Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy for the Resection of Thoracic Intradural Extramedullary Tumors: Technique Case Report and Literature Review.

This study describes a patient with an intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumor removed entirely using the unilateral biportal endoscopic technique (UBE), achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes. A 60-year-old woman had a diagnosis of meningioma with sensations and motor dysfunction in the lower extremities and perineum and gait disturbances for three years, which has worsened over the last month. Preoperative imaging data showed a sizeable IDEM tumor at the T10 level, significantly compressing the thoracic spinal cord to the right side, with 80% intraspinal encroachment. The IDEM tumor was removed entirely by UBE surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this study may be the first to report the application of UBE techniques for IDEM tumor treatment. In this case, UBE provides a magnified and clear surgical field, greater maneuverability, and a less invasive surgical procedure. The procedure objectives were pathological confirmation, spinal cord decompression, and complete tumor removal; all were met. The patient was satisfied with her dramatically improved clinical symptoms. UBE may be an alternative surgical treatment option for benign IDEM tumors presenting with symptomatic, especially the non-giant lateral and posterior tumors.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Manifestations of Annular Ligament Injuries in Children With Monteggia Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly performed in children with elbow injuries to visualize soft tissues such as the annular ligament. Herein, we investigated the MRI manifestations of annular ligament injuries in children with Monteggia fractures following attempted closed reduction. METHODS: The clinical and imaging data of 88 children with acute Monteggia fractures treated at our hospital between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. Clinically and radiographically, 67 patients achieved radiologic reduction of the radial head at the time of MRI, whereas 21 patients had a failed closed reduction. Annular ligament injury and superior radioulnar joint congruency were analyzed qualitatively, and the maximum superior radioulnar joint gap distance was measured. RESULTS: MRI manifestations of annular ligament injury were primarily characterized as varying degrees of annular ligament displacement, as follows: I degree (10 patients), the annular ligament encircled the radial head without displacement; II degree (5 patients), the annular ligament was partially displaced but visibly encircled the radial head at the level of the radial notch; and III degree (73 patients), the annular ligament was completely displaced. In 15 patients with I and II degrees annular ligament injuries, the annular ligament encircled the radial head (maximum superior radioulnar joint gap distance, 1.2±0.3 mm), showing good congruency of the superior radioulnar joint. In 73 patients with III degree annular ligament injury, the annular ligament was displaced and did not encircle the radial head (maximum superior radioulnar joint gap distance, 3.3±2.7 mm; P <0.05), showing good congruency of the superior radioulnar joint in 25 of 73 patients, and significantly poor congruency in 48 of 73 patients ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Annular ligament injuries in children with Monteggia fractures exhibit different degrees of displacement of the annular ligament. In I and II degree annular ligament injuries, the annular ligament still encircles the radial head. In III degree annular ligament injuries, the annular ligament is displaced away and is no longer around the radial head. Without the annular ligament restraining the radial head, the superior radioulnar joint is more likely to exhibit poor congruency and increased gap distance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Optimal insertion positions of anterior-posterior orientation sacroiliac screw.

PURPOSE: To explore the optimal insertion positions of anterior-posterior orientation sacroiliac screw (AP-SIS). METHODS: Pelvic CT data of 80 healthy adults were employed to measure the anatomical parameters including the insertable ranges of S1 and S2, the length, width and height of the channel with three different horizontal and vertical anterior insertion points starting from the ilium-acetabular recess. To compare pelvic stability by replicating a type C Tile lesions, fifteen synthetic pelvises were fixed with an anterior plate and a posterior AP-SIS employing different anterior insertion points, the whole specimen displacements and shifts in the sacroiliac gap under a cyclic vertical load of 300 N in a biomechanical machine recorded. RESULTS: The posterior and anterior insertable ranges averaged 17.9 × 8.5mm2 and 47.1 × 21.2 mm2, respectively. The channel lengths for three horizontal anterior insertion points gradually decreased from front to back with significant difference (p < 0.05), whereas the width and height for three horizontal anterior insertion points and the parameters for the three vertical anterior insertion points were similar (p > 0.05). The displacements and shifts for three horizontal insertion points gradually increased from front to back (p < 0.05) whereas the measurements involving the three vertical insertion points were similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The posterior insertable range is small, where the center between adjacent nerve roots (foramens) is the optimal posterior insertion point. The anterior insertable range is large, where the iliac-acetabular recess is the optimal anterior insertion point for S1 and S2, providing the longest channel and best stability.

