Macro-mesoporous composites containing PEEK and mesoporous diopside as bone implants: characterization, in vitro mineralization, cytocompatibility, and vascularization potential and osteogenesis in vivo

Superior in vitro bioactivity, cytocompatibility, and in vivo osteogenesis and vascularization potential.

Cellular and molecular basis for stress-induced depression

Chronic stress has a crucial role in the development of psychiatric diseases, such as anxiety and depression. Dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been linked to the cognitive and emotional deficits induced by stress. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular determinants in mPFC for stress-associated mental disorders. Here we show that chronic restraint stress induces the selective loss of p11 (also known as annexin II light chain, S100A10), a multifunctional protein binding to 5-HT receptors, in layer II/III neurons of the prelimbic cortex (PrL), as well as depression-like behaviors, both of which are reversed by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the tricyclic class of antidepressant (TCA) agents. In layer II/III of the PrL, p11 is highly concentrated in dopamine D2 receptor-expressing (D2⁺) glutamatergic neurons. Viral expression of p11 in D2⁺ PrL neurons alleviates the depression-like behaviors exhibited by genetically manipulated mice with D2⁺ neuron-specific or global deletion of p11. In stressed animals, overexpression of p11 in D2⁺ PrL neurons rescues depression-like behaviors by restoring glutamatergic transmission. Our results have identified p11 as a key molecule in a specific cell type that regulates stress-induced depression, which provides a framework for the development of new strategies to treat stress-associated mental illnesses.

A C-HCR assembly of branched DNA nanostructures for amplified uracil-DNA glycosylase assays

The amplified and selective detection of uracil-DNA glycosylase was enabled by a two-layered cascaded hybridization chain reaction machinery.

Highly selective detection of nitrotoluene based on novel lanthanide-containing ionic liquids

Two novel rare-earth ionic liquids demonstrate high selectivity toward nitrotoluene in the presence of other aromatic compounds.

Visible-light responsive hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers based on ortho-tetrafluorinated azobenzene

Visible-light responsive hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers have been fabricated, whose properties could be regulated through the visible-light-triggered photoisomerization of the ortho-tetrafluorinated azobenzene.

93 BLASTOCYST BISECTION TO MULTIPLY BIOPSIED AND VITRIFIED BOVINE EMBRYOS

Dairy cattle breeding schemes increasingly integrate embryo-based genomic selection to accelerate genetic gain. In contrast to the single offspring produced with conventional animal-based genomic selection, multifactorial IVF between elite parents increases genotypes for selection. Genetically superior embryos are identified from biopsies, and only those with the desired genotypes are transferred. To manage the logistics of such schemes, and enable seasonally born progeny, the cryo-preservation of embryos after biopsy and before embryo transfer is critical. Here, we compare 2 methods of cryo-preserving biopsied Day 7 blastocysts and report results from bisecting blastocysts to increase the number of selected embryos for transfer. Abattoir-sourced oocytes were matured in vitro and fertilized with sperm from a single sire. Embryos were cultured for 7 days in a modified Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium. Approximately 15 cells were biopsied from the mural trophectoderm of grade 1 and 2 blastocysts in Embryo Hold medium minus BSA, using a micro-surgical blade (Bioniche Animal Health, Athens, GA, USA). Following biopsy, each blastocyst was cultured in Embryo Hold with 3 mg mL−1 BSA for ~2 h at 38.5°C to allow for re-expansion. In Experiment 1, embryos were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 cryo-preservation treatments: conventional slow freezing or the Cryologic vitrification method (CVM). Slow freezing entailed freezing in 1.5 M ethylene glycol and 0.1 M sucrose. The CVM involved a 2-step vitrification protocol, with 15% of both ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulphoxide in the final solution comprising Embryo Hold, 20% FCS, 1 M sucrose, and 0.1 mM Ficoll (GE Healthcare). Selected embryos were thawed/warmed and transferred in pairs to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum of each synchronized recipient heifer. In Experiment 2, each biopsied blastocyst was individually vitrified using CVM. Following warming, blastocysts were bisected into approximately equal halves. After ~2 h recovery, pairs of demi-embryos were transferred to recipients categorized with either normal (>2.5, <7 ng mL−1) or low (≥2, <2.5 ng mL−1) plasma progesterone concentrations on Day 5 after oestrus. Embryo survival in both experiments was monitored by ultrasonography of fetal heartbeats up to Day 65 of gestation. Statistical significance was determined using Fisher’s exact test. In Experiment 1, embryo survival on Day 65 was significantly greater with CVM than slow freezing (25/54 = 46% v. 9/54 = 17%; P = 0.002). In Experiment 2, there was no significant difference in the number of fetuses as a percentage of original blastocysts, regardless of normal versus low progesterone levels (13/22 = 59% v. 4/9 = 44%, respectively). In conclusion, vitrification is superior for cryo-preserving biopsied blastocysts, possibly reducing cryo-damage compared with conventional slow freezing, and achieves rates of in vivo development similar to fresh IVF embryos. Embryo bisection potentially provides only a modest increase in the probability of generating a calf from each valuable, genomically selected embryo. Improving embryo competency and other methods of multiplication may maximize this likelihood.

Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope Predicts Major Cardiac Events in Patients With End-Stage Heart Failure

INTRODUCTION

Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) has been shown as a predictor of stable heart failure (HF) survival. However, there is a lack of evidence for end-stage HF.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of OUES in end-stage HF patients.

METHODS

The study design was a retrospective cohort. End-staged HF patients who had cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for evaluation between 2004 and 2009 were included. The primary outcomes were cardiac death and heart transplantation. The independent survival predictors were determined using Cox regression hazard model adjusted for demographics, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, medication, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used. Probability values less than .05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 128 patients was 50 ± 12 years and 93 were male. Mean LVEF was 23% ± 9%. Forty-three subjects suffered cardiac events (5 cardiac deaths and 38 urgent heart transplantations) during the 2-year follow-up period. Cox regression indicated that OUES and diuretics were significant predictors of 2-year survival, although peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide were not. Patients with high OUES (≥1.6) had a higher survival rate (P < .001; odds ratio [OR], 13.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.30-58.63). The Kaplan-Meier curves show survival was significantly higher in those with OUES ≥1.6.

CONCLUSIONS

OUES might be an aid in prognosis of patients with end-stage HF and useful in the assessment of patients unable to perform maximal exercise testing.

Blocking Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Attenuates HIF-1α Pathways Engaged-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Diabetic Retinopathy

Background/Aims: Prior studies demonstrate that hypoxia inducible factor subtype 1α (HIF-1α) in retinal tissues is involved in development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this report, we particularly examined the role played by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in regulating expression of HIF-1α and its downstream pathway, namely vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ) was systemically injected to induce hyperglycemia in rats. ELISA and Western Blot analysis were employed to determine the levels of HIF-1α and VEGF as well as expression of mTOR pathways in retinal tissues of control rats and STZ rats. Results: Our results show that HIF-1α and VEGF as well as VEGF receptor subtype 2 (VEGFR-2) were increased in STZ rats. Also, the protein expression of p-mTOR, mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of 4E-binding protein 4 (4E-BP1), p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (S6K1) pathways were amplified in diabetic retina compared with controls. Blocking mTOR by using rapamycin significantly attenuated activities of HIF-1α and VEGF signaling pathways. Conclusion: Our data for the first time revealed specific signaling pathways engaged in the development of DR, including the activation of mTOR and HIF-1α -VEGF mechanism. Targeting one or more of these signaling molecules may present new opportunities for treatment and management of DR often observed in clinics.

Characterization of optical-surface-imaging-based spirometry for respiratory surrogating in radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To provide a comprehensive characterization of a novel respiratory surrogate that uses optical surface imaging (OSI) for accurate tidal volume (TV) measurement, dynamic airflow (TV') calculation, and quantitative breathing pattern (BP) estimation during free breathing (FB), belly breathing (BB), chest breathing (CB), and breath hold (BH).

