Cation Bimetallic MOF Anchored Carbon Fiber for Highly Efficient Microwave Absorption.

Carbon fiber (CF) is a potential microwave absorption (MA) material due to the strong dielectric loss. Nevertheless, owing to the high conductivity, poor impedance matching of carbon-based  materials results in limited MA performance. How to solve this problem and achieve excellent MA performance remains a principal challenge. Herein, taking full advantage of CF and excellent impedance matching of bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOF) derivatives layer, an excellent microwave absorber based on micron-scale 1D CF and NiCoMOF (CF@NiCoMOF-800) is developed. After adjusting the oxygen vacancies of the bimetallic MOF, the resultant microwave absorber presented excellent MA properties including the minimum reflection loss (RLmin ) of -80.63 dB and wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.01 GHz when its mass percent is only 5 wt.% and the thickness is 2.59 mm. Simultaneously, the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin (EP)-based coating with this microwave absorber are effectively improved. The hardness (H), elastic modulus (E), bending strength, and compressive strength of CF@NiCoMOF-800/EP coating are 334 MPa, 5.56 GPa, 82.2 MPa, and 135.8 MPa, which is 38%, 15%, 106% and 53% higher than EP coating. This work provides a promising solution for carbon materials achieving excellent MA properties and mechanical properties.

Bioinspired Nanolayered Structure Tuned by Extensional Stress: A Scalable Way to High-Performance Biodegradable Polyesters.

The nacre-inspired multi-nanolayer structure offers a unique combination of advanced mechanical properties, such as strength and crack tolerance, making them highly versatile for various applications. Nevertheless, a significant challenge lies in the current fabrication methods, which is difficult to create a scalable manufacturing process with precise control of hierarchical structure. In this work, a novel strategy is presented to regulate nacre-like multi-nanolayer films with the balance mechanical properties of stiffness and toughness. By utilizing a co-continuous phase structure and an extensional stress field, the hierarchical nanolayers is successfully constructed with tunable sizes using a scalable processing technique. This strategic modification allows the robust phase to function as nacre-like platelets, while the soft phase acts as a ductile connection layer, resulting in exceptional comprehensive properties. The nanolayer-structured films demonstrate excellent isotropic properties, including a tensile strength of 113.5 MPa in the machine direction and 106.3 MPa in a transverse direction. More interestingly, these films unprecedentedly exhibit a remarkable puncture resistance at the same time, up to 324.8 N mm-1, surpassing the performance of other biodegradable films. The scalable fabrication strategy holds significant promise in designing advanced bioinspired materials for diverse applications.

A Biomimetic Fibrous Composite Scaffold with Nanotopography-Regulated Mineralization for Bone Defect Repair.

The effective regeneration of large bone defects via bone tissue engineering is challenging due to the difficulty in creating an osteogenic microenvironment. Inspired by the fibrillar architecture of the natural extracellular matrix, we developed a nanoscale bioengineering strategy to produce bone fibril-like composite scaffolds with enhanced osteogenic capability. To activate the surface for biofunctionalization, self-adaptive ridge-like nanolamellae were constructed on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) electrospinning scaffolds via surface-directed epitaxial crystallization. This unique nanotopography with a markedly increased specific surface area offered abundant nucleation sites for Ca2+ recruitment, leading to a 5-fold greater deposition weight of hydroxyapatite than that of the pristine PCL scaffold under stimulated physiological conditions. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) cultured on bone fibril-like scaffolds exhibited enhanced adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. In a rat calvarial defect model, the bone fibril-like scaffold significantly accelerated bone regeneration, as evidenced by micro-CT, histological histological and immunofluorescence staining. This work provides the way for recapitulating the osteogenic microenvironment in tissue-engineered scaffolds for bone repair.

Antibacterial, Fatigue-Resistant, and Self-Healing Dressing from Natural-Based Composite Hydrogels for Infected Wound Healing.

The treatment of infected wounds faces substantial challenges due to the high incidence and serious infection-related complications. Natural-based hydrogel dressings with favorable antibacterial properties and strong applicability are urgently needed. Herein, we developed a composite hydrogel by constructing multiple networks and loading ciprofloxacin for infected wound healing. The hydrogel was synthesized via a Schiff base reaction between carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized sodium alginate, followed by the polymerization of the acrylamide monomer. The resultant hydrogel dressing possessed a good self-healing ability, considerable compression strength, and reliable compression fatigue resistance. In vitro assessment showed that the composite hydrogel effectively eliminated bacteria and exhibited an excellent biocompatibility. In a model of Staphylococcus aureus-infected full-thickness wounds, wound healing was significantly accelerated without scars through the composite hydrogel by reducing wound inflammation. Overall, this study opens up a new way for developing multifunctional hydrogel wound dressings to treat wound infections.

