Serum apelin as a potential biomarker for infantile hemangiomas.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors in infants. Apelin, an endogenous cytokine, is implicated in the angiogenesis of neoplastic diseases. We aimed to explore the association between apelin and IHs, providing a foundation for clinical applications. METHODS: We identified differential expression of apelin in proliferative IHs compared to healthy controls (HCs) through bioinformatics analysis of publicly available databases and verified by Immunofluorescence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the serum levels of apelin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a cohort of 116 cases of proliferative IHs, 65 cases of capillary malformations (CMs), and 70 HCs. RESULTS: Apelin and APJ (APLNR, apelin receptor) were identified as the significantly upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in proliferative IHs. Immunofluorescence staining indicated high expression of apelin in proliferative IHs, while minimal expression in non-IH lesions. Apelin in IHs was reduced following 6 months of propranolol treatment. Serum apelin levels were significantly higher in the IH group compared to both the CM and HC groups. Moreover, apelin exhibited excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing IHs from HCs, with an area under the curve (AUC) exceeding 0.90. A positive correlation was observed between the levels of apelin and the size of superficial IHs. The expression profiles of VEGF and apelin in IHs were found to be consistent. CONCLUSIONS: Apelin shows promise as a potential biomarker for IHs. The association between apelin and IH size, as well as its responsiveness to propranolol treatment, indicates its possible utility as a valuable indicator for the therapeutic evaluation of IHs.

New Ca2+ based anticancer nanomaterials trigger multiple cell death targeting Ca2+ homeostasis for cancer therapy.

Calcium ion (Ca2+) is a necessary element for human and Ca2+ homeostasis plays important roles in various cellular process and functions. Recent reaches have targeted on inducing Ca2+ overload (both intracellular and transcellular) for tumor therapy. With the development of nanotechnology, nanoplatform-mediated Ca2+ overload has been safe theranostic model for cancer therapy, and defined a special calcium overload-induced tumor cell death as "calcicoptosis". However, the underlying mechanism of calcicoptosis in cancer cells remains further identification. In this review, we summarized multiple cell death types due to Ca2+ overload that induced by novel anticancer nanomaterials in tumor cells, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. We reviewed the roles of these anticancer nanomaterials on Ca2+ homeostasis, including transcellular Ca2+ influx and efflux, and intracellular Ca2+ change in the cytosolic and organelles, and connection of Ca2+ overload with other metal ions. This review provides the knowledge of these nano-anticancer materials-triggered calcicoptosis accompanied with multiple cell death by regulating Ca2+ homeostasis, which could not only enhance their efficiency and specificity, but also enlighten to design new cancer therapeutic strategies and biomedical applications.

The Sanbi Decoction alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration in rats through intestinal flora and serum metabolic homeostasis modulation.

BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an essential cause of low back pain (LBP), the incidence of which has risen in recent years and is progressively younger, but treatment options are limited, placing a serious economic burden on society. Sanbi decoction (SBD) is an important classical formula for the treatment of IVDD, which can significantly improve patients' symptoms and is a promising alternative therapy. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of SBD in the treatment of IVDD and to explore the underlying mechanisms by using an integrated analytical approach of microbiomics and serum metabolomics, as well as by using molecular biology. METHODS: A rat IVDD puncture model was established and treated by gavage with different concentrations of SBD, and clean faeces, serum, liver, kidney, and intervertebral disc (IVD) were collected after 4 weeks. We assessed the safety by liver and kidney weighing, functional tests and tissue staining, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) inflammatory factors in serum was detected by ELISA kits, and X-ray test, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green (SO/FG) staining were used to assess the efficacy. Finally, we performed 16S rRNA sequencing analysis on the faeces of different groups and untargeted metabolomics on serum and analyzed the association between them. RESULTS: SBD can effectively reduce the inflammatory response, regulate the metabolic balance of extracellular matrix (ECM), improve symptoms, and restore IVD function. In addition, SBD can significantly improve the diversity of intestinal flora and maintain the balance. At the phylum level, SBD greatly increased the relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Actinobacteriota and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota. At the genus level, SBD significantly increased the relative abundance of Clostridia_UCG-014, Enterorhabdus, and Adlercreutzia, and decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 (p < 0.05). Untargeted metabolomics indicated that SBD significantly improved serum metabolites and altered serum expression of 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4alphaPDD), euscaphic acid (EA), alpha-muricholic acid (α-MCA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and kynurenine (Kyn) (p < 0.05), and the metabolic pathways were mainly lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that SBD can extensively regulate intestinal flora and serum metabolic homeostasis to reduce inflammatory response, inhibit the degradation of ECM, restore IVD height and water content to achieve apparent therapeutic effect for IVDD.

