A MOF@Metal Oxide Heterostructure Induced by Post-Synthetic Gamma-Ray Irradiation for Catalytic Reduction.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) based heterostructures, which exhibit enhanced or unexpected functionality and properties due to synergistic effects, are typically synthesized using post-synthetic strategies. However, several reported post-synthetic strategies remain unsatisfactory, considering issues such as damage to the crystallinity of MOFs, presence of impure phases, and high time and energy consumption. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time a novel route for constructing MOF based heterostructures using radiation-induced post-synthesis, highlighting the merits of convenience, ambient conditions, large-scale production, and notable time and energy saving. Specifically, a new HKUST-1@Cu2O heterostructure was successfully synthesized by simply irradiating a methanol solution dispersed of HKUST-1 with gamma ray under ambient conditions. The copper source of Cu2O was directly derived from in situ radiation etching and reduction of the parent HKUST-1, without the use of any additional copper reagents. Significantly, the resulting HKUST-1@Cu2O heterostructure exhibits remarkable catalytic performance, with a catalytic rate constant nearly two orders of magnitude higher than that of the parent HKUST-1.

Radiation-Assisted Assembly of a Highly Dispersed Nanomolybdenum-Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework.

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs), featuring a large surface area and 1D pore structure, serve as promising scaffolds for anchoring functional guest compounds, which can significantly enhance their performance and thus expand their potential applications. Postsynthetic strategy for COFs functionalization is versatile but challenging because of their tedious procedure with high time and energy consumption, generation of excess reaction waste, and damage to COF crystallinity. We report in this work a general strategy for the synthesis of inorganic nanocompound-functionalized COF composites in a one-pot way. Specifically, a high-crystallinity nanoscale molybdenum compound is successfully introduced into a COF skeleton with high dispersion in situ during the crystallization process of the COF induced by gamma ray radiation under ambient conditions. The obtained COF@Mo composites exhibit remarkable sorption performance for methylene blue and many other organic dyes in aqueous solution with the advantages of ultrarapid uptake dynamics and high removal efficiency.

Highly efficient catalytic Fenton-Like reactions of bimetallic Fe/Cu chelated on radiation functionalized nonwoven fabric for pollutant control.

A remarkably efficient and affordable Fe/Cu bimetallic catalyst featuring a substantial light energy utilization and compatibility with a sizable substrate was developed for Fenton-like reactions aimed at pollutant control. Specifically, a novel strategy was employed to synthesize high-density metal sites (Fe:Cu ≈ 3:1) robustly embedded on polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate nonwoven fabric (PE/PET NWF) via radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) and subsequent chemical modification, labeled as Fe/Cu-PPAO. Its high effectiveness was demonstrated by degrading 50 mg/L of tetracycline hydrochloride within 30 min in the presence of H2O2 under simulate sunlight irradiation. It was investigated that amidoxime groups regulated the optical gaps and HOMO-LUMO gaps of metal ions to enable the absorption of a broader spectrum light while the Cu2+ facilitated the transfer of electrons between the bimetal ions to achieve an improved reaction path. Furthermore, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further revealed its special complex state and delicate electronic structure between bimetal ions and amidoxime groups. Our study offers a new strategy to synthesize high-density bimetallic sites catalyst for environmental remediation and pushes forward insight into understanding the catalytic mechanism of bimetallic Fenton-like catalysts.

