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To compare the long-term outcomes and complications of 3 different variants of laparoscopic sacropexy.Single-center retrospective cohort study.A tertiary university hospital.A total of 483 patients with advanced uterine prolapse who underwent laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (LSH), laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with concomitant laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy (LSCH + LSC), or total laparoscopic hysterectomy with concomitant laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (TLH + LSC).Demographic data, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification scores, questionnaire results, surgical conditions, postoperative outcomes, and complications were all extracted from medical and follow-up records.Between April 2012 and December 2020, 277 women underwent LSH, 95 women underwent LSCH + LSC, and 111 women underwent TLH + LSC. LSH procedures were associated with statistically significantly least blood loss and least postoperative hospital days and catheterization days (all p.001). During the median follow-up of 32 months (13-117 months), analysis of the data revealed notable anatomic correction in all groups regarding Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements (p.001), and the anatomic cure rate showed no significant difference among these 3 groups (p = .273). No statistically significant differences were detected for prolapse recurrence (p = .171) and functional improvements among these groups. Neither intraoperative injuries (p = .098) nor total postoperative complications (p = .218) differed considerably, whereas the rate of severe postoperative complications (p.001) including mesh exposure (p = .004) was significantly higher in the TLH + LSC group than that in the other groups.LSH is the appropriate choice for women with uterine prolapse without contraindications for uterine preservation. For patients with benign uterine lesions and a normal cervix, LSCH + LSC is a safer approach that provides similar anatomic results and improved quality of life scores that are similar to those of TLH + LSC. For patients with lesions in the uterus and cervix, TLH + LSC should be selected.

Objective To explore clinical outcomes and complications of modified Transvaginal mesh (M-TVM) for advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse in 1 year follow up. Methods 574 patients underwent TVM surgeries from 2019 to 2020 were collected and divided into traditional TVM group and M-TVM group according to different surgeries, all preoperative and postoperative data was obtained and compared between the two groups. Results 285 women were involved eventually, including 181 for TVM group and 104 for M-TVM group. No significant differences of general conditions were found between these two groups. During long-term follow up period, patients in TVM group were more likely to suffer pelvic pain than M-TVM group after surgery (P=0.046). Meshes placed with M-TVM protocol (4.5±0.69 cm) seemed much wider than meshes placed with TVM (3.0±0.91cm). Surgeries can significantly change a prolapse to point Aa and Ba on POP-Q compared to preoperative data. M-TVM procedures may significant change point C and D after surgery compared to TVM surgery(P＜0.001). Conclusion M-TVM is a commendable procedure that can significant correct anterior prolapse with mesh extended wider, and also supply stable apical support at the same time.

This review focuses on the design strategies and advanced functions of pH-responsive wound dressings, and makes a systematic discussion of the challenges and future development trends in this field.

Purpose To estimate whether levator ani injuries increase the risk of de novo urinary stress incontinence after cystocele repairing surgery. Methods A total of 1124 women who were underwent cystocele repaired surgeries were recruited and assessed for eligibility from January,1,2012 to April,30,2021. All data related to patients and surgeries was collected and followed-up, which included general conditions, clinical examination, ultrasound results and follow-up results. Data was compared according to the follow up results. The relative risk (RR) of de novo urinary stress incontinence (SUI) with levator avulsion was calculated. Results 336 women were involved eventually. They were divided into no complication group (n=249), de novo SUI group (n=68) and other complications group (n=19). It seemed elder or obese women were more likely to get poor results after TVM repair (p＜0.05). In de novo SUI group, incidence of levator avulsion before surgery were higher than the other two groups(p=0.001). TVM can significantly change a prolapse to point Aa and Ba on POP-Q (p＜0.05). RR ratios of de novo SUI with unilateral avulsion group is 2.60 (95%CI 1.39-4.87), and 2.58(95%CI 0.82 -8.15) for bilateral group. Conclusion Unilateral levator avulsion is a risk factor of de novo SUI after cystocele repair surgery.

