Atypical neural encoding of faces in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience pervasive difficulties in processing social information from faces. However, the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying social trait judgments of faces in ASD remain largely unclear. Here, we comprehensively addressed this question by employing functional neuroimaging and parametrically generated faces that vary in facial trustworthiness and dominance. Behaviorally, participants with ASD exhibited reduced specificity but increased inter-rater variability in social trait judgments. Neurally, participants with ASD showed hypo-activation across broad face-processing areas. Multivariate analysis based on trial-by-trial face responses could discriminate participant groups in the majority of the face-processing areas. Encoding social traits in ASD engaged vastly different face-processing areas compared to controls, and encoding different social traits engaged different brain areas. Interestingly, the idiosyncratic brain areas encoding social traits in ASD were still flexible and context-dependent, similar to neurotypicals. Additionally, participants with ASD also showed an altered encoding of facial saliency features in the eyes and mouth. Together, our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social trait judgments in ASD.

Pharmacokinetic Analyses of a Lipid Nanoparticle-Encapsulated mRNA-Encoded Antibody against Rift Valley Fever Virus.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) could cause an emergency illness characterized by fever, muscle pain, and even death in humans or ruminants. However, there are no approved antiviral drugs that prevent or treat RVFV infection. While therapeutic antibodies have shown promising potential for prevention or treatment in several studies, many studies are ongoing, especially in the field of infectious diseases. Among these studies, the mRNA-LNP platform shows great potential for application, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, we have obtained a neutralizing antibody against RVFV, which was named A38 protein and verified to have a high binding and neutralization ability. In this study, we aimed to identify an effectively optimized sequence and expressed the prioritized mRNA-encoded antibody in vitro. Notably, we effectively expressed mRNA-encoded protein and used the mRNA-LNP platform to generate A38-mRNA-LNP. Pharmacokinetic experiments were conducted in vivo and set up in two groups of mRNA-A38 group and A38 protein group, which were derived from mRNA-LNP and plasmid DNA-expressed proteins, respectively. A38-mRNA-LNPs were administrated by intramuscular injection, A38 proteins were administrated by intravenous administration, and their unique ability to maintain long-lasting protein concentrations by mRNA-encoded protein was demonstrated with the mRNA-encoded protein providing a longer circulating half-life compared to injection of the free A38 protein. These preclinical data on the mRNA-encoded antibody highlighted its potential to prevent infectious diseases in the future.

Dextran Macroinitiator for Synthesis of Polysaccharide-b-Polypeptide Block Copolymers via NCA Ring-Opening Polymerization.

Synthesis of polysaccharide-b-polypeptide block copolymers represents an attractive goal because of their promising potential in delivery applications. Inspired by recent breakthroughs in N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) ring-opening polymerization (ROP), we present an efficient approach for preparation of a dextran-based macroinitiator and the subsequent synthesis of dextran-b-polypeptides via NCA ROP. This is an original approach to creating and employing a native polysaccharide macroinitiator for block copolymer synthesis. In this strategy, regioselective (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation of the sole primary alcohol located at the C-6 position of the monosaccharide at the nonreducing end of linear dextran results in a carboxylic acid. This motif is then transformed into a tetraalkylammonium carboxylate, thereby generating the dextran macroinitiator. This macroinitiator initiates a wide range of NCA monomers and produces dextran-b-polypeptides with a degree of polymerization (DP) of the polypeptide up to 70 in a controlled manner (D < 1.3). This strategy offers several distinct advantages, including preservation of the original dextran backbone structure, relatively rapid polymerization, and moisture tolerance. The dextran-b-polypeptides exhibit interesting self-assembly behavior. Their nanostructures have been investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and adjustment of the structure of block copolymers allows self-assembly of spherical micelles and worm-like micelles with varied diameters and aspect ratios, revealing a range of diameters from 60 to 160 nm. Moreover, these nanostructures exhibit diverse morphologies, including spherical micelles and worm-like micelles, enabling delivery applications.

Nonionic Water-Soluble Oligo(ethylene glycol)-Modified Polypeptides with a ß-Sheet Conformation.

