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Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in an inhibitory environment at the injury site. In our previous studies, transplantation of a scaffold combined with stem cells was proven to induce neural regeneration in animal models of complete SCI. Based on these preclinical studies, collagen scaffolds loaded with the patients' own bone marrow mononuclear cells or human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted into SCI patients. Fifteen patients with acute complete SCI and 51 patients with chronic complete SCI were enrolled and followed up for 2 to 5 years. No serious adverse events related to functional scaffold transplantation were observed. Among the patients with acute SCI, five patients achieved expansion of their sensory positions and six patients recovered sensation in the bowel or bladder. Additionally, four patients regained voluntary walking ability accompanied by reconnection of neural signal transduction. Among patients with chronic SCI, 16 patients achieved expansion of their sensation level and 30 patients experienced enhanced reflexive defecation sensation or increased skin sweating below the injury site. Nearly half of the patients with chronic cervical SCI developed enhanced finger activity. These long-term follow-up results suggest that functional scaffold transplantation may represent a feasible treatment for patients with complete SCI.

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a disease characterized by the collapse of the femoral head. SONFH occurs due to the overuse of glucocorticoids (GCs) in patients with immune-related diseases. Among various pathogenesis proposed, the mechanism related to impaired blood vessels is gradually becoming the most convincing hypothesis. Bone endothelial cells including bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a crucial role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Therefore, bone endothelial cells are key regulators in the occurrence and progression of SONFH. Impaired angiogenesis, abnormal apoptosis, thrombosis and fat embolism caused by the dysfunctions of bone endothelial cells are considered to be the pathogenesis of SONFH. In addition, even with high disability rates, SONFH lacks effective therapeutic approach. Icariin (ICA, a flavonoid extracted from Epimedii Herba), pravastatin, and VO-OHpic (a potent inhibitor of PTEN) are candidate reagents to prevent and treat SONFH through improving above pathological processes. However, these reagents are still in the preclinical stage and will not be widely used temporarily. In this case, bone tissue engineering represented by co-transplantation of bone endothelial cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) may be another feasible therapeutic strategy.

High energy density Li-S battery has attracted broad attention; however the capacity retention is still non-ideal. The major challenge is to find a way to effectively prevent the shuttle effect of the lithium polysulfides during charging/discharging. Here, we present a novel wheel-confined composite consisting of MnO2 nano-rod as wedge and SnO2 sphere as the skeleton filled with sulfur, which was synthesized using a facile chemical method. The battery with the S@MnO2@SnO2 composite as cathode exhibits a capacity as high as 1323 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and a high capacity retention of only 0.03% decay per cycle over 500 cycles, which indicates a greatly reduced shuttle effect in Li-S batteries. The battery also shows good rate-performance and low-temperature properties. In addition, the I-V measurements and the first-principle calculations have demonstrated an enhanced electron transfer through the composite.

Osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) usually occurs in the thoracolumbar region and rarely affects the low lumbar region. The characteristics of osteoporotic low lumbar fracture (OLLF) have not been reported. Lumbosacral sagittal balance plays an important role in preserving the normal physiologic function of the spine. However, it is unknown how lumbosacral parameters vary in patients with OLLF. The authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic characteristics of patients with OLLF and osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (OTVF) who were treated at their institution. Vertebral height, local deformity angle, and visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively for both groups. The changes in lumbosacral parameters were measured for patients with OLLF. The results showed that OLLF was more likely to occur at L3 (53.66%) and that the prevalence of severe trauma (29.27%) was higher among patients with OLLF ( P P P Orthopedics . 2021;44(1):e7–e12.]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak started in December 2019 that caused difficulties for clinical work. Practical work experience in our spinal outpatient and emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic is summarized in this article, with combined evidence-based medical evidence to explore a standardized process of diagnosis and treatment for spinal diseases. Outpatient reservation, continuous screening, triage, and isolation, first consultation accountability system, pandemic reporting system, and online revisit were strictly followed. We hope that our experience in prevention and control of COVID-19 can help spine surgeons globally in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Spine surgeons should collaborate with infection control specialists to avoid cross-infection in hospitals and optimize treatment.

BackgroundKyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be minimally invasive and effective in treating osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients with back pain over the level of the fractured vertebrae. Rare studies have reported on thoracolumbar vertebral fracture patients presenting with distal lumbosacral pain (DLP). Whether kyphoplasty had a favorable therapeutic benefit for these patients remains unclear.PurposeTo evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of kyphoplasty in treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (OTVF) patients with DLP and assess the clinical significance of focal tenderness to palpation in these patients.Material and MethodsThirty-two OTVF patients who only complained of DLP were treated by kyphoplasty. The vertebral heights, local kyphotic angle, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed preoperatively, one day after surgery, and at last follow-up. All patients were evaluated regarding their degree of satisfaction with kyphoplasty. In addition, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of kyphoplasty in patients with and without focal tenderness to palpation.ResultsAll patients successfully underwent kyphoplasty without complications. The vertebral heights, local kyphotic angles, VAS, and ODI scores were all significantly improved after kyphoplasty and maintained at last follow-up in our patients ( P ConclusionThe possibility of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures in elderly patients complaining of DLP should not be neglected. Kyphoplasty presents a superior benefit in treating OTVF patients with DLP. The absence of focal tenderness does not influence the clinical efficacy in these patients.

Summary Background Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), a minimally invasive treatment, has been widely used for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Objective To retrospectively analyse the therapeutic effects of PKP using a series of key techniques in a multicentre study. Methods From May 2000 to December 2016, PKP was performed using a series of key techniques (puncture, reduction, and perfusion techniques) for the treatment of 4532 OVCF patients. The pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire prior to the operation, at postoperative Day 2, and at the last follow-up were analysed by paired t-test analysis. The leakage of bone cement was evaluated by postoperative radiography and/or computed tomography. Four-year survival was calculated at the last follow-up. Results The average follow-up was 63 months (1–116 months). The VAS score decreased from 8.9 (preoperative) to 2.3 (2 days postoperative) to 1.9 (last follow-up). The ODI score of the patients decreased from 86.7 (preoperative) to 31.6 (2 days postoperative) to 25.3 (last follow-up). Both VAS score and ODI score improved significantly. The bone cement leakage rate was 3.5%, with no clinical symptoms. The 4-year survival rate was 77.5%. Conclusion This study suggests that PKP with key techniques would be an effective technique to treat OVCF with less risk and better therapeutic effect. Such diagnostic methods and surgical techniques lead to the development and progress of treatment for OVCF. The translational potential of this article: PKP with key techniques would be an effective technique to treat and lead to the development and progress of treatment for OVCF.

