Chelation Behaviors of 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) with Lanthanides and Actinides Implicated by Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

The hydroxypyridinone ligand 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) (denoted as t-HOPO) is a potential chelator agent for decorporation of in vivo actinides (An), while its coordination modes with actinides and the dynamics of the complexes (An(t-HOPO)) in aqueous phase remain unclear. Here, we report molecular dynamics simulations of the complexes with key actinides (Am3+, Cm3+, Th4+, U4+, Np4+, Pu4+) to study their coordination and dynamic behaviors. For comparison, the complexation of the ligand with a ferric ion and key lanthanides (Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+) was also studied. The simulations show that the nature of metal ions determines the properties of the complexes. The t-HOPO in the FeIII(t-HOPO)1- complex ion formed a compact and rigid cage to encapsulate the ferric ion, which was hexa-coordinated. Ln3+/An3+ cations were ennea-coordinated with eight ligating oxygen atoms from t-HOPO and one from an aqua ligand, and An4+ cations were deca-coordinated with a second aqua ligand. The t-HOPO shows strong affinity for metal ions (stronger for An4+ than Ln3+/An3+) benefited from its high denticity and its flexible backbone. Meanwhile, the complexes displayed different dynamic flexibilities, with the AnIV(t-HOPO) complexes more significant than the others, and in the AnIV(t-HOPO) complexes, the fluctuation of the t-HOPO ligand was highly correlated with that of the eight ligating O atoms. This is attributed to the more compact conformation of the ligand, which raises backbone tension, and the competition of the aqua ligand against the t-HOPO ligand in coordinating with the tetravalent actinides. This work enriches our understanding on the structures and conformational dynamics of the complexes of actinides with t-HOPO and is expected to benefit the design of HOPO analogues for actinide sequestering.

Vasorin-containing small extracellular vesicles retard intervertebral disc degeneration utilizing an injectable thermoresponsive delivery system.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the pathological reason of back pain and the therapeutic approaches are still unsatisfactory. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as the novel regenerative method for IDD. In this study, we intensively investigated the therapeutic mechanism of small EVs, and found that vasorin protein enriched in EVs promoted the proliferation and extracellular matrix anabolism of nucleus pulposus cells via the Notch1 signaling pathway. Then, we fabricated a thermoresponsive gel which composed of Pluronic F127 and decellularized extracellular matrix (FEC) for the delivery and sustained release of EVs. Besides, ex vivo and in vivo results showed that EVs embedded in FEC (EVs@FEC) ameliorate the disc degeneration efficiently and achieve better therapeutic effects than one-off EVs delivery. Collectively, these findings deepen the understanding of EVs mechanism in treating intervertebral disc degeneration, and also illustrate the promising capacity of sustained EVs release system for intervertebral disc regeneration.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Tea Tree Oil on Planktonic and Biofilm-Forming Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the principal etiologic agent in the occurrence of human dental caries and the formation of biofilms on the surface of teeth. Tea tree oil (TTO) has been demonstrated to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological actions that can effectively inhibit the activity of bacteria. In this context, we evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial effects of TTO on S. mutans both during planktonic growth and in biofilms compared with 0.2% CHX. We determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the microdilution method, the bacteriostatic rate using an MTT assay, and the antimicrobial time using a time-kill assay. Then, we explored the effects of TTO on acid production and cell integrity. Furthermore, the effects of TTO on the biomass and bacterial activity of S. mutans biofilms were studied. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to investigate the structure and activity of biofilms. The MIC and MBC values were 0.125% and 0.25%, and the bacterial inhibition rate was concentration dependent. TTO can effectively inhibit bacterial acid production and destroy the integrity of the cell membrane. Electron micrographs revealed a reduction in bacterial aggregation, inhibited biofilm formation, and reduced biofilm thickness. The effect of TTO was the same as that of 0.2% CHX at a specific concentration. In summary, we suggest that TTO is a potential anticariogenic agent that can be used against S. mutans.

Highly Compressible Integrated Supercapacitor-Piezoresistance-Sensor System with CNT-PDMS Sponge for Health Monitoring.

