Total Volume Ratio Research Articles

Simvastatin-Loaded Nanomicelles Enhance the Osteogenic Effect of Simvastatin

Objectives. The present study intended to further verify that simvastatin-loaded nanomicelles (SVNs) enhanced the role of simvastatin (SV) in promoting osteoblast differentiation in vitro and to evaluate the effect of SVNs on bone defect repair in vivo. Methods. SVNs were synthesized by dialysis. MG63 cells were subjected to intervention with 0.25 μmol/l of SVNs and SV. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay kit and flow cytometry were used to determine cell proliferation activity, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. The osteoblastic differentiation of MG 63 cells was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and the expression levels of the osterix (Osx) and osteocalcin (OC) proteins. In addition, 0.5 mg of SVNs or SV was applied to the skull defect area of rabbits. Micro-CT, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining were used for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of new bone in three dimensions and two dimensions. Results. The SVNs had a mean diameter of 38.97 nm. The encapsulation and drug-loading efficiencies were 54.57 ± 3.15 % and 10.91 ± 0.63 % , respectively. In vitro, SVNs and SV can inhibit the proliferation activity and promote osteogenic differentiation of MG63 cells by arresting MG63 cells at the G0/G1 phase without increasing the apoptosis rate. In vivo quantitative results showed that the bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume (BV)/total volume (TV) ratio, and trabecular number (Tb.N) in the gelatin sponge with SVNs (SVNs-GS) group and gelatin sponge with SV (SV-GS) group were 362.1%, 292.0%; 181.3%, 158.0%; and 215.2%, 181.8% of those in the blank control (BC) group, respectively. Histological results identified the new bone tissue in each group as irregular fibrous bone, and the arrangement of trabecular bone was disordered. There were significantly more osteoblasts and new capillaries around the trabecular bone in the SVNs-GS group and SV-GS group than in both the BC and drug-free nanomicelle (DFNs) groups. Both in vitro and in vivo, SVNs exhibited greater osteogenic efficacy than SV. Conclusion. SVNs significantly improved the osteogenic efficacy of SV.

Study on a novel N-doped mesoporous carbon for the efficient removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution

A novel N-doped mesoporous carbon (AC-N) was prepared by impregnation method on the basis of cypress-derived activated carbon for methylene blue (MB) removal. The introduction of nitrogen atoms with appropriate proportion could improve MB adsorption capacity of the prepared mesoporous carbon (AC-N). AC-N obtained at optimized modification (1 mol/L urea) had an excellent MB adsorption of 910.95 mg/g and the removal efficiency was ca. 91% at 25℃. Elemental analysis showed that the nitrogen content of AC-N was high up to 2.6%. A large specific surface area (S<sub>BET</sub>) 1,215 cm<sup>3</sup>/g and an obvious mesoporous structure with a high mesopore to total pore volume ratio (V<sub>mes</sub>/V<sub>tot</sub>) 91% was observed on AC-N. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated a successful doping of nitrogen element into the mesoporous carbon and pyridinic-N, pyrrolic-N and amino-N were existed in AC-N. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) were also used to characterize this prepared adsorbent. MB adsorption kinetics parameters and isotherm results on the produced carbon were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model. According to the thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption of MB on AC-N was found to be an endothermic, spontaneous process in nature.

A Shift from Brain Volume to Cerebrospinal Fluid Volume after Radiotherapy: Loss of Tissue after Treatment for Brain Tumors

