Piezo-Acoustic Resistive Switching Behaviors in High-Performance Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Memristors.

Memristors are regarded as promising candidates for breaking the problems including high off-chip memory access delays and the hash rate cost of frequent data moving induced by algorithms for data-intensive applications of existing computational systems. Recently, organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) have been recognized as exceptionally favorable materials for memristors due to ease of preparation, excellent electrical conductivity, and structural flexibility. However, research on OIHP-based memristors focuses on modulating resistive switching (RS) performance through electric fields, resulting in difficulties in moving away from complex external circuits and wire connections. Here, a multilayer memristor has been constructed with eutectic gallium and indium (EGaIn)/ MAPbI3 /poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(4-styrenesulphonate) (PEDOT: PSS)/indium tin oxide (ITO) structure, which exhibits reproducible and reliable bipolar RS with low SET/RESET voltages, stable endurance, ultrahigh average ON/OFF ratio, and excellent retention. Importantly, based on ion migration activated by sound-driven piezoelectric effects, the device exhibits a stable acoustic response with an average ON/OFF ratio greater than 103 , thus realizing non-contact, multi-signal, and far-field control in RS modulation. This study provides a single-structure multifunctional memristor as an integrated architecture for sensing, data storage, and computing.

Growth and High-Performance Photodetectors of CsPbBr3 Single Crystals.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have demonstrated exceptional photovoltaic properties, making them highly promising for solar cells and photodetectors (PDs). However, the organic components of these materials are vulnerable to heat and strong light illumination, limiting their application prospects. All-inorganic cesium-based perovskite PDs, on the other hand, possess enhanced thermal tolerance and stability, making them ideal for perovskite applications. The utilization of a ternary mixture solvent and additives in combination with single crystal (SC) growth has enabled the production of highly crystalline SCs with a defect density of 3.79 × 109 cm-3. The performance of the SC PDs had been evaluated using metal-semiconductor-metal devices, which demonstrated excellent results with a dark current as low as 0.198 µA at 10 V bias, on-off ratios exceeding 103, and a response time of shorter than 1 ms.

CD44 is a potential immunotherapeutic target and affects macrophage infiltration leading to poor prognosis.

CD44 plays a key role in the communication of CSCs with the microenvironment and the regulation of stem cell properties. UALCAN was used to analyze the expression of CD44 in bladder cancer (BLCA) and normal tissue. The UALCAN was utilized to analyze the prognostic value of CD44 in BLCA. The TIMER database was used to explore the relationship between CD44 and PD-L1; CD44 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. The regulatory effect of CD44 on PD-L1 was verified by cell experiments in vitro. IHC confirmed the results of the bioinformatics analysis. GeneMania and Metascape were used to analyze protein-protein interaction (PPI) investigations and functional enrichment analysis. We found that BLCA patients with high CD44 expression had worse survival than those with low CD44 expression (P < 0.05). IHC and the TIMER database results showed that CD44 expression was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression (P < 0.05). At the cellular level, the expression of PD-L1 was significantly inhibited after CD44 expression was inhibited by siRNA. Immune infiltration analysis showed that CD44 expression levels in BLCA were significantly correlated with immune infiltration levels of different immune cells. IHC staining results further confirmed that the expression of CD44 in tumor cells was positively associated with the number of CD68+ macrophages and CD163+ macrophages (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that CD44 is a positive regulator of PD-L1 in BLCA and may be a key regulator of tumor macrophages infiltration and may be involved in M2 macrophage polarization. Our study provided new insights into the prognosis and immunotherapy of BLCA patients through macrophage infiltration and immune checkpoints.

Nanoengineering Ultrathin Flexible Pressure Sensor with Superior Sensitivity and Perfect Conformability.

Flexible pressure sensors play an increasingly important role in a wide range of applications such as human health monitoring, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces. To achieve a high sensitivity, a conventional approach is introducing microstructures to engineer the internal geometry of the sensor. However, this microengineering strategy requires the sensor's thickness to be typically at hundreds to thousands of microns level, impairing the sensor's conformability on surfaces with microscale roughness like human skin. In this manuscript, a nanoengineering strategy is pioneered that paves a path to resolve the conflicts between sensitivity and conformability. A dual-sacrificial-layer method is initiated that facilitates ease of fabrication and precise assembly of two functional nanomembranes to manufacture the thinnest resistive pressure sensor with a total thickness of ≈850 nm that achieves perfectly conformable contact to human skin. For the first time, the superior deformability of the nanothin electrode layer on a carbon nanotube conductive layer is utilized by the authors to achieve a superior sensitivity (92.11 kPa-1 ) and an ultralow detection limit (<0.8 Pa). This work offers a new strategy that is able to overcome a key bottleneck for current pressure sensors, therefore is of potential to inspire the research community for a new wave of breakthroughs.

