Palmar plating of distal radius fractures : 3-year follow-up with titanium and PEEK plates give similar outcomes.

A variety of different plate designs and materials are available to treat distal radius fractures. This study evaluates clinical results with a carbon fibre- reinforced (CFR)-polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plate in comparison to a standard titanium plate. Thirty-one distal radius fractures were included in this randomised controlled trial. Five fractures were classified as type A, 6 as type B and 20 as type C, in accordance with the AO classification. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups : 15 patients for titanium palmar plating (TPP) and 16 patients for PEEK palmar plating (PPP). Follow-up examinations were set at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 3 years postop. In terms of wrist range of motion, radiological evaluation (alignment and fracture healing), DASH score (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and VAS (visual analogue scale), no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups, at all follow-up intervals. PEEK palmar plating and titanium plates give equivalent clinical and radiological outcomes up to 3 years follow-up.

Degradation and Mineralization of Carbamazepine Using an Electro-Fenton Reaction Catalyzed by Magnetite Nanoparticles Fixed on an Electrocatalytic Carbon Fiber Textile Cathode.

Pharmaceutical wastes are considered to be important pollutants even at low concentrations. In this regard, carbamazepine has received significant attention due to its negative effect on both ecosystem and human health. However, the need for acidic conditions severely hinders the use of conventional Fenton reagent reactions for the control and elimination of carbamazepine in wastewater effluents and drinking water influents. Herein, we report of the synthesis and use of flexible bifunctional nanoelectrocatalytic textile materials, Fe3O4-NP@CNF, for the effective degradation and complete mineralization of carbamazepine in water. The nonwoven porous structure of the composite binder-free Fe3O4-NP@CNF textile is used to generate H2O2 on the carbon nanofiber (CNF) substrate by O2 reduction. In addition, ·OH radical is generated on the surface of the bonded Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) at low applied potentials (-0.345 V). The Fe3O4-NPs are covalently bonded to the CNF textile support with a high degree of dispersion throughout the fiber matrix. The dispersion of the nanosized catalysts results in a higher catalytic reactivity than existing electro-Fenton systems. For example, the newly synthesized Fe3O4-NPs system uses an Fe loading that is 2 orders of magnitude less than existing electro-Fenton systems, coupled with a current efficiency that is higher than electrolysis using a boron-doped diamond electrode. Our test results show that this process can remove carbamazepine with high pseudo-first-order rate constants (e.g., 6.85 h-1) and minimal energy consumption (0.239 kW·h/g carbamazepine). This combination leads to an efficient and sustainable electro-Fenton process.

In Vitro Comparison of 2 Clinically Applied Biomaterials for Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: Injectable Hydrogel Versus Collagen Scaffold.

OBJECTIVE: In autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), there is no consensus about used bioscaffolds. The aim of this study was to perform an in vitro comparative analysis of 2 clinically applied biomaterials for cartilage lesion treatment. DESIGN: Monolayer expanded human chondrocytes (n = 6) were embedded in a collagen scaffold (CS) and a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel (HA). Cells were cultured in chondropermissive medium supplemented with and without interleukin-10 (IL-10) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). Gene expression of chondrogenic markers (COL1A1, COL2A1, COL10A1, ACAN, SOX9) was detected via quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Biosynthesis of matrix compounds, cell viability, morphology as well as migration from surrounding native bovine cartilage into cell-free scaffolds were analyzed histologically. Adhesion of the material to adjacent cartilage was investigated by a custom-made push-out test. RESULTS: The shift of COL1/2 ratio toward COL2A1 was more pronounced in HA, and cells displayed a more spherical morphology compared with CS. BMP-2 and IL-10 significantly increased COL2A1, SOX9, and ACAN expression, which was paralleled by enhanced staining of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and type 2 collagen in histological sections of CS and HA. COL10A1 was not significantly expressed in HA and CS. Better interfacial integration and enhanced cell invasion was observed in CS. Push-out tests using CS showed higher bonding strength to native cartilage. CONCLUSION: HA-based hydrogel revealed a more chondrocyte-like phenotype but only allowed limited cell invasion, whereas CS were advantageous in terms of cellular invasion and interfacial adhesion. These differences may be clinically relevant when treating cartilaginous or osteochondral defects.

Branched polymeric media: boron-chelating resins from hyperbranched polyethylenimine.

