Flexible Capacitive Sensors Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomer.

The disordered transformation of the ordered aligned polar liquid crystal molecules in liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) under the influence of an external field imbues them with the unique property of thermally reversible shape memory, making them highly valuable for various applications, particularly in actuators. In this study, we examined the high dielectric constant exhibited by the orientation polarization of polar liquid crystal molecules in RM257-LCE films, which holds significant potential for developing flexible capacitive sensors. By manipulating the flexibility of the molecular chain network and introducing hydrogen bonds and metal ions into the main chain, we were able to enhance the relative dielectric constant of LCEs to an impressive value of 62 (at 100 Hz), which is approximately 23 times higher than for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This elevated dielectric constant displays a noteworthy positive temperature coefficient within a specific temperature range, starting from room temperature and extending to the clearing point. Using this property, we fabricated highly sensitive capacitive, flexible temperature sensors. Moreover, we successfully engineered a flexible pressure sensor with an excellent pressure-sensing range of 0-2 MPa by combining the porous structure of the prepared LCEs with mushroom electrodes. Additionally, the sensor showcases a remarkable capacitance recovery time of 0.8 s at 90 °C. These outstanding features collectively contribute to the excellent pressure-sensing characteristics of our sensor. The findings of this study offer valuable insights and serve as a reference for the design of innovative flexible sensors, enabling advancements in sensor technology.

Time-resolved fluorescence microspheres-antibody-penicillin-binding protein assisted construction of immunochromatographic assay for sensitive detection of 22 ß-lactams in milk.

A sensitive immunochromatographic assay (ICA) using time-resolved fluorescence microspheres (TRFMs) coupled with an indirect-labeling mode was developed for simultaneously determining 22 kinds of ß-lactams in milk samples. The TRFMs labeled anti-receptor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) conjugated to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) as ternary TRFMs-mAb-PBPs (TMP) nanoscaffolds provide excellent solubility, brightness, and stability. Thanks to the fact that they not only fully expose the binding sites of PBPs, thereby enhancing the biological affinity of PBPs towards the target, but also generated superb fluorescence signals, the versatile TMP manifested unique possibilities as efficient probes for ICA with remarkable enhancement in sensitivity in ß-lactams screening. The results showed that the standard curves of the 22 varying ß-lactams displayed linearity in their respective concentration ranges (R2 > 0.98), with the cutoff values of 1-100 ng/mL. The constructed TMP-ICA was successfully applied to the analysis of real milk, with consistent results compared with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS), providing an effective method for sensing ß-lactams in food matrices.

Production of monoclonal antibody against tylosin and tilmicosin with homogeneous cross-reactivity and its application in lateral flow immunoassay.

To avoid false negative results due to the low cross-reactivity rate (CR) in rapid immunoassay, a group-specific antibody with homogeneous CR toward target compounds is needed for accuracy. In this study, tylosin (TYL) and tilmicosin (TM) were selected as model molecules. Firstly, two-dimensional similarity, electrostatic potential energy, spatial conformation and charge distribution of the haptens TYL-CMO, TYL-6-ACA, TYL-4-APA, TYL-CHO and DES-CMO and target compounds of TYL and TM were obtained using Gaussian 09W and Discovery Studio. The optimal hapten was DES-CMO because it is the most similar to TYL and TM. Subsequently, the mAb 14D5 cell line was obtained with IC50 values of 1.59 and 1.72 ng/mL for TYL and TM, respectively, and a CR of 92.44%. Finally, amorphous carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) were conjugated with mAb 14D5 to develop an accurate lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) for detection of TYL and TM by the reflectance value under natural light. The recoveries of TYL and TM ranged from 77.18 to 112.04% with coefficient of variation < 13.43%. The cut-off value in milk samples was 8 ng/mL, and the limits of detection were 11.44, 15.96, 22.29 and 25.53 µg/kg for chicken muscle, bovine muscle, porcine muscle and porcine liver samples, respectively, and the results being consistent with HPLC-UV. The results suggest that the developed LFA is accurate and potentially useful for on-site screening of TYL and TM in milk and animal tissue samples.

