Circ_PABPC1 promotes the malignancy of gastric cancer through interacting with ILK to activate NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a common cancer type with both high incidence and mortality. Recent studies have revealed an important role of circRNA in the development of GC. However, more experiments are needed to reveal the precise molecular mechanisms of circRNA in GC development. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict the potential role of circ_PABPC1 in GC and the target proteins of circ_PABPC1. Quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were conducted to detect the levels of circ_PABPC1, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p65 (Ser536) and ILK. MTT, Edu staining, cell scratch-wound and trans-well assays were carried out to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The interaction between ILK and circ_PABPC1 was confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays. Genetically modified GC cells were injected into mice to evaluate the tumor growth performance. RESULTS: This study found that the high expression of circ_PABPC1 was associated with a poor prognosis of GC. The up-regulation of circ_PABPC1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Circ_PABPC1 bound to ILK protein, thereby preventing the degradation of ILK. ILK mediated the effect of circ_PABPC1 on GC cells through activating NF-κB. CONCLUSION: circ_PABPC1 promotes the malignancy of GC cells through binding to ILK to activate NF-κB signaling pathway.

Designing a Magnesium/Sodium Hybrid Battery Using Hierarchical Iron Selenide Architecture as Cathode Material and Modified Dual-Ion Salts in Ether as Electrolyte.

We developed a magnesium/sodium (Mg/Na) hybrid battery using a hierarchical disk-whisker FeSe2 architecture (HD-FeSe2) as the cathode material and a modified dual-ion electrolyte. The polarizable Se2- anion reduced the Mg2+ migration barrier, and the 3D configuration possessed a large surface area, which facilitated both Mg2+/Na+ cation diffusion and electron transport. The dual-ion salts with NaTFSI in ether reduced the Mg plating/stripping overvoltage in a symmetric cell. The hybrid battery exhibited an energy density of 260.9 Wh kg-1 and a power density of 600.8 W kg-1 at 0.2 A g-1. It showed a capacity retention of 154 mAh g-1 and a Coulombic efficiency of over 99.5% under 1.0 A g-1 after 800 long cycles. The battery also displayed outstanding temperature tolerance. The findings of 3D architecture as cathode material and hybrid electrolyte provide a pathway to design a highly reliable Mg/Na hybrid battery.

Kyphoplasty is associated with reduced mortality risk for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral augmentation, such as vertebroplasty (VP) or kyphoplasty (KP), has been utilized for decades to treat OVCFs; however, the precise impact of this procedure on reducing mortality risk remains a topic of controversy. This study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of vertebral augmentation on mortality in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) using a large-scale meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science databases were employed for literature exploration until May 2023. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized as a summary statistic via random-effect models. Statistical analysis was executed using Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS: After rigorous screening, a total of five studies with substantial sample sizes were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. The total number of participants included in the study was an 2,421,178, comprising of 42,934 cases of vertebral augmentation and 1,991,244 instances of non-operative management. The surgical intervention was found to be significantly associated with an 18% reduction in the risk of mortality (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.78, 0.85). Subgroup analysis revealed a remarkable 71% reduction in mortality risk following surgical intervention during short-term follow-up (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.26, 0.32). Furthermore, KP exhibited a superior and more credible decrease in the risk of mortality when compared to VP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a comprehensive analysis of large samples, vertebral augmentation has been shown to significantly reduce the mortality risk associated with OVCFs, particularly in the early stages following fractures. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that KP is more reliable and effective than VP in terms of mitigating mortality risk.

Long-Cycling-Life Sodium-Ion Battery Using Binary Metal Sulfide Hybrid Nanocages as Anode.