Anti-osteoarthritis, Bone Protective and Antiinflammatory Effect of Lusianthridin against Monosodium Iodoacetate Induced Osteoarthritis via Suppression of Inflammatory Pathway.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the gradual deterioration and worsening of the knee joint, leading to both pain and deformity. The current research exhibited the anti-osteoarthritis effect of lusianthridin against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced OA in rats. RAW cells were used for the cell viability. The inflammatory cytokines and mediators were estimated in the cell lines after the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. For the in vivo study, the rats were received the intraperitoneal administration of MIA (3 mg/kg) for the induction of OA. The rats were received the oral administration of lusianthridin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and the body and organ weight estimated. Antioxidant, cytokines, inflammatory and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) level were also estimated. The mRNA expression of MMP were also estimated. The lusianthridin treatment remarkably suppressed the cell viability. LPS induced RAW cell suppressed the level of nitrate, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin (PGE2), MMP-2 and MMP-9 level. Lusianthridin remarkably altered the level of body weight and organ weight (liver, spleen, renal and heart weight). lusianthridin suppressed the oxidative stress via altered the level of antioxidant parameters. Lusianthridin significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the level of cartilage oligometrix matrix protein (COMP) and c-reactive protein (CRP); cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10; inflammatory parameters include 5- Lipoxygenase (5-LOX), COX-2, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), PGE2; transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß); MMP level like MMP-1, 3, 9, 13, respectively. Lusianthridin significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of MMP. Collectively, the result of the study showed that antiosteoarthritis effect of lusianthridin via suppression of inflammatory parameters.

Radiation-Induced De Novo Defects in Metal-Organic Frameworks Boost CO2 Sorption.

Defects in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can significantly change their local microstructures, thus notably leading to an alteration-induced performance in sorption or catalysis. However, achieving de novo defect engineering in MOFs under ambient conditions without the scarification of their crystallinity remains a challenge. Herein, we successfully synthesize defective ZIF-7 through 60Co gamma ray radiation under ambient conditions. The obtained ZIF-7 is defect-rich but also has excellent crystallinity, enhanced BET surface area, and hierarchical pore structure. Moreover, the amount and structure of these defects within ZIF-7 were determined from the two-dimensional (2D) 13C-1H frequency-switched Lee-Goldburg heteronuclear correlation (FSLG-HETCOR) spectra, continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Interestingly, the defects in ZIF-7 all strongly bind to CO2, leading to a remarkable enhancement of the CO2 sorption capability compared with that synthesized by the solvothermal method.

Histone Deacetylase 3 Inhibition Ameliorates Microglia-Mediated Neuro-Inflammation Via the SIRT1/Nrf2 Pathway After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Microglial-induced inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of nervous system injury, however, still lacks effective therapeutic agents. Previously, we discovered that the inhibition of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) exerts anti-inflammatory effects after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), whereas little is known about its underlying mechanism. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of HDAC3 on neuroinflammation and microglial function. METHODS: Rats were randomized into 4 groups: sham group, SCI group, SCI + vehicle group, and SCI + RGF966 group. To examine the effect of HDAC3 on neurological deficit after SCI, we gathered data using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan locomotion scale, the inclined plane test, the blood-spinal cord barrier, junction protein expression, and Nissl staining. We also evaluated microglial activation and inflammatory factor levels. Immunofluorescence analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the regulation of the Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. RESULTS: The results showed that HDAC3 inhibition significantly ameliorated Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) permeability, brain edema, and improved neurological functions and junction protein levels. Additionally, HDAC3 inhibition significantly inhibited microglial activation, thereby reducing the levels of SCI-induced pro-inflammatory factors. Moreover, HDAC3 inhibition dramatically enhanced the expression of SIRT1 and increased both Nrf2 nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity, thereby increasing downstream heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that HDAC3 inhibition protects the spinal cord from injury following SCI by inhibiting SCI-induced microglial activation and the subsequent inflammatory response via SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, highlighting HDAC3 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of SCI.

Metal-Organic Framework@Metal Oxide Heterostructures Induced by Electron-Beam Radiation.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a distinct family of crystalline porous materials finding extensive applications. Their synthesis often requires elevated temperature and relatively long reaction time. We report here the first case of MOF synthesis activated by high-energy (1.5 MeV) electron beam radiation from a commercially available electron-accelerator. Using ZIF-8 as a representative for demonstration, this type of synthesis can be accomplished under ambient conditions within minutes, leading to energy consumption about two orders of magnitude lower than that of the solvothermal condition. Interestingly, by controlling the absorbed dose in the synthesis, the electron beam not only activates the formation reaction of ZIF-8, but also partially etches the material during the synthesis affording a hierarchical pore architecture and highly crystalline ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of ZIF-8. This gives rise to a new strategy to obtain MOF@metal oxide heterostructures, finding utilities in photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.