Rapid improvement of wearable electronics stimulates the demands for the matched functional devices and energy storage devices. Meanwhile, wearable microsystem requires every parts possessing high compressibility to accommodate large-scale mechanical deformations and complex conditions. In this work, a general carbon nanotube-polydimethylsiloxane (CNT-PDMS) sponge electrode is fabricated as the elementary component of the compressible system. CNT-PDMS sponge performs high sensitivity as a piezoresistance sensor, which is capable of detecting stress repeatedly and owns great electrochemical performance as a compressible supercapacitor which maintains stably under compressive strains, respectively. Assembled with the piezoresistance sensor and the compressible supercapacitor, such highly compressible integrated system can power and modulate the low-power electronic devices reliably. More importantly, attached to the epidermal skin or clothes, it can detect human motions, ranging from speech recognition to breathing record, thus showing feasibility in real-time health monitor and human-machine interfaces.

Two novel mutations in TMEM38B result in rare autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by decreased bone mass and recurrent bone fractures. Transmembrane protein 38B (TMEM38B) gene encodes trimeric intracellular cation channel type B (TRIC-B), mutations of which will lead to the rare form of autosomal recessive OI. Here we detected pathogenic gene mutations in TMEM38B and investigated its phenotypes in three children with OI from two non-consanguineous families of Chinese Han origin. The patients suffered from recurrent fractures, low bone mass, mild bone deformities and growth retardation, but did not have impaired hearing or dentinogenesis imperfecta. Next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed a homozygous novel acceptor splice site variant (c.455-7T>G in intron 3, p.R151_G152insVL) in family 1 and a homozygous novel nonsense variant (c.507G>A in exon 4, p.W169X) in family 2. The parents of the probands were all heterozygous carriers of these mutations. We reported the phenotype and novel mutations in TMEM38B of OI for the first time in Chinese population. Our findings of the novel mutations in TMEM38B expand the pathogenic spectrum of OI and strengthen the role of TRIC-B in the pathogenesis of OI.

Activation of NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection.

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontopathogen, is involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), a proinflammatory cytokine, regulates innate immune responses and is critical for the host defense against bacterial infection. However, excessive IL-1ß is linked to periodontal destruction. IL-1ß synthesis, maturation, and secretion are tightly regulated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and inflammasome activation. We found much higher levels of inflammasome components in the gingival tissues from patients with chronic periodontitis than in those from healthy controls. To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which P. gingivalis infection causes IL-1ß secretion, we examined the characteristics of P. gingivalis-induced signaling in differentiated THP-1 cells. We found that P. gingivalis induces IL-1ß secretion and inflammatory cell death via caspase-1 activation. We also found that P. gingivalis-induced IL-1ß secretion and pyroptic cell death required both NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was mediated by ATP release, the P2X7 receptor, and lysosomal damage. In addition, we found that the priming signal via TLR2 and TLR4 activation precedes P. gingivalis-induced IL-1ß release. Our study provides novel insight into the innate immune response against P. gingivalis infection which could potentially be used for the prevention and therapy of periodontitis.

Preparation of porous lignocellulose biochar adsorbent by cold isostatic pressing pretreatment and study on Hg (II) adsorption properties of C and N dual activity sites.

Utilizing corn straw (CS) mainly composed of lignocellulose to prepare physically modified biochar (PCSB) via cold isostatic pressing (CIP) in order to increase the biochar' s Hg (II) adsorption capacity. The results of the characterization indicated that CIP pretreatment renders PCSB-400' s structure more porous and higher N content of 16.65 %, leading to more N-containing functional groups partaking in the adsorption process. PCSB-400 adsorbed Hg (II) primarily via C/N synergistic complexation and electrostatic attraction between pores, in addition to the presence of redox reactions of surface functional groups on PCSB-400. The adsorption experiment reveals that PCSB-400 has a high selectivity for the adsorption of Hg (II). The adsorption process of Hg (II) by PCSB-400 more closely resembles the Langmuir model and pseudo-first-order adsorption kinetics equation. The adsorption quantity at saturation is 282.52 mg/g at 25 °C. This paper provided an effective idea to selectively remove Hg (II) in wastewater.

