Fabrication and evaluation of porous coatings doped with bioactive elements on titanium surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: Although pure titanium (PT) and its alloys exhibit excellent mechanical properties, they lack biological activity as implants. The purpose of this study was to improve the biological activity of titanium implants through surface modification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium was processed into titanium discs, where the titanium discs served as anodes and stainless steel served as cathodes, and a copper- and cobalt-doped porous coating [pure titanium model (PTM)] was prepared on the surface of titanium via plasma electrolytic oxidation. The surface characteristics of the coating were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and profilometry. The corrosion resistance of PTM was evaluated with an electrochemical workstation. The biocompatibility and bioactivity of coated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were evaluated through in vitro cell experiments. RESULTS: A copper- and cobalt-doped porous coating was successfully prepared on the surface of titanium, and the doping of copper and cobalt did not change the surface topography of the coating. The porous coating increased the surface roughness of titanium and improved its resistance to corrosion. In addition, the porous coating doped with copper and cobalt promoted the adhesion and spreading of BMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: A porous coating doped with copper and cobalt was prepared on the surface of titanium through plasma electrolytic oxidation. The coating not only improved the roughness and corrosion resistance of titanium but also exhibited good biological activity.

Clinical effect of open reduction and internal fixation with a steel plate through the triceps approach in the treatment of fractures of the middle and lower 1/3 of the humerus.

OBJECTIVE: The stability of fractures of the middle and lower 1/3 of the displaced humeral shaft is poor, and surgery is currently the main treatment. The posterolateral approach to the upper arm has many advantages but it is not widely used in clinical applications. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical effect of open reduction and internal fixation with a steel plate through the triceps approach in the treatment of fractures of the middle and lower 1/3 of the humerus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients with fractures of the middle and lower 1/3 of the humerus who were admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. According to the AO ASIF classification, 12 patients had type A, 8 patients had type B, and 6 patients had type C fractures. The posterior transtriceps approach was used for open reduction and internal fixation with a steel plate to evaluate its clinical efficacy. RESULTS: All patients were followed completely, and the follow-up time was 6.0-18.0 months. Fracture nonunion occurred in 1 patient after the operation, and the other 25 patients healed well; 2 patients showed symptoms of radial nerve injury and numbness in the tiger's mouth area, which improved after 2 weeks. The average healing time of the fracture was 12.3 weeks. There were no infections or complications such as plate fractures. Elbow joint function according to Mayo scoring standards was as follows: 19 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 2 cases were poor. The excellent and good rate was 84.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction through the triceps approach and internal fixation with a steel plate for the treatment of the middle and lower 1/3 of the humerus can directly expose and protect the radial nerve and its branches and reduce radial nerve damage, and plate fixation on the tension side is biomechanical and worthy of clinical application.

Effects of ${\rm \small L}$-methionine on growth performance, carcass quality, feather traits, and small intestinal morphology of Pekin ducks compared with conventional ${\rm \small {DL}}$-methionine.

The research studied the effects of l-methionine (l-Met) on growth performance, carcass quality, feather traits, and small intestinal morphology of Pekin ducks compared with conventional dl-methionine (dl-Met). A total of 1080, 1-day-old male Pekin ducks were randomly allotted to 9 groups with 6 replicate pens of 20 birds each. During the starter phase (1 to 14 d), ducks were fed a basal diet (Met, 0.30%) or that supplemented with dl-Met or l-Met at 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20% of feed. During the grower phase (15 to 35 d), ducks were fed a basal diet (Met, 0.24%) or that supplemented with dl-Met or l-Met at 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, or 0.16% of feed. Compared with ducks fed the basal diet, supplementation with either dl-Met or l-Met increased the body weight (BW) of ducks at days 14 and 35, increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), decreased F:G at the starter phase, and increased ADG over the whole 35-d period (P < 0.05). The efficacy of l-Met compared to dl-Met was 140.1% for 14-d BW, 137.6% for ADG and 121.0% for F:G for days 1 to 14. Ducks fed diets supplemented with l-Met had greater proportion of leg muscle, higher than in ducks provided with dl-Met (P < 0.05). The breast muscle proportion was enhanced with dl-Met rather than l-Met supplementation (P < 0.01). The back feathers score and fourth primary wing feather length were increased with dl-Met or l-Met supplementation (P < 0.01), and there was increased efficacy of l-Met relative to dl-Met for back feathers score (153.1%). Dietary dl-Met or l-Met supplementation increased villus height of ileal mucosa of ducks at days 14 and 35 (P < 0.01). Overall, dietary l-Met or dl-Met supplementation affected the growth performance of ducks during the starter phase, and improved the feather traits and small intestinal morphology. The efficacy of l-Met to dl-Met ranged from 120 to 140% for growth performance of young ducks (1 to 14 d) and was 153% for the feather traits of ducks (35 d).

