Up-regulation of lncRNA WT1-AS ameliorates Aß-stimulated neuronal injury through modulation of miR-186-5p/CCND2 axis in Alzheimer's disease.

As a common neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) seriously threatens human life. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exhibit essential functions in AD development. Nevertheless, the detailed effects and possible mechanisms of lncRNA Wilms tumor 1 Antisense RNA (WT1-AS) in AD are largely unknown. In our studies, a total of 30 serum samples from AD patients were collected, and WT1-AS expressions were detected through qRT-PCR analysis. Additionally, an in vitro AD model was constructed by treating Aß1-42 in human neuroblastoma cells. Functional assays were implemented to assess the impacts of WT1-AS on Aß1-42-stimulated human neuroblastoma cell proliferation together with apoptosis. Moreover, relationship of WT1-AS, microRNA (miR)-186-5p as well as cyclin D2 (CCND2) could be predicted through bioinformatics tools as well as proved via dual-luciferase reporter experiments. Our results showed that WT1-AS together with CCND2 were low-expressed, while miR-186-5p presented high expression in AD serum samples together with Aß1-42-stimulated human neuroblastoma cells. WT1-AS over-expression or miR-186-5p depletion notably promoted the proliferation, reduced the apoptosis, and decreased the p-Tau protein expressions of human neuroblastoma cells induced with Aß1-42. Moreover, miR-186-5p combined with WT1-AS, and CCND2 was modulated by miR-186-5p. Furthermore, CCND2 elevation partially offsets the impacts of miR-186-5p elevation on Aß1-42-stimulated cell proliferation as well as apoptosis mediated with WT1-AS up-regulation. Our results indicated that up-regulation of lncRNA WT1-AS ameliorated Aß-stimulated neuronal damage through modulating miR-186-5p/CCND2 axis, offering a novel direction for AD therapy.

Effect of Doping SiO2 Nanoparticles and Phenylmethyl Silicone Oil on the Large-Scale Deicing Property of PDMS Coatings.

Recently, low interfacial toughness (LIT) materials have been developed to solve large-scale deicing problems. According to the theory of interfacial fracture, ice detachment is dominated by strength-controlled or toughness-controlled regimes, which are characterized by adhesive strength or constant shear force. Here, a new strategy is introduced to regulate the interfacial toughness of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coatings using silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) and phenylmethyl silicone oil (PMSO). By systematically adjusting the doping proportion of SiO2 NPs and PMSO, it is found that a lower interfacial toughness can be achieved with a lower constant shear force. The synergistic effect of the two dopants on the adhesive strength and interfacial toughness is analyzed. Meanwhile, finite element method (FEM) analysis of ice detachment is conducted to show the cracking process intuitively and explicate the mechanism of lowering the interfacial toughness of PDMS by doping SiO2 NPs and PMSO. It can be concluded that the cohesive zone material (CZM) model is effective for simulating the deicing process of PDMS coatings and provides a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of interfacial toughness.

Genome sequencing identified a novel exonic microdeletion in the RUNX2 gene that causes cleidocranial dysplasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) represents a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations that induce haploinsufficiency in RUNX2, the important transcription factor of osteoblasts related to bone/cartilage development and maintenance. Clavicular hypoplasia, which involves aberrant tooth/craniofacial bone/skeletal formation, is a feature of classic CCD. RUNX2 mutations can be found in approximately 60-70% of patients with CCD, and around ∼10% of these mutations are microdeletions. The present paper describes the radiological and clinical characteristics of a 5-year-old girl who showed representative CCD features, including extra teeth, aplasia of clavicles, sloping shoulders, marked calvarial hypomineralization, and osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained genomic DNA of her family members and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for samples collected from the proband. Quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR) and specific PCR plus electrophoresis were then performed as validation assays for all participants. In vitro analysis was performed. Luciferase assay for Runx2 transcription activity and evaluation of mRNA levels of Runx2 downstream osteogenic markers were conducted. RESULTS: WGS identified a 11.38-kb microdeletion in RUNX2 comprising 8-9 exons, which was validated by QF-PCR and specific PCR plus electrophoresis. In vitro experiments confirmed the pathogenicity of this variation. CONCLUSION: The present study identified a 11.38-kb microdeletion in RUNX2 that causes CCD. The deletion in the PST domain of RUNX2 reduces its transcription activity and reduces osteogenic marker levels, eventually decreasing the differentiation of osteoblasts. These findings clarify the role of the CCD-related mechanism in the development of CCD and suggest that it is important to consider copy number variation for the suspected familial patients early.

