A Meaningful Attempt: Applying Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma to Induce Polarization of Macrophages.

Macrophage polarization plays an important role in many macrophage-related diseases. This study was designed to preliminarily explore the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on the polarization direction and cell activity of macrophages with different phenotypes (ie, M0, M1, and M2). The M1 macrophage marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and M2 macrophage marker cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206) were detected by western blot (WB). The effects of DBD plasma on macrophage viability were analyzed by using a cell counting kit-8 detection kit. M0, M1, and M2 macrophages exhibited a decrease in iNOS expression and an increase in CD206 expression after the DBD plasma intervention. Additionally, the decrease in macrophage viability remained non-significant after initiating the intervention. DBD plasma can promote the transformation of M0 and M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages, and can further enhance the expression of the M2 macrophage phenotype marker CD206. Our study not only demonstrates the potential therapeutic value of DBD plasma for macrophage-related diseases, but it also provides a new direction for research to improve the treatment of macrophage-related diseases. © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

L-Glutamine alleviates osteoarthritis by regulating lncRNA-NKILA expression through the TGF-ß1/SMAD2/3 signalling pathway.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophyte formation, and accompanied by the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators and degradation of extracellular matrix. The current treatment for early OA is focused on the relief of symptoms, such as pain, but this treatment cannot delay the pathological process. L-Glutamine (L-Gln), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, is the most abundant amino acid in human blood. However, its role in OA has not been systematically studied. Therefore, the objective of this work was to explore the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of L-Gln on OA. In vitro, we found that L-Gln could up-regulate the expression of the long non-coding RNA NKILA, which is regulated by the transforming growth factor-ß1/SMAD2/3 pathway, and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor-κB, thereby decreasing the expression of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). This led to a reduction in the generation of nitrous oxide, prostaglandin E-2, tumour necrosis factor-α, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (i.e. aggrecan and collagen II) in rat OA chondrocytes. Moreover, intragastric administration of L-Gln reduced the degradation of cartilage tissue and expression of MMP-13 in a rat OA model. L-Gln also relieved the clinical symptoms in some patients with early knee joint OA. These findings highlight that L-Gln is a potential therapeutic drug to delay the occurrence and development of OA.

Computational Study of Dynamic Susceptibility and Phase-Matching Angle by Two-Photon Entangled Generation.

Two-photon entangled generation is used to produce an entangled photon source which is a key and core element concerning the technology applications of quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum precision measurement. In this work, we have deduced the formulas of dynamic susceptibility and phase-matching angle of two-photon entangled generation in nonlinear optical crystals. The formulas are employed to compute the susceptibilities and phase-matching angles of these optical processes for uniaxial and biaxial crystals. The susceptibility magnitude and phase-matching condition of two-photon entangled generation affect the performance of the source. The calculated results by these formulas are employed to study properties and estimate the performance of an entangled photon source. In this way, we discuss the phase matching among waves and working wavelength in an entangled source that affects the efficiency of satellite communication with the ground during the day and night.

Ba4GeSb2Se11: An Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystal with a V-Shaped Se32- Group Possessing a Large Contribution to the SHG Response.

The quaternary selenide Ba4GeSb2Se11 was prepared by a high-temperature solid state reaction method. Ba4GeSb2Se11 crystallizes in an acentric orthorhombic space group Cmc21 with the lattice constants a = 9.370(11) Å, b = 25.850(0) Å, and c = 8.798(10) Å. The compound is composed of a [SbSe3]3- trigonal pyramid, [GeSbSe5]3- dimers, V-shaped Se32-, and the adjacent Ba2+ ions. It has indirect band gap of 1.35 eV and exhibits a second harmonic generation intensity of about 0.2 times that of the benchmark compound AgGaS2 at the same particle size. Interestingly, theoretical analyses show that the central Se atom of Se32- has the largest contribution (8.1%) to d31 compared to that of other Se atoms, which may be due to its easy swing in the a-axis direction.