Preparation and performance evaluation of a novel orthodontic adhesive incorporating composite dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate-Polycaprolactone fibers.

This study addressed enamel demineralization, a common complication in fixed orthodontic treatment, by evaluating a novel orthodontic adhesive with DMAHDM-PCL composite fibers. These fibers, produced through electrospinning, were incorporated into orthodontic adhesive to create experimental formulations at different concentrations and a control group. The study assessed antimicrobial properties, biosafety, and mechanical characteristics. New orthodontic adhesive exhibited significant bacteriostatic effects, reducing bacterial biofilm activity and concentrations. Incorporating 1% and 3% DMAHDM-PCL did not affect cytocompatibility. Animal tests confirmed no inflammatory irritation. Shear bond strength and adhesive residual index results indicated that antimicrobial fibers didn't impact bonding ability. In conclusion, orthodontic adhesives with 3% DMAHDM-PCL fibers are potential antimicrobial bonding materials, offering a comprehensive solution to enamel demineralization in orthodontic patients.

Influence of different grinding degrees of fly ash on properties and reaction degrees of geopolymers.

This study reports the preparation of geopolymers with a mechanical performance similar to that of cement at room temperature by ground fly ash mixed with a small amount of cement. The grinding time of fly ash raw materials was 0,20,40 and 60 min, respectively. The influence of the grinding degree of the fly ash on the properties and the reaction degree of the geopolymer were investigated by XRD, SEM, EDS, and mercury compression tests. The reaction degree of the fly ash geopolymer was quantified by the selective dissolution method. Increasing the grinding degree of fly ash significantly increased the compressive strength of the geopolymer and the density of the microstructure of materials also increased. Furthermore, porosity and the average pore size decreased and the proportion of small holes in the pores gradually increased. The calculation results were in coincidence with the compressive strength test and the micro-performance test of the material, thus indicating that the selective dissolution method can reflect the influence of the grinding degree on the reaction degree of the geopolymer. Furthermore, the reaction degree of the geopolymer increased as the grinding degree of the fly ash increased. However, the growth rate of the reaction degree for the geopolymer slowed down when the fly ash was ground for more than 40 min.

First Ultrathin Pure Polyoxometalate 2D Material as a Peroxidase-Mimicking Catalyst for Detecting Oxidative Stress Biomarkers.

Although two-dimensional (2D) materials with ultrathin geometry and extraordinary electrical attributes have attracted substantial concern, exploiting new-type 2D materials is still a great challenge. In this work, an unprecedented single-layer pure polyoxometalate (POM) 2D material (2D-1) was prepared by ultrasonically exfoliating a one-dimensional (1D)-chain heterometallic crystalline germanotungstate Na4[Ho(H2O)6]2[Fe4(H2O)2(pic)6Ge2W20O72]·16H2O (1) (Hpic = picolinic acid). The 1D polymeric chain of 1 is assembled from particular {Ge2W20}-based [Fe4(H2O)2(pic)6Ge2W20O72]10- segments through bridging [Ho(H2O)6]3+ cations. 2D-1 is formed by π-π interaction driving force among adjacent 1D polymeric chains of 1. Also, the peroxidase-mimicking properties of 2D-1 toward detecting H2O2 were evaluated and good detection result was observed with a limit of detection (LOD) of 58 nM. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation further confirms that 2D-1 displays outstanding catalytic activity and active sites are located on Fe centers and Hpic ligands. Under the catalysis of uricase, uric acid can be transformed to allantoin and H2O2, and then, H2O2 oxidizes TMB to its blue ox-TMB in the presence of 2D-1 as a catalyst. Then, we utilized this cascade reaction to detect uric acid, which also exhibits prominent results. This research opens a door to prepare ultrathin pure POM 2D materials and broadens the scope of potential applications of POMs in biology and iatrology.

Bioelectrochemical anaerobic membrane bioreactor enables high methane production from methanolic wastewater: Roles of microbial ecology and microstructural integrity of anaerobic biomass.