Suture augmentation of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for acute acromioclavicular dislocation.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this report was to introduce a new suture augmentation of coracoclavicular (CC) and acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction for acute Rockwood grade III to V acromioclavicular dislocations.From January 2015 to January 2019, 43 patients with Rockwood III to VI acute acromioclavicular dislocations were retrospectively reviewed. For comparison, another series of 28 patients treated with double Endobutton technique from January 2011 to December 2014 were reviewed. A P < .05 was considered statistical significance.The mean follow-up period of the 2 series were 39.69 ±â€Š7.42 months (range, 24-54 months) and 37.86 ±â€Š8.23 months (range, 26-48 months) (P > .05), respectively. There were significant differences regarding CC space (11.62 ±â€Š2.54 mm vs 16.78 ±â€Š5.53 mm; P < .05), CC reduction loss (5.56 ±â€Š4.73 mm vs 26.25 ±â€Š4.42 mm; P < .05), and acromioclavicular space (6.89 ±â€Š1.87 mm vs 7.95 ±â€Š2.37 mm; P < .05). There were significant differences regarding the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (3.3 ±â€Š2.8 vs 5.32 ±â€Š4.37; P < .05) and University of California-Los Angeles shoulder rating scale (31.19 ±â€Š2.48 vs 29.24 ±â€Š2.48; P < .05). The excellent to good percentages were 100% (n = 32) and 85% (n = 23), respectively.In conclusion, the suture augmentation of acromioclavicular and CC ligament reconstruction is a reliable technique for acute acromioclavicular dislocation with minimal complications.Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IIa.

Modified method for reconstruction of thumb abduction function in children undergoing surgical treatment of thumb duplication.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate a modified method of reconstructing the thumb abduction function in children undergoing surgical treatment of thumb duplication. METHODS: This retrospective study included 33 children (38 thumbs) with Wassel type III to VII thumb duplication who underwent excision of the polydactylism and osteotomy of the preserved thumb. Among them, 16 children (19 thumbs) underwent reconstruction of the attachment of the articular capsule and collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint, abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis by the anchor technique (Group A), while 17 children (19 thumbs) underwent suturing the attachment of the above-mentioned soft tissues to the periosteum (Group B). All children were followed up for six years after surgery. The appearance, function and joint stability of the preserved thumb were compared between the two groups; the bone alignment and development were observed. RESULTS: The deformity rate of preserved thumbs and the positive rate of lateral stress test were significantly lower in Group A than B (p < 0.05). The modified Tada score and the distance of first web were significantly higher in Group A than B (p < 0.05). Flexion, extension, adduction, abduction and palmar movement of the thumbs were good; bone alignment and development were good and no osteophyte or anchor shadow was left in the preserved thumbs in Group A. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the abduction function using the anchor technique is effective in children undergoing surgical treatment for Wassel type III to VII thumb duplication and it may be superior to the conventional technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Using Post-graphene 2D Materials to Detect and Remove Pesticides: Recent Advances and Future Recommendations.

Detection and removal of pesticides have become increasingly imperative as the widespread production and use of pesticides severely contaminate soil and groundwater and cause serious problems to non-target species such as human and animals. Recently, new two-dimensional materials beyond graphene (e.g., transition metal dichalcogenides, layered double hydroxides), called post-graphene two-dimensional materials (pg-2DMs), have exhibited promising potentials in detecting and removing pesticides due to their unique physiochemical attributes such as high photocatalytic activity and large specific surface area. This review summarizes the recent advances of utilizing pg-2DMs to detect, degrade and adsorb pesticides (e.g., thiobencarb, methyl parathion, paraquat). The current gaps and future prospects of this field are discussed as well.

Allosteric coupling between α-rings of the 20S proteasome.