Decrypting Material Performance by Wide-field Femtosecond Interferometric Imaging of Energy Carrier Evolution.

Energy carrier evolution is crucial for material performance. Ultrafast microscopy has been widely applied to visualize the spatiotemporal evolution of energy carriers. However, direct imaging of a small amount of energy carriers on the nanoscale remains difficult due to extremely weak transient signals. Here, we present a method for ultrasensitive and high-throughput imaging of energy carrier evolution in space and time. This method combines femtosecond pump-probe techniques with interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAT), named Femto-iSCAT. The interferometric principle and unique spatially modulated contrast enhancement enable the exploration of new science. We address three important and challenging problems: transport of different energy carriers at various interfaces, heterogeneous hot-electron distribution and relaxation in single plasmonic resonators, and distinct structure-dependent edge-state dynamics of carriers and excitons in optoelectronic semiconductors. Femto-iSCAT holds great potential as a universal tool for ultrasensitive imaging of energy carrier evolution in space and time.

The oxidation of cyclo-olefin by the S = 2 ground-state complex [FeIV(O)(TQA)(NCMe)]2.

Density functional theory calculation is used to investigate the oxidation of cyclo-olefin (cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cycloheptene, and cyclo-octene) by the complex [FeIV(O)(TQA)(NCMe)]2+, which has S = 2 ground state, and the effect of electronic factors and steric hindrance on reaction barriers. Our results suggest that the oxo-iron(IV) complex can oxidise C-H and C = C bonds via a single-state mechanism, and two different ways of electron transport exist. The energy barriers initially decrease with increasing substrate size, and the trend then reverses. Comparison of the energy barrier in different systems reveals that except for the reaction between [FeIV(O)(TQA)(NCMe)]2+ and cycloheptene, oxo-iron(IV) complexes prefer epoxidation to hydroxylation. However, the hydroxylated product is more stable than the corresponding epoxidated product. This result indicates that the products of epoxidation tend to decompose first. The energy barrier of hydroxylation and epoxidation originates from the balance of orbital interaction and Pauli repulsion from the equatorial ligand and protons on the approaching substrate. In this regard, we calculate the weak interaction between two fragments (oxo-iron complex and substrates) using the independent gradient model and drawn the corresponding 3D isosurface representations of reactants.

Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation for obese patients under intravenous anesthesia during hysteroscopy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation (SJOV) can effectively maintain adequate oxygenation in patients with respiratory depression, even in apnea patients. However, there have been no randomized controlled clinical trials of SJOV in obese patients. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of SJOV using WEI Nasal Jet tube (WNJ) for obese patients who underwent hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia without endotracheal intubation. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted. The obese patients receiving hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups: Control group maintaining oxygen supply via face masks (100% oxygen, flow at 6 L/min), the WNJ Oxygen Group with WNJ (100% oxygen, flow: 6 L/min) and the WNJ SJOV Group with SJOV via WNJ [Jet ventilator working parameters:100% oxygen supply, driving pressure (DP) 0.1 MPa, respiratory rate; (RR): 15 bpm, I/E; ratio 1:1.5]. SpO2, PETCO2, BP, HR, ECG and BIS were continuously monitored during anesthesia. Two-Diameter Method was deployed to measure cross sectional area of the gastric antrum (CSA-GA) by ultrasound before and after SJOV in the WNJ SJOV Group. Episodes of SpO2 less than 95%, PETCO2 less than 10 mmHg, depth of WNJ placement and measured CSA-GA before and after jet ventilation in the WNJ SJOV Group during the operation were recorded. The other adverse events were collected as well. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were enrolled, with two patients excluded. Demographic characteristics were similar among the three groups. Compared with the Control Group, the incidence of PETCO2 < 10 mmHg, SpO2 < 95% in the WNJ SJOV group dropped from 36 to 9% (P = 0.009),from 33 to 6% (P = 0.006) respectively,and the application rate of jaw-lift decreased from 33 to 3% (P = 0.001), and the total percentage of adverse events decreased from 36 to 12% (P = 0.004). Compared with the WNJ Oxygen Group, the use of SJOV via WNJ significantly decreased episodes of SpO2 < 95% from 27 to 6% (P = 0.023), PETCO2 < 10 mmHg from 33 to 9% (P = 0.017), respectively. Depth of WNJ placement was about 12.34 cm in WNJ SJOV Group. There was no significantly difference of CSA-GA before and after SJOV in the WNJ SJOV Group (P = 0.234). There were no obvious cases of nasal bleeding in all the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: SJOV can effectively and safely maintain adequate oxygenation in obese patients under intravenous anesthesia without intubation during hysteroscopy. This efficient oxygenation may be mainly attributed to supplies of high concentration oxygenation to the supraglottic area, and the high pressure jet pulse providing effective ventilation. Although the nasal airway tube supporting collapsed airway by WNJ also plays a role. SJOV doesn't seem to increase gastric distension and the risk of aspiration. SJOV can improve the safety of surgery by reducing the incidence of the intraoperative involuntary limbs swing, hip twist and cough. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number, ChiCTR1800017028, registered on July 9, 2018.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Eimeria anseris from the wintering greater white-fronted goose in Shengjin Lake, China, and phylogenetic relationships among Eimeria species.