The secondary structures of polypeptides, such as an α-helix and a ß-sheet, often impart specific properties and functions, making the regulation of their secondary structures of great significance. Particularly, water-soluble polypeptides bearing a ß-sheet conformation are rare and challenging to achieve. Here, a series of oligo(ethylene glycol)-modified lysine N-carboxylic anhydrides (EGmK-NCA, where m = 1-3) and the corresponding polymers EGmKn are synthesized, with urethane bonds as the linker between the side-chain EG and lysine. The secondary structure of EGmKn is delicately regulated by both m and n, the length (number of repeating units) of EG and the degree of polymerization (DP), respectively. Among them, EG2Kn adopts a ß-sheet conformation with good water solubility at an appropriate DP and forms physically cross-linked hydrogels at a concentration as low as 1 wt %. The secondary structures of EG1Kn can be tuned by DP, exhibiting either a ß-sheet or an α-helix, whereas EG3Kn appears to a adopt pure and stable α-helix with no dependence on DP. Compared to previous works reporting EG-modified lysine-derived polypeptides bearing exclusively an α-helix conformation, this work highlights the important and unexpected role of the urethane connecting unit and provides useful case studies for understanding the secondary structure of polypeptides.

A new Urbacodon (Theropoda, Troodontidae) from the Upper Cretaceous Iren Dabasu Formation, China: Implications for troodontid phylogeny and tooth biology.

Tooth attachment and replacement play significant roles in the feeding ecology of polyphyodont vertebrates, yet these aspects have remained largely unexplored in non-avialan paravians including troodontids. Here, we describe a new troodontid species, Urbacodon norelli sp.n., recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Iren Dabasu Formation of Inner Mongolia, China, based on an incomplete right dentary and 12 associated replacement teeth. Urbacodon norelli is distinguished from all other known troodontids, including its relative U. itemirensis from Uzbekistan, by several features: the presence of paired dentary symphyseal foramina, the presence of a relatively steep anterior margin of the dentary, the absence of a dentary chin, the presence of a common groove hosting the anterior 12 dentary teeth, and the presence of relatively larger dentary teeth. Phylogenetic analysis places both species of Urbacodon as sister taxa to Zanabazar junior, confirming their status as later-diverging troodontids. Radiographs revealed an alternating tooth replacement pattern in U. norelli, with a maximum Zahnreihen-spacing estimated to be 3. During tooth replacement, the anteriorly inclined interdental septa, which wedge between anterior dentary teeth, underwent frequent remodelling as the developing tooth moved upwards, particularly anterolabially. This rapid turnover left insufficient time for an interdental plate to form, resulting in the absence of such structures in this specimen. The frequent remodelling of periodontal tissues accompanying tooth replacement is likely to account for the absence of interdental plates. The discovery of this new troodontid expands our understanding of paravian theropods from the Upper Cretaceous Iren Dabasu Formation and provides valuable insights into troodontid tooth biology.

Clinicopathological characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of BRAF mutations in ameloblastoma: A Bayesian network analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to analyze the associations between clinicopathological characteristics and BRAF mutations in ameloblastoma (AM) patients and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched from 2010 to 2024. The search terms used were specific to BRAF and AM. Observational studies or randomized controlled trials were considered eligible. The incidence of BRAF mutation and corresponding clinicopathological features in AM patients were subjected to Bayesian network analyses and diagnostic accuracy evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 937 AM patients from 20 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of BRAF mutations in AM patients was 72%. According to the Bayesian network analysis, BRAF mutations are more likely to occur in younger (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; credible interval [CrI]: 1.2-4.5), mandible site (OR, 3.6; 95% CrI: 2.7-5.2), and unicystic (OR, 1.6; 95% CrI: 1.1-2.4) AM patients. Similarly, higher diagnostic accuracy was found in the younger, mandible, and unicystic AM groups. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence, risk, and diagnostic accuracy of BRAF mutation in AM were greater in younger patients, those with mandible involvement, and those with unicystic AM than in patients with other clinicopathological features. In addition, there was a strong concordance in the diagnostic accuracy between molecular tests and immunohistochemical analysis.