Hsa_circ_0128846 knockdown attenuates the progression of pancreatic cancer by targeting miR-1270/NR3C1 axis.

The considerable role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) make them prospective biomarkers in cancer therapy. Our study aimed to unveil the function of circ_0128846 in pancreatic cancer (PC). The expressions of circ_0128846, miR-1270 and NR3C1 mRNA were measured via RT-qPCR. The expressions of NR3C1 protein and apoptosis-related markers (Bax and Bcl-2) were measured via western blotting. CCK-8, colony-forming, or wound healing assay was respectively utilized to identify cell proliferation, growth and migration. Xenograft model was developed to evaluate tumor growth affected by circ_0128846 in vivo. The putative binding between miR-1270 and circ_0128846 or NR3C1 was testified by dual-luciferase reporter, RIP or pull-down assay. Circ_0128846 showed elevated expression in PC. Circ_0128846 deficiency restrained cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and migratory ability, enhanced cell apoptotic rate, and also impeded tumor development in vivo. Circ_0128846 directly targeted miR-1270 whose expression was declined in PC. The suppressive effects of silencing circ_0128846 on PC cell malignant phenotypes were largely reversed by miR-1270 inhibition. NR3C1 was targeted by miR-1270 and was highly regulated in PC. The repressive effects of NR3C1 knockdown on PC cell malignant phenotypes were partly abolished by miR-1270 inhibition. Circ_0128846 deficiency blocked PC progression via mediating the miR-1270/NR3C1 pathway, which partly illustrated PC pathogenesis.

Simulation on a dispersion-managed 4H-SiC on insulator waveguide for infrared supercontinuum generation.

We demonstrate infrared supercontinuum generation in 4H-SiC on insulator slab waveguides. The effect of waveguide geometry parameters on dispersion is investigated to switch the zero-dispersion wavelength close to the pump wavelength. The 1 cm long 4H-SiC waveguide is pumped by 100 fs pulses at 1550 nm with 2000 W peak power, and the generated supercontinuum extends from ∼1000 to ∼3560n m (at 20 dB level). This work shows that 4H-SiC has significant potential as on-chip photonic sources for spectroscopic applications in infrared wavelengths.

Imaging mass cytometry: High-dimensional and single-cell perspectives on the microenvironment of solid tumours.

Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) is a new technology integrating mass spectrometry, high-resolution laser ablation and immunohistochemistry/cytochemistry. A unique high-dimensional perspective comprehensively and accurately depicts the complex interaction of phenotype, signalling pathway and tumour microenvironment and is widely used in solid tumours. However, the application scenarios of IMC in basic medicine and clinical research in solid tumours lack systematic introduction and classification. This paper reviews the application of IMC in depicting the panorama of the tumour microenvironment, revealing tumour spatial heterogeneity, clarifying tumour pharmacological mechanisms, assisting in new drug development, and dynamically evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy in solid tumours.

Screening of Potential Biomarkers in the Peripheral Serum for Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Based on WGCNA and Machine Learning Algorithms.

BACKGROUND: Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) has produced a substantial burden of medical and social experience. However, the current diagnosis is still limited. Thus, this study is aimed at identifying potential biomarkers in the peripheral serum of patients with SONFH. METHODS: The expression profile data of SONFH (number: GSE123568) was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SONFH were identified and used for weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to investigate the biological functions. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and machine learning algorithms were employed to screen for potential biomarkers. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), transcription factor (TF) enrichment analysis, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were used to determine the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of the potential biomarkers. RESULTS: A total of 562 DEGs, including 318 upregulated and 244 downregulated genes, were identified between SONFH and control samples, and 94 target genes were screened based on WGCNA. Moreover, biological function analysis suggested that target genes were mainly involved in erythrocyte differentiation, homeostasis and development, and myeloid cell homeostasis and development. Furthermore, GYPA, TMCC2, and BPGM were identified as potential biomarkers in the peripheral serum of patients with SONFH based on machine learning algorithms and showed good diagnostic values. GSEA revealed that GYPA, TMCC2, and BPGM were mainly involved in immune-related biological processes (BPs) and signaling pathways. Finally, we found that GYPA might be regulated by hsa-miR-3137 and that BPGM might be regulated by hsa-miR-340-3p. CONCLUSION: GYPA, TMCC2, and BPGM are potential biomarkers in the peripheral serum of patients with SONFH and might affect SONFH by regulating erythrocytes and immunity.