Preparation of polymer-based foam for efficient oil-water separation based on surface engineering.

The leakages of a large number of organic solvents and oil spills not only cause extensive economic losses, but also destroy the ecological environment. However, there were few studies on the surface engineering of adsorption materials for efficient oil-water separation in complex environments. In this research, through surface engineering, the polymer-based foam exhibited high efficiency oil-water separation performance in different pH environments. Hydrophobic groups were introduced onto the surface of nano-sized SiO2 particles via hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions, and then the modified SiO2 was loaded on the foam. After modification, the water contact angle of the modified foam increased from 116.4° to 152.5°, and the oil-water separation performance was obviously enhanced. The oil removal rate of the modified foam remained above 96%. The highest capacity of petroleum diesel was 33.4 g-1, which was much higher than other similar adsorption materials. In addition, the modified foam maintained good hydrophobicity and oil removal rate in a wide pH range. The efficient oleophilic and hydrophobic foam prepared by combining green physical foaming with surface engineering was expected to be widely used in large-scale organic solvent recovery and oil leakage emergency treatment.

In-situ Raman study on kinetics behaviors of hydrated bubble in thickening.

Natural gas leakage by means of bubbles in cold seep abundantly existed on the ocean floor, causing the change of ocean ecology and the increase of atmospheric temperature. Fortunately, hydrated bubbles as a way of methane sequestration can reduce the effect on the ocean ecology and the escape of gas bubbles from the ocean floor, and are getting attention. To know the growth mode and efficiency of gas hydrate sequestration on bubble, the thickening growth kinetics of hydrated bubble was studied in present work. In-situ Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze the evolution of gas pores and mass transfer channels in the sI CH4, sI CH4-C2H6 and sII CH4-C2H6 hydrate films on the hydrated bubble by the peak area ratio of Raman spectra. Three types of Raman spectra (a-, b-, and c-type), three texture structures of film (Large gas pore; Small gas pore; No gas pore) and two hydrate thickening patterns (filling of new hydrate within large gas pores; covering growth on the original hydrate lattice) were provided in the thickening of hydrated bubble. Results showed that the thickening of the hydrated bubble was a multi-stages growth, i.e., quick growth (stage I), slow growth (stage II), and no growth (stage III). The texture structures and the type and size of gas pore in hydrated bubble were critical for the kinetics growth rate of hydrated bubble in thickening. Especially, the theory of heterogeneous growth of hydrated bubble was proposed to apply the hydrate growth at the interface of two or multi- bubbles, accelerating the efficiency of carbon sequestration as the hydrated bubble. This study will provide a better theoretical basis for understanding the behaviors and efficiency of hydrated carbon sequestration on the surface of bubbles resulting from the gas leakage in the hydrate exploitation or the natural cold seep. SYNOPSIS: Hydrated bubble strongly modulates the emission of a potent greenhouse gas from the deep sea.

Genomic Profiling Reveals the Molecular Landscape of Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers in Chinese Patients.

Gastrointestinal tract cancers have high incidence and mortality in China, but their molecular characteristics have not been fully investigated. We sequenced 432 tumor samples from the colorectum, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and biliary tract to investigate cancer-related mutations and detail the landscape of microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and chromosomal instability (CIN). We observed the highest TMB in colorectal and gastric cancers and the lowest TMB in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Twenty-four hyper-mutated tumors were identified only in colorectal and gastric cancers, with a significant enrichment of mutations in the polymerase genes (POLE, POLD1, and POLH) and mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Additionally, CIN preferentially occurred in colorectal and gastric cancers, while pancreatic, gallbladder, and biliary duct cancers had a much lower CIN. High CIN was correlated with a higher prevalence of malfunctions in chromosome segregation and cell cycle genes, including the copy number loss of WRN, NAT1, NF2, and BUB1B, and the copy number gain of MYC, ERBB2, EGFR, and CDK6. In addition, TP53 mutations were more abundant in high-CIN tumors, while PIK3CA mutations were more frequent in low-CIN tumors. In colorectal and gastric cancers, tumors with MSI demonstrated much fewer copy number changes than microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. In colorectal and gastric cancers, the molecular characteristics of tumors revealed the mutational diversity between the different anatomical origins of tumors. This study provides novel insights into the molecular landscape of Chinese gastrointestinal cancers and the genetic differences between tumor locations, which could be useful for future clinical patient stratification and targeted interventions.