Due to the relatively high capacity and lower cost, transition metal sulfides (TMS) as anode show promising potential in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a binary metal sulfide hybrid consisting of carbon encapsulated CoS/Cu2 S nanocages (CoS/Cu2 S@C-NC) is constructed. The interlocked hetero-architecture filled with conductive carbon accelerates the Na+ /e- transfer, thus leading to improved electrochemical kinetics. Also the protective carbon layer can provide better volume accommondation upon charging/discharging. As a result, the battery with CoS/Cu2 S@C-NC as anode displays a high capacity of 435.3 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 2.0 A g-1 (≈3.4 C). Under a higher rate of 10.0 A g-1 (≈17 C), a capacity of as high as 347.2 mAh g-1 is still remained after long 2300 cycles. The capacity decay per cycle is only 0.017%. The battery also exhibits a better temperature tolerance at 50 and -5 °C. A low internal impedance analyzed by X-ray diffraction patterns and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, narrow band gap, and high density of states obtained by first-principle calculations of the binary sulfides, ensure the rapid Na+ /e- transport. The long-cycling-life SIB using binary metal sulfide hybrid nanocages as anode shows promising applications in versatile electronic devices.

A Foldable Aqueous Zn-Ion Battery with Gear-Structured Composite as Freestanding Cathode.

A foldable battery with high flexibility provides great potential in various wearable electronic devices for health and fitness tracking, chronic disease management, performance monitoring, navigation tracking, and portable gears for soldiers. We report a highly flexible, self-healing Zn-ion battery with a free-standing cathode that is composed of a 3D gear-like NH4 V4 O10 @C composite on carbon paper. The battery retained a capacity of up to 102.4 mAh g-1 even after being folded 60 times with a high angle of 180°. An aqueous hydrogel consisting polyvinyl alcohol, glycerin and Zn(CF3 SO3 )2 was used as electrolyte, which showed as high as 580 % tensile strain under a loading weight of 78 N. The battery exhibited a better capacity retention of over 100 mAh g-1 and Coulombic efficiency of over 99.8 % after cutting and twisting to 90°, thereby indicating a great self-healing performance. The gear-like geometry greatly improved the volume accommodation due to the increased interval space between the blades and the outward configuration. Meanwhile the Zn2+ ionic conductivity was improved by rapid re-binding of many existing hydroxy groups from the electrolyte and the enhanced contact surface area and diffusion route from the cathode material. The highly flexible, safe aqueous Zn-ion battery opens a practical way to power various carry-on electronics under mechanical agitation.

Thoracolumbar fascia injury in osteoporotic vertebral fracture: the important concomitant damage.

BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar fascia injury (FI) is rarely discussed in osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) patients in previous literature and it is usually neglected and treated as an unmeaning phenomenon. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the thoracolumbar fascia injury and further discuss its clinical significance in the treatment of kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) patients. METHODS: Based on the presence or absence of FI, 223 OVF patients were divided into two groups. The demographics of patients with and without FI were compared. The visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index scores were compared preoperatively and after PKP treatment between these groups. RESULTS: Thoracolumbar fascia injuries were observed in 27.8% of patients. Most FI showed a multi-level distribution pattern which involved a mean of 3.3 levels. Location of fractures, severity of fractures and severity of trauma were significantly different between patients with and without FI. In further comparison, severity of trauma was significantly different between patients with severe and non-severe FI. In patients with FI, VAS and ODI scores of 3 days and 1 month after PKP treatment were significantly worse compared to those without FI. It showed the same trend in VAS and ODI scores in patients with severe FI when compared to those patients with non-severe FI. CONCLUSIONS: FI is not rare in OVF patients and presents multiple levels of involvement. The more serious trauma suffered, the more severe thoracolumbar fascia injury presented. The presence of FI which was related to residual acute back pain significantly affected the effectiveness of PKP in treating OVFs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: retrospectively registered.

Elucidating Interfacial Stability between Lithium Metal Anode and Li Phosphorus Oxynitride via In Situ Electron Microscopy.

Li phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is one of a very few solid electrolytes that have demonstrated high stability against Li metal and extended cyclability with high Coulombic efficiency for all solid-state batteries (ASSBs). However, theoretical calculations show that LiPON reacts with Li metal. Here, we utilize in situ electron microscopy to observe the dynamic evolutions at the LiPON-Li interface upon contacting and under biasing. We reveal that a thin interface layer (∼60 nm) develops at the LiPON-Li interface upon contact. This layer is composed of conductive binary compounds that show a unique spatial distribution that warrants an electrochemical stability of the interface, serving as an effective passivation layer. Our results explicate the excellent cyclability of LiPON and reconcile the existing debates regarding the stability of the LiPON-Li interface, demonstrating that, though glassy solid electrolytes may not have a perfect initial electrochemical window with Li metal, they may excel in future applications for ASSBs.