Esmolol response in septic shock patients in relation to vascular waterfall phenomenon measured by critical closure pressure and mean systemic filling pressure: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Bedside measurements of critical closure pressure (Pcc) and mean systemic circulation filling pressure (Pmsf) were utilized to evaluate the response to esmolol in septic shock patients, in relation to the vascular waterfall phenomenon and body oxygen supply and demand. METHODS: This prospective observational self-controlled study included patients with septic shock, newly admitted to the intensive care unit, between August 2019 and January 2021. Pcc and Pmsf, along with the heart rate and other hemodynamic indicators were observed and compared before and 1 h after esmolol IV infusion. RESULTS: After 24 h of initial hemodynamic optimization, 56 patients were finally enrolled. After start of esmolol infusion, patients had a significant decrease in cardiac index (CI) (4.0 vs. 3.3 L/min/m2, P < 0.001), a significant increase in stroke index (SI) (34.1 vs. 36.6 mL/m2, P < 0.01), and a significant decrease in heart rate (HR) (116.8 vs. 90.6 beats/min, P < 0.001). After 1 h of treatment with esmolol, patients had a significant increase in Pcc (31.4 vs. 36.7 mmHg, P < 0.01). The difference between Pcc and Pmsf before and after treatment was statistically different (4.0 vs. 10.0 mmHg, P < 0.01). After heart rate control with esmolol, the patients had a significant increase in the body circulation vascular resistance indices (RIs) (15.14 vs. 18.25 mmHg/min/m2/L, P < 0.001). There was an increase in ScvO2 in patients after treatment with esmolol, but the difference was not statistically significant (68.4% vs. 69.8%, P > 0.05), while Pcv-aCO2 was significantly lower (6.3 vs. 4.9 mmHg, P < 0.001) and patients had a significant decrease in blood lactate levels (4.0 vs. 3.6 mmol/L, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with septic shock whose heart rate is greater than 95 beats/min after hemodynamic optimization were treated with esmolol, which could effectively control heart rate and reduce CI, as well as improve Pcc and increase the difference between Pcc and Pmsf (known as "vascular waterfall" phenomenon), without affecting MAP, CVP, Pmsf and arteriovenous vascular resistance, and improve the balance of oxygen supply and demand in the body.

A novel nomogram for adult primary perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and considerations concerning lymph node dissection.

Objective: To construct a reliable nomogram available online to predict the postoperative survival of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Data from 1808 patients diagnosed with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2004 and 2015 were extracted from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. They were randomly divided into training and validation sets. The nomogram was established by machine learning and Cox model. The discriminant ability and prediction accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated by concordance index (C-index), receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve. Kaplan-Meier curves show the prognostic value of the associated risk factors and classification system. Results: Machine learning and multivariate Cox risk regression model showed that sex, age, tumor differentiation, primary tumor stage(T), lymph node metastasis(N), TNM stage, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, lymph node dissection were associated with the prognosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients relevant factors (P < 0.05). A novel nomogram was established. The calibration plots, C-index and ROC curve for predictions of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were in excellent agreement. In patients with stage T1 and N0 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, the prognosis of ≥4 lymph nodes dissected was better than that of 1- 3 lymph nodes dissected (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The nomogram prognostic prediction model can provide a reference for evaluating the prognosis and survival rate of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with stage T1 and N0 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma have more benefits by increasing the number of lymph node dissection.

High Temperature CsPbBrxI3-x Memristors Based on Hybrid Electrical and Optical Resistive Switching Effects.

