ROS-scavenging hydrogel as protective carrier to regulate stem cells activity and promote osteointegration of 3D printed porous titanium prosthesis in osteoporosis

Stem cell-based therapy has drawn attention as an alternative option for promoting prosthetic osteointegration in osteoporosis by virtue of its unique characteristics. However, estrogen deficiency is the main mechanism of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen, as an effective antioxidant, deficienncy also results in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, affecting the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and the bone formation i osteoporosis. In this study, we prepared a ROS-scavenging hydrogel by crosslinking of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), 3-acrylamido phenylboronic acid (APBA) and acrylamide. The engineered hydrogel can scavenge ROS efficiently, enabling it to be a cell carrier of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to protect delivered cells from ROS-mediated death and osteogenesis inhibition, favorably enhancing the tissue repair potential of stem cells. Further in vivo investigations seriously demonstrated that this ROS-scavenging hydrogel encapsulated with BMSCs can prominently promote osteointegration of 3D printed microporous titanium alloy prosthesis in osteoporosis, including scavenging accumulated ROS, inducing macrophages to polarize toward M2 phenotype, suppressing inflammatory cytokines expression, and improving osteogenesis related markers (e.g., ALP, Runx-2, COL-1, BSP, OCN, and OPN). This work provides a novel strategy for conquering the challenge of transplanted stem cells cannot fully function in the impaired microenvironment, and enhancing prosthetic osteointegration in osteoporosis

Involvement of Actin-Regulating Factor Cofilin in the Inclusion Body Formation and RNA Synthesis of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 via Interaction With the Nucleoprotein

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) is one of the primary pathogens that causing severe respiratory tract diseases in newborns and infants. It could induce inclusion bodies (IBs) in infected cells. Comprised of viral nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (P), as well as some cellular factors, HPIV3 IBs are unique platform for efficient viral synthesis. Although several studies have demonstrated the formation of IBs, little is known about cellular proteins involved in HPIV3 IBs formation. By quantitative real-time PCR assays after cytochalasin D treatment, we found actin microfilaments of the cytoskeleton were indispensible for HPIV3 RNA synthesis. Using co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays, an actin-modulating protein, cofilin was found to involve in the IBs formation through interaction with the N protein in N–P induced IBs complex. Viral IBs formation reduced upon RNA interference knockdown of cellular cofilin, thus viral RNA synthesis and protein expression level were also suppressed. What’s more, the inactive form of cofilin, p-cofilin was increased after HPIV3 infection, and phosphorylation of cofilin was required for interacting with N–P complex and IBs formation. We further identified that the regions in cofilin interacting with N protein lies in the C-terminus. Our findings for the first time to state that cellular cofilin involves in HPIV3 IBs and interaction with N is critical for cofilin to aid IBs formation and enhancing viral RNA synthesis

Spatio-temporal variation of water conservation and its impact factors on the southern slope of Qilian Mountains

The ecology of the Qilian Mountains has been seriously threatened by uncontrolled grazing and wasteland reclamation. This study examined the ecological changes on the southern slope of Qilian Mountains from the perspective of water conservation by classifying different clusters of water conservation functional areas to efficiently use limited human resources to tackle the water conservation protection problem. In this study, we used Integrate Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model to estimate water conservation and analyzed the factors that influence the function. The results of this study include: (1) from 2000 to 2015, the water conservation of the southern slope of Qilian Mountains generally showed an increasing trend, and the total water conservation in 2015 increased by 42.18% compared with 2000. (2) Rainfall, fractional vegetation cover (FVC), and evapotranspiration have the most significant influence on the water conservation of study area. Among them, water conservation is positively correlated with rainfall and FVC (P ​< ​0.05) and negatively correlated with evapotranspiration (P ​< ​0.05). (3) The importance level of water conservation functional areas gradually increases from northwest to southeast, and the region surrounding Menyuan Hui Autonomous County in the southeast of the southern slope of Qilian Mountains is the core water conservation functional area. (4) The study area was divided into five clusters of water conservation, with the areas of Clusters I through V accounting for 0.58%, 13.74%, 41.23%, 32.43%, and 12.01% of the whole study area, respectively

Preparation and Properties of Graphene/Nickel Composite Coating Based on Textured Surface of Aluminum Alloy

This study carried out a novel duplex surface treatment on aluminum alloy base to explore the potential improvement of wear and corrosion resistance. Regular arrayed dimple surface texture (DST) and groove surface texture (GST) were fabricated by using laser processing on 6065 aluminum alloy matrix (6065Al). Electrochemical deposition of Ni and Graphene/Ni coatings on textured surface was then performed in electrolytes with concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg graphene. Surface morphology such as diameter of dimple and width of groove measured by C-PSCN stereo microscope presents addition of graphene helps to refine and homogenize the coating. Corrosion resistant properties of the duplex surface treatment were examined by electrochemical corrosion tests and wear resistant properties were tested by UMT-Tribo Lab friction and wear tester in a dry sliding condition at room temperature. Electrochemical corrosion tests results show that the corrosion resistance of samples is related to the specific surface texture and the dimple texture can improve the electrical corrosion parameters, such as the electrode potential, greatly. Friction and wear tests show that the textured Gr/Ni electroplating coating with the 1.5 mg graphene content has best wear properties under vertical friction and each index, such as the coefficient of friction and wear trace width, are superior to other conditions of samples

