26 (44.1%) developed noise within 1 year, whereas 13 (22.0%) presented with noise more than 5 years after THA. The noise was described as clicking in 35 hips (4.9%) and as squeaking in 24 hips (3.4%). No revision surgeries were performed for noise, except in 2 cases of concomitant liner fractures. The implant survivorship free of any revision was 98.1% at 12 years. CONCLUSIONS: No additional ceramic fractures were identified in this extension study at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. However, the prevalence of articular noise has increased from 6.4 to 8.2% since the previous report. Possible late-onset noise should be considered when performing CoC THA in younger patients.

Mean 23-Year Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Modular Femoral Stem With Metaphyseal Fixation Sleeve.

BACKGROUND: Although the modular sleeve concept for femoral implants has several advantages, studies reporting on greater than 20-year outcomes are limited. This study aimed to report the mean 23-year results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a modular stem with metaphyseal fixation sleeve. METHODS: This study reviewed primary THAs performed using a modular stem between October 1994 and April 1998. Of the 272 hips (221 patients) identified, 220 hips (177 patients) satisfying the minimum 20-year follow-up were included. The Harris Hip Score was used for clinical evaluation. Final hip radiographs were analyzed to evaluate the implant stability and the extent of femoral osteolysis. The mean follow-up duration was 23 years (range, 20 to 28). RESULTS: The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 38 points (range, 26 to 67) preoperatively to 90 points (range, 71 to 100) at the final follow-up (P < .001). Femoral osteolysis was observed in 146 hips (67.1%), but 145 were located proximal to the osseo-integrated sleeve. Overall, 4 femoral revisions were performed; 2 for chronic infection, one for aseptic loosening, and one for periprosthetic femoral fracture. Of the 19 (8.6%) periprosthetic femoral fractures, the most common type was Vancouver AG (13 hips). One (0.5%) asymptomatic distal stem fracture occurred, while no complications were identified at the stem-sleeve junction. Implant survivorship free of any femoral revision was 98.3% at 23 years. CONCLUSIONS: A THA using a modular stem with metaphyseal fixation sleeve demonstrated 98.3% stem survivorship with excellent clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 23 years in non-obese patients.

New Heteroleptic Germanium Precursors for GeO2 Thin Films by Atomic Layer Deposition.

This study describes the synthesis of 12 new germanium complexes containing ß-diketonate and/or N-alkoxy carboxamidate-type ligands as precursors for GeO2 through atomic layer deposition (ALD). A series of Ge(ß-diketonate)Cl complexes such as Ge(acac)Cl (1) and Ge(tmhd)Cl (2) were synthesized by using acetylacetone (acacH) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (tmhdH). N-Alkoxy carboxamidate-type ligands such as N-methoxypropanamide (mpaH), N-methoxy-2,2-dimethylpropanamide (mdpaH), N-ethoxy-2-methylpropanamide (empaH), N-ethoxy-2,2-dimethylpropanamide (edpaH), and N-methoxybenzamide (mbaH) were used to afford further substituted complexes Ge(acac)(mpa) (3), Ge(acac)(mdpa) (4), Ge(acac)(empa) (5), Ge(acac)(edpa) (6), Ge(acac)(mba) (7), Ge(tmhd)(mpa) (8), Ge(tmhd)(mdpa) (9), Ge(tmhd)(empa) (10), Ge(tmhd)(edpa) (11), and Ge(tmhd)(mba) (12), respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis curves, which mostly exhibited single-step weight losses, were used to determine the evaporation properties of complexes 1-12. Interestingly, liquid complex 2 has no residue at 198 °C and therefore exhibits excellent vaporization properties and high volatility. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 and 7 demonstrated that the complexes had monomeric molecular structures with germanium chelated by the oxygen atoms of one or two bidentate ligands, respectively. An ALD process was developed for the growth of GeO2 using Ge(tmhd)Cl (2) as a new precursor and H2O2 as an oxidant. This study demonstrates the achievement of self-limiting growth of GeO2 films by varying the duration of injection/purge, with an observed ALD window at deposition temperatures ranging from 300 to 350 °C. The saturated growth per cycle of the GeO2 film was determined as 0.27 Å/cycle at a deposition temperature of 300 °C. The deposited films were observed to be amorphous consisting of GeO2.