Coccidiosis is recognized as one of the most widespread and pathogenic parasitic infections in migratory waterfowl throughout the world. It can be caused by several species of Eimeria. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) of Eimeria anseris from wintering greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) in China. The complete E. anseris mtDNA is 6179 bp in size and contains three protein-coding genes (CYT B, COI, and COIII), 12 gene fragments for large subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and seven gene fragments for small subunit rRNA, but no transfer RNA genes. Available complete Eimeria mtDNA sequences are highly conserved in sequence: the sequences are all similar in length; with the same three protein-coding genes and fragmented rRNA genes; ATG is generally the start codon, and TAA and TAG are the most frequently used stop codons. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses show some species clustering into host-specific clades, but many species do not follow clear coevolutionary host segregating patterns. The results suggest that Eimeria spp. from turkeys and chickens are paraphyletic groups, while Eimeria species isolated from rabbits are a monophyletic group. E. anseris, which infects A. albifrons, and another group of Eimeria isolated from chickens form a closely related monophyletic clade.

The Effectiveness of Using the Critical Shoulder Angle and Acromion Index for Predicting Rotator Cuff Tears: Accurate Diagnosis Based on Standard and Nonstandard Anteroposterior Radiographs.

PURPOSE: To explore whether the critical shoulder angle (CSA) and acromion index (AI) on nonstandard anteroposterior (AP) radiographs could be used as parameters for rotator cuff tear (RCT) diagnosis and to determine the optimized parameters. METHODS: This study included 174 patients with RCTs or intact rotator cuffs in whom AP radiographs were obtained at our hospital. The radiographs were assessed by 2 independent radiologists and were grouped according to the Suter-Henninger criteria. The CSA and AI were measured on all films. We performed receiver operating characteristic curve analysis by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) to compare the sensitivity and accuracy of both parameters. RESULTS: Of the 174 enrolled patients, only 47 (27%) met the requirements for standard AP films (types A1 and C1). On standard AP films, both the CSA and AI were significantly different between the RCT and control groups (P < .001 for CSA and P < .001 for AI), with AUCs of 0.86 and 0.80 for the CSA and AI, respectively. On nonstandard AP films (other radiograph types), the mean CSA value was not significantly different between the RCT and control groups (P = .536) whereas the AI showed a significant difference (P = .024). The AUCs were 0.57 for the CSA and 0.64 for the AI. CONCLUSIONS: On standard AP films, both the CSA and AI could predict rotator cuff disorders, and the CSA had a higher diagnostic accuracy than the AI. In contrast, on nonstandard AP films, the diagnostic efficacy of the AI was better than that of the CSA. On the basis of this study, we suggest an evaluation of the AP films of patients before diagnosis to confirm whether the AP films meet the criteria for standard AP films. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, diagnostic study.

