[Assessment of Emission Reduction Potential of CO2 Capture, Geological Utilization, and Storage in Cement Industry of China].

The cement industry faces great pressure from the targets of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. CO2capture, geological utilization, and storage(CCUS) technology is crucial for CO2 mitigation in large-scale fossil-based industries. An integrated techno-economic assessment model of CCUS was improved here to assess the potential of CCUS retrofits in the cement industry in China, and the cost curve or supply curve of CCUS in the cement industry was obtained. The model set up ten scenarios from four aspects:source-sink matching distance, capture rate, CCUS technology, and technical level. The cement enterprise screening, site screening, techno-economic evaluation, and source-sink matching of CCUS were completed to answer some key problems in realizing low-carbon development via CCUS, such as enterprise inventory, storage site, emission reduction scale, and cost range. Under the scenario of 250 km matching distance, 85% net capture rate, CO2-enhanced water recovery technology, and current technical level, 44% of cement enterprises reduced carbon emission via CCUS, the cumulative capacity reached 625 million tons per year, and the levelized cost was 290-1838 yuan·t-1. The projects with a levelized cost of fewer than 600 yuan·t-1 accounted for 77% and could reduce CO2 emission by 564 million tons annually. The projects whose levelized cost was less than 400 yuan·t-1 could reduce CO2 by 199 million tons per year. When the coupling of CO2-enhanced oil recovery and CO2-enhanced water recovery technology was considered, the levelized cost was 27% lower. When the cement capacity was less than 530 million tons per year, the additional cost of cement production was 95-300 yuan·t-1. Under technological progress to 2030, the levelized cost will be reduced by 9%-15%. The regions with early demonstration advantages of full-chain CO2-enhanced water recovery technology were Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Henan, and Hebei. Additionally, the areas suitable for cement CCUS cluster included Ordos Basin, Junggar Basin, Bohai Bay Basin, and Songliao Basin. It is technically feasible for the cement industry to deploy full-chain CCUS projects, and low-cost projects have an early demonstration opportunity. These results can provide a quantitative reference for the low-carbon development of the cement industry and the commercial deployment of CCUS in cement production.

Sex differences in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its roles in hypertension, cardiovascular, and kidney diseases.

Cardiovascular disease is a pathology that exhibits well-researched biological sex differences, making it possible for physicians to tailor preventative and therapeutic approaches for various diseases. Hypertension, which is defined as blood pressure greater than 130/80 mmHg, is the primary risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, stroke, and renal failure. Approximately 48% of American men and 43% of American women suffer from hypertension. Epidemiological data suggests that during reproductive years, women have much lower rates of hypertension than men. However, this protective effect disappears after the onset of menopause. Treatment-resistant hypertension affects approximately 10.3 million US adults and is unable to be controlled even after implementing ≥3 antihypertensives with complementary mechanisms. This indicates that other mechanisms responsible for modulating blood pressure are still unclear. Understanding the differences in genetic and hormonal mechanisms that lead to hypertension would allow for sex-specific treatment and an opportunity to improve patient outcomes. Therefore, this invited review will review and discuss recent advances in studying the sex-specific physiological mechanisms that affect the renin-angiotensin system and contribute to blood pressure control. It will also discuss research on sex differences in hypertension management, treatment, and outcomes.

A technique for improved gingival esthetics on complete arch implant-supported acrylic resin prototype prosthesis.

An important step during the workflow of complete arch fixed implant-supported prostheses is the fabrication of an acrylic resin prototype prosthesis so that the patient can visualize the definitive treatment outcome or to be used as an interim prosthesis. The prototype prosthesis is typically designed digitally as a single file and is produced by milling from a solid block of white-colored prepolymerized acrylic resin. A common challenge in fabricating a resin-based prototype prosthesis is reproducing the natural appearance of the gingival architecture in gingiva-colored material. Current methods, including multicolored resin blocks, gingiva-colored stain, and layering with gingiva-colored composite resin, can be costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. This article describes a straightforward chairside technique that allows clinicians to fabricate an acrylic resin prototype prosthesis with appropriate gingival esthetics.