A knitted garment using intarsia technique for Heart Rate Variability biofeedback : Evaluation of initial prototype

Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback is a method based on paced breathing at specific rate called resonance frequency by giving online feedbacks from user respiration and its effect on HRV. Since the HRV is also influence by different factors like stress and emotions, stress related to an unfamiliar measurement device, cables and skin electrodes may cover the underling effect of such kind of intervention. Wearable systems are usually considered as intuitive solutions which are more familiar to the end-user and can help to improve usability and hence reducing the stress. In this work, a prototype of a knitted garment using intarsia technique is developed and evaluated. Results show the satisfactory level of quality for Electrocardiogram and thoracic electrical bioimpedance i.e. for respiration monitoring as a part of HRV biofeedback system. Using intarsia technique and conductive yarn for making the connection instead of cables will reduce the complexity of fabrication in textile production and hence reduce the final costs in a final commercial product. Further development of garment and Android application is ongoing and usability and efficiency of final prototype will be evaluated in detail.QC 20181120</p

The Study of Vegetation Carbon Storage in Qinghai Lake Valley Based on Remote Sensing and CASA Model

AbstractBased on EOS/MODIS remote sensing image data, with the CASA model to simulate the net primary productivity (NPP) of terrestrial vegetation in Qinghai Lake valley, calculate and invert spatial distribution of vegetation carbon storage of the Qinghai Lake Valley, the results showed that there were total 639.77×104t vegetation carbon storage in 2007 in Qinghai Lake Valley, the total carbon fixation value was 43.7×108 Yuan. Carbon storage showed obvious differences in vegetation types, among which the most alpine meadows are up to 437.37×104t, followed by warm steppe 93.70×104t, sparse vegetation on alpine flowstone slope 59.02×104t, alpine swamp 25.27×104t, vegetation carbon storage appears to be decreasing gradually with the elevation around the lake

Deep learning techniques for imaging diagnosis and treatment of aortic aneurysm

ObjectiveThis study aims to review the application of deep learning techniques in the imaging diagnosis and treatment of aortic aneurysm (AA), focusing on screening, diagnosis, lesion segmentation, surgical assistance, and prognosis prediction.MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies that utilized deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in various aspects of AA management. The review covered applications in screening, segmentation, surgical planning, and prognosis prediction, with a focus on how these models improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.ResultsDeep learning models demonstrated significant advancements in AA management. For screening and diagnosis, models like ResNet achieved high accuracy in identifying AA in non-contrast CT scans. In segmentation, techniques like U-Net provided precise measurements of aneurysm size and volume, crucial for surgical planning. Deep learning also assisted in surgical procedures by accurately predicting stent placement and postoperative complications. Furthermore, models were able to predict AA progression and patient prognosis with high accuracy.ConclusionDeep learning technologies show remarkable potential in enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of AA. These advancements could lead to more accurate and personalized patient care, improving outcomes in AA management

Short hairpin RNA targeting of fibroblast activation protein inhibits tumor growth and improves the tumor microenvironment in a mouse model

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a specific serine proteaseexpressed in tumor stroma proven to be a stimulatory factor inthe progression of some cancers. The purpose of this studywas to investigate the effects of FAP knockdown on tumorgrowth and the tumor microenvironment. Mice bearing 4T1subcutaneous tumors were treated with liposome-shRNAcomplexes targeting FAP. Tumor volumes and weights weremonitored, and FAP, collagen, microvessel density (MVD),and apoptosis were measured. Our studies showed thatshRNA targeting of FAP in murine breast cancer reduces FAPexpression, inhibits tumor growth, promotes collagenaccumulation (38%), and suppresses angiogenesis (71.7%), aswell as promoting apoptosis (by threefold). We suggest thatFAP plays a role in tumor growth and in altering the tumormicroenvironment. Targeting FAP may therefore represent asupplementary therapy for breast cancer. [BMB Reports 2013;46(5): 252-257

A Fe Single Atom Seed‐Mediated Strategy Toward Fe3C/FeNC Catalysts with Outstanding Bifunctional ORR/OER Activities

Abstract The discovery of low‐cost and high‐performance bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is vital to the future commercialization of rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a Fe single atom seed‐mediated strategy is reported for the fabrication of Fe3C species closely surrounded by FeN4C active sites with strong electronic interactions built between them and more importantly, creating optimized coordination environment, via subtly adjusting their ratio, for favorable adsorption energies of oxygen intermediates formed during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Concretely, the voltage difference (ΔE) between the ORR half‐wave and OER potential at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for the compositionally‐optimized FeNC/Fe3C‐op electrocatalyst is only 0.668 V, endowing itself one of the best bifunctional OER/ORR benchmarks. As a demo, ZABs assembled with FeNC/Fe3C‐op as the air cathode deliver a remarkable specific capacity (818.1 mAh gZn−1) and a power density (1013.9 mWh gZn−1), along with excellent long‐term durability (>450 h). This work extends the methodology to modulate the activity of FeN4C atomic site, undoubtedly inspiring wide explorations on the precise design of bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts