From Basics to Frontiers: A Comprehensive Review of Plasma-Modified and Plasma-Synthesized Polymer Films.

This comprehensive review begins by tracing the historical development and progress of cold plasma technology as an innovative approach to polymer engineering. The study emphasizes the versatility of cold plasma derived from a variety of sources including low-pressure glow discharges (e.g., radiofrequency capacitively coupled plasmas) and atmospheric pressure plasmas (e.g., dielectric barrier devices, piezoelectric plasmas). It critically examines key operational parameters such as reduced electric field, pressure, discharge type, gas type and flow rate, substrate temperature, gap, and how these variables affect the properties of the synthesized or modified polymers. This review also discusses the application of cold plasma in polymer surface modification, underscoring how changes in surface properties (e.g., wettability, adhesion, biocompatibility) can be achieved by controlling various surface processes (etching, roughening, crosslinking, functionalization, crystallinity). A detailed examination of Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) reveals its efficacy in producing thin polymeric films from an array of precursors. Yasuda's models, Rapid Step-Growth Polymerization (RSGP) and Competitive Ablation Polymerization (CAP), are explained as fundamental mechanisms underpinning plasma-assisted deposition and polymerization processes. Then, the wide array of applications of cold plasma technology is explored, from the biomedical field, where it is used in creating smart drug delivery systems and biodegradable polymer implants, to its role in enhancing the performance of membrane-based filtration systems crucial for water purification, gas separation, and energy production. It investigates the potential for improving the properties of bioplastics and the exciting prospects for developing self-healing materials using this technology.

Observational, Multicenter Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Cervical Disk Arthroplasty With Mobi-C in the Treatment of Cervical Degenerative Disk Disease. Results at 10 years Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Cervical disk arthroplasty replacement (CDA) was developed to avoid specific disadvantages of cervical fusion. The purpose of this paper is to provide 10-year follow-up results of an ongoing prospective study after CDA. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-four patients treated using the Mobi-C (ZimVie, Troyes, France) were included in a prospective multicenter study. Routine clinical and radiologic examinations were reported preoperatively and postoperatively with up to 10-year follow-up. Complications and revision surgeries were also documented. RESULTS: At 10 years showed significant improvement in all clinical outcomes [Neck Disability Index, visual analog scale (VAS) for arm and neck pain, physical component summary of SF36, and mental component summary of SF36). Motion at the index level increased significantly over baseline (mean range of motion=7.6 vs. 8 degrees at five years and 6.0 degrees preoperatively; P <0.001) and 71.3% of the implanted segments remained mobile (range of motion>3 degrees). Adjacent disks were also mobile at 10 years with the same mobility as preoperatively. At 10 years, 20.9% of the implanted segments demonstrated no heterotopic ossification. Thirty-four patients (8.9%) experienced 41 adverse events, with or without reoperation during the first five years. We found only two additional surgeries after five years. We observed an increased percentage of working patients and a decrease in medication consumption. Regarding the overall outcome, 94% of patients were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Our 10-year results showed significant improvement in all clinical outcomes, with low rates of revision or failure. This experience in patients with long-term follow-up after CDA endorses durable, favorable outcomes in properly selected patients.

Postoperative meningocele after anterior cervical discectomy and arthroplasty on a case report.

Anterior dural tears complicated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage with anterior meningocele are rare. Indeed, in the literature, cases are described during anterior arthrodesis, but no cases of post-cervical arthroplasty are described. The management of this type of complication is poorly described and not consensual. We present a case of a patient who underwent cervical arthroplasty complicated by an anterior meningocele at 1 month after the first surgery. Imaging revealed a compressive anterior meningocele in relation to the clinically progressive worsening. Revision surgery consisted of a combination of closure of the gap with a fatty patch covered with a TachoSil patch, followed by reinsertion of a new cervical prosthesis. At the last follow-up at 1 year, the patient showed no residual effects of the complication, and the mobility of the disc prosthesis was not impaired by it. Clinical results of the arthroplasty are also very satisfactory. Although these types of complications are rare, it is important to have a consensus on the management of anterior meningocele. In our experience, TachoSil appears to be a satisfactory option for the management of these complications.

