Revealing the synergistic effect of Ni single atoms and adjacent 3d metal doped Ni nanoparticles in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Herein, we report the successful fabrication of a series of transition metal doped Ni nanoparticles (NPs) coordinated with Ni single atoms in nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (denoted as Ni1+NPsM-NCNTs, M = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn; Ni1 = Ni single atom). X-ray absorption fine structure reveals the coexistence of Ni single atoms with Ni-N4 coordination and NiM NPs. When applied for electrocatalytic CO2RR, the Ni1+NPsM-NCNT compounds show the Faradaic efficiency of CO (FECO) with a volcano-like tendency of Mn < Fe ≈ Co < Zn < Cu, in which the Ni1+NPsCu-NCNT exhibits the highest FECO of 96.92%, a current density of 171.25 mA cm-2 and a sustainable stability over 24 hours at a current density of 100 mA cm-2, outperforming most reported examples in the literature. Detailed experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that for Ni1+NPsCu-NCNTs, the electron transfer from NiCu NPs to Ni single atoms strengthens the adsorption of *COOH intermediates. Moreover, the d-band center of Ni-N in Ni1+NPsCu-NCNT is upshifted, providing stronger binding with the reaction intermediates of *COOH, whereas the NiCu NPs increase the Gibbs free energy change of the Volmer step, suppressing the competitive HER.

Directional Activation of Oxygen by the Au-Loaded ZnAl-LDH with Defect Structure for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Methane.

Photocatalytic oxidative coupling of CH4 (OCM) is a promising CH4 conversion process that can achieve efficient methane conversion with the assistance of O2 . It remains to be highly challenging to improve the photocatalytic OCM activity from catalyst design and to deepen the understanding of the reactant activation in the OCM process. In this work, the Au-loaded ZnAl-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with and without oxygen vacancy are constructed (denoted as Au/ZnAl and Au/ZnAl-v), respectively. When applied for photocatalytic OCM, the Au/ZnAl-v shows a CH4 conversion rate of 8.5 mmol g-1 h-1 with 92% selectivity of C2 H6 at 40 °C, outperforming most reported photocatalytic OCM systems at low temperature reported in the literature. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of Au/ZnAl-v can be stable for 100 h. In contrast, the An/ZnAl exhibits a CH4 conversion rate of 0.8 mmol g-1 h-1 with 46% selectivity of C2 H6 . Detailed characterizations and DFT calculation studies reveal that the introduced Ov sites on Au/ZnAl-v are able to activate O2 , and the resulting superoxide radical O2 ·- greatly promotes the activation of CH4 . The coupling of CH3 · groups with the assistance of Au cocatalyst leads to the formation of C2 H6 with high photocatalytic activity.

Multifunctional self-healing peptide hydrogel for wound healing.

The complete healing of wounds remains a challenge in clinical care. In addition, various complications such as inflammation and infection that may occur during skin wound healing can impede the healing process. Here, we constructed a multifunctional self-repairing hydrogel by utilizing Schiff base bonds. This hydrogel exhibited good self-healing properties and could cope with destructive external influences. The self-healing hydrogel was injectable, ensuring that the hydrogel dressing adhered to the wound. Carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized chondroitin sulfate demonstrated good biocompatibility and multiple bioactivities and were successfully used to prepare self-healing hydrogels. Meanwhile, the SIKVAV biopeptide was less expensive and more morphologically stable than vascular endothelial growth factor and had a high pro-angiogenic activity. Thus, the SIKVAV biopeptide was cross-linked to the oxidized chondroitin sulfate of the hydrogel through covalent bonding to avoid rapid biopeptide degradation, achieving a slow release of the drug. This peptide hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties; moreover, experiments conducted on mice revealed that it could effectively promote angiogenesis and skin tissue repair. These findings suggest that the injectable self-repairing peptide hydrogel may facilitate skin wound healing and other applications.

New insight into biodegradable macropore filler on tuning mechanical properties and bone tissue ingrowth in sparingly dissolvable bioceramic scaffolds.