Total hip arthroplasty by direct anterior approach in the lateral position for the treatment of ankylosed hips.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of total hip arthroplasty (THA) via the direct anterior approach (DAA) for the treatment of hip ankylosis in the lateral position. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 24 patients (39 hips) who underwent THA via the DAA in the lateral position for the treatment of hip ankylosis between January 2016 and December 2018. We performed bilateral THA for fifteen patients and unilateral THA for nine patients. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of incisions, straight leg-raising time, length of postoperative hospital stay, operation-related complication, prosthesis position, radiological outcomes, postoperative pain relief (evaluated by VAS) and functional rehabilitation [evaluated by Harris hip score and range of motion (ROM)] were analyzed to determine clinical efficacy. These clinical data were compared and statistically analyzed with the clinical data of another 23 patients (28 hips) who underwent THA via the posterolateral approach (PLA) for the treatment of hip ankylosis in the lateral position. RESULTS: Follow-up was performed at 12-15 months. The incision length in the DAA group and the PLA group was (11.12 ± 1.69 vs. 14.36 ± 3.42) cm, the intraoperative blood loss was (371.25 ± 120.55 vs. 396.80 ± 101.21) ml, the operation time was (122.47 ± 25.40 vs. 138.47 ± 24.45) min, the postoperative hospital stay was (9.59 ± 4.62 vs. 12.08 ± 3.58) days, and the straight leg elevation time was (9.20 ± 2.12 vs. 12.34 ± 3.25) days, respectively. The prosthesis of the two groups was in a good position: The average angle of cup anteversion in the DAA group and the PLA group was (10.76 ± 2.84 vs. 15.36 ± 3.42)°, and the average angle of cup abduction in the DAA group and the PLA group was (40.00 ± 3.45 vs. 41.21 ± 2.85)° (P > 0.05). The VAS score, ROM and Harris score at different follow-up time points were significantly improved in the two groups compared with those before surgery. In the first 3 months after surgery, the VAS score, ROM and Harris score of the DAA group were significantly better than those of the PLA group (P < 0.05), but with the extension of the follow-up time, there was no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups (P > 0.05). One case of greater trochanteric fracture occurred in the DAA group. Two cases of hip posterior dislocations occurred in the PLA group, and no dislocations occurred after manual closed reduction and hip fixation in bed for 1 month to the last follow-up. No complications such as infection, deep vein thrombosis, fat embolism, prosthesis loosening, limb length inequality or joint dislocation were reported. CONCLUSION: THA via the DAA for the treatment of hip ankylosis in the lateral position was safe and effective and had the advantage of reduced trauma, quicker recovery of hip function, lower incidence of postoperative dislocation and ability to expose the acetabulum fully and fit the prosthesis properly, providing satisfactory clinical efficacy.

Mechanical strain promotes osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on TiO2 nanotubes substrate.

Previous studies demonstrated cycle mechanical strain induced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. But in general, MSCs are typically seeded on a flexible membrane or within a soft matrix. TiO2 nanotubes substrate topography plays a critical role in promoting the MSCs response and affects MSCs fate. Titanium implants surface modified by TiO2 nanotubes topography provides the opportunity to improve osseointegration by additionally regulating the MSCs fate. Titanium is one of most commonly used materials in the orthopedics and can undergo elastic deformation under certain mechanical stress. Therefore, for clinic trails, it is necessary to investigate the effect of mechanical strain on osteogenesis of MSCs on TiO2 nanotubes modified titanium substrate. But until now, there has been no research focused on the relationship between mechanical strain and osteogenesis of MSCs on the TiO2 nanotubes topography substrate. Here, we firstly applied the mechanical stress to the TiO2 nanotubes modified titanium specimen to investigate the effects of mechanical strain on the biological behaviors of MSCs. Our present study showed that mechanical strain promoted cell proliferation, spreading and increased vinculin expression of MSCs on the TiO2 nanotubes substrate. Additionally, mechanical strain enhanced the ALP activity and osteogenesis genes expression such as Runx2, BSP, ALP, OPN and OCN. Our results preliminarily demonstrated that mechanical strain enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs through the FAK-Erk1/2-Runx2 pathway on the TiO2 nanotubes substrate.

Ba10In6Zn7S26- nZnS: An Inorganic Composite System with Interface Phase-Matching Tuned for High-Performance Infrared Nonlinear Optical Materials.