Research Advances in Neuroblast Migration in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Neuroblasts were first derived from the adult mammalian brains in the 1990s by Reynolds et al. Since then, persistent neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ) has gradually been recognized. To date, reviews on neuroblast migration have largely investigated glial cells and molecular signaling mechanisms, while the relationship between vasculature and cell migration remains a mystery. Thus, this paper underlines the partial biological features of neuroblast migration and unravels the significance and mechanisms of the vasculature in the process to further clarify theoretically the neural repair mechanism after brain injury. Neuroblast migration presents three modes according to the characteristics of cells that act as scaffolds during the migration process: gliophilic migration, neurophilic migration, and vasophilic migration. Many signaling molecules, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), affect vasophilic migration, synergistically regulating the migration of neuroblasts to target areas along blood vessels. However, the precise role of blood vessels in the migration of neuroblasts needs to be further explored. The in-depth study of neuroblast migration will most probably provide theoretical basis and breakthrough for the clinical treatment of brain injury diseases.

IVD fibrosis and disc collapse comprehensively aggravate vertebral body disuse osteoporosis and zygapophyseal joint osteoarthritis by posteriorly shifting the load transmission pattern.

BACKGROUND: Disuse is a typical phenotype of osteoporosis, but the underlying mechanism has yet to be identified in elderly patients. Disc collapse and intervertebral disc (IVD) fibrosis are two main pathological changes in IVD degeneration (IDD) progression, given that these changes affect load transmission patterns, which may lead to disuse osteoporosis of vertebral bodies and zygapophyseal joint (ZJ) osteoarthritis (ZJOA) biomechanically. METHODS: Clinical data from 59 patients were collected retrospectively. Patient vertebral bony density, ZJOA grade, and disc collapse status were judged via CT. The IVD fibrosis grade was determined based on the FA measurements. Regression analyses identified potential independent risk factors for osteoporosis and ZJOA. L4-L5 numerical models with and without disc collapse and IVD fibrosis were constructed; stress distributions on the bony endplate (BEP) and zygapophyseal joint (ZJ) cartilages were computed in models with and without disc collapse and IVD fibrosis. RESULTS: A significantly lower disc height ratio and significantly greater FA were recorded in patients with ZJOA. A significant correlation was observed between lower HU values and two parameters related to IDD progression. These factors were also proven to be independent risk factors for both osteoporosis and ZJOA. Correspondingly, compared to the intact model without IDD. Lower stress on vertebral bodies and greater stress on ZJOA can be simultaneously recorded in models of disc collapse and IVD fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: IVD fibrosis and disc collapse simultaneously aggravate vertebral body disuse osteoporosis and ZJOA by posteriorly shifting the load transmission pattern.

Visualizing the bibliometrics of the inflammatory mechanisms in intervertebral disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) constitutes a crucial pathological foundation for spinal degenerative diseases (SDD) and stands as a primary contributor to both low back pain (LBP) and disability. The progression of IVDD is linked to structural and functional alterations in tissues, where an imbalance in the inflammatory microenvironment can induce extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, senescence, and apoptosis. This imbalance is a key pathomechanism in the disease's development, gaining considerable attention in recent years. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications pertaining to the inflammatory mechanisms of IVDD to quantitatively assess current research hotspots and directions. METHODS: In this study, we queried the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database covering the period from January 1, 2001, to November 7, 2023. Content in this area was analyzed and visualized using software such as Citespace, Vosviewer, and the bibliometrix package. RESULTS: Findings indicate a consistent annual increase in the number of publications, highlighting the widespread attention garnered by research on the inflammatory mechanisms of IVDD. In terms of journal research, Spine emerged with the highest number of publications, along with significantly elevated total citations and average citations compared to other journals. Regarding country analysis, China led in the number of publications, while the USA claimed the highest number of citations and total link strength. Institutional analysis revealed Sun Yat-sen University as having the highest number of publications and total link strength, with Thomas Jefferson University securing the highest total citations. Author analysis identified Ohtori, S. with the highest number of publications, Risbud, M.V. with the highest number of citations, and Inoue, G. with the highest total link strength, all of whom have made significant contributions to the field's development. Citation and co-citation analyses indicated that highly cited documents primarily focused on classical studies exploring inflammatory mechanisms in IVDD pathogenesis. Keyword analysis showcased the ongoing research hotspot as the further investigation of mechanisms and treatment studies. Recent years have seen a shift towards exploring pyroptosis, necrotic apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and bacterial infection, among other mechanisms. In terms of treatment, alongside traditional monomer, drug, and compound therapies for IVDD, research is increasingly concentrating on stem cell therapy, exosomes, hydrogels, and scaffolds. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis of research on inflammatory mechanisms in IVDD provides insights into the current status, hotspots, and potential future trends. These findings can serve as a valuable reference and guide for researchers in the field.