Effect of ultrasonic melt processing and Al-Ti-B on the microstructural refinement of recycled Al alloys.

Refining the α-Al grain size and controlling the morphology of intermetallic phases during solidification of Al alloys using ultrasonic melt processing (USMP) and Al-Ti-B have been extensively used in academic and industry. While, their synergy effect on the formation of these phases has not yet clearly demonstrated. In this paper, the influence of USMP and Al-Ti-B on the solidified microstructure of multicomponent Al-4.5Cu-0.5Mn-0.5Mg-0.2Si-xFe alloys (x = 0.7, and 1.2 wt%) has been comparatively studied. The results show that the USMP + Al-Ti-B method produce a more profound refinement effect than the individual methods. In addition, the area of single Fe-rich phases in both alloys with USMP + Al-Ti-B are also refined compared with conventional methods. A mechanism is proposed for the refinement, which are the deagglomerated TiB2 parties induced by USMP providing more effective nucleation sites for α-Al, and the refined interdendritic regions limited the growth of Fe-rich phases in the following eutectic reaction. Finally, the application of combined USMP + Al-Ti-B methods is feasible in microstructural refinement, resulting in the improving the casting soundness and mechanical properties of alloys.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates hippocampal neuroinflammation in postoperative neurocognitive disorders by inhibiting microRNA-329-3p and activating the CREB1/IL1RA axis.

RATIONALE: Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, dexmedetomidine (DEX) can confer neuroprotection in postoperative neurocognitive disorders (NCD). Here, the mechanism responsible for this effect of DEX is rarely ascertained. OBJECTIVES: Our research was implemented to figure out mechanism governing the protection of DEX against hippocampal neuroinflammation in postoperative NCD. METHODS: Exploratory laparotomy was applied for generating a postoperative NCD mouse model before bilateral hippocampal injection with microRNA (miR)-329-3p-agomir and intraperitoneal injection with DEX. Cognitive function of mice was evaluated by water maze test and fear conditioning test. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess microglial activation in hippocampus. After cell transfection and DEX treatment, mouse microglial cells (BV-2) were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and the number of phagocytes were assessed by ELISA and flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was adopted to assess the relationship between miR-329-3p and CREB1. RESULTS: miR-329-3p expression was reduced in the postoperative NCD mice after DEX treatment. DEX treatment or miR-329-3p downregulation caused attenuated cognitive dysfunction and microglia activation as well as reduced IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the hippocampus of the postoperative NCD mice. Mechanistically, miR-329-3p inversely targeted CREB1 that activated IL1RA in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. DEX treatment, miR-329-3p inhibition, or CREB1 or IL1RA upregulation curtailed the release of proinflammatory proteins and the number of phagocytes in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our data provided the novel insight of the neuroprotective mechanism of DEX in postoperative NCD pertaining to the miR-329-3p/CREB1/IL1RA axis.

Resistance matching materials nanoarchitectonics for better performances in water evaporation-driven generators.

The improvement of electricity production for water evaporation-driven generators (WEGs) remains a challenge. Herein, two types of WEGs were designed to study the resistance matching for improving the electricity production using the method of nanoarchitectonics. One type of reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (RGO/CNT) WEG was constructed using RGO with adjustable resistances as working material and CNTs with fixed resistance as electrode material. The other type of graphene oxide (GO)/RGO WEG was constructed using RGO with adjustable resistance as electrode material and GO with fixed resistance was used as working material. The open circuit voltage of RGO/CNT increased from 15 to 56 mV and then decreased to 22 mV with increasing RGO resistance. The short circuit current of RGO/CNT also first increased and then decreased. The performance of GO/RGO was similar with that of RGO/CNT. Typically, the RGO/CNT and GO/RGO WEG showed the highest performance when the working material to electrode material resistance ratio was 2272 and 2365, respectively. It showed that the best resistance ratio of working material to electrode material was in the range of 2000-2500, which helped to improve about 2-5 times of electricity efficiency in the WEG. The present work provides a new direction for optimizing performance of WEGs.

