Tunable Photoluminescence Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose with Gradually Changing Crystallinity and Crystal Form.

Nonconventional luminogens with persistent room temperature phosphoresce (p-RTP) are attracting increasing attention owing to their momentous significance and diverse technical applications in optoelectronic and biomedical. So far, the p-RTP emission of some amorphous powders or single crystals has been studied in depth. The p-RTP emission of amorphous and fully crystalline states and their emission properties are widely divergent, while the difference of their p-RTP emission mechanism is still controversial. The relevance between crystallinity change and p-RTP properties is rarely studied. Furthermore, there is almost no research on the photoluminescence (PL) property change and emission mechanism under the crystal form transformation of semi-crystalline polymer. Herein, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is chosen as a model compound to explore its crystallinity and the change in luminescence during the crystal form transformation to make up for this gap. By precisely adjusting the crystallinity and crystal cellulose conversion of MCC, the changing trend of quantum efficiency, and p-RTP lifetime is consistent with the change of crystallinity, and the cellulose I may be more beneficial to PL emission than cellulose II. Clustering-triggered emission mechanism can reasonably explain these interesting photophysical processes, which also can be supported by single-crystal analysis and theoretical calculations.

A novel gemcitabine derivative-loaded liposome with great pancreas-targeting ability.

Gemcitabine (Gem) is a standard first-line treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC). However, its chemotherapeutic efficacy is hampered by various limitations such as short half-life, metabolic inactivation, and lack of tumor localizing. We previously synthesized a lipophilic Gem derivative (Gem formyl hexadecyl ester, GemC16) that exhibited improved antitumor activity in vitro. In this study, a target ligand N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine was conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[hydroxyl succinimidyl (polyethylene glycol-2000)] (DSPE-PEG-NHS) to form DSPE-PEG-2N. Then, pancreas-targeting liposomes (2N-LPs) were prepared using the film dispersion-ultrasonic method. GemC16-loaded 2N-LPs displayed near-spherical shapes with an average size distribution of 157.2 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.201). The encapsulation efficiency of GemC16 was up to 97.3% with a loading capacity of 8.9%. In human PC cell line (BxPC-3) and rat pancreatic acinar cell line (AR42J), cellular uptake of 2N-LPs was significantly enhanced compared with that of unmodified PEG-LPs. 2N-LPs exhibited more potent in vitro cytotoxicity against BxPC-3 and AR42J cell lines than PEG-LPs. After systemic administration in mice, 2N-LPs remarkably increased drug distribution in the pancreas. In an orthotopic tumor mouse model of PC, GemC16-bearing liposomes were more effective in preventing tumor growth than free GemC16. Among these treatments, 2N-LPs showed the best curative effect. Together, 2N-LPs represent a promising nanocarrier to achieve pancreas-targeting drug delivery, and this work would provide new ideas for the chemotherapy of PC.

Myricetin Prevents Alveolar Bone Loss in an Experimental Ovariectomized Mouse Model of Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, which leads to alveolar bone resorption. Healthy and functional alveolar bone, which can support the teeth and enable their movement, is very important for orthodontic treatment. Myricetin inhibited osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the expression of some genes, signaling pathways, and cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of myricetin on alveolar bone loss in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model of periodontitis as well as in vitro osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Twenty-four healthy eight-week-old C57BL/J6 female mice were assigned randomly to four groups: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control (sham) OVX + ligature + PBS (vehicle), and OVX + ligature + low or high (2 or 5 mg∙kg(-1)∙day(-1), respectively) doses of myricetin. Myricetin or PBS was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) every other day for 30 days. The maxillae were collected and subjected to further examination, including micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining; a resorption pit assay was also performed in vitro to evaluate the effects of myricetin on receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. Myricetin, at both high and low doses, prevented alveolar bone resorption and increased alveolar crest height in the mouse model and inhibited osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro. However, myricetin was more effective at high dose than at low dose. Our study demonstrated that myricetin had a positive effect on alveolar bone resorption in an OVX mouse model of periodontitis and, therefore, may be a potential agent for the treatment of periodontitis and osteoporosis.

Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for specific and rapid detection of differential goat pox virus and sheep pox virus.