Effects of particle shape and surface roughness on van der Waals interactions and coupling to dynamics in nanocrystals.

The van der Waals interaction between colloids and nanoparticles is one of the key components to understanding particle aggregation, attachment, and assembly. While the ubiquity of anisotropic particle shapes and surface roughness is well-recognized in nanocrystalline materials, the effects of both on van der Waals forces and torques have not been adequately investigated. In this study, we develop a numerical scheme to determine the van der Waals forces and torques between cubic particles with multiple configurations and relative orientations. Our results show that the van der Waals torque due to anisotropic particle shapes is appreciable at nearly all configurations and mutual angles, outcompeting Brownian torque for various materials systems and conditions. Surface roughness enhances this particle shape effect, resulting in stronger van der Waals interactions ascribed to protrusions on the surfaces. Moreover, a scaling analysis indicates that the surface roughness alters the separation dependence of the van der Waals force and, more importantly, significantly influences the dynamics of two approaching particles. Our results clearly demonstrate that surface roughness and anisotropic shape play a crucial role in the energetics and kinetics of various particle-scale and emergent phenomena, such as crystal growth by oriented attachment, nanomaterials synthesis and assembly, mud flow rheology, as well as the deposition of natural nanocrystals within the subsurface.

Stress induces behavioral abnormalities by increasing expression of phagocytic receptor MERTK in astrocytes to promote synapse phagocytosis.

Childhood neglect and/or abuse can induce mental health conditions with unknown mechanisms. Here, we identified stress hormones as strong inducers of astrocyte-mediated synapse phagocytosis. Using in vitro, in vivo, and human brain organoid experiments, we showed that stress hormones increased the expression of the Mertk phagocytic receptor in astrocytes through glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In post-natal mice, exposure to early social deprivation (ESD) specifically activated the GR-MERTK pathway in astrocytes, but not in microglia. The excitatory post-synaptic density in cortical regions was reduced in ESD mice, and there was an increase in the astrocytic engulfment of these synapses. The loss of excitatory synapses, abnormal neuronal network activities, and behavioral abnormalities in ESD mice were largely prevented by ablating GR or MERTK in astrocytes. Our work reveals the critical roles of astrocytic GR-MERTK activation in evoking stress-induced abnormal behaviors in mice, suggesting GR-MERTK signaling as a therapeutic target for stress-induced mental health conditions.

Randomized comparison of effects of two different remifentanil dose on surgical conditions during endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: The combination of propofol and remifentanil results in better surgical field conditions during endoscopic sinus surgery than inhalation anesthesia. This study compared surgical field conditions between two groups receiving low or high concentration of remifentanil and hemodynamic variables using non-invasive cardiac monitoring. METHODS: Fifty-four patients between ASA I or II, were randomly assigned to either the high-concentration remifentanil group (HR), effect-site concentration of 8 ng/mL or the low-concentration remifentanil group(LR), effect-site concentration of 4 ng/mL. Surgical condition was evaluated using the Boezaart Surgical Field Grading Scale presented by Boezaart. Cardiac output was measured using non-invasive cardiac monitoring (CSN-1901). RESULTS: In terms of surgical conditions, the HR group showed significantly lower values than the LR group (p = 0.021) at 90 min after the start of surgery. Heart rate was significantly lower in the HR group than the LR group at 30, 60, and 90 min after the start of surgery (30 min; p = 0.005, 60 min; p = 0.002, 90 min; p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease of cardiac output in the HR group compared to the LR group immediately after endotracheal intubation and at 30, 60, and 90 min after the start of surgery (Base; P = 0.222, Intubation; P = 0.016, 30 min; p = 0.014, 60 min; P = 0.012, 90 min; P = 0.008). However, in the case of stroke volume, there was no significant difference between the two groups in all measurements. CONCLUSION: When comparing the HR group and the LR group, the surgical condition was improved at 90 min after the start of surgery. MAP was lower in the HR group and this was a result of reduction in cardiac output primarily attributed to the decrease in heart rate rather than a decrease in stroke volume. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of the Republic of Korea (KCT0006453).