As a biodegradable thermoplastic, polylactic acid (PLA) shows great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics. Nevertheless, the flammability and brittleness of PLA seriously limits its use in emerging applications. This work is focused on simultaneously improving the flame-retardancy and toughness of PLA at a low additive load via a simple strategy. The PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites were prepared by incorporating alkali-treated, lightweight, renewable kapok fiber (MKF) and high-efficiency, phosphorus-nitrogenous flame retardant (NTPA) into the PLA matrix based on the extrusion–injection molding method. When the additive loads of MKF and NTPA were 0.5 and 3.0 wt%, respectively, the PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites (PLA3.0) achieved a rating of UL-94 V-0 with an LOI value of 28.3%, and its impact strength (4.43 kJ·m−2) was improved by 18.8% compared to that of pure PLA. Moreover, the cone calorimetry results confirmed a 9.7% reduction in the average effective heat of combustion (av-EHC) and a 0.5-fold increase in the flame retardancy index (FRI) compared to the neat PLA. NTPA not only exerted a gas-phase flame-retardant role, but also a condensed-phase barrier effect during the combustion process of the PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites. Moreover, MKF acted as an energy absorber to enhance the toughness of the PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites. This work provides a simple way to prepare PLA biocomposites with excellent flame-retardancy and toughness at a low additive load, which is of great importance for expanding the application range of PLA biocomposites.

International audience; Petrochemical-based foam materials are extensively used in insulation and energy storage fields. However, their non-degradability and high flammability have caused great pressure on energy, environment and human life and property safety. It is urgent to carry out research on biodegradable and fire safety alternative biomaterials. Herein, inspired by the natural hollow insulation animal hair, the 3D network structure of tubular aerogel was constructed by using the hollow kapok fibers (KF), the binder polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and the flame retardant crosslinker biguanide phosphonate (BGP). The multifunctional tubular aerogel integrating thermal insulation, high strength and fire safety was successfully prepared by freeze-forming and freeze-drying. Due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding and the high viscosity of binder, KF maintained a high filling, full component and high value utilization. Compared to pure KF, the thermal conductivity of KF-PVA-BGP aerogel was reduced to 0.0531 W m−1K−1 and its compressive strength was improved to 1.64 MPa. Meanwhile, the incorporation of flame retardant cross-linker BGP promoted the degradation and charring of KF-PVA aerogel and released lots of inert gases during decomposition process, which effectively exerted the flame retardant effect in condensed and gas phases. Besides, compared with commercial PS insulation boards, KF-PVA-BGP composites are recyclable, sustainable and biodegradable in addition to their excellent thermal insulation and fire safety performance. This KF-PVA-BGP aerogel showed good application prospects for replacing traditional petrochemical-based materials in thermal insulation, energy storage and new energy fields.

A novel mono-component P/N/B-containing intumescent flame retardant poly(methylphosphonic-boric acid piperazine neopentylgcol ester) named MBPNE was synthesized. The chemical structure of MBPNE was analyzed by FTIR, 13C and 31P solid-state NMR tests. The results of thermal gravimetric analysis indicated that MBPNE possessed excellent charring capability, and its residual char was 27.5 mass% at 800 °C. Besides, MBPNE occurred melting and expansion process during charring evolution process. MBPNE was used to prepare flame retardant polyolefin elastomer (POE) composites. The 1.6 mm POE/MBPNE specimens achieved UL-94 V-0 rating and their LOI value was 25.5% when 22 mass% MBPNE was incorporated. The sheet was extinguished quickly after departing the flame, and no dripping appeared. Furthermore, the incorporation of MBPNE effectively enhanced the residual char mass after cone calorimeter tests, and the heat release was suppressed. The compact, expanded, partially graphitized and coherent char layer was generated on POE composites surface during burning process and exerted isolation effect in condensed phase. Meanwhile, the degradation products of MBPNE quenched active free radicals in gaseous phase, which effectually interrupted the combustion chain reaction of POE composites. Consequently, the POE composites were endowed excellent flame retardant performance.

In engineering application area, it has always been a challenge to simultaneously improve flame-retardant performance and crystallization rate of polylactic acid (PLA) biomaterials, thus restricting their extensive application. In this work, a multifunctional additive (4,4′-(phenylphosphoryl)bis(piperazine-4,1-diyl))bis(diphenylphosphine oxide) (PDPO) was successfully synthesized and used to fabricate flame retardant PLA biocomposites. The crystallization behavior, fire safety, mechanical properties and flame retardant mechanisms of PLA biocomposites were studied in detail. The results indicated that PDPO notably improved the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA biocomposites. When 4 wt% PDPO was incorporated, PLA/PDPO biocomposites successfully passed UL-94V-0 grade and their LOI values were improved from 19.0% of pure PLA to 29.4%. The introduction of PDPO promoted the premature degradation and carbonization of PLA substrate, and inhibited the transesterification of the PLA during thermal pyrolysis process. Besides, PDPO decomposed and produced the Ph and PO , which efficiently exerted the free radical trapping effect in vapor phase. Therefore, the spread of fire for PLA/PDPO was declined and even self-extinguished. Meanwhile, the low addition of PDPO presented little effect on the mechanical properties of PLA composites. This flame retardant PLA biocomposites showed broad application prospects in emerging fields such as electronic devices, automobiles, and 3D printing materials.