Background Degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) disease can cause lower back pain. However, the change of lactic acid content during disc degeneration process still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the change of the content of lactic acid is associated with depletion of degenerative intervertebral disc extracellular matrix. Methods A total of 18 miniature pigs were equally divided into annular lesion surgery (AL) and sham group. The lateral superficial annulus fibrosus (AF) of T12-L4 discs in AL group were penetrated by 3.5 mm trepan with the depth of 3 mm, the same IVD were only exposed without any injury in the sham group. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was evaluated by magnetic resonance, histological and biochemical analysis. Results No obvious degeneration was found in sham group. However, disc degeneration was found and gradually worsened in AL group after surgery. Histological analysis showed that the AF was rupture and disorder, the number of cells in nucleus pulposus (NP) was decreased in AL group. Compared with the sham group, the extent of type II collagen (Col-II) and aggrecan in NP tissue was dramatically decreased in AL group, consistent with the results of Col -II immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Besides, the gene expression of matrix metallopeptidase 3 and 13 also continuous increased in AL group. The amount of lactic acid and nerve growth factor in NP tissue was gradually increased after operation in AL group. Conclusions The content of lactic acid gradually increased after annular lesion, associated with the damage of AF structural and the decrease of Col -II and aggrecan in NP tissue, which leading to the disc degeneration. Depletion of extracellular matrix is consistent with lactic acid accumulation inside of IVD.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from chemical plants can cause serious pollution of surrounding agricultural soils. A comprehensive study of agricultural soils was conducted in the vicinity of a chemical plant in China to characterize the soil PAH concentration, as well as their composition and sources. Human health and a screening-level ecological risk assessment were conducted for PAH contamination in agricultural soils. The results showed that the total concentrations of 16 priority PAHs ranged from 250.49 to 9387.26 ng g(-1), with an average of 2780.42 ng g(-1). High molecular weight PAHs (four to six rings) were the dominant component, accounting for more than 60% of all PAHs. Principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization model (PMF) suggested that diesel emissions, coal combustion, coke ovens, and fuel combustion and gasoline emissions were the main sources of PAHs in agricultural soils. The ecological risk assessment results based on the effects range-low (ERL), the effects range-median (ERM), and the ecological screening levels (ESL) indicated that the exposure to ∑PAH16 wasERL,ERM, and ≥ERL andERM at 21.9, 0, and 21.9% of the soil sampling stations, the exposure to ∑PAH16 wasESL at 78.1% of the soil sampling stations, and could induce biological effects in mammals. The Bapeq concentrations posed a potential carcinogenic risk to humans. Further risk management and control of soil PAHs in these agricultural soils is required to ensure the safety of the biocoenosis and human health.

To explore the efficacy of secondary balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for new vertebral compression fracture (NVCF) of previously non-fractured, non-treated vertebrae after previous BKP and to compare the therapeutic effect between patients with single-level adjacent NVCF and remote NVCF.We retrospectively studied patients with single-level NVCF after initial BKP in our hospital from January 2007 to August 2014. The mean follow-up time from secondary BKP was 13.78 ± 3.18 (12-24) months. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were assessed prior to the initial BKP, one day after initial BKP, prior to the secondary BKP, one day after the secondary BKP, and at last follow-up. Kyphotic angle and vertebral heights were also compared for secondary BKP. Data were compared between patients with adjacent NVCF and remote NVCF.36 patients were investigated. Compared with pre-operative value of initial and secondary BKP, patients in both groups gained statistical significant improvements for VAS and ODI after initial and secondary BKP, respectively (P 0.05), and this improvement maintained at final follow-up. No statistical difference in VAS was found between the 2 groups after initial BKP and prior to the secondary BKP (P 0.05), but patients in remote NVCF group achieved better VAS score than patients in adjacent NVCF group after the secondary BKP and at the final follow-up (P 0.05). No statistical differences were detected in ODI between the 2 groups prior to the initial BKP, one day after initial BKP, prior to the secondary BKP and 1 day after the secondary BKP (P 0.05), but the ODI scores were higher in adjacent NVCF group than in remote NVCF at last follow-up (P 0.05). Kyphotic angle and vertebral heights were significantly restored and maintained after secondary BKP within groups, respectively.Secondary BKP is an effective procedure for treating NVCF after initial BKP. Patients with new fracture in remote level gain slightly better pain relief than those in the adjacent level.

A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the concentrations, spatial distribution, hotspots, sources, and human health risks of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from agricultural soils in the vicinity of Changzhi, China. A total of 203 samples were collected and analyzed for 16 PAHs from agricultural areas around the industrial city of Changzhi, China. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 9 to 10514 ng g−1, with an average of 917 ng g−1. Positive matrix factorization analysis suggested that coal combustion, coke tar, diesel emissions, and petroleum combustion were the four main sources of PAHs in the soils around Changzhi, accounting for 34, 23, 19, and 24 % of PAH concentrations, respectively. The spatial distribution and hotspot identification maps showed that the most contaminated areas were related to the distribution of industrial plants. The benzo [a] pyrene equivalent (Bapeq) concentrations varied from not detected (N.D.) to 1683 ng g−1, with a mean value of 151 ng g−1. Seven carcinogenic PAHs contributed the largest Bapeq (99.8 %), which indicated that they were the main carcinogenic contributors among the sixteen PAHs. Effective environmental risk control should be implemented in the region to avoid a significant carcinogenic risk to human health from soil PAHs.