Inter-layer-calated Thin Li Metal Electrode with Improved Battery Capacity Retention and Dendrite Suppression.

An inter-layer-calated thin Li metal (ILC-Li) electrode using nondelaminated 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene stacks (15 µm) coated on a thin Li host (30 µm) was developed. The excellent electrical conductivity and expanded interlayer space of the MXene provide a fast e-/Li+ transport while the layer limits the Li growth along the perpendicular direction, thus largely mitigating the dendrite growth. The highly reversible Li deposition/extraction greatly reduces the dead lithium and electrolyte consumption by forming a thin solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) layer. A small overpotential of less than 135 mV in symmetric cells was achieved after >1050 cycles at 10 mA cm-2 and 10 mAh cm-2. In a full cell, the battery exhibited an improved capacity retention when compared with Li foil, particularly with lean electrolyte of 2.5 µL mAh-1, thus leading to a high energy density up to 366.6 Wh/kg. The current approach is manufacture scalable, which displays promising potentials in lithium ion batteries.

Designing Comb-Chain Crosslinker-Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Additive-Free All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Developing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is a promising approach to realize practical dendrite-free lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Tuning the nanoscale polymer network chemsitry is of critical importance for SPE design. In this work, we took lessons from the rubber chemistry and developed a series of comb-chain crosslinker-based SPEs (ConSPEs) using a preformed polymer as the multifunctional crosslinker. The high-functionality crosslinker increased the connectivity of nanosized cross-linked domains, which led to a robust network with dramatically improved toughness and superior lithium dendrite resistance even at a current density of 2 mA cm-2. The uniform and flexile network also dramatically improved the anodic stability to over 5.3 V versus Li/Li+. Additive-free, all-solid-state LMBs with the ConSPE showed high discharge capacity and stable cycling up to 10 C rate, and could be stably cycled at 25 °C. Our results demonstrated that ConSPEs are promising for high-performance and dendrite-free LMBs.

Systematically profiling the expression of eIF3 subunits in glioma reveals the expression of eIF3i has prognostic value in IDH-mutant lower grade glioma.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal expression of the eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) subunits plays critical roles in tumorigenesis and progression, and also has potential prognostic value in cancers. However, the expression and clinical implications of eIF3 subunits in glioma remain unknown. METHODS: Expression data of eIF3 for patients with gliomas were obtained from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) (n = 272) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 595). Cox regression, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to study the prognostic value. Gene oncology (GO) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were utilized for functional prediction. RESULTS: In both the CGGA and TCGA datasets, the expression levels of eIF3d, eIF3e, eIF3f, eIF3h and eIF3l highly were associated with the IDH mutant status of gliomas. The expression of eIF3b, eIF3i, eIF3k and eIF3m was increased with the tumor grade, and was associated with poorer overall survival [All Hazard ratio (HR) > 1 and P < 0.05]. By contrast, the expression of eIF3a and eIF3l was decreased in higher grade gliomas and was associated with better overall survival (Both HR < 1 and P < 0.05). Importantly, the expression of eIF3i (located on chromosome 1p) and eIF3k (Located on chromosome 19q) were the two highest risk factors in both the CGGA [eIF3i HR = 2.068 (1.425-3.000); eIF3k HR = 1.737 (1.166-2.588)] and TCGA [eIF3i HR = 1.841 (1.642-2.064); eIF3k HR = 1.521 (1.340-1.726)] databases. Among eIF3i, eIF3k alone or in combination, the expression of eIF3i was the more robust in stratifying the survival of glioma in various pathological subgroups. The expression of eIF3i was an independent prognostic factor in IDH-mutant lower grade glioma (LGG) and could also predict the 1p/19q codeletion status of IDH-mutant LGG. Finally, GO and GSEA analysis showed that the elevated expression of eIF3i was significantly correlated with the biological processes of cell proliferation, mRNA processing, translation, T cell receptor signaling, NF-κB signaling and others. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the expression alterations during glioma progression, and highlights the prognostic value of eIF3i in IDH-mutant LGG.