Structural parameters of the implants such as shape, size, and porosity of the pores have been extensively investigated to promote bone tissue repair, however, it is unknown how the pore interconnectivity affects the bone growth behaviors in the scaffolds. Herein we systematically evaluated the effect of biodegradable bioceramics as a secondary phase filler in the macroporous networks on the mechanical and osteogenic behaviors in sparingly dissolvable bioceramic scaffolds. The pure hardystonite (HT) scaffolds with ∼550 & 800 µm in pore sizes were prepared by digital light processing, and then the Sr-doped calcium silicate (SrCSi) bioceramic slurry without and with 30 % organic porogens were intruded into the HT scaffolds with 800 µm pore size and sintered at 1150 °C. It indicated that the organic porogens could endow spherical micropores in the SrCSi filler, and the invasion of the SrCSi component could not only significantly enhance the compressive strength and modulus of the HT-based scaffolds, but also induce osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The pure HT scaffolds showed extremely slow bio-dissolution in Tris buffer after immersion for 8 weeks (∼1 % mass decay); in contrast, the SrCSi filler would readily dissolve into the aqueous medium and produced a steady mass decay (>6 % mass loss). In vivo experiments in rabbit femoral bone defect models showed that the pure HT scaffolds showed bone tissue ingrowth but the bone growth was impeded in the SrCSi-intruded scaffolds within 4 weeks; however, the group with higher porosity of SrCSi filler showed appreciable osteogenesis after 8 weeks of implantation and the whole scaffold was uniformly covered by new bone tissues after 16 weeks. These findings provide some new insights that the pore interconnectivity is not inevitable to impede bone ingrowth with the prolongation of implantation time, and such a highly biodegradable and bioactive filler intrusion strategy may be beneficial for optimizing the performances of scaffolds in bone regenerative medicine applications.

Ultrathin NiV Layered Double Hydroxide for Methanol Electrooxidation: Understanding the Proton Detachment Kinetics and Methanol Dehydrogenation Oxidation.

Electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is regarded as a promising pathway to obtain value-added chemicals and drive cathodic H2 production, while the rational design of catalyst and in-depth understanding of the structure-activity relationship remains challenging. Herein, the ultrathin NiV-LDH (u-NiV-LDH) with abundant defects is successfully synthesized, and the defect-enriched structure is finely determined by X-ray adsorption fine structure etc. When applied for MOR, the as-prepared u-NiV-LDH presents a low potential of 1.41 V versus RHE at 100 mA cm-2, which is much lower than that of bulk NiV-LDH (1.75 V vs RHE) at the same current density. The yield of H2 and formate is 98.2% and 88.1% as its initial over five cycles and the ultrathin structure of u-NiV-LDH can be well maintained. Various operando experiments and theoretical calculations prove that the few-layer stacking structure makes u-NiV-LDH free from the interlayer hydrogen diffusion process and the hydrogen can be directly detached from LDH laminate. Moreover, the abundant surface defects upshift the d-band center of u-NiV-LDH and endow a higher local methanol concentration, resulting in an accelerated dehydrogenation kinetics on u-NiV-LDH. The synergy of the proton detachment from the laminate and the methanol dehydrogenation oxidation contributes to the excellent MOR performance of u-NiV-LDH.

Identification of methane cycling pathways in Quaternary alluvial-lacustrine aquifers using multiple isotope and microbial indicators.