Due to the lack of steps to process sensitive data in the traditional intelligent evaluation model of e-commerce transaction volume, which leads to poor evaluation effect, an intelligent evaluation model of e-commerce transaction volume based on the combination of k-mean and SOM algorithm is proposed. Taking system intelligent clustering as the core, the transaction volume data in the web log is collected through the collection system. The desensitisation rule is used to establish the data transmission model of trading volume. The detection of sensitive data adopts signal detection technology and analytical processing. Based on k-means algorithm, data desensitisation is accomplished to achieve data denoising and a clustering evaluation model is established to complete data mining and analysis. The experimental results show that the model has a good denoising effect, and the ROC curve is closer to the upper left corner with an AUC value of 0.9712, which verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the model.

In contrast to silicon, germanium shows an electrical conductivity of ~1.0 S m-1 that is 100 times higher than silicon, and a fast lithium ion diffusivity of 10-12 -10-8 cm2 s-1 that is 400 times faster than silicon, leading to a promising potential in rapid charge/discharge batteries. Similar as silicon, the large volume expansion upon lithiation/delithiation leads to capacity decay and thus poor cycling performance. The scalable production of complex nano-structures also pose a challenge. Recently MXene, a family of 2D transition-metal carbides, are attracting great interest in lithium-ion batteries due to their unique electrical, mechanical and electrochemical properties particularly with the high electrical conductivity. Here we present a novel 2D hybrid composite that is composed of 2D layered MXene as host covered with a thin layer of amorphous GeOx, which showed an improved rate capability as anode electrode in lithium ion batteries. The battery with hybrid composite as anode maintains 90% of the initial capacity with a coulombic efficiency of 99.4 % after charging/discharging 500 cycles at 0.5 C. A high capacity retention under 10.0 C and 20.0 C and a wide temperature between -40 ℃ and 80 ℃ was achieved. A full-cell battery paired with NMC as cathode also exhibited a high capacity. Keywords: Germanium; MXene; High rate performance; Lithium ion batteries

Background Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are minimally invasive and effective vertebral augmentation techniques for managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Recent meta-analyses have compared the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques or conservative treatment; however, the inclusions were not thorough and rigorous enough, and the effects of each technique on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures remain unclear. Purpose To perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies with more rigorous inclusion criteria on the effects of vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for OVCF on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures. Material and Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SpringerLink, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant original articles comparing the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were identified. The methodological qualities of the studies were evaluated, relevant data were extracted and recorded, and an appropriate meta-analysis was conducted. Results A total of 13 articles were included. The pooled results from included studies showed no statistically significant differences in the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, durations of symptoms, follow-up times, races of patients, and techniques were conducted, and no significant differences in the incidence of secondary fractures were identified ( P > 0.05). No obvious publication bias was detected by either Begg’s test ( P = 0.360 > 0.05) or Egger’s test ( P = 0.373 > 0.05). Conclusion Despite current thinking in the field that vertebral augmentation procedures may increase the incidence of secondary fractures, we found no differences in the incidence of secondary fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs.