Healthy brain tissue shows dose-dependent atrophy after radiotherapy (RT) for brain tumors. One of the most challenging consequences of this phenomenon is post-RT cognitive decline. Changes in areas associated with cognitive functions, such as the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, have already been linked to the applied dose and cognitive outcomes. In volumetric analyses in aging and degenerative brain diseases, certain regions in both gray and white matter undergo volume loss after RT. However, the total volume within the cranium is not expected to change, as previous studies have already shown that the total intracranial volume (TIV) remains the same. Instead, the total brain volume decreases, with a converse increase in cerebrospinal fluid volume (CSF). For radiotherapy, this phenomenon has not yet been researched. We therefore performed a volumetric analysis of the brain, to verify that the TIV remains the same, and to see whether there is a shift in volume ratio of tissue and CSF. We included 28 patients undergoing radiotherapy for glioma with adequate MRI scans at baseline and 1 year after start of therapy. The brain was automatically segmented into white matter (WM), gray matter (GM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using SPM12 and CAT12. Volumes of each region were computed, as well as the ratio between total brain tissue volume (GM+WM) and TIV. Differences in pre-RT and post-RT volume were examined with a paired Wilcoxon signed rank test, with p < 0.05 as the threshold of statistical significance. Mean volumes and the post-RT changes in each area are shown in the table. Significant changes are seen in all brain regions, with GM and WM showing decrease, and CSF showing increase. The total intracranial volume did not change between the two MRI scans. The ratio of total brain tissue volume and TIV changed as well, going from a median of 80.0% to 75.7% (p = 0.03). Both gray matter and white matter volumes are affected by radiotherapy, showing a decrease in volume after one year. As the total intracranial volume does not change, the cerebrospinal fluid volume increases, as the tissue volume loss is replaced by CSF. This effect is also seen in healthy ageing and degenerative brain disease, suggesting the cognitive decline after RT could have a similar link to brain volume.Abstract 3617; TableRegionMedian pre-RT volume (cc)Median volume difference (cc)95% CI of differencep-valueTotal intracranial volume1386.12.2-11.0 – 17.60.81Gray matter608.2-12.8-24.8 – -4.7< 0.01White matter520.6-30.0-42.0 – -20.1< 0.01Cerebrospinal fluid288.044.321.3 – 75.5< 0.01 Open table in a new tab

Maxillary sinus haziness and facial swelling following suction drainage in the maxilla after orthognathic surgery

BackgroundWe investigated the efficacy of a maxillary Jackson-Pratt (J-P) suction drain for preventing maxillary sinus hematoma and facial swelling after maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy (LF1).MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 66 patients who underwent LF1 at a single institution. Of these, 41 had a J-P suction tube inserted in the mandible and maxilla (maxillary insertion), and 25 had a J-P drain inserted in the mandible only (no maxillary insertion). Facial CT was obtained before and 4 days after surgery. We compared mean midfacial swelling and maxillary sinus haziness by t test and examined correlations between bleeding amount and body mass index (BMI).ResultsFor the maxillary-insertion group, the ratio of total maxillary sinus volume to haziness (57.5 ± 24.2%) was significantly lower than in the group without maxillary drain insertion (65.5% ± 20.3; P = .043). This latter group, however, did not have a significantly greater midfacial soft tissue volume (7575 mm3) than the maxillary-insertion group (7250 mm3; P = .728). BMI did not correlate significantly with bleeding amount or facial swelling.ConclusionsSuction drainage in the maxilla reduced maxillary sinus haziness after orthognathic surgery but did not significantly reduce midfacial swelling.

Kidney impairment in fetal growth restriction: three-dimensional evaluation of volume and vascularization.

Renal development is impaired in fetal growth restriction (FGR). Renal size can be considered a surrogate of renal function in childhood, and could be impaired in that condition. Our aim was to evaluate the ratio of total renal volume, measured by three-dimensional ultrasound, to estimated fetal weight (TRV/EFW) among fetuses with and without growth restriction. Furthermore, we correlated TRV/EFW with fetal Doppler velocimetry and renal vascularization indexes and evaluated the association of renal volume and vascular parameters with adverse neonatal events in growth-restricted fetuses. In a retrospective cohort, TRV and renal vascularization of growth-restricted and normal fetuses were evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasonography and VOCAL technique. Independent samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney test were used for comparisons between groups. Logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the association between renal characteristics and adverse neonatal events. Seventy-one growth-restricted fetuses were compared to 194 controls. The TRV/EFW was lower in the growth-restricted group (P < .001). In our sample, this ratio did not correlate with Doppler velocimetry parameters, renal vascular indexes or any adverse neonatal events. The TRV/EFW ratio is decreased in FGR. Further studies are needed to investigate the association of this ratio with long-term renal outcomes.