Proteasomal machinery performs essential regulated protein degradation in eukaryotes. Classic proteasomes are symmetric, with a regulatory ATPase docked at each end of the cylindrical 20S. Asymmetric complexes are also present in cells, either with a single ATPase or with an ATPase and non-ATPase at two opposite ends. The mechanism that populates these different proteasomal complexes is unknown. Using archaea homologs, we construct asymmetric forms of proteasomes. We demonstrate that the gate conformation of the two opposite ends of 20S are coupled: binding one ATPase opens a gate locally, and also opens the opposite gate allosterically. Such allosteric coupling leads to cooperative binding of proteasomal ATPases to 20S and promotes formation of proteasomes symmetrically configured with two identical ATPases. It may also promote formation of asymmetric complexes with an ATPase and a non-ATPase at opposite ends. We propose that in eukaryotes a similar mechanism regulates the composition of the proteasomal population.

Stoichiometry of Nucleotide Binding to Proteasome AAA+ ATPase Hexamer Established by Native Mass Spectrometry.

AAA+ ATPases constitute a large family of proteins that are involved in a plethora of cellular processes including DNA disassembly, protein degradation and protein complex disassembly. They typically form a hexametric ring-shaped structure with six subunits in a (pseudo) 6-fold symmetry. In a subset of AAA+ ATPases that facilitate protein unfolding and degradation, six subunits cooperate to translocate protein substrates through a central pore in the ring. The number and type of nucleotides in an AAA+ ATPase hexamer is inherently linked to the mechanism that underlies cooperation among subunits and couples ATP hydrolysis with substrate translocation. We conducted a native MS study of a monodispersed form of PAN, an archaeal proteasome AAA+ ATPase, to determine the number of nucleotides bound to each hexamer of the WT protein. We utilized ADP and its analogs (TNP-ADP and mant-ADP), and a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog (AMP-PNP) to study nucleotide site occupancy within the PAN hexamer in ADP- and ATP-binding states, respectively. Throughout all experiments we used a Walker A mutant (PANK217A) that is impaired in nucleotide binding as an internal standard to mitigate the effects of residual solvation on mass measurement accuracy and to serve as a reference protein to control for nonspecific nucleotide binding. This approach led to the unambiguous finding that a WT PAN hexamer carried - from expression host - six tightly bound ADP molecules that could be exchanged for ADP and ATP analogs. Although the Walker A mutant did not bind ADP analogs, it did bind AMP-PNP, albeit at multiple stoichiometries. We observed variable levels of hexamer dissociation and an appearance of multimeric species with the over-charged molecular ion distributions across repeated experiments. We posit that these phenomena originated during ESI process at the final stages of ESI droplet evolution.

Whole genome sequencing of a multidrug-resistant Bacillus thuringiensis HM-311 obtained from the Radiation and Heavy metal-polluted soil.

OBJECTIVES: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is distributed widely in the environment and utilised frequently for its highly specific toxins to target insect. However, BT is potentially pathogenic due to the high similarity between BT and Bacillus anthracis (BA). Meanwhile, there are reports that heavy metal pressure can promote the proliferation of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms through the co-selection of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The aim of this work was revealed the MRGs and ARGs in a novel heavy metal tolerant and drug-resistant strain - B. thuringiensis HM-311, which was isolated from radiation and heavy metal-contaminated soil in Xinjiang (China). METHODS: The genome of B. thuringiensis HM-311 was sequenced using a PacBio RS II platform and Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform at the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI, Shenzhen, China). RESULTS: The total size of B. thuringiensis HM-311 genome was 6,019,481bp with a GC content of 35.85%. 134 genes related to antibiotics resistance and 75 genes related to heavy metal resistance were predicted in the B. thuringiensis HM-311 genome, the main ARGs and MRGs were discussed. Moreover, 30 verified virulence factor genes and 297 predicted virulence factor genes were annotated in the B. thuringiensis HM-311 genome. CONCLUSIONS: This genome can be used as a reference sequence for comparative genomic studies, elucidating antibiotic resistance development and the relationship between antibiotic resistance genes and heavy metal resistance genes in B. thuringiensis.

Underoil Superhydrophilic Metal Felt Fabricated by Modifying Ultrathin Fumed Silica Coatings for the Separation of Water-in-Oil Emulsions.