A retrospective comparative study.To compare the characteristics of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) with intravertebral fluid (IVF) and those with intravertebral air (IVA), and the efficacy of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (PKP) in treating OVFs with these 2 different intravertebral components.Previous studies have focused on the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and PKP in treating OVFs with intravertebral cleft. However, no prior studies investigated the impact of the different components of cleft on the therapeutic effect of PVP or PKP.On the basis of the presence of IVF or IVA signal on preoperative MR images, 22 patients were classified into IVF group and 13 patients into IVA group. The characteristics of patients with IVF and those with IVA were compared. The anterior and middle heights of the involved vertebrae, the kyphotic angles, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were recorded preoperatively, 1 day after surgery, and at last follow-up.Severe collapse of involved vertebrae (P=0.024) and the gap appearance of clefts (P=0.004) were significantly more common in IVA group than in IVF group. The vertebral heights, the local kyphotic angles, the VAS, and ODI scores were all significantly improved after PKP in both groups. However, the vertebral height restoration and kyphotic deformity correction were more significant in IVF group than in IVA group (P0.001). No significant differences regarding VAS and ODI scores were detected between the 2 groups at each follow-up time.PKP is an effective treatment strategy for both OVFs with IVF and with IVA, whereas vertebral height restoration and kyphotic deformity correction are much more significant in vertebrae with IVF. Presence of IVA without fluid filling-in on MR images may indicate an advanced stage of intravertebral osteonecrosis.

A key factor in improving turbine efficiency is higher turbine front temperature. Accurate simulation of the heat transfer coefficient remains a challenge for the prediction of external heat transfer on nozzle guide vane in aero turbine engine. In this paper the shear stress transport turbulence model results are compared against the measured data from Hylton et al., as well as the predictions from a 2-D boundary layer code-STAN5. The heat transfer distribution over the surface of two internally cooled nozzle guide vanes in a transonic annular cascade are investigated. Computational fluid dynamics model of the MARK II vane and the C3X vane were built and several modeling parameters are varied in order to obtain good agreement with the measured data. In addition, the influence of the exit Mach number and the turbulence intensity to the heat transfer of nozzle guide vane were invested.

It has been demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) can act as prognostic and diagnostic markers, and potential therapeutic targets. miR-95-3p has been reported to be downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues, but its potential as a serum biomarker has not been assessed in human osteosarcoma. The purpose of the present study was to examine the expression levels of miR-95-3p in serum of patients with osteosarcoma and to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-95-3p. The serum levels of miR-95-3p in osteosarcoma patients were detected by a real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Associations between miR-95-3p expression and various clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed using Chi square test. Differences in patient survival were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method and a log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for multivariate analyses of prognostic values. Compared to healthy controls, the expression levels of miR-95-3p in serum of osteosarcoma patients were significantly decreased (P

Scales of aligned single-crystalline SiC nanowires (SiCNWs) arrays with very small diameter were synthesized by a simple thermal evaporation of ZnS and carbon on silicon wafer. The as-received SiCNWs possess a uniform size distribution centered at approximately 8.0 nm, even with a minimum of approximately 3.0 nm. The highly oriented SiCNWs usually grew along [111] direction with a clean surface, very thin oxide shell, and small quantity of stacking faults. A crystalline tube-like SiC nanostructure is also obtained. The optical properties, including photoluminescence and Raman scattering spectra of the SiCNWs, were investigated, respectively. In the end, a growth model on basis of the experimental data is suggested.

Quantities of crystalline array-orderly silicon nano-wires (SiNWs) were fabricated using chemical-vapor-deposition (CVD) method at low temperature (550–400 °C). In the experiments, the decreasing temperature process was used. By means of transmission electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, it was found that the SiNWs were well crystallized. Finally, the growth mechanism of the SiNWs during the decreasing process was discussed.

Crystalline boron oxide nanowires have been synthesized on silicon substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process without the use of catalysts or templates. It is pointed out that the boron oxide nanowires are cubic and single crystalline, and the diameter of the nanowires is in the range of 20– 80 nm . Some of the nanowires branched, and the diameters of the branches and stems of the branched boron oxide nanowires are in the range of 20–80 and 100– 200 nm , respectively. The crystallinity, morphology, and structure features of the as-prepared boron oxide nanowires were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. Furthermore, Raman spectrum and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the nanowires were also investigated.