Transperitoneal vs retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a double-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing Retroperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (RLRN) and Transperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (TLRN). METHODS: A total of 120 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were randomized into either RLRN or TLRN group. Mainly by comparing the patient perioperative related data, surgical specimen integrity, pathological results and tumor results. RESULTS: Each group comprised 60 patients. The two group were equivalent in terms of perioperative and pathological outcomes. The mean integrity score was significantly lower in the RLRN group than TLRN group. With a median follow-up of 36.4 months after the operation, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant difference between RLRN and TLRN in overall survival (89.8% vs. 88.5%; P = 0.898), recurrence-free survival (77.9% vs. 87.7%; P = 0.180), and cancer-specific survival (91.4% vs. 98.3%; P = 0.153). In clinical T2 subgroup, the recurrence rate and recurrence-free survival in the RLRN group was significantly worse than that in the TLRN group (43.2% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.046). Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis showed that RLRN (HR: 3.35; 95%CI: 1.12-10.03; P = 0.030), male (HR: 4.01; 95%CI: 1.07-14.99; P = 0.039) and tumor size (HR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.01-1.51; P = 0.042) were independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that although RLRN versus TLRN had roughly similar efficacy, TLRN outperformed RLRN in terms of surgical specimen integrity. TLRN was also significantly better than RLRN in controlling tumor recurrence for clinical T2 and above cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=24400 ), identifier: ChiCTR1800014431, date: 13/01/2018.

Ultra-Wide Range, High Sensitivity Piezoresistive Sensor Based on Triple Periodic Minimum Surface Construction.

Flexible piezoresistive sensors with biological structures are widely exploited for high sensitivity and detection. However, the conventional bionic structure pressure sensors usually suffer from irreconcilable conflicts between high sensitivity and wide detection response range. Herein, a triple periodic minimum surface (TPMS) structure sensor is proposed based on parametric structural design and 3D printing techniques. Upon tailoring of the dedicated structural parameters, the resulting sensors exhibit superior compression durability, high sensitivity, and ultra-high detection range, that enabling it meets the needs of various scenes. As a model system, TPMS structure sensor with 40.5% porosity exhibits an ultra-high sensitivity (132 kPa-1 in 0-5.7 MPa), wide detection strain range (0-31.2%), high repeatability and durability (1000 cycles in 4.41 MPa, 10000 s in 1.32 MPa), and low detection limit (1% in 80 kPa). The stress/strain distributions have been identified using finite element analysis. Toward practical applications, the TPMS structural sensors can be applied to detect human activity and health monitoring (i.e., voice recognition, finger pressure, sitting, standing, walking, and falling down behaviors). The synergistic effects of MWCNTs and MXene conductive network also ensure the composite further being utilized for electromagnetic interference shielding applications.

Extensional Stress-Induced Ductility of Poly(l-lactide) Films: Role of the Entangled Network in Amorphous Regions.

The relationship between the density of the entangled amorphous network and the ductility of oriented poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) films is explored based on the preferential hydrolysis of the amorphous regions in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). PLLA films with a balance of ductility and stiffness have been prepared by the "casting-annealing stretching" based on mechanical rejuvenation, and the structural evolution and mechanical properties at different hydrolysis durations have been identified. Various stages are found during the transition of ductility to brittleness for hydrolyzed PLLA films. First, the elongation at break for hydrolyzed PLLA films remains unchanged in the first stage of hydrolysis and then gradually decreases. Eventually, the films turn to be brittle in the third stage. The strain-hardening modulus (GR) of the hydrolyzed films is utilized to reflect the density of the entangled amorphous network, and a gradual decrease of GR with hydrolysis time indicates the decisive role of the amorphous entanglement network in the mechanical rejuvenation-induced ductility of PLLA. The quantitative relationship between the entangled amorphous network and the stress-induced ductility of PLLA films is revealed. The dependence of deformation behavior on entangled amorphous network density is closely correlated to activated primary structure during deformation. The intact chain network plays a crucial role in sufficiently activating the primary structure to yield and disentanglement during the subsequent necking. These findings could advance the understanding of the PLLA's ductility induced by mechanical rejuvenation and offer guidance for awakening the intrinsic toughness of PLLA.