Groundwater rich in dissolved methane is often overlooked in the global or regional carbon cycle. Considering the knowledge gap in understanding the biogeochemical behavior of methane in shallow aquifers, particularly those in humid alluvial-lacustrine plains with high organic carbon content, we investigated methane sources and cycling pathways in groundwater systems at the central Yangtze River basins. Composition of multiple stable isotopes (2H/18O in water, 13C in dissolved inorganic carbon, 13C/2H in methane, and 13C in carbon dioxide) was combined with the characteristics of microbes and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the study. The results revealed significant concentrations of biogenic methane reaching up to 13.05 mg/L in anaerobic groundwater environments with abundant organic matter. Different pathways for methane cycling (methanogenic CO2-reduction and acetate-fermentation, and methane oxidation) were identified. CO2-reduction dominated acetate-fermentation in the two methanogenic pathways primarily associated with humic DOM, while methane oxidation was more closely associated with microbially derived DOM. The abundance of obligate CO2-reduction microorganisms (Methanobacterium and Methanoregula) was higher in samples with substantial CO2-reduction, as indicated by isotopic composition. The obligate acetate-fermentation microorganism (Methanosaeta) was more abundant in samples exhibiting evident acetate-fermentation. Additionally, a high abundance of Candidatus Methanoperedens was identified in samples with apparent methane oxidation. Comparing our findings with those in other areas, we found that various factors, such as groundwater temperature, DOM abundance and types, and hydrogeological conditions, may lead to differences in groundwater methane cycling. This study offered a new perspective and understanding of methane cycling in worldwide shallow alluvial-lacustrine aquifer systems without geothermal disturbance.

Comparison of osteogenic capability of 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds and granules with different porosities for clinical translation.

Pore parameters, structural stability, and filler morphology of artificial implants are key factors influencing the process of bone tissue repair. However, the extent to which each of these factors contributes to bone formation in the preparation of porous bioceramics is currently unclear, with the two often being coupled. Herein, we prepared magnesium-doped wollastonite (Mg-CSi) scaffolds with 57% and 70% porosity (57-S and 70-S) via a 3D printing technique. Meanwhile, the bioceramic granules (57-G and 70-G) with curved pore topography (IWP) were prepared by physically disrupting the 57-S and 70-S scaffolds, respectively, and compared for in vivo osteogenesis at 4, 10, and 16 weeks. The pore parameters and the mechanical and biodegradable properties of different porous bioceramics were characterized systematically. The four groups of porous scaffolds and granules were then implanted into a rabbit femoral defect model to evaluate the osteogenic behavior in vivo. 2D/3D reconstruction and histological analysis showed that significant bone tissue production was visible in the central zone of porous granule groups at the early stage but bone tissue ingrowth was slower in the porous scaffold groups. The bone tissue regeneration and reconstruction capacity were stronger after 10 weeks, and the porous architecture of the 57-S scaffold was maintained stably at 16 weeks. These experimental results demonstrated that the structure-collapsed porous bioceramic is favorable for early-stage osteoconduction and that the 3D topological scaffolds may provide more structural stability for bone tissue growth for a long-term stage. These findings provide new ideas for the selection of different types of porous bioceramics for clinical bone repair.

Pd Loaded NiCo Hydroxides for Biomass Electrooxidation: Understanding the Synergistic Effect of Proton Deintercalation and Adsorption Kinetics.

The key issue in the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation reaction (HMFOR) is to understand the synergistic mechanism involving the protons deintercalation of catalyst and the adsorption of the substrate. In this study, a Pd/NiCo catalyst was fabricated by modifying Pd clusters onto a Co-doped Ni(OH)2 support, in which the introduction of Co induced lattice distortion and optimized the energy band structure of Ni sites, while the Pd clusters with an average size of 1.96 nm exhibited electronic interactions with NiCo support, resulting in electron transfer from Pd to Ni sites. The resulting Pd/NiCo exhibited low onset potential of 1.32 V and achieved a current density of 50 mA/cm2 at only 1.38 V. Compared to unmodified Ni(OH)2 , the Pd/NiCo achieved an 8.3-fold increase in peak current density. DFT calculations and in situ XAFS revealed that the Co sites affected the conformation and band structure of neighboring Ni sites through CoO6 octahedral distortion, reducing the proton deintercalation potential of Pd/NiCo and promoting the production of Ni3+ -O active species accordingly. The involvement of Pd decreased the electronic transfer impedance, and thereby accelerated Ni3+ -O formation. Moreover, the Pd clusters enhanced the adsorption of HMF through orbital hybridization, kinetically promoting the contact and reaction of HMF with Ni3+ -O.

