Modulating Nanoparticle Structure by Metal-Metal Oxide Interfacial Interaction in a CeO2-Supported Bimetallic System: The Ni-Cu Case.

Structure-optimized bimetallic and multicomponent catalysts often outperform single-component catalysts, inspiring a detailed investigation of metal-metal and metal-support interactions in the system. We investigated the geometric and electronic structures of ceria-supported Ni-Cu particles prepared using different metal deposition sequences employing a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, resonant photoemission spectroscopy, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. The bimetallic model catalyst structure was altered by a distinct surface evolution process determined by the metal deposition sequence. The postdeposited Cu stays on the surface of Ni predeposited CeO2 and forms only a limited Ni-Cu alloy in the Cu-contacted Ni region. However, when Ni is deposited on the Cu predeposited CeO2 surface, Ni can migrate through the Cu layer to the Cu-ceria interface and form an extended Ni-Cu alloy to the whole deposited metal layer on the ceria surface. The dynamic metal diffusion in the CeO2-supported Ni-Cu system indicates that metal-support interactions can be used to achieve the rational design of a bimetallic composition distribution during catalyst preparation.

Inhibition of pathogenic microbes in oral infectious diseases by natural products: Sources, mechanisms, and challenges.

The maintenance of oral health is of utmost importance for an individual's holistic well-being and standard of living. Within the oral cavity, symbiotic microorganisms actively safeguard themselves against potential foreign diseases by upholding a multifaceted equilibrium. Nevertheless, the occurrence of an imbalance can give rise to a range of oral infectious ailments, such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral candidiasis. Presently, clinical interventions encompass the physical elimination of pathogens and the administration of antibiotics to regulate bacterial and fungal infections. Given the limitations of various antimicrobial drugs frequently employed in dental practice, the rising incidence of oral inflammation, and the escalating bacterial resistance to antibiotics, it is imperative to explore alternative remedies that are dependable, efficacious, and affordable for the prevention and management of oral infectious ailments. There is an increasing interest in the creation of novel antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources, which possess attributes such as safety, cost-effectiveness, and minimal adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of natural products on the development and progression of oral infectious diseases. Specifically, these products exert their influences by mitigating dental biofilm formation, impeding the proliferation of oral pathogens, and hindering bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces. The review also encompasses an examination of the various classes of natural products, their antimicrobial mechanisms, and their potential therapeutic applications and limitations in the context of oral infections. The insights garnered from this review can support the promising application of natural products as viable therapeutic options for managing oral infectious diseases.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Projectile Nose Shape on the Deformation and Energy Dissipation Mechanisms of the Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Composite.

The effect of projectile nose shape on the ballistic performance of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite was studied through experiments and simulations. Eight projectiles such as conical, flat, hemispherical, and ogival nose projectiles were used in this study. The deformation process, failure mechanisms, and the specific energy absorption (SEA) ability were systematically investigated for analyzing the ballistic responses on the projectile and the UHMWPE composite. The results showed that the projectile nose shape could invoke different penetration mechanisms on the composite. The sharper nose projectile tended to shear through the laminate, causing localized damage zone on the composite. For the blunt nose projectile penetration, the primary deformation features were the combination of shear plugging, tensile deformation, and large area delamination. The maximum value of specific energy absorption (SEA) was 290 J/(kg/m2) for the flat nose projectile penetration, about 3.8 times higher than that for the 30° conical nose projectile. Furthermore, a ballistic resistance analytical model was built based on the cavity expansion theory to predict the energy absorption ability of the UHMWPE composite. The model exhibited a good match between the ballistic resistance curves in simulations with the SEA ability of the UHMWPE composite in experiments.