Exploring the Causal Effects of Gut Microbiota on Diabetic Nephropathy: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated a bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and the kidneys (the gut-kidney axis). Currently, the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and diabetic nephropathy remains unclear. This study explores the causal effects of gut microbiota on diabetic nephropathy through Mendelian randomization. METHODS: We carried out a comprehensive Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, drawing on the Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) data for 196 varieties of gut microbiota and diabetic nephropathy. The primary analytical approach employed was the inverse-variance weighted, supplemented by the MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. We rigorously assessed heterogeneity with Cochran's Q test and examined pleiotropy via MREgger intercept and MR-PRESSO tests. To ensure the reliability of our findings, we conducted funnel plots and leave-one-out analysis. RESULTS: Our study indicates a causal relationship between the increased risk of diabetic nephropathy and specific gut microbiota, including the Bacteroidia (P=0.01892; OR=1.593; 95%CI, 1.080-2.350), Bacteroidales (P=0.01892; OR=1.593; 95%CI, 1.080-2.350), and LachnospiraceaeUCG008 (P=0.01350; OR=1.452; 95%CI, 1.080-1.953). Conversely, potential protective factors include the Proteobacteria (P=0.00397; OR=0.528; 95%CI, 0.342-0.815), Gammaproteobacteria (P=0.00965; OR=0.474; 95%CI, 0.270-0.834), Lentisphaeria (P=0.04417; OR=0.756; 95%CI, 0.576-0.993), Victivallales (P=0.04417; OR=0.756; 95%CI, 0.576-0.993), and Dialister (P=0.00118; OR=0.513; 95%CI, 0.343-0.768). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the causal effects of gut microbiota on diabetic nephropathy. Identifying the risk and protective factors within the gut microbiota for diabetic nephropathy offers fresh insights and novel approaches for preventing and treating this condition.

Functional peptide conjugated ordered gold nanoparticles based rational electrochemical immunosensor for highly stable and selective detection of zearalenone.

To integrate antifouling properties and good sensitivity on the sensing interface can improve the applicability of an electrochemical immunosensor. These functional regions can be integrated into a single functional peptide (functPP). The rational designed three domains in functPP were the anchoring, antifouling and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) recognizing domains. Meanwhile, the ordered AuNPs inspired by C15H23CO-RRRRR can be recognized by AuNPs recognizing domains in functPP to enhance the intensity of detecting current. In the sensing system, the anchoring domain in functPP can be immobilized on the Au electrode by AuS interaction, while the antifouling domain undergoes strong hydration with water molecules to resist matrices, and the recognizing domains can directionally capture O-AuNPs to form a functPP-O-AuNPs complex as the core sensing element. Consequently, the complex bound to the monoclonal antibodies against zearalenone by electrostatic adsorption to develop a highly antifouling and sensitive biosensor with the ability to identify zearalenone in cereals.

Optimal Duration of High-Fidelity Simulator Training for Bronchoscope-Guided Intubation: A Noninferiority Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal simulator training duration for flexible optical bronchoscopic (FOB) intubation is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether a learning curve-based training modality was noninferior to a fixed training time modality in terms of clinical FOB intubation time. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, noninferiority study was conducted from May to August 2022. Anesthesiology residents or interns were enrolled. Eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive new learning curve-based simulator training (individualized training time based on performance, group New) or reference fixed training time simulator training (1 hour, group Reference). The primary outcome was the time to complete FOB intubation in patients, which was defined as the time from the introduction of the FOB into the mouth until the first capnography visualization. The margin for detecting clinical significance was defined as 10 seconds. RESULTS: A total of 32 participants were included in the analysis (16 in each group). All trainees successfully intubated the patients. The mean intubation time (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 81.9 (65.7-98.1) seconds in group New and 97.0 (77.4-116.6) seconds in group Reference. The upper bound of the 1-sided 97.5% CI for the mean difference of clinical intubation time between groups was 9.3 seconds. Noninferiority was claimed. The mean duration of the training in group New was 28.4 (95% CI, 23.5-33.4) minutes. The total number of training procedures on simulators in group New was significantly less than that in group Reference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical FOB intubation time in group New was noninferior to that in group Reference.

Development of a Lateral Flow Immunoassay Based on a Highly Specific Monoclonal Antibody To Detect 4-Methylaminoantipyrine.