280. The risk factors of respiratory complications after posterior spine deformity surgery for patients with early onset scoliosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Early onset scoliosis (EOS) is associated with high morbidity and some of them require posterior spine deformity surgery (PSDS). Respiratory complications following PSDS are common, and have been reported in 15.6% to 28.2% of operative cases. Postoperative complications following PSDS may cause further impairment of respiratory function, leading to prolonged intubation time, need for reintubation, and longer inpatient hospital stay. PURPOSE We assumed that there were preoperative laboratory values and patient factors that are associated with postoperative respiratory complications (RCs) in EOS populations undergoing PSDS. To determine the risk factors of RC in EOS undergoing PSDS. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING A retrospective analysis with prospective outcomes research. PATIENT SAMPLE All patients who underwent PSDS for EOS in a single institute from 2008-2018. OUTCOME MEASURES Preoperative laboratory values for transferrin, prealbumin, hemoglobin/hematocrit, total protein, albumin, total lymphocyte count and blood loss to total blood volume ratio (BL/TBV) were collected. METHODS The spine surgery database was reviewed to identify all patients who underwent PSDS for EOS in a single institute from 2008-2018. RC was defined as postoperative pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, need for reintubation, respiratory status requiring a return to the intensive care unit, or prolonged (>4-day) need for mechanical ventilation. Preoperative laboratory values for transferrin, prealbumin, hemoglobin/hematocrit, total protein, albumin, total lymphocyte count and blood loss to total blood volume ratio (BL/TBV) were collected. RESULTS There were 76 patients included in our study. Results of single-factor comparison demonstrated that the following seven variables were statistically different (P 15% (X9). The multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that X8 (OR=49.322), X9 (OR=18.423), X5 (OR= 11.883), and X6 (OR=8.769) were independent and positively correlated with the RC. CONCLUSIONS Albumin 15%, history of pneumonia and transferrin FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Serum Cystatin C Level as a Biomarker of Aortic Plaque in Patients with an Aortic Arch Aneurysm.

Aim: During surgery for an aortic arch aneurysm, aortic plaque in the descending aorta should be evaluated, but there are currently no suitable biomarkers for it. Surgeons should be especially aware of cerebral embolism from femoral perfusion and of peripheral embolism from stent graft deployment. Cystatin C is a known useful marker of renal dysfunction with a role as a biomarker for severity of coronary artery disease. In the absence of a suitable biomarker for aortic plaque in the descending aorta, we examine cystatin C as a candidate. Methods: In all, 75 patients who underwent surgery for an aortic arch aneurysm were enrolled. They were divided into two groups, depending on whether they had chronic kidney disease or not. The serum cystatin C value and creatinine value were evaluated preoperatively. The aortic plaque volume ratio and components in the descending aorta were calculated from preoperative enhanced computed tomography. Results: The soft plaque volume ratio was higher in patients with chronic kidney disease than in patients without it. Cystatin C positively correlated with the total aortic plaque volume ratio in all cases, and it positively correlated with the soft plaque volume ratio in both groups. Creatinine had no correlation with any type of plaque volume ratio in either group. In patients without chronic kidney disease, the soft plaque volume ratio was higher in patients with higher cystatin C levels than in patients with normal levels. Conclusion: The preoperative serum cystatin C level could be a biomarker of aortic plaque in the descending aorta in patients with an aortic arch aneurysm.

RECOGNITION OF FOSSIL NEBKHA DEPOSITS: CLUES FROM NEOICHNOLOGY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY

ABSTRACTThis study includes the first neoichnologic characterization of the burrow systems of Tympanoctomys barrerae (Rodentia: Octodontidae) and also considers sedimentologic features of the modern nebkhas where they occur. Tympanoctomys is a South American solitary and fossorial rodent that has ecomorphofunctional adaptations for living in saline environments and constructs its burrow in nebkhas with halophyte shrubs. The purpose of this work is to identify the ichnologic signatures of T. barrerae burrow systems and to provide combined ichnologic-sedimentologic criteria for identification of Cenozoic nebkha deposits. Tympanoctomys barrerae burrow systems are subhorizontal, typically with ten or more entrances, two or three levels, closed circuits, average complexity of 48, average tortuosity of 3.25, and an average ratio of total chamber volume to total tunnel volume of 0.04. The size of the tunnels averages 85 mm in horizontal diameter and 64 mm in vertical diameter, and cross-section shape ranges from elliptical flattened to plano-convex with incipient bilobed floor. Surface ornamentation is typified by a coexistence of primary (sets of four claw traces forming an arcuate pattern produced during digging) and secondary (numerous arthropod burrows excavated from the burrow lumen) surface ornamentation. Nebkha deposits in upper Cenozoic sequences can be recognized by the combination of ichnologic and sedimentologic features: fossil burrows having the ichnologic features characteristic of T. barrerae burrow systems and presence of rhizoliths of shrubby plants occurring in well-sorted sandy deposits with low-angle crossbedding. These criteria can be potentially applied to fossil sequences dating back to the early Oligocene.