In the field of electronic and electrical applications, it has always been a challenge to synchronously improve the flame-retardant and smoke-suppression properties for epoxy resins. In this research, a novel flame-retardant phosphonic acid piperazine salt (PTPAP) was successfully synthesized in an environmentally friendly manner and used to fabricate flame-retardant EP thermosets. The fire safety and flame-retardant mechanisms of EP/PTPAP thermosets were detailedly studied. When merely 6 wt% PTPAP was introduced into EP substrate, the EP/PTPAP thermosets gained UL-94V-0 grade and their LOI value improved from 21.3% of pure EP to 28.3% with the increase of 32.9%. The introduction of PTPAP promoted the premature degradation and charring of EP matrix, and the intumescent, compact, and sealed char layer was produced on the surface of EP/PTPAP thermosets during combustion. Besides, PTPAP decomposed and produced the PO· and inert gases, which efficaciously exerted the free radical trapping and dilution effect in vapor phase. Therefore, the emission of smoke and heat was distinctly constrained and the EP/PTPAP thermosets was endowed with the superior fire safety. This flame-retardant EP/PTPAP thermosets showed broad application prospects under the environment of sustainable development because of the eco-friendly and simplicity of the synthesis of PTPAP.

The electrochemical behavior of nickel at different pH values in industrial electrolyte was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the cathodic reaction of nickel ions on glassy carbon electrode surface in industrial electrolyte is a quasi-reversible nucleation and growth process controlled by diffusion. The process is carried out in a three-dimensional instantaneous nucleation and growth mode, and pH values only influence the growth process. The grain size decreased, the deposition rate increased and the density of deposition layer on electrode surface increased with the increase in pH. When the electrolyte pH is 4.8, the grains are uniformly distributed on the electrode surface in a spherical shape with the size of 80 nm, which is the optimum pH value for preparing fine-grained nano-nickel.

Background. Studies have shown that stem cell transplantation can improve smooth muscle cell (SMC) regeneration and remodelling. Gap junctions can enhance the cytoprotective effects of neighbouring cells. We investigated the effect of gap junctions on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into SMCs. Materials and Methods. Rat BMSCs and SMCs were obtained from the bone marrow and bladder of Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. Flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation were performed to assess the characteristics of these cells. BMSCs and SMCs were incubated together in cocultures in the presence and absence of heptanol, an uncoupler of gap junctions. Cocultures were divided into three groups consisting of a contact coculture, noncontact coculture, and contact coculture plus heptanol groups. The expression of BMSC-specific markers and the effect of gap junctions on the differentiation of BMSCs were evaluated by performing real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence analysis, and western blotting after cocultures. Results. CD90 and CD44 were markedly expressed, and CD31 and CD45 were weakly or not expressed in BMSCs. The cells also showed good osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation ability. Compared with the noncontact coculture group, the SMC markers such as α-SMA, calponin, and connexin43 increased in the contact coculture group. The effect of contact in the coculture group was significantly weakened by heptanol. Conclusions. The results suggested that gap junctions play an important role in the generation of SMCs from BMSCs. The formation of SMCs can potentially be used to repair the sphincter muscle of patients with stress urinary incontinence.

Sepsis, the syndrome of infection complicated by acute organ dysfunction, is a serious and growing global problem, which not only leads to enormous economic losses but also becomes one of the leading causes of mortality in the intensive care unit. The detection of sepsis-related pathogens and biomarkers in the early stage plays a critical role in selecting appropriate antibiotics or other drugs, thereby preventing the emergence of dangerous phases and saving human lives. There are numerous demerits in conventional detection strategies, such as high cost, low efficiency, as well as lacking of sensitivity and selectivity. Recently, the aptamer-based biosensor is an emerging strategy for reasonable sepsis diagnosis because of its accessibility, rapidity, and stability. In this review, we first introduce the screening of suitable aptamer. Further, recent advances of aptamer-based biosensors in the detection of bacteria and biomarkers for the diagnosis of sepsis are summarized. Finally, the review proposes a brief forecast of challenges and future directions with highly promising aptamer-based biosensors.

Flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites are usually used in the wire and cable areas, but the water resistance of composites seriously restrains its further application. Herein, a mono-component intumescent flame retardant dimelamine pyrophosphate (DMPY) was successfully synthesized and incorporated into TPU matrix. The fire safety, mechanical performance, water resistance and flame retarded mechanisms of TPU/DMPY composites were systematically investigated. When 15 wt% DMPY was incorporated, the samples of TPU/DMPY fulfilled UL-94 V-0 grade during vertical burning tests with the limiting oxygen index of 27.3%. The blowing-out effect appeared during vertical burning tests and it improved the flame retardant performance of composites. The integrated, dense and partially graphitized char layer was produced on TPU/DMPY composites surface during combustion. Moreover, the release of noncombustible gases exerted diluted effect in gas phase. As a results, the production of heat, toxicity and smoke were significantly suppressed and led to good fire safety performance of TPU composites. Furthermore, the TPU/DMPY remained satisfied flame retardancy and mechanical performance after the samples were soaked into 70 °C for 168 h and dried to a constant weight. The TPU/DMPY composites with good comprehensive performance as well as fire safety, water resistance and mechanical performance were prepared in this investigation, which would bring more chance for wider application of TPU composites in key fields.

An economical flame retardant additive dimelamine pyrophosphate (DMPY) was synthesized from melamine and sodium pyrophosphate and its chemical structure was well characterized and confirmed. It was used to flame retardant epoxy resin (EP) thermosets and the fire retarded performance, mechanical properties, moisture resistance and flame retardant mechanism of EP thermosets were investigated in details. The samples achieved UL-94 V-0 grade during vertical burning tests and the limiting oxygen index value reached 28.7% when 9 wt% DMPY was incorporated. DMPY stimulated the degradation of EP matrix in advance and the formation of intumescent and compact char layer during combustion. Besides, the nonflammable gases generated from the decomposition of DMPY exerted flame retarded effect in gas phase. Thus, the rate and total amount of heat release and smoke production were significantly suppressed. The moisture resistance of EP/DMPY thermosets was improved comparing with that of pure EP. The samples remained superior flame retardant performance and mechanical properties after water resistance tests due to the excellent water resistance of DMPY. In summary, the EP/DMPY thermosets exhibited excellent flame retardancy, moisture resistance, mechanical properties and fire safety performance. The presented investigation provided a broad application prospect in the high-performance field of flame retardant EP thermosets because of the low cost and easy industrialization of DMPY.

OBJECTIVE To explore the safety and efficiency of modified sacrospinous ligament fixation (MSSF) for apical prolapse. METHODS A retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with apical prolapse from 2014 to 2019 were recruited and divided into three groups: sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSF), MSSF, and laparoscopic sacral hysteropexy (LSH). All surgical characteristics were obtained and information concerning complications was collected and compared among these three groups. RESULTS A total of 710 patients were included: 108 in the SSF group, 260 in the LSH group, and 342 in the MSSF group. The MSSF and SSF groups took less surgical time (P

Fucoidan has received much attention in healthy food and biomedicine owing to their unique (bio)physicochemical properties, particularly antibacterial and antiviral. Pathogenic microorganisms and probiotics are coexisting in many tissues (e.g., gut, oral, and vagina). However, the effect of fucoidan on probiotics has not been examined. Herein, fucoidan sterilized by different methods (i.e., 0.22 μm filter and high-temperature autoclave) is applied to explore its effect on the responses of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. It is found that high-temperature autoclave treatment causes the depolymerization of fucoidan. Further, the proliferation, morphology, and metabolism of probiotics are greatly dependent on the concentrations of fucoidan. The formation of probiotic biofilm is reduced with an increased concentration of fucoidan. Moreover, the antibacterial ability of probiotics initially increases and then decreases with an increased concentration of fucoidan. Thus, fucoidan could serve as a new marine-origin prebiotic, offering new insight into probiotic modulation and its application in inhibiting bacterial infections.

Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) are usually used in the field of electronic appliances, but their inherent flammability and hygroscopicity severely limit their wide application. In this research, dimelamine pyrophosphate (DMPY) was synthesized and constituted a synergistic flame retardant system (FRs) with aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP). The FRs was applied to flame retarded UPR thermosets and the fire retardancy, moisture resistance, mechanical properties and flame retarded mechanisms of UPR/FRs were comprehensively investigated. When as low as 15 wt% FRs was incorporated, UPR/FRs achieved UL-94 V-0 rating during vertical burning tests and the limiting oxygen index value reached 27.9%. FRs stimulated UPR matrix to form uniform, stiff and dense char layer on materials surface during combustion process. Besides, the phosphine and phosphine oxygen radicals and inert gases generated from FRs exerted the inhibition and dilution effect in gas phase. Thus, the heat release and effective heat combustion of UPR/FRs were conspicuously suppressed. Moreover, UPR/FRs retained satisfactory flame retardancy and mechanical performance after water resistance tests. The moisture resistance of UPR/FRs was evidently enhanced compared with UPR and it led to the maintenance of electrical insulation properties of water treated UPR/FRs. Overall, the superior fire safety, moisture resistance and electrical insulation performance promised the flame retardant UPR thermosets crucial application values in the key areas. Keywords: Unsaturated polyester resins, Synergistic flame retardant system, Fire safety, Moisture resistance, Electrical insulation performance

Polylactic acid (PLA) was regarded as the most prospective sustainable bioplastic in the field of engineering applications, but its slow crystallization and strong sensitivity to fire severely restrict its large-scale applications. In this research, a multi-functional additive N,N′,N″-(nitrilotris(ethane-2,1-diyl))tris(P,P-diphenylphosphinic amide) (NTPA) was successfully synthesized through the substitution reaction of N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)ethylenediamine and diphenylphosphinyl chloride and its chemical structure was determined. NTPA was introduced into PLA to simultaneously enhance the fire safety and crystallization rate of PLA composites and the corresponding crystallization behaviors, fire retardancy, flame retarded mechanism and mechanical performance of PLA composites were systematically investigated. With the introduction of mere 2.5 wt% NTPA, the PLA/NTPA composites gained UL-94 V-0 grade and its LOI reached 28.5%. The remarkable fire safety of PLA/NTPA composites was mainly assigned to the inhibition function of benzene and phosphooxygen radicals generated from the pyrolysis of NTPA and the dilution effect of inert gases in gas phase. Besides, an uniform and compact char layer exerted a certain barrier effect in condensed phase. Thus, the total heat release and average effective heat combustion of PLA/NTPA composites were evidently declined by 12.2 and 9.8% and the flame retardant index was increased by 38% with only 2.5 wt% NTPA loading. Meanwhile, NTPA was a good nucleating agent for PLA matrix and efficiently enhanced the crystallinity and crystallization rate of PLA. Interestingly, PLA/NTPA composites still retained superior transparency and mechanical properties. This flame-retardant PLA composites exhibited the enormous application prospect in the field of advanced optoelectronic devices.

The flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with remarkable smoke suppression, anti-dripping and mechanical properties has been still a big conundrum in the field of fire safety science. In this article, an urethane-based phosphonate ester (UPE) flame retardant additive was successfully synthesized and incorporated into TPU. The fire safety, mechanical performance and flame-retardant mechanisms of TPU/UPE composites were lucubrated. With the incorporation of only 10 wt% UPE, TPU/10 wt% UPE composites passed UL-94 V-0 rating without dripping and the limited oxygen index (LOI) value reached 28.8%. Cone calorimetry tests indicated that the peak value of heat release and smoke production of TPU/10 wt% UPE composites were significantly diminished with the reduction of 70.6 and 54.1% in comparison with that of pure TPU. The analysis of flame-retarded mechanism for TPU/UPE indicated that UPE efficiently exerted free radical capture effect in gaseous phase, and stimulated the decomposition and charring of TPU composites in advance and the formation of high-quality char layer exerted isolation role in condensed phase. Therefore, the fire safety of TPU composites was enhanced by the incorporation of UPE. Meanwhile, the mechanical performance of TPU/UPE composite was well remained due to the good compatibility between UPE and TPU matrix. This work supplied a promising way for fabricating fire-safety TPU composites with preferable comprehensive properties.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a serious health issue that affects many adult women. Surgical treatments for POP patients comprise a common strategy in which scaffold materials are used to reconstruct the prolapsed pelvic. However, the existing materials for pelvic reconstruction cannot meet clinical requirements in terms of biocompatibility, mechanics and immunological rejection. To address these concerns, polypropylene (PP) mesh was selected because of its strong mechanical properties. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was used to modify the PP mesh via a mussel-inspired polydopamine coating to enhance its biocompatibility. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results demonstrated that SIS was successfully conjugated on the surface of the PP mesh. Moreover, the cytotoxicity results indicated that the PP mesh and SIS-modified PP mesh were safe to use. Furthermore, in vivo tests demonstrated that the fibroplasia around the implanted site in the SIS-modified PP mesh group was significantly less than the fibroplasia around the PP mesh group. In addition, the immunohistochemistry staining results indicated that the expression of pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1) was substantially lower and that the expression of pro-healing macrophages (M2) was higher in the SIS-modified PP mesh group. Furthermore, ELISA detection indicated that the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in the SIS-modified PP mesh group was reduced compared with the PP mesh group. These findings suggest that a SIS-modified polypropylene hybrid mesh via a mussel-inspired polydopamine coating is a promising approach in pelvic reconstruction.

The simultaneous improvement of flame retardancy and crystallization rate for polylactic acid (PLA) has always been a challenge in the field of engineering applications. In this paper, a piperazine-phosphamide derivative (PPDO) was successfully synthesized from diphenylphosphinyl chloride and piperazine and its chemical structure was confirmed. The PPDO was served as a multi-functional additive to simultaneously improve the fire safety and crystallization rate of PLA. The fire retardancy, crystallization behaviors, mechanical properties and flame-retardant mechanism of PLA biocomposites were systematically investigated. With the incorporation of mere 3 wt% PPDO, the PLA biocomposites fulfilled UL-94 V-0 rating with the LOI of 27.8%. The outstanding fire retardancy of PPDO in PLA was ascribed to the shielding effect of compact and dense char layer in condensed phase, and the suppression function of benzene- and phosphorus-containing free radicals and the dilution role of inert gases in vapor phase. Thus, the effective heat combustion and total heat release of PLA biocomposites were prominently depressed. Meanwhile, PPDO was a good nucleating agent for PLA, which effectively increased the crystallinity and crystallization rate of PLA. Besides, PLA biocomposites still maintained remarkable transparency and mechanical properties due to the low addition of PPDO and excellent compatibility with the PLA matrix, which endowed flame-retardant PLA biocomposites with the enormous application prospect in the field of advanced optoelectronic devices.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a serious health issue that affects many adult women. A common strategy for POP reconstruction is to use scaffold materials to reconstruct the prolapsed pelvic organ. However, the existing materials for pelvic reconstruction do not meet the clinical requirements for biocompatibility, mechanics and immunological rejection. To address these concerns, urinary bladder decellularized materials (UBDM) was selected due to their good strain-stress resistance. To enhance its biocompatibility, laminin/nidogen was used to modify the UBDM with a mussel-inspired polydopamine coating. We found that the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of laminin/nidogen-Dopamine-UBDM were significantly enhanced and that the degradation rate of laminin/nidogen-Dopamine-UBDM was markedly reduced. Moreover, the expression of CD31 in the laminin/nidogen-Dopamine-UBDM group was higher than that in the normal UBDM group. The laminin/nidogen-Dopamine-UBDM treatment mainly guided M2 type macrophages and led to an inflammatory response. These results indicate that laminin/nidogen adsorbed urinary bladder decellularized materials are promising for use in pelvic reconstruction.

