BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is common in patients with sepsis and septic shock. AIM: To analyse the decrease in the number of platelets for predicting bloodstream infection in patients with sepsis and septic shock in the intensive care unit. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted with sepsis and septic shock in Xingtai People Hospital was revisited. Patient population characteristics and laboratory data were collected for analysis. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 85 (39%) inpatients with bloodstream infection, and the control group consisted of 133 (61%) with negative results or contamination. The percentage decline in platelet counts (PPCs) in patients positive for pathogens [57.1 (41.3-74.6)] was distinctly higher than that in the control group [18.2 (5.1-43.1)] (P < 0.001), whereas the PPCs were not significantly different among those with gram-positive bacteraemia, gram-negative bacteraemia, and fungal infection. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve of the platelet drop rate was 0.839 (95%CI: 0.783-0.895). CONCLUSION: The percentage decline in platelet counts is sensitive in predicting bloodstream infection in patients with sepsis and septic shock. However, it cannot identify gram-positive bacteraemia, gram-negative bacteraemia, and fungal infection.
A large proportion of patients with chronic pain experience co-morbid anxiety. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is proposed to underlie this comorbidity, but the molecular and neuronal mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we reported that impaired neuronal macroautophagy in the prelimbic cortical (PrL) subregion of the mPFC paralleled the occurrence of anxiety-like behaviors in rats with chronic spared nerve injury (SNI). Intriguingly, such macroautophagy impairment was mainly observed in a FOS/c-Fos+ neuronal subpopulation in the PrL. Chemogenetic inactivation of this comorbid anxiety-related neuronal ensemble relieved pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. Rescuing macroautophagy impairment in this neuronal ensemble relieved chronic pain-associated anxiety and mechanical allodynia and restored synaptic homeostasis at the molecular level. By contrast, artificial disruption of macroautophagy induced early-onset co-morbid anxiety in neuropathic rats, but not general anxiety in normal rats. Taken together, our work identifies causal linkage between PrL neuronal macroautophagy dysfunction and comorbid anxiety in neuropathic pain and provides novel insights into the role of PrL by differentiating its contribution in pain-induced comorbid anxiety from its modulation over general anxiety-like behaviors.Abbreviation: AAV: adeno-associated viruses; ACC: anterior cingulate cortex; ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATG7: autophagy related 7; ATG12: autophagy related 12; CAMK2/CaMKII: calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II; CNO: clozapine-N-oxide; CQ: chloroquine; DIA: data independent acquisition; DIO: double floxed inverse orf; DLG4/PSD-95: discs large MAGUK scaffold protein 4; Dox: doxycycline; GABA: γ-aminobutyric acid; GFP: green fluorescent protein; GO: gene ontology; Gi: inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding proteins; HsCHRM4/M4D: human cholinergic receptor muscarinic 4; HsSYN: human synapsin; KEGG: Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LC3-II: PE conjugated microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain3; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; mPFC: medial prefrontal cortex; P2A: 2A self-cleaving peptide; PPI: protein-protein interaction networks; PrL: prelimbic cortex; RBFOX3/NeuN: RNA binding protein, fox-1 homolog (C. elegans) 3; rtTA: reverse tetracycline-transactivator; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SHANK3: SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3; SLC1A1/EAAC1: solute carrier family 1 (neuronal/epithelial high affinity glutamate transporter, systemXag), member 1; SNAP23: synaptosomal-associated protein 23; SNI:spared nerve injury; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; SYT3: synaptotagmin 3; TRE: tetracycline-responsive element; TRE3G: third-generation tetracycline-responsive element.