Extraction of boron from aqueous solutions using selective resins is important in a variety of applications including desalination, ultrapure water production, and nuclear power generation. Today's commercial boron-selective resins are exclusively prepared by functionalization of styrene-divinylbenzene (STY-DVB) beads with N-methylglucamine to produce resins with boron-chelating groups. However, such boron-selective resins have a limited binding capacity with a maximum free base content of 0.7 eq/L, which corresponds to a sorption capacity of 1.16 ± 0.03 mMol/g in aqueous solutions with equilibrium boron concentration of ∼70 mM. In this article, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new resin that can selectively extract boron from aqueous solutions. We show that branched polyethylenimine (PEI) beads obtained from an inverse suspension process can be reacted with glucono-1,5-D-lactone to afford a resin consisting of spherical beads with high density of boron-chelating groups. This resin has a sorption capacity of 1.93 ± 0.04 mMol/g in aqueous solution with equilibrium boron concentration of ∼70 mM, which is 66% percent larger than that of standard commercial STY-DVB resins. Our new boron-selective resin also shows excellent regeneration efficiency using a standard acid wash with a 1.0 M HCl solution followed by neutralization with a 0.1 M NaOH solution.

Single-Cell Phenotypic Analysis and Digital Molecular Detection Linkable by a Hydrogel Bead-Based Platform.

Cell heterogeneity, such as antibiotic heteroresistance and cancer cell heterogeneity, has been increasingly observed. To probe the underlying molecular mechanisms in the dynamically changing heterogeneous cells, a high throughput platform is urgently needed to establish single cell genotype-phenotype correlations. Herein, we report a platform combining single-cell viability phenotypic analysis with digital molecular detection for bacterial cells. The platform utilizes polyethylene glycol hydrogel that cross-links through a thiol-Michael addition, which is biocompatible, fast, and spontaneous. To generate uniform nanoliter-sized hydrogel beads (Gelbeads), we developed a convenient and disposable device made of needles and microcentrifuge tubes. Gelbead-based single cell viability and molecular detection assays were established. Enhanced thermal stability and uncompromised efficiency were achieved for digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) within the Gelbeads. Reagent exchange for in situ PCR following viability phenotypic analyses was demonstrated. The combined analyses may address the genotypic differences between cellular subpopulations exhibiting distinct phenotypes. The platform promises unique perspectives in mechanism elucidation of environment-evolution interaction that may be extended to other cell types for medical research.

Application of coagulation-ultrafiltration-nanofiltration in a pilot study for Tai Lake water treatment.

In this study, the inline coagulation was combined with ultrafiltration and nanofiltration (UF-NF) in a pilot study for Tai Lake water treatment. The results showed that the combination process was very effective for Tai Lake water treatment in terms of organic removal and membrane fouling control. With inline coagulation, no irreversible membrane fouling was observed for either UF or NF at fluxes of 65-90 and 22-26 L/(m2  hr), respectively. The membrane foulants were analyzed, and the results indicated that the low molecular weight fractions in the feed were main membrane fouling contributors for both UF and NF, where hydrophilic substances and proteins, as well as neutral substances and humic acids with polycarboxyl groups, contributed significantly to UF and NF membrane fouling, respectively. Compared with direct UF-NF filtration without coagulation, the coagulants could aggregate organic micromolecules for cake formation. With inline coagulation, the moving flocs could generate shear stress to scrub the membrane surface for fouling control of UF. Moreover, with inline coagulation, the organics removal efficiency could be further increased by 10%-20%. With NF, the permeate had a TOC concentration of less than 0.5 mg/L, satisfying the drinking water quality. Therefore, the coagulation-UF-NF is very useful for Tai Lake water treatment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Inline coagulation-UF-NF for Tai Lake Water treatment is implemented. Inline coagulation can aggregate hydrophilic substances to reduce membrane fouling. Moving flocs produce shear stress for fouling control of UF-NF. Superior quality of permeate is achieved with the combined coagulation-UF-NF process.

Digital Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification on a Commercial Membrane.

In this work, we report digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) or reverse-transcription LAMP (RT-LAMP) on a commercial membrane, without the need for complex chip fabrication or use of specialized equipment. Due to the pore size distribution, the theoretical error for digital LAMP on these membranes was analyzed, using a combination of Random Distribution Model and Multivolume Theory. A facile peel-off process was developed for effective droplet formation on the commercial track-etched polycarbonate (PCTE) membrane. Each pore functions as an individual nanoreactor for single DNA amplification. Absolute quantification of bacteria genomic DNA was realized with a dynamic range from 11 to 1.1 × 105 copies/µL. One-step digital RT-LAMP was also successfully performed on the membrane for the quantification of MS2 virus in wastewater. With the introduction of new probes, the positive pores can be easily distinguished from negative ones with 100 times difference in fluorescence intensities. Finally, the cost of a disposable membrane is less than $0.10/piece, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the most inexpensive way to perform digital LAMP. The membrane system offers opportunities for point-of-care users or common laboratories to perform digital quantification, single cell analysis, or other bioassays in an inexpensive, flexible, and simplified way.