Mid- and far-infrared nonlinear optical (MFIR NLO) materials are important in modern laser technologies. However, it is very challenging to develop materials that can achieve a subtle balance between the key requirements, such as large NLO response, high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT), wide IR transparency, and phase-matching. In this work, a new wide IR transparency (0.38-15.3 µm) NLO crystal Ba10In6Zn7S26 (SS26) is synthesized. Further, its composite system Ba10In6Zn7S26- nZnS is synthesized by eutectic reaction. In particular, Ba10In6Zn7S26-14ZnS (SS40) shows excellent balanced NLO performance that includes a large band gap of 3.05 eV, high LIDT (13.3 × AgGaS2), large second harmonic generation (SHG) response (2.1 × AgGaS2 at 2050 nm, 5.2 × KDP at 1064 nm), and wide optical transmission window (0.37-15.4 µm). Importantly, the phase-matching condition is realized for SS40 by interfaces formed between the crystal face (112) of matrix SS26 and the crystal face (111) of reinforcement cubic ZnS by topological chemical reaction, and the NLO performance can be tuned by different concentrations of ZnS. First-principles simulations are employed to study NLO properties of SS26 and the interfaces. This work demonstrates that SS40 is a promising MFIR NLO material, and tuning components of the composite material system is a useful way to develop new MFIR NLO materials with excellent comprehensive performance.

Thermoelectric properties of two-dimensional selenene and tellurene from group-VI elements.

Single-layered two-dimensional (2D) materials have become very attractive due to their novel electronic behavior after the discovery of graphene. Here, we report the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of single-layered 2D selerium (selenene) and tellurium (tellurene) by using density functional theory calculation. Both selenene and tellurene show three-phonon limited thermal conductivity. The prominent anharmonic phonon scattering process for tellurene makes it show the lowest lattice thermal conductivity among 2D single elemental materials till now. Their special square unit cells give rise to a highly anisotropic electronic structure along the zigzag and the armchair direction. The large effective mass and Seebeck coefficient along the armchair direction suggest that the thermal performance is better than that of the zigzag direction. The effect of spin-orbit coupling increases the band gap and is found to be crucial for tellurene. These studies provide a way to tune the thermoelectric properties of selenene and tellurene in the future.

Mini-subvastus versus medial parapatellar approach for total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Whether minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (MIS-TKA) could offer better and faster recovery without the deviation of post-operative prosthesis position and limb alignment is still controversial. This prospective and randomized study was conducted to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between patients who underwent the mini-subvastus approach of MIS-TKA and those who underwent the medial parapatellar approach of traditional TKA. METHODS: Fifty patients, including 50 knees, who required TKA due to osteoarthritis were randomized to the mini-subvastus group (group I) or the medial parapatellar group (group II). All patients accepted the same method of anaesthesia, equal support therapy and identical rehabilitation exercise after surgery. The evaluation system included operation time, tourniquet time, blood loss, skin incision length in flexion, straight leg raising time, the time of lower limb muscle strength up to grade 4, the time of walking with aid or without aid, the time of walking up and down the stairs, the active flexion angle, range of movement (ROM), the Knee Society Scores (KSS), visual analogue score for pain (VAS), hospital stays and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: The mini-subvastus approach offered smaller skin incision length in flexion, but at the cost of operation time (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in tourniquet time and blood loss. The patients in group I could achieve straight leg raising, the lower limb muscle strength up to grade 4, walking with or without aid, and walking up and down the stairs earlier (P < 0.001). The active flexion angle, ROM, VAS and KSS in group I were superior to those in group II until six months post-operatively (P < 0.001), but the differences was not apparent at 12 months post-operatively. More importantly, there was no significant difference between the two groups on radiological outcomes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The mini-subvastus approach could offer faster recovery, less pain and shorter hospital stays without compromising the principles of proper prosthesis position and limb alignment compared with the medial parapatellar approach.

Theoretical Evaluation of Terahertz Sources Generated From SnGa4 Q7 (Q=S, Se) as Infrared Nonlinear Optical Materials.

We theoretically evaluated the integrated knowledge that contributes to conversion efficiency, including the phonon, photon, and electron properties of infrared nonlinear optical materials such as SnGa4 Q7 (Q=S, Se), which are terahertz (THz) sources. Specifically, we developed a new formula to calculate the susceptibility of the difference frequency generation (DFG) optical process. By evaluating the characteristics of the materials themselves in the THz region, we found that a larger nonlinear susceptibility or a large figure of merit resulted in a large efficiency of the THz source by comparing the findings of SnGa4 Se7 and SnGa4 S7 under the same experimental conditions; furthermore, THz absorption was found to reduce the efficiency of the THz source for the two SnGa4 Q7 (Q=S, Se) materials. The efficiency of the THz source also depended on the experimental conditions. A large crystal size, strong pump intensity, and small THz wavelength resulted in better efficiency of the THz source based on the DFG process. The efficiency was found to be a comprehensive index to evaluate the THz source based on the DFG process.