To avoid false-positive results in immunoassays due to cross-reactivity of antibodies with structural analogues, especially metabolites of target compounds, the preparation of highly specific antibodies is crucial. Preserving the characteristic structure of a target compound when designing a hapten is important when preparing highly specific antibodies. Here, we designed a novel hapten, 4-(((1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4yl)amino)methyl)benzoic acid, named AA-BA, to improve the specificity of antibodies for detection of 4-methylaminoantipyrine (MAA), a residual marker of dipyrone, an important antipyretic-analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. The structural features of the hapten remained almost the same as those of MAA. After experimental validation, monoclonal antibody 6A4 (mAb 6A4) was prepared with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 4.03 ng/mL and negligible cross-reactivity with dipyrone metabolites and other antibiotics. In addition, a specific lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) strip based on colloidal gold was developed for screening MAA with a cutoff value of 25 ng/mL in milk. The developed LFA is a useful tool for rapid and accurate detection of MAA.

Skin-friendly and antibacterial monodomain liquid crystal elastomer actuator.

Monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (mLCEs) are flexible and biocompatible smart materials that show unique behaviors of soft elasticity, anisotropy, and reversible shape changes above the nematic-isotropic transition temperature. Therefore, it has great potential for application in wearable devices and biologically. However, most of the reported mLCEs have nematic-isotropic transition temperature (TNI) higher than 60 °C; and above this TNI, the tensile strength of the mLCEs decreases by orders of magnitude. These issues have received little attention, limiting their application in humans. Herein, the TNI of mLCEs was reduced from 78.4 °C to 23.5 °C by substituting part of the rigid LC mesogens with a flexible backbone. The physical entanglement of hydrogen bonds between molecular chains alleviated the molecular chain slip caused by the long flexible backbone. The tensile strength remained constant during the phase transformation. Furthermore, dynamic disulfide bonds were used to modify the LC polymer network, imparting it with excellent antimicrobial, programmable, and self-healing properties. To realize its application in the closure of skin wounds, a porous PHG-mLCE/hydrogel patch that was breathable and waterproof was designed to increase skin adhesion (262 N/m).

Monodomain liquid crystal elastomer bionic muscle fibers with excellent mechanical and actuation properties.

Monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (m-LCEs) exhibit large reversible deformations when subjected to light and heat stimuli. Herein, we developed a new method for the large-scale continuous preparation of m-LCE fibers. These m-LCE fibers exhibit a reversible contraction ratio of 55.6%, breaking strength of 162 MPa (withstanding a load of 1 million times its weight), and maximum output power density of 1250 J/kg, surpassing those of previously reported m-LCEs. These excellent mechanical properties are mainly attributed to the formation of a homogeneous molecular network. Furthermore, the fabrication of m-LCEs with permanent plasticity using m-LCEs with impermanent instability without external intervention was realized by the synergistic effects of the self-restraint of mesogens and the prolonged relaxation process of LCEs. The designed LCE fibers, which are similar to biological muscle fibers and can be easily integrated, exhibit broad application prospects in artificial muscles, soft robots, and micromechanical systems.

A Mini-Review of Flavone Isomers Apigenin and Genistein in Prostate Cancer Treatment.

The initial responses to standard chemotherapies among prostate cancer (PCa) patients are usually significant, while most of them will finally develop drug resistance, rendering them with limited therapies. To discover new regimens for the treatment of PCa including resistant PCa, natural products, the richest source of bioactive compounds, can serve as a library for screening and identifying promising candidates, and flavones such as apigenin and genistein have been used in lab and clinical trials for treating PCa over decades. In this mini-review, we take a look into the progress of apigenin and genistein, which are isomers, in treating PCa in the past decade. While possessing very similar structure, these two isomers can both target the same signaling pathways; they also are found to work differently in PCa cells. Given that more combinations are being developed and tested, genistein appears to be the more promising option to be approved. The anticancer efficacies of these two flavones can be confirmed by in-vitro and in-vivo studies, and their applications remain to be validated in clinical trials. Information gained in this work may provide important information for new drug development and the potential application of apigenin and genistein in treating PCa.