Thin silicon nano-wires (SiNWs) with a diameter of ∼10–20 nm were fabricated by a simple thermal evaporation of silicon wafer at 1523 K. The gold produced by an electrochemical method was covered on the wafer surface as catalyst. It was found that the SiNWs are amorphous and its Raman peak shifted down maybe due to the effect of laser heating and quantum confinement. Finally, a temperature gradient growth model is suggested to explain the growth direction of SiNWs.

Array-ordered single-crystal silicon nanowires were fabricated by the nanochannel-aluminal and CVD method. The average length and diameter of the nanowires is about 10 μm and 60 nm, respectively. A study of the Raman spectrum of the nanowires shows that the Raman shift to low frequency is due to the quantum confinement effect, which is discussed by using the phonon confinement model. Also we determine the peaks of the Raman spectrum to be corresponding to that of crystal silicon (c-Si).

A large-scale crystalline silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with a diameter of ∼30 nm and length of tens of micrometers on Al2O3 templates and silicon wafers were synthesized by the thermal evaporation of silicon monoxide (SiO). The SiNWs were measured by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. It was pointed out that the SiNWs possessed the well crystalline structure. Therefore, it is considered that SiO could be used as Si sources to produce larger-scale SiNWs and crystalline SiNWs may grow from amorphous nuclei.

A sol–gel process and a nanochannel aluminium template were employed to fabricate an orderly array of ZnO nanowires. The ZnO nanowires, with a hexagonal structure, were identified by means of x-ray diffraction and selected-area electron diffraction. The arrays of ZnO nanowires were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that the diameters of the ZnO nanowires are very uniform, at about 60 nm. Furthermore, high-resolution TEM provides lattice images of {100}, {002} and {101} planes in the nanowires, indicating that the nanowires are well crystallized.

Array-orderly single crystal silicon nano-wires (SiNWs) using self-organized nano-holes of anodically oxidized aluminum were fabricated. By field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), the well-orderly single crystal SiNWs arrays were observed. The interval of the SiNWs is excellent symmetrical and consentaneous. The diameter and the length are around 35 nm and 4 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX) indicated that the SiNWs consist of silicon core and silicon oxide sheath mainly. The Raman scattering was also carried out to analyze the structure of the oriented SiNWs. Finally, the growth mechanism of the SiNWs was discussed.

Directional CdS nanowires have been fabricated by using chemical bath deposition (CBD) and porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction show that the nanowires are hexagonal polycrystalline in nature. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that the diameters of nanowires are about 60 nm. Furthermore, the high-resolution TEM illustrates the lattice images of {0 0 2}, {1 0 1} and {1 0 0} planes in the nanowires. The directional growth of nanowires is verified by scanning electron microscopy. It is believed that the ion-by-ion mechanism dictates the CBD of CdS nanowires within the pores of AAO template.

Radiotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of brain tumors but can cause significant damage to surrounding normal brain. The radioprotective effects of valproic acid (VPA) on normal tissue in the rat brain were evaluated following irradiation. Male Wistar rats were used in the present study and 48 rats were randomly divided into four groups consisting of 12 rats each. The whole-brain irradiation (WBI) was delivered by X-ray and the rats received the following treatment once a day for 5 days. The control group (sham-exposed group) received sham irradiation plus physiological saline. The VPA group received sham irradiation plus 150 mg VPA/kg. The X-ray group received WBI plus physiological saline. The combined group received WBI plus 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally VPA. A total of 6 months post-irradiation, the rats were sacrificed and the brains were harvested. Cell apoptosis in the cortex was determined by immunohistochemistry 24 h post-irradiation using an antibody for protein caspase-3. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses were used to assess the effects of VPA on the radioprotection of rat normal brain cells 6 months post-irradiation. The weights of the animals in the TEM group measured over the two weeks after the first injection of VPA were also observed. Histological findings demonstrated that apoptosis occurred on the cortex 1 day after treatment, peaking in the X-ray group. The cells of the combined group showed a moderate caspase-3 staining compared to the X-ray group. There was a trend towards a lower body weight of the X-ray group following irradiation compared to either no-irradiation or rats of the combined group, although there was no significant difference in the average weight between the combined group and irradiated rats. Mild swelling of the capillary endothelial cells in the irregular lumen was observed in the combined group, whereas the X-ray group showed a severe structural disorder. In conclusion, VPA supplementation during radiotherapy may be beneficial for radioprotection following WBI by reducing normal brain cell injury.