Exceptional thermoelectric performance of a "star-like" SnSe nanotube with ultra-low thermal conductivity and a high power factor.

Efficient thermoelectric energy conversion is both crucial and challenging, and requires new material candidates by design. From first principles simulations, we identify that a "star-like" SnSe nanotube - with alternating dense and loose rings along the tube direction - gives rise to an ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity, 0.18 W m-1 K-1 at 750 K, and a large Seebeck coefficient, compared with single crystal SnSe. The power factor of the p-type SnSe nanotube reaches its maximum value of 235 µW cm-1 K-2 at a moderate doping level of around 1020-1021 cm-3. The p-type nanotube shows better thermoelectric properties than the n-type one. The phonon anharmonic scattering rate of the SnSe nanotube is larger than that of the SnSe crystal. All of these factors lead to an exceptional figure-of-merit (ZT) value of 3.5-4.6 under the optimal conditions, compared to 0.6-2.6 for crystalline SnSe. Such a large ZT value should lead to a six-fold increase in the energy conversion efficiency to about 30%.

Lanthanum lead oxide hydroxide nitrates with a nonlinear optical effect.

Two new lanthanum lead oxide hydroxide nitrates with acentric structure, [LaPb8O(OH)10(H2O)](NO3)7 (1) and [LaPb8O(OH)10(H2O)](NO3)7·2H2O (2), have been prepared under subcritical hydrothermal conditions and crystallize in the space groups of Cc and P2(1)2(1)2(1), respectively. The crystal structure of compound 1 consists of the novel [LaPb8O(OH)10(H2O)](7+) clusters regularly arranged along the ab plane with nitrate ions as the counterions around the clusters by Pb-O bonds, developing into a three-dimensional net framework, while the structure of compound 2 is composed of [LaPb8O(OH)10(H2O)](7+) clusters and [NO3](-) groups as the bridging groups, forming a three-dimensional net framework with crystallized water molecules filling in the gaps. The experiments confirmed that compound 1 is the residue of compound 2 after efflorenscence. Besides, the [LaPb8O(OH)10(H2O)](7+) clusters present mirror symmetry in structures of the two compounds. The second-harmonic-generation (SHG) measurements for the two nitrates indicate that the SHG responses for compounds 1 and 2 are 1.3 and 1.1 times that of KH2PO4, respectively. Theoretical calculations confirmed that the SHG efficiency of compounds 1 and 2 mainly arises from the NO3(-) groups in the structure.

Na4La2(CO3)5 and CsNa5Ca5(CO3)8: two new carbonates as UV nonlinear optical materials.

Two nonlinear optical crystal carbonates (Na4La2(CO3)5 and CsNa5Ca5(CO3)8 were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method, and both of them crystallized in the same noncentrosymmetric hexagonal space group P63mc (No. 186). The structure of Na4La2(CO3)5 consists of a three-dimensional network made up of [CO3] triangles as well as irregular [Na(0.67)La(0.33)O10] and [NaO8] polyhedra. The structure of CsNa5Ca5(CO3)8 can be described as the standing-on-edge [CO3] groups connect the adjacent infinite [CaCO3]∞ layers in the ab plane to construct a framework with four types of channels running parallel to [010]. The Na, Cs, and [Na(0.67)Ca(0.33)] atoms reside in these channels. The measurement of second harmonic generation (SHG) by the method adapted from Kurtz and Perry indicated that Na4La2(CO3)5 and CsNa5Ca5(CO3)8 were phase-matchable in the visible region and exhibited SHG responses of approximately 3 and 1 × KH2PO4 (KDP). Meanwhile, they exhibited wide transparent region with short UV cutoff edge at about 235 and 210 nm, respectively, suggesting that these crystals as NLO materials may have potential applications in the UV region.

Series of lead oxide hydroxide nitrates obtained by adjusting the pH values of the reaction systems.