Allogeneic Tendon Transplantation for the Treatment of Pathological Patellar Ligament Defect in Children: Technical Note and 4-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: The absence of patellar ligament will bring about a severe negative impact on daily life. Many reconstruction techniques have been described in adults. However, there is a lack of technical introduction regarding the reconstruction of the patellar ligament in children. The purpose of this study was to report a surgical technique for reconstructing the patellar ligament in children. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data on a patellar ligament (tendon sheath fibroma) patient with allogeneic tendon reconstruction. An 8-year-old child with postoperative recurrence of left patellar ligament tumor was enrolled in our study. Anterior tibialis tendon allograft was used to reconstruct the patellar ligament after complete resection of the patellar ligament for the tumor. The tunnels were constructed on the deep surface of the tibial tubercle and the root of the quadriceps tendon (to decrease the harmful impact on patella development), respectively. The allogeneic tendon was passed through the tunnels above in the shape of "8," and the two ends of the tendon were attached to the bleeding bone bed at the inferior edge of the patella with suture anchors to achieve better bone-tendon healing. During the follow-up, the knee's range of motion and imaging manifestations were recorded. RESULT: Postoperative pathology suggests chondromesenchymal hamartoma, a rare benign soft tissue tumor different from the previous operation (tendon sheath fibroma). During the 4-year follow-up, the patient's active range of motion of the knee achieved 0° to 120°; and the patient could walk normally without any external help. Physical examinations (the apprehension sign and J sign) showed no ligamentous instability or patellar ligament tenderness. Imaging analysis showed that the ratio length of the patellar ligament to the patella was almost normal. The integrity, continuity, and shape of the allogeneic ligament showed excellent results in MRI. Combined with clinical and imaging findings, allogeneic tendon patellar ligament reconstruction was deemed successful. CONCLUSION: Allogeneic ligament reconstruction technique can provide a treatment option by reconstructing the extensor mechanism, minimizing the impact on patellar development, and augmenting biological healing for children with the absence of the patellar ligament.

Fibrosis in frozen shoulder: Activation of IL-6 through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in synovial fibroblast.

Fibrosis is the main cause of limited range of motion (ROM) of shoulder in patients with frozen shoulder (FS). Overexpression of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) has been correlated with pathogenesis of FS. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored. In the current study, we focused on isolating synovial fibroblasts of FS and determining the influence of IL-6 as well as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway on the fibrotic process of synovial fibroblasts in FS by using RNA Sequencing (RNA-seq) and other molecular biology techniques. Synovial fibroblasts of FS express more extra cellular matrix (ECM) than that of control. RNA-seq results and bioinformatic analysis indicate that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway play an important role in the fibrotic process of FS, and IL-6 is the most related gene among those related to this process. The expression levels of IL-6 / IL-6R in FS synovial fibroblasts and IL-6 in culture supernatant were both significantly increased. siRNA interference with the expression of IL-6 attenuates the fibrosis level of FS as well as phosphorylation level of Akt. The findings suggest that synovial fibroblasts are key effector cells of fibrosis of FS. Activation of PI3K-Akt pathway can promote fibrosis of synovial fibroblasts in FS. IL-6 is up-regulated in synovial fibroblasts of FS and promoted the FS fibrosis through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Rapid screening and separation of active compounds against α-amylase from Toona sinensis by ligand fishing and high-speed counter-current chromatography.

In the present study, an efficient method based on ligand fishing and high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was established to screen, enrich and separate the active components with the α-amylase inhibitory activity from a traditional dish Toona sinensis. The active components were screened from T. sinensis by ligand fishing using the magnetic immobilized α-amylase prepared through solvothermal and crosslinking methods. HSCCC was used to separate the target compound according to the K value. As a result, a potential active compound 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucose and a non-target compound quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside were separated and identified. In-vitro experiments indicated that 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucose had the activity against α-amylase and the IC50 value was 93.49 ± 0.80 µg/mL which was higher than that of the non-target compound. The result further confirmed the molecular fishing effect of magnetic immobilized α-amylase. The present study can not only find and separate the hypoglycemic substances in T. sinensis quickly and effectively, but also can provide a new approach for the study of natural active components.