Novel Volatile Heteroleptic Barium Complexes Using Tetradentate Ligand and ß-Diketonato Ligand.

Novel barium heteroleptic complexes were synthesized through the substitution of the bis(trimethylsilyl)amide of Ba(btsa)2·2DME with aminoalkoxide and ß-diketonate ligands. Compounds [Ba(ddemap)(tmhd)]2 (1) and [Ba(ddemmp)(tmhd)]2 (2) were obtained and analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis (ddemapH = 1-(dimethylamino)-5-((2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) (methyl)amino)pentan-3-ol and ddemmpH = 1-(dimethylamino)-5-((2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) (methyl)amino)-3-methylpentan-3-ol). In single-crystal X-ray crystallography, complex 1 exhibited a dimeric structure with µ2-O bonds of the ddemap ligand. All complexes exhibited high volatility and could be sublimed under reduced pressure (0.5 Torr) at 160 °C, indicating that these complexes are promising candidates as atomic layer deposition or chemical vapor deposition precursors for the growth of barium-containing thin films.

Rectangular Taper Stem Designs Are Associated With a Higher Risk for Periprosthstic Femoral Fractures After Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) remain a major concern following cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the association between different types of cementless tapered stems and the risk of postoperative PFF. METHODS: A retrospective review of primary THAs performed at a single center from January 2011 to December 2018 included 3,315 hips (2,326 patients). Cementless stems were classified according to their design. The incidence of PFF was compared between flat taper porous-coated stems (type A), rectangular taper grit-blasted stems (type B1), and quadrangular taper hydroxyapatite-coated stems (type B2). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors related to PFF. The mean follow-up duration was 61 months (range, 12 to 139). Overall, 45 (1.4%) postoperative PFFs occurred. RESULTS: The incidence of PFF was significantly higher in type B1 stems than in type A and type B2 stems (1.8 versus 0.7 versus 0.7%; P = .022). Additionally, more surgical treatments (1.7 versus 0.5 versus 0.7%; P = .013) and femoral revisions (1.2 versus 0.2 versus 0%; P = .004) were required for PFF in type B1 stems. After controlling for confounding variables, older age, diagnosis of hip fracture, and use of type B1 stems were significant factors associated with PFF. CONCLUSION: Type B1 rectangular taper stems were found to have higher risks for postoperative PFF and PFF requiring surgical management than type A and type B2 stems in THA. Femoral stem geometry should be considered when planning for cementless THA in elderly patients who have compromised bone quality.

Synthesis of Mononuclear Strontium Complexes with Polyether and ß-Diketonato Ligands.

Strontium ß-diketonate complexes were synthesized by the substitution reaction of the bis(trimethylsilyl) amide of Sr(btsa)2·2DME with an ethereal group and ß-diketonate ligands. The compounds [Sr(tmge)(btsa)]2 (1), [Sr(tod)(btsa)]2 (2), Sr(tmgeH)(tfac)2 (3), Sr(tmgeH)(acac)2 (4), Sr(tmgeH)(tmhd)2 (5), Sr(todH)(tfac)2 (6), Sr(todH)(acac)2 (7), Sr(todH)(tmhd)2 (8), Sr(todH)(hfac)2 (9), Sr(dmts)(hfac)2 (10), [Sr(mee)(tmhd)2]2 (11), and Sr(dts)(hfac)2·DME (12) were obtained and analyzed by various techniques, including FT-IR, NMR, TGA (thermogravimetric analyses), and elemental analysis. Complexes 1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 were further structurally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, where complexes 1 and 11 showed dimeric structures with µ2-O bonds of ethereal groups or tmhd ligands, and complexes 3, 8, 9, 10, and 12 displayed monomeric structures. Interestingly, compounds 10 and 12, which preceded trimethylsilylation of the coordinating ethereal alcohols such as tmhgeH and meeH in the presence of HMDS as by-products due to highly increasing acidity of them, originated from electron-withdrawing two hfac ligands.