In this study, C- and N-co-doped ZnO photocatalysts were prepared through pyrolysis using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursor materials. The crystal structure, morphology, and surface chemical composition of the samples were characterised via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Their activities in photocatalytic reactions were also evaluated through photocatalytic experiments. The results show that C-, N-co-doped ZnO has a high specific surface area, which is favourable for a photocatalytic reaction. Meanwhile, C-, N-doping can effectively modulate the energy band structure of ZnO, broaden its light absorption range, and improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The photocatalytic experiments show that the C/N-ZnO-500 samples, which have the optimal photocatalytic performances, have improved performances of 50% and 35%, respectively, compared with those of the blank control group and the ZIF-8 samples. The preparation of ZnO materials with a morphology change and doping using metal frameworks as precursors provides a new idea for designing efficient photocatalysts.
BACKGROUND: Palliative care is mainly used to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases by addressing their medical conditions and psychological problems. End-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) is also a progressive disease like cancer and could be managed by palliative care. This study was conducted at a single center in China and aimed to compare the quality of nurse-led palliative care with standard medical care during six months in 405 patients with Parkinson's disease (PPD) and their caregivers using the Chinese version of the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and the Chinese Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scale. METHODS: PPD (stage 2-5) received nurse-led palliative care (NP cohort, 103 patients; 103 caregivers) or neurologist-led standard care (NS cohort, 134 patients; 134 caregivers), or primary care practitioner-led usual care (PS cohort, 168 patients; 168 caregivers) for six months. RESULTS: Before the health professional-led care (BN), the PDQ-39 score of PPD was 68 (71-64) and their caregivers had 54.86 ± 7.64 a ZBI scale. After 6-months of the health professional-led care (AN), the PDQ-39 score of PPD and a ZBI scale of their caregivers decreased for the NP cohort as compared to those of BN condition and those of patients in the NS and PS cohorts at AN condition (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of PPD must be improved and the burden on their caregivers must be relieved. Nurse-led palliative care successfully improved the quality of life of PPD and reduced their caregiver burden.
Parkinson Disease , Humans , Parkinson Disease/therapy , Parkinson Disease/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Palliative Care , Retrospective Studies , Nurse's Role
Decellularized Adipose-Derived Matrix (DAM) has the function of inducing adipogenesis, but the distribution of adipogenesis is uneven. We found for the first time that DAM contains two structural components: The tough fibers DAM (T-DAM) and the fine fibers DAM (F-DAM). T-DAM was a dense vortex structure composed of a large number of coarse fibers, characterized by myoblast-related proteins, which cannot achieve fat regeneration and forms a typical "adipose-free zone". While the F-DAM was a loose structure consisting of uniform fine fibers, has more matrix-related proteins and adipose-related proteins. It can not only better promote the adhesion and proliferation of adipose stem cells in vitro, but also achieve the regeneration of adipose tissue in vivo earlier and better, with a uniform range of adipogenesis. The F-DAM is the main and effective kind of DAM to initiate adipose tissue regeneration, which can be picked out by ultrasound fragmentation.
Capsular contracture is a prevalent and severe complication that affects the postoperative outcomes of patients who receive silicone breast implants. At present, prosthesis replacement is the major treatment for capsular contracture after both breast augmentation procedures and breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgery. However, the mechanism(s) underlying breast capsular contracture remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the biological features of breast capsular contracture and reveal the potential underlying mechanism using RNA sequencing. Sample tissues from 12 female patients (15 breast capsules) were divided into low capsular contracture (LCC) and high capsular contracture (HCC) groups based on the Baker grades. Subsequently, 41 lipid metabolism-related genes were identified through enrichment analysis, and three of these genes were identified as candidate genes by SVM-RFE and LASSO algorithms. We then compared the proportions of the 22 types of immune cells between the LCC and HCC groups using a CIBERSORT analysis and explored the correlation between the candidate hub features and immune cells. Notably, PRKAR2B was positively correlated with the differentially clustered immune cells, which were M1 macrophages and follicular helper T cells (area under the ROC = 0.786). In addition, the expression of PRKAR2B at the mRNA or protein level was lower in the HCC group than in the LCC group. Potential molecular mechanisms were identified based on the expression levels in the high and low PRKAR2B groups. Our findings indicate that PRKAR2B is a novel diagnostic biomarker for breast capsular contracture and might also influence the grade and progression of capsular contracture.