Coexistence of Au single atoms and Au nanoparticles on NiAl-LDH for selective electrooxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde.

Introducing different active sites into heterogeneous catalysts provides new prospects to address the challenges in single-atom catalysis. Herein, the Au single atoms together and the Au nanoparticles were loaded onto NiAl-LDH by a facile impregnation-reduction method for the first time, resulting in the formation of Au1+n-NiAl-LDH, in which abundant Au single atoms are located around the Au nanoparticles with ∼5 nm size. When applied in the electrocatalytic benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction (BAOR), the as-prepared Au1+n-NiAl-LDH exhibits a remarkable selectivity of 91% and 177.63 µmol for benzaldehyde in 5 hours, while in contrast examples using solely Au single atom loaded NiAl-LDH (Au1-NiAl-LDH) and solely Au nanoparticle loaded NiAl-LDH (Aun-NiAl-LDH) can only realize 87.36 µmol production (75% selectivity) and 48.90 µmol production (28% selectivity) of benzaldehyde, respectively. Such a dramatic difference can be attributed to the synergistic effects of Au single atoms and Au nanoparticles. DFT calculation results reveal that for Au1+n-NiAl-LDH, Au single atoms promote the dehydrogenation capacity of LDH laminates, while Au nanoparticles offer adsorption sites for the electrophilic attachment of benzyl alcohol.

Vanadium-Substituted Polyoxometalates Regulate Prion Protein Fragment 106-126 Misfolding by an Oxidation Strategy.

Prion disorders are a group of lethal infectious neurodegenerative diseases caused by the spontaneous aggregation of misfolded prion proteins (PrPSc). The oxidation of such proteins by chemical reagents can significantly modulate their aggregation behavior. Herein, we exploit a series of vanadium-substituted Keggin-type tungsten and molybdenum POMs (W- and Mo-POMs) as chemical tools to oxidize PrP106-126 (denoted as PrP), an ideal model for studying PrPSc. Due to the band gaps being larger than that of Mo-POMs, W-POMs possess higher structural stability and show stronger binding and oxidation effect on PrP. Additionally, the substitution of W/Mo by vanadium elevates the local electron distribution on the bridged O(26) atom, thereby strengthening the hydrogen bonding of POMs with the histidine site. Most importantly, with the number of substituted vanadium increases, the LUMO energy level of POMs decreases, making it easier to accept electrons from methionine. As a result, PW10V2 displays the strongest oxidation on the methionine residue of PrP, leading to an excellent inhibitory effect on PrP aggregation and a significant attenuation on its neurotoxicity.

Enabling Specific Benzene Oxidation by Tuning the Adsorption Behavior on Au Loaded MgAl Layered Double Hydroxides.

Direct and selective oxidation of benzene to phenol is a long-term goal in industry. Although great efforts have been made in homogenous catalysis, it still remains a huge challenge to drive this reaction via heterogeneous catalysts under mild conditions. Herein, a single-atom Au loaded MgAl-layered double hydroxide (Au1 -MgAl-LDH) with a well-defined structure, in which the Au single atoms are located on the top of Al3+ with Au-O4 coordination as revealed by extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure (EXAFS)and density-functional theory (DFT)calculation is reported. The photocatalytic results prove the Au1 -MgAl-LDH is capable of driving benzene oxidation reaction with O2 in water, and exhibits a high selectivity of 99% for phenol. While contrast experiment shows a ≈99% selectivity for aliphatic acid with Au nanoparticle loaded MgAl-LDH (Au-NP-MgAl-LDH). Detailed characterizations confirm that the origin of the selectivity difference can be attributed to the profound adsorption behavior of substrate benzene with Au single atoms and nanoparticles. For Au1 -MgAl-LDH, single Au-C bond is formed in benzene activation and result in the production of phenol. While for Au-NP-MgAl-LDH, multiple AuC bonds are generated in benzene activation, leading to the crack of CC bond.