Optimizing Antitumor Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin by Scheduled Plasmapheresis: Impact of Timing and Dosing.

BACKGROUND: Nanoscale drug delivery systems accumulate in solid tumors preferentially by the enhanced permeation and retention effect (EPR-effect). Nevertheless, only a miniscule fraction of a given dosage reaches the tumor, while >90% of the given drug ends up in otherwise healthy tissues, leading to the severe toxic reactions observed during chemotherapy. Once accumulation in the tumor has reached its maximum, extracorporeal elimination of circulating nanoparticles by plasmapheresis can diminish toxicities. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the effect of dosing and plasmapheresis timing on adverse events and antitumor efficacy in a syngeneic rat tumor model. METHODS: MAT-B-III cells transfected with a luciferase reporter plasmid were inoculated into female Fisher rats, and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) was used for treatment. Plasmapheresis was performed in a discontinuous manner via centrifugation and subsequent filtration of isolated plasma. RESULTS: Bioluminescence measurements of tumor growth could not substitute caliper measurements of tumor size. In the control group, raising the dosage above 9 mg PLD/kg body weight did not increase therapeutic efficacy in our fully immunocompetent animal model. Plasmapheresis was best done 36 h after injecting PLD, leading to similar antitumor efficacy with significantly less toxicity. Plasmapheresis 24 h after injection interfered with therapeutic efficacy, while plasmapheresis after 48 h led to fewer side effects but also to increased weight loss. CONCLUSION: Long-circulating nanoparticles offer the unique possibility to eliminate the excess of circulating particles after successful accumulation in tumors by EPR, thereby reducing toxicities and likely toxicity-related therapeutic limitations.

Simulated nystagmus suppresses pattern-reversal but not pattern-onset visual evoked potentials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to quantify and compare the effects of simulated horizontal nystagmus on pattern-reversal and pattern-onset visual evoked potentials (VEPs). METHODS: In eight visually normal subjects with normal oculomotor behaviour, we monitored eye movements and recorded pattern-reversal and pattern-onset VEPs from occipital electrodes. Subjects viewed the stimulus monocularly via a mirror, which was placed close to the eye and driven by a scanner at four different amplitudes (0, 1, 2, and 3 degrees ) with a 4 Hz saw-tooth waveform to simulate horizontal jerk-nystagmus. RESULTS: Retinal image motion nearly abolished the pattern-reversal VEPs (maximal reduction by 85%; mean reduction by 72%, P<0.001), while there was a non-significant reduction (mean reduction by 15%) of the pattern-onset VEPs. CONCLUSIONS: The differential effect of simulated nystagmus on pattern-reversal and pattern-onset VEPs resembles that reported in studies on nystagmus patients. We conclude that the interaction of retinal image motion with the stimulus is sufficient to explain the reduction of pattern-reversal VEPs in patients with nystagmus and propose simulated nystagmus as a useful tool to test the influence of nystagmus on the efficiency of VEP stimuli. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates how horizontal jerk-nystagmus can be simulated and suggests possible mechanisms by which nystagmus reduces VEP responses.

Uptake of apolipoprotein E fragment coupled liposomes by cultured brain microvessel endothelial cells and intact brain capillaries.

The suitability of surface modified liposomes as drug carriers for brain-specific targeting was investigated using apolipoprotein E fragments as brain-directed vectors. Liposomes coated with polyethylene glycol-2000 (sterically stabilized, PEGylated liposomes) were prepared from hydrogenated egg phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and a PEG-derivatized phospholipid. Liposomes were covalently coupled to a peptide of 26 amino acids length, derived from the binding site of human apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) and a peptide of random amino acid sequence, respectively. Rhodamine-labeled dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine was incorporated into the lipid bilayer in order to visualize the liposomal interaction with brain capillary endothelial cell monolayers. The interaction of the liposomes with monolayers of porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC), the rodent cell line RBE4, and freshly isolated porcine brain capillaries was studied by means of confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy. In contrast to random peptide coupled liposomes, the ApoE4-fragment coupled liposomes were rapidly taken up by cultured BCECs and RBE4 cells. Uptake could be inhibited by ApoE4, free peptide, and antibodies against the LDL receptor in a concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that the liposomes are internalized via the LDL receptor, which is expressed at the blood-brain barrier. In conclusion, liposomes coupled to ApoE4 fragments are taken up into brain endothelium via an endocytotic pathway and may therefore be a suitable carrier for drug delivery to the brain.