BACKGROUND: Decellularized adipose-derived matrix (DAM) represents a new alternative to tissue fillers. The function of DAM is closely associated with the decellularization technique used for its preparation. However, most techniques are time-consuming and expensive, and this might reduce the popularity of DAM. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate an enzyme-free adipose decellularization method and generate a DAM capable of adipose tissue regeneration. METHODS: DAMs prepared by the enzyme-free and Flynn's methods were compared and co-cultured with human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) to investigate cytocompatibility. Adipose tissue formation was evaluated by injecting the DAMs into the backs of nude mice over 4 weeks. Samples were harvested for gross and perilipin immunohistochemistry analysis at 1 and 4 weeks. RESULTS: The enzyme-free method is effective for adipose decellularization because it removes adipocytes and preserves the microstructure. In vitro, the DAM made by the enzyme-free method could support the attachment, growth, proliferation, and differentiation of hADSCs, and promote the enhanced secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor by hADSCs; this DAM also induced the formation and maturity of adipocytes in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a highly effective enzyme-free method for adipose tissue decellularization that also promotes adipocyte formation and adipose tissue volume stability in vitro and in vivo, resulting in a new alternative tissue filler.
Tissue Engineering , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Mice , Animals , Humans , Tissue Engineering/methods , Mice, Nude , Cells, Cultured , Adipose Tissue , Cell Differentiation
BACKGROUND: Decellularized adipose-derived matrix (DAM), a biological scaffold that can induce adipose regeneration. The balance between its sterilization efficiency and its ability to maintain in situ adipose regeneration should be considered in terminal sterilization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiation sterilization of cobalt-60 (60 Co)with different doses on adipogenesis induced by different forms of DAM, so as to reduce radiation dose under the premise of safe and effective sterilization and ensure adipogenesis induced by DAM in vivo. METHODS: High dose (25 kGy) and low dose (5 kGy) radiation were used to sterilize freeze-dried and wet DAM, respectively. The sterilization efficiency, macro and micro characteristics, mechanical and mechanical properties of DAM were compared, and then implanted into the immunocompromised mice to evaluate the adipose regeneration. RESULTS: Under the two radiation doses, no microbial growth was found in the freeze-dried and wet DAM sterility tests, and no significant changes were observed in the macro and micro structures. In terms of mechanical properties, the elastic modulus of high dose freeze-dried DAM decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In vivo animal experiments, the freeze-dried DAM irradiated with high dose almost completely lost its function of adipogenesis in vivo. Although the wet DAM irradiated with high dose could induce fat regeneration in the early stage, the adipocyte deformation and atrophy appeared in the later stage. The freeze-dried and wet DAM after low dose irradiation was similar to the wet DAM without irradiation in the blank control, which could maintain excellent adipogenic and angiogenic functions in vivo. CONCLUSION: High dose 60 Co irradiation can completely destroy the ability of freeze-dried DAM to induce adipose regeneration in situ, while low dose irradiation (5 kGy) can effectively sterilize the DAM without damaging in vivo induced adipose regeneration. Radiation has more damage to freeze-dried DAM than wet DAM in adipogenesis properties.