Increasing Variability of Blood Pressure During Air Medical Transport Is Associated With Early Mortality in Patients with Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prehospital care during air medical transport of patients presenting with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA). This was a retrospective study from 2001 through 2019 analyzing the prehospital care of patients with RAAA presenting to a single institution. Our integrated air medical transport system provides critical-care capability on each aircraft and has expanded over the study period with 15 helicopter bases in the region. We analyzed blood product utilization, key time components, and vital sign changes over time with vitals collected every five minutes while in transit. Outcomes included 30-day, early (48-hour) mortality. We excluded patients that did not receive an operation at the receiving facility. Three-hundred eight patients (mean age, 74 ± 9.65 years; 75.3% male) out of 537 total RAAA had available prehospital data. Most (92%, n = 282) were transferred from a referring hospital and by air in 88% (n = 272). The majority received crystalloid at the referring facility (88.3%, n = 272) with 25.3% (n = 78) receiving packed red blood cells (PRBCs). During transport, 35% of patients received PRBCs with an average of 1.8 ± 1.1 units transfused. The mean ratio of crystalloid to total resuscitative volume given during transport decreased over time while the PRBC to total volume ratio increased (Figure). Total transport duration was 68.2 ± 36.4 minutes: 23.9 ± 17.3 minutes from dispatch to referring facility, 14.6 ± 8.3 minutes at the referring facility for patient pickup, and 29.8 ± 17.3 minutes en route to the final receiving facility. Transport duration did not appreciably increase over this period despite expansion of the coverage area over time. Average mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) during transport was 115 ± 26 mm Hg. Sixteen percent (n = 48) of patients had sustained hypotension with a mean SBP of <90 mm Hg during transport. Standard deviation of SBP over the transport period was used as a measure of blood pressure variability. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, no transfusion product ratios or transport durations were significantly associated with any mortality when adjusted for Harborview criteria and repair modality. However, increasing variability of SBP during transport was associated with increased early mortality, especially in the sustained hypotensive cohort (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.20 P = .03). Decreasing crystalloid and increasing PRBC usage over time reflect evolving prehospital treatment of hemorrhage but have not affected perioperative mortality in RAAA. Increasing SBP variability during transport was associated with increased early mortality especially in those with sustained hypotension.

Cyberknife as a novel platform for targeted mouse tumor radiation studies

Cancer remains to be a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for almost 10 million deaths in 2018. Radiation therapy (RT) is a common nonsurgical treatment in the management of patients with cancer that reduces disease recurrence and improves overall survival. However, preclinical RT modeling for accelerated bench‐to‐bedside transition of combination therapies is largely missing. While genetically engineered orthotopic murine tumor models can mimic human disease, conventional linear particle accelerator systems are not suited for targeted radiation of orthotopic tumors in mice. Although select institutions provide specialized mouse radiation systems overcoming these obstacles, most researchers are forced to use transplantable flank xenograft tumor models for targeted RT. We here report image‐guided, targeted radiation to mouse tumors using the Cyberknife (Accuray) radiation platform. The Cyberknife is a stereotactic radiosurgery system that utilizes real‐time image‐guidance to deliver high doses of radiation specifically to the tumor with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues using circular collimators as small as 5 mm. We applied targeted radiation of 2, 4, 6, and 8 Gy using field sizes of 7.5 to 12.5 mm to average gross tumor volumes (GTV) of volumes 0.87 cm3 (minimal 0.19 cm3) using Xsight (Accuray) spine‐based tumor localization. Treatment time lasted between 14 min (2 Gy), and 31 min (8 Gy), averaging at 20 min across all used doses. Doses were prescribed to 70% isodose, leading to a mean relative GTV dose of 92.1% (SD 1.6%), with a minimum dose of 80.3% (SD 3.8%). Coverage (volume of tumor that receive the prescription dose) was 99.4% (SD 0.8%) with a conformity (ratio of total tissue volume that receives the prescription isodose or more to tumor volume that receives the prescription isodose or more) of 1.10 (SD 0.03). To optimize the planning target volume (PTV), we examined 0, 1, 2, and 3 mm PTVs and analyzed the tumor tissue by immunohistochemistry staining of y‐H2AX. We found that 1 mm PTV is sufficient for target radiation of mouse tumors using the Cyberknife. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of radiation on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in a model of non‐small cell lung cancer (mutated for Kras and Trp35) by flow cytometry. We observed that higher radiation doses (6–8 Gy) decreased absolute cell numbers of lymphocytes and myeloid cells by approximately half compared to low doses (2–4 Gy) or non‐radiated. In summary, we here demonstrate that the Cyberknife system allows image‐guided targeted radiation of murine tumors with high precision and thus constitutes a novel promising platform for mouse radiation studies, and especially combination treatment studies.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the DFG (HE 6810/3‐1 to J.M.H., HE 6897/2‐1 to G.H.S.) and the CMMC (CAP‐13 to J.M.H. and CAP‐16 to G.H.S. as well as B02 to G.H.S. and J.M.H.).