The emergence of perovskite-based memristors associated with the migration of ions has attracted attention for use in overcoming the limitations of the von Neumann computing architecture and removing the bottleneck of storage density. However, systematic research on the temperature dependence of halide perovskite-based memristors is still required due to the unavoidable thermal stability limits. In this work, mixed halide CsPbBrxI3-x-based (X = 0, 1, 2) memristors with unique electrical and optical resistive switching properties in an ambient atmosphere from room temperature to a 240 °C maximum have been successfully achieved. At room temperature, the CsPbBrxI3-x-based memristors exhibit outstanding resistive switching behaviors such as ultralow operating voltage (∼0.81, ∼0.64, and ∼0.54 V for different devices, respectively), moderate ON/OFF ratio (∼102), stable endurance (103 cycles), and long retention time (104 s). The CsPbBrxI3-x-based memristors maintain excellent repeatability and stability at high temperature. Endurance failures of CsPbI3, CsPbBrI2, and CsPbBr2I memristors occur at 90, 150, and 270 °C, respectively. Finally, nonvolatile imaging employing CsPbBr2I-based memristor arrays based on the electrical-write and optical-erase operation at 100 °C has been demonstrated. This study provides utilization potentiality in the high temperature scenarios for perovskite wearable and large-scale information devices.

Serum levels of irisin in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic hip fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of circulating serum levels of irisin in predicting hip fracture occurrence in a cohort of Chinese postmenopausal women. METHODS: This was a cross-section and case-control study. Four hundred and thirty postmenopausal women aged 50-90 years were included (215 with hip fractures and 215 age-matched cases without fracture). Clinical features, bone mineral density (BMD) and serum biomarkers levels including irisin were measured at baseline. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between irisin and fracture risk. RESULTS: The mean age of those participants was 68.7 (S.D. 11.7) and 53.0% were order than 65. The irisin serum levels were positively related to total body BMD and total hip BMD. Women with hip fractures showed lower mean serum levels of irisin compared normal control women (457.6 ± 172.6 ng/ml vs. 602.2 ng/ml; P < 0.001). The irisin levels in third and fourth quartiles were associated with the risk of hip fracture (the lowest quartile of irisin levels as the reference), and risk of fracture reduced by 67% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.33; 95 %CI: 0.18-0.54; P < 0.001) and 84% (HR = 0.16; 95 %CI: 0.09-0.29; P < 0.001). The irisin levels in third and fourth quartiles were also associated with the risk of osteoporosis, and risk of fracture reduced by 55% (HR = 0.45; 95 %CI: 0.21-0.63; P = 0.003) and 73% (HR = 0.27; 95 %CI: 0.15-0.47; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Decreased serum levels of circulating irisin are associated with high risk of osteoporosis-related hip fractures and osteoporosis.

The Safety and Necessity of Concomitant Cholecystectomy During Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Concomitant cholecystectomy (CCE) during bariatric surgery(BS)in patients with obesity remains a matter of debate. This study aimed to estimate the safety and necessity of CCE during BS. This study analyzed the postoperative complications in patients who underwent CCE during BS and subsequent cholecystectomy rate following BS. Patients in CCE and BS-only groups had no difference in mortality. A higher postoperative complication rate was observed in the CCE group (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3) (p < 0.001) but no severe complication in both groups. Following BS, gallstone patients had a higher subsequent cholecystectomy rate than those with normal gallbladders (OR 2.47%, 95% CI 1.5-4.1) (p < 0.001). Concomitant cholecystectomy increased the rates of postoperative complications during BS. We only recommend CCE for documented gallstones rather than for normal gallbladder.

The Phytophthora effector Avh241 interacts with host NDR1-like proteins to manipulate plant immunity.

Plant pathogens rely on effector proteins to suppress host innate immune responses and facilitate colonization. Although the Phytophthora sojae RxLR effector Avh241 promotes Phytophthora infection, the molecular basis of Avh241 virulence remains poorly understood. Here we identified non-race specific disease resistance 1 (NDR1)-like proteins, the critical components in plant effector-triggered immunity (ETI) responses, as host targets of Avh241. Avh241 interacts with NDR1 in the plasma membrane and suppresses NDR1-participated ETI responses. Silencing of GmNDR1s increases the susceptibility of soybean to P. sojae infection, and overexpression of GmNDR1s reduces infection, which supports its positive role in plant immunity against P. sojae. Furthermore, we demonstrate that GmNDR1 interacts with itself, and Avh241 probably disrupts the self-association of GmNDR1. These data highlight an effective counter-defense mechanism by which a Phytophthora effector suppresses plant immune responses, likely by disturbing the function of NDR1 during infection.

