Assessment of site suitability for centralized photovoltaic power stations in Northwest China's six provinces.

Northwest China has abundant solar energy resources and extensive land, making it a pivotal site for solar energy development. However, restrictions on site selection and severe weather conditions have hindered the establishment and operation of photovoltaic (PV) power stations. Previous studies have not considered meteorological factors when evaluating site suitability, leading to research gaps in identifying suitable areas and establishing indicator systems. We aimed to address these gaps by considering seven factors constraining the construction of centralized PV power stations (CPPS) and developing an indicator system based on terrain, climate, soil, and economic factors. Furthermore, we conducted analyses to quantify the solar energy generation potential (SEGP), carbon emissions reduction benefits, and land utilization potential at different sites. The findings indicate that areas rated as very suitable and extremely suitable comprised the largest proportion (62.35%) of site suitability. The correlation between site suitability and electricity consumption was largely non-significant, highlighting the need for enhanced coordination. Additionally, we forecast the electricity consumption in Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Shaanxi for 2030 to be 56.62, 19.86, 54.54, 13.59, 15.96, and 33.34 ( × 1011 kWh), respectively, with corresponding carbon emissions reduction potentials of 20.2, 7.1, 19.4, 4.8, 5.7, and 11.9 ( × 109 kg). Consequently, PV carbon reduction and land utilization potential are substantial.

Mesenchymal stem cells in fibrotic diseases-the two sides of the same coin.

Fibrosis is caused by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which play a crucial role in injury repair. Fibrosis attributes to ~45% of all deaths worldwide. The molecular pathology of different fibrotic diseases varies, and a number of bioactive factors are involved in the pathogenic process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of multipotent stem cells that have promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of different diseases. Current updates of fibrotic pathogenesis reveal that residential MSCs may differentiate into myofibroblasts which lead to the fibrosis development. However, preclinical and clinical trials with autologous or allogeneic MSCs infusion demonstrate that MSCs can relieve the fibrotic diseases by modulating inflammation, regenerating damaged tissues, remodeling the ECMs, and modulating the death of stressed cells after implantation. A variety of animal models were developed to study the mechanisms behind different fibrotic tissues and test the preclinical efficacy of MSC therapy in these diseases. Furthermore, MSCs have been used for treating liver cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis patients in several clinical trials, leading to satisfactory clinical efficacy without severe adverse events. This review discusses the two opposite roles of residential MSCs and external MSCs in fibrotic diseases, and summarizes the current perspective of therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in fibrosis, through both laboratory study and clinical trials.

Sequential treatment of teriparatide and alendronate versus alendronate alone for elevation of bone mineral density and prevention of refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporosis: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty was the most common strategy for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. However, refracture after vertebroplasty also occurred and bone mineral density (BMD) was one of the main factors associated with refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty. AIMS: To investigate the efficacy of a short-sequential treatment of teriparatide followed by alendronate on prevention of refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic patients, and compare it with the therapy of alendronate alone. METHODS: From January 2018 to January 2020, we recruited 165 female osteoporosis patients after percutaneous vertebroplasty who were assigned into sequential treatment of teriparatide followed by alendronate group (TPTD + ALN group) and alendronate alone group (ALN group). The vertebral fracture occurred during this process was also recorded in both the groups. A total of 105 participants completed the 1-year follow-up. Furthermore, BMD and serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were compared between the two groups during 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The 105 patients were finally included, with 59 in ALN group and 46 in TPTD + ALN group. During 1-year follow-up, the vertebral refracture rate in TPTD + ALN group was much lower than that in ALN group (2.2% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.05). At 12 months, the BMDs at lumbar in TPTD + ALN group were significantly elevated when compared to the ALN group (0.65 ± 0.10 vs. 0.57 ± 0.07, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A short-sequential administration of teriparatide followed by alendronate was more effective in elevating the BMD and decreasing the refracture rate at 12-month follow-up, compared to the counterpart with alendronate alone.

Epstein-Barr virus-encoded microRNAs involve in tumorigenesis and development. / EBç— æ¯’ç¼–ç çš„microRNAs参与肿瘤的发生和发展.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a definite tumorigenic virus, is closely related to the development of nasopharyngeal cancer, gastric cancer, lymphoma and other tumors. EBV encodes a total of 44 mature microRNAs, which can regulate the expression of virus and host genes. EBV-encoded microRNAs and their regulated target molecules participate in the biological functions of tumor apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis during tumorigenesis and development, and play an important role in the development of tumor.