Electron Beam Irradiation-Induced Formation of Defect-Rich Zeolites under Ambient Condition within Minutes.

Zeolites are a well-known family of microporous aluminosilicate crystals with a wide range of applications. Their industrial synthetic method under hydrothermal condition requires elevated temperature and long crystallization time and is therefore quite energy-consuming. Herein, we utilize high-energy electron beam irradiation generated by an industrial accelerator as a distinct type of energy source to activate the formation reaction of Na-A zeolite. The initial efforts afford an attractive reaction process that can be achieved under ambient conditions and completed within minutes with almost quantitative yield, leading to notable energy saving of one order of magnitude compared to the hydrothermal reaction. More importantly, electron beam irradiation simultaneously exhibits an etching effect during the formation of zeolite generating a series of crystal defects and additional pore windows that can be controlled by irradiation dose. These observations give rise to significantly enhanced surface area and heavy metal removal capabilities in comparison with Na-A zeolite synthesized hydrothermally. Finally, we show that this method can be applied to many other types of zeolites.

Intrinsic Semiconducting Behavior in a Large Mixed-Valent Uranium(V/VI) Cluster.

We disclose the intrinsic semiconducting properties of one of the largest mixed-valent uranium clusters, [H3 O+ ][UV (UVI O2 )8 (µ3 -O)6 (PhCOO)2 (Py(CH2 O)2 )4 (DMF)4 ] (Ph=phenyl, Py=pyridyl, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide) (1). Single-crystal X-ray crystallography demonstrates that UV center is stabilized within a tetraoxo core surrounded by eight uranyl(VI) pentagonal bipyramidal centers. The oxidation states of uranium are substantiated by spectroscopic data and magnetic susceptibility measurement. Electronic spectroscopy and theory corroborate that UV species serve as electron donors and thus facilitate 1 being a n-type semiconductor. With the largest effective atomic number among all reported radiation-detection semiconductor materials, charge transport properties and photoconductivity were investigated under X-ray excitation for 1: a large on-off ratio of 500 and considerable charge mobility lifetime product of 2.3×10-4  cm2 V-1 , as well as a high detection sensitivity of 23.4 µC Gyair -1 cm-2 .

A Greener Amidoximation Process for Fabrication of Popular Uranium Complexing Fiber Using Water as the Single Solvent.

A mixed water-organic solvent used for amidoximation increased the production cost of an amidoxime-based polymer sorbent and was not environmentally friendly as well. In this work, the amidoximation of an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber co-grafted with acrylonitrile and methacrylic acid was carried out in aqueous solution without the use of an organic solvent. The effects of amidoximation parameters including NH2OH concentration, temperature, time, and various solvents on the uranium adsorption performances in both uranium-spiked brine and simulated seawater were investigated. Results indicated that the optimal amidoximation parameters were 5% (w/v) NH2OH, 80 °C, and 24 h. The uranium adsorption capacities of the sorbents amidoximated in aqueous solution were comparable with those of sorbents amidoximated in the various mixed water-organic solvents. Moreover, in comparison with both acidic (pH ∼3) and alkalic (pH ∼11) aqueous solution, the sorbent amidoximated in neutral (pH ∼7) NH2OH aqueous solution achieved higher uranium adsorption capacities in both uranium-spiked brine (112.4 mg/g) and simulated seawater (7.4 mg/g). Additionally, potassium hydroxide (KOH) treatment was a necessary process and indeed significantly increased the uranium adsorption capacity.

Pyrene-Based Nonwoven Fabric with Tunable Fluorescence Properties by Employing the Aggregation-Caused Quenching Effect.