Stepwise reduction of bony density in patients induces a higher risk of annular tears by deteriorating the local biomechanical environment.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The relationship between osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains unclear. Considering that annular tear is the primary phenotype of IDD in the lumbar spine, the deteriorating local biomechanical environment may be the main trigger for annular tears. PURPOSE: To investigate whether poor bone mineral density (BMD) in the vertebral bodies may increase the risk of annular tears via the degradation of the local biomechanical environment. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective investigation with relevant numerical mechanical simulations. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 64 patients with low back pain (LBP) and the most severe IDD in the L4-L5 motion segment were enrolled. OUTCOME MEASURES: Annulus integration status was assessed using diffusion tensor fibre tractography (DTT). Hounsfield unit (HU) values of adjacent vertebral bodies were employed to determine BMD. Numerical simulations were conducted to compute stress values in the annulus of models with different BMDs and body positions. METHODS: The clinical data of the 64 patients with low back pain were collected retrospectively. The BMD of the vertebral bodies was measured using the HU values, and the annulus integration status was determined according to DTT. The data of the patients with and without annular tears were compared, and regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for annular tears. Furthermore, finite element models of the L4-L5 motion segment were constructed and validated, followed by estimating the maximum stress on the post and postlateral interfaces between the superior and inferior bony endplates (BEPs) and the annulus. RESULTS: Patients with lower HU values in their vertebral bodies had significantly higher incidence rates of annular tears, with decreased HU values being an independent risk factor for annular tears. Moreover, increased stress on the BEP-annulus interfaces was associated with a stepwise reduction of bony density (ie, elastic modulus) in the numerical models. CONCLUSIONS: The stepwise reduction of bony density in patients results in a higher risk of annular tears by deteriorating the local biomechanical environment. Thus, osteoporosis should be considered to be a potential risk factor for IDD biomechanically.

Inhibiting stanniocalcin 2 reduces sunitinib resistance of Caki-1 renal cancer cells under hypoxia condition.

Background: Our previous study has suggested that blocking stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) could reduce sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) under normoxia. The hypoxia is a particularly important environment for RCC occurrence and development, as well as sunitinib resistance. The authors proposed that STC2 also plays important roles in RCC sunitinib resistance under hypoxia conditions. Methods: The ccRCC Caki-1 cells were treated within the hypoxia conditions. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were applied to detect the STC2 expression in ccRCC Caki-1 cells. STC2-neutralizing antibodies, STC2 siRNA, and the recombinant human STC2 (rhSTC2) were used to identify targeting regulation on STC2 in modulating sunitinib resistance, proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and invasion. In addition, autophagy flux and the lysosomal acidic environment were investigated by Western blotting and fluorescence staining, and the accumulation of sunitinib in cells was observed with the addition of STC2-neutralizing antibodies and autophagy modulators. Results: Under hypoxia conditions, sunitinib disrupted the lysosomal acidic environment and accumulated in Caki-1 cells. Hypoxia-induced the STC2 mRNA and protein levels in Caki-1 cells. STC2-neutralizing antibodies and STC2 siRNA effectively aggravated sunitinib-reduced cell viability and proliferation, which were reversed by rhSTC2. In addition, sunitinib promoted EMT, migration, and invasion, which were reduced by STC2-neutralizing antibodies. Conclusion: Inhibiting STC2 could reduce the sunitinib resistance of ccRCC cells under hypoxia conditions.

Exploration of the Linkages between Lignin and Carbohydrates in Kraft Pulp from Wheat Straw Using a 13C/2H Isotopic Tracer.

To further our understanding of the change in association between lignin and carbohydrates after kraft pulping, isotope-labeled kraft pulp (KP) was prepared using 13C and D double-isotope-labeled wheat straw, and it was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis and ionic liquid treatment to explore the linkages between lignin and carbohydrate complexes in wheat straw. Isotope abundance determination showed that 13C and D abundances in the experimental groups were substantially higher than those in the control group, indicating that the injected exogenous coniferin-[α-13C], coniferin-[γ-13C], and d-glucose-[6-D2] were effectively absorbed and metabolized during wheat internode growth. Solid-state CP/MAS 13C-NMR spectroscopy showed that lignin was mainly linked to polysaccharides via acetal, benzyl ether, and benzyl ester bonds. Kraft pulp (KP) from the labeled wheat straw was degraded by cellulase. The obtained residue was fractionated using the ionic liquid DMSO/TBAH to separate the cellulose-lignin complex (KP-CLC) and xylan-lignin complex (KP-XLC). X-ray diffractometer determination showed that the KP-CLC regenerated cellulose type II from type I after the ionic liquid conversion. The 13C-NMR spectrum of Ac-En-KP-CLC showed that the cellulose-lignin complex structure was chemically bonded between the lignin and cellulose through acetal and benzyl ether bonds. The 13C-NMR spectrum of En-KP-XLC showed a lignin-hemicellulose complex structure, wherein lignin and xylan were chemically bonded by benzyl ether and acetal bonds. These results indicate that the cross-linking between lignin and carbohydrates exists in lignocellulosic fibers even after kraft pulping.

Biodiesel production and properties estimation from food waste and domestic wastewater by Rhodosporidium toruloides.

Producing biodiesel from food waste (FW) would benefit both environment and economy. Current study investigated biodiesel production from food waste and domestic wastewater by utilizing the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides under non-sterile condition. The potential of biolipid production from the mixture of effluents of existing local FW treatment facilities and domestic wastewater was firstly evaluated. Then, to increase the nutrient recovery efficiency, FW hydrolysis process by crude enzymes produced from solid FWs by Aspergillus oryzae was introduced and the conditions were further optimized. The optimized hydrolysis process resulted in reducing sugar (RS) yield of 251.81 ± 8.09 mg gdryFW-1 and free amino nitrogen (FAN) yield of 7.70 ± 0.74 mg gdryFW-1 while waste oil with the RS yield of 93.54 ± 0.01 mg gdryFW-1 was easily separated without solvent usage. Compared to the hydrolysate only used, when mixed with domestic wastewater, the results showed obvious enhancement on biomass yield, biolipid yield, and wastewater treatment efficiency. The maximum biolipid yield was 29.80 ± 0.50 mg gdryFW-1 and the estimated quality of biodiesel produced from the biolipid met both EN 14214 and ASTM D6751 standards.

Lignocellulose-Based Optical Biofilter with High Near-Infrared Transmittance via Lignin Capturing-Fusing Approach.

Near-infrared (NIR) transparent optical filters show great promise in night vision and receiving windows. However, NIR optical filters are generally prepared by laborious, environmentally unfriendly processes that involve metal oxides or petroleum-based polymers. We propose a lignin capturing-fusing approach to manufacturing optical biofilters based on molecular collaboration between lignin and cellulose from waste agricultural biomass. In this process, lignin is captured via self-assembly in a cellulose network; then, the lignin is fused to fill gaps and hold the cellulose fibers tightly. The resulting optical biofilter featured a dense structure and smooth surface with NIR transmittance of ~90%, ultralow haze of close to 0%, strong ultraviolet-visible light blocking (~100% at 400 nm and 57.58% to 98.59% at 550 nm). Further, the optical biofilter has comprehensive stability, including water stability, solvent stability, thermal stability, and environmental stability. Because of its unique properties, the optical biofilter demonstrates potential applications in the NIR region, such as an NIR-transmitting window, NIR night vision, and privacy protection. These applications represent a promising route to produce NIR transparent optical filters starting from lignocellulose biomass waste.

An all-natural, bioinspired, biodegradable electrical insulating composite based on lignocellulose and mica tailings.

The rapid development of modern electrical engineering puts forward urgent demand for high-performance electrical insulating materials. In this study, inspired by the layered structure of natural nacre, we present a novel biomimetic composite insulating film (referred to as M/C film) that is derived from agricultural waste corncobs and industrial waste mica tailings through a sol-gel-film transformation process. The novel insulating film has excellent tensile strength (94 MPa), high dielectric strength (68 kV mm-1), low dielectric loss, good heat resistance (T0 = 235 °C), and excellent UV shielding properties. Meanwhile, the M/C film presents environmental impacts much lower than those petrochemical-based plastic film as it can be 100 % recycled in a closed-loop recycling process and easily biodegraded in the environment (lignocellulose goes back to the carbon cycle and the mica return to the geological cycle). It is a potential alternative for petrochemical plastics and provides a possible way to utilize agricultural waste and mica tailings.

Direct dissolution of unbleached pulp from corncob and wheat straw in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide.

Lignocellulose, as a kind of abundant natural resource, continuously developed to convert high value-added biological products is of great significance. Herein, we report a N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solvent system to completely dissolve unbleached pulp to prepare a renewable lignin-containing cellulose film. The viscosity of the completely dissolved cellulose solution was measured using a high-pressure rotary rheometer. The shear viscosity exceeded 85 Pa·s at a shear rate of 1.62 s-1. It exhibited shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluid behavior with increasing shear rate. CF-WS had excellent tensile strength (>73 MPa), and exhibited unique optical properties of high transmittance in the visible region and high shielding performance in the ultraviolet region. When the thickness is only 0.016 mm, the UV shielding rate exceeds 75 % (λ < 380 nm). The structure of the bioplastic was revealed by SEM, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy. Directly dissolving lignocellulose in NMMO aqueous solution is expected to yield bioplastics with high strength and biodegradability. It is a potential substitute for petrochemical plastics and provides a possible way for the utilization of agricultural waste.

The cranial vertebral body suffers a higher risk of adjacent vertebral fracture due to the poor biomechanical environment in patients with percutaneous vertebralplasty.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF), a frequent complication of PVP, is influenced by factors such as osteoporosis progression, increased intervertebral cement leakage (ICL), and biomechanical deterioration. Notably, the risk of AVF is notably elevated in the cranial vertebral body compared with the caudal counterpart. Despite this knowledge, the underlying pathological mechanism remains elusive. PURPOSE: This study delves into the role of biomechanical deterioration as a pivotal factor in the heightened risk of AVF in the cranial vertebral body following PVP. By isolating this variable, we aim to unravel its prominence relative to other potential risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study and corresponding numerical mechanical simulations. PATIENT SAMPLE: Clinical data from 101 patients treated by PVP were reviewed in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical assessments involved measuring Hounsfield unit (HU) values of adjacent vertebral bodies as a representation of patients' bone mineral density (BMD). Additionally, the rates of ICL were compared among these patients. Numerical simulations were conducted to compute stress values in the cranial and caudal vertebral bodies under various body positions. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of PVP patients spanning July 2016 to August 2019, we scrutinized the HU values of adjacent vertebral bodies to discern disparities in BMD between cranial and caudal regions. Additionally, we compared ICL rates on both cranial and caudal sides. To augment our investigation, well-validated numerical models simulated the PVP procedure, enabling the computation of maximum stress values in cranial and caudal vertebral bodies across varying body positions. RESULTS: The incidence rate of cranial AVF was significantly higher than the caudal side. No notable distinctions in HU values or ICL rates were observed between the cranial and caudal sides. The incidence of AVF showed no significant elevation in patients with ICL in either region. However, numerical simulations unveiled heightened stress values in the cranial vertebral body. CONCLUSIONS: In patients postPVP, the cranial vertebral body faces a heightened risk of AVF, primarily attributed to biomechanical deterioration rather than lower BMD or an elevated ICL rate.

Reutilization of scrap tyre for the enhanced removal of phthalate esters from water: immobilization performance, interaction mechanisms, and application.

Waste scrap tyre as microbial immobilization matrix enhanced degradation of phthalate esters (PAEs), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). The hybrid (physical adsorption and microbial immobilization) degradation process performance of scrap tyres was examined for the PAEs degradation. The scrap tyre was shown with competitive adsorption capacity toward PAEs, influenced by pH, temperature, dosage of adsorbent (scrap tyre), and concentration of PAE. The primary adsorption mechanism for tyres toward PAEs was considered hydrophobic. The immobilization of previously isolated Bacillus sp. MY156 on tyre surface significantly enhanced PAEs degradation as well as bacterial growth. The enzymatic activity results implied immobilization promoted dehydrogenase activity and decreased esterase activity. The cell surface response during PAEs degradation, in terms of morphological observation, FTIR and XRD analyses, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) release, was further assessed to better understand the interactions between microorganisms and tyre surface. Waste scrap tyres could be a promising potential candidate to be reused for sustainable environmental management, including contaminants removal.

Highly stretchable, fast self-healing nanocellulose hydrogel combining borate ester bonds and acylhydrazone bonds.

Self-healing hydrogels have received considerable attention as a promising material for flexible electronic devices given their mechanical durability and structurally tunable properties. In this study, a highly stretchable self-healing hydrogel with dual cross-linking network was developed via borate ester bonds generated by polyvinyl alcohol and borax, and acylhydrazone bonds formed by aldehyde nanocellulose with adipic acid dihydrazide-modified alginate. Compared with the single network hydrogel composed of polyvinyl alcohol and borax, the introduction of dynamic acylhydrazone bonds greatly increases the flexibility of the hydrogel. The elongation rate increased from 480 % to approximately 1440 %, and the self-healing efficiency increased from 84.6 % to 92.7 % after healing for 60 min at ambient temperature without any stimulus. Moreover, the longer the self-healing time, the more evident the self-healing effect of the acylhydrazone bonds. In addition, electrical measurements confirmed a wide working strain range (ca.1000 %), durability, and reliability. Once assembled as a strain sensor, the hydrogel is able to monitor both large and subtle human motions. Besides, this hydrogel exhibited desirable biocompatibility, as demonstrated by in vitro cytotoxicity towards NIH 3T3 cells. These integrated properties make this nanocomposite hydrogel a promising candidate for future applications as green, flexible, and smart sensors.

Preparation and Anti-Lung Cancer Activity Analysis of Guaiacyl-Type Dehydrogenation Polymer.

In this paper, guaiacyl dehydrogenated lignin polymer (G-DHP) was synthesized using coniferin as a substrate in the presence of ß-glucosidase and laccase. Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) determination revealed that the structure of G-DHP was relatively similar to that of ginkgo milled wood lignin (MWL), with both containing ß-O-4, ß-5, ß-1, ß-ß, and 5-5 substructures. G-DHP fractions with different molecular weights were obtained by classification with different polar solvents. The bioactivity assay indicated that the ether-soluble fraction (DC2) showed the strongest inhibition of A549 lung cancer cells, with an IC50 of 181.46 ± 28.01 µg/mL. The DC2 fraction was further purified using medium-pressure liquid chromatography. Anti-cancer analysis revealed that the D4 and D5 compounds from DC2 had better anti-tumor activity, with IC50 values of 61.54 ± 17.10 µg/mL and 28.61 ± 8.52 µg/mL, respectively. Heating electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HESI-MS) results showed that both the D4 and D5 were ß-5-linked dimers of coniferyl aldehyde, and the 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR analyses confirmed the structure of the D5. Together, these results indicate that the presence of an aldehyde group on the side chain of the phenylpropane unit of G-DHP enhances its anticancer activity.