Preoperative Leg Length Discrepancy >2 cm in the Supine Decubitus Position May Induce Compensatory Pelvic Obliquity in Patients during Total Hip Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The leg length discrepancy (LLD) in the supine decubitus position may influence the inclination angle of the acetabular component during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The relationship among LLD, pelvic obliquity, and inclination angle of the acetabular component has not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between LLD in supine position and changes in the inclination angle of the acetabular components during THA, and the compensatory ability of the pelvis based on LLD and inclination. METHODS: A total of 135 patients were prospectively classified into three groups according to the preoperative LLD in the supine decubitus position: the cranial type group had a positive LLD value; the fixed type group had LLD = 0; and the caudal type group had a negative LLD value. Patients in the cranial type group and caudal type group were divided into four subgroups based on the LLD value (either positive or negative): LLD >3 cm subgroup; 2 ≤ LLD ≤ 3 cm subgroup; 1 ≤ LLD < 2 cm subgroup; and LLD <1 cm subgroup. The targeted and final inclination of the acetabular component was measured intra- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference in the targeted and final inclination angles among the patients in the cranial type and the caudal type groups. In the caudal type group, increased inclination was observed in the patients of LLD >3 cm subgroup (mean 3.13°) and 2 ≤ LLD ≤ 3 cm subgroup (mean 5.17°) after THA, respectively. Decreased inclination (mean, 6.16°) was observed in 2 ≤ LLD ≤ 3 cm subgroup in the cranial type group after THA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that in patients with discrepancy greater than 2 cm, postural pelvic obliquity imposed a remarkable influence on the inclination.

In Situ Formation of the TiCN Phase in SiBCN Ceramic Aerogels Enabling Superior Thermal and Structural Stability up to 1800 °C.

Ceramic aerogels show excellent thermal insulation and functional performance for their unique nanoporous structure. However, conventional ceramic aerogels often undergo structural collapse and performance deterioration in high-temperature environments due to sintering, crystallization, and/or phase transition. Here, we designed a TiCN/SiBCN ceramic aerogel in which the TiCN phase was in situ formed through a carbothermal reaction during pyrolysis. Benefiting from its unique pearl-necklace-like structure, the TiCN/SiBCN aerogel exhibits a high specific surface area (248 m2/g), a low thermal conductivity (0.08 W/m·K), and a considerable compressive strength (2.2 MPa). The formation of a stable TiCN phase endows the aerogel with significant resistance to thermal decomposition and crystallization up to 1800 °C. Moreover, the TiCN/SiBCN aerogel retains high surface area and low thermal conductivity after thermal treatment, indicative of the stability and reliability of the nanoporous structure. The TiCN/SiBCN ceramic aerogel with superior thermal and structural stability is an ideal candidate for structural and functional applications in high-temperature environments.

Primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism present different expressions of calcium-sensing receptor.

BACKGROUND: Decreased calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has been observed in hyperparathyroidism (HPT) without a known mechanism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of CaSR in primary (PHPT) and secondary (SHPT) subtypes. METHODS: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay were used to measure the differences in expression of CaSR protein and gene in PHPT and SHPT human samples, compared to matched controls. RESULTS: CaSR protein was differentially downregulated in SHPT and PHPT compared to normal parathyroid tissues (2.42 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.62, P < 0.05; 1.8 ± 0.83 vs. 3.2 ± 0.62, P < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, SHPT tissues exhibited significantly higher levels of CaSR mRNA (0.29 ± 0.23 vs. 0.01 ± 0.12, P < 0.05) and protein (2.42 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.83, P < 0.05) than those in PHPT tissue samples. CONCLUSION: Depressed CaSR expression was a critical pathological hallmark of HPT. We found a differential decline of CaSR, in terms of both mRNA and protein levels, in PHPT and SHPT human samples. We think that CaSR dysregulation occurred at the very beginning of disease onset in PHPT, while a similar pathological scenario appeared at the later stage of SHPT. Future studies should be directed to dissect the mechanistic involvement of CaSR in PHPT and SHPT in order to bring treatment precisions in HPT management.