Fg12 ribonuclease secretion contributes to Fusarium graminearum virulence and induces plant cell death.

Filamentous fungal pathogens secrete effectors that modulate host immunity and facilitate infection. Fusarium graminearum is an important plant pathogen responsible for various devastating diseases. However, little is known about the function of effector proteins secreted by F. graminearum. Herein, we identified several effector candidates in the F. graminearum secretome. Among them, the secreted ribonuclease Fg12 was highly upregulated during the early stages of F. graminearum infection in soybean; its deletion compromised the virulence of F. graminearum. Transient expression of Fg12 in Nicotiana benthamiana induced cell death in a light-dependent manner. Fg12 possessed ribonuclease (RNase) activity, degrading total RNA. The enzymatic activity of Fg12 was required for its cell death-promoting effects. Importantly, the ability of Fg12 to induce cell death was independent of BAK1/SOBIR1, and treatment of soybean with recombinant Fg12 protein induced resistance to various pathogens, including F. graminearum and Phytophthora sojae. Overall, our results provide evidence that RNase effectors not only contribute to pathogen virulence but also induce plant cell death.

Fluorinated Carbon Nanotube Superamphiphobic Coating for High-Efficiency and Long-Lasting Underwater Antibiofouling Surfaces.

Biofilm formation on the surface of materials has brought great troubles to various industries. Designing surfaces with long-lasting antibiofouling properties can help restrain primary bacterial and protein attachment and subsequent biofilm formation for a long time, which is also of great significance for industrial applications. In this work, we successfully prepared fluorinated carbon nanotubes through a one-step fluorination method using fluorosilane and fabricated a superamphiphobic coating using a simple spray method. This coating with ultralow surface free energy and stable micro/nano structures achieved highly efficient and long-term underwater antibiofouling properties. Tea, milk, BSA, and bacterial solution can bounce highly on this surface without wetting the surface in air. The long-term existence of the underwater air-bubble layer on the surface of the superamphiphobic coating was observed. Thus, this surface can effectively resist BSA and bacterial attachment (E. coli), and the efficiency, respectively, reaches 97.5 and 98.2%. Even if it is fully soaked in BSA and BS solution for 120 h, the whole surface is still able to repel water, BSA, and BS solution very well. In addition, the coating possessed excellent wear resistance, the CAs of BSA and BS solution just decreased slightly (higher than 158°), and the sliding angles increased slightly (lower than 4°) after 50 tape abrasion cycles. Therefore, this superamphiphobic coating may have promising applications for marine devices, biomedical materials, protective clothing, and chemical shielding.

Reconstruction of the spinal cord of spinal transected dogs with polyethylene glycol.

BACKGROUND: Our study shows that a membrane sealant/fiber fusogen polyethylene glycol (PEG) applied immediately on a sharp section of the spinal cord can mend the cord and lead to exceptional levels of motor recovery, with some animals almost normal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before deploying such technology in man, long-term data in large mammals that exclude delayed complications (e.g., central pain), confirm the stability of motor recovery, and provide histological evidence of fiber regrowth are necessary. Here, we provide such evidence in dogs followed up over 6 months and in 2 cases up to 1 year along with imaging and histologic data. RESULTS: We show that dogs whose dorsal cord has been fully transected recover locomotion after immediate treatment with a fusogen (PEG). No pain syndrome ensued over the long term. Diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance and histological, including immunohistochemical, data confirmed the re-establishment of anatomical continuity along with interfacial axonal sprouting. CONCLUSIONS: This study proves that a form of irreversible spinal cord injury (SCI) can effectively be treated and points out a way to treat SCI patients.

Parthenolide regulates oxidative stress-induced mitophagy and suppresses apoptosis through p53 signaling pathway in C2C12 myoblasts.

