Fabrication of a three-dimensional (3D) SERS fiber probe and application of in situ detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) fiber probes are useful for remote and online detection of harmful molecules using the SERS effect. In this study, a 3-dimensional (3D) SERS optical fiber probe is proposed. The formation of the 3D optical fiber probe mainly included three steps: construction of monolayer polystyrene (PS) spheres as a mask on the end face of the fiber, reactive ion etching (RIE) for PS spheres and fibers, and metal sputtering deposition. Compared with flat surface fiber probes, these 3D SERS fiber probes are composed of ordered nanocolumn arrays, which have the advantages of a simple manufacturing process, low cost, high sensitivity, and good stability. The structures of the 3D SERS fiber probe can be well controlled by changing the size of the PS sphere and etching time. The formation of the nanocolumn was studied using time evolution experiments. The obtained fiber SERS probe has good stability and high sensitivity for the in situ detection of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) in solution. Therefore, these 3D SERS fiber probes have potential applications in harmful molecules for real-time detection.

Comparison of outcome of ARIF and ORIF in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore whether arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) is superior to traditional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker type I-IV) treated by ARIF or ORIF from 2010 to 2013 were included in this retrospective study. All patients received pre-operative radiographs and CT scans. The patients were divided into two groups (ARIF or ORIF). All had a minimum follow-up of 24 months and an average follow-up of 44.4 months. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated according to the Rasmussen and KSS scores. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in KSS score or Rasmussen clinical score between the two groups. The average Rasmussen radiographic score was 14.1 (SD 2.4, range 10-18), for the ARIF group and 14.9 (SD 2.3, range 10-18) for the ORIF group (p < 0.05). Meniscal lesions were found in 12 knees in group ARIF. CONCLUSIONS: Both ARIF and ORIF yielded satisfactory clinical results for the treatment of Schatzker I-IV tibial plateau fractures. ARIF led to better radiological results than ORIF. Concomitant intra-articular soft tissue lesions are common and can be addressed during ARIF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Preventive effect of sanguinarine on intestinal injury in mice exposed to whole abdominal irradiation.

Intestinal injury is one of the major side effects that are induced by medical radiation exposure, and has limited effective therapies. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of sanguinarine (SAN) on intestinal injury induced by ionizing radiation (IR) both in vitro and in vivo. Mice were exposed to whole abdominal irradiation (WAI) to mimic clinical scenarios. SAN was injected intraperitoneally to mitigate IR-induced injury. Histological examination was performed to assess the tissue injuries of the spleen and small intestine. A small intestinal epithelial cell line-6 (IEC-6) was analyzed for its viability and apoptosis in vitro under different treatments. Inflammation-related pathways and serum inflammatory cytokines were detected via Western blot analysis and ELISA, respectively. High-throughput sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiota profile. High-performance liquid chromatography was performed to assess short-chain fatty acid contents in the colon. In vitro, SAN pretreatment protected cell viability and reduced apoptosis in IEC-6 cells. In vivo, SAN pretreatment protected immune organs, alleviated intestinal injury, and promoted intestinal recovery. SAN also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, suppressed high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/ Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway activation, and modulated gut microbiota composition. Our findings demonstrate that the beneficial properties of SAN alleviated intestinal radiation injury. Thus, SAN represents a therapeutic option for protecting against IR-induced intestinal injury in preclinical settings.

Anti-Oxidative and Immuno-Protective Effect of Camel Milk on Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury in C57BL/6 J Mice.

PURPOSE: The main objective is to investigate the protective effect of camel milk (CM) on radiation-induced intestinal injury. METHODS: The C57BL/6 J mice in 2 experiments were assigned into control group (Con), irradiation group (IR), and CM+irradiation group (CM+IR). After receiving the CM via gavage for 14 days, the mice in the first experiment were exposed to 6 Gy X-ray whole body irradiation, and survival rate was compared among the groups. Mice in the second experiment were exposed to 4 Gy irradiation and sacrificed at day 7. The small intestines were collected to examine the histopathological changes and to determine the anti-oxidative index and HMGB1/TLR4 inflammatory pathway. Fasting blood was used to measure serum pro-inflammatory factors. RESULTS: Compared with the IR group, the survival time was prolonged, and survival rate was increased in the CM+IR group. CM increased levels of SOD and GSH and decreased MDA in the jejunum. Furthermore, intestinal protein expression of HMGB1/TLR4 pathway (TLR4, NF-κB, and HMGB1) was up-regulated by CM intervention. CM decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß and increased IL-10 level. CONCLUSIONS: CM extended the survival time and had a protective effect against radiation-induced jejunum injury by regulation of antioxidant capacity and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 inflammatory signaling pathway.

Mechanisms of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy involved in graphene oxide nanomaterial anti-osteosarcoma effect.

BACKGROUND: Graphene and its derivative graphene oxide (GO) have been implicated in a wide range of anticancer effects. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the toxicity and underlying mechanisms of GO on two osteosarcoma (OSA) cancer cell lines, MG-63 and K7M2 cells. METHODS: MG-63 and K7M2 cells were treated by GO (0-50 µg/mL) for various time periods. Cell viability was tested by MTT and Live/Dead assays. A ROS Detection Kit based on DHE oxidative reaction was used for ROS detection. An Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Kit was used for apoptosis detection. Dansylcadaverine (MDC) dyeing was applied for seeking unspecific autophagosomes. Western blot and Immunofluorescence analysis were used for related protein expression and location. RESULTS: K7M2 cells were more sensitive to GO compared with MG-63 cells. The mechanism was attributed to the different extent of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In K7M2 cells, ROS was easily stimulated and the apoptosis pathway was subsequently activated, accompanied by elevated expression of proapoptosis proteins (such as caspase-3) and decreased expression levels of antiapoptosis proteins (such as Bcl-2). A ROS inhibitor (N-acetylcysteine) could alleviate the cytotoxic effects of GO in K7M2 cells. However, the production of ROS in MG-63 cells was probably inhibited by the activation of an antioxidative factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2, which translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus after GO treatment, while a nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 inhibitor (ML385) significantly increased ROS production in MG-63 cells when combined with GO treatment. In addition, autophagy was simultaneously stimulated by characteristic autophagosome formation, autophagy flux, and increased the expression level of autophagy-related proteins (such as LC3I to LC3II conversion, ATG5, and ATG7). CONCLUSION: This paper proposes various underlying mechanisms of the anticancer effect of GO. The novel synthetic use of GO with an oxidizing agent is the key step for further potential applications in clinical OSA cancer therapy.

Comparison of outcome of VLCP versus PKEF in the treatment of AO type C2-3 distal radial fractures.

PURPOSES: Fractures of the distal radius are extremely common in adults. However, the optimal management remains controversial, especially in AO type C2-3 (Type23 C2 or C3 of distal radial fracture, according to AO classifications). The purpose of this study was to compare the results of the volar locking compression plate (VLCP) and percutaneous Kirschner-wires combined with external fixation (PKEF) in the treatment of the AO type C2-3 fractures. METHODS: From July 2012 to June 2015, 62 patients with AO type C2-3 fractures, treated by VLCP or PKEF, were included in this retrospective study. Patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months after operation, and final follow up. Outcomes were assessed by radiographic features in all follow up and by DASH and Sarmiento's modification of the Gartland-Werley score at final follow up. RUSULTS: No significant difference was noted between these two groups in terms of volar inclination, ulnar angulation and ulnar variance. There was also no significant difference on DASH score between these two groups. However, according to the Sarmiento's modification of the Gartland-Werley scores, the scores was higher in VLCP group than the PKEF group, and ratings of excellent and good were lower in the VLCP group (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques could get satisfactory results in the treatment of AO type C2-3 fractures, but PKEF leads to better wrist function than VLCP .

The efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a meta-analysis from nine randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a novel anti-TNF agent that is used for patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the efficacy of CZP in RA remains controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of CZP in the treatment of RA patients. METHODS: Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy and safe of CZP in the patients with active RA. The primary outcome was American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20), and secondary outcome were ACR50, ACR70, disease activity, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events. A fixed-effect model or random-effect model was used to pool the estimates, depending on the absence or presence of heterogeneity among the included studies. RESULTS: Nine RCTs with a total of 5228 patients were included in this meta-analysis, and all of the patients were administered CZP or placebo. The pooled results showed that CZP significantly improved the ACR20, ACR50, ACR70 response rates, and physical function. CZP was associated with a statistically significant reduction in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, arthritis pain, and fatigue. Patients who received CZP treatment did not have a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events, no matter in any intensity. CONCLUSIONS: CZP 200 or 400mg in the treatment of active RA significantly reduced the RA signs and symptoms, and improved physical function as compared with the placebo. More large-scale RCTs are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of CZP in the treatment of active RA.

Therapeutic effects of volar anatomical plates versus locking plates for volar Barton's fractures.

Volar Barton's fractures are uncommon and extremely unstable. Various surgical techniques have been reported in the literature, but open reduction and internal fixation using a volar plate system is currently advocated for the treatment of volar Barton's fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of volar anatomical plates and volar locking plates in the treatment of volar Barton's fractures. A retrospective comparative study was performed of 33 patients with volar Barton's fractures treated between October 2005 and November 2010. One group was treated with a volar anatomical plate (n=16) and the other with volar locking plates (n=17). Radiological and functional results were compared between groups. All patients' fractures healed. Mean union time in the anatomical plate group was 12.93 weeks and in the locking plate group was 11.76 weeks (P>.05). No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of radial inclination, volar tilt, and ulnar variance. No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores; however, according to Sarmiento's modification of the Gartland and Werley score, the excellent and good rate was 75% in the anatomic plate group and 94.1% in the locking plate group, which was statistically significant (P<.05). Anatomical and locking plates give satisfactory results in the treatment of volar Barton's fractures, but locking plates may provide better wrist function recovery.

Value of bone scan imaging in determining painful vertebrae of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures patients with contraindications to MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of bone scan imaging in determining painful vertebrae of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) patients with contraindications to MRI. METHODS: Twenty-three OVCFs patients with contraindications to MRI, diagnosed and treated in our hospital between December 2007 and November 2010, were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were 18 females and five males, aged from 57 to 87 years, with a mean age of 69.5 years. All patients underwent X-ray, CT scans examinations and bone scan to determine painful vertebrae. After the painful vertebra was defined, percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) was performed. Efficacy of PKP was assessed with visual analog (VAS) pain scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively, postoperatively and during final follow-up assessments. RESULTS: The painful vertebrae shown on radiological films did not accord with those found based on bone scan imaging, with a high rate of incongruent findings (27.3%, 9/33). Radiological films showed 33 vertebrae with fractures, but only 26 vertebrae (22 patients) were selected as painful vertebrae for PKP based on bone scan imaging. There were statistically significant differences in mean VAS and ODI between the preoperative and the postoperative assessments; no significant differences were observed between postoperative and final follow-up assessments. CONCLUSIONS: For the OVCFs patients with contraindications to MRI, bone scan imaging could be used to determine painful vertebrae, which is an effective method.