Background The instantaneously recovered stability and strength following vertebral augmentation prevent continuous micro-motion and further collapse of fractured vertebrae. Despite this, during follow-up of our patients, we observed recompression of augmented vertebrae with significant vertebral height loss and aggravation of local kyphotic deformity. Purpose To identify the risk factors related to recompression and to evaluate the clinical significance of recompression. Material and Methods One hundred and twenty-one patients who underwent single-level kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures were retrospectively analyzed and classified into the following two groups: group 1 with recompression and group 2 without recompression. Characteristics of patients and fractured vertebrae were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for recompression. We evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores in both groups to elucidate the clinical impact. Results During an average of 20.75 ± 4.43 months of follow-up, 17 augmented vertebrae developed recompression. In the recompression group, vertebral height loss was accompanied by significantly aggravated local kyphotic deformity. The local kyphotic angle differed significantly between the two groups at final follow-up ( P = 0.011). However, the VAS and ODI scores were maintained at final follow-up in both groups although the values were slightly higher in group 1. Solid lump distribution pattern (OR = 8.718; P = 0.003) and the degree of vertebral height restoration (OR = 1.260; P Conclusion Fractured vertebrae containing solid lump cement and those with more vertebral height restoration are at higher risk of recompression. More attention should be given to these patients considering the aggravated local kyphotic deformity.

High roughness of several hundreds of nanometers and low free energy introduced the superhydrophobic surface with a high water contact angle of approximatelt 160 degrees for the chemically modified silicon oxide nanowires on silicon wafer. Particularly, a very small rolling angle of < 5 degrees with the annealed sample was observed. The nano-structure with high roughness and organic perfluoroalkysilane coating with CF2/CF3 groups contributed the superhydrophobicity. The present superhydrophobic nanowires surface on silicon wafer suggests the potential applications in self-cleaning semiconductor devices such as radar surface, solar cell.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of intradiscal cement leakage on the height of adjacent cement-containing discs and the resulting clinical efficacy after kyphoplasty.A total of 124 patients were included and classified into two groups: group A included 20 patients with intradiscal leakage, and group B contained 104 patients without intradiscal leakage. The mean follow-up time was 20.56±3.51 months. The height of the corresponding discs in both groups was measured using Farfan's method. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores at each follow-up time.The anterior disc height, posterior disc height and Farfan Index significantly decreased in both groups at last follow-up. The disc height reduction was 9.19±2.89% in group A and 3.88±2.70% in group B, which was significantly different between the groups (P0.01). The disc height reduction rate was 29.39±7.90% in group A and 12.75±8.18% in group B, which was also a statistically significant difference (P0.01). The VAS and ODI scores improved significantly after surgery and maintained at last follow-up, and there was no statistically significant difference between Groups A and B.Intradiscal cement leakage was associated with the degeneration of cement-containing disc but did not reduce the clinical efficacy at early stages.

Ordered silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with single crystal structure were synthesized using nanochannel-Al2O3 (NCA) and the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Firstly, the SiNWs with nearly amorphous structure were fabricated at 500°C; then the SiNWs with crystalline structure were obtained by annealing an as-received sample at 800°C. The average diameter and length of the SiNWs are 40–70 nm and 10 µm, respectively. The Raman shift related to the crystallization and the amorphous SiNWs was analyzed.