Oral administration of prednisone effectively reduces subacute pain after total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Controlling the pain after TKA has always been our research focus. Dexamethasone has a significant effect in controlling acute pain following TKA. We hypothesis oral administration of prednisone could alleviate post-TKA subacute pain. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial dividing patients into prednisone group and control group. Routine analgesic regimens included injection of cocktail mixture intraoperatively, oral celecoxib and tramadol postoperatively. Patients in prednisone group received oral administration of prednisone (10mg, qd, from the first day postoperatively, for 2 weeks). VAS was applied for evaluating pain with ambulation (PWA) and pain at rest (PAR). Follow-up was performed for about three months. The primary end-points were PWA and PAR; secondary end-points were postoperative daily celecoxib use and tramadol use. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were enrolled in prednisone group and control group, respectively. VAS of PWA was lower in prednisone group on the 7th, 14th and 28th (p=0.05) day after TKA than that in the control group. Meanwhile, VAS of PAR was lower in prednisone group on the postoperative 14th and 28th day (p=0.05) than that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous oral administration of 10mg prednisone for 14 days after TKA effectively alleviates subacute pain (including PWA and PAR) and reduces postoperative consumption of analgesics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II; low power randomized trial.

Restoration of Constitutional Alignment in TKA with a Novel Osteotomy Technique.

Many studies have shown that restoration of the preoperative constitutional varus may lead to a normal knee status in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is also known that coronal femoral lateral bowing contributes to constitutional varus of the femoral shaft, and bilateral femoral lateral bowing (BFLB) can decelerate medial knee osteoarthritis progression. In this sense, the BFLB should be reserved in TKA. To date, no study has yet reported the technique to reserve BFLB in TKA. Our study showed that the proximal and distal femur had no significant geometric difference between patients with varus knees and BFLB (> 5°) and volunteers with healthy knees and straight femoral shaft. So, the virtual center of femoral head fell on the distal femoral mechanical axis (DMA) after accurate correction of the bowing, indicating that the DMA should be the femoral original constitutional mechanical axis (CA). Subsequently, the distal femoral osteotomy was performed perpendicular to DMA in TKA, and the postoperative angle formed by DMA and tibial mechanical axis (TMA) was measured to assess whether CA was restored successfully. In this study, the gap balance was achieved without medial collateral ligaments release, and the patient's CA was successfully restored (range of DMA-TMA angle 178.2°-179.9°). This study provides a novel technique to restore preoperative CA in patients with varus knees and BFLB. It is found that the distal femur should be cut perpendicular to DMA, so the lower limb alignment and soft tissue strains can be restored to the preoperative state, and the knees would be stable and in a natural status after TKA.

METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification is critical for epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: As one of the most frequent chemical modifications in eukaryotic mRNAs, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification exerts important effects on mRNA stability, splicing, and translation. Recently, the regulatory role of m6A in tumorigenesis has been increasingly recognized. However, dysregulation of m6A and its functions in tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis remain obscure. METHODS: qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in gastric cancer (GC). The effects of METTL3 on GC metastasis were investigated through in vitro and in vivo assays. The mechanism of METTL3 action was explored through transcriptome-sequencing, m6A-sequencing, m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (MeRIP qRT-PCR), confocal immunofluorescent assay, luciferase reporter assay, co-immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. RESULTS: Here, we show that METTL3, a major RNA N6-adenosine methyltransferase, was upregulated in GC. Clinically, elevated METTL3 level was predictive of poor prognosis. Functionally, we found that METTL3 was required for the EMT process in vitro and for metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we unveiled the METTL3-mediated m6A modification profile in GC cells for the first time and identified zinc finger MYM-type containing 1 (ZMYM1) as a bona fide m6A target of METTL3. The m6A modification of ZMYM1 mRNA by METTL3 enhanced its stability relying on the "reader" protein HuR (also known as ELAVL1) dependent pathway. In addition, ZMYM1 bound to and mediated the repression of E-cadherin promoter by recruiting the CtBP/LSD1/CoREST complex, thus facilitating the EMT program and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our findings indicate the critical role of m6A modification in GC and uncover METTL3/ZMYM1/E-cadherin signaling as a potential therapeutic target in anti-metastatic strategy against GC.

Tightening medial collateral ligament during total knee arthroplasty for patients with fixed valgus deformity: A novel technique.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore a new surgical technique for gap balance by tightening the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with fixed valgus deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed on 15 patients (16 knees) with a fixed valgus deformity that was corrected by tightening the MCL during TKA. A single surgeon performed all the 16 TKAs using nonconstrained posterior substituting implant, with two knees treated with long-stem tibial prosthesis. Clinical scores, knee stability, and radiographic evaluations were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Complete weight-bearing could be carried out under the protection of the brace postoperatively. At the third month after surgery, X-rays showed the brace was not worn. The mean follow-up was 26.6 months (range 12-42 months). The average preoperative mechanical axis was 15.4 ± 2.3° (range 11-25°), and postoperatively it was 0.6 ± 0.1° (range 0-2°). No complication relative to the technique occurred. CONCLUSION: This new surgical technique has demonstrated excellent early clinical results and can be a good supplement for fixed valgus knee arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: III.

The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Refractory High-Entropy Alloys with High Plasticity.

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) are promising materials used at high temperature, but their low plasticity restricts their application. Based on the valence electron concentration (VEC) principle, four kinds of RHEAs (ZrTiHfV0.5Nb0.5, Zr2.0TiHfVNb2.0, ZrTiHfNb0.5Mo0.5, and ZrTiHfNb0.5Ta0.5) are designed (VEC < 4.5). The experimental results show that the plasticity of these alloys was greatly improved: the static compressive strain was higher than 50% at room temperature (RT), and some elongations were produced in the tensile process. Moreover, the microstructure and phase composition are discussed in detail. The addition of Nb, Mo, and Ta contributed to the high-temperature strength. Finally, the dynamic mechanical properties of these RHEAs with coordination between strength and plasticity are investigated.

Synthesis and thermochromic property studies on W doped VO2 films fabricated by sol-gel method.

Tungsten-doped VO2 thin films have been synthesized by a modified sol-gel process and followed by a post annealing. Vanadium pentoxide and tungstic acid as raw materials with the addition of hydrogen peroxide, concentrated hydrochloric acid (catalyst) and oxalic acid used as reducing agent were reacted in isobutanol. Finally, the uniform sol of vanadyl oxalate in isobutanol solvent was obtained as precursor. Detailed study suggested that W doped in VO2 introduces additional electron carriers and induces the formation of V3+. Post annealing under vacuum promotes the releasing of chemical stress and generates oxygen vacancies in the samples. Temperature dependent transmittance study revealed that the releasing of chemical stress and deliberately introducing oxygen vacancies in W-doped VO2 films have positive effects on enhancing its switching ability in the infrared transmittance as the metal-insulator transition (MIT) occurs. The largest switching of transmittance was obtained about 48% in the infrared range at 43 °C in 1.5%W doped VO2 films, which is significantly larger than the reported ones. The findings in this work open a new way to synthesize the novel and thermochromic W doped VO2 films with facility and low cost. Therefore, it has extensive application to construct smart windows and electronic devices.

XIAP 3'-untranslated region as a ceRNA promotes FSCN1 function in inducing the progression of breast cancer by binding endogenous miR-29a-5p.

The non-coding 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of genes play an important role in the regulation of microRNA (miRNA) functions, since it can bind and inactivate multiple miRNAs. Herein, we report that ectopic expression of XIAP 3'UTR increased human breast cancer cells proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and xenograft tumor growth and suppressed tumor cell death. To investigate this process, we further correlated the genome-wide transcriptional profiling with the gene expression alterations after transfecting XIAP 3'UTR in MCF-7 cells. We identified a robust, genome-wide mechanism of cell migration, motility and epithelial to mesenchymal transition by which mediated by a previously described cellular component movement factor FSCN1. Expression of XIAP and FSCN1 were up-regulated synergistically after transfecting XIAP 3'UTR in vitro and in vivo. Interactions between XIAP and FSCN1 appear to be a key determinant of these processes. Co-transfection with Dicer siRNA reversed the XIAP 3'UTR-mediated oncogenicity, suggesting the miRNAs might be involved in that process. Furthermore, we demonstrated that one miRNA, miR-29a-5p, can bind to both the XIAP and FSCN1 3'UTRs and play an important role in that interactions. We showed that the 3'UTR of XIAP was able to antagonize miR-29a-5p, and resulted in the increased translation of XIAP and FSCN1. Thus, our findings reveal important new insights into how XIAP 3'UTR works, suggesting that the non-coding XIAP 3'UTR serves as a competitor for miRNA binding and subsequently inactivates miRNA functions, by which XIAP 3'UTR frees the target mRNAs from being repressed.

[The construction of a tissue-engineered tendon mimicking the transitional architecture at the ligament-bone interface in rabbit].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a method that constructing a tissue-engineered tendon with a continuous and heterogeneous transition region. METHODS: Fibroblasts derived from rabbit epithelial tissue were cultured in vitro and collagen gel was prepared. The experimental groups were scaffold only group, fibroblasts+ chondrocytes group (Fb+ CC group), fibroblasts+ osteoblasts group (Fb+ OB group), fibroblasts+ chondrocytes+ osteoblasts group (Fb+ CC+ OB group). Heterogeneous cell populations(fibroblasts, chondrocytes and osteoblasts) with collagen gel were seeded within three predesigned specific regions (fibrogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis) of decellularized rabbit achilles tendons to fabricate a stratified scaffold containing three biofunctional regions supporting fibrogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. The tests of morphology, architecture and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds were performed. Gradient tissue-specific matrix formation was analysed within the predesignated regions via histological staining and immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: The HE staining and scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that no major cell fragments or nuclear material was evident, and increased intra-fascicular and inter-fascicular spaces were found, the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds showed that the numbers of viable cells on the scaffold surfaces increase steadily, no significant differences were found between the scaffold only containing ordinary culture medium and scaffold containing gel groups. Histological staining and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that the cartilage-related markers (GAG, COL2A1) were found only in the chondrogenesis region, but bone-related proteins only in the osteogenesis region of bone tunnel, and fibrosis was remarkable for the fibrogenesis region in the joint cavity. The transitional architecture with ligament-fibrocartilage-bone was constructed in the ligament-bone tunnel interface. CONCLUSIONS: A transitional interface (fiber-fiberocartilage-bone) could be replicated in a decellularized tendon through stratified tissue integration in vitro. The cell-tendon complex offers the advantages of a multi-tissue transition involving controlled cellular interactions and matrix heterogeneity.

Prognostic significance of artemin and GFRα1 expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Artemin (ARTN) has been implicated in the development and progression of several human malignancies. However, the clinical and prognostic significance of ARTN and its receptors has not yet been investigated in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Therefore, in the present study, the protein expression of ARTN and its receptor, namely GFRα1, was determined in 76 LSCC and 26 laryngeal polyp tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of ARTN and GFRα1 expression was analyzed in patients with LSCC. The results revealed that the expression of ARTN and GFRα1 was significantly increased in LSCC compared with polyp tissue samples. Furthermore, the expression of ARTN and GFRα1 was positively associated with pTNM stage in LSCC. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses revealed a strong association between the expression of ARTN or GFRα1 and the survival of patients with LSCC. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the expression of ARTN was significantly correlated with the expression GFRα1. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that ARTN and GFRα1 may be useful predictors of disease progression and outcome in patients with LSCC.

B-cell lymphoma 6 protein stimulates oncogenicity of human breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) protein, an evolutionarily conserved zinc finger transcription factor, showed to be highly expressed in various human cancers in addition to malignancies in the lymphoid system. This study investigated the role of BCL6 expression in breast cancer and its clinical significance in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Expression of BCL6 protein was assessed using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in 127 breast cancer patients and 50 patients with breast benign disease as well as in breast cell lines. Expression of BCL6 was restored or knocked down in two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) using BCL6 cDNA and siRNA, respectively. The phenotypic change of these breast cancer cell lines was assessed using cell viability MTT, Transwell invasion, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays and in a xenograft mice model. Luciferase reporter gene, immunoblot, and qRT-PCR were used to investigate the molecular events after manipulated BCL6 expression in breast cancer cells. RESULTS: BCL6 protein was highly expressed in breast cancer cell lines and tissue specimens and expression of BCL6 protein was associated with disease progression and poor survival of breast cancer patients. In vitro, the forced expression of BCL6 results in increased proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration, invasion and survival of breast cancer cell lines, whereas knockdown of BCL6 expression reduced these oncogenic properties of breast cancer cells. Moreover, forced expression of BCL6 increased tumor growth and invasiveness in a nude mouse xenograft model. At the gene level, BCL6 was a target gene of miR-339-5p. Expression of BCL6 induced expression of CXCR4 and cyclinD1 proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated the oncogenic property of BCL6 in breast cancer and further study could target BCL6 as a novel potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

[Three-dimensional finite element analysis of acetabular prosthesis in an adult patient with total flip arthroplasty for high dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe stress distributions around the acetabular prosthesis and the bones of a patient who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed with an osteoarthritis patient who underwent THA for her secondary hip high dislocations: Scenario A--deepened acetabulum at the true acetabulum with a small 44 mm cup; Scenario B--structural bone graft at lateral acetabular with a 48 mm cup; Scenario C--place tantalum metal acetabular reconstruction at the lateral acetabular with a 48 mm cup; Scenario D--the normal side of the hip. According to the Wasielewski methods, acetabular was divided into four zones, in the same way on the lining surface. Ten points were taken in each zone for measuring the Von Mises stress values. RESULTS: Scenario A generated significantly greater stress values in the bones in zone one than the other three scenarios. Significantly greater stress was also found in the inner surface of polyethylene over all of the four zones under scenario A compared with those of the scenario B and C, especially in zone one and two. The cup initial micro-mobility for scenario A was 49. 18 microm, 19 times of that of scenario B and 8 times of that of scenario C. CONCLUSION: (1) Deepened acetabulum with small cup can cause stress concentration in the acetabular bones and liner, leading to large cup initial micro-mobility. (2) Acetabular lateral structural bone grafting and placement of tantalum metal reconstruction have better biomechanical properties, which can enable the use of bigger cups.

[Clinical efficacy and serum cobalt, chromium metal ion concentrations after total hip arthroplasty with three different hard-on-hard bearings].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and serum concentrations of cobalt, chromium metal ion in three different hard-on-hard bearings after total hip arthroplasty at 2-years postoperatively. METHODS: Ninety (90) THA patients were divided into ceramic-on-ceramic (COC), ceramic-on-metal (COM), metal-on-metal (MOM) group (n = 30 in each group). At preoperative and 3, 6, 12, 24 months postoperative 5 time points, serum concentrations of cobalt and chromium metal ion were measured, Harris hip score was evaluated, X-rays and color doppler ultrasound examination of the ipsilateral hip also were observed. RESULTS: The excellent rates of Harris hip score were 100% in three groups. Continuous X-rays showed no radiolucent line around the acetabular component, no osteolysis, and no inflammatory pseudotumor. After the THA operation, the metal ion levels in COM and MOM groups increased rapidly, and stabilized at 12 months, then showed a downward trend, but the chromium ion level of MOM continued to rise at 24 months, with a significant difference when compared with that at 12 months (an increase of 0.48 microg/L, P = 0.021). The serum concentrations of metal ion in COC group were relatively constant at all time points, and the cobalt, chromium ion levels of MOM group were significantly higher than those of COC and COM group. CONCLUSION: The postoperative functional recovery of the three hard-on-hard bearings all were good, and no inflammatory pseudotumor and osteolysis were found. The serum levels of cobalt, chromium ion of COM were lower than those of MOM, but higher than those of COC.

Prognostic significance of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 expression in human cutaneous melanoma.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common and aggressive forms of human cancers and has a poor prognosis. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been found in several human cancers and is thought to correlate aggressive disease and poor response. In this study, we investigated the clinical role of STAT3 and its natural inhibitor, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), in human cutaneous melanoma development and progression. Immunohistochemical analysis of pSTAT3, SOCS3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 expression was performed on 90 primary melanomas and 43 common melanocytic nevi specimens. The expression of STAT3 mRNA was further detected by in-situ hybridization in the same cohort of patients. The association of STAT3 mRNA, pSTAT3, and SOCS3 protein expression with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival was analyzed. Altered expression of STAT3 mRNA, pSTAT3, and SOCS3 protein was observed in melanoma specimens, compared with benign melanocytic nevi. High expression of pSTAT3 was correlated to large tumor diameter, depth of tumor invasion, tumor lymph node metastasis, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, and poor patient survival. Decreased expression of SOCS3 was correlated to depth of tumor invasion, tumor lymph node metastasis, the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and pSTAT3, and poor patient survival. Moreover, the expression of pSTAT3 was conversely correlated to SOCS3 expression in melanoma. Our results indicate that deregulated expression of pSTAT3 and SOCS3 might possess potential roles in the development and progression of human cutaneous melanoma.