Mandibular cortical bone remodeling characteristics in patients with extraction: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the labial and lingual cortical bone remodeling characteristics of mandibular central incisors after retraction, which remain controversial among orthodontists. METHODS: Cortical bone remodeling and central incisor movement of 33 patients (aged 23.64 ± 4.30 years) who underwent mandibular first premolar extraction and incisor retraction at the crestal (S1), midroot (S2), and apical (S3) levels were analyzed using superimposed cone-beam computed tomography images on the basis of voxel-based registration of the mandibular stable region. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore the relationships between labial bone remodeling/tooth movement (BT) ratios and factors such as the ANB angle, mandibular plane angle (Mp-SN), and incisor movement patterns. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the lingual cortical bone remodeling condition and the relationship between posttreatment incisor roots and the original lingual cortical bone border. At the 3 levels (S1, S2, and S3), the classifications of cortical bone remodeling of the mandibular incisors were calculated; t tests were used to compare the amount of labial and lingual bone remodeling, BT ratios, and lingual bone remodeling/root over the original border (BRo) ratios. RESULTS: The mean labial BT ratios at all 3 levels were close to 1. Multivariate linear regression indicated that the tooth movement pattern negatively correlated with the BT ratio at the S2 and S3 levels (P <0.05). Lingual bone apposition occurs when the root penetrates the original lingual cortical bone border in most patients. BRo ratios can more accurately reflect the inherent remodeling ability of the lingual cortical bone than BT ratios. The mean lingual BRo ratios were (1) S1 level: mandibular left central incisor (T31), 0.87 ± 0.25 and mandibular right incisor (T41), 0.86 ± 0.25; (2) S2 level: T31, 0.81 ± 0.12 and T41, 0.80 ± 0.22; and (3) S3 level: T31, 0.76 ± 0.20 and T41, 0.83 ± 0.26. There was no significant difference between labial BT ratios and lingual BRo ratios at the S2 and S3 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of labial cortical bone resorption caused by mandibular incisor retraction showed varied relationships with the amount of tooth movement. Bodily retraction may decrease the labial BT ratios at the S2 and S3 levels. Active lingual cortical bone apposition occurred when the roots penetrated the original lingual border and exhibited strong remodeling ability.

Maxillary cortical bone remodeling characteristics in extraction patients: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate labial and palatal cortical bone remodeling (BR) characteristics and related aspects of maxillary incisors after retraction, as these aspects are still controversial among orthodontists. METHODS: Cortical BR and incisor movement of 44 patients (aged 26.18 ± 4.71 years) who underwent maxillary first premolar extraction and incisor retraction were analyzed using superimposed cone-beam computed tomography images. Labial BR/tooth movement (BT) ratios at the crestal, midroot (S2), and apical (S3) levels were compared using the Friedman test and pairwise comparisons. Multivariate linear regressions were used to explore the relationships between the labial BT ratio and several factors, including age, ANB angle, mandibular plane angle, and incisor movement patterns. According to the type of palatal cortical BR observed, the patients were divided into 3 groups: type I (no BR without root penetration of the original palatal border [RPB]), type II (BR with RPB), and type III (no BR with RPB). Student's t test was used to compare the type II and III groups. RESULTS: The mean labial BT ratios at all levels were <1.00 (0.68-0.89). This value at the S3 level was significantly smaller than that at the crestal and S2 levels (P <0.01). Multivariate linear regression indicated that the tooth movement pattern negatively correlates with the BT ratio at S2 and S3 levels (P <0.01). Type I was noted in 40.9% of the patients, and similar proportions exhibited type II (29.5%, 25.0%) or type III remodeling (29.5%, 34.1%). The retraction distance of the incisors in type III patients was significantly larger than in type II patients (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of cortical BR secondary to maxillary incisor retraction is less than the tooth movement. Bodily retraction may lead to lower labial BT ratios at the S3 and S2 levels. Roots penetrating the original border of the cortical plate are necessary for palatal cortical BR initiation.

