ABSTRACT
The pollution caused by improper handling of plastics has become a global challenge. In addition to recycling plastics and using biodegradable plastics, an alternative solution is to seek efficient methods for degrading plastics. Among them, the methods of using biodegradable enzymes or microorganisms to treat plastics have attracted increasing attention because of its advantages of mild conditions and no secondary environmental pollution. Developing highly efficient depolymerizing microorganisms/enzymes is the core for plastics biodegradation. However, the current analysis and detection methods cannot meet the requirements for screening efficient plastics biodegraders. It is thus of great significance to develop rapid and accurate analysis methods for screening biodegraders and evaluating biodegradation efficiency. This review summarizes the recent application of various commonly used analytical techniques in plastics biodegradation, including high performance liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and determination of zone of clearance, with fluorescence analysis techniques highlighted. This review may facilitate standardizing the characterization and analysis of plastics biodegradation process and developing more efficient methods for screening plastics biodegraders.
Subject(s)
Biodegradable Plastics/chemistry , Biodegradation, EnvironmentalABSTRACT
Purpose@#This retrospective study aimed to re-evaluate the effect of concurrent chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 498 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or IMRT were retrospectively reviewed. The distribution of baseline characteristics was balanced using propensity score matching. Additionally, the results of NCT+IMRT and NCT+CCRT were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and differences in survival rates were analyzed using the log rank test. @*Results@#There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local progression-free survival (LRFS) between the two groups. Patients were further categorized into risk subgroups based on pretreatment Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA cutoff values using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in OS, PFS, DMFS, and LRFS between patients who received NCT+CCRT and NCT+IMRT in the high-risk group. In the low-risk group, although there were no differences between NCT+CCRT and NCT+IMRT in OS, PFS, and LRFS, patients who received NCT+CCRT had better DMFS than those who received NCT+IMRT. @*Conclusion@#Pretreatment EBV DNA level can be used to individualize concurrent chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced NPC. Patients with low pretreatment EBV DNA levels may benefit from concurrent chemotherapy, whereas those with high levels may not. Other treatment modalities need to be explored for high-risk patients to improve their prognosis.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the method and effect in repairing the defect of fingertip with lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper digital artery.Methods:From October 2014 to May 2019, Department of the Hand and Foot Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Jining(Yanzhou District People's Hospital of Jining City) treated 34 digits of 27 cases with a defect area of 0.5 cm×0.5 cm-1.5 cm×2.0 cm. A lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper artery was used to repair the fingertip defect, and the flap size was 1.7 cm×1.0 cm-4.5 cm×1.5 cm. Twenty cases entered long-time follow-up after operation, with 7 cases lost in follow-up, 16 cases were reviewed at outpatient and 4 by WeChat.Results:All the flaps of 34 digits of 27 cases survived. The color of the flaps were close to or completely normal to the surrounding tissue, the texture was soft and the appearance was good. The TPD of the flap was 2.0-6.0 mm. The follow-up time ranged from 22 to 77 months, with an average of 31.45 months. The flexion and extension function of the digits were good with total range of motion(ROM) of the thumb was > 90 °; total active motion (TAM) of the fingers was 260 °-200 °. The fingers of 1 case had hook nail or hook finger deformity. According to the Evaluation Trial Standard of Upper Limb Partial Function of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 18 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.Conclusion:The lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper digital artery is easy to operate. The blood supply of the flap is reliable, with good sensation. The flexion and extension of the digits are good, and the appearance and texture of the flap are good.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of wrist arthroscopic transosseous footprint repair technique for treating triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 56 patients with TFCC injury admitted to Shenzhen Second People′s Hospital from July 2017 to September 2020, including 38 males and 18 females, aged 17-45 years [(33.5±3.6)years]. All patients had unilateral injury. Physical examination showed instability of the distal radioulnar joint, and MRI and arthroscopy confirmed deep ligament injury of TFCC. All patients underwent repair of deep insertion of the TFCC by using wrist arthroscopic transosseous footprint. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, wound healing and postoperative complications were recorded. The flexion and extension range of motion of the wrist, radial and ulnal deviation of the wrist, rotation range of motion of the forearm, patient related wrist evaluation (PRWE) score, modified Mayo wrist score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and percentage of grip strength between the affected side and unaffected side were compared preoperatively, at 3 months postoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively.Results:All patients were followed up for 12-18 months [(13.4±5.2)months]. The operation time was (61.3±8.9)minutes, with the intraoperative blood loss of (2.4±1.2)ml. All wounds were healed by first intension. There was no wound infection or ulnar nerve irritation symptom after operation. Four patients experienced clicking on the ulnar side of the wrist in a short period of time post-operation, with spontaneous disappearance of the symptom. At 3 months postoperatively, the radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist was decreased from (52.5±5.9)° preoperatively to (42.6±5.9)°, and rotation range of motion of the forearm was decreased from (94.9±8.4)°preoperatively to (84.6±5.9)° (all P<0.01). The flexion and extension range of motion of the wrist was (93.1±17.4)° preoperatively, with insignificant difference compared with (89.4±5.8)° at 3 months postoperatively ( P>0.05). At 1 year postoperatively, the flexion and extension range of motion of the wrist, radial and ulnar deviation range of motion of the wrist, and rotation range of motion of the forearm were significantly increased to (101.3±13.6)°, (52.4±6.6)°, and (116.4±16.4)° when compared with those at 3 months postoperatively (all P<0.01). At 3 months postoperatively, the PRWE score was increased to (17.1±3.8)points from (10.6±3.2)points preoperatively ( P<0.01), modified Mayo wrist score was decreased to (70.3±6.7) points from (78.1±12.7)points preoperatively ( P<0.01), VAS was decreased to (4.4±1.7)points from (6.2±1.5)points preoperatively ( P>0.05), and percentage of grip strength between the affected side and unaffected side was decreased to (55.7±8.7)% from (74.4±15.2)% preoperatively ( P<0.01). At 1 year postoperatively, the PRWE score was increased to (2.0±0.9)points, modified Mayo wrist score was increased to (94.8±3.3)points, VAS was decreased to (2.1±1.1)points, and percentage of grip strength between the affected side and unaffected side was increased to (93.2±8.7)% when compared with those at 3 months postoperatively (all P<0.01). Conclusion:Wrist arthroscopic transosseous footprint repair technique can effectively treat deep ligament injury of TFCC, with advantages of significantly improving postoperative joint range of motion and functional score, relieving the pain on the ulnar side of the wrist and enhancing grip strength.
ABSTRACT
Smart dressings, which show obvious advantage and potential in wound treatment and real-time monitoring, attract widespread attention in recent years. Real-time and dynamic acquiring wound information is vital to the treatment and prognosis of wound. Further research on smart dressings is helpful for wound management, personalized treatment, and realization of medical application translation of health monitoring technology. In the article, we categorize smart dressings and conclude their functions according to the type of micro-environment information of wound gathered by smart dressings.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To analyze the clinical effects of arthroscopic autologous bone grafting and percutaneous fixation in treating scaphoid nonunion.@*Methods@#From May 2013 to August 2017, a total of 25 cases of patients including 20 males and 5 females with unilateral scaphoid fractures and nonunion were reviewed, with mean age of 35.80±2.41 years (18-65 years). The duration from injury to treatment was averaged 11.70±1.90 months (5-18 months). All of the cases sustained waist and proximal end fractures. X-ray and CT scan showed sclerosis and bone resorption without any callus at the fracture sites. However, there were no serious deformities and wrist arthritis. The patients suffered pain and weakness at the radial side of the wrist. The type of the fractures were Slade-Geissler's III-VI, including grade III 4 cases, grade IV 13 cases, grade V 7 cases and grade VI 1 case. The patients were treated with arthroscopic debridement of the sclerotic bone, autologous bone grafting, percutaneous screw (9 cases) or K-wires fixation (16 cases) and immobilization by plaster for 3 weeks after operation, followed by functional rehabilitation training. Bone union was assessed by serial plain radiographs and CT scan regularly. The functional effects were evaluated by comparing the modified Mayo wrist score with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM) and the grip strength, which were measured before operation and at 18 months after operation.@*Results@#All cases were followed up. Bone union was achieved in all of 25 nonunion. The average radiological union duration was 10.24±2.10 weeks (6-20 weeks). The average VAS score decreased from 6.75±1.10 preoperatively to 1.33±0.21. The mean ROM of wrist was improved to 168.48°±12.41° (92.90% of that of the normal side), compared to that of 135.24°±17.47° preoperatively (79.80% of that of the normal side). The mean grip strength showed improvement from an average of 35.68±3.81 kg (80.46% of that of normal side) preoperatively to 48.75±4.42 kg (90.65% of that of normal side). The average modified Mayo wrist score improved from 61.52±6.32 preoperatively to 85.88±8.37.@*Conclusion@#Arthroscopic autologous bone grafting with percutaneous cannulated screw and K-wires fixation is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for scaphoid nonunion, which could protect the blood supply of the fracture sites, decrease the surgical complications, promote bone healing and lead to a faster recovery.
ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the clinical effects of arthroscopic autologous bone grafting and percutaneous fixation in treating scaphoid nonunion.Methods From May 2013 to August 2017,a total of 25 cases of patients including 20 males and 5 females with unilateral scaphoid fractures and nonunion were reviewed,with mean age of 35.80±2.41 years (18-65 years).The duration from injury to treatment was averaged 11.70± 1.90 months (5-18 months).All of the cases sustained waist and proximal end fractures.X-ray and CT scan showed sclerosis and bone resorption without any callus at the fracture sites.However,there were no serious deformities and wrist arthritis.The patients suffered pain and weakness at the radial side of the wrist.The type of the fractures were Slade-Geissler's Ⅲ-Ⅵ,including grade Ⅲ 4 cases,grade Ⅳ 13 cases,grade Ⅴ 7 cases and grade Ⅵ 1 case.The patients were treated with arthroscopic debridement of the sclerotic bone,autologous bone grafting,percutaneous screw (9 cases) or K-wires fixation (16 cases) and immobilization by plaster for 3 weeks after operation,followed by functional rehabilitation training.Bone union was assessed by serial plain radiographs and CT scan regularly.The functional effects were evaluated by comparing the modified Mayo wrist score with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain,range of motion (ROM) and the grip strength,which were measured before operation and at 18 months after operation.Results All cases were followed up.Bone union was achieved in all of 25 nonunion.The average radiological union duration was 10.24±2.10 weeks (6-20 weeks).The average VAS score decreased from 6.75± 1.10 preoperatively to 1.33±0.21.The mean ROM of wrist was improved to 168.48°± 12.41 ° (92.90％ of that of the normal side),compared to that of 135.24°± 17.47° preoperatively (79.80％ of that of the normal side).The mean grip strength showed improvement from an average of 35.68±3.81 kg (80.46％ of that of normal side) preoperatively to 48.75±4.42 kg (90.65％ of that of normal side).The average modified Mayo wrist score improved from 61.52±6.32 preoperatively to 85.88±8.37.Conclusion Arthroscopic autologous bone grafting with percutaneous cannulated screw and K-wires fixation is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for seaphoid nonunion,which could protect the blood supply of the fracture sites,decrease the surgical complications,promote bone healing and lead to a faster recovery.