Adiponectin overexpression promotes fracture healing through regulating the osteogenesis and adipogenesis balance in osteoporotic mice.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis invariably manifests as loss of bone, which is replaced by adipose tissue; this can easily lead to fractures, accompanied by delayed and poor healing. Adiponectin (APN) balances osteogenesis and adipogenesis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Therefore, this study explored whether adiponectin promotes bone fracture healing by regulating the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used adenovirus overexpression vectors carrying APN (Ad-APN-GFP) to treat ovariectomized (OVX) mouse BMSCs and osteoporotic bone fractures to investigate the role of APN in bone microenvironment metabolism in osteoporotic fractures. We subsequently established an OVX mice and bone fracture model using Ad-APN-GFP treatment to investigate whether APN could promote bone fracture healing in osteoporotic mice. RESULTS: The experimental results showed that APN is a critical molecule in diverse differentiation directions in OVX mouse BMSCs, with pro-osteogenesis and anti-adipogenesis properties. Importantly, our study revealed that Ad-APN-GFP treatment facilitates bone generation and healing around the osteoporotic fracture ends. Moreover, we identified that Sirt1 and Wnt signaling were closely related to the pro-osteogenesis and anti-adipogenesis commitment of APN in OVX mouse BMSCs and femoral tissues. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that APN overexpression facilitates bone fracture healing in osteoporosis. Furthermore, APN overexpression promoted bone formation in OVX mouse BMSCs and bone fracture ends by regulating the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.

Dapagliflozin modulates the faecal microbiota after myocardial infarction in non-diabetic mice.

The gut microbiota seems to be a major modulator of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction. Dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), is an antidiabetic agent that was recently utilized in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on the faecal microbiota of postinfarction non-diabetic mice. A total of 19 male mice were randomly divided into three groups, where two groups were enduced with myocardial infarction (MI) by left anterior descending ligation. One day after the surgery, each group was administered normal saline (15 mL/kg/day, 0.9%) or dapagliflozin (1.5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was obtained on day 28 post MI. Masson's trichrome staining was used to determine the degree of fibrosis. Faecal samples were collected to assess the microbiome by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. We found that dapagliflozin significantly improved cardiac function in the non-diabetic myocardial infarction mice model after the 28-day treatment, especially in ejection fraction and fractional shortening (p < 0.01). Enterotypes were composed of Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae after dapagliflozin treatment, while Muribaculaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were the main enterotypes post-MI. Dapagliflozin increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillaceae, while decreasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteriaceae. It was interesting to discover that Proteobacteria (especially Desulfovibrionaceae) were enriched after the dapagliflozin treatment for myocardial infarction. Dapagliflozin increased the abundance of the main beneficial bacteria. In post-myocardial infarction treatments, using dapagliflozin could positively contribute to the improvement of cardiac function and alter the structure of faecal microbiota.

Functional Regulation of ZnAl-LDHs and Mechanism of Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2: A DFT Study.

Defect engineering and heteroatom doping can significantly enhance the activity of zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxides (ZnAl-LDHs) in photocatalytic CO2 reduction to fuel. However, the in-depth understanding of the associated intrinsic mechanisms is limited. Herein, we systematically investigated Zn vacancies (VZn), oxygen vacancies (VO), and Cu doping on the geometry and electronic structure of ZnAl-LDH using density functional theory (DFT). We also revealed the related reaction mechanism. The results reveal the concerted roles of VO, VZn, and doped-Cu facilitate the formation of the unsaturated metal complexes (Znδ+-VO and Cuδ+-VO). They can localize the charge density distribution, function as new active centers, and form the intermediate band. Simultaneously, the intermediate band of functionalized ZnAl-LDHs narrows the band gap and lowers the band edge location. Therefore, it can broaden the absorption range of light and improve the selectivity of CO. Additionally, the unsaturated metal complex lowers the Gibbs free energy barrier for effective CO2 activation by bringing the d-band center level closer to the Fermi level. The work provided guidance for developing LDH photocatalysts with high activity and selectivity.

Topographic Cues Guiding Cell Polarization via Distinct Cellular Mechanosensing Pathways.

