Structural and magnetic characterization of batch-fabricated nickel encapsulated multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

We report on the growth and fabrication of Ni-filled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni-MWNTs) with an average diameter of 115 nm and variable length of 400 nm-1 µm. The Ni-MWNTs were grown using template-assisted electrodeposition and low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) techniques. Anodized alumina oxide (AAO) templates were fabricated on Si using a current controlled process. This was followed by the electrodeposition of Ni nanowires (NWs) using galvanostatic pulsed current (PC) electrodeposition. Ni NWs served as the catalyst to grow Ni-MWNTs in an atmosphere of H2/C2H2 at a temperature of 700 °C. Time dependent depositions were carried out to understand the diffusion and growth mechanism of Ni-MWNTs. Characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) milling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). TEM analysis revealed that the Ni nanowires possess a fcc structure. To understand the effects of the electrodeposition parameters, and also the effects of the high temperatures encountered during MWNT growth on the magnetic properties of the Ni-MWNTs, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements were performed. The template-based fabrication method is repeatable, efficient, enables batch fabrication and provides good control on the dimensions of the Ni-MWNTs.

Dynamic change of the gastrointestinal bacterial ecology in cows from birth to adulthood.

The gut microbiota plays multiple critical roles in maintaining the health of the host, especially in ruminants. However, our understanding of the establishment of gut microbiota from birth to adulthood is still limited. To address this, the bacterial ecology of the rumen, abomasum, duodenum, and rectum in Holstein cows ranging in age from 1 week to 5 years old was investigated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in this study. A major change in the composition, diversity, and abundance of bacteria was observed with increased age (p < 0.05). Microbiota gradually matured in each gut segment and followed the Gompertz model when the Chao1, Shannon, and maturity indexes (p < 0.05, r > 0.94) were applied. Importantly, the Gompertz model parameter differed between the gut segments, with the highest microbiota growth rate found in the rectum, followed by the rumen, abomasum, and duodenum. Compared to older animals, greater microbiota similarities were found in the adjacent gut segments of younger animals (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that gut microbiotas are established quickly when cows are young and then slow with age and that early in life, hindgut microbiota may be more easily affected by the foregut microbiota.

[Effects of medial upper arm bilobed free flaps in the repair of two skin and soft tissue defects of hand].

Objective: To summarize the effects of medial upper arm bilobed free flaps in the repair of two skin and soft tissue defects of hand. Methods: From May 2014 to May 2016, 7 patients of two skin and soft tissue defects of hand with exposures of phalanges and tendons were treated in Xuzhou Renci Hospital, including 5 males and 2 females, aged from 19 to 41 years. Each defect area ranged from 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 6.0 cm×3.0 cm. The medial upper arm bilobed free flaps were used to repair the defects, and the area of each lobe of the flaps ranged from 4.0 cm×2.0 cm to 8.0 cm×3.5 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The survival of the flaps was recorded. During follow-up, the recovery of donor and recipient sites was observed, the two-point discrimination distance of the flaps was measured, and the hand function was assessed by the trial criteria of the upper limb functional assessment of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association. Results: All flaps survived smoothly, and the wounds and donor site incisions were healed. All patients were followed up, and the follow-up time lasted for 6 to 15 months. The color and texture of the flaps were similar to the surrounding normal skin, and the shape of the flaps was good. There was no obvious scar in the donor site, and the elbow joint function was normal. One patient developed ulnar numbness one month after operation and relieved after 3 months of treatment with neurotrophic drugs and local physiotherapy, etc. Six months after operation, the two-point discrimination distance of the flaps was 5.5-8.0 mm, and the hand function evaluation was excellent in 3 cases, good in 3 cases, and middle in 1 case. Conclusions: The medial upper arm bilobed free flap has both good texture and good appearance, and the scar of donor site is concealed. It is a good method to repair two skin and soft tissue defects of hand.

Preparing the Gut with Antibiotics Enhances Gut Microbiota Reprogramming Efficiency by Promoting Xenomicrobiota Colonization.

Gut microbiota plays multiple important roles in intestinal and physiological homeostasis, and using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to reprogram gut microbiota has demonstrated promise for redressing intestinal and physiological disorders. This study tested the alterations in reprogramming efficiency caused by different gut preparation procedures and explored the associated underlying mechanisms. We prepared the guts of mice for FMT by administering one of the three most-clinically used pretreatments [antibiotics, bowel cleansing (BC) solution, or no pretreatment], and we found that preparing the gut with antibiotics induced a more efficient modification of the gut bacterial community than was induced by either of the other two pretreatment types. The increased efficiency of antibiotic treatment appeared to occur via increasing the xenomicrobiota colonization. Further analysis demonstrated that antibiotic treatment of mice induced intestinal microbiota disruption, mostly by expelling antibiotic-sensitive bacteria, while the indigenous microbiota was maintained after treatment with a BC solution or in the absence of pretreatment. The amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria increased shortly after antibiotics usage but subsequently decreased after FMT administration. Together, these results suggest that FMT relied on the available niches in the intestinal mucosa and that preparing the gut with antibiotics facilitated xenomicrobiota colonization in the intestinal mucosa, which thus enhanced the overall gut microbiota reprogramming efficiency.