Prenatal prediction of postnatal survival in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia using MRI: lung volume measurement, signal intensity ratio, and effect of experience

Objective To evaluate various signal intensity ratios in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to compare their potential in predicting survival with that of the observed-to-expected (O/E) ratio of total fetal lung volume (TFLV) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Our second objective was to evaluate the impact of operator’s experience in comparing the prediction of postnatal survival by O/E-TFLV. Methods In 75 conservatively managed CDH fetuses and in 50 who underwent fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO), the fetal lung-to-amniotic fluid, lung-to-liver, lung-to-muscle, lung-to-spinal fluid signal intensity ratios, respectively LAFSIR, LLSIR, LMSIR, and LSFSIR, were measured, as was O/E-TFLV. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and used to compare the various signal intensity ratios with O/E-TFLV in the prediction of postnatal survival. In 72 MRI lung volumes assessed by the referring radiologists in Paris and Lille and secondarily by our expert radiologist in Brussels (M.M.C.) using the same MRI examinations, ROC curves were constructed and used to compare the value of O/E-TFLV determined by the two centers in the prediction of postnatal survival. Results In the total cohort of CDH fetuses, O/E-TFLV and LLSIR were predictive of postnatal survival whereas in the conservatively managed group O/E-TFLV, LLSIR, and LMSIR predicted postnatal survival. O/E-TFLV predicted postnatal survival far better than the signal intensity ratios: area under the ROC curve for prediction by O/E-TFLV in the total cohort was 0.866 (p < .001; standard error = 0.031). The area under the ROC curve for prediction of postnatal survival using O/E-TFLV by MRI evaluated at the referral centers was 0.640 (p = 102; standard error = 0.085), and with O/E-TFLV reevaluated by M.M.C., it was 0.872 (p < .001; standard error = 0.061). Pairwise comparison showed a significant difference between the areas under the ROC curves (difference = 0.187, p = .012; standard error = 0.075). Conclusion In fetuses with CDH with/without FETO, LLSIR was significantly correlated with the prediction of postnatal survival. However, measurement of O/E-TFLV was far better in predicting postnatal outcome. Operator experience in measurement of lung volumes using MRI seem to play a role in the predictive value of the technique.

Determination of NMR T2 Cutoff and CT Scanning for Pore Structure Evaluation in Mixed Siliciclastic–Carbonate Rocks before and after Acidification

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used widely to characterize petrophysical properties of siliciclastic and carbonate rocks but rarely to study those of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rocks. In this study, 13 different core samples and eight acidified core samples selected amongst those 13 from the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in Southern Laizhouwan Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, were tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-nano-computed tomography (CT), and NMR. SEM and CT results revealed a complex pore structure diversity, pore distribution, and pore-throat connectivity in mixed reservoirs. Sixteen groups of NMR experiments addressed changes in these properties and permeabilities of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rocks before and after acidification to determine its effects on such reservoirs. NMR experimental results showed no “diffusion coupling” effect in mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rocks. Distributions of NMR T2 cutoff values (T2C) are closely related to the pore structure and lithologic characteristics before and after acidification. The T2C index separates irreducible and movable fluids in porous rocks and is a key factor in permeability prediction. Centrifugation experiments showed that, before acidification, the T2C of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rocks with 60–90% siliciclastic content (MSR) ranged widely from 1.5 to 9.8 ms; the T2C of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rocks with 60–90% carbonate content (MCR) ranged from 1.8 to 5.6 ms. After acidification, the T2C of MSR ranged widely from 2.6 to 11.6 ms, the T2C of MCR ranged from 1.5 to 5.6 ms, and no significant difference was observed between MCR reservoirs. Based on an analysis of the morphology of NMR T2 spectra, we propose a new T2 cutoff value prediction method for mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rocks based on a normal distribution function to predict various T2C values from morphological differences in NMR T2 spectra and to calculate the irreducible water saturation (Swir), i.e., the ratio of irreducible total fluid volume to effective porosity. The reliability of the proposed method is verified by comparing predicted T2C and Swir values with those from NMR experimental results. New experiments and modeling demonstrate the applicability of NMR for the petrophysical characterization of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rock reservoirs. Our results have potential applications for identification and evaluation of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate rock reservoirs using NMR logging.

