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Guided bone-regeneration membrane (GBRM) is commonly used in bone-repair surgery because it blocks fibroblast proliferation and provides spatial support in bone-defect spaces. However, the need for removal surgery and the lack of antibacterial properties of conventional GBRM limit its therapeutic applicability for alveolar bone defects. Here we developed a GBRM for alveolar bone-repair and -regeneration applications through double-sided electrospinning of polycaprolactone and chitosan layers on a Zn mesh surface (denoted DSZM). The DSZM showed a UTS of ∼25.6 MPa, elongation of ∼16.1%, strength-elongation product of ∼0.413 GPa%, and ultrahigh spatial maintenance ability, and the UTS was over 6 times higher than that of commercial Bio-Gide membrane. The DSZM exhibited a corrosion rate of ∼17 µm/y and a Zn ion concentration of ∼0.23 µg/ml after 1 month of immersion in Hanks' solution. The DSZM showed direct and indirect cytocompatibility with exceptional osteogenic differentiation and calcium deposition toward MC3T3-E1 cells. Further, the DSZM showed strongly sustained antibacterial activity against S. aureus and osteogenesis in a rat critical-sized maxillary defect model. Overall, the DSZM fits the requirements for alveolar bone-repair and -regeneration applications as a biodegradable GBRM material due to its spatial support, suitable degradability, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial and osteogenic capabilities. This work reports the mechanical properties, antibacterial ability and osteogenic properties of electrospun PCL-CS nanofiber on Zn mesh as biodegradable guided bone-regeneration membrane for alveolar bone-repair applications. Our findings demonstrate that the DSZM prepared by double-sided electrospinning of PCL-CS layers on Zn mesh showed a UTS of ∼25.6 MPa, elongation of ∼16.1%, strength-elongation product of ∼0.413 GPa%, and ultrahigh spatial maintenance ability, and the UTS was over 6 times greater than that of commercial Bio-Gide® membrane. The DSZM showed direct and indirect cytocompatibility with exceptional osteogenic differentiation and calcium deposition toward MC3T3-E1 cells. Further, the DSZM showed strongly sustained antibacterial activity against S. aureus and osteogenesis in a rat critical-sized maxillary defect model. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite steam reforming of methane (SRM) has been the dominant way to produce hydrogen in industrial owing to its large hydrogen production capacity, easy accessibility of feedstocks and relative low cost, the development of high-efficient catalysts is still of great significance. In this work, we report the synthesis, characterizations and evaluation of Nickel-aluminum spinel (NiAl 2 O 4) catalyst in SRM reaction. Compared with Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst prepared by impregnation, NiAl 2 O 4 presents higher methane conversion. Virous of characterizations exhibit NiAl 2 O 4 possesses higher distribution of Ni and smaller Ni nanoparticle size, which is one of advantages for its high activity. Another vital reason is the generation of oxygen vacancies in spinel during the reduction, which is beneficial for the activation of water. Moreover, NiAl 2 O 4 catalyst shows extremely stability without obvious deactivation in 160 h. This study illustrates that the construction of catalyst with high activity and stability via NiAl 2 O 4 spinel and reals its high activity origination. • NiAl 2 O 4 spinel shows excellent activity and stability in methane steam reforming. • NiAl 2 O 4 spinel catalyst presents better distribution of Ni comparing with Ni/Al 2 O 3. • The abundant oxygen vacancies in NiAl 2 O 4 play a vital role on activating water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and clinical utility of a compressed-sensing-accelerated subtractionless whole-body MRA (CS-WBMRA) protocol with only contrast injection for suspected arterial diseases, by comparison to conventional dual-pass subtraction-based whole-body MRA (conventional-WBMRA) and available computed tomography angiography (CTA). Materials and methods: This prospective study assessed 86 patients (mean age, 56 years ± 16.4 [standard deviation]; 25 women) with suspected arterial diseases from May 2021 to December 2022, who underwent CS-WBMRA (n = 48, mean age, 55.9 years ± 16.4 [standard deviation]; 25 women) and conventional-WBMRA (n = 38, mean age, 48 years ± 17.4 [standard deviation]; 20 women) on a 3.0 T MRI after random group assignment based on the chronological order of enrolment. Of all enrolled patients administered the CS-WBMRA protocol, 35% (17/48) underwent CTA as required by clinical demands. Two experienced radiologists independently scored the qualitative image quality and venous enhancement contamination. Quantitative image assessment was carried out by determining and comparing the apparent signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of four representative arterial segments. The total examination time and contrast-dose were also recorded. The independent samples t-test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The overall scores of CS-WBMRA outperformed those of conventional-WMBRA (3.40 ± 0.60 vs 3.22 ± 0.55, P < 0.001). In total, 1776 and 1406 arterial segments in the CS-WBMRA and conventional-WBMRA group were evaluated. Qualitative image scores for 7 (of 15) vessel segments in the CS-WMBRA group had statistically significantly increased values compared to those of the conventional-WBMRA groups (P < 0.05). Scores from the other 8 segments showed similar image quality (P > 0.05) between the two protocols. In the quantitative analysis, overall apparent SNRs were significantly higher in the conventional-WBMRA group than in the CS-WBMRA group (214.98 ± 136.05 vs 164.90 ± 118.05; P < 0.001), while overall apparent CNRs were not significantly different in these two groups (CS vs conventional: 107.13 ± 72.323 vs 161.24 ± 118.64; P > 0.05). In the CS-WBMRA group, 7 of 1776 (0.4%) vessel segments were contaminated severely by venous enhancement, while in the convention-WBMRA group, 317 of 1406 (23%) were rated as severe contamination. In