Vertically Oriented Porous PET as Template to Integrated Metal Halide for High-Performance Large-Area and Ultra-Flexible X-Ray Detector.

High-performance X-ray detectors have immense potential in medical and security inspections. However, the current X-ray detectors are limited in flexible, high-spatial-resolution large-scale detection, and integration for imaging. Here, nuclear track-etched porous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is developed as the template for preparing uniform, large-area (≥105 cm2 ), and flexible metal halide (MH)-based X-ray detectors. Adjustable high-density vertically oriented porous PET with adjustable thickness can provide proper physical support for flexible thick absorption film, thus improving X-ray absorption ability with excellent bending stability. Moreover, vertical channels can block the ion migration, lateral charge diffusion, and water/oxygen attacks, increasing activation energy for ionic transport, charge collection rate of electrodes, and environmental stability. Hence, the related detectors eventually obtain large sensitivity (6722 µC Gyair -1 cm-2 ), low detection limit (1.87 nGyair s-1 ), and high spatial resolution (5.17 lp mm-1 ) compared to the detectors without porous PET template. Meanwhile, the device shows no degradation after storage or working under various thermal attacks. MH-filled-PET is also monolithically integrated on the bottom circuit with different MHs and it is applied to single-pixel mode and fast linear-array imaging in a broad range of X-rays photon energy (20 to 160 keV).

Macrophage Polarization Modulated by NF-κB in Polylactide Membranes-Treated Peritendinous Adhesion.

Foreign body reactions (FBR) to implants seriously impair tissue-implant integration and postoperative adhesion. The macrophage, owing to its phenotypic plasticity, is a major regulator in the formation of the inflammatory microenvironment; NF-κB signaling also plays a vital role in the process. It is hypothesized that NF-κB phosphorylation exerts a proinflammatory regulator in FBR to polylactide membranes (PLA-M) and adhesion. First, in vitro and in vivo experiments show that PLA-M induces NF-κB phosphorylation in macrophages, leading to M1 polarization and release of inflammatory factors. The inflammatory microenvironment formed due to PLA-M accelerates myofibroblast differentiation and release of collagen III and MMP2, jointly resulting in peritendinous adhesion. Therefore, JSH-23 (a selective NF-κB inhibitor)-loaded PLA membrane (JSH-23/PLA-M) is fabricated by blend electrospinning to regulate the associated M1 polarization for peritendinous anti-adhesion. JSH-23/PLA-M specifically inhibits NF-κB phosphorylation in macrophages and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesion properties. The findings demonstrate that NF-κB phosphorylation has a critical role in PLA-induced M1 polarization and aggravating FBR to PLA-M. Additionally, JSH-23/PLA-M precisely targets modulation of NF-κB phosphorylation in FBR to break the vicious cycle in peritendinous adhesion therapy.

Nanocomposites based on quasi-networked Au1.5Pt1Co1 ternary alloy nanoparticles and decorated with poly-L-cysteine film for the electrocatalytic application of hydroquinone sensing.

A mildly one-pot method is developed for the synthesis of quasi-networked Au1.5Pt1Co1 ternary alloy nanoparticles (TANPs) at room temperature through the co-reduction of AuCl4-, PtCl6- and Co2+ with hydrazine hydrate. Characterizations of XRD, XPS, HRTEM, EDS and SAED successfully reveal the crystal structure, composition, valence and morphology of Au1.5Pt1Co1 TANPs, respectively. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by Au1.5Pt1Co1 TANPs with good dispersion and multi-density surface defects occupies the optimal electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). After the coated poly-L-cysteine (P-L-Cys) film on the Au1.5Pt1Co1/GCE surface, the morphology, element mapping and surface roughness of the P-L-Cys/Au1.5Pt1Co1/GCE are investigated via FESEM and AFM to verify continuous electrode modification processes. The electrochemical behaviors of the composite electrode for hydroquinone (HQ) are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) with interfacial properties of adsorption and diffusion. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for HQ electrochemical sensing at 0.10 V (vs. SCE) exhibits two linear response ranges from 0.1 to 30 and 30-200 µM, respectively. A low detection limit (S/N = 3) of 0.045 µM is obtained with a sensitivity of 4.247 µA µM-1·cm-2. The resulting P-L-Cys/Au1.5Pt1Co1/GCE also presents ascendant selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility and stability. In addition, the established method is applied to the assessment of the HQ level in real water samples (mineral water, tap water and lake water) with the satisfactory results of spiked recoveries. The sensor may become a promising tool for the trace analysis of the electroactive substance in food or environmental samples.

Carboxyl-functionalized hollow polymer microspheres for detection of trace metal elements in complex food matrixes by ICP-MS assisted with solid-phase extraction.

In this work, carboxyl-functionalized hollow polymer microspheres (CHPMs) was successfully fabricated using poly (styrene-itaconic anhydride) particles as the core template and itaconic anhydride and trans-anethole cross-linked with divinylbenzene as the shell. The desirable microspheres and hollow structure of CHPMs were demonstrated by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, respectively. The characterized CHPMs as an adsorbent was packed into a solid phase extraction column to simultaneously detect the V(V), Cr(III), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in digested food samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A series of experimental parameters of solid-phase extraction (SPE) were investigated through vast experiments to improve sensitivity of the proposed method in metal ions detection. The detection limits of the method reached 0.8-3.2 ng L-1 for the target elements, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 1.2% to 3.5% were obtained from eleven parallel experiments using a 1.0 µg L-1 sample solution. The stability allowed the material to withstand more than 15 cycling while the recoveries remained above 88%. In food samples, the detection limits were at 0.20-0.80 µg kg-1, and satisfactory recoveries of 85-104% were obtained in spike tests of laver, fish as well as chicken.

Sialic Acid Conjugate-Modified Liposomal Dexamethasone Palmitate Targeting Neutrophils for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy: Influence of Particle Size.

Many anti-inflammatory therapies targeting neutrophils have been developed so far. A sialic acid (SA)-modified liposomal (SAL) formulation, based on the high expression of L-selectin in peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) and SA as its targeting ligand, has proved to be an effective neutrophil-mediated drug delivery system targeting rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of particle size of drug-carrying SALs transported and delivered by neutrophils on their anti-RA effect. Dexamethasone palmitate-loaded SALs (DP-SALs) of different particle sizes (300.2 ± 5.5 nm, 150.3 ± 4.3 nm, and 75.0 ± 3.9 nm) were prepared with DP as a model drug. Our study indicated that DP-SALs could efficiently target PBNs, with larger liposomes leading to higher drug accumulation in cells. However, a high intake of large DP-SALs by PBNs inhibited their migration ability and capacity to release the payload at the target site. In contrast, small DP-SALs (75.0 ± 3.9 nm) could maintain the drug delivery potential of PBNs, leading to their efficient accumulation at the inflammatory site, where PBNs would be excessively activated to form neutrophil extracellular traps along with efficient payload release (small DP-SALs) and finally to induce excellent anti-RA effect.

Nano-crystalline cellulose-coated magnetic nanoparticles for affinity adsorption of glycoproteins.

A new core-shell structured nanomaterial based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles and 2,3-dialdehyde nanocrystalline cellulose (DAC) coating and its high efficiency in the preconcentration of glycoproteins were described in this work. DAC was obtained after the periodate oxidation of nanocrystalline cellulose to form aldehyde groups; then, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with DAC, which were further attached to 4-aminophenylboronic acid (PBA) to form PBA-functionalized magnetic core-shell structured materials (Fe3O4@DAC-PBA). The oxidation of cellulose and the production of sufficient amounts of aldehyde group sites were essential for the preparation of Fe3O4@DAC-PBA used for the affinity adsorption of glycoproteins because the aldehyde groups on DAC allowed DAC to attach to the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and bind with PBA, which was active in forming a complex with the glyco sites in glycoproteins. Moreover, the preconcentration properties of Fe3O4@DAC-PBA through PBA adsorption can be pH-triggered without the disassembly of the structures; thus, the developed Fe3O4@DAC-PBA can be efficiently prepared to provide a promising affinity material for the affinity adsorption and purification of glycoproteins.