Dual Engineering of Lattice Strain and Valence State of NiAl-LDHs for Photoreduction of CO2 to Highly Selective CH4.

Converting CO2 to clean-burning fuel such as natural gas (CH4 ) with high activity and selectivity remains to be a grand challenge due to slow kinetics of multiple electron transfer processes and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, the fabrication of surfactants (C11 H23 COONa, C12 H25 SO4 Na, C16 H33 SO4 Na) intercalated NiAl-layered double hydroxides (NiAl-LDH) is reported, resulting in the formation of LDH-S1 (S1 = C11 H23 COO- ), LDH-S2 (S2 = C12 H25 SO4 - ) and LDH-S3 (S3 = C16 H33 SO4 - ) with curved morphology. Compared with NiAl-LDH with a 1.53% selectivity of CH4 , LDH-S2 shows higher selectivity of CH4 (83.07%) and lower activity of HER (3.84%) in CO2 photoreduction reaction (CO2 PR). Detailed characterizations and DFT calculation indicates that the inherent lattice strain in LDH-S2 leads to the structural distortion with the presence of VNi/Al defects and compressed MOM bonds, and thereby reduces the overall energy barrier of CO2 to CH4 . Moreover, the lower oxidation states of Ni in LDH-S2 enhances the adsorption of intermediates such as OCOH* and *CO, promoting the hydrogenation of CO to CH4 . Therefore, the coupling effect of both lattice strain and electronic structure of the LDH-S2 significantly improves the activity and selectivity for CO2 PR.

Improvement of the bladder perfusion curative effect through tight junction protein degradation induced by magnetic temperature-sensitive hydrogels.

Postoperative intravesical instillation of chemotherapy is a routine procedure for non-muscular invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, traditional bladder perfusion methods have insufficient exposure time, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. In the present study, a chitosan (CS)-based in situ forming depot (ISFD) delivery system, including Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4-MNP), CS, and ß-glycerophosphate (GP) as main components, was synthesized. Pirarubicin (THP), as a chemotherapeutic drug, was loaded into the new system. Results showed that our carrier system (Fe3O4-THP-CS/GP) was converted into gel and attached to the bladder wall, possessing loose network structures with magnetic targeting and sustained release properties. Moreover, its retention time in bladder was more than 72 h accompanied by a suitable expansion rate and good degradation characteristics. The antitumor activities of Fe3O4-THP-CS/GP were more effective both in vitro and in vivo than the free THP solution. In the study of its mechanism, results showed that Fe3O4-THP-CS/GP suppressed the expression of occludin (OCLN) and affected tight junctions (TJ) between urothelial cells to promote THP absorption.

Evaluation of cystoprostatectomy on patients with prostate cancer extending to bladder: a retrospective study from single center.

BACKGROUND: This is an exploratory research of cystoprostatectomy (CP) in treating prostate cancer (PCa) extending to the bladder, which aimed to evaluate the effects of CP on survival outcomes and improving quality of life (QoL) in these patients. METHODS: A total of 27 PCa patients extending to the bladder were subjected to CP and followed up at regular intervals in our center. Prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) and prostate-specific antigen recurrence-free survival (PFS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to evaluate clinical characteristics predicting survivals. QoL and pelvic symptoms were also evaluated. RESULTS: Median PCSS was not reached over the period of follow-up. 5-year PCSS rate was 82.1%. Median PFS was 66.0 months. 5-year PFS rate was 58.5%. Multivariate analysis showed Gleason score (≥ 8) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-4.04, p = 0.033), positive local lymph node status (HR 3.52, 95% CI 1.57-7.38, p = 0.006) and bladder muscle-invasion (HR 4.75, 95% CI 1.37-7.53, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of worse PCSS. The number of patients suffering pelvic symptoms was significantly decreased, and QoL scores were significantly down-regulated after surgeries. CONCLUSION: CP offered effective and durable palliation in patients of locally advanced prostate cancer with invasion of the bladder, providing better QoL and relieving local symptoms.

