A nanofluidic spiking synapse.

Currently, the nanofluidic synapse can only perform basic neuromorphic pulse patterns. One immediate problem that needs to be addressed to further its capability of brain-like computing is the realization of a nanofluidic spiking device. Here, we report the use of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate membrane to achieve bionic ionic current-induced spiking. In addition to the simulation of various electrical pulse patterns, our synapse could produce transmembrane ionic current-induced spiking, which is highly analogous to biological action potentials with similar phases and excitability. Moreover, the spiking properties could be modulated by ions and neurochemicals. We expect that this work could contribute to biomimetic spiking computing in solution.

Dual Engine Boosts Organic Photoelectrochemical Transistor for Enhanced Modulation and Bioanalysis.

Organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) has shown substantial potential in the development of next-generation bioanalysis yet is limited by the either-or situation between the photoelectrode types and the channel types. Inspired by the dual-photoelectrode systems, we propose a new architecture of dual-engine OPECT for enhanced signal modulation and its biosensing application. Exemplified by incorporating the CdS/Bi2S3 photoanode and Cu2O photocathode within the gate-source circuit of Ag/AgCl-gated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) channel, the device shows enhanced modulation capability and larger transconductance (gm) against the single-photoelectrode ones. Moreover, the light irritation upon the device effectively shifts the peak value of gm to zero gate voltage without degradation and generates larger current steps that are advantageous for the sensitive bioanalysis. Based on the as-developed dual-photoelectrode OPECT, target-mediated recycling and etching reactions are designed upon the CdS/Bi2S3, which could result in dual signal amplification and realize the sensitive microRNA-155 biodetection with a linear range from 1 fM to 100 pM and a lower detection limit of 0.12 fM.

Biocompatibility and potential anticancer activity of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles against nasal squamous cell carcinoma.

Chemotherapy as a cornerstone of cancer treatment is slowly being edged aside owing to its severe side effects and systemic toxicity. In this case, nanomedicine has emerged as an effective tool to address these drawbacks. Herein, a biocompatible carrier based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd2O3@BSA) was fabricated for curcumin (CUR) delivery and its physicochemical features along with its potential anticancer activity against nasal squamous cell carcinoma were also investigated. It was found that the fabricated Gd2O3@BSA containing CUR (Gd2O3@BSA-CUR) had spherical morphology with hydrodynamic size of nearly 26 nm, zeta-potential of -36 mV and high drug (CUR) loading capacity. Drug release profile disclosed that the release of CUR from the prepared Gd2O3@BSA-CUR nanoparticles occurred in a sustained- and pH-dependent manner. Also, in vitro cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the fabricated Gd2O3@BSA nanoparticles possessed excellent biosafety toward HFF2 normal cells, while Gd2O3@BSA-CUR appeared to display the greatest anticancer potential against RPMI 2650 and CNE-1 cancer cell lines. The results also show that the Gd2O3@BSA nanoparticles were compatible with the blood cells with minor hemolytic effect (< 3%). The manufactured NPs were found to be completely safe for biological applications in an in vivo subacute toxicity study. Taken together, these finding substantiate the potential anticancer activity of Gd2O3@BSA-CUR nanoparticles against nasal squamous cell carcinoma, but the results obtained demand further studies to assess their full potential.

[The second stage revision for infected total hip arthroplasty using antibiotic-loaded cement prosthesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of two-stage revision for infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) using antibiotic-loaded cement prosthesis. METHODS: From June 1999 to October 2004, 14 patients who admitted for infected primary total hip arthroplasty surgeries were performed revision surgery with antibiotic-loaded cement prosthesis in two-stage. The mean Harris score of pre-operation was 23. In the first stage operation, the following steps were performed, complete debridement, removal of infected prosthesis, implantation of cement spacer with antibiotics, treatment involved concomitant administration of 3 weeks of intravenous (IV) and 1 month of oral. After 6 months, antibiotic-loaded prosthesis was implanted in the second stage. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 18 months (7 - 26 months), no recurrent infection occurred in all 14 patients. The mean post-operation Harris score was 70. CONCLUSIONS: The success of the protocol to control the delayed infection after THA are complete debridement, enough interval and using antibiotic-loaded cement prosthesis in two stage revision.