Glove and instrument changing to prevent tumour seeding in cancer surgery: a survey of surgeons' beliefs and practices.

Background: Some surgeons change gloves and instruments after the extirpative phase of cancer surgery with the intent of reducing the risk of local and wound recurrence. Although this practice is conceptually appealing, the evidence that gloves or instruments act as vectors of cancer-cell seeding in the clinical setting is weak. To determine the potential effect of further investigation of this question, we surveyed the practices and beliefs of a broad spectrum of surgeons who operate on cancer patients. Methods: Using a modified Dillman approach, a survey was mailed to all 945 general surgeons listed in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario public registry. The survey consisted of multiple-choice and free-text response questions. Responses were tabulated and grouped into themes, including specific intraoperative events and surgeon training. Predictive variables were analyzed by chi-square test. Results: Of 459 surveys returned (adjusted response rate: 46%), 351 met the inclusion criteria for retention. Of those respondents, 52% reported that they change gloves during cancer resections with the intent of decreasing the risk of tumour seeding, and 40%, that they change instruments for that purpose. The proportion of respondents indicating that they take measures to protect the wound was 73% for laparoscopic cancer resections and 31% for open resections. Training and years in practice predicted some of the foregoing behaviours. The most commonly cited basis for adopting specific strategies to prevent tumour seeding was "gut feeling," followed by clinical training. Most respondents believe that it is possible or probable that surgical gloves or instruments harbour malignant cells, but that a cancer recurrence proceeding from that situation is unlikely. Conclusions: There is no consensus on how gloves and instruments should be handled in cancer operations. Further investigation is warranted.

A novel role for Plk4 in regulating cell spreading and motility.

Polo family kinase 4 (Plk4) is required for mitotic progression, and is haploinsufficient for tumor suppression and timely hepatocyte polarization in regenerating liver. At the same time, recent evidence suggests that Plk4 expression may have a role in clinical cancer progression, although the mechanisms are not clear. Here we identify a gene expression pattern predictive of reduced motility in Plk4(+/-) murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and validate this prediction with functional assays of cell spreading, migration and invasion. Increased Plk4 expression enhances cell spreading in Plk4(+/-) MEFs and migration in human embryonic kidney 293T cells, and increases invasion by DLD-1 colon cancer cells. Plk4 depletion impairs invasion of wild-type MEFs and suppresses invasion by MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. Cytoskeletal reorganization and development of polarity are impaired in Plk4-deficient cells that have been stimulated to migrate. Endogenous Plk4 phosphorylated at the autophosphorylation site S305 localizes to the protrusions of motile cells, coincident with the RhoA GEF Ect2, GTP-bound RhoA and the RhoA effector mDia. Taken together, our findings reveal an unexpected activity of Plk4 that promotes cell migration and may underlie an association between increased Plk4 expression, cancer progression and death from metastasis in solid tumor patients.