Multifunctional Nanoengineered Hydrogels Consisting of Black Phosphorus Nanosheets Upregulate Bone Formation.

Tissue-engineered hydrogels have received extensive attention as their mechanical properties, chemical compositions, and biological signals can be dynamically modified for mimicking extracellular matrices (ECM). Herein, the synthesis of novel double network (DN) hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties using combinatorial screening methods is reported. Furthermore, nanoengineered (NE) hydrogels are constructed by addition of ultrathin 2D black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets to the DN hydrogels with multiple functions for mimicking the ECM microenvironment to induce tissue regeneration. Notably, it is found that the BP nanosheets exhibit intrinsic properties for induced CaP crystal particle formation and therefore improve the mineralization ability of NE hydrogels. Finally, in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that the BP nanosheets, mineralized CaP crystal nanoparticles, and excellent mechanical properties provide a favorable ECM microenvironment to mediate greater osteogenic cell differentiation and bone regeneration. Consequently, the combination of bioactive chemical materials and excellent mechanical stimuli of NE hydrogels inspire novel engineering strategies for bone-tissue regeneration.

Glutathione protects human nucleus pulposus cells from cell apoptosis and inhibition of matrix synthesis.

Abstract Cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) and extracellular matrix destruction induced by oxidative stress have been suggested to be closely involved in the process of disc degeneration. Glutathione, a natural peptide as a powerful antioxidant in human cytoplasm, plays an important role in protecting living cells. This study is to investigate whether glutathione could retard degenerated phenotypes in cultured disc cells. Human nucleus pulposus cells were isolated and cultured in alginate beads and subsequently treated with a pro-oxidant H2O2 alone or a pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß alone or either of them together with glutathione. It was shown that H2O2 dose-dependently promoted nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and decreased mRNA levels of matrix proteins aggrecan and type II collagen determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). IL-1ß could induce production of nitric oxide and decrease of proteoglycan, detected by the Griess reagent and the dimethyl methylene blue, respectively. The deleterious effects of either H2O2 or IL-1ß could be efficiently prevented by glutathione. These results indicated that glutathione might be considered as an option for intervention of disc degeneration.

COMPARISON OF DYNESYS AND HYBRID SYSTEM FOR MULTI-SEGMENTAL LDD.

Objective: To compare effectiveness of Dynesys and hybrid system in treating patients with multi-segmental lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). Methods: Patients involved in this retrospective study were divided into Dynesys (n = 22) and Hybrid (n = 13) groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Radiologic evaluations included X-ray, MRI, and CT. Furthermore, different complications were analyzed. Results: At the last follow-up, ODI and VAS of each group were improved (p < 0.05), and the range of motion (ROM) of operating segments decreased. However, Dynesys group preserved a larger extent of ROM at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). ROM of the upper adjacent segment was increased in both groups (p < 0.05), while the disc heights were decreased at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). Besides, Dynesys group had a more obvious decrease in the disc height of dynamic segments (p < 0.05). No significant difference existed in complications between both groups (p > 0. 05). Conclusion: In our study, similar satisfactory results were obtained in both groups. Both surgical procedures can be employed as effective treatments for middle-aged and physically active patients with multi-segmental LDD. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective Comparative Study.

Objetivo: Comparar a eficácia do Dynesys e do sistema híbrido no tratamento de pacientes com doença degenerativa lombar multissegmentar (DLD). Métodos: Os pacientes envolvidos neste estudo retrospectivo foram divididos em grupos Dynesys (n = 22) e Híbrido (n = 13). Os desfechos clínicos foram avaliados por meio do Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) e da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). As avaliações radiológicas incluíram radiografia, ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) e tomografia computadorizada. Ademais, diferentes complicações foram analisadas. Resultados: No acompanhamento final, o ODI e a EVA de todos os grupos melhoraram (p < 0,05), e houve diminuição da amplitude de movimento (ADM) dos segmentos operacionais. No entanto, o grupo Dynesys preservou uma maior extensão da ADM no acompanhamento final (p < 0,05). A ADM do segmento superior adjacente foi ampliada em ambos os grupos (p < 0,05), enquanto as alturas dos discos foram reduzidas no acompanhamento final (p < 0,05). No entanto, o grupo Dynesys apresentou uma redução mais evidente na altura do disco dos segmentos dinâmicos (p < 0,05). Não houve diferença significativa nas complicações entre esses dois grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Neste estudo, resultados satisfatórios semelhantes foram obtidos em ambos os grupos. Ambos os procedimentos cirúrgicos podem ser empregados como tratamentos eficazes para pacientes de meia-idade e fisicamente ativos com LDD multissegmentar. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo Retrospectivo Comparativo.