[Transplantation of the remedial free anteromedial thigh flap].

Over one hundred and twenty free anterolateral thigh flaps have been performed since 1988, of which ten were operated as free anteromedial flaps because the nutrient vessels emerged from the medial intermuscular space formed by the sartorius, the rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles. Clinical study indicated that there were three types of nutrient cutaneous arteries in the space: type 1, the medial branch of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery in 6 cases; type 2, the superficial femoris artery in 2 cases; and type 3, the branch of the femoris artery in 2 cases. The name of the flap, the operation technique and the compensative characteristics of the arteries are discussed.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in normal retina and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the optical coherence tomographic (OCT) features of the retina of rats, we compared the OCT images with the histological appearance of normal retinas and retinas with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. METHODS: Twelve eyes of 12 adult pigmented rats (Brown-Norway) were used. Color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FAG), and OCT images of normal retinas and retinas with laser photocoagulation-induced choroidal neovascularization were studied. RESULTS: OCT showed a double-layered structure in the normal sensory retina with a highly reflective layer located in the inner retina and a low reflective layer located in the outer retina. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris were imaged as a layer with the highest reflection. On the first day after photocoagulation, OCT showed a disruption of the highly reflective layer corresponding to the RPE, and an enhanced reflectivity in the choroid under the lesion. Choroidal neovascularizations (CNVs) which appeared 2 weeks after photocoagulation was seen as a multi-layered, highly reflective area protruding from the RPE into the subretinal space A CNV beneath a subretinal hematoma was difficult to detect because of the low transmission of the scanning light through the hematoma. The histopathological appearance was well correlated with the OCT images. CONCLUSION: The two reflective bands in the OCT images were identified as coming from the inner layers of the retina and from the photoreceptors. The highest reflective band arose from the RPE and choriocapillaris. In the future, OCT combined with FAG or indocyanine-green angiography will be a useful tool for the evaluation of animal studies of choroidal neovascularization and other retinal diseases.

Computed tomography analysis of causes of local failure in radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The authors analyzed the radiation dose to the periphery of the cervix and area of the cervix in relation to local failure of radiotherapy for carcinoma of the cervix using computed tomography (CT) images. METHODS: Between 1981-1990, 127 consecutive patients were treated with definitive radiotherapy. Ninety-nine of these patients had CT images taken at the time of intracavitary therapy. Of these 99 patients, 80 were eligible for this analysis. After CT scanning, isodose curves relative to the point A dose were superimposed on the CT images. The minimum percent dose and minimum dose at the periphery of the cervix were estimated. The area of the cervix also was measured. These factors were examined in relation to the local tumor control rate. RESULTS: Histograms of both the minimum percent dose and the cervical area showed significant differences between the local control and local failure groups (P <0.001). The local control rates were related to both the minimum percent dose and the cervical area, and differed significantly over and below the values of 60% and 18 cm2 (P <0.001 each), respectively. The local control patients, over and below the line: Y = -0.220X + 21.2, in which X (gray [Gy]) and Y (Gy) are the whole pelvis dose and the minimum dose, respectively, could be well differentiated with significance (91.7% vs. 25.0%; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography analysis indicated that the local tumor control rate was related strongly to the minimum percent dose, the cervical area, and the pair of whole pelvis and minimum dose values. These factors were found to be more useful than the point A dose in predicting local tumor control.

Basic studies on visible light-cured resin as a denture base. Part 17. Transverse and tensile strengths of repaired denture base resin using a trial repair resin.

Trial production of a visible light-cured repair resin (powder/liquid type, TPL) as a denture base resin was carried out using cyclophosphazene monomer, and then the transverse and tensile strengths of the repaired specimens were examined. As a control, Triad Gel (TRI) was used. In the transverse strength test, TPL showed values of 507-470 kgf/cm2, which were about double those of TRI. As for tensile strength, TPL showed values of 329-268 kgf/cm2, and higher values were obtained in comparison with TRI, especially after 30 days of water immersion, when the values were doubled. The durability of TPL was favorable in comparison with TRI.