Regeneration , Sterilization , Mice , Animals , Elastic Modulus
BACKGROUND: The decellularized adipose-derived matrix (DAM) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for inducing adipose tissue regeneration. Various methods have been employed to produce DAM, among which the enzyme-free method is a relatively recent preparation technique. The mechanical fragmentation step plays a crucial role in determining the efficacy of the enzyme-free preparation. METHODS: The adipose tissue underwent fragmentation through the application of ultrasonication, homogenization, and freeze ball milling. This study compared the central temperature of the mixture immediately following crushing, the quantity of oil obtained after centrifugation, and the thickness of the middle layer. Fluorescence staining was utilized to compare the residual cell activity of the broken fat in the middle layer, while electron microscopy was employed to assess the integrity and properties of the adipocytes among the three methods. The primary products obtained through the three methods were subsequently subjected to processing using the enzyme-free method DAM. The assessment of degreasing and denucleation of DAM was conducted through HE staining, oil red staining, and determination of DNA residues. Subsequently, the ultrasonication-DAM (U-DAM) and homogenation-DAM (H-DAM) were implanted bilaterally on the back of immunocompromised mice, and a comparative analysis of their adipogenic and angiogenic effects in vivo was performed. RESULTS: Oil discharge following ultrasonication and homogenization was significantly higher compared to that observed after freeze ball milling (p < 0.001), despite the latter exhibiting the lowest center temperature (p < 0.001). The middle layer was found to be thinnest after ultrasonication (p < 0.001), and most of the remaining cells were observed to be dead following fragmentation. Except for DAM obtained through freeze ball milling, DAM obtained through ultrasonication and homogenization could be completely denucleated and degreased. In the in vivo experiment, the first adipocytes were observed in U-DAM as early as 1 week after implantation, but not in H-DAM. After 8 weeks, a significant number of adipocytes were regenerated in both groups, but the U-DAM group demonstrated a more efficient adipose regeneration than in H-DAM (p = 0.0057). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonication and homogenization are effective mechanical fragmentation methods for breaking down adipocytes at the initial stage, enabling the production of DAM through an enzyme-free method that facilitates successful regeneration of adipose tissues in vivo. Furthermore, the enzyme-free method, which is based on the ultrasonication pre-fragmentation approach, exhibits superior performance in terms of denucleation, degreasing, and the removal of non-adipocyte matrix components, thereby resulting in the highest in vivo adipogenic induction efficiency.
The articles and reviews in the field of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) from 2001 to 2021 were retrieved and extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. The R package Bibliometrix, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the online BIBLIOMETRC platform were utilized for bibliometric analysis, including specific characteristics of annual publications, influential countries/regions, core journals, leading institutions, keywords, key references, cocited authors, journals and institutions, cooperation, and historical direct citations. Our study concluded core references that fueled the development of dECM and highlighted current research directions, hotpots, and trends. From 2001 to 2021, 3,046 publications were retrieved in total, including 2,700 articles and 349 reviews. The United States (n = 895) produced the majority of publications, and the University of Pittsburgh (n = 318) published most productions. Biomaterials were identified as the most productive and influential journal in the dECM field considering the number of publications (n = 194), and total citations (n = 15,694). Immunomodulation, bioreactors, aging, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, bone tissue engineering, bioink, hydrogel, biomaterials, and regeneration were the latest high-frequency keywords, indicating the emerging frontiers of dECM. In the field, decellularization techniques lay the foundation. Orthotopic transplantation of recellularized dECM and induction of specific cell differentiation promoted the bursts of research. The 3D bioprinting and hydrogel based on dECM were extensively studied in recent years. The present study provided developmental trajectories, current research status, global collaboration patterns, hotpots, and trending topics of dECM. Decellularization techniques, tissue engineering to regenerate organs, and improvements in application are the major themes over the past two decades. Impact Statement The review article is significant because decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), which derived from biological tissues and removal of immunogenic cells, is characterized by safety, biocompatibility, and low in toxicity. Showing great application prospects, dECM has been applied in multiple scenarios of tissue repairment and reconstruction, among the most popular topics in tissue engineering. Thus, analyzing and concluding the development, current condition and future trends are of great significance. Comparing to conventional review, this review article systemically and comprehensively concluded the historical development, current status, and research trending topics. Thus, it allows scholars to get a rapid overview of the dECM field, and plan research directions.