Implications of regulator of G-protein signaling 5 expression in the pathogenesis of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To study the protein and mRNA expressions of regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5) in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: The expression of RGS5 protein in 20 primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), 31 secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), and 20 control cases were studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of RGS5 mRNA in 15 PHPT, 102 SHPT, and 7 normal parathyroid tissue were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method. RESULTS: The expressions of RGS5 in PHPT tissues were significantly higher than that in SHPT and normal parathyroid tissues (P < 0.05). While the differences in RGS5 protein expressions between SHPT and respective control samples were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Likewise, the RGS5 mRNA expression in PHPT was significantly higher than that in SHPT (P < 0.05) and normal parathyroid (P < 0.05) samples. In a similar line, the differences in RGS5 gene expressions between SHPT and control tissues were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic RGS5 protein and mRNA levels in hyperparathyroidism might be helpful in discovering the pathomechanism of hyperparathyroidism and novel therapeutic targets as well.

180-W GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization with multiple triamcinolone acetonide injections for the treatment of bladder neck contractures.

Bladder neck contracture (BNC), one of the most challenging complications after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), lacks effective treatment. In the present study, our experience in treating BNC using GreenLight laser vaporization with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections was shared. This is a retrospective cohort study that included 46 patients with BNC after TURP and PVP in our center. GreenLight laser surgeries (180 W) were carried out and TA was administrated simultaneously. TA injections were repeated every week for three times after surgeries. The perioperative and postoperative parameters were reviewed and compared. Bladder neck tissues were examined by immunohistochemical staining to explore the expressions of collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) after treatments. The chief complaint symptoms of all patients were significantly relieved after our treatments. None of them showed BNC recurrence during the follow-up. Complications were rare and mild. Postoperative assessments including maximal urinary flow rate (P < 0.01), International Prostate Symptom Score (P < 0.01), quality of life index (P < 0.01), and post-void residual volume (P < 0.001) were significantly better than baseline values, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining showed significantly lower expressions of collagen I (P < 0.001), MMP-3 (P < 0.001), and TGF-ß (P < 0.001) after treatments. In conclusion, 180-W GreenLight laser with repeated TA injections demonstrated the safety and long-term efficacy in treating BNC, by inhibiting the expressions of fibrotic factors. Our procedure was a promising treatment for BNC after PVP and TURP.

Three-dimensional-printed titanium implants for severe acetabular bone defects in revision hip arthroplasty: short- and mid-term results.

PURPOSE: Severe acetabular bone defect is challenging in revision hip arthroplasty. In the present study, we aimed to present new treatment options with the 3D printing technique and analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 3D-printed titanium implants for the treatment of severe acetabular bone defects in revision hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A total of 35 patients with Paprosky type 3 bone defect and pelvic discontinuity (PD), who underwent hip revisions using 3D-printed titanium implants between 2016 and 2019 at our institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-specific 3D-printed titanium augments and shells (strategy A) were used in 22 type 3A and two type 3B patients. Custom 3D-printed flanged components (strategy B) were used in 11 type 3B patients, including five PD. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Harris hip score (HHS). In addition, radiographic results were analyzed by the hip centre of rotation (V-COR and H-COR), implant failure, and survivorship. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 41.5 months (range, 16-62). The HHS was improved from 47.8 ± 8.2 pre-operatively to 78.1 ± 10.1 at one year follow-up and 86.4 ± 5.1 at the last follow-up (p < 0.01). Post-operative V-COR and H-COR of the operated side were 20.8 ± 2.0 mm and 30.2 ± 1.6 mm compared with 51.4 ± 4.1 mm and 33.9 ± 9.0 mm pre-operatively (p < 0.01). The complications included one dislocation and one partial palsy of the sciatic nerve. At the latest follow-up, no radiological component loosening or screw breakage was present. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-printed titanium implants showed satisfactory short- and mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. It was an effective therapeutic regimen with a low rate of complications, providing a patient-specific and reliable strategy for the severe acetabular bone defect in revision hip arthroplasty.