Although various superhydrophobic/superoleophilic porous materials have been developed and successfully applied to separate water-in-oil emulsions through the size-sieving mechanism, the separation performance is restricted by their nanoscale pore size severely. In this study, the wettability of underoil water on fumed silica was experimentally observed, and the underlying mechanism was investigated by carrying out theoretical analysis and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. Further, we present a novel, facile, and an inexpensive technique to fabricate an underoil superhydrophilic metal felt with microscale pores for the separation of water-in-oil emulsions using SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as building blocks. The as-prepared underoil superhydrophilic coating is closed-packed and ultrathin (the thickness is approximately hundreds of nanometers), as well as capable of being coated on a metal felt with complex structures without blocking its pores. The as-prepared metal felt could adsorb water droplets directly from oil, which endowed it with the ability to separate both surfactant-free and surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions with high separation efficiency up to 99.7% even though its pore size is larger than that of the emulsified droplet. The filtration flux for the separation of span 80-stabilized emulsion is up to ∼4000 L·m-2·h-1. Its separation performance is better than most of the other traditional membranes and superwettable materials used for the separation of water-in-oil emulsions. Moreover, the as-prepared metal felt retained outstanding separation performance even after 30 cycles of use, which demonstrated its excellent reusability and durability. Additionally, the distinctive wettability of underoil superhydrophilicity endued coated metal felt with superior antifouling properties toward crude oil. Overall, this study not only provides a new perspective on separating water-in-oil emulsions but also gives a universal approach to develop unique wettability surfaces.

Reconstruction of Finger Pulp Defects With an Innervated Distally-Based Neurovascular Flap.

PURPOSE: Finger pulp resurfacing is a challenging reconstructive problem. This article introduces sensory reconstruction of finger pulp defects using an innervated distally-based neurovascular flap raised from the dorsum of the thumb. METHODS: From May 2015 to May 2017, the innervated distally-based neurovascular flap was used in 36 patients. The mean age at surgery was 37 years (range, 18-61 years). All patients were assessed using the total active motion (TAM) scoring system of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. The sensitivity of the flap was tested using static 2-point discrimination. RESULTS: Full flap survival was achieved in 35 cases. Partial necrosis at the distal margin of the flap was observed in 1 case. At the final follow-up (mean, 20 months; range, 18-23 months), the mean TAM of the thumb was 206° (range, 188°-238°), including 8 excellent and 28 good results. The mean TAM of fingers was 266° (range, 251°-282°), including 4 excellent and 32 good results. The mean value of static 2-point discrimination was 5 mm (range, 4-7 mm) in the flap, including 31 excellent and 5 good results. CONCLUSIONS: The innervated distally-based neurovascular flap raised from the dorsum of the thumb is a reliable alternative for sensory reconstruction of finger pulp defects. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Volar locking plate versus external fixation with optional additional K-wire for treatment of AO type C2/C3 fractures: a retrospective comparative study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the radiographic and functional results of Arbeitsgemeinschaftfür Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type C2/C3 fracture of distal radius between volar locking plate (VLP) and external fixation (EF). METHODS: It was a retrospective comparative study. Between January 2015 and March 2018, a total of 62/117 patients who underwent EF (23) or VLP fixation (39) for AO type C2/C3 distal radius fractures were assessed. The follow-up period was at least 12 months. Gartland-Werley scale and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scale were used to evaluate the overall functional outcomes; wrist range of motion and grip strength were measured. The radiographic parameters included radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length, ulnar variance, and articular step-off. All of the comparisons were performed using SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 17.1 months. At final visit, VLP performed better in wrist flexion (69.7° vs 62.3°, p < 0.001), forearm pronation (73.1° vs 64.8°, p = 0.027) and supination (70.6° vs 63.1°, p = 0.033) than EF, but not different with regard to other kinematic parameters. No significant difference was found between two groups, in term of Gartland-Werley or DASH score (p > 0.05). The ulnar variance and articular step-off was significantly more improved in VLP than EF group, being 0.6 vs 1.6 mm (p = 0.002) and 0.5 vs 1.2 mm (p = 0.007). The overall rate of complications did not differ in both groups (28.2% vs 34.5%) (p = 0.587). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to EF, VLP fixation showed better performance in wrist mobility, correction of ulnar variance, and improving articular congruence, but with the comparable overall functional outcomes and complication rate.

Use of the First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery-Based Fascial Flap for Reconstruction of Small Defects on the Dorsum of the Hands.

