Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate bacteria‐induced liver injury in mice by inducing regulatory dendritic cells

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/102718/1/hep26670.pd

Release Behavior of Copper Ion in a Novel Contraceptive Composite

Purpose The universally used contraceptive method, the Cu-IUD, an effective contraceptive, is being increasingly used worldwide for family planning. To avoid abnormal bleeding, pain, partial and complete expulsion associated with the burst release of copper during the first few days, a novel cross-linked composite based on poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) that contains copper ions, but not metallic copper, was synthesized. Material and Methods PVA, well known for its good processability, high strength, long-term temperature and pH stability and biocompatibility, was used as the matrix material. The corrosion products and the release rate of copper ions after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different time spans were studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results No significant change on time dependence for the release rate of copper ions in the composite compared with that of metallic copper was found. Moreover, no other new elements, such as P, Cl and Ca, appeared on the surface of the composite and no Cu2O formed after immersing in SBF for 90 days. Conclusion Burst release of copper ions can be avoided by loading copper ions in this polymer material. Release channels would not be obstructed by the deposition of corrosion products and nearly all of the copper loaded in the composites could be an effective contraceptive

Comparison of the Release Behaviors of Cupric Ions from Metallic Copper and a Novel Composite in Simulated Body Fluid

The copper-containing intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs) are being increasingly used worldwide as an effective contraceptive for family planning. To avoid abnormal bleeding, pain, and partial and complete expulsion which are associated with the burst release of copper during the first few days, a novel crosslinked composite based on poly(vinyl alcohol) that contained cupric ions, but not metallic copper, was synthesized. It is hypothesized that the burst release of cupric ions could be avoided and the utility of the cupric ions could be improved by this novel composite. To evaluate these effects of the composite, the corrosion products and the release rate of cupric ions after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different time spans were studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the first week, the release amount of cupric ions in the composite was 0.486 μg/mm2. In the fifth week, it decreased to 0.0278 μg/mm2. But for metallic copper, these were 5.93 μg/mm2 and 0.041 μg/mm2, respectively. No significant change on time-dependence was found for the release rates of cupric ions in the composite compared with that of metallic copper. Moreover, no other new elements, such as P, Cl, and Ca, appeared on the surface of the composite, and no Cu2O was formed after immersing in SBF for 90 days. All of these results suggested that burst release of cupric ions could be avoided and the effective utility of copper could be improved in this composite. In view of the earlier results, this novel copper-containing composite might serve as a potential substitute for conventional materials of IUDs in the future

Pd-Catalyzed Arylation/Oxidation of Benzylic C–H Bond

A palladium-catalyzed benzylic C–H arylation/oxidation reaction leading to diaryl ketones has been accomplished. The indispensable role of the bidentate system is disclosed for this sequential process. This chemistry offers a direct new access to a range of diarylketones

Near infra-red light treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. The symptoms include memory and spatial learning difficulties, language disorders, and loss of motivation, which get worse over time, eventually ending in death. No effective treatments are available for AD, currently. Current treatments only attenuate symptoms temporarily and are associated with severe side effects. Near infra-red (NIR) light has been studied for a long time. We investigated the effect of NIR on AD using a transgenic mouse model, which was obtained by co-injecting two vectors carrying AD mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin-1 (PSEN1) into C57BL/6J mice. The irradiation equipment consisted of an accommodating box and an LED array. The wavelength of NIR light emitted from LED was between 1040nm and 1090nm. The power density delivered at the level of the mice was approximately 15mW/cm2. Firstly, we treated the mice with NIR for 40 days. Then, the irradiation was suspended for 28 days. Finally, another 15 days treatment was brought to mice. We conducted Morris water maze and immunofluorescence analysis to evaluate the effects of treatment. Immunofluorescence analysis was based on measuring the quantity of plaques in mouse brain slices. Our results show that NIR light improves memory and spatial learning ability and reduces plaques moderately. NIR light represents a potential treatment for AD

In vivo corneal elastography: A topical review of challenges and opportunities

Clinical measurement of corneal biomechanics can aid in the early diagnosis, progression tracking, and treatment evaluation of ocular diseases. Over the past two decades, interdisciplinary collaborations between investigators in optical engineering, analytical biomechanical modeling, and clinical research has expanded our knowledge of corneal biomechanics. These advances have led to innovations in testing methods (ex vivo, and recently, in vivo) across multiple spatial and strain scales. However, in vivo measurement of corneal biomechanics remains a long-standing challenge and is currently an active area of research. Here, we review the existing and emerging approaches for in vivo corneal biomechanics evaluation, which include corneal applanation methods, such as ocular response analyzer (ORA) and corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST), Brillouin microscopy, and elastography methods, and the emerging field of optical coherence elastography (OCE). We describe the fundamental concepts, analytical methods, and current clinical status for each of these methods. Finally, we discuss open questions for the current state of in vivo biomechanics assessment techniques and requirements for wider use that will further broaden our understanding of corneal biomechanics for the detection and management of ocular diseases, and improve the safety and efficacy of future clinical practice