Clinical outcomes of implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns and fixed partial dentures: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To determine the survival rates of implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search for articles in the English language literature published from January 1, 2001 to September 17, 2021 was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL search engines. After applying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definitive list of selected articles was used for calculating the interval survival rate (ISR) and cumulative survival rate (CSR). Restoration failure in this study was defined as the fracture or compromise of any part of the ceramic restoration that required the removal or remake of the implant-supported restoration. RESULTS: The electronic search resulted in 457 titles. The systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 14 clinical studies that addressed the clinical outcomes of implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns and fixed partial dentures. Of these, 3 were randomized controlled trials, 5 were prospective studies, and 6 were retrospective studies. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 5 years. Of the 644 implant-supported monolithic zirconia restorations computed in this systematic review, there was only 1 reported failure of the monolithic zirconia restorative material over a follow-up period of up to 5 years, for a cumulative survival rate of 99.84%. At the maximum follow-up interval of 5 years, the cumulative survival rate for monolithic zirconia single crowns was 100% and the cumulative survival rate for monolithic zirconia fixed partial dentures was 99.60%. CONCLUSIONS: Implant-supported monolithic zirconia single crowns and fixed partial dentures have excellent short-term (<5 years) survival rates but the evidence for medium-term survival (>5 years) and beyond is lacking.

Genetic Deletion of AT1a Receptor or Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 Selectively in the Proximal Tubules of the Kidney Attenuates Two-Kidney, One-Clip Goldblatt Hypertension in Mice.

The roles of angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 (AT1a) receptors and its downstream target Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) in the proximal tubules in the development of two-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) Goldblatt hypertension have not been investigated previously. The present study tested the hypothesis that deletion of the AT1a receptor or NHE3 selectively in the proximal tubules of the kidney attenuates the development of 2K1C hypertension using novel mouse models with proximal tubule-specific deletion of AT1a receptors or NHE3. 2K1C Goldblatt hypertension was induced by placing a silver clip (0.12 mm) on the left renal artery for 4 weeks in adult male wild-type (WT), global Agtr1a−/−, proximal tubule (PT)-specific PT-Agtr1a−/− or PT-Nhe3−/− mice, respectively. As expected, telemetry blood pressure increased in a time-dependent manner in WT mice, reaching a maximal response by Week 3 (p < 0.01). 2K1C hypertension in WT mice was associated with increases in renin expression in the clipped kidney and decreases in the nonclipped kidney (p < 0.05). Plasma and kidney Ang II were significantly increased in WT mice with 2K1C hypertension (p < 0.05). Tubulointerstitial fibrotic responses were significantly increased in the clipped kidney (p < 0.01). Whole-body deletion of AT1a receptors completely blocked the development of 2K1C hypertension in Agtr1a−/− mice (p < 0.01 vs. WT). Likewise, proximal tubule-specific deletion of Agtr1a in PT-Agtr1a−/− mice or NHE3 in PT-Nhe3−/− mice also blocked the development of 2K1C hypertension (p < 0.01 vs. WT). Taken together, the present study provides new evidence for a critical role of proximal tubule Ang II/AT1 (AT1a)/NHE3 axis in the development of 2K1C Goldblatt hypertension.

MicroRNA alteration in cerebrospinal fluid from comatose patients with traumatic brain injury after right median nerve stimulation.

Electrical stimulation of the right median nerve can aid coma arousal after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to confirm the efficacy further and explore possible mechanisms of right median nerve electrical stimulation (RMNS). Five comatose patients after severe TBI from May to September 2020 in the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital received RMNS for 2 weeks besides standard management. After the 2-week treatment, the mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and neurophysiological examination were used. We then investigated the alterations in microRNA (miRNA) expression in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by high-throughput whole transcriptome sequencing, analyzed the data by Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analysis, and constructed the miRNA-target gene network. Patient awareness and brain function showed a more rapid increase after treatment. We also found 38 differently expressed miRNAs, 34 of which were upregulated and 4 downregulated. GO analysis showed a relation of these differentially expressed miRNAs with neuronal growth, repair, and neural signal transmission. The most highly correlated pathways were primarily associated with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway and dopaminergic synapse. The application of RMNS effectively promoted early awakening in comatose patients with severe TBI. Moreover, differentially expressed miRNAs might reduce neuronal apoptosis and increase dopamine levels by regulating target gene expression, thus participating in the specific biological process after arousal therapy. Our study provided novel targets for further research on the molecular mechanisms of RMNS arousal treatment and a new way to treat neurotraumatic diseases.

The Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 in the Intestines and the Proximal Tubule of the Kidney: Localization, Physiological Function, and Key Roles in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension.

The sodium (Na+)/hydrogen (H+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) is one of the most important Na+/H+ antiporters in the small intestines of the gastrointestinal tract and the proximal tubules of the kidney. The roles of NHE3 in the regulation of intracellular pH and acid-base balance have been well established in cellular physiology using in vitro techniques. Localized primarily on the apical membranes in small intestines and proximal tubules, the key action of NHE3 is to facilitate the entry of luminal Na+ and the extrusion of intracellular H+ from intestinal and proximal tubule tubular epithelial cells. NHE3 is, directly and indirectly, responsible for absorbing the majority of ingested Na+ from small and large intestines and reabsorbing >50% of filtered Na+ in the proximal tubules of the kidney. However, the roles of NHE3 in the regulation of proximal tubular Na+ transport in the integrative physiological settings and its contributions to the basal blood pressure regulation and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension have not been well studied previously due to the lack of suitable animal models. Recently, novel genetically modified mouse models with whole-body, kidney-specific, or proximal tubule-specific deletion of NHE3 have been generated by us and others to determine the critical roles and underlying mechanisms of NHE3 in maintaining basal body salt and fluid balance, blood pressure homeostasis, and the development of Ang II-induced hypertension at the whole-body, kidney, or proximal tubule levels. The objective of this invited article is to review, update, and discuss recent findings on the critical roles of intestinal and proximal tubule NHE3 in maintaining basal blood pressure homeostasis and their potential therapeutic implications in the development of angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertension.

Intratubular, Intracellular, and Mitochondrial Angiotensin II/AT1 (AT1a) Receptor/NHE3 Signaling Plays a Critical Role in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Kidney Injury.

Hypertension is well recognized to be the most important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and end-stage kidney failure. A quarter of the world's adult populations and 46% of the US adults develop hypertension and currently require antihypertensive treatments. Only 50% of hypertensive patients are responsive to current antihypertensive drugs, whereas remaining patients may continue to develop cardiovascular, stroke, and kidney diseases. The mechanisms underlying the poorly controlled hypertension remain incompletely understood. Recently, we have focused our efforts to uncover additional renal mechanisms, pathways, and therapeutic targets of poorly controlled hypertension and target organ injury using novel animal models or innovative experimental approaches. Specifically, we studied and elucidated the important roles of intratubular, intracellular, and mitochondrial angiotensin II (Ang II) system in the development of Ang II-dependent hypertension. The objectives of this invited article are to review and discuss our recent findings that (a) circulating and intratubular Ang II is taken up by the proximal tubules via the (AT1) AT1a receptor-dependent mechanism, (b) intracellular administration of Ang II in proximal tubule cells or adenovirus-mediated overexpression of an intracellular Ang II fusion protein selectively in the mitochonria of the proximal tubules induces blood pressure responses, and (c) genetic deletion of AT1 (AT1a) receptors or the Na+/H+ exchanger 3 selectively in the proximal tubules decreases basal blood pressure and attenuates Ang II-induced hypertension. These studies provide a new perspective into the important roles of the intratubular, intracellular, and mitochondrial angiotensin II/AT1 (AT1a) receptor signaling in Ang II-dependent hypertensive kidney diseases.

New Insights into the Critical Importance of Intratubular Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 and Its Potential Therapeutic Implications in Hypertension.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The sodium (Na+) and hydrogen (H+) exchanger 3 (NHE3), known as solute carrier family 9 member 3 (SLC9A3), mediates active transcellular Na+ and bicarbonate reabsorption in the small intestine of the gut and proximal tubules of the kidney. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss recent findings on the critical roles of intestinal and proximal tubule NHE3 in maintaining basal blood pressure (BP) homeostasis and their potential therapeutic implications in the development of angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently, our and other laboratories have generated or used novel genetically modified mouse models with whole-body, kidney-specific, or proximal tubule-specific deletion of NHE3 to determine the critical roles and underlying mechanisms of NHE3 in maintaining basal BP homeostasis and the development of Ang II-induced hypertension at the whole-body, kidney, or proximal tubule levels. The new findings demonstrate that NHE3 contributes to about 10 to 15 mmHg to basal blood pressure levels, and that deletion of NHE3 at the whole-kidney or proximal tubule level, or pharmacological inhibition of NHE3 at the kidney level with an orally absorbable NHE3 inhibitor AVE-0657, attenuates ~ 50% of Ang II-induced hypertension in mice. The results support the proof-of-concept hypothesis that NHE3 plays critical roles in physiologically maintaining normal BP and in the development of Ang II-dependent hypertension. Our results also strongly suggest that NHE3 in the proximal tubules of the kidney may be therapeutically targeted to treat poorly controlled hypertension in humans.