Increased lactic acid content associated with extracellular matrix depletion in a porcine disc degeneration induced by superficial annular lesion.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) disease can cause lower back pain. However, the change of lactic acid content during disc degeneration process still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the change of the content of lactic acid is associated with depletion of degenerative intervertebral disc extracellular matrix. METHODS: A total of 18 miniature pigs were equally divided into annular lesion surgery (AL) and sham group. The lateral superficial annulus fibrosus (AF) of T12-L4 discs in AL group were penetrated by 3.5 mm trepan with the depth of 3 mm, the same IVD were only exposed without any injury in the sham group. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was evaluated by magnetic resonance, histological and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: No obvious degeneration was found in sham group. However, disc degeneration was found and gradually worsened in AL group after surgery. Histological analysis showed that the AF was rupture and disorder, the number of cells in nucleus pulposus (NP) was decreased in AL group. Compared with the sham group, the extent of type II collagen (Col-II) and aggrecan in NP tissue was dramatically decreased in AL group, consistent with the results of Col -II immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Besides, the gene expression of matrix metallopeptidase 3 and 13 also continuous increased in AL group. The amount of lactic acid and nerve growth factor in NP tissue was gradually increased after operation in AL group. CONCLUSIONS: The content of lactic acid gradually increased after annular lesion, associated with the damage of AF structural and the decrease of Col -II and aggrecan in NP tissue, which leading to the disc degeneration. Depletion of extracellular matrix is consistent with lactic acid accumulation inside of IVD.

Sn Wears Super Skin: A New Design for Long Cycling Batteries.

Searching for new anode alternatives in lieu of graphite for lithium-ion batteries that can deliver better electrochemical performance to meet the emerging energy/power demands in electric vehicles becomes particularly challenging. We report a rationally designed hybrid composite as anode in LIB that exhibits a greatly improved gravimetric capacity of 727 mAh/g with a Coulombic efficiency of >99.8% after 3000 cycles at 1.0 C. A capacity of 662 mAh/g at a high rate of 5.0 C was obtained after impressively long 10 000 cycles. From the 50th to 10 000th cycle under 5.0 C, the capacity retention is >97% with a negligible decay of <0.00026% per cycle. The excellence in electrochemistry is attributed to the efficient stress relax, accommodable space, lack of agglomeration, and solid-electrolyte interphase consuming Li+ of a delicate composite configuration that is composed of a Sn kernel wearing adjustable TiO2 "skin".

Percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of distal lumbosacral pain caused by osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture.

Background Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be minimally invasive and effective in treating osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients with back pain over the level of the fractured vertebrae. Rare studies have reported on thoracolumbar vertebral fracture patients presenting with distal lumbosacral pain (DLP). Whether kyphoplasty had a favorable therapeutic benefit for these patients remains unclear. Purpose To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of kyphoplasty in treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (OTVF) patients with DLP and assess the clinical significance of focal tenderness to palpation in these patients. Material and Methods Thirty-two OTVF patients who only complained of DLP were treated by kyphoplasty. The vertebral heights, local kyphotic angle, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed preoperatively, one day after surgery, and at last follow-up. All patients were evaluated regarding their degree of satisfaction with kyphoplasty. In addition, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of kyphoplasty in patients with and without focal tenderness to palpation. Results All patients successfully underwent kyphoplasty without complications. The vertebral heights, local kyphotic angles, VAS, and ODI scores were all significantly improved after kyphoplasty and maintained at last follow-up in our patients ( P < 0.001). At last follow-up, all patients expressed satisfaction with kyphoplasty. No significant differences in these parameters were detected between patients with and without focal tenderness. Conclusion The possibility of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures in elderly patients complaining of DLP should not be neglected. Kyphoplasty presents a superior benefit in treating OTVF patients with DLP. The absence of focal tenderness does not influence the clinical efficacy in these patients.