Cell polarization exists in a variety of tissues to regulate cell behaviors and functions. Space constraint (spatially limiting cell extension) and adhesion induction (guiding adhesome growth) are two main ways to induce cell polarization according to the microenvironment topographies. However, the mechanism of cell polarization induced by these two ways and the downstream effects on cell functions are yet to be understood. Here, space constraint and adhesion induction guiding cell polarization are achieved by substrate groove arrays in micro and nano size, respectively. Although the morphology of polarized cells is similar on both structures, the signaling pathways to induce the cell polarization and the downstream functions are distinctly different. The adhesion induction (nano-groove) leads to the formation of focal adhesions and activates the RhoA/ROCK pathway to enhance the myosin-based intracellular force, while the space constraint (micro-groove) only activates the formation of pseudopodia. The enhanced intracellular force caused by adhesion induction inhibits the chromatin condensation, which promotes the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. This study presents an overview of cell polarization and mechanosensing at biointerface to aid in the design of novel biomaterials.

Reorganization of Hydrogen Bonding in Biobased Polyamide 5,13 under the Thermo-Mechanical Field: Hierarchical Microstructure Evolution and Achieving Excellent Mechanical Performance.

The hierarchical microstructure evolution of an emerging biobased odd-odd polyamide 5,13 (PA5,13) films under the thermo-mechanical field, stepping from hydrogen bond (H-bond) arrangement to the crystalline morphology, has been investigated systematically. It is found that the reorganization of H-bonds under the thermo-mechanical field plays a crucial role in the crystallization of PA5,13. Especially, it is revealed that the crystallization process under the thermo-mechanical field develops along the chain axis direction, while lamellar fragmentation occurs perpendicular to the chain axis. Consequently, a stable and well-organized H-bond arrangement and lengthened lamellae with significant orientation have been constructed. Laudably, an impressive tensile strength of about 500 MPa and modulus of about 4.7 GPa are thus achieved. The present study could provide important guidance for the industrial-scale manufacture of high-performance biobased odd-odd PAs with long polymethylene segment in the dicarboxylic unit combined with a large difference between the polymethylene segments in the dicarboxylic and diamine units.

Central Nervous System-Infecting Pathogens Escherichia coli and Cryptococcus neoformans Exploit the Host Pdlim2 for Intracellular Traversal and Exocytosis in the Blood-Brain Barrier.

Microbial penetration of the blood-brain barrier, a prerequisite for the development of central nervous system (CNS) infection, involves microbial invasion, intracellular traversal, and exocytosis. Microbial invasion of the blood-brain barrier has been investigated, but the molecular basis for microbial traversal and exit from the blood-brain barrier remains unknown. We performed transcriptome analysis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) infected with Escherichia coli and Cryptococcus neoformans, representative bacterial and fungal pathogens common in CNS infections. Among the targets upregulated in response to E. coli and C. neoformans infection, PDLIM2 was knocked down by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) in HBMEC for further investigation. We demonstrated that Pdlim2 specifically regulated microbial traversal and exit from HBMEC by assessing microbial invasion, transcytosis, intracellular multiplication, and egression. Additionally, the defective exocytosis of internalized E. coli cells from the PDLIM2 shRNA knockdown cells was restored by treatment with a calcium ionophore (ionomycin). Moreover, we performed proximity-dependent biotin labeling with the biotin ligase BioID2 and identified 210 potential Pdlim2 interactors. Among the nine Pdlim2 interactors enriched in response to both E. coli and C. neoformans infection, we selected MPRIP and showed that HBMEC with knockdown of MPRIP mimicked the phenotype of PDLIM2 knockdown cells. These results suggest that the CNS-infecting microbes hijack Pdlim2 and Mprip for intracellular traversal and exocytosis in the blood-brain barrier.

3D printed graphene/polyurethane wearable pressure sensor for motion fitness monitoring.

The structural design of three-dimensional (3D) flexible wearable sensors using conductive polymer composites is a hot spot in current research. In this paper, honeycomb-shaped flexible resistive pressure sensors with three different support structures were manufactured by using thermoplastic polyurethane and graphene nanoplatelets composites based on fused deposition 3D printing technology. Based on the various 3D conductive network of the sensors, the flexible sensor exhibit excellent piezoresistive performance, such as adjustable gauge factor (GF) (13.70-54.58), exceptional durability and stability. A combination of representative volume element and finite element simulations was used to simulate the stress distribution of sensors with different structures to predict the structure's effect on the sensor GF. In addition, the sensor can be attached to human body to monitor the body's swallowing and walking behaviors. The sensor has prospective process applications for intelligent wearable devices.