Cyto- and bio-compatibility assessment of plasma-treated polyvinylidene fluoride scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering.

As part of applications dealing with cardiovascular tissue engineering, drop-cast polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) scaffolds have been treated by cold plasma to enhance their adherence to cardiac cells. The scaffolds were treated in a dielectric barrier device where cold plasma was generated in a gaseous environment combining a carrier gas (helium or argon) with/without a reactive gas (molecular nitrogen). We show that an Ar-N2 plasma treatment of 10 min results in significant hydrophilization of the scaffolds, with contact angles as low as 52.4° instead of 132.2° for native PVDF scaffolds. Correlation between optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that OH radicals from the plasma phase can functionalize the surface scaffolds, resulting in improved wettability. For all plasma-treated PVDF scaffolds, the adhesion and maturation of primary cardiomyocytes is increased, showing a well-organized sarcomeric structure (α-actinin immunostaining). The efficacy of plasma treatment was also supported by real-time PCR analysis to demonstrate an increased expression of the genes related to adhesion and cardiomyocyte function. Finally, the biocompatibility of the PVDF scaffolds was studied in a cardiac environment, after implantation of acellular scaffolds on the surface of the heart of healthy mice. Seven and 28 days after implantation, no exuberant fibrosis and no multinucleated giant cells were visible in the grafted area, hence demonstrating the absence of foreign body reaction and the biocompatibility of these scaffolds.

Molecular acclimation of Halobacterium salinarum to halite brine inclusions.

Halophilic microorganisms have long been known to survive within the brine inclusions of salt crystals, as evidenced by the change in color for salt crystals containing pigmented halophiles. However, the molecular mechanisms allowing this survival has remained an open question for decades. While protocols for the surface sterilization of halite (NaCl) have enabled isolation of cells and DNA from within halite brine inclusions, "-omics" based approaches have faced two main technical challenges: (1) removal of all contaminating organic biomolecules (including proteins) from halite surfaces, and (2) performing selective biomolecule extractions directly from cells contained within halite brine inclusions with sufficient speed to avoid modifications in gene expression during extraction. In this study, we tested different methods to resolve these two technical challenges. Following this method development, we then applied the optimized methods to perform the first examination of the early acclimation of a model haloarchaeon (Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1) to halite brine inclusions. Examinations of the proteome of Halobacterium cells two months post-evaporation revealed a high degree of similarity with stationary phase liquid cultures, but with a sharp down-regulation of ribosomal proteins. While proteins for central metabolism were part of the shared proteome between liquid cultures and halite brine inclusions, proteins involved in cell mobility (archaellum, gas vesicles) were either absent or less abundant in halite samples. Proteins unique to cells within brine inclusions included transporters, suggesting modified interactions between cells and the surrounding brine inclusion microenvironment. The methods and hypotheses presented here enable future studies of the survival of halophiles in both culture model and natural halite systems.

Cold-Atmospheric Plasma Induces Tumor Cell Death in Preclinical In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Human Cholangiocarcinoma.

Through the last decade, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as an innovative therapeutic option for cancer treatment. Recently, we have set up a potentially safe atmospheric pressure plasma jet device that displays antitumoral properties in a preclinical model of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and very aggressive cancer emerging from the biliary tree with few efficient treatments. In the present study, we aimed at deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of CAP towards CCA in both an in vivo and in vitro context. In vivo, using subcutaneous xenografts into immunocompromised mice, CAP treatment of CCA induced DNA lesions and tumor cell apoptosis, as evaluated by 8-oxoguanine and cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, respectively. The analysis of the tumor microenvironment showed changes in markers related to macrophage polarization. In vitro, the incubation of CCA cells with CAP-treated culture media (i.e., plasma-activated media, PAM) led to a dose response decrease in cell survival. At molecular level, CAP treatment induced double-strand DNA breaks, followed by an increased phosphorylation and activation of the cell cycle master regulators CHK1 and p53, leading to cell cycle arrest and cell death by apoptosis. In conclusion, CAP is a novel therapeutic option to consider for CCA in the future.