METHODS

Optical surface imaging, which captures all respiration-induced torso surface motion, was applied to measure respiratory TV, TV', and BP in three common breathing patterns. Eleven healthy volunteers participated in breathing experiments with concurrent OSI-based and conventional spirometric measurements under an institutional review board approved protocol. This OSI-based technique measures dynamic TV from torso volume change (ΔVtorso = TV) in reference to full exhalation and airflow (TV' = dTV/dt). Volume conservation, excluding exchanging air, was applied for OSI-based measurements under negligible pleural pressure variation in FB, BB, and CB. To demonstrate volume conservation, a constant TV was measured during BH while the chest and belly are moving ("pretended" respiration). To assess the accuracy of OSI-based spirometry, a conventional spirometer was used as the standard for both TV and TV'. Using OSI, BP was measured as BP(OSI) = ΔVchest/ΔVtorso and BP can be visualized using BP(SHI) = SHIchest/(SHIchest + SHIbelly), where surface height index (SHI) is defined as the mean vertical distance within a region of interest on the torso surface. A software tool was developed for OSI image processing, volume calculation, and BP visualization, and another tool was implemented for data acquisition using a Bernoulli-type spirometer.

RESULTS

The accuracy of the OSI-based spirometry is -21 ± 33 cm(3) or -3.5% ± 6.3% averaged from 11 volunteers with 76 ± 28 breathing cycles on average in FB. Breathing variations between two separate acquisitions with approximate 30-min intervals are substantial: -1% ± 34% (ranging from -64% to 40%) in TV, 4% ± 20% (ranging from -50% to 26%) in breathing period (T), and -1% ± 34% (ranging from -49% to 44%) in BP. The airflow accuracy and variation (between two exercises) are -1 ± 54 cm(3)/s and -5% ± 30%, respectively. The slope of linear regression between OSI-TV and spirometric TV is 0.93 (R(2) = 0.95) for FB, 0.96 (R(2) = 0.98) for BB, and 0.95 (R(2) = 0.95) for CB. The correlation between the two spirometric measurements is 0.98 ± 0.01. BP increases from BB, FB to CB, while TV increases from FB, BB, to CB. Under BH, 4% volume variation (range) on average was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The OSI-based technique provides an accurate measurement of tidal volume, airflow rate, and breathing pattern; all affect internal organ motion. This technique can be applied to various breathing patterns, including FB, BB, and CB. Substantial breathing irregularities and irreproducibility were observed and quantified with the OSI-based technique. These breathing parameters are useful to quantify breathing conditions, which could be used for effective tumor motion predictions.

Analgesic effect and safety of single-dose intra-articular magnesium after arthroscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To examine the analgesic effect and safety of single-dose intra-articular (IA) magnesium (Mg) after arthroscopic surgery. Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane library were searched through in January 2016. Eight RCTs and eight experimental studies were included. The IA Mg exhibited a significantly lower pain score when compared with placebo (MD, -0.41, 95% CI, -0.78 to -0.05, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between Mg and bupivacaine in terms of pain relief and the time to first analgesic request. Furthermore, statistically significant differences both in pain score (MD, -0.62, 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.42, p < 0.00001) and time to first analgesic request (MD, 6.25, 95% CI, 5.22 to 7.29, p < 0.00001) were observed between Mg plus bupivacaine and bupivacaine alone. There was no statistically significant difference among the various groups with respect to adverse reactions. Most of the included in vitro studies reported the chondrocyte protective effect of Mg supplementation. There were also two in vivo studies showing the cartilage protective effect of IA Mg. The single-dose IA Mg following arthroscopic surgery was effective in pain relief without increasing adverse reactions, and it could also enhance the analgesic effect of bupivacaine. In addition, Mg seemed to possess the cartilage or chondrocyte protective effect based on experimental studies.

[Chinese multicenter randomized trial of customized chemotherapy based on BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1)-RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) mRNA expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients]