Long-Term Outcomes of Cementing Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Liners Into Well-Fixed Acetabular Shells in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Cementing a new liner into a secure, well-positioned metallic shell can be a less-invasive strategy in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to report the mean 14-year outcomes of cementing highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners into well-fixed acetabular shells in revision THAs. METHODS: This study reviewed a single-surgeon series of cementing XLPE liners into well-fixed acetabular components. Of the 52 hips (51 patients) evaluated, 48 hips (47 patients) that satisfied a minimum follow-up of 10 years were included. The Harris Hip score was used for clinical evaluation. Final hip radiographs were used to determine the extent of acetabular osteolysis and stability of the components. The mean age at index operation was 53 years (range, 32 to 72). The mean follow-up duration was 14 years (range, 10 to 18). RESULTS: The mean Harris Hip score improved from 58 points (range, 23-81) preoperatively to 91 points (range, 45-100) at the final evaluation (P < .001). A total of 3 acetabular rerevisions were performed, all for aseptic loosening of the outer shell. One postoperative dislocation occurred, but it was successfully treated with a closed reduction. Final radiographs showed a significant reduction in acetabular osteolysis (P < .001). Implant survivorship free from any rerevision was 93.3% (95% confidence interval, 85.9-100%) at 14 years. CONCLUSION: Cementing an XLPE liner into a well-fixed acetabular shell in revision THA demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes at a mean of 14 years postoperatively. This technique could be a safe and durable option in the absence of XLPE liners compatible with preimplanted shells.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Iliopsoas Tendinopathy After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Radiographic Analysis of 1,602 Hips.

BACKGROUND: Iliopsoas tendinopathy (IPT) can cause persistent groin pain and lead to dissatisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to report the characteristics, incidences, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of IPT after THA. METHODS: We reviewed primary THAs performed at a single institution between January 2012 and May 2018. Clinical and radiographic analyses were performed on 1,602 THAs (1,370 patients). Patient characteristics, component sizes, inclination and anteversion angles, and antero-inferior cup prominence (≥8 millimeters (mm)), were compared between the groups with and without IPT. Changes in teardrop to lesser trochanter distance were measured to estimate changes in leg length and horizontal offset caused by THA. Logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors for IPT. IPT was identified in 53 hips (3.3%). RESULTS: Patients with IPT had greater leg lengthening (12.3 versus 9.3 mm; P = .001) and higher prevalence of antero-inferior cup prominence (5.7 versus 0.4%; P = .002). There was no significant difference in inclination, anteversion, and horizontal offset change between the two groups. In multivariate analyses, greater leg lengthening, prominent acetabular cup, women, and higher body mass index were associated with IPT. All patients reported improvement in groin pain after arthroscopic tenotomy, while 35.7% with nonoperative management reported improvement (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic IPT occurred in 53 (3.3%) of the 1,602 primary THAs. Our findings suggest that leg lengthening as well as prominent acetabular cup in THAs can be associated with the development of IPT. Arthroscopic tenotomy was effective in relieving groin pain caused by IPT.