Conductive and Enhanced Mechanical Strength of Mo2Ti2C3 MXene-Based Hydrogel Promotes Neurogenesis and Bone Regeneration in Bone Defect Repair.

Bone defects are common with increasing high-energy fractures, tumor bone invasion, and implantation revision surgery. Bone is an electroactive tissue that has electromechanical interaction with collogen, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. Hydrogel provides morphological plasticity and extracellular matrix (ECM) 3D structures for cell survival, and is widely used as a bone engineering material. However, the hydrogels have poor mechanical intensity and lack of cell adhesion, slow gelation time, and limited conductivity. MXenes are novel nanomaterials with hydrophilic groups that sense cell electrophysiology and improve hydrogel electric conductivity. Herein, gelatin had multiple active groups (NH2, OH, and COOH) and an accelerated gelation time. Acrylamide has Schiff base bonds to cross-link with gelatin and absorb metal ions. Deacetylated chitosan improved cell adhesion and active groups to connect MXene and acrylamide. We constructed Mo2Ti2C3 MXene hydrogel with improved elastic modulus and viscosity, chemical cross-linking structure, electric conductivity, and good compatibility. Mo2Ti2C3 MXene hydrogel exhibits outstanding osteogenesis in vitro. Mo2Ti2C3 MXene hydrogel promotes osteogenesis via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining, improving osteogenic marker genes and protein expressions in vitro. Mo2Ti2C3 MXene hydrogel aids new bone formation in the in vivo calvarial bone defect model via micro-CT and histology. Mo2Ti2C3 MXene hydrogel facilitates neurogenesis factors nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and aids newly born neuron marker Tuj-1 and sensory neuron marker serotonin (5-HT) and osteogenesis pathway proteins, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN), SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) in the bone defect repair process. Mo2Ti2C3 MXene hydrogel promotes osteogenesis and neurogenesis, which extends its biomedical application in bone defect reconstruction.

Inhibition of CSPG-PTPσ Activates Autophagy Flux and Lysosome Fusion, Aids Axon and Synaptic Reorganization in Spinal Cord Injury.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and proteoglycan receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ (PTPσ) play a critical role in the pathology of spinal cord injury (SCI). CSPGs can be induced by autophagy inhibition in astrocyte. However, CSPG's impact on autophagy and its role in SCI is still unknown. We investigate intracellular sigma peptide (ISP) targeting PTPσ, its effects on autophagy, and synaptic reorganization in SCI. We found that ISP increased the level of autophagosome marker LC3B-II/I and decreased autophagosome degradation marker p62 in SCI, suggesting activated autophagy flux. ISP restored autophagosome-lysosome fusion-related protein syntaxin 17 (STX17) and lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), indicating activated autophagosome-lysosome fusion. ISP increased pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin (SYN) and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) expression and improved excitatory synapse marker vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and SYN in SCI, suggesting improved synaptic reorganization. ISP promoted axon marker neurofilament and growth-related GAP-43 expression in SCI. ISP rescued a preserved number of motor neurons and improved neurobehavioral recovery after SCI. Our study extended the CSPG-PTPσ inhibition role in activating autophagy flux, axon and synaptic reorganization, and functional recovery in SCI.