Objective: BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1) and RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) play key roles in predicting chemosensitivity of platinum and taxanes. A randomized trial was carried out to compare non-selected cisplatin-based chemotherapy with therapy customized according to BRCA1 and RAP80 expression. Methods: Advanced stage NSCLC patients whose tumor specimen was sufficient for molecular analysis were randomized (1∶3) to the control or experimental arm. Patients in the control arm received docetaxel/cisplatin; in the experimental arm, patients with low RAP80 expression received gemcitabine/cisplatin (Arm 1), those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and low/intermediate BRCA1expression received docetaxel/cisplatin (Arm 2), and those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and high BRCA1 expression received docetaxel alone (Arm 3). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: 226 patients were screened and 124 were randomized in this trial. ORR in the four subgroups was 22.6%, 48.4%, 30.3% and 19.2%, respectively (P=0.08); PFS was 4.74, 5.59, 3.78 and 2.73 months, respectively (P=0.55); and OS was 10.82, 14.44, 10.86 and 10.86 months, respectively (P=0.84). The common adverse effects included neutropenia, nausea, anemia and fatigue. Conclusions: No statistically significant difference of ORR, PFS or OS is observed in the experimental arms compared with the control arm. Patients with low RAP80 mRNA levels have a trend of better survival and higher response rate to gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy.

Osseointegration of nanohydroxyapatite- or nano-calcium silicate-incorporated polyetheretherketone bioactive composites in vivo

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) exhibits appropriate biomechanical strength as well as good biocompatibility and stable chemical properties but lacks bioactivity and cannot achieve highly efficient osseointegration after implantation. Incorporating bioceramics into the PEEK matrix is a feasible approach for improving its bioactivity. In this study, nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) and nano-calcium silicate (n-CS) were separately incorporated into PEEK to prepare n-HA/PEEK and n-CS/PEEK biocomposites, respectively, using a compounding and injection-molding technique, and the in vitro degradation characteristics were evaluated. Discs with a diameter of 8 mm were inserted in 8 mm full-thickness cranial defects in rabbits for 4 and 8 weeks, and implantation of pure PEEK was used as the control. Three-dimensional microcomputed tomography, histological analysis, fluorescence microscopy of new bone formation, and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the osseointegration performance at the bone/implant interface. The results of the in vitro degradation study demonstrated that degradation of n-CS on the surface of n-CS/PEEK could release Ca and Si ions and form a porous structure. In vivo tests revealed that both n-CS/PEEK and n-HA/PEEK promoted osseointegration at the bone/implant interface compared to PEEK, and n-CS/PEEK exhibited higher bone contact ratio and more new bone formation compared with those of n-HA/PEEK, implying that n-CS/PEEK possessed a stronger ability to promote osseointegration. These two PEEK biocomposites are promising materials for the preparation of orthopedic or craniofacial implants.

Thermo-responsive shape and optical memories of photonic composite films enabled by glassy liquid crystalline polymer networks

We propose a novel shape and optical memories of a photonic composite film based on a silica opal photonic crystal (PC) template and a liquid crystal polymer network (LCN). Here, the photonic composite film was fabricated by introducing a LCN precursor into a silica opal PC template, followed by UV photo-polymerization and then by the removal of the template. The obtained bilayer-structure photonic film was found to spontaneously form a three-dimensional (3D) temporary bending shape in response to heating, and thus the corresponding reflection color of the photonic composite film shows a blue shift during bending deformation. The inherent mechanisms of these two observations could be attributed to the variations of the LC molecule orientation and the light reflection in the photonic composite film during the thermal process. More intriguingly, the resulting temporary bending shape was fixed by applying mechanical force during slowly cooling down to the room temperature or autonomously fixed by a rapid cooling in liquid nitrogen. Additionally, this temporary state could restore back to the permanent flat shape when the film is cooled from the heat source without an external force. Finally, more complex 3D shape-memory samples could also be achieved by simply controlling the LC alignment or designing the sample geometry. This work opens up a new way to develop a novel shape-memory polymer photonic film.

Association among dietary magnesium, serum magnesium, and diabetes: a cross-sectional study in middle-aged and older adults

BACKGROUND

A number of studies have reported the association between magnesium (Mg) and diabetes. However, the various conclusions were inconsistent and the data on the Chinese population was limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association among dietary Mg, serum Mg, and diabetes in Chinese adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study that contained 2904 subjects was conducted. Biochemical test results and dietary intakes of subjects were collected for analysis. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were used to determine the relationship between Mg status and diabetes by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes of the investigated population was 10.1 %. Dietary Mg intake was not significantly correlated with diabetes (P > 0.05). The significant negative association between serum Mg and diabetes existed, and the multivariate adjusted OR was 0.34 (95 % CI 0.24, 0.49) in model 3 for the highest quartile of serum Mg compared with the lowest. The P values for trend were all less than 0.001 for the relationship between serum Mg and diabetes. Dietary Mg intake and serum Mg were not significantly correlated in the diabetes population (P = 0.936).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary Mg was not significantly correlated with diabetes, while serum Mg was inversely correlated with diabetes in the Chinese population. Meanwhile, dietary Mg intake and serum Mg were not significantly correlated in the diabetes population.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in hyperlipidemic animals through the suppression of TLR4 signaling