BACKGROUND: Capripox viruses are economically important pathogens in goat and sheep producing areas of the world, with specific focus on goat pox virus (GTPV), sheep pox virus (SPPV) and the Lumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV). Clinically, sheep pox and goat pox have the same symptoms and cannot be distinguished serologically. This presents a real need for a rapid, inexpensive, and easy to operate and maintain genotyping tool to facilitate accurate disease diagnosis and surveillance for better management of Capripox outbreaks. RESULTS: A LAMP method was developed for the specific differential detection of GTPV and SPPV using three sets of LAMP primers designed on the basis of ITR sequences. Reactions were performed at 62°C for either 45 or 60 min, and specificity confirmed by successful differential detection of several GTPV and SPPV isolates. No cross reactivity with Orf virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), A. marginale Lushi isolate, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri, Chlamydophila psittaci, Theileria ovis, T. luwenshuni, T. uilenbergi or Babesia sp was noted. RFLP-PCR analysis of 135 preserved epidemic materials revealed 48 samples infected with goat pox and 87 infected with sheep pox, with LAMP test results showing a positive detection for all samples. When utilizing GTPV and SPPV genomic DNA, the universal LAMP primers (GSPV) and GTPV LAMP primers displayed a 100% detection rate; while the SPPV LAMP detection rate was 98.8%, consistent with the laboratory tested results. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the three sets of LAMP primers when combined provide an analytically robust method able to fully distinguish between GTPV and SPPV. The presented LAMP method provides a specific, sensitive and rapid diagnostic tool for the distinction of GTPV and SPPV infections, with the potential to be standardized as a detection method for Capripox viruses in endemic areas.

Fabrication, characterization, and biocompatibility of ethyl cellulose/carbonated hydroxyapatite composite coatings on Ti6Al4V.

In order to improve the biocompatibility of metallic implants, bioactive components are often used as coatings so that a real bond with the surrounding bone tissue can be formed. We prepared ethyl cellulose/carbonated hydroxyapatite composite coatings (ECHCs) on Ti6Al4V substrates with carbonated hydroxyapatite coatings (CHACs) without ethyl cellulose as controls. The inorganic constituent on the CHACs and ECHCs is calcium-deficient carbonated hydroxyapatite with a flaky texture and a low degree of crystallinity. The flaky carbonated hydroxyapatite plates aggregate to form macropores with an aperture size of around 0.5-2.0 µm. The presence of ethyl cellulose provides superior morphology, contact angle, and biocompatibility characteristics. In comparison to CHACs, ECHCs exhibit a smoother, crack-free surface because the cracks are filled by ethyl cellulose. Moreover, the contact angle of ECHCs is 37.3°, greater than that of CHACs (13.0°). Surface biocompatibility was investigated by using human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). The attachment, spreadability, viability and proliferation of hBMSCs on ECHCs are superior to those on CHACs. Thus, the crack-free ECHCs have excellent biocompatibility and are appropriate for use as biological implants.

[Pentapeptides prevent enterovirus 71 proliferation in rhabdomyosarcoma cells and mice].

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the main causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This article presented the inhibitory activity of pentapeptides on the EV71 infection in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and suckling mice. The EV71 VP1 capsid protein expression levels and mRNA levels were analyzed by Western blotting and real-time PCR. The antiviral activity of pentapeptides in vivo was evaluated by weight changes and EV71 VP1 protein expression levels in intestines of suckling mice. Results revealed that the pentapeptide P010157 was able to inhibit EV71 replication in RD cells. After being incubated with the P010157 at a concentration of 100 microg x mL(-1) for 48 h, the level of EV71 vp1 mRNA in RD cells decreased by (92.0 +/- 6.3)%. The estimated EC50 was 2.2 microg x mL(-1). P010157 was able to inhibit EV 71-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in RD cells. The cytotoxic activity of the compound was evaluated against RD cells by MTS assay. The results showed that P010157 had no obvious toxicity. In addition, the treated mice with P010157 did not exhibit weight loss, as was observed in untreated mice. EV71 replication reduced significantly as revealed by Western blotting. These findings suggest that P010157 could prevent EV71 proliferation in vitro and in vivo. P010157 is a novel compound for antiviral therapies against EV71, which merited further investigation.

Correlation between 146S Antigen Content in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Inactivated Vaccines and Immunogenicity Level and Vaccine Potency Alternative Test Methods.