Anterior lumbar fusion techniques: ALIF, OLIF, DLIF, LLIF, IXLIF.

An anterior approach to the lumbar spine is increasingly used in performing fusion. Depending on the level to be treated, several approaches have been developed to deal with the anatomic obstacles encountered: pure anterior, oblique anterior or lateral, and trans- or pre-psoas. Conventional techniques incur risk of muscle lesion and severe bleeding, and have been replaced by minimally invasive approaches, often with video assistance after rapid closure of laparoscopic approaches with gas insufflation. There has, in parallel, been great progress in anterior spinal instrumentation systems. Non-existent when these techniques were first developed, they have become increasingly sophisticated, and now employ a variety of stand-alone or not cages and anterior screwed plate that can be associated together or to posterior fixation. Each approach and type of fixation has its specific technical requirements that need to be fully mastered so as to minimize risk, especially regarding vessels, and to enable the patient to enjoy the benefit of their very low morbidity. We shall therefore detail here each step of the pure anterior approach, which is most often used for L5S1, the oblique and lateral approaches, mainly used for L2L5, and also the preparation of the lumbar spine for anterior interbody fusion, with the respective instrumentations. We shall then consider the pros, cons and risks, and also spinal or general contraindications that may sometimes preclude this option. From this, we shall derive the specific optimal and wrong indications for anterior lumbar surgery, to help decision-making when fusion is indicated.

Effect of cationic and anionic surfactants on the application of calcium carbonate nanoparticles in paper coating.

Modification of calcium carbonate particles with surfactant significantly improves the properties of the calcium carbonate coating on paper. In this study, unmodified and CTAB (hexadecyltetramethylammonium bromide)- and oleate-modified calcium carbonate nanoparticles were prepared using the wet carbonation technique for paper coating. CTAB (cationic surfactant) and sodium oleate (anionic surfactant) were used to modify the size, morphology, and surface properties of the precipitated nanoparticles. The obtained particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Coating colors were formulated from the prepared unmodified and modified calcium carbonates and examined by creating a thin coating layer on reference paper. The effect of calcium carbonate particle size and surface modification on paper properties, such as coating thickness, coating weight, surface roughness, air permeability, brightness, whiteness, opacity, and hydrophobicity, were investigated and compared with commercial ground (GCC) calcium carbonate-coated papers. The results show that the obtained calcium carbonate nanoparticles are in the calcite phase. The morphology of the prepared calcium carbonate nanoparticles is rhombohedral, and the average particle diameter is less than 100 nm. Compared to commercial GCC, the use of unmodified and CTAB- and oleate-modified calcium carbonate nanoparticles in paper coating improves the properties of paper. The highest measured paper properties were observed for paper coated with oleate-modifed nanoparticles, where an increase in smoothness (decrease in paper roughness) (+23%), brightness (+1.3%), whiteness (+2.8%), and opacity (+2.3%) and a decrease in air permeability (-26%) was obtained with 25% less coat weight. The water contact angle at a drop age time of 10 min was about 112° for the paper coated with oleate-modified nanoparticles and 42° for paper coated with CTAB-modified nanoparticles compared to 104° for GCC-coated paper.

Three-dimensional assessment of the intervertebral kinematics after Mobi-C total disc replacement at the cervical spine in vivo using the EOS stereoradiography system.

BACKGROUND: Because 3-dimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the spinal architecture is done with the patient in the supine position, stereoradiography may be more clinically relevant for the measurement of the relative displacements of the cervical vertebrae in vivo in the upright position. The innovative EOS stereoradiography system was used for measuring the relative angular displacements of the cervical vertebrae in a limited population to determine its feasibility. The precision and accuracy of the method were investigated. METHODS: In 9 patients with 16 Mobi-C prostheses (LDR Medical, Troyes, France) and 12 healthy subjects, EOS stereoradiography of the lower cervical spine (C3-7) was performed in the neutral upright position of the neck, flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, and left and right axial rotation. The angular displacements were measured from the neutral position to every other posture. The random error was studied in terms of reproducibility. In addition, an in vitro protocol was performed in 6 specimens to investigate accuracy. RESULTS: The reproducibility and the accuracy variables varied similarly between 1.2° and 3.2° depending on the axis and direction of rotation under consideration. The Mobi-C group showed less mobility than the control group, whereas the pattern of coupling was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the feasibility of dynamic EOS stereoradiography was shown. The prosthesis replicates the pattern of motion of the normal cervical spine.