Hierarchical porous carbon derived from activated biochar as an eco-friendly electrode for the electrosorption of inorganic ions

Hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) as an eco-friendly electrode material was fabricated from rice husk biochar using the hard template method for electrosorption of ions. The porous structure in HPC materials can be controlled by different activation times to optimize the material physicochemical and electrochemical properties. The HPC sample achieved a high specific surface area (1839 m2 g−1), large pore volume (1.21 cm3 g−1) and 58% mesopore to total pore volume ratio. The HPC electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical properties with a high specific capacitance of 120.5 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 in a 1 M NaCl solution as well as good reversibility for capacitive charge storage. The large ion-accessible specific surface area, interconnected pore structure among micropores and mesopores, and large mesoporosity of the HPC electrode played crucial roles in the enhancement of the electrosorption performance. The HPC electrode exhibited a high electrosorption capacity of 8.11 mg g−1 and mean deionization rate of 0.92 mg g−1 min−1 for 20 mM NaCl in single-pass capacitive deionization. The associated charge efficiency and energy consumption were 48.1% and 0.064 kWh mol−1, respectively, indicating a low energy requirement of water desalination. Furthermore, the HPC electrode showed good regeneration ability in consecutive cycles for the removal of inorganic pollutants, i.e., NH4+, Mg2+ and Cu2+, with electrosorption capacities of 1.54, 1.53 and 0.52 mg g−1, respectively. Consequently, HPC from tailored activated rice husk biochar can provide a new opportunity to achieve high-performance electrosorption in various water and wastewater treatment processes.

Sensory neuropeptides are required for bone and cartilage homeostasis in a murine destabilization-induced osteoarthritis model.

Numerous studies identified a role for the sensory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (αCGRP) in osteoarthritis (OA) pain behavior. Surprisingly, little attention has been paid on how their trophic effects on cartilage and bone cells might affect structural changes of bone and cartilage in OA pathology. Here, we sought to elucidate sensory neuropeptides influence on structural alterations of bone and cartilage during murine OA pathophysiology. OA was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in the right knee joint of 12weeks old male C57Bl/6J wildtype (WT) mice and mice either deficient for SP (tachykinin 1 (Tac1)-/-) or αCGRP. By OARSI histopathological grading we observed significant cartilage matrix degradation after DMM surgery in αCGRP-deficient mice after 4weeks whereas Tac1-/- scores were not different to sham mice before 12weeks after surgery. Indentation-type atomic force microscopy (IT-AFM) identified a strong superficial zone (SZ) cartilage phenotype in Tac1-/- Sham mice. Opposed to WT and αCGRP-/- mice, SZ cartilage of Tac1-/- mice softened 2weeks after OA induction. In Tac1-/- DMM mice, bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV) increased significantly compared to the Tac1-/- Sham group, 2weeks after surgery. WT mice had reduced BV/TV compared to αCGRP-/- and Tac1-/- mice after 12weeks. Increased calcified cartilage thickness and medial condyle diameter were detected in the medial tibia of all groups 8weeks after OA induction by nanoCT analysis. Meniscal ossification occurred in all OA groups, but was significantly stronger in the absence of neuropeptides. Increased serum concentration of the respective non-deleted neuropeptide was observed in both neuropeptide-deficient mice strains. Both neuropeptides protect from age-related bone structural changes under physiological conditions and SP additionally demonstrates an anabolic effect on bone structure preservation in a pathophysiological situation. Both neuropeptide deficient mice display an intrinsic structural cartilage matrix phenotype that might alter progression of cartilage degeneration in OA.