To investigate the association between 146S antigen contents in FMD inactivated vaccines and levels of antiviral immunity, this study vaccinated 30 kg pigs with three batches of FMD types O and A bivalent inactivated vaccines. Antibody titers and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion levels were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after primary immunization and on days 14 and 28 following booster immunization to assess associations between 146S contents and both antibody titers and IFN-γ secretion levels. Furthermore, 30 kg pigs were vaccinated with 46 batches of FMD type O inactivated vaccines and challenged on day 28, after which PD50 values were determined to evaluate the association between 146S content and PD50. The findings suggested that antibody titers and IFN-γ secretion levels at specific time points after immunization were positively associated with 146S contents. Additionally, 146S content showed a positive correlation with PD50, with greater PD50 values recorded for 146S contents ranging from 4.72 to 16.55 µg/dose. This investigation established a significant association between the 146S content in FMD inactivated vaccines and induced immune response against FMDV, thereby emphasizing its critical role in vaccine quality control. The determination of 146S content could serve as a new method for potency testing, offering an alternative to animal challenge tests.

Thermo-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/ mesoporous silica nanocomposites as controlled delivery carriers: loading and release behaviors for drug ibuprofen.

Thermo-sensitive nanocomposites based on mesoporous silica SBA-15 and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) have been synthesized via in situ radical polymerization in mesopores. The resultant materials were used as carriers to construct temperature-responsive controlled drug delivery systems. Loading of model drug ibuprofen (IBU) was ascertained by IR and UV-vis/DRS spectroscopy, and the mesostructure and pore properties of the delivery system were characterized by small-angle XRD and N2 adsorption-desorption experiment. Study on drug uptake indicated that higher polymer content in the composite, higher IBU concentration in loading solution and lower loading temperature below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) could increase the loading amount of IBU by means of interaction between IBU and polymer and trap effect of the polymer chains in pores. Different from the uptake of IBU, however, the release of drug followed a positive temperature-responsive manner, that is, the release was accelerated upon heating above the LCST, while decelerated and lasted for a longer period of time below the LCST. This feature allows the material to function as a reversible fast/slow transition switch or rate regulator responsive to environmental temperature and to be potentially interesting in controlled delivery and other smart application fields.

Enhancement of Antitumor Efficacy of Paclitaxel-Loaded PEGylated Liposomes by N,N-Dimethyl Tertiary Amino Moiety in Pancreatic Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer, or pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC), remains one of the most lethal cancers and features insidious onset, highly aggressive behavior and early distant metastasis. The dense fibrotic stroma surrounding tumor cells is thought to be a shield to resist the permeation of chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of PDAC. Thus, we synthesized a pancreas-targeting paclitaxel-loaded PEGylated liposome and investigated its antitumor efficacy in the patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) nude mouse models of PDAC. METHODS: The PTX-loaded PEGylated liposomes were prepared by film dispersion-ultrasonic method and modified by an N,N-dimethyl tertiary amino residue. Morphology characteristics of the PTX-loaded liposomes were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The PDOX models of PDAC were established by orthotopic implantation and imaged by a micro positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging system. The in vivo distribution and antitumor study were then carried out to observe the pancreas-targeting accumulation and the antitumor efficacy of the proposed PTX liposomes. RESULTS: PTX loaded well into both modified (PTX-Lip2N) and unmodified (PTX-Lip) PEGylated liposomes with spherical shapes and suitable parameters for the endocytosis process. The PDOX nude mouse models were successfully created in which high 18F-FDG intaking regions were observed by micro-PET/CT. In addition to higher cellular uptakes of PTX-Lip2N by the BxPC-3 cells, the proposed nanoparticle had a notable penetrating ability towards PDAC tumor tissues, and consequently, the antitumor ability of PTX-Lip2N was significantly superior to the unmodified PTX-Lip in vivo PDOX models and even more effective than nab-PTX in restraining tumor growth. CONCLUSION: The modified pancreas-targeting PTX-loaded PEGylated liposomes provide a promising platform for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Photosynthesis-inspired H2 generation using a chlorophyll-loaded liposomal nanoplatform to detect and scavenge excess ROS.