[Revision hip arthroplasty with the cementless prosthesis: 4 years follow-up study].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the two to eight-year results associated with the use of this hip system. METHODS: Between November 1996 and January 2001, 56 revision total hip arthroplasties with insertion of a Zweymüller BICON-PLUS cup and a cementless SLR-PLUS stem were performed in 55 consecutive patients (average age, fifty-nine years old, range, thirty to eighty years old). RESULTS: At the time of the latest follow-up, 23 patients (24 hips) had lost to follow-up, leaving 32 patients for a minimum of 2 years of clinical and radiographical follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 4 years. Only 3 peri-operative complications occurred, including 1 great trochanter fracture during implant removal, 1 dislocation 2 d after operation with successful closed reduction, and 1 deep wound infection which necessitated reentry and debridement. No femoral stems or cups needed re-revision surgery. The average Harris hip score increased from 40.6 points preoperatively to 80.4 points at final follow-up. Radiographic analysis demonstrated that the position of stems and cups was unchanged and all showed radiographic evidence of bone ingrowth. CONCLUSION: The favourable medium-term clinical results with the cementless Zweymüller hip system show that it is suitable as a revision system for total hip failures of both cemented and cementless primary fixation.

[Comparison of the treatment effects of two molar distal movement appliances: pendulum appliance and face-bow].

PURPOSE: To compare the treatment effects of pendulum appliance and traditional face-bow for distal movement of maxillary first molars. METHODS: Samples (n=30) were randomly divided into two groups, of which Group P was treated with pendulum appliance, while Group F with traditional face-bow. Cephalometric radiographs were taken and analyzed by Pancherz at the pre-treatment time (T1) and the post-treatment time (T2). Student's t test was used to determine if there were significant differences between the 2 time periods and two groups. RESULTS: There was significant difference between Group P and Group F in the treatment duration (20.6+/-4.0 weeks vs 26.0+/-3.6 weeks). There was also significant difference in the changes of (ms/olp- ss/olp) (3.1+/-0.53 mm vs 2.2+/-0.82 mm), (is/olp- ss/olp) (0.8+/-0.78 mm vs-1.0+/-0.88 mm) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that pendulum appliance is clinically more effective and rapid for distal movement of the maxillary first molars, but more attention should be paid to the anchorage control of maxillary anterior teeth.

[Study of the incisive alveolar structure in different vertical facial types between osteal Class III malocclusion and normal occlusion].

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of the incisive alveolar structure and vertical facial type between osteal Class III malocclusion and normal occlusion. METHODS: Forty-seven lateral cephalometrics of patients with osteal Class III malocclusion and forty-three lateral cephalometrics of controls with normal occlusion were randomly selected before treatment. Then the incisive alveolar structure was measured and analyzed, the results were analyzed with Student's t test. RESULTS: (1) In osteal Class III malocclusion; the UP value in the group of high mandibular angle decreased significantly than that in the groups of middle and low mandibular angle (P<0.05); the LA and MxAD value in the group of high mandibular angle decreased significantly than that in the group of middle mandibular angle (P<0.05). (2) In normal occlusion, the MdAD and LA value in the group of high mandibular angle decreased significantly than that in the groups of middle and low mandibular angle(P<0.05). (3) In patients with the same mandibular angle,the LA and MdAD value in normal occlusion increased significantly than those in osteal Class III malocclusion (P<0.05);the UP value, in normal occlusion increased significantly than osteal Class III malocclusion within the groups of middle and low mandibular angle (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The incisive alveolar structure was different in different vertical facial type and the same vertical facial types between osteal Class III malocclusion and normal occlusion.