Hyperlipidemia aggravates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury through stimulating excessive inflammatory response. Therefore, blockade of inflammatory signal is a potential therapeutic management for MI/R complicated with hyperlipidemia. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA, a monomer extracted from Carthamus tinctorius L.), was studied in this article to address that the regulation of inflammatory signal would alleviate MI/R combined with hyperlipidemia injury. High-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia worsened MI/R mediated heart injury (elevation of infarct size, CK-MB and LDH activity), activated TLR4 over-expression in hearts, released inflammatory cytokines (LPS, TNF-α and IL-1β) excessively. HSYA administration suppressed the over-expression of TLR4 and alleviated heart damage caused by MI/R complicated with hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, HSYA had little influence on MI/R injury in TLR4-knockout mice, which indicated that HSYA protected MI/R through TLR4 inhibition. In vitro, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) coexisting with LPS model in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) induced serious damage compared with H/R injury to NRVMs. HSYA decreased excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines, down-regulated over-expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in H/R + LPS injured NRVMs. In conclusion, HSYA alleviated myocardial inflammatory injury through suppressing TLR4, offering an alternative medication for MI/R associated with hyperlipidemia.

Investigation of the size effect for photonic crystals

Three types of photonic crystal (PC) thin films have been prepared for the investigation of their deformation behaviors by nanoindentation tests at the microscale and nanoscale. Each type of PC thin film was composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles with a uniform size. Another type of thin film was prepared by assembling nanoparticles with three different sizes. It was exciting to observe that the hardness and Young's modulus were significantly improved (more than 15 times) in well-ordered PC thin films than disordered ones. Furthermore, size-dependent mechanical properties were observed for the three types of PCs. Such a size effect phenomenon can be attributed to the special polycrystalline material having a periodical face-centered cubic structure of PC thin films. Furthermore, the indentation size effect that shows that the indentation hardness decreases with an increasing indentation depth has also been observed for all four types of thin films. It is conjectured that the application of the PC structure to other functional materials may enhance their mechanical properties.

Relationship between cigarette smoking and hyperuricemia in middle-aged and elderly population: a cross-sectional study

The aim of the study was to estimate the cross-sectional association between cigarette smoking and the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HU) in the middle-aged and elderly males and females. A total of 3415 males and 2932 females were included in this study. HU was defined as SUA≥ 416 mmol/L for males and ≥360 mmol/L for females. The smoking status was classified into four categories based on daily smoking habit: (1) 0/day; (2) 1-10/day; (3) 11-20/day; and (4) >20/day. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to examine the aforementioned association. The prevalence of HU in the male and female sample was 25.0 and 10.0 %, respectively. In male subjects, the prevalence of HU in smokers (22.8 %) was significantly lower than that in non-smokers (26.5 %) (p = 0.016). Meanwhile, with adjustment for potential confounding factors, the prevalence of HU in smokers was still lower (OR = 0.83, 95 % CI 0.70-0.98, P = 0.033). Furthermore, a significantly inverse association between smoking status and HU was observed in the multivariable model. The multivariable-adjusted OR (95 % CI) for HU in the second, third and fourth category of smoking status was 0.84 (95 % CI 0.66-1.06), 0.90 (95 % CI 0.69-1.18) and 0.76 (95 % CI 0.58-0.99), respectively, compared with that in the first category. A clear trend (P for trend was 0.036) was observed. However, there was no significant association between cigarette smoking and HU in female subjects (P for trend was 0.739). This study indicated an inverse association between cigarette smoking and the prevalence of HU in the middle-aged and elderly male population, independent of some major confounding factors. The findings of this study expect further prospective studies to confirm the causal relationship.