A disturbance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis may cause the pathogenesis of many diseases. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, this work proposes a photo-driven H2-evolving liposomal nanoplatform (Lip NP) that comprises an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) that is conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via a ROS-responsive linker, which is encapsulated inside the liposomal system in which the lipid bilayer embeds chlorophyll a (Chla). The UCNP functions as a transducer, converting NIR light into upconversion luminescence for simultaneous imaging and therapy in situ. Functioning as light-harvesting antennas, AuNPs are used to detect the local concentration of ROS for FRET biosensing, while the Chla activates the photosynthesis of H2 gas to scavenge local excess ROS. The results thus obtained indicate the potential of using the Lip NPs in the analysis of biological tissues, restoring their ROS homeostasis, possibly preventing the initiation and progression of diseases.

Hydroxyapatite coatings with oriented nanoplate and nanorod arrays: Fabrication, morphology, cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals exhibit rod-like shape with c-axis orientation and plate-like shape with a(b)-axis orientation in vertebrate bones and tooth enamel surfaces, respectively. Herein, we report the synthesis of HA coatings with the oriented nanorod arrays (RHACs) and HA coatings with oriented nanoplate arrays (PHACs) by using bioglass coatings as sacrificial templates. After soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 120°C, the bioglass coatings are hydrothermally converted into the HA coatings via a dissolution-precipitation reaction. If the Ca/P ratios in SBF are 2.50 and 1.25, the HA crystals on the coatings are oriented nanorod arrays and oriented nanoplate arrays, respectively. Moreover, the bioglass coatings are treated with SBF at 37°C, plate-like HA coatings with a low crystallinity (SHACs) are prepared. As compared with the Ti6Al4V and SHACs, the human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) on the RHACs and PHACs have better cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation because of their moderately hydrophilic surfaces and similar chemical composition, morphology and crystal orientation to human hard tissues. Notably, the morphologies of HA crystals have no obvious effects on cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation. Hence, the HA coatings with oriented nanoplate arrays or oriented nanorod arrays have a great potential for orthopedic applications.

Fabrication of silver nanoparticle-doped hydroxyapatite coatings with oriented block arrays for enhancing bactericidal effect and osteoinductivity.

Implant-associated infection is a common postoperative complication and remains a serious problem in orthopedic surgery. This work describes the synthesis of silver nanoparticle-doped hydroxyapatite coatings with oriented block arrays (AgNP-BHAC). The resulting nanostructure was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. AgNP-BHAC exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity toward gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus owing to the antibacterial effects of the silver nanoparticles. Human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) culture revealed that the AgNP-BHAC exhibited better biocompatibility, and permitted improved cell proliferation, attachment, and osteoinductivity than uncoated Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy, the favored material for biomedical applications. In summary, this study presents a convenient and effective method for the incorporation of silver into HA coatings with block morphology. This method can be utilized to modify a variety of metallic implant surfaces to improve their antimicrobial effects and reduce potential long-term cytotoxicity.

[Effects of MMPs inhibitors on microleakage with wet bonding technique].

PURPOSE: To observe the effects of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) inhibitors on microleakage with wet bonding technique. METHODS: Twenty-seven premolars were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Class Ⅴ cavities were prepared in the neck of the teeth and treated with distilled water, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) or 2% monocycline (MI) for 60 seconds. Resin was used to restore the prepared cavities following application of luting agent. Samples in each group were soaked for 1 h with 10% NaClO and then 2 layers of nail polish were applied, followed by treatment with 50wt% ammoniated silver nitrate (ASN), and developing solution in turn. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally to 1~2 mm slices and examined with stereo microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data were analyzed with SPSS 16.0 software package for Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: There was varied microleakage at the margin. The difference was significant between group CHX and control group, between group MI and control group; However, there was no significant difference between group CHX and group MI. CONCLUSIONS: MMPs inhibitor can reduce microleakage with wet bonding technique.

Rapid maxillary expansion in alveolar cleft repaired with a tissue-engineered bone in a canine model.

This study aims to investigate the effects of orthodontic expansion on graft area of a tissue-engineered bone (TEB) BMSCs/ß-TCP, and to find an alternative strategy for the therapy of alveolar cleft. A unilateral alveolar cleft canine model was established and then treated with BMSCs/ß-TCP under rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Sequential fluorescent labeling, radiography and helical computed tomography were used to evaluate new bone formation and mineralization in the graft area. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Van Gieson׳s picro fuchsin staining were performed for histological and histomorphometric observation. ALP activity, mineralization and the expression of osteogenic differentiation related genes of BMSCs that grew on the ß-TCP scaffold were promoted by their cultivation in osteogenic medium. Based on fact, TEB was constructed. After 8 weeks of treatment with BMSCs/ß-TCP followed by RME, new bone formation and mineralization of the dogs were markedly accelerated, and bone resorption was significantly reduced, compared with the untreated dogs, or those only treated with autogenous iliac bone. The treatment with both TEB and RME evidently made the bone trabecula more abundant and the area of bone formation larger. What is more, there were no significant differences between BMSCs/ß-TCP group and the group treated with autogenous bone and RME. This study further revealed that TEB was not only a feasible clinical approach for patients with alveolar cleft, but also a potential substituent of autogenous bone, and its combination with RME might be an alternative strategy for the therapy of alveolar cleft.