Mechanism of Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR in Nucleus Pulposus Cell Autophagy and Apoptosis in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) contributes to cervical and lumbar diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in IDD. This study explored the mechanism of lncRNA HOTAIR in IDD. METHODS: Normal and degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were isolated from NP tissues obtained in intervertebral disc surgery. Cell morphology was observed by immunocytochemistry staining and toluidine blue staining. NP cell markers were detected by RT-qPCR. Proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot. Autophagosome was observed by monodansylcadaverine fluorescence staining. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. si-HOTAIR and/or miR-148a inhibitor was introduced into degenerative NP cells. Binding relationships among HOTAIR, miR-148a, and PTEN were predicted and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down. Finally, IDD rat models were established. Rat caudal intervertebral discs were assessed by HE staining. Expressions of HOTAIR, miR-148a, and PTEN were determined by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: HOTAIR was highly expressed in degenerative NP cells (p < 0.05). si-HOTAIR inhibited degenerative NP cell apoptosis and autophagy (p < 0.05). HOTAIR upregulated PTEN as a sponge of miR-148a. miR-148a was poorly expressed in degenerative NP cells. miR-148a deficiency partially reversed the inhibition of si-HOTAIR on degenerative NP cell autophagy and apoptosis (all p < 0.05). In vivo assay confirmed that si-HOTAIR impeded autophagy and apoptosis in intervertebral disc tissues, thus improving pathological injury in IDD rats (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LncRNA HOTAIR promoted NP cell autophagy and apoptosis via promoting PTEN expression as a ceRNA of miR-148a in IDD.

Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention on the Effect of CT-Guided Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Cerebral Infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on the effect of CT-guided intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute cerebral infarction. METHODS: 99 patients with acute cerebral infarction in the internal carotid artery system who were hospitalized in our department from December 2019 to December 2020 with an onset of 3-9 h were selected and randomly divided into two groups. All patients underwent multimode CT examinations and received rt-PA thrombolytic therapy. 52 patients with conventional care were included in the control group, and 47 patients with comprehensive nursing intervention were included in the observation group. The influence characteristics, Barthel score, serum MMP-9 level, and NIHSS score were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After the comprehensive nursing intervention, the total efficiency, total satisfaction, psychological status, and Barthel score of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The serum MMP-9 level and NIHSS score were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of comprehensive nursing interventions in the CT-guided intravenous thrombolysis treatment of ACI patients reduced the degree of neurological impairment, improved the therapeutic effect, increased nursing satisfaction, and enabled better control of the condition of patients with cerebral infarction, which is worth promoting research.

Treatment of Early to Intermediate Stage Ankle Osteoarthritis With Nonosteotomy Approaches: Intermediate-Term Efficacy.

This study aimed to investigate the intermediate-term efficacy of nonosteotomy approaches in the treatment of early to intermediate stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-two patients received treatment for early to intermediate stage ankle osteoarthritis with nonosteotomy approaches were reviewed. The surgical satisfaction was evaluated at 1 year after surgery and the last follow-up period; the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were employed for the evaluation of function and pain, respectively, and the stage of ankle osteoarthritis was determined. At 1 year surgery and the last follow-up period, the surgical satisfaction was 37 (88.1%) and 35 (83.3%), respectively, and the favorable function was noted in 34 (80.9%) and 32 (76.2%), respectively. The AOFAS score significantly increased from 50.62 ± 10.81 (range 30-60) before surgery to 81.43 ± 12.00 (range 75-95) at 1 year after surgery (p < .0001) and 79.67 ± 10.34 (range 70-96) at the last follow-up period (p < .0001 vs before surgery; p = .107 vs 1 year). The VAS score reduced from 5.07 ± 1.57 (range 4-7) before surgery to 1.97 ± 1.41 (range 0-3) at 1 year (p < .0001) and 1.80 ± 1.15 (range 0-3) at the last follow-up period (p < .0001 vs before surgery; p = .265 vs 1 year). Moreover, the AOFAS score and VAS score in patients with ankle osteoarthritis at different stages were improved significantly after surgery (p < .0001). Intermediate-term follow-up period shows that nonosteotomy approaches are able to relieve pain and improve postoperative function in the treatment of early to intermediate stage ankle osteoarthritis; the improvement determined according to imaging examination is not completely consistent with that determined based on clinical function.