Conventional aromatic compounds tend to exhibit the formation of sandwich-shaped excimers and exciplexes between their excited and ground states at high concentrations or in their aggregated states, causing their fluorescence to weaken or disappear due to the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect. This limits their applications in concentrated solutions or solid materials. Herein, for the first time, ACQ-based pyrene (Py) units are covalently connected to the surface of polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric (PE/PP NWF) via electron beam preradiation-induced graft polymerization followed by chemical modification. The matrix can be considered a solid solvent and Py units as a solid solute, such that the amount of Py units can be controlled by varying the reaction time. The obtained fluorescent fabric not only exhibits remarkable fluorescence properties with high fluorescence intensity, high quantum yield (>90%), and excellent fluorescence stability after laundering or in harsh chemical environments, but the fluorescence color and intensity, quantum yield, and lifetime can also be regulated by employing the ACQ effect. Additionally, the as-prepared fluorescent fabric can effectively distinguish common monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via a simple fluorescence response test.

Radiation-Induced In Situ-Printed Nonconjugated Fluorescent Nonwoven Fabric with Superior Fluorescent Properties.

A new technique is proposed for the in situ printing of fluorescent fabrics with superior fluorescent properties that have the potential for continuous roll-to-roll production in the industry. Nonconjugated chemical moieties were covalently connected to polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric (PE/PP NWF) to successfully prepare fluorescent PE/PP NWF, which emits a bright blue light and has a high quantum yield (∼83.35%) that can be attributed to a unique aggregation-induced emission effect. The fluorescent PE/PP NWF exhibits excellent fluorescent stability under high shear forces during accelerated laundering and in harsh chemical environments. The fluorescent PE/PP NWF can also be tailored into diverse shapes and printed in situ with high resolution. The versatility of the method was also demonstrated by fabricating fluorescent materials with different polymer matrices such as Nylon 66 fiber and PE terephthalate membrane.

Fabrication and Potential Applications of Highly Durable Superhydrophobic Polyethylene Terephthalate Fabrics Produced by In-Situ Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanowires Deposition and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Packaging.

Considerable attention has been devoted to the in-situ deposition of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (ZnO-NWs) on the surface of organic supports, due to their very wide applications in superhydrophobicity, UV shielding, and nanogenerators. However, the poor interfacial bond strength between ZnO-NWs and its support limits their applications. Herein, we developed a facile process to grow robust ZnO-NWs on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric surface through simultaneous radiation-induced graft polymerization, hydrothermal processing, and in-situ nano-packaging; the obtained materials were denoted as PDMS@ZnO-NWs@PET. The introduction of an adhesion and stress relief layer greatly improved the attachment of the ZnO-NWs to the support, especially when the material was subjected to extreme environment conditions of external friction forces, strong acidic or alkaline solutions, UV-irradiation and even washing with detergent for a long time. The PDMS@ZnO-NWs@PET material exhibited excellent UV resistance, superhydrophobicity, and durability. The ZnO-NWs retained on the fabric surface even after 30 cycles of accelerated washing. Therefore, this process can be widely applied as a universal approach to overcome the challenges associated with growing inorganic nanowires on polymeric support surfaces.

Microsecond molecular dynamics simulation of the adsorption and penetration of oil droplets on cellular membrane.

The hazardous effects of petroleum contaminants in the soil and water environment are highly associated with their interactions with cellular membranes, but our understanding on the molecular-level mechanisms for the adsorption and penetration of heavy oil mixture on cellular membrane is very limited. In this study, microsecond molecular dynamics simulations were performed to gain insights into the morphological evolution and penetration dynamics of the multi-component and single-component oil droplets on the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine lipid membrane. Results highlighted the inhibition effect of the resins on the penetration of alkanes and aromatics, because they would form net structure making it difficult to release the latter two components from the oil droplet to the membrane. It also demonstrated the obviously different patterns of penetration between alkanes and aromatics. The overall steps for the toluene penetration included detachment from oil droplet, dispersion in water, adsorption on membrane surface, structure adjustment and penetration into membrane. By contrast, the step of dispersion in water was not necessary for the alkanes' penetration. Instead, it relied on the adsorption of the whole oil droplet on the membrane surface which resulted in the formation of pores on the membrane surface by local structure deformation in the lipid head group regions.