A series of lead(II) nitrates have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method and adjusting the pH values of the reaction systems. Pb20O6(OH)16(NO3)12 and Pb2O(OH)NO3, crystallize in the centrosymmetric space group P1̅ and Pbca, respectively. The structure of Pb20O6(OH)16(NO3)12 features infinite cationic chains of [Pb20O6(OH)16]∞ running along c axis, and the nitrate groups as the counterions reside between adjacent chains, while the structure of Pb2O(OH)NO3 can be described as alternate stacking of cationic [Pb2O(OH)]∞ layers with anionic [NO3](-) layers along [001] direction by the weak Pb-O bonds, forming a 3D framework with 1D tunnels of 12-member rings (MRs). [Pb4(OH)4](NO3)4, crystallizing in the noncentrosymmetric space group Cc, has been studied as the nonlinear optical material for the first time. The second harmonic generation (SHG) measurement indicates that the SHG responses of [Pb4(OH)4](NO3)4 are 0.7 times that of KDP. Theoretical calculations confirmed the SHG efficiency of [Pb4(OH)4](NO3)4 originates from the cooperative effect of NO3(-) groups and lead oxygen polyhedras in the structure. Meanwhile, the relationship between pH value and ratio of Pb/OH(-) in the molecules presents a positive correlation, which results in the diversity of these structures under different pH value.

Screening of diagnostic biomarkers for ferroptosis-related osteoarthritis and construction of a risk-prognosis model.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent and commonly chronic joint disease that frequently develops among the elderly population. It is not just a single tissue that is affected, but rather a pathology involving the entire joint. Among them, synovitis is a key pathological change in OA. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death that results from the buildup of lipid peroxidation. However, the role and impact of it in OA are yet to be explored. Objective: The key to this work is to uncover the mechanisms of ferroptosis-related OA pathogenesis and develop more novel diagnostic biomarkers to facilitate the diagnostic and therapeutic of OA. Materials and methods: Download ferroptosis-related genes and OA synovial chip datasets separately from the FerrDB and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Identify ferroptosis differentially expressed genes using R software, obtain the intersection genes through two machine learning algorithms, and obtain diagnostic biomarkers after logistic regression analysis. Verify the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of specific genes for OA through the construction of clinical risk prognostic models using ROC curves and nomogram. Simultaneously, correlations between specific genes and OA immune cell infiltration co-expression were constructed. Finally, verify the differential presentation of specific genes in OA and health control synovium. Results: Obtain 38 ferroptosis differentially expressed genes through screening. Based on machine learning algorithms and logistic regression analysis, select AGPS, BRD4, RBMS1, and EGR1 as diagnostic biomarker genes. The diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of the four specific genes for OA has been validated by ROC curves and nomogram of clinical risk prognostic models. The analysis of immune cell infiltration and correlation suggests a close association between specific genes and OA immune cell infiltration. Further revealing the diagnostic value of specific genes for OA by the differential presentation analysis of their differential presentation in synovial tissue from OA and health control. Conclusion: This study identified four diagnostic biomarkers for OA that are associated with iron death. The establishment of a risk-prognostic model is conducive to the premature diagnosis of OA, evaluating functional recovery during rehabilitation, and guidance for subsequent treatment.

CEP55, serving as a diagnostic marker gene for osteosarcoma, triggers the JAK2-STAT3-MMPs axis.

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) stands as the prevailing form of primary bone cancer in clinical practice. Lack of effective treatment options and an overall poor prognosis are caused by the disease's exceptionally rare occurrence and unclear rationale. Objective: This study's goal is to determine diagnostic marker genes involved in the progression of OS and investigate related pathways and mechanisms with the purpose of offering effective methods for OS diagnostics and therapy. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus database provided the gene microarray data. Core genes were identified through differential expression analysis and WGCNA. Three techniques for machine learning, random forest, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and support vector machine recursive feature elimination, were used to further screen the core genes and obtain diagnostic marker genes for OS. The specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic marker genes for OS diagnosis were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Western blotting analysis was used for preliminary validation of the diagnostic marker genes and their related pathways. Results: Two diagnostic marker genes were identified through screening, including CEP55 and VWF. Receiver operating characteristic curves have been utilized to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic effects of CEP55 and VWF on OS. Western blotting analysis preliminarily validated the overexpression of CEP55 in OS and its capacity to control MMP2 and MMP9 levels by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: At the first time, this research shows that CEP55 and VWF are more powerful diagnostic and predictive indicators for OS. CEP55 holds the capacity to activate the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and modulate MMP2 and MMP9 levels, thereby positioning it as a promising target in OS treatment.

