Hsa_circ_0004776 regulates the retina neovascularization in progression of diabetic retinopathy via hsa-miR-382-5p/BDNF axis.

The aim of this work was to identify the regulatory function of hsa_circ_0004776 in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The direct interactions between hsa_circ_0004776 and hsa-miR-382-5p and between hsa-miR-382-5p and BDNF, were confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assays. Quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis indicated that hsa_circ_0004776 was highly expressed in aqueous humour samples of DR patients and human retinal microvascular epithelial cells (hRECs) under a high-glucose environment, whereas hsa-miR-382-5p showed the opposite trend. Overexpressed hsa_circ_0004776 significantly enhanced DNA synthesis, proliferation, migration, and tube formation in hRECs in hyperglycaemia, while hsa-miR-382-5p mimics reversed these changes. Additionally, in a streptozotocin-induced Sprague-Dawley rat model of DR, vitreous microinjection of rno-miR-382-5p agomir reversed the pathologic features in the progression of DR, including retinal vascular leakage, capillary decellularization, loss of pericytes, fibrosis, and gliosis. Our results indicated that under hyperglycaemic conditions, hsa_circ_0004776 influences the progression of DR via hsa-miR-382-5p and thus represents a potential therapeutic target.

Scalable Interlayer Nanostructure Design for High-Rate (10C) Submicron Silicon-Film Electrode by Incorporating Silver Nanoparticles.

High C-rate capability at 10C is a key performance indicator for the commercialization of the next-generation high-charging lithium microbattery. However, silicon (Si) anode satisfying the prerequisite high specific capacity suffers from poor electron/ionic conductivity, seriously limiting the 10C rate capability. Accordingly, we propose the strategy of inserting highly conductive silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an interlayer between two RF-sputtered amorphous Si thin films to form an Si/Ag/Si multilayered anode, with the density and spatial distribution of the AgNPs well-controlled by thermal evaporation. This strategy is exclusively beneficial to scale up film thickness for higher capacity. Without AgNPs, the 10C rate performance of the double-layer Si (D_Si) is worse than the single layer (S_Si) in the same total thickness, suggesting the adverse effect of the interface. However, this situation is progressively improved with the AgNPs density incorporated at the interface, where the densest AgNPs anode (D_SiAg3) demonstrated a noticeable improvement reaching 1250 mAh/g at 10 C with a 46% capacity retention rate. By scaling up to triple layers, T_SiAg3 performed the superior 10C rate capability to T_Si, testifying to the scalable potential of the unique design for boosting high-power batteries. Finally, with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results, a possible mechanism to explain the enhancement in rate capability is subject to where Li-ion diffusion is accelerated by the charge-induced electric field condensing around the AgNPs. This design for a multilayered nanocomposite can contribute to the design and fabrication of high-charging batteries and battery-on-chip.

Care of abdominal skin in ankylosing spondylitis patients undergoing corrective spinal surgery.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a new method of abdominal skin care on patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) undergoing orthopedic surgery. A total of 90 patients with AS and thoracolumbar kyphosis undergoing orthopedic surgery were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received routine care while those in experimental group received the following new treatment regimen: i) Vaseline cream was applied to the abdominal skin for 3-5 min every 6 h; ii) preoperative stretch exercises were encouraged and iii) 24 h after surgery, the patient was placed in a lateral decubitus position. The difference in abdominal pain levels and the size of tension blisters was the compared between the two groups. There was no difference in age, gender, disease course and kyphosis angle between two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the patients in the control group, those in test group experienced milder pain when evaluated by visual analogue score at 6, 18 and 30 h after surgery (3.6±1.2 vs. 4.5±1.8; 4.4±2.3 vs. 6.1±2.7; 4.1±2.1 vs. 4.1±2.1, P<0.05). Moreover, tension vesicles in the abdominal skin were significantly smaller in the treatment group than the control group (P<0.05). Optimal nursing may be the key to the reduction of the level of pain and occurrence of tension vacuoles in the abdominal skin.

Novel bio-antifelting agent based on waterborne polyurethane and cellulose nanocrystals.

Novel nanocomposites made from cellulose nanocrystals and waterborne polyurethane were employed as wool antifelting agents. The cellulose nanocrystals, prepared by acid hydrolysis of cellulose microcrystalline, are in rod form with lengths of 70-150 nm and diameters of 10-20 nm in aqueous suspension, respectively. After the two aqueous suspensions were mixed homogeneously, cellulose nanocrystal reinforced polyurethane composite (nanocomposite) films were prepared and evaluated by means of transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis. Then the nanocrystal films were applied onto surfaces of wools by a pad-dry-cure process with nanocomposites containing different cellulose nanocrystal contents. The results indicated that with increasing cellulose nanocrystal content from 0 to 1.0 wt%, the area-shrinking rate of the treated wool fabrics was decreased from 5.24% to 0.70%, and the tensile strength of the fabric was increased by 14.95% and decreased about 44% use of waterborne polyurethane.