Bibliometrics , Decellularized Extracellular Matrix , Biocompatible Materials , Hydrogels
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) patients is a challenging problem. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells and play key roles in regenerative medicine for cartilage degeneration. GuiLu-ErXian Glue (GLEXG) is an herbal remedy widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat joint pain and disability in elderly OA patients. However, the mechanisms of how GLEXG affects MSCs-induced chondrogensis remains to be elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GLEXG on MSC-derived chondrogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo and its potential mechanisms. METHODS: Using human MSC (hMSCs) as in vitro model, the effects of HPLC-profiled GLEXG water extract on chondrogenic differentiation were investigated by 3D spheroid cultures under chondrogenesis-inducing medium (CIM) condition. The chondrogenesis process was evaluated by measuring the sphere sizes, chondrogenesis-related genes expression by reverse transcription real-time PCR that targeted type II/X collagens, SOX9, aggrecan, and protein expression by immunostaining. Anti-TGF-ß1 neutralization antibody was used for mechanistic study. Mono-iodoacetate (MIA) induced OA joint was used to evaluate the effects of GLEXG on in vivo model. MSCs-derived exosomes were purified for proteomics study and senescence process was evaluated by cumulative population doublings and senescence-associated ß-Galactosidase staining. RESULTS: The results showed that GLEXG enhanced hMSCs chondrogenesis and upregulated RNA expression of type II/X collagen, SOX9 and aggrecan at 0.1 µg/mL, 0.3 µg/mL in vitro. In vivo, GLEXG at the dose of 0.3 µg intraarticular (i.a.) injection rescued the MIA-induced cartilage defect. Proteomics and ingenuity pathway analysis obtained from MSCs-released exosomes suggested that senescence pathway was less activated in GLEXG group than in vehicle group. Besides, GLEXG was able to increase cumulative population doubling and delayed hMSCs senescence process after four passages in cultures. CONCLUSION: we conclude that GLEXG promotes in vitro MSC-induced chondrogenesis possibly via exosomes release and delays aging in the MSC senescence process and that treatment with GLEXG (0.3 µg, i.a.) rescued cartilage defects in rat OA knee model.
Exosomes , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Osteoarthritis , Humans , Rats , Animals , Aged , Aggrecans/genetics , Aggrecans/metabolism , Aggrecans/pharmacology , Chondrogenesis/genetics , Exosomes/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Collagen Type II/metabolism , Collagen Type X/metabolism , Aging , Cells, Cultured
BACKGROUND: Children's dental anxiety is common in dental clinics. This study aimed to determine the interrater agreement between children's self-reported and their mothers' proxy-reported dental anxiety and its affecting factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study performed in a dental clinic, primary school students and their mothers were assessed for enrollment eligibility. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale plus Facial Image Scale (MDAS-FIS) was employed to test both the children's self-reported and their mothers' proxy-reported dental anxiety independently. The interrater agreement was analyzed using percentage agreement and the linear weighted kappa (k) coefficient. Factors affecting children's dental anxiety were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: One hundred children and their mothers were enrolled. The median ages of the children and mothers were 8.5 and 40.0 years old, respectively, and 38.0% (38/100) of the children were female. The scores of children's self-reported dental anxiety were significantly higher than their mothers' proxy-reported dental anxiety (MDAS-Questions 1-5, all p < 0.05); moreover, there was no agreement between the two groups in terms of all anxiety hierarchies (kappa coefficient = 0.028, p = 0.593). In the univariate model, a total of seven factors (age, gender, maternal anxiety, number of dental visits, mother's presence or absence, oral health status, and having siblings or not) were involved for analysis, and age [every 1-year increase, odds ratio (OR) = 0.661, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.514-0.850, p = 0.001], several dental visits (every 1 visit increase, OR = 0.409, 95% CI = 0.190-0.880, p = 0.022), and mother presence (OR = 0.286, 95% CI = 0.114-0.714, p = 0.007) were affecting factors. In the multivariate model, only age (every 1 year increase) and maternal presence were associated with 0.697-fold (95% CI = 0.535-0.908, p = 0.007) and 0.362-fold (95% CI = 0.135-0.967, p = 0.043) decreases in the risk of children's dental anxiety during dental visits and treatment, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was no significant agreement between elementary school students' self-reported dental anxiety and mothers' proxy ratings of children's dental anxiety, which suggests that self-reported dental anxiety by children should be encouraged and adopted, and the mother's presence during dental visits is strongly recommended.