Hydroxyapatite coatings with oriented nanoplate arrays: synthesis, formation mechanism and cytocompatibility.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the main inorganic constituent of natural bones and teeth with c-axis orientation and a(b)-axis orientation, respectively. Designing HA coatings (HACs) with specific orientation and morphology is an important strategy to improve their biological properties. Herein, we report, for the first time, the hydrothermal synthesis of HACs with oriented nanoplate arrays according to the following steps: (i) deposition of brushite/chitosan coatings (BCCs) on Ti6Al4V substrates; and (ii) transformation of HACs with oriented nanoplate arrays from BCCs after hydrothermal treatment with alkaline solutions. After soaking the BCCs in a NaOH solution under hydrothermal conditions, the Ca2+ and PO4 3- ions are released from the coatings because of the dissolution reaction of brushite, and they react with OH- ions to form HA nanoplates. Interestingly, these HA nanoplates with a preferential c-plane orientation are perpendicular to the coating surfaces. Hydrothermal reaction time and Ca/P ratio of BCCs have great effects on the morphologies of HA nanoplates. On increasing the reaction time from 3 h to 3 days or decreasing the Ca/P ratio from 2.0 to 1.0, the widths (or lengths) of HA nanoplates increase gradually. Simulated body fluid immersion (SBF) tests reveal that the HACs with oriented nanoplate arrays can promote the formation of apatite on the surfaces, suggesting their good in vitro bioactivity. Moreover, human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) have been used as cell models to investigate cytocompatibility of the HACs. The hBMSCs on the HACs have better cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation than those on Ti6Al4V substrates because the HACs are similar to the minerals of human hard tissues in chemical composition, morphology and crystallographic orientation. Therefore, HACs with oriented nanoplate arrays have great potential for use as implants of human hard tissues.

[Evaluation of the effect for ffh gene silencing on the aciduricity of fluoride resistant Streptococcus mutans].

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of ffh gene silencing on the aciduricity of fluoride resistant Streptococcus mutans in vitro. METHODS: By using electroporation, UA159-FR was transformed and combined with targeted site of ffh gene sequence, and the best piece of siRNA for fluoride resistant Streptococcus mutans was screened. In different values of pH of BHI, they were cultured for 24 hours with UA159-FR respectively, and then centrifugated to determine the pH and OD600. SPSS17.0 software package was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The aciduricity of UA159-FR had significant differences compared with ffh gene silencing for UA159-FR in δpH (P<0.05), and the former was higher than the latter. At pH=3.5-5.0, P<0.01; at pH=5.5-7.5, P<0.05. Significant differences were noted in OD600 and their growth tendency were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The aciduricity of fluoride resistant Streptococcus mutans has significant effect when the ffh gene is silenced.

Multifunctional nanomesoporous materials with upconversion (in vivo) and downconversion (in vitro) luminescence imaging based on mesoporous capping UCNPs and linking lanthanide complexes.

A series of new multifunctional nanomesoporous materials based on upconversion nanophosphors NaYF4:Yb,Tm@NaGdF4 (UCNPs) and lanthanide complexes were designed and synthesized through mesoporous capping UCNPs nanophosphors and linking lanthanide (Ln) complexes. The obtained UCNPs@mSiO2-Ln(dbm)4 (Ln = Eu, Sm, Er, Nd, Yb) materials can achieve downconversion and upconversion luminescence to show multicolor emission (covering the spectral region from 450 nm to 1700 nm) under visible-light excitation and 980 nm excitation, respectively. In addition, low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility was found as determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, and the nanomesoporous materials were successfully applied to cell imaging in vitro based on Eu(3+) luminescence (under 405 nm excitation) and small animal imaging based on Tm(3+) luminescence (under 980 nm excitation). The doped Gd(3+) ion endows the nanomesoporous materials UCNPs@mSiO2-Ln(dbm)4 with effective T1 signal enhancement, which affords them as potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Therefore, our results may provide more exciting opportunities for multimodal bioimaging and multifunctional applications.