[Experimental study on combining selective rhizotomy of different anterior and posterior sacral roots for restoration of bladder function after spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an alternative procedure for complete denervation of bladder in the supra-cone cord injury to restore the bladder function. METHODS: Sixteen dogs were included in this study after their spinal cords were transected above the cone. They were divided into 6 groups and performed the rhizotomy of L7 to S3 root in different combination respectively. The bladder and urethra pressure change by electrostimulation during operation and cystometrogram change after operation were tested. RESULTS: 1. Electrostimulation study: for bladder innervation, S2 was the most important and S1 was secondary. While for urethra innervation, S1 was more important than S2. When the anterior and posterior roots of S1 and S2 were intact with rhizotomy of posterior roots of L7 and S3, stimulated the common or posterior root of S1 and S2, the change of pressure in bladder and urethra was the same. When the anterior roots of S1 and S2 were resected with rhizotomy of posterior roots of L7 and S3, the pressure in bladder and urethra was significant decreased compared to stimulating the corresponding posterior roots. 2. Cystometrogram (CMG) study: in the complete deafferented group, resecting the posterior roots of L7 to S3, the bladder became flaccid. While resecting the posterior root of S2 and anterior root of S1 or, resecting the posterior root of S1 and anterior root of S2, combining with rhizotomy of posterior roots of L7 and S3, the CMG curve was similar to the complete deafferented group. In the S1 and S2 intact group, the bladder became spastic. CONCLUSION: Combining rhizotomy of anterior and posterior sacral root in different level has the same effects on bladder as complete deafferentation.

New biflavanones and bioactive compounds from Stellera chamaejasme L.

AIM: To study the chemical constituents of the root of Stellera chamaejasme L. METHODS: Various column chromatographies on silica gel and RP-18 were employed for isolation and purification. Structures of compounds were elucidated by spectral analysis. RESULTS: Eight lignans and three biflavonoids possessing a C-3/C-3" linkage were isolated. They are ruixianglangdusu A (1) and B (2), 4',4'",5,5",7,7"-hexahydroxy-3,3"-biflavone (3), (+)-kusunokinin (4), lirioresinol-B (5), magnolenin C (6), (-)-pinoresinol monomethyl ether (7), (-)-pinoresinol (8), (+)-matairesinol (9), isohinokinin (10) and (-)-eudesmin (11). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1 and 2 are new biflavanones, 1 is enantiomeric to known chamaejasmenin C, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 were isolated from this plant for the first time, and 7 was isolated from natural resources for the first time. In vitro bioassays showed that 3 and 8 exhibited antibacterial activity, and 1, 2, 9 and 11 exhibited immunomodulatory activity.

A new bicoumarin from Stellera chamaejasme L.

Thirteen compounds were isolated from roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. (Thymelaeaceae). They are 3-sitosterol (2), simplexin (3), pimelea factor P2 (4), daucosterol (5), (+)-3-hydroxy-1,5-diphenyl-1-pentanone (6), 4-ethoxy-benzoic acid (7), 2,4,6-Trimethoxy-benzoic acid (8), (+)-afzelechin (9), fumaric acid (10), N,N-dimethyl-L-aspartic acid (11), umbelliferone (12), daphniretin (13) and a novel bicoumarin named bicoumastechamin (1). Among the known compounds, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 were first isolated from this plant, and 6 was first isolated from the natural resources. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectral data. In vitro bioassays showed that 4 inhibited cancer cell growth, 13 exhibited immunomodulatory activity, and 6 exhibited both immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activity.

An isopimarane diterpene from Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata.

From the ethanolic extract of the roots of Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata four compounds were isolated. They are 24-methylenecycloartanone, tirucallol, procesterol and a new isopimarane diterpene, namely yuexiandajisu C. The structure of yuexiandajisu C was elucidated by spectral analysis. The bioassay in vitro showed yuexiandajisu C exhibited immunomodulatory activity.

Recent advances on bioactive natural products from Chinese medicinal plants.