Dental Anxiety , Mothers , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , East Asian People , Self Report
At many construction sites, whether to wear a helmet is directly related to the safety of the workers. Therefore, the detection of helmet use has become a crucial monitoring tool for construction safety. However, most of the current helmet wearing detection algorithms are only dedicated to distinguishing pedestrians who wear helmets from those who do not. In order to further enrich the detection in construction scenes, this paper builds a dataset with six cases: not wearing a helmet, wearing a helmet, just wearing a hat, having a helmet, but not wearing it, wearing a helmet correctly, and wearing a helmet without wearing the chin strap. On this basis, this paper proposes a practical algorithm for detecting helmet wearing states based on the improved YOLOv5s algorithm. Firstly, according to the characteristics of the label of the dataset constructed by us, the K-means method is used to redesign the size of the prior box and match it to the corresponding feature layer to increase the accuracy of the feature extraction of the model; secondly, an additional layer is added to the algorithm to improve the ability of the model to recognize small targets; finally, the attention mechanism is introduced in the algorithm, and the CIOU_Loss function in the YOLOv5 method is replaced by the EIOU_Loss function. The experimental results indicate that the improved algorithm is more accurate than the original YOLOv5s algorithm. In addition, the finer classification also significantly enhances the detection performance of the model.
Craniocerebral Trauma , Humans , Head Protective Devices , Bicycling , Algorithms , Environment
This study aimed to explore the effects on resorption of cervical disc herniation (CDH) and clinical outcomes of surgery. Cervical microendoscopic laminoplasty (CMEL), which is commonly preferable to anterior corpectomy and fusion, was applied to patients with 1- to 3-level degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). DCM patients with 1-3 levels DCM underwent either conservation treatment or CMEL. In conservation-treated patients (53 cases), CDH volume remained unchanged with no improvement in JOA and VAS scores. Conversely, 63 patients with 1-3 levels DCM were prospectively enrolled and exhibited a profound decrease in CDH volume: 89.1% of CDHs (123/138) regressed over 10%, 64.5% of CDHs (89/138) regressed over 25%, while 27.5% and 6.5% of CDHs (38/138 and 9/138) largely regressed over 50% and 75%, respectively. Meanwhile, the JOA and VAS scores were improved in different ways. Intriguingly, CDH volume changes correlated significantly with elevations in JOA scores, indicating an association of clinical CDH resolution with neurological recovery. We showed that CMEL induced clinically related diminishment of CDH and alleviation of clinical symptoms in patients with 1- to 3-level myelopathy and that it could help avoid anterior dissection of the disc to some extent.
Bone Marrow Diseases , Intervertebral Disc Displacement , Laminoplasty , Spinal Cord Diseases , Humans , Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery , Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging , Cervical Vertebrae/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Spinal Cord Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Cord Diseases/surgery , Retrospective Studies
Vascular calcification (VC) is a common pathophysiological process of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3), a major NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase predominantly in mitochondria, is involved in the pathogenesis of VC. We previously reported that intermedin (IMD) could protect against VC. In this study, we investigated whether IMD attenuates VC by Sirt3-mediated inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress. A rat VC with CKD model was induced by the 5/6 nephrectomy plus vitamin D3. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification was induced by CaCl2 and ß-glycerophosphate. IMD1-53 treatment attenuated VC in vitro and in vivo, rescued the depressed mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level and decreased mitochondrial ROS levels in calcified VSMCs. IMD1-53 treatment recovered the reduced protein level of Sirt3 in calcified rat aortas and VSMCs. Inhibition of VSMC calcification by IMD1-53 disappeared when the cells were Sirt3 absent or pretreated with the Sirt3 inhibitor 3-TYP. Furthermore, 3-TYP pretreatment blocked IMD1-53-mediated restoration of the MMP level and inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress in calcified VSMCs. The attenuation of VSMC calcification by IMD1-53 through upregulation of Sirt3 might be achieved through activation of the IMD receptor and post-receptor signaling pathway AMPK, as indicated by pretreatment with an IMD receptor antagonist or AMPK inhibitor blocking the inhibition of VSMC calcification and upregulation of Sirt3 by IMD1-53. AMPK inhibitor treatment reversed the effects of IMD1-53 on restoring the MMP level and inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress in calcified VSMCs. In conclusion, IMD attenuates VC by improving mitochondrial function and inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress through upregulating Sirt3.