ABSTRACT
Recently, researchers have focused on the micro-mechano-environment and the resulting mechanical cues which can regulate the morphology, structure, and function of cells. As a novel mechanotherapy, negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has revolutionized the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. The effects of mechanics in use of NPWT has been noticed by researchers, and sporadic results have been reported, while the mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in affecting cell behaviors and promoting wound healing haven′t been elucidated yet. In this article, we review the progress about the relevant mechanical forces of NPWT and the mechanical effects on major repairing cells involved in wound healing, in order to provide references for the better understanding of mechanobiology of NPWT to better wound healing.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between the time after thrombosis and the efficacy of combined ultrasound and microbubble treatment for rescuing the ischemic tissues.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat models of thrombosis in the right common iliac artery were established and received combined ultrasound and microbubble treatment at 3, 6 and 12 h after thrombosis. The recanalization rate of the right common iliac artery was assessed using both 2-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound. The plateau acoustic intensity (AI) was quantified for estimating the skeletal microvascular blood volume, and skeletal muscle injury markers including myoglobin (Mb) and creatinine kinase (CK) were measured using ELISA. Postmortem TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptotic rate of skeletal muscle cells in the hind limb of the rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with those in 3 h group, the recanalization rate and AI were significantly lower, and the levels of Mb and CK and the apoptotic rate of the skeletal muscle cells were significantly higher in both 6 h group and 12 h group ( < 0.05). Compared with those in 6 h group, the rats receiving treatment at 12 h after thrombosis showed significantly lowered AI and increased Mb, CK and apoptotic rate of the skeletal muscle cells ( < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The efficacy of combined ultrasound and microbubble treatment for rescuing ischemic tissues tends to be attenuated as the time after thrombosis prolongs in rats.</p>
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the correlation between carotid lesion severity detected by ultrasound and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) expression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) .Methods :A to‐tal of 78 ACS patients hospitalized in our hospital from Feb 2012 to May 2015 were regarded as ACS group ,mean‐while ,another 78 healthy subjects were enrolled as healthy control group .Correlation between carotid lesion severi‐ty detected by ultrasound and PAPP‐A expression was analyzed . Results:Compared with healthy control group , there were significant rise in serum PAPP‐A concentration [ (0.97 ± 0.32) mg/L vs .(1.56 ± 0.19) mg/L] ,carotid intima‐media thickness [IMT ,(0.84 ± 0.13) mm vs .(1.28 ± 0.16) mm] and Crouse plaque score [ (2.98 ± 1.92) scores vs .(8.24 ± 1.13) scores] in ACS group ,P<0.01 all .Linear correlation analysis indicated that serum PAPP‐A concentration was significant positively correlated with Crouse plaque score and IMT ( r= 0.342、0.243 , P<0.05 all) .Multi‐factor gradual linear regression analysis indicated that carotid Crouse plaque score and IMT were in‐dependent risk factors for PAPP‐A (partial regression coefficient=1.932 ,17.722 ,P<0.01 both) .Conclusion:Ca‐rotid ultrasound Crouse plaque score ,IMT are significantly positively correlated with PAPP‐A expression ,which can indirectly reflect coronary artery disease severity in ACS patients ,it is worth extending .
ABSTRACT
Neuron is the basic unit of the biological neural system. The Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model is one of the most realistic neuron models on the electrophysiological characteristic description of neuron. Hardware implementation of neuron could provide new research ideas to clinical treatment of spinal cord injury, bionics and artificial intelligence. Based on the HH model neuron and the DSP Builder technology, in the present study, a single HH model neuron hardware implementation was completed in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The neuron implemented in FPGA was stimulated by different types of current, the action potential response characteristics were analyzed, and the correlation coefficient between numerical simulation result and hardware implementation result were calculated. The results showed that neuronal action potential response of FPGA was highly consistent with numerical simulation result. This work lays the foundation for hardware implementation of neural network.
Subject(s)
Humans , Action Potentials , Computer Simulation , Models, Neurological , Neural Networks, Computer , Neurons , Cell Biology , Synaptic TransmissionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:In recent decades, total knee arthroplasty is widely used in the treatment of terminal knee joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis and other bone diseases. The methods of osteotomy, soft tissue balance and prosthesis rotation positioning have always been debated and discussed in total knee arthroplasty. OBJECTIVE:To explore the repair effect of total knee arthroplasty for terminal knee disease. METHODS:Total knee arthroplasty was performed for treating terminal knee disease in 31 cases (31 knees), including 26 cases of osteoarthritis (26 knees) and 5 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (5 knees). Al cases accompanied flexion contracture deformity to different degrees. The maximum angle of flexion deformity was < 25°. Al patients were scored by hospital for special surgery knee score before and after replacement. Al 31 knees were treated with fixed platform posterior-stabilized prostheses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:No complications, such as early infection and prosthesis dislocation, were found after surgery. Joint pain apparently lessened, flexion and varus deformity obviously improved after replacement. Postoperative X-ray films showed good prosthesis position and low limb alignment. Al cases were folowed up for 6-12 months. The hospital for special surgery knee score improved significantly from preoperatively 46.4±5.3 to postoperatively 84.6±10.5 after 6 months of folow-up. Excelent and good rate was 84%. Results indicate that total knee arthroplasty for treating terminal knee disease has a good clinical effect. However, the operation is complex and precise technique is required.