Search

Typically occurring after trauma or neurosurgery treatments, dura mater defect and the ensuing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage could lead to a number of serious complications and even patient's death. Although numerous natural and synthetic dura mater substitutes have been reported, none of them have been able to fulfill the essential properties, such as anti-adhesion, leakage blockage, and pro-dura rebuilding. In this study, we devised and prepared a series of robust and biodegradable hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (nHA/PLCL) membranes for dura repair via an electrospinning technique. In particular, PLLA/PCL (80/20) was selected for electrospinning due to its mechanical properties that most closely resembled natural dural tissue. Studies by SEM, XRD, water contact angle and in vitro degradation showed that the introduction of nHA would destroy PLCL's crystalline structure, which would further affect the mechanical properties of the nHA/PLCL membranes. When the amount of nHA added increased, so did the wettability and in vitro degradation rate, which accelerated the release of nHA. In addition, the high biocompatibility of nHA/PLCL membranes was demonstrated by in vitro cytotoxicity data. The in vivo rabbit dura repair model results showed that nHA/PLCL membranes provided a strong physical barrier to stop tissue adhesion at dura defects. Meanwhile, the nHA/PLCL and commercial group's CSF had a significantly lower number of inflammatory cells than the control groups, validating the nHA/PLCL's ability to effectively lower the risk of intracranial infection. Findings from H&E and Masson-trichrome staining verified that the nHA/PLCL electrospun membrane was more favorable for fostering dural defect repair and skull regeneration. Moreover, the relative molecular weight of PLCL declined dramatically after 3 months of implantation, according to the results of the in vivo degradation test, but it retained the fiber network structure and promoted tissue growth, demonstrating the good stability of the nHA/PLCL membranes. Collectively, the nHA/PLCL electrospun membrane presents itself as a viable option for dura repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since entering the 21st century, high technology has developed at a rapid pace. The development of high technology has changed the methods of production and lifestyle of human beings. While enjoying the efficiency, comfort, and convenience brought by high technologies, people find that the gap between the rich and the poor has been widening. More and more attentions have been paid to the influences on the gap between the rich and the poor arising from the development of high technologies, especially from the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This paper focuses on this social phenomenon and demonstrates that the development of AI will widen the gap between the rich and the poor. The paper will proceed with the discussion from three levels of human actives: individual, company, and country.

Bioceramic granules have been used as fillers for the repair of various bone defects, but structural instability leads to susceptibility to displacement or dislodgement in practice. Armor unit is a concrete block placed along the breakwater to resist waves and protect the dike. Inspired by this, an armor unit‐mimicking (AU) bioceramic granule by three‐dimentional (3D) printing is developed, and combine it with adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) overexpressing fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) to construct tissue‐engineered bone. In vitro results show that AU granules and FGF23 transfection synergistically promote osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. For the repair of beagle femoral metaphyseal defects, the implanted AU granules are stacked and interlocked to form an impact‐resistant porous scaffold. With the assistance of ADSCsFGF23, AU granules exhibit enhanced new bone formation and host bone maintenance. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the potential of 3D‐printed AU granules in combination with FGF23‐overexpressing ADSCs as a novel bone void filler for ease of handling and enhanced bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a critical metabolite that acts as a cofactor in energy metabolism, and serves as a cosubstrate for non-redox NAD+-dependent enzymes, including sirtuins, CD38 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases. NAD+ metabolism can regulate functionality attributes of innate and adaptive immune cells and contribute to inflammatory responses. Thus, the manipulation of NAD+ bioavailability can reshape the courses of immunological diseases. Here, we review the basics of NAD+ biochemistry and its roles in the immune response, and discuss current challenges and the future translational potential of NAD+ research in the development of therapeutics for inflammatory diseases, such as COVID-19. Key points: The dynamics of NAD+ homeostasis is characterized by a balance of synthesis, consumption and regeneration. The role of NAD+ in immunomodulation is context and signaling pathway specific. The manipulation of NAD+ bioavailability represents a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the important properties to evaluate soil quality, which can indirectly reflect the effect of afforestation on saline-alkali land. In this study, 4 different forest types in Gudao Forestry Centre were selected as experimental plots, and bare land was set as blank group. Spatial differentiation and impact factors of SOC between different forest types were studied by field investigation and laboratory experiment. The results show that (1) SOC content in the study area is lower than 1%. SOC content in forest land is higher than that in bare land. In the upper soil layer, the SOC content of Robinia Pseudoacacia forest is lower, and mixed forest is higher. SOC content of bare land is higher than that of forest land in the lower layer. (2) SOC has a significant positive correlation with available nutrients (P