PURPOSE: To describe the reconstruction of small defects on the dorsum of the hands using a first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap harvested through the borders of the defect. METHODS: From January, 2015 to May, 2017, 29 patients (29 hands) with soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand were treated using a first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap. At final follow-up, we measured range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joints and the first web span. RESULTS: Average size of the defects was 2.7 × 2.5 cm. Average size of the flaps was 2.9 × 2.7 cm. Average length of the pedicle was 2.9 cm. All flaps survived. Range of motion of the second to fourth metacarpophalangeal joints reached 93% to 98% of the opposite hand. The span of the first web reached 98% of the opposite hand. CONCLUSIONS: A first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap can be an alternative for reconstruction of small defects on the dorsum of the hands. Flap harvesting through the border of the defect avoided an additional scar at the donor site. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Cemented K-wire fixation for the treatment of shaft fractures of middle phalanges.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this report is to introduce an external-fixation technique using the combination of K-wires and cement. METHODS: From February 2009 to January 2015, 51 patients with shaft fractures of middle phalanges were treated with cemented K-wire fixation. The mean age of patients at surgery was 41 years. The mean time interval from injury to operation was 6±5.78days. Injured digits included index (n=18), long (n=15), ring (n=7), and little (n=11) fingers. Types of fractures were transversal (n=32), short oblique or spiral (n=5), and comminuted (n=14) fractures. Active range of motion of the fingers was measured. Total active motion was scored based on the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All measurements were compared with those on the opposite fingers. Patients also reported on their satisfaction using the 100-mm visual analogue scale. RESULTS: At the final follow-ups of 2 years, range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint, proximal phalangeal joint, and distal interphalangeal joint reached 97%±2.88, 93%±6.65, and 96%±3.22 of the opposite fingers, respectively. Based on Total active motion scoring system, we obtained 36 excellent and 15 good results. Based on VAS, patient satisfaction was 96±3.44. CONCLUSIONS: The cemented K-wire fixation is a reliable technique for the treatment of shaft fractures of middle phalanges. The technique is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IVa.

Comparison between percutaneous and open reduction for treating paediatric talar neck fractures.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to introduce percutaneous reduction and fixation of paediatric talar neck fractures. The study also included a comparison between the technique and the conventional open surgery. METHODS: From October 2003 to May 2013, 23 children (group A) with closed two-part talar neck fractures were treated with percutaneous reduction. For comparison, another group of 26 children (group B) were treated with the conventional open surgery. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In group A, bone healing was achieved in all cases at a mean of eight weeks. At the mean follow-up of 27 months, mean plantar flexion and dorsiflexion reached 96% of the opposite, normal, side. There were 20 excellent and three good results. In group B, bone healing occurred in 21 of 26 cases at a mean of 11 weeks. Nonunion was noted in five patients, among whom three were combined with avascular necrosis of the talar body. Mean follow-up was 29 months; mean plantar flexion and dorsiflexion reached 94% of the opposite normal side. There were 13 excellent, six good, two fair and five unsatisfactorily results. There were significant differences in the time to bone healing and in ankle-joint motion and function (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous reduction is a successful technique for paediatric talar neck fractures. Compared with conventional open surgery, the mini-invasive procedure may produce rapid bone healing and better functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level Ia (perspective study).

A minimally invasive approach for cubital tunnel release and ulnar nerve transposition.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to introduce a new minimally invasive technique for ulnar nerve release and transposition. METHODS: From January 2010 to May 2011, 51 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated through a 1.5 to 2 cm incision. Limb functional recovery, scar esthetics, sensitivity of scar, numbness of the operating area, and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: No wound hematoma nor infection was observed in the group. The time of operation was 36 ± 17.2 minutes. At the final follow-up of 63 ± 7.3 months, 2-point discrimination of the small finger was improved from 6.3 ± 2.2 mm to 5.2 ± 2.4 mm. Grip and pinch strength of the hand were improved from 14.2 ± 7.7 kg and 3.7 ± 2.4 kg to 35.2 ± 12.7 kg and 4.1 ± 2.8 kg, respectively. The motor nerve conduction velocity was improved from 36.5 ± 11.2 to 44.6 ± 6.7 (m/sec). The Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand questionnaire score was improved from 37.2 ± 23.8 to 10.5 ± 9.6. No patients reported scar pain, sensitivity of scar, or numbness of the operating area. No revision surgery was needed. Michigan Hand Outcome score for aesthetics was 94.6%±5.1 and satisfaction was 92 ± 8, respectively. We obtained 33 excellent, 12 good, 5 fair, and 1 poor result. CONCLUSION: Ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition can be safely and effectively accomplished through the small incision. It can be an alternative technique producing good appearance.

An efficient multi-stage fermentation strategy for the production of microbial oil rich in arachidonic acid in Mortierella alpina.