The clinical characteristics of situational syncope in children and adults undergoing head-up tilt testing.

OBJECTIVE: Situational syncope is a subtype of neurally mediated syncope and associated with specific circumstances. This paper is to assess the clinical characteristics and underlying causes of situational syncope. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent head-up tilt testing (HUTT). Medical records including age at HUTT, gender, number of syncopal episodes, family history of syncope, triggers before the syncopal episode, position during the syncopal episode and the responses to HUTT were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 3140 patients, 354 patients (mean age 28.3 ± 16.6 years old, with 184 males and 170 females) were diagnosed with situational syncope. The causes of situational syncope included micturition (50.85%), defecation (15.82%), bathing (10.45%), swallowing (6.50%), cough (4.80%), post-dinner (3.95%), singing (3.11%), teeth brushing (2.26%), and hair grooming (2.26%). Patients with syncope triggered by micturition, cough, post-dinner were more likely to be men, while those caused by bathing, swallowing, singing, teeth brushing and hair grooming were more likely to be women. 34.75% of patients with situational syncope were between the ages of 10-19 years old, and 20.34% were between the ages of 40-49 years old. 74.01% of situational syncopal events occurred in an upright position. 47.74% of patients had positive responses to HUTT. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that micturition was the most common cause of situational syncope in both children and adults. There were significant gender and age differences among situational syncope triggered by different causes. Most of situational syncope occurred in the upright position and nearly half of the patients had positive responses to HUTT.

Heterochronic truncation of odontogenesis in theropod dinosaurs provides insight into the macroevolution of avian beaks.

Beaks are innovative structures characterizing numerous tetrapod lineages, including birds, but little is known about how developmental processes influenced the macroevolution of these important structures. Here we provide evidence of ontogenetic vestigialization of alveoli in two lineages of theropod dinosaurs and show that these are transitional phenotypes in the evolution of beaks. One of the smallest known caenagnathid oviraptorosaurs and a small specimen of the Early Cretaceous bird Sapeornis both possess shallow, empty vestiges of dentary alveoli. In both individuals, the system of vestiges connects via foramina with a dorsally closed canal homologous to alveoli. Similar morphologies are present in Limusaurus, a beaked theropod that becomes edentulous during ontogeny; and an analysis of neontological and paleontological evidence shows that ontogenetic reduction of the dentition is a relatively common phenomenon in vertebrate evolution. Based on these lines of evidence, we propose that progressively earlier postnatal and embryonic truncation of odontogenesis corresponds with expansion of rostral keratin associated with the caruncle, and these progenesis and peramorphosis heterochronies combine to drive the evolution of edentulous beaks in nonavian theropods and birds. Following initial apomorphic expansion of rostral keratinized epithelia in perinatal toothed theropods, beaks appear to inhibit odontogenesis as they grow postnatally, resulting in a sequence of common morphologies. This sequence is shifted earlier in development through phylogeny until dentition is absent at hatching, and odontogenesis is inhibited by beak formation in ovo.

GO/Bi2S3 Doped PVDF/TPU Nanofiber Membrane with Enhanced Photothermal Performance.

Photothermal conversion materials have attracted wide attention due to their efficient utilization of light energy. In this study, a (GO)/Bi2S3-PVDF/TPU composite nanofiber membrane was systematically developed, comprising GO/Bi2S3 nanoparticles (NPs) as a photothermal conversion component and PVDF/TPU composite nanofibers as the substrate. The GO/Bi2S3 NPs were synthesized in a one-step way and the PVDF/TPU nanofibers were obtained from a uniformly mixed co-solution by electrospinning. GO nanoparticles with excellent solar harvesting endow the GO/Bi2S3-PVDF/TPU membrane with favorable photothermal conversion. In addition, the introduction of Bi2S3 NPs further enhances the broadband absorption and photothermal conversion properties of the GO/Bi2S3-PVDF/TPU composite membrane due to its perfect broadband absorption performance and coordination with GO. Finally, the results show that the GO/Bi2S3-PVDF/TPU composite membrane has the highest light absorption rate (about 95%) in the wavelength range of 400-2500 nm. In the 300 s irradiation process, the temperature changes in the GO/Bi2S3-PVDF/TPU composite membrane were the most significant and rapid, and the equilibrium temperature of the same irradiation time was 81 °C. Due to the presence of TPU, the mechanical strength of the composite film was enhanced, which is beneficial for its operational performance. Besides this, the morphology, composition, and thermal property of the membranes were evaluated by corresponding test methods.

The expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in the compression area during orthodontic relapse.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in the compression area during orthodontic relapse in rat molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats (6 weeks old) underwent orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) of the left first maxillary molar for 21 days, followed by removal of the force device. The contralateral maxillary molar served as a control with no mechanical force stimuli. Animals were sacrificed at 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of relapse after force withdrawal. Tooth relapse and alveolar bone parameters were measured using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Maxilla sections were obtained for haematoxylin and eosin (HE), immunohistochemical staining [EMMPRIN, nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Correlation analyses were then performed. RESULTS: After force removal, nearly 79.88% of the total relapse occurred within the initial 3 days. The number of osteoclasts clearly increased while the alveolar bone density decreased on the pressure side on Day 3 of relapse. Moreover, the EMMPRIN expression level significantly increased on Day 1, peaked up on Day 3 and decreased on Days 7 and 14. Statistically, a strong positive correlation was found between EMMRPIN expression and the osteoclast number and RANKL and VEGF expression. CONCLUSION: EMMPRIN was highly expressed on the pressure side during the orthodontic tooth relapse, which could be involved in osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption in association with RANKL and VEGF expression.

Alendronate-Modified Polymeric Micelles for the Treatment of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis.

Although the prognosis of patients with breast cancer continues to improve, breast cancer metastasis to bones remains high in incidence and challenging to manage. Here, we report the development of bone-homing alendronate (ALN)-anchored biodegradable polymeric micelles for the targeted treatment of metastatic cancer to bone. These micelles exhibited bone protective capacity including the recruitment, differentiation, and resorption activity of the osteoclasts. Encapsulation of docetaxel (DTX), the first-line chemotherapeutic for treatment of metastatic breast cancer, in ALN-modified micelles results in a sustained release, enhanced cytotoxicity, and improved pharmacokinetics. In the syngeneic animal model of late-stage disseminated breast cancer bone metastasis, the treatment with targeted DTX-loaded micelles attenuated the tumorigenesis and significantly improved animal lifespan compared to the conventional surfactant-based formulation (free DTX). These findings indicate potential applications of the osteotropic nanomedicines for bone metastasis treatment.

A practicable strategy for enrichment and separation of four minor flavonoids including two isomers from barley seedlings by macroporous resin column chromatography, medium-pressure LC, and high-speed countercurrent chromatography.

Separation of minor compounds especially with similar polarities and structures from complex samples is a challenging work. In the present study, an efficient method was successfully established by macroporous resin column chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography, and high-speed countercurrent chromatography for separation of four minor flavonoids from barley seedlings. Macroporous resin column chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography were used for enrichment of these four flavonoids. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis showed the total content of these four flavonoids increased from 2.2% in the crude extract to 95.3% in the medium-pressure liquid chromatography fraction. It was indicated that the combination of macroporous resin column chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography could be a practicable strategy for enrichment of minor compounds from complex sample. Then, high-speed countercurrent chromatography was employed for separation of these four flavonoids using ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (0.1% glacial acetic acid) (4:1:5, v/v/v) as solvent system. As a result, four flavonoids including two isomers with purities higher than 98% were obtained. Interestingly, two flavonoids existing in one high-pressure liquid chromatography peak were also successfully separated. All these indicated high-speed countercurrent chromatography had great potential for separation of compounds with similar structures and polarities. This study provides a reference for efficient enrichment and separation of minor compounds from complex sample.