In vitro evaluation of BMSCs early proliferation on minocycline-loaded electrospun nanofibers membrane.

BACKGROUND: Electrospun nanofibers could simulate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the host bone, while minocycline (MINO) is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic which has been found to have multiple non-antibiotics biological effects that promotes osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims at constructing a polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun nanofiber membrane loaded with MINO to enhance Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) adhesion and proliferation for early clinical treatment. METHODS: The MINO-PLA membrane were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in vitro drug release study. The antibacterial ability was also investigated. In addition, in vitro cellular proliferation experiment was performed to verify whether the PLA electrospun nanofibers membrane loaded with MINO enhance BMSCs adhesion and proliferation. RESULTS: Analyzing the drug release and cell growth results, it was found that only the effective concentration of MINO-PLA could help the growth of BMSCs in the short term. This is related to the drug release rate of MINO-PLA and the initial concentration of MINO. CONCLUSION: This study shows that by controlling the concentration and release rate of MINO with electrospinning PLA, BMSCs could proliferate on it, and a new bone repair material had been made in this study.

A Biocompatible Nanofibers Modified by Plasma for Osteoblast Growth Differentiation.

This work employs nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) to modify electrospinning polylactic acid membranes and immobilizes basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) by forming crosslinking bonds. The study investigates the modified membranes' surface characteristics and the stimulatory effects of crosslinked bFGF polylactic acid membranes on osteoblast and fibroblast proliferation. The PIII process occurs under low vacuum conditions and is controlled by processing time and power pulse width. The experimental results indicate that, within a 400-second N2-PIII treatment, the spun fibers remain undamaged, demonstrating an increase in hydrophilicity (from 117° to 38°/36°) and nitrogen content (from 0% to 7.54%/8.05%). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis suggests the formation of a C-N-C=O crosslinked bond. Cell culture and activity assessments indicate that the PIII-treated and crosslinked bFGF film exhibits significantly higher cell growth activity (p < 0.05) than the untreated group. These intergroup differences are attributed to the surface crosslinking bond content. In osteogenic induction, the results for each day show that the treated group performs better. However, the intergroup disparities within the crosslinked bFGF group disappear with prolonged culture time due to the rapid osteogenesis prompted by bFGF. The findings suggest that PIII treatment of electrospinning polylactic acid membranes holds promise in promoting osteogenesis in bone tissue scaffolds.

CsPbCO3F: a strong second-harmonic generation material derived from enhancement via p-π interaction.

The combination of Pb(2+) cations with lone-pair electrons and F(-) anions with the largest electronegativity into the carbonate generates a new nonlinear optical material, CsPbCO3F, with the largest powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) response among carbonates of about 13.4 times that of KDP (KH2PO4), and transparency over the near-UV to middle-IR region. The optical characterization of the compound indicates that it is phase matchable. Its crystal structure exhibits the stacking of [CsF]∞ and [Pb(CO3)]∞ layers, and the coplanar alignment of [CO3] triangles which are oriented in the same direction. Yet the Pb(2+) cation has an inert or nonstereoactive lone-pair, as indicated by its more spherical shape. Theoretical calculations confirm that the extremely large SHG efficiency indeed originates from enhancement via p-π interaction between Pb(2+) and [CO3](2-) within the [Pb(CO3)] layers.

Synthesis and magnetic properties of a new borophosphate SrCo2BPO7 with a four-column ribbon structure.

A new borophosphate SrCo2BPO7 is synthesized by a conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction. The titled compound is found to crystallize in monoclinic system with space group P21/c, which displays a distorted four-column ribbon structure. Both BO3 triangles and PO4 tetrahedra are isolated, while irregular triangles built by Co(2+) ions are found to exist between the connecting ribbons. Magnetic behaviors are investigated by means of susceptibility, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. The results confirm that SrCo2BPO7 possesses a three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering at 25 K. The possible spin arrangements in the system are also suggested.