Electron Beam Irradiation as a General Approach for the Rapid Synthesis of Covalent Organic Frameworks under Ambient Conditions.

Crystalline porous materials such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are advanced materials to tackle challenges of catalysis and separation in industrial processes. Their synthetic routes often require elevated temperatures, closed systems with high pressure, and long reaction times, hampering their industrial applications. Here we use a traditionally unperceived strategy to assemble highly crystalline COFs by electron beam irradiation with controlled received dosage, contrasting sharply with the previous observation that radiation damages the crystallinity of solids. Such synthesis by electron beam irradiation can be achieved under ambient conditions within minutes, and the process is amendable for large-scale production. The intense and targeted energy input to the reactants leads to new reaction pathways that favor COF formation in nearly quantitative yield. This strategy is applicable not only to known COFs but also to new series of flexible COFs that are difficult to obtain using traditional methods.

[Effectiveness of a modified posterior approach for arthroscopic resection on painful talocalcaneal coalition in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic talocalcaneal coalition resection in painful adults via a modified posterior approach. METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2017, 9 patients with painful talocalcaneal coalition accepted arthroscopic resection via the posterior malleolus high lateral observation approach combined with the lower medial operation approach. Of them, 6 were male and 3 were female, aged from 19 to 30 years (mean, 24 years). Among them, 2 cases had no definite local trauma and 7 cases had a history of sprain of foot and ankle. The disease duration ranged from 6 to 30 months, with a median of 12 months. Rozansky classification of talocalcaneal coalition for the 9 patients: 5 cases (5 feet) were type Ⅰ, 2 cases (2 feet) type Ⅱ, and 2 cases (2 feet) type Ⅲ. The patients had no sequelae of limb dysfunction and no limb joint surgery in the past. All the patients received anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and CT scans of the ankle joint during follow-up. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score were used to evaluate the effectiveness. RESULTS: The operation time was 60-90 minutes (mean, 76 minutes). All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months). All the incisions healed by first intention, without infection, skin necrosis, lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, vascular nerve and tendon injury, bone bridge recurrence, and other complications. The ankle function recovered well and the pain was relieved obviously after operation, and the patients returned to work at 3-5 months after operation, with an average of 3.9 months. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 0.7±0.5, which was significantly improved ( t=20.239, P=0.000) when compared with preoperative score (4.2±0.5); the AOFAS ankle-hind foot score was 94±4, which was significantly improved ( t=-27.424, P=0.000) when compared with preoperative score (62±2). According to AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scoring system, the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 2 cases at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: It is more intuitive, more space, and more flexibility for operation via the modified posterior malleolus high lateral observation approach combined with the lower medial operation approach in talocalcaneal coalition. It is feasible to remove talocalcaneal coalition programmatically according to the specific anatomic signs during the operation.

Fabrication of new conductive surface-metallized UHMWPE fabric with improved thermal resistance.

A new UHMWPE-based conductive fabric was successfully prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization and subsequent post-modification, followed by electroless deposition. The chemical structure and composition of modified UHMWPE fabrics were investigated in detail by ATR-FTIR, 29Si NMR, and XPS to confirm grafting and post-modification. After electroless deposition, the morphology, thermal stability, and crystal structure of original and modified fabrics were characterized by SEM, TG, DSC and XRD. Cu-deposited UHMWPE fabric exhibited much better thermal resistance than that of UHMWPE and Cu@UHMWPE-g-PAAc. In order to improve the oxidation resistance of copper-deposited fabric, nickel was processed on copper-coated UHMWPE fabric to protect the copper layer. An electromagnetic shielding effect test showed the nickel-copper coated UHMWPE fabric could shield 94.5% of the electromagnetic wave in the frequency range of 8-12 GHz. This work provides an approach for addressing the issue of poor thermal resistance of metal-coated polymeric materials due to the inherent low melting point of the organic support.