The water resistance, compatibility and anti-dripping performance of flame retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites have still been a challenge in the fire science. Inspired by the hydrophobic surface structure of biomaterials, the hydrophobic charring agent N-methyl triazine-piperazine copolymer (MTPC) and modified magnesium oxide (MgO) were assembled on ammonium polyphosphate (APP) surface to prepare the hydrophobic intumescent flame retardant (HIFR) system. The constructed HIFR system presented excellent hydrophobic performance with the water contact angle of 139°. The HIFR was incorporated into TPU matrix. The tensile strength and elongation at break of TPU/10 wt% HIFR composites increased by 48 and 106% compared with that of TPU/10 wt% APP. Meanwhile, the specimens of TPU/10 wt% HIFR composites before and after water resistance tests achieved UL-94 V-0 rating without drippings and the limiting oxygen index value was 27.5 and 27.3%. TPU/HIFR composites still maintained excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties after water treatment. Cone calorimeter tests revealed that the peak of heat release and smoke production, and CO yield of TPU/10 wt% HIFR composites were significantly decreased with the reduction of 87.0, 63.2 and 28.6% compared with that of neat TPU. The incorporation of HIFR effectively enhanced the fire safety for TPU composites. The investigation of flame retardant mechanism for TPU/HIFR demonstrated that HIFR catalyzed the TPU matrix charring in advance and the generated compact, homogeneous and partial graphitized char layer exerted barrier effect in condensed phase, and the released inert gases evoked dilution effect in gas phase. This presented work provided a novel promising approach for preparing TPU materials with excellent comprehensive performance as well as water resistance and highly flame retardant efficiency.

Introduction and hypothesis The present study set out to modify polypropylene vaginal surgical material using porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) in order to improve biocompatibility. The aim was to develop a compound scaffold that induced less vaginal erosion and to evaluate host immunoreactivity to this material in vivo. Methods Forty-eight Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. One group underwent a sham operation, and the other groups underwent vaginal implantation with different materials: UBM (U); UBM+ polypropylene (UP); or polypropylene (P). The host tissue response was determined by macro-observation, and by histological and immunohistochemical methods at 7, 14, 21, or 28 days after surgery. Results The inflammation reaction was strongest throughout the entire observation time in Group P, but was weaker and had a tendency to decrease with time in Groups U and UP. The presence of the UBM material in the compound scaffold allowed the polypropylene to fuse with newly proliferating surrounding tissue and resulted in less rejection of the material by the host, as indicated by the reduced appearance of CD4-, and CD8-positive cells. Conclusions Porcine UBM allowed mechanical isolation of polypropylene, and also reduced the immune reaction to polypropylene. This study suggests that the UBM+polypropylene compound scaffold may be a promising material for clinical use in pelvic reconstruction surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulation and the blocking of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway by vector-mediated Smad3 shRNA on muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) in cell implantation treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) of the rat. MDSCs were infected with the GC-shSmad3 lentivirus vector. Five days after infection, the cells were treated with TGF-β1. The expression levels of desmin (a marker of muscle differentiation) and vimentin (a marker of fibroblast differentiation) were tested by real-time PCR and Western blot. GC-shSmad3 lentivirus-infected MDSCs were injected into the bladder neck and proximal urethra of SUI rats. Urodynamic test was used to measure leak point pressure (LPP) at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after MDSC transplantation. Upregulated expression of vimentin and downregulated expression of desmin were found in MDSCs after culture with TGF-β1 in vitro. GC-shSmad3 lentivirus infection inhibited fibroblast differentiation of MDSCs but allowed muscle differentiation with desmin expression. In vivo experiments showed that GC-shSmad3 lentivirus infection could improve MDSC-mediated repairing of urethra sphincter function. In conclusion, blocking Smad3 expression inhibits the fibroblast differentiation of MDSCs induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and improves the repairing of urethral sphincter function by inhibiting the fibroblast differentiation of MDSCs in a rat model of SUI in vivo.

It is valuable for the public to get access to real-time noise level information. Unfortunately, it is generally difficult for ordinary people to access real-time noise level information because of limited noise information stations and increased burden of carrying professional noise level meters. Being equipped with a high-quality microphone, a smartphone can potentially serve as a handy noise level meter. However, the straightforward use of sound measurements from smartphones leads to large measurement errors. As a result, it is essential to calibrate a smartphone before it can be used for noise level measurements. Little work has been done on automatic smartphone calibration for noise measurement purposes. In this paper we design a system called iCaZ for calibrating smartphones for accurate noise level measurements. The system consists of two key components: node-based calibration and crowdsourcing-based calibration. The node-based calibration enables an individual smartphone to do offline calibration, but suffers a slow-start issue. Complementing the node-based calibration, the crowdsourcing-based calibration leverages the power of crowdsourcing to maintain a lookup table, which a smartphone user can consult to find an approximate offset specific to its smartphone model. Thus, the slow-start issue can be effectively mitigated. The salient feature of iCal is human intervention free. We have implemented iCal on the android platform and experimental results show that the calibration error is as low as 3 dbA.