Radiological analysis of 37 segments in cervical spine implanted with a peek stand-alone device, with at least one year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: High incidence of subsidence in cervical stand-alone cages was reported in the literature. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess the radiological outcomes of a PEEK anchored stand-alone cage (MC+®) with a minimum of 1 year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiological evaluation. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study was conducted in 4 hospitals and involved 28 patients (37 levels) treated by ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) for spondylotic radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. OUTCOME MEASURES: We analyzed fusion, disc height, cage or anchor micro plate migration, discal and segmental lordosis and subsidence. METHODS: All the patients were controlled at least one year after surgery with an average of 31 months. Antero-posterior and lateral X-rays were performed pre-operatively, immediate post-operatively, and at final follow up. The different radiographic measurements were performed with the assistance of software (SpineView®). CT-scans were performed for each case at final follow-up to assess the fusion. RESULTS: No migration or breakage was reported for either the cage or the anchor micro plate. The fusion rate was 94.1% at the final follow-up. No subsidence was observed. The disc height increased between preop and final follow-up from 23.3% to 44.3%, from 22.1% to 35.1% and from 38.3% to 51.5% for anterior, posterior and midline disc height respectively. Mean Functional Spinal Unit Lordosis increased from 0.9° preop to 3.0° at final follow-up. No new kyphotic situation could be noticed. At the final follow-up, 96% of the patients stated they would undergo the procedure again. CONCLUSION: With a high rate of proven fusion, restoration of disc height and spinal alignment in most cases, and absence of subsidence or migration, our radiological results with MC+® at more than 1 year of follow-up show the implanted device to be safe and effective for use in treating degenerative conditions of the cervical spine.

Hand preference and hand performance: cross-sectional developmental trends and family resemblance in degree of laterality.

The first aim of the study was to compare developmental trends in the degree of laterality (independent of direction) observed in two handedness tasks. The second aim was to assess family resemblance in the degree of laterality using the same two tasks. The sample was comprised of 186 left-handers and 302 right-handers aged from 6 to 66. Some of the sample were members of the same families. Bishop's card-reaching task was used to assess hand preference, and Annett's peg-moving task to assess manual performance. For the card-reaching task, children aged 7 to 10/11 recorded more midline crossings than the other age groups (both younger and older). No general age-related trend was observed for the Annett pegboard. For the card-reaching task, family resemblance was very low and not significant. The degree of laterality, assessed with the peg-moving task, showed a small but significant resemblance in father-offspring pairs (sons and daughters). Putative involvement of a maternally suppressed gene on chromosome 2p12 and of the androgen receptor was discussed.

A new putative target for antisense gene therapy of glioma: glycogen synthase.

The treatment of malignant brain gliomas remains a challenge, despite the availability of the classical triad of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. There is thus the need for investigations into other forms of treatment strategies, such as gene therapy. Using antisense technology we have targeted glycogen metabolism, since malignant astrocytes present a high content of glycogen. In vitro rat C6­glioma cells, transfected with antisense glycogen synthase (C6­AS cells) exhibited a decreased expression of glycogen synthase and reduced activity of glycogen synthesis, along with attenuated invasiveness. In vivo tumors induced by C6­AS cells in nude mice exhibited a significant reduction in tumor growth compared with controls. This reduction could be mediated by the induction of MCH­I expression. The inhibition of glycogen synthesis by antisense glycogen synthase validates a putative target and a new approach for further study to advance the much­needed efficacy of intervention strategies for malignant gliomas.