Regional differences in bone mineral density biomechanically induce a higher risk of adjacent vertebral fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty: a case-comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF) is a frequently observed complication after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compressive fracture. Biomechanical deterioration initially induces a higher risk of AVF. Studies demonstrated that the aggravation of regional differences in the elastic modulus of different components might deteriorate the local biomechanical environment and increase the risk of structural failure. Considering the existence of intravertebral regional differences in bone mineral density (BMD) (i.e. elastic modulus), it was hypothesized in the present study that higher intravertebral BMD differences may induce a higher risk of AVF biomechanically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiographic and demographic data of osteoporotic vertebral compressive fracture patients treated using PVP were reviewed in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups: those with AVF and those without AVF. The Hounsfield unit (HU) values of transverse planes from the superior to the inferior bony endplate were measured, and the differences between the highest and lowest HU values of these planes were considered the regional differences of the HU value. The data from patients with and without AVF were compared, and the independent risk factors were identified through regression analysis. PVP with different grades of regional differences in the elastic modulus of the adjacent vertebral body was simulated using a previously constructed and validated lumbar finite element model, and the biomechanical indicators related to AVF were computed and recorded in surgical models. RESULTS: Clinical data on 103 patients were collected in this study (with an average follow-up period of 24.1 months). The radiographic review revealed that AVF patients present a significantly higher regional difference in the HU value and that the increase in the regional difference of the HU value was an independent risk factor for AVF. In addition, numerical mechanical simulations recorded a stress concentration tendency (the higher maximum equivalent stress value) in the adjacent vertebral cancellous bone, with a stepwise aggravation of the adjacent cancellous bony regional stiffness differences. CONCLUSIONS: The aggravation of regional BMD differences induces a higher risk of AVF after PVP surgery through a deterioration of the local biomechanical environment. The maximum differences in the HU value of the adjacent cancellous bone should, therefore, be measured routinely to better predict the risk of AVF. Patients with noticeable regional BMD differences should be considered at high risk for AVF, and greater attention must be paid to these patients to reduce the risk of AVF. EVIDENCE GRADE: Level III b.

Safety and clinical efficacy of endoscopic procedures for the treatment of adjacent segmental disease after lumbar fusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a common complication after lumbar fusion and is still traditionally treated by open surgery. In recent years, with the development of minimally invasive techniques, percutaneous endoscopic surgery(PES) has been used for the treatment of ASD after lumbar fusion due to its unique benefits. Nevertheless, it remains unclear about its significant clinical efficacy and advantages over conventional open surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of PES in the treatment of ASD after lumbar fusion. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis studies about the role of PES in managing ASD after lumbar fusion. METHODS: A systematic search review was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WanFang, and SinoMed databases from the start of their construction to 15 November 2021. Eligible studies included references to clinical trials of PES for ASD after open lumbar fusion. Observations included pain relief, recovery of postoperative function, overall excellent rates, and indicators of the advantages of minimally invasive surgery compared to conventional surgery. Postoperative complications and recurrence rates were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies, including 20 single-arm studies and 4 clinical control studies, all involving 928 patients were included. A total of 694 patients were included in the single-arm analysis. The results of the single-arm meta-analysis showed that PES could significantly reduce low back and leg pain and improve the functional status of the lumbar spine in patients with ASD after open lumbar fusion compared to preoperatively, and had good clinical efficacy after surgery. A total of 234 patients were included in the four clinically controlled studies, and the results of the meta-analysis showed that PES could clearly reduce pain and improve lumbar function, with no significant difference in efficacy between PES and open surgery. However, PES has a lower surgical incision, less intraoperative bleeding, and shorter operative time and length of hospital stay compared to open surgery. Moreover, it has a lower rate of postoperative recurrence as well as complications and a longer duration of efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the available clinical literature and the results of this study, PES could achieve satisfactory clinical effects in ASD treatment after lumbar fusion. Compared with conventional open surgery, PES can not only obtain similar clinical results, but also had the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery. Nevertheless, a randomized controlled study is still needed to validate the findings of this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022298387.

Lignin self-assembly and auto-adhesion for hydrophobic cellulose/lignin composite film fabrication.

Large amounts of lignin are produced as a by-product of paper pulping, resulting in a tremendous waste of natural resources with potential uses across various areas. To achieve the value-added utilization of agricultural waste and lignin, we developed a method for the fabrication of a lignin structure-designed hydrophobic film (LSHF) directly through solvent/anti-solvent self-assembly (acetic acid aqueous solution/n-hexane) and auto-adhesion of acetic acid lignin (AL) on the surface of a lignocellulose film (LCF). As the morphology structure revealed, the LSHF had a rough surface composed of lignin colloidal spheres, which significantly improved the water contact angle (WCA) from ~80° to ~130°. Furthermore, benefiting from the auto-adhesion of lignin, the WCA was more stable in 240 s, demonstrating that the LSHF had a lower WCA decrease (15.53 % - 25.55 % decrease) than the LCF (41.97 % - 61.11 % decrease) and the sample without auto-adhesion (100 % decrease). Simultaneously, auto-adhesion endowed the LSHF with a ~50 % increase in tensile strength. This work provides a novel strategy for the fabrication of hydrophobic cellulose/lignin composite films via lignin self-assembly and auto-adhesion.