Organic-inorganic hybrid material for hole transport in inverted perovskite solar cells.

Hole mobility is critical to the power conversion efficiencies of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Organic small-molecule hole-transporting materials (HTMs) have attracted considerable interest in PSCs due to their structural flexibility and operational durability, but they suffer from modest hole mobility. On the other hand, inorganic HTMs with good hole mobility are inflexible in structural variation and exhibit unsatisfactory cell efficiency. In this study, a ligand BT28 and its zinc-based coordination complex BTZ30 were synthesized, characterized, and investigated as HTMs for PSC applications. The mixed-halide perovskites can be grown uniformly with large crystalline grains on both HTMs, which exhibit similar optical and electrochemical properties. However, it was discovered that the BTZ30-based solar cell exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 1.0817 V and a high short-circuit current density of 23.1392 mA cm-2 with a champion power conversion efficiency of close to 20 %. The performance difference between the two HTMs can be attributed to the difference in their hole mobilities, which is 63.31 % higher for BTZ30 than BT28. The comparison of non-metal and metal HTMs revealed the importance of considering hybrid structures to overcome some shortcomings associated with organic and inorganic HTMs and achieve high-performance PSCs.

Heterocyclic Functionalized Donor-Acceptor Hole-Transporting Materials for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

Hole transport materials (HTMs) with appropriate energy levels and comprehensive passivation effects help to obtain highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Electron-deficient character-induced HTMs can generate varying energy level alignments near the HTM/perovskite interface. Herein, we report the synthesis and investigation of two new dipolar HTMs, WWC103 and WWC105, based on 2-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)rhodamine and 4-cynophenylacetonitrile acceptors, enabling high-efficiency mixed-cation mixed-halide perovskite solar cells. Apart from having different acceptors, these HTMs are built on a heterocyclic frame, which can provide passivation effects and improve the morphology of the perovskite layer. As a result, these dopant-free HTM-based solar cells show a high open-circuit voltage and good power conversion efficiency. Among both, the solar cell based on the HTM with 2-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)rhodamine exhibits a high open-circuit voltage of 1.09 V with a champion power conversion efficiency of over 20.51%. The improved performance of WWC103 over WWC105 (19.74%) is attributed to the new acceptor, which, in addition to providing good energy-level alignments and hole mobility, also holds the ability to passivate the defects. The findings suggest a new acceptor unit for constructing dopant-free HTMs for efficient PSCs.

[Jiedu Huoxue Decoction improves mitochondrial damage of the prostate in rats with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible pathogenesis of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) in rats from the perspective of mitochondria, and the interventional effect of Jiedu Huoxue Decoction (JHD) on CNP. METHODS: Forty clean-grade SD male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of an equal number, sham control, CNP model control, Qianliekang Tablets intervention (QLK) and JHD intervention, those in the former two groups treated intragastrically with normal saline, and those in the latter two with QLK and JHD, respectively, at 2g/kg qd for 30 successive days. Then serum and prostate tissue samples were collected from the rats for calculation of the organ coefficients, HE staining, extraction of mitochondria in the prostate tissue, measurement of the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and Na+-K+-ATPase by colorimetric assay, and observation of the ultrastructural changes of the prostatic epithelial cells under the transmission electron microscope (TEM). RESULTS: The organ coefficient of the prostate was significantly higher in the CNP model controls (ï¼»1.95 ± 0.39ï¼½%) than in the sham control (ï¼»1.50 ± 0.42ï¼½%, P < 0.05), QLK (ï¼»1.54 ± 0.32ï¼½%, P < 0.05) and JHD groups (ï¼»1.47 ± 0.53ï¼½%, P < 0.05). TEM showed significant hyperplasia of the interstitial fibrous tissue, glandular structural disorder and inflammatory cell immersion in the CNP model controls, decreased inflammatory cells and reduced hyperplasia of epithelial cells in the acinar and interstitial fibrous tissues in the QLK and JHD groups, but no significant changes in the sham controls. The CNP model controls, compared with the QLK and JHD groups, exhibited remarkably lower levels of SOD (ï¼»17.42 ± 2.91ï¼½ vs ï¼»23.47 ± 5.79ï¼½ and ï¼»22.52 ± 3.88ï¼½ U/mg prot, P < 0.05), GSH-PX (ï¼»38.35 ± 6.98ï¼½ vs ï¼»47.68 ± 10.37ï¼½ and ï¼»89.95 ± 7.65ï¼½ U/mg prot, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and Na+-K+-ATPase in the prostatic mitochondria (ï¼»0.98 ± 0.40ï¼½ vs ï¼»1.37 ± 0.29ï¼½ and ï¼»1.85 ± 0.32ï¼½ µmol Pi/mg prot/h, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but a higher level of MDA (ï¼»1.70 ± 0.22ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.54 ± 0.14ï¼½ and ï¼»0.59 ± 0.17ï¼½ nmol/mg prot, P < 0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the prostate tissue of the CNP model controls, and markedly enhanced mitochondrial autophagy was seen in the JHD group. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis induces mitochondrial dysfunction in the prostate of rats, and Jiedu Huoxue Decoction can promote the recovery of mitochondrial function, which may be related to mitochondrial autophagy.