Role of microRNA-15a-5p/Sox9/NF-κB axis in inflammatory factors and apoptosis of murine nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs are well-established players in post-transcriptional gene modulation. We aim to explore the role of microRNA-15a-5p (miR-15a-5p)/sex determining region Y-box 9 (Sox9)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) axis in inflammation and apoptosis of murine nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). METHODS: Expression levels of miR-15a-5p and Sox9 in disc tissues from IVDD patients were determined. The IVDD mouse models were established by disc puncture, and the modeled mice were accordingly injected with miR-15a-5p antagomir and/or overexpressed Sox9 plasmid, or their negative controls. Then, the expression of miR-15a-5p, Sox9 and p-p65, pathological changes and the apoptosis of NPCs in IVDD mouse intervertebral disc tissues were measured. The NPCs were isolated and cultured, which were then transfected with miR-15a-5p inhibitor, overexpressed or silenced Sox9 plasmids, or the NCs. Next, the expression of miR-15a-5p and Sox9, apoptosis, proliferation and cell cycle distribution of NPCs, and the contents of inflammatory factors in the NPCs were evaluated. RESULTS: MiR-15a-5p expression was increased while Sox9 expression was reduced in intervertebral disc tissues from IVDD patients and mice. Mouse NPCs were successfully isolated. The down-regulated miR-15a-5p could elevate Sox9 to activate p-p65 expression, suppress NPC apoptosis and inflammatory factor contents, promote proliferation of NPCs, and arrest the NPCs at S and G2/M phases. However, these effects could be reversed by silencing Sox9. CONCLUSION: Reduction of miR-15a-5p elevated Sox9 to inhibit the inflammatory response and apoptosis of NPCs in IVDD mice through the NF-κB pathway. This study may be helpful for IVDD treatment.

Retraction of transporting bone segment during Ilizarov bone transport.

BACKGROUND: Retraction of transporting bone segment (TBS) may occur when the fixator of the TBS is removed prior to full consolidation of the distracted callus, which has adverse effect on the healing of the docking site. However, there are few reports on the retraction of TBS. The purpose of this study is to analyze the causes and risk factors of the retraction of TBS. METHODS: The clinical data of 37 cases with tibial bone defect treated by Ilizarov bone transport were analyzed retrospectively, in whom the TBS fixator was removed prior to full consolidation of the distracted callus and union of the docking site. Bivariate correlation was used to analyze relationship between the retraction distance of TBS and potential risk factors including age, gender, course, length of bone defect, number of operations, size of TBS, transport distance, timing and time interval of removal of TBS fixator. Risk factors with significant level were further identified using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Bivariate correlation showed that the timing of removal was negatively correlated with the retraction distance, and the time interval and transport distance were positively correlated with the retraction distance(p < 0.05), the age, gender, course, length of bone defect, size of TBS and number of operations were not correlated with the retraction distance(p > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression of the 3 risk factors showed that the timing of removal and time interval were the main risk factors affecting the retraction distance (p < 0.05), but the transport distance was not (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The traction forces of TBS endured from the soft tissues and the unconsolidated distracted callus have elastic properties, which can make retraction of TBS. The timing of removal and time interval are the main risk factors of the retraction of TBS. In the case of early removal, another external fixation or quickly converted to internal fixation should be performed to avoid the adverse effect of more retraction.