the CS-WBMRA group, total examination and reconstruction times were only 7 min and 10 min, respectively, vs 20 min and < 30 s for the conventional WBMRA group, respectively. The contrast agent dose used in the CS-WBMRA protocol was reduced by half compared to conventional-WBMRA protocol (18.7 ± 3.5 ml vs 37.2 ± 5.4 ml, P = 0.008). Conclusion: The CS-WBMRA protocol provides excellent image quality and sufficient diagnostic accuracy for whole-body arterial disease, with relatively faster workflow and half-dose reduction of contrast agent, which has greater potential in clinical practice compared with conventional-WBMRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu/SBA-15 and Cu-NbO x /SBA-15 catalysts were prepared and evaluated in the hydrogenation of palmitic acid to palmitic alcohol. A high palmitic alcohol yield of 90.8% was obtained using palmitic acid as feedstock. NbO x has been considered to be crucial for the excellent performance and the synergy between Cu and NbO x was well investigated. The interaction between Cu species and NbO x -containing support was studied by various characterizations, such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H 2 -temperature programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The kinetic data for rate determining step were also collected. The synergistic effect of Cu and NbO x to catalytic activity was discussed and the following insights were obtained: i) the NbO x doping led to form abundant Cu species with more electron-deficient, which is beneficial for the production of alcohol; ii) the oxygen affinity of NbO x promotes the adsorption of oxygen-containing group. Finally, the natural product of palm oil was taken as feedstock and an ideal yield 84.2% of palmitic alcohol was harvested. [Display omitted] • A catalyst Cu-NbO x /SBA-15 with uniform and small size Cu species supported on SBA-15 was obtained by introducing NbO x species. • The Cu-NbO x /SBA-15 performed excellently in hydrogenation of palmitic acid to palmitic alcohol, with a yield of 90.8%. • The high-efficiency of Cu-NbO x /SBA-15 is attributed to the synergistic effect between Cu and NbO x species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the absorption and collapse of the labial bone plate of the anterior teeth, immediate implantation and socket shield technique have been increasingly applied to anterior dental aesthetic implant restoration. To provide a biomechanical basis for implant restoration of maxillary anterior teeth, finite element analysis was used to investigate the stress peak and distribution in different anatomical sites of natural teeth, conventional immediate implantation and socket shield technique. Three maxillary finite element models were established, including a maxillary incisor as a natural tooth, a conventional immediate implantation and a socket shield technique. A mechanical load of 100 N was applied to simulate and analyze the biomechanical behavior of the root, periodontal ligament (PDL), implant and surrounding bone interface. The stress distribution of the natural tooth was relatively uniform under load. The maximum von Mises stress of the root, periodontal ligament, cortical bone and cancellous bone were 20.14 MPa, 2.473 MPa, 19.48 MPa and 5.068 MPa, respectively. When the conventional immediate implantation was loaded, the stress was mainly concentrated around the neck of implant. Maximum stress on the surface of the implant was 102 MPa, the cortical bone was 16.13 MPa, and the cancellous bone was 18.29 MPa. When the implantation with socket shield technique was loaded, the stress distribution of the implant was similar to that of immediate implantation. Maximum stress on the surface of the implant was 100.5 MPa, the cortical bone was 23.11 MPa, the cancellous bone was 21.66 MPa, the remaining tooth fragment was 29.42 MPa and the periodontal ligament of the tooth fragment was 1.131 MPa. 1. Under static loading, both socket shield technology and conventional immediate implantation can support the esthetic restoration of anterior teeth biomechanically. 2.Under short-term follow-up, both immediate implant and socket shield technology achieved satisfactory clinical results, including bone healing and patient satisfaction. 3.The stress distribution is mainly located on the buccal bone surface of the implant and is associated with resorption of the buccal bone plate after implant replacement in both socket shield technology and conventional immediate implantation. 4.The presence of retained root fragment had an impact on the bone graft gap. In immediate implantation, the peak stress was located in the cortical bone near the implant position, while in socket shield technology, the peak stress was at the neck of the cortical bone corresponding to the retained root fragment. • FEA was validated with the typical clinical follow-up cases. • Both conventional immediate implantation and socket shield technique can support the esthetic restoration. • The bone graft gap has an effect on the stress distribution in the immediate implantation and socket shielding technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osseous condition of the mandible was regarded as a key factor influencing stability of implants in the early stage. Finite element analysis was used to assess the effect of bone mass density and alveolar bone resorption (double factors) on stress in a four-unit implant restoration of a free-end edentulous posterior mandible. A 3D finite element model was constructed for a single-sided free-end edentulous mandible (from mandibular first premolar to mandibular second molar) containing threaded dental implants. Mandible sensitivity modes were constructed with different alveolar bone resorption levels for normal conditions as well as mild, moderate and severe periodontitis, respectively. Based on the mass density of cancellous bone for four types of bones as the sensitivity parameter, two implant design modes were constructed: Model A (four-unit fixed bridge supported by three implants, implant positions were 34, 36 and 37) and model B: 34 × 36, 37 (37: a single implant crown) (34 × 36: three-unit fixed bridge supported by two implants, implant positions were 34 and 36). A total of 32 sensitivity-based finite element models, grouped in two groups, were constructed. Stress distribution and maximum von Mises stress on cortical bone and cancellous bone around the implant, as well as the surface of implant were investigated by using ABAQUS when vertical loading and 45° oblique loading were applied, respectively. When vertical loading was applied on the implant, maximum von Mises stress on the cortical bone around the implant was assessed to be 4.726 MPa - 13.15 MPa and 6.254 MPa - 13.79 MPa for groups A and B, respectively; maximum stress on the cancellous bone around the implant was 2.641 MPa - 3.773 MPa and 2.864 MPa - 4.605 MPa, respectively; maximum stress on the surface of implant was 14.7 MPa - 21.17 MPa and 21.64 MPa - 30.70 MPa, respectively. When 45° oblique loading was applied on the implant restoration, maximum von Mises stress on the cortical bone around the implant was assessed to be 42.08 MPa - 92.71 MPa and 50.84 MPa - 102.5 MPa for groups A and B, respectively; maximum stress on the cancellous bone around the implant was 4.88 MPa - 25.95 MPa and 5.227 MPa - 28.43 MPa, respectively; maximum stress on the surface of implant was 77.91 MPa - 124.8 MPa and 109.2 MPa - 150.7 MPa, respectively. Stress peak on the cortical bone and that on cancellous bone around the implant increased and decreased with the decrease in bone mass density, respectively. Stress peak on alveolar bone increased with alveolar bone resorption when oblique loading was applied. 1. Both alveolar bone resorption and bone mass density (double factors) are critical to implant restoration. Bone mass density may exhibit a more pronounced impact than alveolar bone resorption. 2. From the biomechanical perspective, types I and II bones are preferred for implant restoration, while implantation should be considered carefully in the case of type III bones, or those with less bone mass density accompanied by moderate to severe alveolar bone loss. 3. Splinting crowns restoration is biomechanically superior to single crown restoration. • In this study, a double-factor sensitivity of finite element analysis was performed using 32 finite element models. • This study investigated the effect of alveolar bone resorption and bone mass density on the stress of implant restoration. • Bone mass density may exhibit a more pronounced impact than alveolar bone resorption on implant restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings found that TiO 2 nanoparticles (TiO 2 -NPs) have male reproductive toxicity. However, few reports have studied the toxicity of TiO 2 -NPs in crustaceans. In this study, we first chose the freshwater crustacean Eriocheir sinensis (E. sinensis) to explore the male toxicity of TiO 2 -NP exposure and the underlying mechanisms. Three nm and 25 nm TiO 2 -NPs at a dose of 30 mg/kg bw induced apoptosis and damaged the integrity of the haemolymph-testis-barrier (HTB, a structure similar to the blood-testis-barrier) and the structure of the seminiferous tubule. The 3-nm TiO 2 -NPs caused more severe spermatogenesis dysfunction than the 25-nm TiO 2 -NPs. We initially confirmed that TiO 2 -NP exposure affected the expression patterns of adherens junctions (α-catenin and β-catenin) and induced tubulin disorganization in the testis of E. sinensis. TiO 2 -NP exposure caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and an imbalance of mTORC1-mTORC2 (mTORC1/rps6/Akt levels were increased, while mTORC2 activity was not changed). After using the ROS scavenger NAC to inhibit ROS generation, both the mTORC1-mTORC2 imbalance and alterations in AJs were rescued. More importantly, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin abolished mTORC1/rps6/Akt hyperactivation and partially restored the alterations in AJs and tubulin. Collectively, the mTORC1-mTORC2 imbalance induced by TiO 2 -NPs was involved in the mechanism of AJ and HTB disruption, resulting in spermatogenesis in E. sinensis. [Display omitted] • Exposure to TiO 2 -NPs disrupted the haemolymph-testis-barrier. • Exposure to TiO 2 -NPs changed the expression patterns of adhesion junctions. • ROS were the initiating factor of AJ and HTB impairment. • The mTORC1/rps6/Akt cascade signalling involved in AJ and HTB disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With periodontal disease having an increasing incidence, mandibular free-end edentulism caused by periodontitis is clinically more common. Finite element analysis and clinical case reports were used to evaluate the influence of different designs on the load distribution of implant prosthesis in mandibular posterior free-end edentulism. A finite element model of a mandible with posterior free-end edentulism was established. Considering the implant position and selection of single crown repair or splint repair, four designs were conducted including model A: 3435 × 37(four-unit fixed bridge supported by three implants, implant positions were 34, 35, 37); model B: 34,35 × 37, (34: a single implant crown) (35 ×37: three-unit fixed bridge supported by two implants, implant positions were 35, 37); model C: 34 × 3637(four-unit fixed bridge supported by three implants, implant positions were 34, 36, 37); and model D: 34 × 36, 37(37: a single implant crown)(34 ×36: three-unit fixed bridge supported by two implants, implant positions were 34, 36). Stress distribution and the Von Mises stress value of the implants, the crown and the bone around the implants were analyzed at vertical and 45° inclined load. Stress in the cortical bone was mainly concentrated around the implant neck, and maximum Von Mises stress (MVMS) of the four models was 11.6–16.1 MPa at vertical load and 61.74–96.49 MPa at 45° inclined load. Stress in the cancellous bone was concentrated around the implant base, and MVMS of four models was 3.075–3.899 MPa at vertical load and 5.021–6.165 MPa at 45° inclined load. Stress of the restoration crowns was mainly concentrated in the connector of the bridge, and MVMS of four models was 23.38–26.28 MPa at vertical load and 53.14–56.35 MPa at 45° inclined load. Stress of the implant interface was mainly concentrated on the surface of the smaller implants near the bridge, and MVMS of four models was 21.12–33.25 MPa at vertical load and 83.73–138.7 MPa at 45° inclined load. There was favorable stress distribution of the four models at vertical load and 45° inclined load. Design of a three-unit fixed bridge combined with a partial crown may be an available option for devising patient treatment plans with mandibular free-end edentulism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the tungsten‑copper composite salt solution prepared using the wet chemical method, micron-sized W-10/15wt.%Cu precursors with hollow spherical shell shape were prepared by spray drying. They were then subjected to hydrogen reduction to obtain irregularly shaped nanoscale W-10/15wt.%Cu composite powders, which were pressed under cold isostatic pressure to obtain high-density green bodies without forming agent and lower pressing force. Different densification processes were carried out at different sintering temperatures, thus remarkably influencing the microstructure and properties of W Cu composites. At sintering temperature of 1350 °C, W-10/15wt.%Cu composites reached the maximum relative densities of 97.5 and 98.2 g/cm3, respectively, and exhibited the best thermal and mechanical properties. W-10wt.%Cu composites had a high thermal conductivity (TC) of 195 W/(m·K), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 6.20 ppm/°C, hardness of 346 HV, and flexural strength of 1146 MPa. W-15wt.%Cu composites also showed excellent performance with TC of up to 208 W/(m·K), CTE of 7.13 ppm/°C, hardness of 328 HV, and flexural strength of 806 MPa. The W-10/15wt.%Cu composites prepared in this study were of great application in the field of electronic packaging. • W-10/15wt.%Cu powders with high sintering activity were prepared by the wet chemical method. • The W-10/15wt.%Cu composites exhibited good microstructure and properties at a sintering temperature of 1350 °C. • The present method of preparing W Cu composites can achieve batch production and has a broad industrial prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have classified the sagittal root position of the maxillary anterior teeth and measured buccal plate thickness to aid treatment planning. A thin labial wall and buccal concavity may cause buccal perforation, dehiscence, or both in maxillary premolars. However, data on the restoration-driven principle to classify the maxillary premolar region are lacking. The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the occurrence of labial bone perforation and implantation into the maxillary sinus between various tooth-alveolar classifications with respect to the crown axis in maxillary premolars. Cone beam computed tomography images of 399 participants (1596 teeth) were analyzed to determine the probability of labial bone perforation and implantation into the maxillary sinus when associated with variables that included tooth position and tooth-alveolar classification. The morphology in the maxillary premolars was classified as straight, oblique, or boot-shaped. The first premolars were 62.3% straight, 37.0% oblique, and 0.8% boot-shaped, and labial bone perforation occurred in 4.2% (21 of 497) of the straight, 54.2% (160 of 295) of the oblique, and 83.3% (5 of 6) of the boot-shaped first premolars when the virtual implant was 3.5×10 mm. When the virtual tapered implant was 4.3×10 mm, labial bone perforation occurred in 8.5% (42 of 497) of the straight, 68.5% (202 of 295) of the oblique, and 83.3% (5 of 6) of the boot-shaped first premolars. The second premolars were 92.4% straight, 7.5% oblique, and 0.1% boot-shaped, and labial bone perforation occurred in 0.5% (4 of 737) of the straight, 33.3% (20 of 60) of the oblique, and 0% (0 of 1) of the boot-shaped, respectively, when the virtual tapered implant was 3.5×10 mm; and labial bone perforation occurred in 1.3% (10/737) of the straight, 53.3% (32/60) of the oblique, and 100% (1/1) of the boot-shaped second premolars when the virtual tapered implant was 4.3×10 mm. When an implant is placed in the long axis of a maxillary premolar, the tooth position and tooth-alveolar classification should be considered when assessing the risk of labial bone perforation. Attention should be paid to the implant direction, diameter, and length in the oblique and boot-shaped maxillary premolars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are widely used in polymers due to their high effectiveness at relatively low cost. Recent studies suggest that certain BFRs may present health and environmental hazards, yet obtaining adequate replacements is an ongoing challenge. To develop new additives, it is of paramount importance to better understand the mechanisms governing the action of flame retardants in polymers, particularly their action in the gas phase, and to develop effective screening techniques for potential candidates. To address this challenge, a novel apparatus, the Milligram-scale Flame Calorimeter (MFC), is proposed. In MFC, the pyrolysis and gas-phase combustion processes are uncoupled. Samples of 35 ± 5 mg are pyrolyzed in an anaerobic atmosphere and their pyrolysis products are burned in a laminar, near axisymmetric diffusion flame under controlled and customizable conditions in a fully enclosed system. Heat release information is obtained through the oxygen consumption calorimetry. The masses of post-combustion pyrolysis residue and solid particulate combustion products (e.g., soot) are measured. In this manuscript, a description of the design, parametric optimization of test conditions, and overall testing methodology is given. Heat release measurements are presented for polystyrene with increasing amounts of brominated polystyrene as well as poly(butylene terephthalate) with increasing concentrations of aluminum diethylphosphinate and results are compared to the Cone Calorimetry (Cone) and Microscale Combustion Calorimetry (MCC) measurements conducted on the same materials. Using combustion efficiency as a metric, the sensitivity to both bromine and phosphorus gas-phase activity is determined. The impact of these flame retardants is pronounced in the Cone experiments and largely undetected by the MCC. The MFC shows trends with respect to the flame retardant content comparable to the Cone. However, the absolute values of MFC combustion efficiencies tend to be notably higher that those observed in the Cone experiments. Overall, the MFC results demonstrate that this novel apparatus can be used to detect gas-phase activity of flame retardants using milligram-sized samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objectives were to examine the titanium-bone interfaces chronologically and to clarify the process of osseointegration using microcomputed tomography (microCT). The mandibular premolars of 3 dogs were extracted and 12 weeks later 2 Straumann dental implants were installed in each quadrant. The microstructural changes at the bone-implant interface at the first, fourth, and eighth weeks after installation were evaluated by microCT and a 3-dimensional image was constructed. The microstructural measurements at the bone-implant interface, including the trabecular number (Tb.N), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), structure model index (SMI), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and connectivity density (Conn.D), were measured. Experimental outcomes were analysed for correlations between time and microstructural variables of trabecular bone. Tb.N increased significantly during the eighth week compared with that during the first and fourth week (p = 0.001, 0.002). BV/TV increased generally with time and there were significant differences (p = 0.003) between each time group. While Tb.Sp decreased with time and changed significantly during the eighth week compared with that during the first week (p = 0.021), differences in SMI, Tb.Th and Conn.D did not differ significantly according to time of implant. The significant increase in the Tb.N and BV/TV during the eighth week after insertion of implants indicates that the formation of new bone before the eighth week is the key to osseointegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Peri-operative ketamine peritonsillar infiltration in children can reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), but its postoperative analgesic time is short. A previous meta-analysis in 2011 was inconclusive due to insufficient data. Consequently, we updated the meta-analysis to verify the role of ketamine peritonsillar infiltration for tonsillectomy in pediatric patients. Methods Ten randomized controlled trials with a total of 522 cases were included. Pain intensity was measured by standard modified CHEOPS score. Results The pain scores of ketamine group at 30 min and 60 min were significantly lower than placebo group after surgery [weighted mean difference (WMD) −1.20, 95% CI −2.20 to −0.19, P = 0.02; WMD −1.71, 95% CI −2.12 to −0.22, P = 0.02]. Analgesic requirement in ketamine group were less than placebo group [risk ratio (RR) 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.97; P = 0.04]. Moreover, the incidence of PONV was lower in ketamine group. (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–0.97; P = 0.03). However, there were no differences between these two groups in operation time, anesthesia time, first analgesic time and pain score at 120 min. Conclusions Compared to placebo, ketamine peritonsillar infiltration can relieve postoperative pain within one hour but not at 120 min and reduces analgesic requirement and incidence of PONV. Moreover, there was no difference in the first analgesic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ABCG2 is a member of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which can pump a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds out of cells. Widely expressed in stem cells, ABCG2 is also found to confer the side population phenotype and is recognized as a universal marker of stem cells. Although the precise physiological role of ABCG2 in stem cells is still unclear, existing data strongly suggest that ABCG2 plays an important role in promoting stem cell proliferation and the maintenance of the stem cell phenotype. In addition, ABCG2 is also found to be expressed in a number of cancer cells and appears to be a marker of cancer stem cells. Moreover, ABCG2 expression in tumors may contribute to their formation and progression. Thus, ABCG2 has potential applications in stem cell and tumor therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Application of activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate sulfate radical or hydroxyl radical is a promising strategy for wastewater treatment, while our knowledge on the background reaction, namely, the direct interaction between PMS and target contaminants is quite limited. In this contribution, the degradation kinetics, stoichiometry, products and mechanism of the reaction between unactivated PMS and trimethoprim (TMP), one of the most commonly detected micro-pollutants in the aquatic system were investigated systematically. The results indicated that TMP was susceptible to degradation by direct PMS oxidation via a non-radical process. By recording the decay of two reactants simultaneously, the stoichiometric ratio between PMS and TMP was estimated to be approximately 1. Higher PMS levels exhibited a promotion effect on PMS decay. And the degradation was pH-dependent, basic conditions were favorable for TMP degradation, which could be well modeled based on the species-specific reactions. The two amine groups on the pyrimidine ring were identified as the reactive sites. After direct attacks by PMS, they would be oxidized to form hydroxylamine-products, namely, N8–OH-TMP and N9–OH-TMP. These two hydroxylamine-products were quite stable and resistant to further oxidation by PMS, preventing the formation of more toxic nitroso- and nitro-products. The new findings in the present work would provide beneficial information on the strategy choice for the elimination of specific pollutants, like TMP, as PMS also exhibits relatively high reactivity towards them. Image 1 • TMP could be efficiently oxidized by unactivated PMS via a non-radical pathway. • The stoichiometric ration between PMS and TMP was estimated at 1:1. • Amine groups on the pyrimidine ring of TMP were identified as the reactive sites. • Hydroxylamine-products were formed after direct oxidation of amine groups by PMS. • Further oxidation of hydroxylamine to nitroso- and nitro-products was blocked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy rainfalls occur frequently during early summer (April–June) over South China, causing severe floods. Using 12 years of hourly rain-gauge data, we identify a large number of regional heavy rainfall events and categorize them into two major types based on the strength of synoptic forcing. It is shown that frontal heavy rainfalls associated with fronts or shear lines mainly occurs over inland regions, whereas warm-sector heavy rainfall under weakly forced synoptic environment is observed in coastal areas. The rainfall maxima of both types tend to form over the low-lying plains or sea surfaces adjacent to windward mountains. Frontal heavy rainfall usually propagates southwards with a cold front, while warm-sector events move relatively slowly and produce coherent patterns of rainfall. The occurrence of warm-sector rainfall increases markedly from April to June in a close association with the onset of summer monsoon, in contrast to frontal rainfall with less monthly variation. Warm-sector rainfall also exhibits pronounced diurnal variation, with a peak in the early morning, as a result of intensified convergence between nocturnal low-level jets in southerly monsoon and land breezes. In contrast, frontal rainfall has an afternoon peak, due to the arrival of eastward-propagating rain systems and daytime heating on land. As frontal (warm-sector) heavy rainfall has relatively high (low) predictability in numerical models, understanding their occurrence and formation is of benefit to operational forecasting and decision-making for disaster prevention. • A number of regional heavy rainfall events are observed in South China and can be categorized into two types. • Frontal rainfalls due to southward-moving cold fronts are widespread and occur from April to June. • Warm-sector heavy rainfalls with weakly forced synoptic conditions mainly occur at coastal areas from mid-May to June. • Warm-sector (frontal) heavy rainfalls usually maximize at morning (afternoon). • Warm-sector heavy rainfalls are closely associated with monsoon flow, low level jet, land-sea breeze, and terrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase family ErbB consists of four members (ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4); they are involved in the tumorgenesis of diverse cancers. A variety of missence mutations have been clinically observed in ErbB kinases, which would shift drug sensitivity to these kinases and cause drug resistance in targeted cancer therapy. In this study, systematic inhibitor response to ErbB missense mutations in gastric cancer (GC) is investigated by combining computational analysis and experimental assay. The response profile is created for 6 ATP-competitive, reversible inhibitors against 9, 17, 5 and 17 GC-associated missense mutations of ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 kinase domains, respectively. From the profile a number of potential resistant and sensitive responses are identified theoretically. It is suggested that most ErbB mutations have only a modest effect on inhibitor binding, but few that are located around the kinase active site can influence the binding significantly. Structural examination reveals that steric hindrance and allosteric effect are primarily responsible for inhibitor resistance and sensitivity, respectively. Two ErbB2 mutations, namely V777L and T862A, are predicted to cause effective resistance on inhibitors TAK285 and Lapatinib, respectively. Kinase assays consistently observe that the mutations can reduce inhibitor activity by 4.9-fold and 2.4-fold, with IC 50 changing from 29 to 16 nM (wild type) to 83 and 39 nM (mutant) for TAK285 and Lapatinib, respectively. Image 1 • An integrative strategy is described to investigate inhibitor response to gastric cancer ErbB mutations. • Inhibitor resistance and sensitivity responses to ErbB mutations are determined. • Two novel resistance responses are tested using kinase assay. • Molecular mechanism of resistance responses is elucidated at structural level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination by herbicides such as clopyralid (CLP) poses a significant threat to human health and ecological systems. In the present study, efficient removal of CLP was achieved by thermo activated persulfate, among which sulfate radical was identified as the predominant oxidizing species responsible for the decontamination. Based on high resolution LC-MS, derivatization method and density functional theory (DFT) computation, the detailed oxidation pathways and mechanisms were proposed. The primary oxidation pathways included dechlorination-hydroxylation, decarboxylation and the formation of quinone-like moieties. Afterwards, numerous intermediate byproducts ranging from high molecular to very small ones were identified, suggesting the pyridine ring was damaged during the thermo activated persulfate process. The detected products containing six and five carbons indicated the pyridine ring cleavage would take place on the quinone-structure intermediate. Further oxidation could continue by breaking each bond on the ring-cleavage product, yielding a series of short-chain carbonyl chemicals, carboxylic acids and inorganic ions. In addition, the presence of dissolved oxygen (DO) was favorable to CLP degradation, indicating DO played an important role in applying such technology. The degradation rate constants of CLP increased appreciably with increasing temperature, and acidic pH facilitated the CLP degradation. The results obtained in this work would increase our understanding on the environmental fates of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds during sulfate radical (SO 4 •−)-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs). Image 1 • Efficient oxidation of CLP could be achieved by thermo-activated persulfate. • Pyridine ring cleavage was verified by detection of numerous short-chain products. • The proposed oxidation pathways were confirmed by DFT calculations. • The formation of quinone-structure intermediates was important for ring-opening. • The presence of dissolved oxygen was favorable for CLP degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex anatomical structures of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) pose a unique challenge to diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). This study aimed to compare the clinical utility of the prototypic 2D turbo gradient- and spin echo-BLADE-DWI (TGSE-BLADE-DWI) with that of readout-segmented echo-planar DWI (RESOLVE-DWI) and single-shot echo-planar DWI (SS-EPI-DWI) to visualize CPA anatomic structures and identify CPA tumors. A total of 8 volunteers and 36 patients with pathological CPA tumors were enrolled to perform the three DWI sequences at 3 T. Scan time of TGSE-BLADE-DWI, RESOLVE-DWI and SS-EPI-DWI was 5 min 51 s, 5 min 15 s and 1 min 22 s, respectively. Subjective analysis, including visualization of anatomical structures, geometric distortion, ghosting artifacts, lesion conspicuity, diagnostic confidence, and overall image quality of the three DWI sequences were scored and assessed. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of CPA tumors were measured and compared. A total of 39 lesions were identified, TGSE-BLADE-DWI detected all of them, RESOLVE-DWI 36 and SS-EPI-DWI 27. Significant differences were found in all the subjective parameters among the three DWI sequences (all p < 0.001). TGSE-BLADE-DWI was significantly better than RESOLVE-DWI in visualization of CPA anatomical structures, geometric distortion, ghosting artifacts, lesion conspicuity, diagnostic confidence, and overall image quality (all p < 0.01), and RESOLVE-DWI showed significantly superior performance than SS-EPI-DWI in all parameters (all p < 0.001). CNRs and ADCs were not significantly different among the three DWI sequences (p = 0.355, p = 0.590, respectively). No significant differences were detected between TGSE-BLADE-DWI SNR and RESOLVE-DWI SNR (p = 0.058), or TGSE-BLADE-DWI SNR and SS-EPI-DWI SNR (p = 0.155). Compared with RESOLVE-DWI and SS-EPI-DWI, TGSE-BLADE-DWI minimized geometric distortions and ghosting artifacts and demonstrated an improved ability for depicting CPA tumors with better lesion conspicuity. Geometric distortions and ghosting artifacts are found at bone-air interfaces using conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), which is a challenge for imaging cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. Our study validated that geometric distortions and ghosting artifacts were not present on 2D turbo gradient- and spin-echo-BLADE-DWI scans, making this technique useful for visualizing CPA anatomic structures and diagnosing CPA tumors. • TGSE-BLADE-DWI minimized geometric distortion in CPA region than RESOLVE-DWI and SS-EPI-DWI. • TGSE-BLADE-DWI showed comparable ADC with RESOLVE-DWI and SS-EPI-DWI for CPA tumors. • TGSE-BLADE-DWI provided superior image quality for CPA tumors than RESOLVE-DWI and SS-EPI-DWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Current scaffolds for cultured meat are limited in cell differentiation capacities. • Scaffolds with aligned porous structures are fabricated by directional freeze-drying. • The scaffold promotes the adhesion, oriented growth and differentiation of cells. • Patterned scaffolds can improve the acceptance of the tailored cell cultured meat. Porous scaffolds for cell cultured meat are currently limited in the food-grade material requirements, the cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation capacities, and the ignored appearance design. We proposed programmable scaffolds specially tailored for cell cultured meat. The scaffold with aligned porous structures was fabricated with the ice-templated directional freeze-drying of the food-grade collagen hydrogel. Due to the abundant tripeptide presence and well-aligned porous structures, the scaffold could not only provide sites for cell adhesion and proliferation, but also promote the oriented growth and differentiation of cells. The up-regulation of myogenic related genes, synthesis of myogenic related proteins and formation of matured myotubes furtherly proved the differentiation of cells on aligned scaffold. These characteristics would facilitate the traditional meat characteristics simulation of cell cultured meat in term of texture and microstructure. Meanwhile, patterned scaffolds were achievable as well with the help of mold-assisted ice templating, which would improve the people's interest, recognition, and acceptance of the tailored cell cultured meat. These characteristics indicate great application prospects of the proposed programmable scaffolds in cell cultured meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Systemic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes, and elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts are an established risk factor. Our goal is to describe changes in WBCs and inflammatory markers after glycemic reductions in diabetes.Research Design and Methods: This study enrolled 63 subjects with poorly controlled diabetes, defined as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥8% [64 mmol/mol]. Circulating granulocytes and mononuclear cells were separated by histopaque double-density protocol. Inflammatory markers from these isolated WBCs were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of medical management.Results: After 3 months, significant glycemic reduction, defined as a decrease in HbA1c ≥ 1.5%, occurred in 42 subjects. Fasting plasma glucose decreased by 47% (165.6 mg/dL), and HbA1c decreased from 10.2 ± 1.8 to 6.8 ± 0.9. Glycemic reductions were associated with a 9.4% decrease in total WBC counts, 10.96% decrease in neutrophils, and 21.74% decrease in monocytes. The mRNA levels of inflammatory markers from granulocytes and mononuclear cells decreased, including receptor for advanced glycation endproducts; S100 calcium binding proteins A8, A9, A12; krüppel-like factor 5; and IL-1. Also, circulating levels of IL-1β and C-reactive protein decreased. Insulin dose was a mediator between HbA1c and both total WBC and neutrophil counts, but not changes in WBC inflammatory markers. In contrast, the 17 subjects without significant glycemic reductions showed no significant differences in their WBC counts and proteins of inflammatory genes.Conclusion: Significant glycemic reduction in subjects with poorly controlled diabetes led to reduced circulating WBC counts and inflammatory gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy has been established as a routine strategy for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the gatekeeper mutation T790M in EGFR active site can confer generic resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), largely limiting the clinical applications of chemotherapeutic drugs in NSCLC. Here, a combined method of computational analysis and growth inhibition assay was described to systematically investigate the molecular response profile of wild-type–sparing and mutant-resistant inhibitors to the EGFR T790M mutation. The profile is highly consistent with previous clinical observations; three first-line chemotherapeutic drugs Gefitinib, Erlotinib and Lapatinib are established with acquired resistance upon the mutation. In addition, it was found that the alkaloid compound K252a, a Staurosporine analog isolated from Nocardiopisis sp., can selectively target the EGFR T790M mutant over wild-type kinase (23-fold selectivity), suggesting that the compound is good lead candidate for development of T790M mutant-selective inhibitors. Structural analysis revealed that the mutation-resulting Met790 residue does not induce steric hindrance to the EGFR T790M–K252a complex system, while a number of hydrophobic forces, van der Waals contacts and S⋯π interactions are observed between the aromatic rings of K252a and the sulfhydryl group of Met790, contributing considerable stabilization energy to the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Effects of three flavonoids on porcine muscle stem cells were investigated. • 3,2′-DHF and QUE had better pro-proliferation and pro-differentiation, respectively. • The optimized combination of flavonoids were used in the process of cultured meat. • The contraction area of cultured meat were promoted by QUE. Stemness decline of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) is a significant problem in cultured meat processing. In the present study, three flavonoids (quercetin, icariin, and 3,2′-dihydroxyflavone) with multi concentrations were evaluated to promote the proliferation and differentiation of porcine muscle stem cells. In the proliferation phase, 3,2′-dihydroxyflavone (10 μM) significantly amplified the cells by 34% and up-regulated the expression of paired box transcription factor 7 (PAX7) by 60%, which was higher than quercetin (75 nM) and icariin (7.5 nM). In the differentiation phase, quercetin (50 nM) showed the best pro-differentiation effect and up-regulated the expression of myosin heavy chain (MYHC) by 4.73-fold compared with the control group. These results indicated that flavonoids had a significant impact on promoting the proliferation and differentiation of porcine MuSCs, and 3,2′-dihydroxyflavone (10 μM) for proliferation and quercetin (50 nM) for differentiation were the optimal combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultured meat is meat for consumption produced in a more sustainable way. It involves cell harvesting and expansion, differentiation into myotubes, construction into muscle fibres and meat structuring. We isolated 5.3 × 104 porcine muscle stem cells from 1 g of neonatal pig muscle tissue. According to calculations, we need to expand muscle stem cells 106-107 times to produce 100 g or 1 kg of cultured meat. However, the cells gradually lost the ability to express stemness and mature muscle cell markers (PAX7, MyHC). To tackle this critical issue and maintain cell function during cell expansion, we found that long-term culture with (100 μM) l -Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc-2P) accelerated cell proliferation while preserving the muscle cell differentiation. We further optimized a scalable PDMS mold. Porcine muscle stem cells formed structurally-organized myotubes similar to muscle fibres in the mold. Asc-2P enhanced porcine muscle cells grown as 3D tissue networks that can produce a relatively large 3D tissue networks as cultured meat building blocks, which showed improved texture and amino acid content. These results established a realistic workflow for the production of cultured meat that mimics the pork meat structurally and is potentially scalable for industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow dephasing artifacts within intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) have been problematic for 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA). This study aimed to evaluate pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition subtraction-based MR angiography (PETRA-MRA) for decreasing flow dephasing artifacts compared to 3D-TOF-MRA in intracranial segments of ICA at 3 T. Sixty healthy participants and seven patients with intracranial ICA aneurysms were enrolled to undergo 3D-TOF-MRA and PETRA-MRA. Two radiologists each evaluated the image quality of healthy participants using a 4-point scale (1: the best and 4: the worst). Quantitative analysis of the extent of homogeneity in signal intensity within the ICA and intracranial aneurysms was conducted using a parameter d : the higher the d value, the greater the signal homogeneity. Wilcoxon signed rank test, Chi-square test and the weighted kappa (κ) statistic were used for statistical analyses. The image quality of PETRA-MRA with an overall score of 1.35 ± 0.53 was significantly better than that obtained with 3D-TOF-MRA, with an overall score of 3.50 ± 0.62 (Z = -9.56, p < 0.001). The parameter d of PETRA-MRA was higher than that of 3D-TOF-MRA for both 60 healthy participants (0.97 ± 0.05, 0.87 ± 0.11; z = -13.21, p < 0.001) and 7 patients with intracranial aneurysms (0.81 ± 0.18, 0.74 ± 0.16; z = -2.37, p = 0.018). Compared with conventional 3D-TOF-MRA, PETRA-MRA remarkably improved the image quality with reduced flow dephasing artifacts in segments of intracranial ICA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]