Circular RNA circ-3626 promotes bone formation by modulating the miR-338-3p/Runx2 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Disorders of bone homeostasis are the key factors leading to metabolic bone disease, such as senile osteoporosis, which is characterized by age-related bone loss. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) possess high osteogenic capacity which has been regarded as a practical approach to preventing bone loss. Previous studies have shown that the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs is significantly decreased in senile osteoporosis. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been regarded as critical regulators in controlling the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by sponging microRNAs (miRNAs). Our study aimed to discover new and critical osteogenesis-related circRNAs that can promote bone formation in senile osteoporosis. METHODS: We detected the dysregulated circRNAs of BMSCs upon osteogenic differentiation induction and identified the critical osteogenic circRNA (circ-3626). The relationship between circ-3626 and osteoporosis was further verified in clinical bone samples and aged mice by qPCR. Moreover, circ-3626 AAV was constructed to examine the osteogenic effect of circ-3626 on bone formation via using Micro-CT, double calcein labeling, and the three-point bending tests. Bioinformatics analysis, Luciferase report gene assays, FISH, RNA pull-down, qPCR, Western Blots, and alizarin red staining assay explore the effects and mechanisms of circ-3626 on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. RESULTS: Circ-3626 was identified as a pivotal osteogenesis-related circRNA via RNA sequencing. The results of alizarin red staining, Western blots, and qPCR assays suggest that overexpressing circ-3626 dramatically accelerates the osteogenic capability of BMSCs. Furthermore, the bone repair capability of aging mice could be significantly improved by circ-3626 AAV treatment. Micro RNA miR-338-3p was identified as the downstream target of circ-3626. Overexpression of circ-3626 increases the expression of Runx2 by sponging miR-338-3p, thereby promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by upregulating the expression of osteogenic genes. In addition, Western blots, and qPCR assays suggest circ-3626 AAV treatment promote the expression of Runx2 and osteogenic marker genes. CONCLUSION: Thus, we demonstrate that circ-3626 plays a pivotal role in promoting bone formation through the miR-338-3p/Runx2 axis and may provide new strategies for preventing and treating the bone loss of senile osteoporosis.

A 3D-printed scaffold composed of Alg/HA/SIS for the treatment of diabetic bone defects.

Background: Diabetic bone healing remains a great challenge due to its pathological features including biochemical disturbance, excessive inflammation, and reduced blood vessel formation. In previous studies, small intestine submucosa (SIS) has been demonstrated for its immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties, which are necessary to diabetic bone healing. However, the noticeable drawbacks of SIS such as fast degradation rate, slow gelling time, and weak mechanical property seriously impede the 3D printing of SIS for bone repair. Method: In this study, we developed a novel kind of 3D-printed scaffold composed of alginate, nano-hydroxyapatite, and SIS. The morphological characterization, biocompatibility, and in vitro biological effects of the scaffolds were evaluated, and an established diabetic rat model was used for testing the in vivo biological effect of the scaffold after implantation. Results: The in vitro and in vivo results show that the addition of SIS can tune the immunomodulatory properties and angiogenic and osteogenic performances of 3D-printed scaffold, where the macrophages polarization of M2 phenotype, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, as well as osteogenic expression of ALP, are all improved, which bode well with the functional requirements for treating diabetic bone nonunion. Furthermore, the incorporation of alginate substantially improves the printability of composites with tunable degradation properties, thereby broadening the application prospect of SIS-based materials in the field of tissue engineering. Conclusion: The fabricated 3D-printed Alg/HA/SIS scaffold provides desirable immunomodulatory effect, as well as good osteogenic and angiogenic performances in vitro and in vivo, which properties are well-suited with the requirement for treating diabetic bone defects. Translational potential of this article: The incorporation of SIS and alginate acid not only provides good printability of the newly fabricated 3D-printed Alg/HA/SIS scaffold, but also improves its immunoregulatory and angiogenic properties, which suits well with the requirement for treating diabetic bone disease and opens up new horizons for the development of implants associating diabetic bone healings.

Human birth tissue products as a non-opioid medicine to inhibit post-surgical pain.

Pain after surgery causes significant suffering. Opioid analgesics cause severe side effects and accidental death. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop non-opioid therapies for managing post-surgical pain. Local application of Clarix Flo (FLO), a human amniotic membrane (AM) product, attenuated established post-surgical pain hypersensitivity without exhibiting known side effects of opioid use in mice. This effect was achieved through direct inhibition of nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons via CD44-dependent pathways. We further purified the major matrix component, the heavy chain-hyaluronic acid/pentraxin 3 (HC-HA/PTX3) from human AM that has greater purity and water solubility than FLO. HC-HA/PTX3 replicated FLO-induced neuronal and pain inhibition. Mechanistically, HC-HA/PTX3 induced cytoskeleton rearrangements to inhibit sodium current and high-voltage activated calcium current on nociceptive neurons, suggesting it is a key bioactive component mediating pain relief. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of naturally derived biologics from human birth tissues as an effective non-opioid treatment for post-surgical pain and unravel the underlying mechanisms.

Grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) monoacrylates on polycarbonateurethane by UV initiated polymerization for improving hemocompatibility.