Velocity mismatch effect on the dynamic MTF of a TDI image sensor.

By analyzing the process of time delay integration dynamic imaging, we establish a model of velocity mismatch. Based on this model, we analyze the influence of different factors on the dynamic imaging process, and a modulation transfer function (MTF) is used to evaluate imaging quality. According to the simulation, the velocity mismatch and scan stage are the main factors for image quality. The MTF of the image sensor decreases with the velocity mismatch, and the scan stage increases. In addition, an image with higher contrast can be obtained in a short integration time. However, a shorter integration time leads to insufficient sampling. Furthermore, we establish a dynamic MTF testing system, and evaluate the experiment at different imaging modes. Through data comparison, the experimental data are consistent with theoretical data.

Dermoscopic features of port-wine stains: A study of 264 cases.

BACKGROUND: Port-wine stains (PWS) occur in 0.3-0.5% of the population. However, the dermoscopic features of PWS have not been systematically studied. METHODS: Dermoscopic images of 264 cases with PWS were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Linear vessels were the most frequent dermoscopic features of PWS (42.0%). Other dermoscopic features were reticular vessels (28.0%), sausage-like vessels (13.6%), dots or globules vessels (9.1%) and mixed vessels (7.2%). Nonvascular morphology comprised white circles (13.6%) and whitish veil (38.3%). Sausage-like vessels and whitish veil were mainly present in the thickened type and in those with PWS aged ≥18 years; mixed vessels were mainly present in purple type of PWS. Dermoscopic features showed no significant difference between lesions located on different facial areas (V1, V2 and V3). Dots or globular vessels were more common in non-facial lesions (P < 0.0001). White circles were only found in the facial lesions, and the frequency of white circles and whitish veil was higher in the treated group than in the untreated group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.04, respectively). The frequency of white circles was significantly higher in the prior treated group than in the untreated group (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: There are various of dermoscopic features of PWS. The dermoscopic features of patients with PWS may correlate with age, subtype, location, prior treatment history and pulsed dye laser (PDL) resistance.

Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates reproductive function injury in C57BL/6J mice induced by di-N-butyl-phthalate.

With the aggravation of environmental pollution, the incidence of infertility is increasing. Ginsenoside Rg1 is a monomer component extracted from Panax ginseng. It has been found that Ginsenoside Rg1 is able to prevent premature ovarian failure and delay testicular senescence. Therefore, we speculate Ginsenoside Rg1 may have great potential to prevent and treat infertility. The aim of this work is to explore whether Ginsenoside Rg1 plays a protective role in the dinbutyl phthalate (DBP)-induced reproductive function injury mice, and to elucidate the potential mechanism. C57BL/6J male mice were administered by DBP with or without Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment and serum, testis and epididymis were collected for further analysis. Sperm analysis, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and serum hormone detection indicated that Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment improved the sperm density and sperm motility, reduced the testicular tissue damage, increased the serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels, and decreased the serum follicle-stimulating hormone level in DBP-induced mice. Furthermore, Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment upregulated expression levels of spermatogenesis-related protein, Cx43, E-cadherin, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and mTOR in the mice treated by DBP, observed by using a immunohistochemistry assay, a real-time quantitative PCR assay, and a western blot analysis. The present study reveals that Ginsenoside Rg1 may exert anti-DBP-induced reproductive function injury in C57BL/6J mice. In addition, the protect role of Ginsenoside Rg1 in spermatogenesis may be associated with the regulation of reproductive hormones, upregulation of spermatogenic associated proteins expression, restoration of the gap junctions, and the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.