China has accumulated a rich body of empirical knowledge of the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases throughout its long history. Chemical studies on Chinese medicinal plants provide a valuable material base for the discovery and development of new drugs of natural origin. In this article recent chemical work on various Chinese medicinal plants is reviewed, including Mussaenda pubescens (Rubiaceae), Isatis indigotica (Cruciferae), Euphorbia fischeriana, and E. ebracteolata (Euphorbiaceae), and Stemona species (Stemonaceae). The structural diversity of the medicinal chemical constituents of the above plants is discussed.

Triterpenes and triterpenoid saponins from Mussaenda pubescens.

Two novel triterpenoid saponins, named mussaendosides U and V, together with one known saponin and four known triterpenes were isolated from the aerial parts of Mussaenda pubescens (Rubiaceae). The structures were determined on the basis of chemical analysis ad spectral methods. All these compounds were identified for the first time from the genus Mussaenda.

[In vitro inhibition of celastrol on spermatozoa fertilization ability of guinea pig].

The effects of celastrol (Cel), isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii, on guinea pig sperm forward motility (FM), capacitation (Cap), the acrosome reaction (AR) and sperm penetration assay (SPA) were assessed in vitro. Cel (5 micrograms.ml-1) was found to inhibit these spermatozoal functions, and the inhibitions were proportional to the concentrations of Cel used. The potency of inhibition of Cel on the fertilizing ability in guinea pig spermatozoa in vitro seems to follow the order: Cap > FM > SPA > AR. The inhibitory effect appeared to be reversible after washing away Cel if the duration of exposure of spermatozoa to Cel was shorter than 3 h. In a comparative study, the inhibitory effects of Cel on guinea pig sperm FM and AR were significantly stronger than those of gossypol acetic acid.

[Studies on circular dichroism of diterpenoids from Mallotus anomalus and sesquiterpenoid tussilagone].

This paper reports the circular dichroism and octant rule projection of 5 diterpenoids from Mallotus anomalus (compounds 1-5) and 3 sesquiterpenoids tussilagones (compounds 6-8): they are new compounds. Using ketone octant rule, planar cyclohexenone rule, beta, gamma-unsaturated ketone rule and Harada rule, the nature of A/B and B/C ring fusion was determined, thus, their absolute configurations were assigned.

[The research of orthodontic therapy in second molar overjet]

The malocclusion of overjet of second molars is very frequent,When the 2183 patients were examined,we found that the above-mentioned malocclusion had 420 cases.It accounts for 19.22%.The factors led this malocclusion are many.The cases of buccoversion of second molar in maxilla and normal of this tooth in mandible are 257.That upper second molar is buccoversion and lower second molar is linguoversion.all in one side,are 104 cases.Upper normal and lower linguoversion are 24.Buccoversion of two second molars only in upper dental arch and lingual position of second molar in one side of lower dental arch are 31.Even that bilateral lower second molars are linguoversion and this tooth of upper jaw in one side is buccoversion are 4.Therefore,we must adopt various technique according to malposition condition of second molar.This paper will describe five corrective.

Four new cycloartane saponins from Curculigo orchioides.

Four new cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides named curculigosaponins G, H, I, and J have been isolated from rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides (Chinese Name: Xiao Mao; Hypoxidaceae). Their structures were elucidated by FAB-MS, 1H-, 13C-NMR, and 2D-NMR analysis and chemical evidence. A pharmacological study showed that curculigosaponin G increased the weight of the thymus in vivo in mice.

[Studies on the alkaloids of Cephalotaxus. VII. Structures and semi-synthesis of two anticancer cephalotaxine esters].

Two new alkaloids, namely neoharringtonine (1) and anhydroharringtonine (2) with significant antileukemic activity were isolated from Cephalotaxus fortunei Hook f.. Their structures have been established by spectral analyses and semi-synthesis. Seven known alkaloids, deoxyharringtonine (3), isoharringtonine (4), isocephalotaxinone (5), acetylcephalotaxine (6), cephalotaxine (7), harringtonine (8) and homoharringtonine (9), were also isolated and identified.