TNF-α regulates the early development of avascular necrosis of the femoral head by mediating osteoblast autophagy and apoptosis via the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Previous studies have shown that the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in serum and bone tissues formed in avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) patients were higher than those of normal individuals, indicating TNF-α might play a role in the pathogenesis of ANFH. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to show the pathological changes of ANFH bone tissues. TNF-α expression in normal and ANFH tissues was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Osteoblast autophagy and apoptosis, as well as signaling pathways activation, were measured by their corresponding marker proteins. Osteoblast proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. The structures of bone tissues of ANFH were obviously damaged. TNF-α expression was significantly upregulated in ANFH bone tissues compared to normal tissues. Autophagy and apoptosis were remarkably promoted, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways were markedly activated in ANFH. Suppression of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway significantly attenuated the TNF-α-induced autophagy, however, enhanced the TNF-α-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts. Increased TNF-α in ANFH regulated osteoblast autophagy and apoptosis by p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, blocking the pathway by inhibitors exacerbated TNF-α-induced apoptosis through impairing autophagy flux.

[Long-term effect of intruded upper molars and dental implant restoration in 24 patients].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of intruded upper molar with orthodontic mini-screw and the long-term stability of the lower molar restored with dental implant. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with excessive growing upper molar were chosen. The upper molars were intruded by orthodontic mini-screw to increase the bite distance, and then restored with dental implant. The height of molar and the height of bone around the implant were measured on the lateral cephalometric films and panoramic films to analyze the long-term effect of molar intrusion and implantation. The data were analyzed with SPSS18.0 software package. RESULTS: There was significant difference between the length of upper molar before and after intrusion, the upper molars were intruded (2.7±0.3)mm 3.5 months after orthodontic mini-screw; there was no significant difference after 1 year with retainer and implant restoration. The height of bone around the implant decreased 1.2 mm but without significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: With the upper molar intruded by orthodontic mini-screw , more bite space can be obtained to restore lower molar with dental implant, and the long-term effect of upper molar intrusion and lower molar implant are stable.

Tranexamic acid plus drain-clamping can reduce blood loss in total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) plus drain-clamping in reducing blood loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to identify whether combined tranexamic acid and drain-clamping was superior to TXA alone, drain clamping alone and control treatments. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google databases and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Patients prepared for primary TKA and who underwent TXA plus drain-clamping for blood loss were included in this meta-analysis. Outcomes included the need for transfusion, total blood loss, blood loss in drainage, a decrease in hemoglobin and the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stata 12.0 was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Finally, 7 clinical studies with 839 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, TXA group and drain clamping group treatments, TXA plus drain-clamping could reduce the need for transfusion, total blood loss, blood loss in drainage and the decrease in hemoglobin with statistically significance. CONCLUSIONS: TXA plus drain-clamping is an efficient method for controlling blood loss after TKA, and more studies should focus on the optimal clamping duration.

[Expressions of microRNAs in prostatic diseases: Advances in studies].

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with about 22 nucleotides, which regulate a variety of biological processes, cells and gene expressions, playing significant roles in cells and disease progression. An insight into the relationship between the miRNA expressions and prostatic diseases may contribute to a better understanding of prostatic diseases from the perspective of molecular biology, explanation of their pathogenesis, and guidance for their clinical treatment and prognosis. At present, many studies are reported on prostate cancer-related miRNAs, involving the development, progression, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the disease. However, relatively fewer studies are seen on the miRNA expressions relating to prostatitis and BPH. This article briefly describes the origin and biological role of miRNAs and reviews the advances in the studies of the expressions of related miRNAs in prostatitis, BPH and prostate cancer, aiming for a deeper insight into the roles of miRNAs in prostatic diseases and some new ideas for their clinical diagnosis and treatment as well as for the future studies of miRNAs in prostatic diseases.