[Effects of gaseous formaldehyde fluctuating exposure on medical students' subjective symptoms and pulmonary function].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of fluctuating gaseous formaldehyde in an anatomy laboratory and to investigate its effects on the subjective symptoms and the lung functions of medical students working there. METHODS: To measure the levels of formaldehyde gas at different physical ventilation times at the center of the study laboratory by the gaseous formaldehyde detector. A total of 251 of second-year medical students were randomly selected from 1004 students participating in the anatomy operation as the survey subjects, 77 medical students were randomly selected for lung function assessment. The subjective symptoms of the medical students exposed to this gas were investigated via questionnaire surveys before, during and after the dissection operation. The probable lung function damages caused by the exposure before and after the operation were also measured using various parameters. RESULTS: The concentration of gaseous formaldehyde decreased with an increase in the ventilation time(P<0. 05), but it was always higher than the occupational health standard(0. 50 mg/m~3). The gas concentration above the dissecting table(0. 43-2. 89 mg/m~3) was significantly higher than that at the center of the laboratory(0. 34-2. 31 mg/m~3)(P<0. 05). The levels of the gas in the thoracic and abdominal cavities(0. 67-2. 89 mg/m~3) were significantly higher than those in the superficial fascia(0. 50-2. 13 mg/m~3) and deep layer of the back(0. 34-1. 48 mg/m~3)(P<0. 05). When compared with that at the pre-operative period, the prevalence of most subjective symptomssuch as itchy eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, dyspnea, headache, and lack of energy increased significantly during the operation and decreased thereafter(P<0. 05). After the procedure, forced expiratory volume 1(FEV1)/forced vital capacity(FVC), FEV1, peak expiratory flow(PEF), FEF25%-75%, maximum expiratory flow 25%(MEF25%), and FEF50%-75% were found to be lower in comparison with the corresponding values recorded before the operation(P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: Existing physical ventilation facilities are difficult to reduce the concentration of gaseous formaldehyde below the safety threshold. Exposure to ultra-high concentrations of gaseous formaldehyde caused a significant increase in subjective symptoms of medical students with secondary pulmonary function impairment.

Interconnected Microdomain Structure of a Cross-Linked Cellulose Nanocomposite Revealed by Micro-Raman Imaging and Its Influence on Water Permeability of a Film.

Substantial adsorption of water vapor triggered by hydrogen-bonding interactions between water molecules and cellulose chains (or nanoplates) is hard to avoid in nanocomposite films, although the addition of nanoplates can improve the oxygen (or carbon dioxide) barrier property. In the present work, an effective strategy is raised to decline adsorption by weakening hydrogen-bonding interactions via chemical cross-linking by epichlorohydrin (ECH) without sacrificing the homogeneous dispersion of nanoplates. The generated microdomain structure of the chemical cross-linking reaction via ECH is explicitly revealed by micro-Raman imaging. Unambiguously, Raman maps of scanning elucidate the distribution and morphology of physical and chemical cross-linking domains quantitatively. The chemical cross-linking domains are nearly uniformly located in the matrix at a low degree of cross-linking, while the interconnected and assembled networks are formed at a high degree of cross-linking. ECH boosts the formation of chemical cross-linking microdomains, bringing out the terrific water vapor barrier property and alleviating the interfacial interactions in penetration, consequently magnifying the water contact angle and holding back the water vapor permeability. Our methodology confers an effective and convenient strategy to obtain remarkable water vapor-resistant cellulose-based films that meet the practical application in the packaging fields.

Clinical, radiological features and surgical strategies for 23 NF1 patients with intraorbital meningoencephalocele.

Intraorbital meningoencephalocele is a rare manifestation of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) caused by secondary changes in sphenoid dysplasia, and it seriously affects patients' vision and facial appearance. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 23 patients with NF1 and intraorbital meningoencephalocele, summarized the surgical strategies employed, and evaluated their clinical efficacy in order to better understand its management in clinical practice, establish a reasonable surgical strategy, and assess prognosis. Before surgery, 22 patients had unilateral pulsatile exophthalmos, 18 patients had significant visual impairment, and 13 patients had ptosis associated with an orbital plexiform neurofibroma (PNF). All 23 patients underwent microsurgical craniotomy with skull base reconstruction using a soft titanium mesh. One month after surgery, the degree of exophthalmos in the 22 (95.65%) patients was significantly reduced compared with before surgery (P < 0.001), and ocular pulsation had subsided. The visual acuity did not decrease significantly (P = 0.298) compared with before surgery. Eleven (47.83%) patients received phase-II eyelid PNF resection and/or oculoplastic surgery, and the degree of ptosis was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). There was no recurrence of pulsatile exophthalmos, displacement of titanium mesh, decreased visual acuity, or increased degree of ptosis noted during follow-up. The best strategy is to reconstruct the skull base under microscopy to relieve pulsating exophthalmos and preserve existing visual function. In cases of ptosis caused by an eyelid PNF, surgical resection should be performed as soon as possible to remove the tumor, and/or oculoplastic surgery should be performed to improve the cosmetic outcome.