Chemical constituents from Bletilla striata and their NO production suppression in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

A novel glucoside bletilloside A (1) was isolated from the tubers of Bletilla striata, together with seven known compounds (2-8). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. All compounds were evaluated for the inhibition on NO production effects in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, while militarine (4) and dactylorhin A (5) exhibited moderate inhibitory effects.

Secondary balloon kyphoplasty for new vertebral compression fracture after initial single-level balloon kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

PURPOSE: To explore the efficacy of secondary balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for new vertebral compression fracture (NVCF) of previously non-fractured, non-treated vertebrae after previous BKP and to compare the therapeutic effect between patients with single-level adjacent NVCF and remote NVCF. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with single-level NVCF after initial BKP in our hospital from January 2007 to August 2014. The mean follow-up time from secondary BKP was 13.78 ± 3.18 (12-24) months. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were assessed prior to the initial BKP, one day after initial BKP, prior to the secondary BKP, one day after the secondary BKP, and at last follow-up. Kyphotic angle and vertebral heights were also compared for secondary BKP. Data were compared between patients with adjacent NVCF and remote NVCF. RESULTS: 36 patients were investigated. Compared with pre-operative value of initial and secondary BKP, patients in both groups gained statistical significant improvements for VAS and ODI after initial and secondary BKP, respectively (P < 0.05), and this improvement maintained at final follow-up. No statistical difference in VAS was found between the 2 groups after initial BKP and prior to the secondary BKP (P > 0.05), but patients in remote NVCF group achieved better VAS score than patients in adjacent NVCF group after the secondary BKP and at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were detected in ODI between the 2 groups prior to the initial BKP, one day after initial BKP, prior to the secondary BKP and 1 day after the secondary BKP (P > 0.05), but the ODI scores were higher in adjacent NVCF group than in remote NVCF at last follow-up (P < 0.05). Kyphotic angle and vertebral heights were significantly restored and maintained after secondary BKP within groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary BKP is an effective procedure for treating NVCF after initial BKP. Patients with new fracture in remote level gain slightly better pain relief than those in the adjacent level.

High Volumetric Capacity Three-Dimensionally Sphere-Caged Secondary Battery Anodes.

High volumetric energy density secondary batteries are important for many applications, which has led to considerable efforts to replace the low volumetric capacity graphite-based anode common to most Li-ion batteries with a higher energy density anode. Because most high capacity anode materials expand significantly during charging, such anodes must contain sufficient porosity in the discharged state to enable the expansion, yet not excess porosity, which lowers the overall energy density. Here, we present a high volumetric capacity anode consisting of a three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite formed in only a few steps which includes both a 3D structured Sn scaffold and a hollow Sn sphere within each cavity where all the free Sn surfaces are coated with carbon. The anode exhibits a high volumetric capacity of ∼1700 mA h cm(-3) over 200 cycles at 0.5C, and a capacity greater than 1200 mA h cm(-3) at 10C. Importantly, the anode can even be formed into a commercially relevant ∼100 µm thick form. When assembled into a full cell the anode shows a good compatibility with a commercial LiMn2O4 cathode. In situ TEM observations confirm the electrode design accommodates the necessary volume expansion during lithiation.

Characterization and assessment of contaminated soil and groundwater at an organic chemical plant site in Chongqing, Southwest China.

Contamination from organic chemical plants can cause serious pollution of soil and groundwater ecosystems. To characterize soil contamination and to evaluate the health risk posed by groundwater at a typical organic chemical plant site in Chongqing, China, 91 soil samples and seven groundwater samples were collected. The concentrations of different contaminants and their three-dimensional distribution were determined based on the 3D-krige method. Groundwater chemistry risk index (Chem RI) and cancer risk were calculated based on TRIAD and RBCA models. The chemistry risk indices of groundwater points SW5, SW18, SW22, SW39, SW52, SW80, and SW82 were 0.4209, 0.9972, 0.9324, 0.9990, 0.9991, 1.0000, and 1.0000, respectively, indicating that the groundwater has poor environmental status. By contrast, the reference Yangtse River water sample showed no pollution with a Chem RI of 0.1301. Benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane were the main contaminants in the groundwater and were responsible for the elevated cancer risk. The cumulative health risk of groundwater points (except SW5 and SW18) were all higher than the acceptable baselines of 10(-6), which indicates that the groundwater poses high cancer risk. Action is urgently required to control and remediate the risk for human health and groundwater ecosystems.