BACKGROUND: Fungal morphology and aeration play a significant role in the growth process of Mortierella alpina. The production of microbial oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA) in M. alpina was enhanced by using a multi-stage fermentation strategy which combined fed-batch culture with precise control of aeration and agitation rates at proper times. RESULTS: The fermentation period was divided into four stages according to the cultivation characteristics of M. alpina. The dissolved oxygen concentration was well suited for ARA biosynthesis. Moreover, the ultimate dry cell weight (DCW), lipid, and ARA yields obtained using this strategy reached 41.4, 22.2, 13.5 g/L, respectively. The respective values represent 14.8, 25.8, and 7.8% improvements over traditional fed-batch fermentation processes. CONCLUSIONS: This strategy provides promising control insights for the mass production of ARA-rich oil on an industrial scale. Pellet-like fungal morphology was transformed into rice-shaped particles which were beneficial for oxygen transfer and thus highly suitable for biomass accumulation.

The Interactions Between Aligned Poly(L-Lactic Acid) Nanofibers and SH-SY5Y Cells In Vitro.

Aligned nanofibers have been regarded as promising nanomaterials in facilitating nerve regeneration. Investigating the interactions between aligned nanofibers and neuronal cells will be critically important for the design and application of aligned nanofibers in nerve tissue engineering. In this study, we explored the effects of electrospun Poly(L-Lactic Acid) (PLLA) aligned nanofibers on SH-SY5Y cells (a type of human neuroblastoma cell line) and specifically focused on the role of integrin in the PLLA aligned nanofiber-SH-SY5Y cell interaction. We found that PLLA aligned nanofibers could significantly guide the neurite outgrowth of SH-SY5Y cell, and promote the viability, proliferation, glucose and lactic acid metabolism of SH-SY5Y cell. This promotion effect could be alleviated when the functions of integrins on the SH-SY5Y cell membrane were hampered by pentapeptide GRGDS. Moreover, we found that PLLA aligned nanofibers could enhance the expression of phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the SH-SY5Y cells and blocking the integrins would decrease p-ERK1/2 expression. These results suggested that PLLA aligned nanofibers might affect many cellular behaviors of SH-SY5Y cells via integrin mediated ERK pathway. Our findings provided more insights for understanding the interaction between aligned nanofibers and neuronal cells.

Treatment of the Secondary Defect on the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Using the Medial Plantar Hallucal Artery Dorsal Perforator Flap.

Injuries or burns to the dorsum of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint may develop scar formation, resulting in hyperextension contracture. Surgical correction of the deformity often produces a secondary defect. The purpose of this study is to report on the use of the medial plantar hallucal artery dorsal perforator flap for the treatment of such defect. From February 2010 to June 2011, 16 patients were treated. The mean preoperative hyperextension of the first MTP joint was 48 degrees. The mean size of the defects was 3.6 × 6 cm. The mean flap size was 4 × 6.5 cm. The mean pedicle length was 4 cm. All flaps survived completely. Patient follow-up lasted a mean of 14 months. At the final follow-up, the mean hyperextension of the first MTP joint was 9 degrees. After surgery, the mean Foot Function Index improved from 62 to 7. Almost all patients were satisfied with the results. Transferring the medial plantar hallucal artery dorsal perforator flap is a useful and reliable technique for the reconstruction of the secondary defect on the first MTP joint.

Lipid Fraction and Intracellular Metabolite Analysis Reveal the Mechanism of Arachidonic Acid-Rich Oil Accumulation in the Aging Process of Mortierella alpina.

The mechanism of arachidonic acid (ARA) content increase during aging of Mortierella alpina was elucidated. Lipid fraction analysis showed that ARA content increased from 46.9% to 66.4% in the triacylglycerol (TAG) molecule, and ARA residue occupation increased in the majority of TAG molecules during the aging process. For the first time, intracellular metabolite analysis was conducted to reveal the pathways closely associated with ARA biosynthesis during aging. The main reason for the increased ARA content was not only at the expense of other fatty acids degradation but also at the expense of further ARA biosynthesis during aging. Furthermore, translocation played a vital role in ARA redistribution among the glycerol moiety, and mycelium did not die immediately with key pathways activated to maintain a relatively stable intracellular environment. This study lays a foundation for further improvement of ARA content in the oil product obtained from M. alpina.