Poly(ethylene glycol) monoacrylates (PEGMAs) with a molecular weight between 400 and 1,000 g mol(-1) were grafted by ultraviolet initiated photopolymerization on the surface of polycarbonateurethane (PCU) for increasing its hydrophilicity and improving its hemocompatibility. The surface-grafted PCU films were characterized by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy measurements. The surface properties of the modified films were studied in dry and wetted state. Blood compatibility of the surfaces was evaluated by platelet adhesion tests and adhered platelets were determined by SEM. The results showed that the hydrophilicity of the films had been increased significantly by grafting PEGMAs, and platelets adhesion onto the film surface was obviously suppressed. Furthermore, the molecular weight of PEGMAs had a great effect on the hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility of the PCU films after surface modification and increased with increasing molecular weight of PEGMAs.

Immortalization of mouse primary astrocytes.

In cell culture studies, immortalized primary cells have become a useful tool to investigate the molecular and cellular functions of different types of cells. Several immortalization agents, such as human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and Simian Virus 40 (SV40) T antigens, are commonly used for primary cell immortalization. Astrocytes, as the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system, are promising therapeutical targets for many neuronal disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Immortalized primary astrocytes can provide useful information for astrocytes biology, astrocytes-neuron interactions, glial interactions and astrocytes-associated neuronal diseases. In this study, we successfully purified primary astrocytes with immuno-panning method and examined the astrocyte functions after immortalization through both hTERT and SV40 Large-T antigens. As expected, both immortalized astrocytes presented unlimited lifespan and highly expressed multiple astrocyte-specific markers. However, SV40 Large-T antigen, but not hTERT, immortalized astrocytes displayed fast ATP-induced calcium wave in culture. Hence, SV40 Large-T antigen could be a better choice for primary astrocyte immortalization, which closely mimics the cell biology of primary astrocytes in culture. In summary, the purification and immortalization of primary astrocytes presented in this study can be used for studying astrocyte biology under physiological and pathological conditions.

Roles of Stem Cell Exosomes and their MicroRNA Carrier in Bone and Cartilage Regeneration.

Bone and cartilage regeneration is a dynamic and complex process involving multiple cell types, such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, endothelial cells, etc. Stem cells have been proved to have an efficient capability to promote bone and cartilage regeneration and repair, but the usage of cells harbors some important safety issues, such as immune rejection and carcinogenicity. Exosomes are non-cell structures secreted from various cells. The content of exosomes is enriched with proteins, such as cytoskeleton proteins, adhesion factors, transcription factors, etc., and a variety of nucleic acids, such as mRNA (Messenger RNA), long-chain non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA), etc. Exosomes can deliver a variety of contents from the parent cells to the recipient cells in different tissue backgrounds, influencing the phenotype and function of the recipient cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs play significant roles in bone formation, suggesting that miRNAs may be novel therapeutic targets for bone and cartilage diseases. Exosomes have been shown with low/no immune rejection in vivo, no carcinogenic risk of infection, nor other side effects. In recent years, stem cell exosomes have been utilized to promote bone and cartilage regeneration processes during bone defect, bone fracture, cartilage repair, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. In this review, we discuss different exosomes derived from stem cells and their interactions with target cells, including osteoblasts, chondrocytes and osteoclasts. We also highlight the various signaling pathways involved in stem cell exosome-related bone and cartilage regeneration.

Construction of a predictive model for osteoporosis risk in men: using the IOF 1-min osteoporosis test.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a clinical prediction nomogram model using the 1-min IOF osteoporosis risk test as an evaluation tool for male osteoporosis. METHODS: The 1-min test results and the incidence of osteoporosis were collected from 354 patients in the osteoporotic clinic of our hospital. LASSO regression model and multi-factor logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of osteoporosis in patients, and the risk prediction model of osteoporosis was established. Verify with an additional 140 objects. RESULTS: We used logistic regression to construct a nomogram model. According to the model, the AUC value of the training set was 0.760 (0.704-0.817). The validation set has an AUC value of 0.806 (0.733-0.879). The test set AUC value is 0.714 (0.609-0.818). The calibration curve shows that its advantage is that the deviation correction curve of the nomogram model can maintain a good consistency with the ideal curve. In terms of clinical applicability, compared with the "total intervention" and "no intervention" schemes, the clinical net return rate of the nomogram model showed certain advantages. CONCLUSION: Using the 1-min osteoporosis risk test provided by IOF, we built a male osteoporosis risk prediction model with good prediction effect, which can provide greater reference and help for clinicians.