Bactericidal properties and biocompatibility of a gentamicin-loaded Fe3O4/carbonated hydroxyapatite coating.

Postoperative implant-associated infection remains a serious complication in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surgery. The addition of antibiotics to bone cement is used as an antimicrobial prophylaxis in cemented joint arthroplasty; however, in cementless arthroplasty, there are no comparable measures for the local delivery of antibiotics. In this study, a gentamicin-loaded Fe3O4/carbonated hydroxyapatite coating (Gent-MCHC) was fabricated according to the following steps: (i) deposition of Fe3O4/CaCO3 particles on Ti6Al4V substrates by electrophoretic deposition; (ii) conversions of MCHC from Fe3O4/CaCO3 coatings by chemical treatment; and (iii) formation of Gent-MCHC by loading gentamicin into MCHC. MCHC possessed mesoporous structure with a pore size of about 3.8 nm and magnetic property with the saturation magnetization strength of about 4.03 emu/g. Gent-MCHC had higher drug loading efficiency and drug release capacity, and superior biocompatibility and mitogenic activity than Ti6Al4V. Moreover, Gent-MCHC deterred bacterial adhesion and prevented biofilm formation. These results demonstrate that Gent-MCHC can be used as a local drug delivery system to prevent implant-associated infection in TJA surgery.

Ophthalmic findings in a family with early-onset isolated ectopia lentis and the p.Arg62Cys mutation of the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to describe ophthalmic findings in a family with isolated ectopia lentis (EL) caused by a specific FBN1 mutation. METHODS: Detailed family histories and clinical data were recorded for six isolated EL patients of 11 family members. The ophthalmological and systematic examinations were performed on patients and unaffected members of the investigated family. The detailed ocular examinations included visual acuity, anterior chamber depth, pupil size, lens location, optometry, central corneal thickness, keratometry, slitlamp examination, fundus examination, axial length, ocular B-ultrasound, gonioscope checking, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and intraocular pressure (IOP; Goldmann applanation tonometer). Systematic examinations included the measurement of echocardiogram, height, arm span, skull, face, jaw, tooth, breast bone, spinal column, and skin. Genomic DNA was extracted using the phenol-chloroform extraction method for all subjects, and sequencing was carried out on an ABI Prism 3730 Genetic Analyzer. RESULTS: A heterozygous mutation, c.184C>T (p.Arg62Cys) in exon 2 of FBN1 was identified in all affected members but was not found in any unaffected member of the family. Our study presented detailed clinical manifestations, including some novel ophthalmic findings, such as pupillary abnormality, different types of glaucoma, and progressive hyperopia. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic findings and the p.Arg62Cys mutation of FBN1 gene were reported in a family with early-onset isolated ectopia lentis.

The influence of surface chemistry and size of nanoscale graphene oxide on photothermal therapy of cancer using ultra-low laser power.

Photothermal therapy as a physical treatment approach to destruct cancer has emerged as an alternative of currently used cancer therapies. Previously we have shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized nano-graphene oxide (nGO-PEG) with strong optical absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region was a powerful photothermal agent for in vivo cancer treatment. In this work, by using ultra-small reduced graphene oxide (nRGO) with non-covalent PEG coating, we study how sizes and surface chemistry affect the in vivo behaviors of graphene, and remarkably improve the performance of graphene-based in vivo photothermal cancer treatment. Owing to the enhanced NIR absorbance and highly efficient tumor passive targeting of nRGO-PEG, excellent in vivo treatment efficacy with 100% of tumor elimination is observed after intravenous injection of nRGO-PEG and the followed 808 nm laser irradiation, the power density (0.15 W/cm(2), 5 min) of which is an order of magnitude lower than that usually applied for in vivo tumor ablation using many other nanomaterials. All mice after treatment survive over a period of 100 days without a single death or any obvious sign of side effect. Our results highlight that both surface chemistry and sizes are critical to the in vivo performance of graphene, and show the promise of using optimized nano-graphene for ultra-effective photothermal treatment, which may potentially be combined with other therapeutic approaches to assist our fight against cancer.