The thermal-assisted exfoliation phenomena of boehmite particles under moderate heating rates were examined. The exfoliation that generated flakes of 5−6 nm in thickness can be achieved because of the perfect cleavage on the boehmite particles that are stripped when thermal treatments bring about dehydration and γ-Al2O3 formation in sequential phase transformation of boehmite. Examinations of the exfoliation effects were carried out on calcined boehmite single crystal particles, which were about 500 nm in diameter, and obtained at three heating rates 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 °C/min with the heating schedules. The TEM techniques, BET-N2 measurements, XRD-Scherrer equation, and AFM images were employed in the examination. That the BET values increased as increasing of exfoliated flakes reflected two stages of exfoliation. In the beginning stage, during which the BET values were <40 m2/g, the exfoliation resulted from the stress produced by dehydration. In the second stage, the increased rate of surface area was due to the additional force, which originated from the γ-Al2O3 formation. Exfoliation occurred on the cleavage planes {010}, the side pinacoid of the boehmite particle. The generation of flakes resulted in the thinning of boehmite particles. Some of the flakes preserved the external form of boehmite crystals. From the surface energy evaluations of boehmite and γ-Al2O3, it can be inferred that exfoliation is a natural way of thermal treatment.
STUDY DESIGN: An algorithm was developed with MATLAB platform to automatically quantify the volume of cervical disc herniation (CDH) based on the sagittal magnetic resonance images. This automated program was used for CDH data set, and then compared with manual measurement results confirming its reliability. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to develop a new software for automated CDH volume measurement. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: CDH compresses the spinal cord, regarding as the leading cause of cervical myelopathy. However, the CDH volume, of great value to clinical symptoms, can be only manually measured with no-excellent but acceptable interobserver reliability. This was due to the manual error of outlining CDH area and inclusion of structure posterior vertebra. No studies has proposed such an automated algorithm of CDH volume quantification which is standardised to quantify the accurate volume of CDH thus helping doctors easily evaluate CDH progressing. METHODS: The algorithm of CDH volume measurement was proposed. This program was then tested for 490 CDHs data set, from 185 patients with two repeated magnetic resonance imaging detections. Three individual observers manually measured the volumes of these CDHs, to justify the accuracy of this software. CDH volume was either in the classic way or the revised way excluding the influence of structure posterior vertebra. RESULTS: The automated software was successfully developed on MATLAB platform, with no difference found with manual measurements (average level) in CDH volume measurement. The change ratios in CDH volumes were profoundly consistent with manual observation, showing the error of 5.8% in median. The revised method elevated the absolute value of ratio by amplifying the percentage change. CONCLUSION: Our developed automated volumetry system was an standardized and accurate way, with selective removal module of structure posterior vertebra, replaceable for manual volume measurement of CDH, which was useful for spinal surgeons diagnosing and treating CDH disease.