Risk factors for difficult removal of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children by rigid bronchoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the risk factors for difficult removal of tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) by rigid bronchoscopy in children. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 1026 pediatric patients (age: 0-18 years) diagnosed with tracheobronchial FB between September 2018 and August 2021. All patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy as the first intervention at our hospital. RESULTS: Children aged 1-3 years accounted for 83.7% cases in our cohort. The most common symptoms were cough and wheeze. FBs were more frequently found in the right bronchus, and trachea FBs accounted for only 8.19% cases. The success rate of rigid bronchoscopy in a single attempt was 97.27%. 12.18% of the cases were defined as difficult removal of FB. On univariate analysis, age, CT findings (pneumonia), type of FB, diameter of FB, FB location, granulation tissue formation, and the seniority of the surgeon were identified as risk factors for difficult removal of tracheobronchial FBs. On multivariate analysis, age ≥3 years, FB diameter ≥10 mm, FBs located in left bronchus, multiple FBs, granulation tissue, and the seniority of surgeon (<3 years, ≥5 years) were independent risk factors for difficult removal. CONCLUSIONS: Age, FB diameter, location of FB, granulation tissue formation, and the seniority of the surgeon were risk factors for difficult removal of FBs by rigid bronchoscopy.

LQR approach to robust stabilization of state space systems with matched uncertainties.

This note shows an elegant relationship between the quadratic optimal control and robust stabilization for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, where the former control can robustly stabilize the latter system, provided that the matched uncertainty is bounded. Through reviewing the relevant literature, some common mistakes in regard to this relationship are found. The correct results are obtained and proved in both frequency and time domains. The results are applicable to both single- and multi-input cases. They are significant as the simple LQR design for the nominal system can be utilized to directly solve-with no further effort-the complex robust stabilization problem for a class of linear uncertain systems.

Exploring the Potential Driver Gene Mutations That Promote Renal Cancer Cell Metastasis and Implantation Based on Circulating Tumor Cells Culture.

Studies have shown that the circulating tumor cell (CTC) is a necessary condition for the invasion and distant metastasis of renal cell carcimona (RCC). However, few CTCs-related gene mutations have been developed which could promote the metastasis and implantation of RCC. The objective of this study is to explore the potential driver gene mutations that promote RCC metastasis and implantation based on CTCs culture. Fifteen patients with primary mRCC and three healthy subjects were included, and peripheral blood was obtained. After the preparation of synthetic biological scaffolds, peripheral blood CTCs were cultured. Successful cultured CTCs were applied to construct CTCs-derived xenograft (CDX) models, followed by DNA extraction, whole exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analysis. Synthetic biological scaffolds were constructed based on previously applied techniques, and peripheral blood CTCs culture was successfully performed. We then constructed CDX models and performed WES, and explored the potential driver gene mutations that may promote RCC metastasis and implantation. Bioinformatics analysis showed that KAZN and POU6F2 may be closely related to the prognosis of RCC. We successfully performed the culture of peripheral blood CTCs and, on this basis we initially explored the potential driver mutations for the metastasis and implantation of RCC.

A novel sprayable thermosensitive hydrogel coupled with zinc modified metformin promotes the healing of skin wound.

A novel sprayable adhesive is established (ZnMet-PF127) by the combination of a thermosensitive hydrogel (Pluronic F127, PF127) and a coordination complex of zinc and metformin (ZnMet). Here we demonstrate that ZnMet-PF127 potently promotes the healing of traumatic skin defect and burn skin injury by promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, collagen formation. Furthermore, we find that ZnMet could inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through activation of autophagy, thereby protecting cell from oxidative stress induced damage and promoting healing of skin wound. ZnMet complex exerts better effects on promoting skin wound healing than ZnCl2 or metformin alone. ZnMet complex also displays excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli, which could reduce the incidence of skin wound infections. Collectively, we demonstrate that sprayable PF127 could be used as a new drug delivery system for treatment of skin injury. The advantages of this sprayable system are obvious: (1) It is convenient to use; (2) The hydrogel can cover irregular skin defect sites evenly in a liquid state. In combination with this system, we establish a novel sprayable adhesive (ZnMet-PF127) and demonstrate that it is a potential clinical treatment for traumatic skin defect and burn skin injury.