The disintegration of anaerobic sludge and blockage of membrane pores has impeded the practical application of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) in treating methanolic wastewater. In this study, bioelectrochemical system (BES) was integrated into AnMBR to alleviate sludge dispersion and membrane fouling as well as enhance bioconversion of methanol. Bioelectrochemical regulation effect induced by BES enhanced methane production rate from 4.94 ± 0.52 to 5.39 ± 0.37 L/Lreactor/d by accelerating the enrichment of electroactive microorganisms and the agglomeration of anaerobic sludge via the adhesive and chemical bonding force. 16 S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing demonstrated that bioelectrochemical stimulation had modified the metabolic pathways by regulating the key functional microbial communities. Methanogenesis via the common methylotrophic Methanomethylovorans was partially substituted by the hydrogenotrophic Candidatus_Methanofastidiosum, etc. The metabolic behaviors of methanol are bioelectrochemistry-dependent, and controlling external voltage is thus an effective strategy for ensuring robust electron transfer, low membrane fouling, and long-term process stability.

Postural stability and occlusal status among Japanese elderly.

BACKGROUND: There are still no data available on the relationship between postural stability and occlusal status among the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To examine relationships between postural stability and occlusal status through a cohort study among elderly Japanese. METHOD: Oral examination, occlusal status, postural stability and a questionnaire were conducted and given to 87 community-dwelling Japanese at enrolment. RESULTS: The average occlusal pressure of the female group was statistically higher than the male group while average occlusal pressure and postural stability length were lesser in the group with more remaining teeth. Postural stability area and number of remaining teeth showed statistically significant correlations. Postural stability length was lesser in the group with strong occlusal force. Furthermore, the number of decayed teeth was fewer in the good hygiene group. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a close relationship between occlusal status and postural stability of Japanese older individuals. Occlusal hypofunction was observed more in those with occlusal problems, and a decrease in their occlusal functions resulted in postural instability.

Development and Characterization of Novel Orthodontic Adhesive Containing PCL-Gelatin-AgNPs Fibers.

Enamel demineralization around brackets is a relatively common complication of fixed orthodontic treatment, which seriously affects the aesthetics of teeth. In this study, a novel orthodontic adhesive containing polycaprolactone−gelatin−silver nanoparticles (PCL−gelatin−AgNPs) composite fibers was prepared to prevent enamel demineralization of orthodontic treatment. First, PCL−gelatin−AgNPs fibers film prepared by electrospinning was made into short fibers and added to traditional orthodontic adhesives (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek) in three different ratios to design a series of composite adhesives containing antibacterial materials. The antimicrobial performance of the control product and the three samples were then evaluated by bacterial live/dead staining, colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, tensile bond strength (TBS), and adhesive residue index (ARI) scores. The composite adhesives' antimicrobial properties increased with the increasing content of PCL−gelatin−AgNPs short fibers. The addition of complex antimicrobial fibers to 3M Transbond XT adhesive can significantly reduce the CFU of bacterial biofilms (p < 0.05). The bacterial survival rate on the surface of the specimen decreased with the increase of PCL−gelatin−AgNPs short fibers (p < 0.05). The TBS and ARI values (n = 10) indicated that adding PCL−gelatin−AgNPs short fibers had no significant adverse effect on adhesion. Therefore, adding PCL−gelatin−AgNPs short fibers makes it possible to fabricate orthodontic adhesives with strong antibacterial properties without compromising the bonding ability, which is essential for preventing enamel demineralization around the brackets.

Settleability and dewaterability of sewage sludge with modified diatomite.