The Positive Effect of TET2 on the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

This study aims to understand the possible effects of TET2 (ten-eleven translocation 2) on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). The human ADSCs were transfected with TET2 siRNAs. The osteogenesis-related genes were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), and the osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin Red staining. TET2 and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) expressions were determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Meanwhile, wild-type (WT) and TET2-deficient (TET2-/-) mice were selected to observe the alteration of biological characteristics in vivo. TET2 was significantly upregulated along with the osteogenic differentiation of human ADSCs. Compared with Blank group, TET2 siRNA-3 group showed apparent reductions in TET2, 5hmC, and osteogenesis-related genes, as well as decreases in mineralized nodules, ALP activity, and cell growth (all p < 0.05). Besides, Tet2-/- mice had shorter femoral length, lower bone mineral density, and reduced bone volume to total volume (BV/TV) ratio relevant to WT mice; and meanwhile, the percentage of TUNEL-positive chondrocytes increased significantly with the decreased total collagen-positive area, and the distance between two markers of calcein narrowed with declined bone formation rate (BFR) and mineral apposition rate (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, Toluidine Blue staining presented the appreciable decrease of BFR/bone surface (BS) ratio, BFR/BV ratio, osteoblast number over bone perimeter (N.Oc/B.Pm), and osteoblast surface (Ob.S)/BS in Tet2-/- mice (all p < 0.05). Taken together, TET2 upregulation was observed during the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs, whereas TET2 inhibition may lead to reductions of osteogenesis-related genes and downexpression of 5hmC, which eventually plays a negative role in osteoporosis.

Test–retest characteristic of [18F]MK-6240 quantitative outcomes in cognitively normal adults and subjects with Alzheimer’s disease

[18F]MK-6240 is a selective, high-affinity PET radiotracer for imaging neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, we report test–retest (T–RT) reproducibility of [18F]MK-6240 in AD and healthy volunteers (HV). Twelve subjects with AD and three cognitively normal HV were enrolled in the study and dynamically scanned for 150 min with [18F]MK-6240 under a T–RT protocol. Two radioactivity doses were investigated: 165 ± 3 MBq (n = 6) and 300 ± 40 MBq (n = 9). Serial arterial blood samples were taken for each scan to obtain metabolite-corrected input functions. Following intravenous administration of [18F]MK-6240, the tracer rapidly partitioned into the brain and its heterogenous distribution pattern was consistent with known NFT pathology in AD. In contrast, uptake in HV was low and uniform across the brain parenchyma. Across all subjects, average T–RT variabilities in NFT-rich regions were ∼21%, ∼14% and ∼6% for various quantitative metrics: total distribution volume (VT), binding potential (BPND), and standardized uptake ratio (SUVR90–120), respectively. No significant differences in SUVR T–RT variability were observed between the high and low injected radioactivity groups (5.6% and 6.1%, respectively). This work suggests [18F]MK-6240 has adequate SUVR T–RT characteristics supporting the use of this outcome in future studies.

Are cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and epicardial adipose tissue associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation in patients without heart failure?

BackgroundCardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are known to be major determinants in the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate the relationship between the combination of CSNA and EAT, and AF recurrence (AFR) following 3 months after the index catheter ablation (CA) in patients without heart failure (HF). Methods and resultsSixty-four paroxysmal AF patients without HF were studied. Cardiac metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy was performed at baseline and 3 months post-ablation. In MIBG imaging, the MIBG washout rate (WR) was calculated. The volumes of the total EAT and periatrial EAT surrounding the left atrium were measured by computed tomography before CA, and the periatrial to total EAT volume ratio (P/T) was obtained. During the follow-up period of 11 ± 4 months, AFR was observed in 14 patients. The WR change from baseline to 3 months after CA (dWR) and P/T were significantly greater in patients with than without AFR. Greater dWR and P/T determined by ROC curve analysis were independently associated with AFR. Patients with both greater dWR (≥6.9%) and P/T (≥17.1%) had a higher risk of AFR than those with either and none of them. Periatrial EAT volume showed a significant correlation with the baseline WR. ConclusionsThe combination of dWR and P/T was associated with AFR in patients without HF. Thus, both of CSNA and EAT might be related to development of AF.