Efficacy and safety of topical herbal medicine treatment on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a systemic review.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical treatment with natural herbal medicines on recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Nine electronic databases were searched to identify the randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials that reported the potential effect of natural herbal medicines on RAS published in Chinese or English. Ulcer size and duration, and remission of pain were assessed as main outcome measures. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook for Systemic Review of Interventions and Rev Man software. Thirteen trials with a total of 1,515 patients were included in the present analysis, which showed that topical treatment with natural herbal medicines seemed to benefit RAS patients by reducing ulcer size, shortening ulcer duration, and relieving pain without severe side effects. In conclusion, there is some evidence of the efficacy of topically applied natural herbal medicines with regards to improved RAS outcome measures and fewer side effects. However, given the limitations of this study, the evidence remains insufficient. Well-designed and high-quality randomized controlled trials are required for further exploration.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B8 is secreted via non-classical pathway.

Mouse aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B8 (AKR1B8) has the highest similarity to human aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), a secretory protein through lysosomes-mediated non-classical secretory pathway. To identify whether AKR1B8 is secreted through the same pathway, we carried out this study. Self-developed sandwich ELISA and western blot were used to detect AKR1B8 in cells and culture medium of CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells. AKR1B8 releases in an independent manner to Brefeldin A, an inhibitor of ER-to-Golgi classical secretion pathway. Several factors, which are involved in the non-classical secretion pathway, such as temperature, ATP and calcium ion, regulated AKR1B8 secretion from mouse colorectal cancer cells CT-26. Lysosomotropic NH4Cl increased AKR1B8 secretion, and AKR1B8 was located in isolated lysosomes. Therefore, AKR1B8 is a new secretory protein through the lysosomes-mediated non-classical pathway.

Expression of NF-κB and osteopontin of synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance of osteopontin and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure the Osteopontin (OPN) and NF-κB concentration of knee joint synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis and trauma fractures, and analyze the relationship between the expressiones of them. RESULTS: OPN and NF-κB expression at the mRNA and protein levels of patients with knee osteoarthritis were significantly higher than the control group. the result showed statistical significance (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the OPN levels in synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis and NF-κB expression levels (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high expression of OPN and NF-κB are closely related to occurrence and development of knee osteoarthritis.

A systematic review of vascular endothelial growth factor expression as a biomarker of prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the tumor angiogenesis, and its expression has been supposed to be a biomarker of prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. There are many studies assessing the prognostic role of VEGF expression in osteosarcoma, and no consistent outcomes are reported. To provide a comprehensive assessment of the prognostic role of VEGF expression, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. We assessed the effect of VEGF expression on the overall survival rate and the disease-free survival rate by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI). Finally, 12 studies with a total of 559 osteosarcoma patients were included into the systematic review and meta-analysis. Compared with osteosarcoma patients with low or negative VEGF expression, patients with high VEGF expression were obviously associated with lower disease-free survival (OR=0.25, 95 %CI 0.11-0.58, P=0.001, I (2) =56.4 %). In addition, patients with high VEGF expression were obviously associated with lower overall survival (OR=0.22, 95 %CI 0.13-0.35, P<0.001, I (2) =0.0 %). Therefore, the findings from this systematic review suggest that VEGF expression is an effective biomarker of prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.

Advances in bone repair with nanobiomaterials: mini-review.

Nanotechnology has emerged to be one of the most powerful engineering approaches in the past half a century. Nanotechnology brought nanomaterials for biomedical use with diverse applications. In the present manuscript we summarize the recent progress in adopting nanobiomaterials for bone healing and repair approaches. We first discuss the use of nanophase surface modification in manipulating metals and ceramics for bone implantation, and then the use of polymers as nanofiber scaffolds in bone repair. Finally we briefly present the potential use of the nanoparticle delivery system as adjunct system in promoting bone regeneration following fracture.

Impacto do posicionamento da placa na osteotomia em cunha de fechamento lateral em cúbito varo / Impact of plate positioning on the lateral closing wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus

OBJETIVO: O cúbito varo é uma doença muito comum em crianças e adultos, ocasionada por fratura supracondilar. Existem vários procedimentos cirúrgicos e fixações internas para correção do cúbito varo, com diferentes desfechos, embora a fixação interna com placa e parafusos seja o mais comum. Contudo, o impacto do posicionamento da placa sobre a cirurgia raramente foi estudado até agora. MÉTODO: Em nosso estudo, 12 pacientes com cúbito varo foram divididos em dois grupos, operados pelo método de osteotomias em cunha com fechamento lateral e fixações internas com placa e parafusos. Em um grupo, as placas foram colocadas no lado póstero-lateral; no outro, as placas foram colocadas no lado lateral do úmero. RESULTADO: O período de acompanhamento foi 4,5 meses (faixa de 2 a 7 meses). Houve cinco resultados excelentes (83,3 por cento) e um bom (16,7 por cento) em cada grupo. Em todos os casos, a aparência é muito semelhante ao lado oposto; não há diferenças de amplitude de movimento (AM) no cotovelo depois da cirurgia. Um paciente no grupo B teve paralisia nervosa transitória; não houve infecções nem osteomielite. CONCLUSÃO: A posição da placa de fixação interna não tem impacto sobre a osteotomia em cunha de fechamento lateral. Nivel de Evidência II, Prospectivo Comparativo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of low intensity ultrasound irradiation applied on the spinal cord, in the regeneration of the rat's sciatic nerve after a controlled crush injury, evaluating the functional results of the sciatic functional index as measured on video recorded images of the foot sole. METHODS: Eighteen rats were submitted to a controlled crush injury of the right sciatic nerve, and divided into two groups according to the treatment: Group 1 (n=9), simulated irradiation; Group 2 (n=9), effective irradiation. Low-intensity ultrasound irradiation was started on the 7th postoperative day and applied daily for 6 weeks. Images of the animals´ foot soles were video recorded on a transparenttreadmill belt at weekly intervals until the 6th week of irradiation, and the corresponding sciatic functional index (SFI) was measured usingspecific software. RESULTS: The SFI during the first and last week of treatment was -59.12 and -12.55 in Group 1, -53.31 and -1.32 in Group 2, indicating improvements of 79 percent and 97 percent, respectively, but differences between the groups were only significant (p<0.05) during the third week of treatment. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that low intensity therapeutic ultrasound enhances nerve regeneration, with significance during the 3rd week of treatment. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Could insertion of the particles that induce osteolysis be a new treatment option in heterotopic ossification?

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of the bone outside the skeletal system, it is a common complication of surgery or trauma. The abnormal deposition or precipitation of calcium phosphate in tissues may be massive and clinically significant sometimes. Severe ossification often reduce joint function and induce pain. Unfortunately, to date, there is no satisfactory treatment available yet. Nowadays, periprosthetic osteolysis induced by wear debris is the most widely accepted cause of aseptic loosening after total joint replacement. A large number of researches have identified metal particles can stimulate bone resorption by targeting osteoclasts. So it is hypothesized that the insertion of metal particles in the region surrounding heterotopic bone could be a new treatment option in HO.

[Release of gluteal muscle contracture by radiofrequency under arthroscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of the release of gluteal muscle contracture by radiofrequency under arthroscopy. METHODS: From January 2004 to April 2005, 86 patients with gluteal muscle contracture were treated by radiofrequency release under arthroscopy.The patients were followed-up for 6-18 months(mean=12.6 months). RESULTS: Getting carriage, squatting down while keeping their knees contacting, crossing leg test, and impact on movement were served as evaluation criteria. Of the 86 patients, 79 had excellent results, 5 good, and the rest 2 were acceptable. There was no recurrence at the last follow-up, and all the patients were satisfied. CONCLUSION: For gluteal muscle contracture, radiofrequency release under arthroscopy has minimally invasion, good results and quick recovery.

[Evaluation and treatment of hemorrhage after hip and knee arthroplasty in the aged].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evaluation and treatment of blood loss during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the aged . METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed the blood loss and the rehabilitation of 46 cases of TKA and 146 cases of THA older than 60. RESULTS: In the group younger than 70, the mean total blood loss of THA was 1425 mL and the hidden hemorrhage 729 mL (51%); following the TKA, the mean total loss was 1386 mL and the hidden hemorrhage was 890 mL (64%). In the group 70 and older, the mean total blood loss of THA was 1435 mL and the hidden hemorrhage was 769 mL (53%)û following the TKA, the mean total loss was 1380 mL and the hidden hemorrhage was 910 mL (65%). The difference of hidden hemorrhage between the THA and the TKA was both significant by different (p< 0.05). Age played an important part in the THA group (p< 0.05), but not in the TKA group (> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The aged have poor resistance to blood loss. Hidden hemorrhage in the TKA or THA perhaps is the primary part of the blood loss. Prompt treatment is helpful for the rehabilitation.

[Operative strategy of the thoracolumbar fracture dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the operative strategy and clinical outcome of the thoracolumbar fracture dislocation. METHODS: Forty-two patients with the thoracolumbar fracture dislocation were treated with anterior approach (10 patients), posterior approach (28 patients), and anterior combined with posterior approach (4 patients) in order to construct the stabilities of the spine. The ASIA grades were used to evaluate the recovery of the neurological function, and the improvement of the kyphosis deformities was evaluated by the cobb's angle post-operation. RESULTS: All the patients had no complications of injury in the vascular and neurological system. The ASIA grades after the operation were superior to those of pre-operation, and the cobb's angle was rectified distinctly. CONCLUSION: When appropriate operative strategies are adopted, thoracolumbar fracture dislocation can be treated with satisfactory outcome.