In this study, cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM)-modified diatomite and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified diatomite were synthesized and used as conditioners for sewage sludge dewatering. The effects of these two types of modified diatomite on the dewaterability and settling performance of the activated sludge were studied. The mechanisms of the two modified diatomite types in the activated sludge system were elucidated. The efficiency of the CPAM-modified diatomite was better than that of the CTAB-modified diatomite in improving the settleability and dewaterability of sludge. The results indicated that specific resistance to filtration (SRF) was decreased from 8.52 × 1012 to 0.92 × 1012 m/Kg, and the water content in the remaining sludge cake after pumping filtration was decreased from 92.2 to 68.1% by adding 0.4% of CPAM-modified diatomite and pH = 3.5, which resulted in excellent sludge settling of activated sludge. Further studies showed that the polymer/surfactant adsorbed in diatomite increased sludge dewaterability and improved the sedimentation rate owing to stripping extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and damaging the internal structure of the sludge, leading to sludge conduce bound water release. According to scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, the two types of modified diatomite powder maintained the porous structure and showed a more complete and uniform structure compared to natural diatomite.

Effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on cell apoptosis, glucose metabolism, and antibacterial immunity of Eriocheir sinensis.

The adverse effects of plastic waste and nanoplastics on the water environment have become a focus of global attention in recent years. In the present study, using adult Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) as an animal model, the bioaccumulation and the in vivo and in vitro toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs), alone or in combination with the bacteria, were investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PS NPs on apoptosis and glucose metabolism in Chinese mitten crabs, and whether PS NPs could synergistically affect the antibacterial immunity of crabs. We observed that NPs were endocytosed by hemocytes, which are immune cells in crustaceans and are involved in innate immunity. The RNA sequencing data showed that after hemocytes endocytosed NPs, apoptosis and glucose metabolism-related gene expression was significantly induced, resulting in abnormal cell apoptosis and a glucose metabolism disorder. In addition, exposure to NPs resulted in changes in the antimicrobial immunity of crabs, including changes in antimicrobial peptide expression, survival, and bacterial clearance. In summary, NPs could be endocytosed by crab hemocytes, which adversely affected the cell apoptosis, glucose metabolism, and antibacterial immunity of Eriocheir sinensis. This study revealed the effects of NPs on crab immunity and lays the foundation for further exploration of the synergistic effect of NPs and bacteria.

Effect of fluoride exposure on bone metabolism indicators ALP, BALP, and BGP.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the changes in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity and changes in osteocalcin (BGP) content following fluoride exposure and, thereby, determine the reference indications of fluoride-induced changes in bone metabolism. METHODS: In the animal study, rats were allowed free access to drinking water containing different concentrations (10, 150, or 400 mg/L) of sodium fluoride. Serum ALP and BALP activity and serum BGP content were assessed at three exposure time-points. In the spot study, serum ALP and BALP activity and serum BGP content were assessed in workers exposed to fluoride in their working environment for different periods of time. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, on days 15 and 30, the activity of serum ALP in the low- and medium-dose group was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while in the high-dose group it was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Only on day 30 was the activity of serum BALP in the medium-dose group significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). BGP content was lower in the high-dose group than in the control group (p < 0.05) on days 30 and 90, but it was higher in the medium-dose group on day 90. Compared with the control group, BGP content in the fluoride-exposed group was higher (p < 0.05). In the spot study, serum ALP activity and serum BGP content in the medium working-age group were higher than that in the short working-age group (p < 0.05). However, serum ALP activity and serum BGP content were lower in the long working-age group than in the medium working-age group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that serum fluoride and urinary fluoride can be used as reference indications to provide an overall reflection of the body's fluoride-load and fluoride exposure level. Serum ALP activity and serum BGP content can be used as important reference indications for diagnosing bone metabolism changes resulting from fluoride exposure.

[Effect of different orthodontic forces on the expression of T helper cell 17 cell-related cytokines in the pressure side of periodontal tissue in rats].

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the changes in the expression of the characteristic transcription factor retinoid related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and the cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) of T helper cell 17 (Th17) in the pressure side of the periodontal tissue of rats under different orthodontic forces. Their effects on the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the quantity of osteoclast (OC) were also explored. The role of Th17 cell in alveolar bone remodeling under different forces was preliminarily investigated. METHODS: A total of 108 rats were chosen and randomly divided into three groups. Mesial forces of 0, 50, and 100 g were loaded on the maxillary first molar in the three groups. The rats were executed at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days. The expression of RORγt mRNA was quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of IL-17 protein was quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of RORγt and OPG proteins were quantified, and the quantity of OC was counted via immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The expression levels of RORγt and IL-17 and the quantity of OC increased first and then decreased in the 50 and 100 g groups, and the peak values of the two groups were on days 5 and 7, respectively. The expression levels in the 50 g group basically recovered to normal level on day 14, while that in the 100 g group remained at a high level. The expression levels in the 50 g group were higher than those in the 0 g group and lower than those in the 100 g group. The expression of OPG in the 50 g group decreased first, then increased, and finally decreased. It basically recovered to normal level on day 14. The expression of OPG in the 100 g group decreased first and then increased. It remained at a high level on day 14. The expression in the 50 g group was significantly higher than that in the 0 g group on day 7, while the expression in the 100 g group was significantly higher than that in the 0 g group on day 14. CONCLUSIONS: RORγt, IL-17, and OPG were expressed regularly over time under different orthodontic forces, indicating that Th17 participated in the process of bone resorption on the pressure side of periodontal tissue by secreting IL-17.

Ten new nortriterpenes from Euphorbia resinifera and their anti-tomato yellow leaf curl virus activities.

Ten new nortriterpenes, euphorbiumrins A-J (1-10), together with three known analogues (11-13) were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia resinifera. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). Their inhibitions on tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were evaluated and compound 5 exhibited significant anti-TYLCV activity with an inhibition rate of 71.7% at concentration of 40 µg/mL.

Microfluidic colorimetric detection platform with sliding hybrid PMMA/paper microchip for human urine and blood sample analysis.

A microfluidic colorimetric detection (MCD) platform consisting of a sliding hybrid PMMA/paper microchip and a smart analysis system is proposed for the convenient, low-cost and rapid analysis of human urine and whole blood samples. The sliding PMMA/paper microchip comprises a PMMA microfluidic chip for sample injection and transportation, a paper strip for sample filtration (urine) or separation (blood), and a sealed paper-chip detection zone for sample reaction and detection. In the proposed device, the paper-chip is coated with bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and biuret reagent and is then assembled into the PMMA microchip and packaged in aluminum housing. In the detection process, the PMMA/paper microchip is slid partially out of the housing, and 2 µL of sample (urine or whole blood) is dripped onto the sample injection zone. The chip is then slid back into the housing and the sample is filtered/separated by the paper strip and transferred under the effects of capillary action to the sealed paper-chip detection zone. The housing is inserted into the color analysis system and heated at 45 °C for 5 min to produce a purple-colored reaction complex. The complex is imaged using a CCD camera and the RGB color intensity of the image is then analyzed using a smartphone to determine the total protein (TP) concentration of the sample. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using TP control samples with known concentrations in the range of 0.03-5.0 g/dL. The detection results obtained for 50 human urine samples obtained from random volunteers are shown to be consistent with those obtained from a conventional hospital analysis system (R2 = 0.992). Moreover, the detection results obtained for the albumin (ALB) and creatine (CRE) concentrations of 50 whole blood samples are also shown to be in good agreement with the results obtained from the hospital analysis system (R2 = 0.982 and 0.988, respectively).

Removal of intracardiac bone cement embolism after percutaneous kyphoplasty: A case report.

RATIONALE: Leakage of bone cement is a common complication after percutaneous kyphoplasty. In rare cases, bone cement can leak into the venous system, which can be life threatening, especially when it causes an embolism in the heart. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 79-year-old female patient developed chest pain with chest tightness 3 weeks after the percutaneous kyphoplasty. DIAGNOSES: Initially, negative fluoroscopy results and elevated myocardial enzymes suggested that the patient's chest pain and chest tightness symptoms were manifestations of coronary heart disease. However, in the subsequent computed tomography (CT) examination, foreign bodies in the heart and pulmonary vessels were found. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent emergency surgery to remove the bone cement and repair the tricuspid valve. OUTCOMES: The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 13th day after surgery. LESSONS: If a patient develops chest pain with chest tightness after percutaneous kyphoplasty, the clinicians must be vigilant and take into account the limited sensitivity of fluoroscopy and use chest computer tomography and echocardiogram as the first choice and thereby prevent serious consequences.