Medium-Term Outcomes of a Forward-Striking Technique to Reduce Fracture Gaps during Long Cephalomedullary Nailing in Subtrochanteric Femoral Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: A residual fracture gap after intramedullary nailing is a known risk factor for delayed union and non-union. This study aimed to report the outcomes of a forward-striking technique to reduce fracture gaps during long cephalomedullary nailing in subtrochanteric femoral fractures (SFFs). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with SFFs treated in a single institution between February 2013 and October 2018. A total of 58 patients treated via long cephalomedullary nailing with a forward-striking technique were included. The width of the fracture gap, location of the cephalic screw, tip-apex distance (TAD), and time to bone union were evaluated using intraoperative and postoperative radiographs. Complication rates, including fixation failure, non-union, implant breakage, and infection, were assessed. The mean follow-up duration was 4 (range, 2‒8) years. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients (mean age, 67.9 years), 38 (65.5%) were female. Thirty-two cases (55.2%) were classified as atypical femoral fractures. The mean fracture gap reduced from 5.1 mm to 1.6 mm by forward striking (P<0.001). The reduced fracture gap was significantly greater in atypical SFFs (mean, 4.9 mm vs. 1.7 mm; P<0.001). The lag screw was located in the center-center or center-inferior zones of the femoral head in 54 patients (93.1%). The mean TAD was 14.2 mm and was under 25 mm in 55 patients (94.8%). Bone union was achieved in all cases without reoperation at a mean of 5.4 months. One incident of lag screw breakage was noted at 5 months, but bone union was achieved at 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: The forward-striking technique with a long cephalomedullary nail demonstrated a 100% bone union rate in a consecutive series of 58 SFFs. This technique is effective in reducing the fracture gap as well as placing the cephalic screw into the optimal position. The forward-striking technique was particularly effective in reducing atypical SFFs with a transverse or short oblique configuration.

Effective fabrication of cellulose nanofibrils supported Pd nanoparticles as a novel nanozyme with peroxidase and oxidase-like activities for efficient dye degradation.

Nanozyme-based dye degradation methods are promising for the remediation of water pollution. Though Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) are known to act as nanozymes, their dye degradation capability has not been investigated. Low nanozyme activities, easy aggregation, difficulties in recovery and reuse are the major challenges in achieving this. For the first time, cellulose nanofibrils-supported PdNPs (PdNPs/PCNF) as a novel nanozyme with good peroxidase and oxidase-mimicking activities and easy recyclability is explored for dye degradation. An efficient and rapid method of PdNPs/PCNF preparation was demonstrated by adjusting the pH and microwave irradiation. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed good kinetic parameters and specific activities of 415 and 277 U/g for peroxidase and oxidase, respectively. PdNPs/PCNF offered 99.64% degradation of methylene blue within 12 min (0.468 min-1) with 0.4 M H2O2 at pH 5.0. Mechanistic studies revealed the involvement of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Owing to the network-like structure of PCNF, films and foams were prepared, their dye degradation potentials were compared, and recyclability was tested. Successful degradation of mixed dye solutions and spiked real water samples was achieved and a continuous flow method was demonstrated using a foam-packed column.

Long-Term Outcomes of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Tapered and Fluted Modular Stem: A Mean Follow-Up of 16 Years.

BACKGROUND: Tapered modular stems are increasingly used in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) with deficient femoral bone stock. This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes of revision THA using a tapered and fluted modular stem. METHODS: Between December 1998 and February 2006, 113 revision THAs (110 patients) were performed with a tapered and fluted modular stem at a single institution. Hip radiographs were used to identify stem subsidence, stability, and femoral radiolucency. Final outcomes were assessed in 72 hips (70 patients), with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 16 years (range, 10-23). At the final evaluation, the Harris Hip Score improved from a mean of 41 points (range, 10-72) preoperatively to 83 points (range, 56-100) (P < .001). Six femoral re-revisions were performed for the following reasons: 1 aseptic loosening, 2 stem fractures, and 3 infections. One stem fracture occurred at the modular junction after 14 years, and the other at a more distal location after 15 years. Stem subsidence was >5 mm in 6 hips (9.1%), but secondary stability was achieved in all stems. Osseointegration was observed in 63 (95.5%) hips. Stem survivorship was 91.1% with an end point of any re-revision and 94.6% for aseptic re-revision. CONCLUSION: A tapered and fluted modular stem demonstrated excellent implant survivorship with reliable bony fixation at a mean follow-up of 16 years. This type of stem can be a durable option for revision THA in patients who have femoral defects.

DeepHisCoM: deep learning pathway analysis using hierarchical structural component models.

Many statistical methods for pathway analysis have been used to identify pathways associated with the disease along with biological factors such as genes and proteins. However, most pathway analysis methods neglect the complex nonlinear relationship between biological factors and pathways. In this study, we propose a Deep-learning pathway analysis using Hierarchical structured CoMponent models (DeepHisCoM) that utilize deep learning to consider a nonlinear complex contribution of biological factors to pathways by constructing a multilayered model which accounts for hierarchical biological structure. Through simulation studies, DeepHisCoM was shown to have a higher power in the nonlinear pathway effect and comparable power for the linear pathway effect when compared to the conventional pathway methods. Application to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) omics datasets, including metabolomic, transcriptomic and metagenomic datasets, demonstrated that DeepHisCoM successfully identified three well-known pathways that are highly associated with HCC, such as lysine degradation, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis and phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. Application to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset also showed that DeepHisCoM identified four pathways that are highly associated with the severity of COVID-19, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Codes are available at https://github.com/chanwoo-park-official/DeepHisCoM.

Artificial intelligence-based classification of bone tumors in the proximal femur on plain radiographs: System development and validation.

PURPOSE: Early detection and classification of bone tumors in the proximal femur is crucial for their successful treatment. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to classify bone tumors in the proximal femur on plain radiographs. METHODS: Standard anteroposterior hip radiographs were obtained from a single tertiary referral center. A total of 538 femoral images were set for the AI model training, including 94 with malignant, 120 with benign, and 324 without tumors. The image data were pre-processed to be optimized for training of the deep learning model. The state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms were applied to pre-processed images to perform three-label classification (benign, malignant, or no tumor) on each femur. The performance of the CNN model was verified using fivefold cross-validation and was compared against that of four human doctors. RESULTS: The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of the best performing CNN model for the three-label classification was 0.953 (95% confidence interval, 0.926-0.980). The diagnostic accuracy of the model (0.853) was significantly higher than that of the four doctors (0.794) (P = 0.001) and also that of each doctor individually (0.811, 0.796, 0.757, and 0.814, respectively) (P<0.05). The mean sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1 score of the CNN models were 0.822, 0.912, 0.829, and 0.822, respectively, whereas the mean values of four doctors were 0.751, 0.889, 0.762, and 0.797, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The AI-based model demonstrated high performance in classifying the presence of bone tumors in the proximal femur on plain radiographs. Our findings suggest that AI-based technology can potentially reduce the misdiagnosis of doctors who are not specialists in musculoskeletal oncology.

Overexpression of the PanaxginsengCYP703 Alters Cutin Composition of Reproductive Tissues in Arabidopsis.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) catalyzes a wide variety of monooxygenation reactions in plant primary and secondary metabolisms. Land plants contain CYP703, belonging to the CYP71 clan, which catalyzes the biochemical pathway of fatty acid hydroxylation, especially in male reproductive tissues. Korean/Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has been regarded as one of important medicinal plant for a long time, however the molecular mechanism is less known on its development. In this study, we identified and characterized a CYP703A gene in P. ginseng (PgCYP703A4), regarding reproductive development. PgCYP703A4 shared a high-sequence identity (81-83%) with predicted amino acid as CYP703 in Dancus carota, Pistacia vera, and Camellia sinensis as well as 76% of amino acid sequence identity with reported CYP703 in Arabidopsis thaliana and 75% with Oryza sativa. Amino acid alignment and phylogenetic comparison of P. ginseng with higher plants and known A. thaliana members clearly distinguish the CYP703 members, each containing the AATDTS oxygen binding motif and PERH as a clade signature. The expression of PgCYP704B1 was only detected in P. ginseng flower buds, particularly in meiotic cells and the tapetum layer of developing anther, indicating the conserved role on male reproduction with At- and Os- CYP703. To acquire the clue of function, we transformed the PgCYP703A4 in A. thaliana. Independent overexpressing lines (PgCYP703A4ox) increased silique size and seed number, and altered the contents of fatty acids composition of cutin monomer in the siliques. Our results indicate that PgCYP703A4 is involved in fatty acid hydroxylation which affects cutin production and fruit size.