Factors affecting recompression of augmented vertebrae after successful percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The instantaneously recovered stability and strength following vertebral augmentation prevent continuous micro-motion and further collapse of fractured vertebrae. Despite this, during follow-up of our patients, we observed recompression of augmented vertebrae with significant vertebral height loss and aggravation of local kyphotic deformity. PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors related to recompression and to evaluate the clinical significance of recompression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one patients who underwent single-level kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures were retrospectively analyzed and classified into the following two groups: group 1 with recompression and group 2 without recompression. Characteristics of patients and fractured vertebrae were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for recompression. We evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores in both groups to elucidate the clinical impact. RESULTS: During an average of 20.75 ± 4.43 months of follow-up, 17 augmented vertebrae developed recompression. In the recompression group, vertebral height loss was accompanied by significantly aggravated local kyphotic deformity. The local kyphotic angle differed significantly between the two groups at final follow-up (P = 0.011). However, the VAS and ODI scores were maintained at final follow-up in both groups although the values were slightly higher in group 1. Solid lump distribution pattern (OR = 8.718; P = 0.003) and the degree of vertebral height restoration (OR = 1.260; P < 0.001) were identified as the most important risk factors for recompression. CONCLUSION: Fractured vertebrae containing solid lump cement and those with more vertebral height restoration are at higher risk of recompression. More attention should be given to these patients considering the aggravated local kyphotic deformity.

The incidence of secondary vertebral fracture of vertebral augmentation techniques versus conservative treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are minimally invasive and effective vertebral augmentation techniques for managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Recent meta-analyses have compared the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques or conservative treatment; however, the inclusions were not thorough and rigorous enough, and the effects of each technique on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures remain unclear. PURPOSE: To perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies with more rigorous inclusion criteria on the effects of vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for OVCF on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SpringerLink, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant original articles comparing the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were identified. The methodological qualities of the studies were evaluated, relevant data were extracted and recorded, and an appropriate meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles were included. The pooled results from included studies showed no statistically significant differences in the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, durations of symptoms, follow-up times, races of patients, and techniques were conducted, and no significant differences in the incidence of secondary fractures were identified (P > 0.05). No obvious publication bias was detected by either Begg's test (P = 0.360 > 0.05) or Egger's test (P = 0.373 > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite current thinking in the field that vertebral augmentation procedures may increase the incidence of secondary fractures, we found no differences in the incidence of secondary fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs.

In situ observation of random solid solution zone in LiFePO4 electrode.

Nanostructured LiFePO4 (LFP) electrodes have attracted great interest in the Li-ion battery field. Recently there have been debates on the presence and role of metastable phases during lithiation/delithiation, originating from the apparent high rate capability of LFP batteries despite poor electronic/ionic conductivities of bulk LFP and FePO4 (FP) phases. Here we report a potentiostatic in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of LFP electrode kinetics during delithiation. Using in situ high-resolution TEM, a Li-sublattice disordered solid solution zone (SSZ) is observed to form quickly and reach 10-25 nm × 20-40 nm in size, different from the sharp LFP|FP interface observed under other conditions. This 20 nm scale SSZ is quite stable and persists for hundreds of seconds at room temperature during our experiments. In contrast to the nanoscopically sharp LFP|FP interface, the wider SSZ seen here contains no dislocations, so reduced fatigue and enhanced cycle life can be expected along with enhanced rate capability. Our findings suggest that the disordered SSZ could dominate phase transformation behavior at nonequilibrium condition when high current/voltage is applied; for larger particles, the SSZ could still be important as it provides out-of-equilibrium but atomically wide avenues for Li(+)/e(-) transport.