Investigating the Osteoinductive Potential of a Decellularized Xenograft Bone Substitute

Bone grafting is the second most common tissue transplantation procedure worldwide. One of the alternative methods for bone repair under investigation is a tissue-engineered bone substitute. An ideal property of tissue-engineered bone substitutes is osteoinductivity, defined as the ability to stimulate primitive cells to differentiate into a bone-forming lineage. In the current study, we use a decellularization and oxidation protocol to produce a porcine bone scaffold and examine whether it possesses osteoinductive potential and can be used to create a tissue-engineered bone microenvironment. The decellularization protocol was patented by our lab and consists of chemical decellularization and oxidation steps using combinations of deionized water, trypsin, antimicrobials, peracetic acid, and triton-X100. To test if the bone scaffold was a viable host, preosteoblasts were seeded and analyzed for markers of osteogenic differentiation. The osteoinductive potential was observed in vitro with similar osteogenic markers being expressed in preosteoblasts seeded on the scaffolds and demineralized bone matrix. To assess these properties in vivo, scaffolds with and without preosteoblasts preseeded were subcutaneously implanted in mice for 4 weeks. MicroCT scanning revealed 1.6-fold increased bone volume to total volume ratio and 1.4-fold increase in trabecular thickness in scaffolds after implantation. The histological analysis demonstrates new bone formation and blood vessel formation with pentachrome staining demonstrating osteogenesis and angiogenesis, respectively, within the scaffold. Furthermore, CD31+ staining confirmed the endothelial lining of the blood vessels. These results demonstrate that porcine bone maintains its osteoinductive properties after the application of a patented decellularization and oxidation protocol developed in our laboratory. Future work must be performed to definitively prove osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells, biocompatibility in large animal models, and osteoinduction/osseointegration in a relevant clinical model in vivo. The ability to create a functional bone microenvironment using decellularized xenografts will impact regenerative medicine, orthopedic reconstruction, and could be used in the research of multiple diseases.

Can integrated green spaces and storage facilities absorb the increased risk of flooding due to climate change in developed urban environments?

Impacts of Climate Change on rainfall is shown to increase the risk of flooding in urban areas with high population densities, creating a higher threat to loss of life and damage to property. Integrating stormwater management elements such as storage structures, infiltration and other water sensitive design features into the urban landscape is an increasing trend to adapt to the higher flood threat. Evaluating the effectiveness of these stormwater management features is increasingly more valuable as we try to balance the need for livable space and provide a safe environment within the developed areas and major cities globally. This study looks at two different urban catchments with and without stormwater management features to evaluate how well each catchment can absorb the impacts of climate change on flooding. Results from our analysis shows that sequentially placed storage structures are significantly effective in absorbing the more intense rainfall events expected in a warmer climate. We compare the ratio of total rainfall volume to the volume of flow leaving each of the catchments as an indicator of how well each catchment is able to absorb the impacts of climate change and find that there is approximately a 20-fold decrease in the ratio in the catchment with stormwater management for the future climate conditions. For this study temperature-based scaling is used to account for climate change impacts on rainfall and we use hydrologic and hydraulic modelling to characterize and evaluate the responses of each catchment.

Quantitative evaluation of bone-resorptive lesion volume in osteonecrosis of the femoral head using micro-computed tomography

Objectives To quantify the volume of bone-resorptive lesions in post-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and assess their characteristics in post-collapse ONFH. Methods We investigated 35 femoral heads resected from 35 patients with ONFH (20 men and 15 women; mean age, 47.2 years). On each of seven coronal high-resolution micro-CT slices of the femoral head, the bone-resorptive areas were extracted using bone microstructure measurement software. Next, the total bone-resorptive volume ratio, defined as the ratio of all bone-resorptive cross-sectional areas to all femoral head cross-sectional areas in all seven slices, was calculated. Associations between total bone-resorptive volume ratio and sex, age, ONFH-associated factors, patient workload levels, ONFH stage, ONFH type, necrotic volume on magnetic resonance imaging, and duration from the onset of pain to surgery were analyzed. Lesion location and the association between bone-resorptive lesion and collapse were also evaluated. Results The mean total bone-resorptive volume ratio was 7.0±6.0%, which varied significantly by ONFH stage (ARCO collapse quantitation 3A, 3.5±2.1%; 3B, 6.8±3.0%; and 3C, 13.6±8.8%). ONFH stage was independently associated with total bone-resorptive volume ratio (P<0.05). Furthermore, high bone-resorptive volume ratios were found in the anterior femoral head and were associated with collapse. Conclusions This study demonstrated that bone-resorptive volume in post-collapse ONFH was significantly associated with the disease stage, which was more widespread in the anterior portion of the femoral head than in the posterior portion.