Proximal Tubule-Specific Deletion of Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptors in the Kidney Attenuates Circulating and Intratubular Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in PT-Agtr1a-/- Mice.

[Figure: see text].

Viciamingyueshanensis (Fabeae, Papilionoideae, Fabaceae), a new species from western Jiangxi, China.

Viciamingyueshanensis, a new species from the Mingyue Mountain Region of western Jiangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is a perennial climbing liana that always links to riparian woods. A morphological comparison indicated that the new species is closely similar to Viciataipaica K. T. Fu and Viciadichroantha Diels; however, it differs from the other two species by several salient characters, such as plant indumentum, stipule shape, corolla colour, bractlet shape and calyx shape. Photographs, a preliminary conservation assessment, table of morphological characters and distribution map comparing this new species to two morphologically-similar species are also provided.

A novel CRYBB2 mutation causes autosomal dominant cataract: A report from a Chinese family.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine pathogenic mutation within one Chinese family of five-generations suffering from autosomal dominant cataract. METHODS: Next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to find the pathogenic variants. RESULTS: A rare mutation, c.563G > A, in CRYBB2 gene was found in the proband that showed symptom of non-syndromic congenital autosomal dominant cataract. This mutation had been found in all affected individuals and in one healthy infant, but it did not exist between two individuals who did not develop such disease in that family, as well as in 100 healthy subjects who showed no relation with that family. Cataracts in this family varied with different severity of lens opacities and elongation of axial length. CONCLUSION: One missense mutation c.563G > A is reported in the CRYBB2 gene among one Chinese family suffering from early-onset cataract, and associated novel phenotypes are the elongation of axial length and the types of cataract. Our results expand the spectrum of associated phenotypes of CRYBB2 mutation.

Evidence for a Physiological Mitochondrial Angiotensin II System in the Kidney Proximal Tubules: Novel Roles of Mitochondrial Ang II/AT1a/O2- and Ang II/AT2/NO Signaling.

The present study tested the hypotheses that overexpression of an intracellular Ang II (angiotensin II) fusion protein, mito-ECFP/Ang II, selectively in the mitochondria of mouse proximal tubule cells induces mitochondrial oxidative and glycolytic responses and elevates blood pressure via the Ang II/AT1a receptor/superoxide/NHE3 (the Na+/H+ exchanger 3)-dependent mechanisms. A PT-selective, mitochondria-targeting adenoviral construct encoding Ad-sglt2-mito-ECFP/Ang II was used to test the hypotheses. The expression of mito-ECFP/Ang II was colocalized primarily with Mito-Tracker Red FM in mouse PT cells or with TMRM in kidney PTs. Mito-ECFP/Ang II markedly increased oxygen consumption rate as an index of mitochondrial oxidative response (69.5%; P<0.01) and extracellular acidification rate as an index of mitochondrial glycolytic response (34%; P<0.01). The mito-ECFP/Ang II-induced oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate responses were blocked by AT1 blocker losartan (P<0.01) and a mitochondria-targeting superoxide scavenger mito-TEMPO (P<0.01). By contrast, the nonselective NO inhibitor L-NAME alone increased, whereas the mitochondria-targeting expression of AT2 receptors (mito-AT2/GFP) attenuated the effects of mito-ECFP/Ang II (P<0.01). In the kidney, overexpression of mito-ECFP/Ang II in the mitochondria of the PTs increased systolic blood pressure 12±3 mm Hg (P<0.01), and the response was attenuated in PT-specific PT-Agtr1a-/- and PT-Nhe3-/- mice (P<0.01). Conversely, overexpression of AT2 receptors selectively in the mitochondria of the PTs induced natriuretic responses in PT-Agtr1a-/- and PT-Nhe3-/- mice (P<0.01). Taken together, these results provide new evidence for a physiological role of PT mitochondrial Ang II/AT1a/superoxide/NHE3 and Ang II/AT2/NO/NHE3 signaling pathways in maintaining blood pressure homeostasis.

RUNX1-mutated families show phenotype heterogeneity and a somatic mutation profile unique to germline predisposed AML.

First reported in 1999, germline runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) mutations are a well-established cause of familial platelet disorder with predisposition to myeloid malignancy (FPD-MM). We present the clinical phenotypes and genetic mutations detected in 10 novel RUNX1-mutated FPD-MM families. Genomic analyses on these families detected 2 partial gene deletions, 3 novel mutations, and 5 recurrent mutations as the germline RUNX1 alterations leading to FPD-MM. Combining genomic data from the families reported herein with aggregated published data sets resulted in 130 germline RUNX1 families, which allowed us to investigate whether specific germline mutation characteristics (type, location) could explain the large phenotypic heterogeneity between patients with familial platelet disorder and different HMs. Comparing the somatic mutational signatures between the available familial (n = 35) and published sporadic (n = 137) RUNX1-mutated AML patients showed enrichment for somatic mutations affecting the second RUNX1 allele and GATA2. Conversely, we observed a decreased number of somatic mutations affecting NRAS, SRSF2, and DNMT3A and the collective genes associated with CHIP and epigenetic regulation. This is the largest aggregation and analysis of germline RUNX1 mutations performed to date, providing a unique opportunity to examine the factors underlying phenotypic differences and disease progression from FPD to MM.

[Analysis of clinical effect of Xiaosui Huahe decoction for the treatment of 130 patients with giant lumbar intervertebral disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of conservative treatment for giant lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and analyze the factors affecting its resorption. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2016, the clinical data of 130 patients with giant lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were collected. The patients were classified according to the characteristics of Iwabuchi displacement and "bull eye sign", Xiaosui Huahe decoction of traditional Chinese medicine conservative treatment was used in the patients. There were 93 males and 37 females, aged from 15 to 64 years old with an average of(37.11±13.96) years old; with the disease duration ranging from 1 day to 8 years with an average of(11.82±20.45) months. Rate of intervertebral disc herniation was measured by Futian's method, and clinical effect was evaluated by JOA score. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up from 13 to 48 months with an average of(21.45±11.87) months, and there were no significant differences in follow-up time between different imaging types(P>0.05). The absorption rate 95 patients with persistent conservative treatment was(44.08±35.70)%. The absorption rate of Iwabuchi displacement positive group and "bull eye sign" positive group was significantly higher than the average value(P<0.05). The rate of excellent and good JOA scores in 95 patients was 78.95%, 81.05% and 78.95% at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, respectively(P<0.05). Finally 35 patients accepted surgical treatment, the rate of excellent and good JOA scores was 100% at 3, 6, 12 months after treatment(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical effect of Xiaosui Huahe decoction conservative treatment is satisfactory for giant lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Patients with Iwabuchi displacement and "bull's eye sign" had significant herniation resorption.

[Logistic regression analysis on the outcome predictive factors of ruptured lumbar disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome predictive factors of ruptured lumbar disc herniation after conservative treatment. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2016, 147 patients with ruptured lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were treated with conservative treatment in the orthopedics department of Suzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital for clinical efficacy and MRI follow-up. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis(Stepwise regression method)was used to analyze the relationship between the 11 categorical variables and absorptivity of protrusions: sex(X1), age(X2), course of disease(X3) , the rate of protrusion(X4), the Komori type(X5), the MSU type(X6), the Iwabuchi type(X7), the Pfirrmann grade(X8), the Modic change on adjacent vertebrae(X9), spinal canal morphology(X10), the Schizas types of cauda equina sedimentation sign(X11). RESULTS: A total of 64 cases of prominent reabsorption among all cases followed-up (absorption rate>=30%), accounting for 43.5%. The reabsorption of protrusions is more likely to occur in patients with a duration of less than 1 year(P=0.006), MSU type 3 (P=0.001), Iwabuchi type 1 or 5 (P=0.000), the Schizas type of cauda equina sedimentation sign A or B(P=0.004). Regression equation Y=-10.363+1.916X3+1.446X4-1.445X5+2.070X6+4.679X7+1.125X9+1.023X10+2.223X11. Such factors as age, gender, Pfirrmann classification and spinal canal morphology had no significant effect on reabsorption of protrusions. CONCLUSIONS: Ruptured lumbar disc herniation can be reabsorbed after nonoperative treatment. And the reabsorption of protrusions is more likely to occur in patients with a duration of less than 1 year, MSU type 3, Iwabuchi type 1 or 5, the Schizas type of cauda equina sedimentation sign A or B, which can be used as the key reference factors for predicting the outcome of the projections.

Potential biomedical applications of marine algae.

Functional components extracted from algal biomass are widely used as dietary and health supplements with a variety of applications in food science and technology. In contrast, the applications of algae in dermal-related products have received much less attention, despite that algae also possess high potential for the uses in anti-infection, anti-aging, skin-whitening, and skin tumor treatments. This review, therefore, focuses on integrating studies on algae pertinent to human skin care, health and therapy. The active compounds in algae related to human skin treatments are mentioned and the possible mechanisms involved are described. The main purpose of this review is to identify serviceable algae functions in skin treatments to facilitate practical applications in this high-potential area.

Incidence of Spontaneous Resorption of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH), a common disease, is often treated conservatively, frequently resulting in spontaneous resorption of the herniated disc. The incidence of this phenomenon, however, remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of spontaneous resorption after conservative treatment of LDH using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis and systematic review of cohort studies. SETTING: The work was performed at The Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. METHODS: We initiated a search for the period from January 1990 to December 2015 using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers examined the relevant reports. The references from these reports were also searched for additional trials using the criteria established in the PRISMA statement. RESULTS: Our results represent the pooled results from 11 cohort studies. The overall incidence of spontaneous resorption after LDH was 66.66% (95% CI 51% - 69%). The incidence in the United Kingdom was 82.94% (95% CI 63.77% - 102.11%). The incidence in Japan was 62.58% (95% CI 55.71% - 69.46%). LIMITATIONS: Our study was limited because there were few sources from which to extract data, either in abstracts or published studies. There were no randomized, controlled trials that met our criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The phenomenon of LDH reabsorption is well recognized. Because its overall incidence is now 66.66% according to our results, conservative treatment may become the first choice of treatment for LDH. More large-scale, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trials are necessary to study the phenomenon of spontaneous resorption of LDH.Key words: Lumbar, disc herniation, spontaneous resorption, conservative treatment, incidence, country, meta-analysis, systematic review, observational studies, study designs.

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition modulates nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis in spontaneous resorption of herniated intervertebral discs: An experimental study in rats.

The present study was performed to investigate the role of p38 mitogen­activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the resorption of herniated intervertebral discs in 30 rats. In the non­contained and p38 MAPK inhibition (p38i) groups, two coccygeal intervertebral discs (IVDs) were removed and wounded prior to relocation into the subcutaneous space of the skin of the back. In the contained group, the cartilage endplates maintained their integrity. Furthermore, SB203580 was injected intraperitoneally into the p38i group, whereas saline was injected into the other two groups. In the non­contained group, the weight of the relocated IVDs decreased to a greater extent over time when compared with the contained and p38i groups. Phosphorylated p38, tumor necrosis factor­α, and interleukin­1ß were observed to exhibit higher expression levels in the non­contained group compared with the contained and p38i groups, at weeks 1 and 4 post­surgery. The expression level of caspase­3 and the densities of apoptotic disc cells were significantly higher in the non­contained group compared with the contained and p38i groups at 4 weeks post­surgery. In conclusion, p38 MAPK induces apoptosis in IVDs, while also accelerating the resorption of the relocated IVDs. Thus, p38 MAPK may be important in spontaneous resorption of IVDs.

Processing and properties of magnesium containing a dense uniform dispersion of nanoparticles.

Magnesium is a light metal, with a density two-thirds that of aluminium, is abundant on Earth and is biocompatible; it thus has the potential to improve energy efficiency and system performance in aerospace, automobile, defence, mobile electronics and biomedical applications. However, conventional synthesis and processing methods (alloying and thermomechanical processing) have reached certain limits in further improving the properties of magnesium and other metals. Ceramic particles have been introduced into metal matrices to improve the strength of the metals, but unfortunately, ceramic microparticles severely degrade the plasticity and machinability of metals, and nanoparticles, although they have the potential to improve strength while maintaining or even improving the plasticity of metals, are difficult to disperse uniformly in metal matrices. Here we show that a dense uniform dispersion of silicon carbide nanoparticles (14 per cent by volume) in magnesium can be achieved through a nanoparticle self-stabilization mechanism in molten metal. An enhancement of strength, stiffness, plasticity and high-temperature stability is simultaneously achieved, delivering a higher specific yield strength and higher specific modulus than almost all structural metals.