Comparison of the Outcome of Stabilization of the Lateral Ligament Combined with Joint Debridement for Ligamentous Moderate Neutral Ankle Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of stabilization of the lateral ligament combined with joint debridement in patients with ligamentous moderate neutral ankle osteoarthritis with those achieved for patients with varus ankle osteoarthritis. METHODS: We reviewed integrated data from 40 patients (40 ankles) with ligamentous moderate ankle osteoarthritis. Matched for age, gender, and follow-up duration, they were divided into two groups by preoperative coronal plane hindfoot moment arm values (HMAV): neutral (20 ankles, ≤15 mm) and varus (20 ankles, >15 mm) deformity. Stabilization of lateral ligament combined with joint debridement was performed. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score, hindfood moment arm values, and classification of Takakura were used to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes after a mean follow-up period of 64.2 months (range, 60-84 months). RESULTS: Mean post-operative AOFAS was 86.0 and 72.6 in the neutral and varus groups, respectively. The post-operative AOFAS of both groups improved significantly, although the outcome improvement of the neutral group was better than that of the varus group (P = 0.0006). There was obvious improvement in HMAV of the neutral group (P = 0.0469) and less improvement in HMAV of the varus group (P = 0.8509). The mean postoperative HMAV was 4.60 mm (0-10 mm) and 17.85 mm (8-23 mm) in the neutral and varus groups, respectively. The radiographic classification of Takakura was unchanged in the neutral group, whereas four cases in the varus group had a worse classification. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilization of the lateral ligament combined with joint debridement for ligamentous moderate ankle osteoarthritis showed better clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with neutral alignment than that achieved for patients with varus malalignment.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for LDH via a transforaminal approach versus an interlaminar approach: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically compare the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) versus percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All studies that were performed to compare PETD with PEID to treat LDH and published until 31 August 2017 were acquired through a comprehensive search in various databases. A meta-analysis was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 13 trials with 974 cases consisting of 3 randomized controlled trials, 3 prospective studies and 7 retrospective studies were included. The results suggest that patients treated with PEID experienced more significant advantages with shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss and less intraoperative fluoroscopy times but more complications than those treated with PETD; however, the two operative approaches did not significantly differ in terms of LDH recurrence, hospital stay, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and MacNab criteria at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, although PEID may be superior to PETD in certain ways, some of its advantages have yet to be verified and the two interventions were not significantly different in terms of relief of symptoms and functional recovery. Therefore, PEID would be recommended for treating LDH especially at L5/S1 under certain conditions but a prudent attitude is necessary to choose between the two operative approaches before a large sample and high quality randomized controlled trials have been performed.

Effect of Compound Fields of Ultrasonic Vibration and Applied Pressure on the 3D Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Recycled Al-Cu-Mn-Fe-Si Alloys.

The effect of compound fields of ultrasonic vibration and applied pressure (UV+AP) on three-dimensional (3D) microstructure and tensile properties of recycled Al-Cu-Mn-Fe-Si alloys was systematically studied using conventional two-dimensional (2D) microscopy, synchrotron X-ray tomography, and tensile test. The properties of UV+AP treated alloys with the pouring temperature of 740, 710 and 680 °C were compared when those alloys achieved after gravity casting. After UV+AP treatment, the alloy with pouring temperature of 710 °C show the smallest grain size. Also, the sizes of Fe-rich phases and Al2Cu are greatly reduced and their 3D morphologies are compacted. The mechanical properties of UV+AP treated alloys are relatively higher than those measured for gravity cast equivalents. This improvement can be explained by the synergistic effect of acoustic cavitation, acoustic streaming, and force-feeding, which resulted in the dendrite fragmentation, uniform solute distribution, and microstructural refinement. The Orowan strengthening and solution strengthening were identified as the main strengthening mechanisms.

Effect of extensive tenosynovectomy on diffuse flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis combined with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of extensive tenosynovectomy on patients with diffuse flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis combined with effusion (DFHLT-E). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing extensive tenosynovectomy for DFHLT-E in the same foot and ankle center from January 2013 to December 2016 were selected; a total of 14 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, MRI, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical midfoot scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores. RESULTS: The 14 patients were followed up for an average of 15.0 ± 2.3 months (12-18 months). There were no recurrences in all clinical examinations at the final follow-up. The AOFAS score was improved from 61.57 ± 10.70 before surgery to 90.28 ± 9.41 at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The VAS score was improved from 4.00 ± 0.82 before surgery to 0.43 ± 0.53 at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). MRI examination revealed two patients with small residual and limited effusion with no clinical symptoms. Superficial pin infection was observed in one patient, and two patients had transient neurostimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive tenosynovectomy is an effective alternative for the treatment of DFHLT-E with less complications or recurrence.

Temperature sensitivity of soil respiration across multiple time scales in a temperate plantation forest.