Intervertebral Disc Displacement , Algorithms , Artificial Intelligence , Humans , Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Reproducibility of Results
Objective: Decellularized adipose-derived matrix (DAM) can promote adipogenic differentiation and adipose tissue remodeling, but the biological impact of tissue origin on DAM remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of tissue origins on the adipogenic capacity of the decellularized matrix by comparing the cellular and tissue responses of DAM versus acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Methods: The in vitro response of adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ADSCs) to DAM and ADM was characterized by proliferation and differentiation. The in vivo remodeling response was evaluated in the subcutaneous injection model of immunocompromised mice, using histology, protein expression, and transcriptome analysis. Results: Both DAM and ADM exhibited excellent decellularization effects and cytocompatibility. In the absence of exogenous stimuli, DAM could induce adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs compared with ADM. In the animal model, the levels of PDGF, VEGF, and ACRP30 were higher in the DAM groups than in the ADM group, and more neovascularization and extensive adipose tissue remodeling were observed. The mRNA-seq analysis indicated that the DAM implant regulated tissue remodeling by modulating Lat1/2 expression along with Hippo Signaling pathway in the early stage. Conclusion: Tissue origin can influence the biological response of the decellularized matrix. DAM can retain favorable tissue-specific characteristics after the decellularization process and have unique adipogenic effects in vitro and vivo, which can be fully utilized for soft tissue repair and regeneration.
BACKGROUND: Congenital inverted nipple is not uncommon in Asian females, which impairs the patient's psychology and breastfeeding function. Although various methods have been reported in references, no consensus has been reached on an ideal treatment for severe inverted nipples. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to propose a minimally invasive and reliable method that could correct severe inverted nipples, reduce their recurrence rate, and create a definite nipple neck for a natural shape. METHODS: We designed a two-step technique to correct severe inverted nipples, including congenital grade III inversion and recurrent grade III inversion with or without scar adhesion after correction with different methods from other hospitals. A retrospective study was performed on 38 patients (68 nipples) who underwent the new two-step technique in our department. The follow-up time was at least 6 months. Patient demographics, operation details, and complication rate were documented. RESULTS: A total of 68 nipples in 38 patients (bilateral: 30 patients; unilateral: 8 patients) received correction, among which there were four recurrent cases from other hospitals treated with different methods. In this study, the total recurrence rate was 7.89%. In these cases, the nipple exhibited the appearance of Grade I inversion, but not back to the preoperative state of Grade III. There was one case that suffered exposure of thread knot. CONCLUSIONS: The two-step technique is a minimally invasive method to successfully correct severe inverted nipples with a low recurrence rate and achieve a natural shape with a definite nipple neck. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures , Humans , Retrospective Studies
A transparent and penetrable cranial window is essential for neuroimaging, transcranial injection and comprehensive understanding of cortical functions. For these applications, cranial windows made from glass coverslip, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethylmethacrylate, crystal and silicone hydrogel have offered remarkable convenience. However, there is a lack of high-strength, high-transparency, penetrable cranial window with clinical application potential. We engineer high-strength hybrid Titanium-PDMS (Ti-PDMS) cranial windows, which allow large transparent area for in vivo two-photon imaging, and provide a soft window for transcranial injection. Laser scanning and 3D printing techniques are used to match the hybrid cranial window to different skull morphology. A multi-cycle degassing pouring process ensures a good combination of PDMS and Ti frame. Ti-PDMS cranial windows have a high fracture strength matching human skull bone, excellent light transmittance up to 94.4%, and refractive index close to biological tissue. Ti-PDMS cranial windows show excellent bio-compatibility during 21-week implantation in mice. Dye injection shows that the PDMS window has a "self-sealing" to keep liquid from leaking out. Two-photon imaging for brain tissues could be achieved up to 450 µm in z-depth. As a novel brain-computer-interface, this Ti-PDMS device offers an alternative choice for in vivo drug delivery, optical experiments, ultrasonic treatment and electrophysiology recording.
Skull , Titanium , Animals , Mice , Neuroimaging/methods , Photons , Printing, Three-Dimensional/instrumentation , Skull/diagnostic imaging