Muscle redox disturbances and oxidative stress have emerged as a common pathogenetic mechanism and potential therapeutic intervention in some muscle diseases. Parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone found in large amounts in the leaves of feverfew, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-migraine, and anticancer properties. Although PTL was reported to alleviate cancer cachexia and improve skeletal muscle characteristics in a cancer cachexia model, its actions on oxidative stress-induced damage in C2C12 myoblasts have not been reported and the regulatory mechanisms have not yet been defined. In our study, PTL attenuated H2 O2 -induced growth inhibition and morphological changes. Furthermore, PTL exhibited scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species and protected C2C12 cells from apoptosis in response to H2 O2 . Meanwhile, PTL suppressed collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby contributing to normalizing H2 O2 -induced autophagy flux and mitophagy, correlating with inhibiting degradation of mitochondrial marker protein TIM23, the increase in LC3-II expression and the reduction of mitochondria DNA. Besides its protective effect on mitochondria, PTL also prevented H2 O2 -induced lysosomes damage in C2C12 cells. In addition, the phosphorylation of p53, cathepsin B, and Bax/Bcl-2 protein levels, and the translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria induced by H2 O2 in C2C12 cells was significantly reduced by PTL. In conclusion, PTL modulates oxidative stress-induced mitophagy and protects C2C12 myoblasts against apoptosis, suggesting a potential protective effect against oxidative stress-associated skeletal muscle diseases.

Role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 pathway in the protective effect of remote ischemia preconditioning against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Remote ischemia preconditioning (RIPC) is a convenient and effective method for alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). However, to date, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this research was to explore the protective mechanism of RIPC on the brain after CIRI. Four groups of rats were included in this experiment: the sham group, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, the RIPC group, and the AG490 group. As an inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), AG490 was used after MCAO in the AG490 group to explore the role of JAK2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) after CIRI. Brain tissue was collected for evaluation after 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. ELISA for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α, western blot for phosphorylated-JAK2 and phosphorylated-STAT3, the neurological severity score and Longa scoring system for neurological deficit evaluation, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining for cerebral infarction, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining for apoptotic cells in the brain tissue were performed. Neurological function in the RIPC group was notably better than that in the MCAO group. There were smaller infarction sizes and fewer apoptotic cells in the ischemic area in the RIPC group than in the MCAO group. In the RIPC group, the expression levels of IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and phosphorylated-JAK2 and phosphorylated-STAT3 were significantly lower than those in the MCAO group. The findings in the RIPC and AG490 groups were similar. The inflammatory response and apoptosis are two important processes involved in brain dysfunction after CIRI. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway has an underlying relationship with these two processes. These findings suggest that RIPC can alleviate the damage to brain tissue by CIRI by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway negatively.

Restoration of motor function after operative reconstruction of the acutely transected spinal cord in the canine model.

BACKGROUND: Cephalosomatic anastomosis or what has been called a "head transplantation" requires full reconnection of the respective transected ends of the spinal cords. The GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol has been developed for this reason. Here, we report the first randomized, controlled study of the GEMINI protocol in large animals. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled study of a complete transection of the spinal cord at the level of T10 in dogs at Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China. These dogs were followed for up to 8 weeks postoperatively by assessments of recovery of motor function, somato-sensory evoked potentials, and diffusion tensor imaging using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: A total of 12 dogs were subjected to operative exposure of the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord after laminectomy and longitudinal durotomy followed by a very sharp, controlled, full-thickness, complete transection of the spinal cord at T10. The fusogen, polyethylene glycol, was applied topically to the site of the spinal cord transection in 7 of 12 dogs; 0.9% NaCl saline was applied to the site of transection in the remaining 5 control dogs. Dogs were selected randomly to receive polyethylene glycol or saline. All polyethylene glycol-treated dogs reacquired a substantial amount of motor function versus none in controls over these first 2 months as assessed on the 20-point (0-19), canine, Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan rating scale (P<.006). Somatosensory evoked potentials confirmed restoration of electrical conduction cranially across the site of spinal cord transection which improved over time. Diffusion tensor imaging, a magnetic resonance permutation that assesses the integrity of nerve fibers and cells, showed restitution of the transected spinal cord with polyethylene glycol treatment (at-injury level difference: P<.02). CONCLUSION: A sharply and fully transected spinal cord at the level of T10 can be reconstructed with restoration of many aspects of electrical continuity in large animals following the GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol, with objective evidence of motor recovery and of electrical continuity across the site of transection, opening the way to the first cephalosomatic anastomosis. (Surgery 2017;160:XXX-XXX.).