Soil respiration (Rs) is the largest carbon (C) flux from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere. Predictions of Rs and associated feedback to climate change remain largely uncertain, in part due to the high temporal heterogeneity of temperature sensitivity (apparent Q10) of Rs under a changing climate. Therefore, it is of critical importance to provide better insight into how Q10 varies across multiple temporal scales. We investigated the diurnal, seasonal, and annual variabilities in the Q10 of Rs using continuous Rs measurements (at hourly intervals) over six growing seasons in a mature temperate larch plantation in North China. We found that night-time values of Q10 were slightly lower than daytime values. Large seasonal and annual fluctuations of Q10 were observed, as illustrated by high coefficients of variation of 15.0% and 21.8%, respectively. The higher Q10 in spring and autumn were primarily regulated by fine root growth and higher soil moisture after snow melt in spring, and leaf senescence in autumn. Lower Q10 in summer may have been caused by limitations in substrate availability and microbial activity resulting from drought, which also caused a decoupling of Rs from soil temperature in summer. Furthermore, a bivariate nonlinear model incorporating both soil temperature and soil moisture best explained Q10 variability. Generally, lower soil temperature and higher soil moisture lead to higher values of Q10, indicating that climate warming could exert a negative effect on Q10, partially offsetting the warming-induced increase in soil C loss. We provide long-term field experimental evidence that it would be inappropriate to estimate Rs on a multiyear scale using a fixed Q10 value or a value obtained from one season and/or one year. Thus, we emphasize the importance of incorporating the seasonal and annual heterogeneities of Q10 into C cycle model simulations under future climate change scenarios.

MicroRNA-370 protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice following sevoflurane anesthetic preconditioning through PLIN5-dependent PPAR signaling pathway.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has long been identified to be a contributor to adverse cardiovascular outcomes following myocardial ischemia, cardiac surgery or circulatory arrest. This study aims to investigate the effects of microRNA (miR-370) targeting perilipin-5 (PLIN5) in mice following sevoflurane anesthetic preconditioning (SAP). A mouse model of left ventricular myocardial IRI was established, followed by the evaluation of myocardial infarction size and cardiac function to determine the effects of SAP. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR-370 were analyzed in concert with the treatment of miR-370 mimic, miR-370 inhibitor, or siRNA against PLIN5 in cardiomyocytes isolated from mice with IRI. Also, cardiomyocyte proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were evaluated following treatment. Lastly, SAP-treated I/R mice were injected with miR-370 inhibitor to verify the mechanism of SAP. The use of SAP conferred cardioprotective effects on myocardial IRI. MiR-370 was downregulated in mice that exhibited IRI, but SAP elevated the miR-370 expression. Functionally, miR-370 negatively targeted PLIN5 and activated the peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, leading to decreased PPARγ expression but increased PPARα expression. The results also showed that elevation of miR-370 or the silencing of PLIN5 promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation. miR-370 also inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis as reflected by decreased caspase-3 expression and increased Bcl-2 expression. Additionally, SAP also alleviated I/R injury by inhibiting PPARγ. This study demonstrates that SAP induces miR-370 and exerts cardioprotective effects on myocardial IRI, where upregulation of miR-370 alleviates myocardial IRI via inhibiting the PLIN5-dependent PPAR signaling pathway.

Origin of Ferroelectricity in Epitaxial Si-Doped HfO2 Films.

HfO2-based unconventional ferroelectric materials were recently discovered and have attracted a great deal of attention in both academia and industry. The growth of epitaxial Si-doped HfO2 films has opened up a route to understand the mechanism of ferroelectricity. Here, we used pulsed laser deposition to grow epitaxial Si-doped HfO2 films in different orientations of N-type SrTiO3 substrates. Polar nanodomains can be written and read using piezoforce microscopy, and these domains are reversibly switched with a phase change of 180°. Films with different thicknesses displayed a coercive field Ec and a remnant polarization Pr of approximately 4-5 MV/cm and 8-32 µC/cm2, respectively. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results identified that the as-grown Si-doped HfO2 films have strained fluorite structures. The ABAB stacking mode of the Hf atomic grid observed by HRTEM clearly demonstrates that the ferroelectricity originates from the noncentrosymmetric Pca21 polar structure. Combined with soft X-ray absorption spectra, the results showed that the Pca21 ferroelectric crystal structure manifested as an O sublattice distortion by the effect of the interface strain and Si dopant interactions, resulting in a nanoscaled ferroelectric ordered state because of further crystal splitting.