Young's Modulus of Bilateral Infraspinatus Tendon Measured in Different Postures by Shear Wave Elastography Before and After Exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the Young's modulus value of infraspinatus tendons using shear wave elastography (SWE) technique in normal adults, and to analyze the influence of gender, postures, exercise, and dominant side on Young's modulus of infraspinatus tendons. METHODS: This is a prospective cross-sectional study. From January 2019 to July 2020, 14 healthy subjects were identified, including seven males and seven females aged between 24 to 34, with a mean age of 27.67 ± 3.08 years. The Young's modulus of their infraspinatus tendons was measured by two operators using SWE in neutral and maximum external rotation positions of both sides before exercise and the dominant side after exercise. The Young's modulus values in different sexes, different postures, before vs after exercise, and dominant vs non-dominant side were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: All 14 subjects completed the data collection process. The mean Young's modulus values of infraspinatus tendon for dominant sides in neutral position were 33.04 ± 3.01 kPa for males and 28.76 ± 3.09 kPa for females. And for non-dominant sides in the neutral position, the values were 33.02 ± 2.38 kPa for males and 28.86 ± 2.47 kPa for females. In the maximum external rotation position, the values for dominant sides were 50.19 ± 4.86 kPa for males and 42.79 ± 4.44 kPa for females, and for non-dominant sides were 50.95 ± 3.24 kPa for males and 42.42 ± 3.66 kPa for females. After exercise, the mean Young's modulus values of infraspinatus tendon for dominant sides in neutral position were 54.56 ± 3.76 kPa for males and 46.66 ± 5.99 kPa for females. And for the maximum external rotation position, the values were 59.13 ± 3.78 kPa for males and 54.49 ± 5.67 kPa for females. The Young's modulus of infraspinatus tendon in the neutral and maximum external rotation positions showed statistically significant differences in males and females, as well as before and after exercise (P < 0.05). However, the difference in Young's modulus between the dominant and non-dominant sides was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Intergroup reliability between both operators was excellent (ICC > 0.85). CONCLUSION: There are gender-related differences and post-exercise increase in Young's modulus, yet such a difference cannot be witnessed between the dominant and non-dominant sides.

The Application of H-Loop in Arthroscopic Knotless Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repairs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional outcomes after a novel method of H-loop knotless double-row technique in patients with rotator cuff tears. METHOD: From June 2020 to September 2020, a total of six patients (five women, one man) with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the H-loop knotless double-row technique were enrolled in our study. The average age is 54 years (range: 50-61 years). The preoperative and final follow-up clinical outcome were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale (VAS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Constant-Murley score. The active shoulder range of motion (ROM) was also collected preoperatively and postoperatively at the final follow-up (forward flexion and abduction). Accordingly, intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed as well. RESULT: There were six patients that underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the H-loop knotless double-row technique. The average follow-up period was 7.52 ± 0.70 months. The VAS, UCLA, ASES, and Constant-Murley scores improved from 5 ± 2.45, 15.67 ± 3.44, 47.67 ± 17.41 and 49.17 ± 8.98 preoperatively, to 0.83 ± 0.75, 36.27 ± 3.83, 91.67 ± 10.76 and 85.83 ± 4.31 at the final follow-up, with statistical significances of P = 0.009, P < 0.001, P = 0.006, and P = 0.001, respectively. Meanwhile, the active shoulder ROM (forward flexion and abduction) improved from 135.00 ± 46.80 and 125 ± 56.48 preoperatively, to 173.67 ± 4.13 and 172 ± 3.27 at final follow-up, respectively (P = 0.082, P = 0.088). During the follow-up, there were no postoperative complications such as wound-site infection, nerve or vessel damage, subcutaneous hematoma, and suture anchor problems. CONCLUSION: With the benefit of reducing the possibility of strangulation and blood supply affection for the rotator cuff, The H-loop knotless double row technique may be an alternative method to significantly improve subjective functional outcomes and increase the healing rate of medium-sized rotator cuff tears with degeneration issues and poor tissue quality.