Synergistically enhancing electrocatalysis and non-enzymatic sensing for glucose by iridium single-atom/nickel oxide/N-doped graphene.

The development of novel catalyst with high catalytic activity is important for electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensing. Here, iridium single-atom/nickel oxide nanoparticle/N-doped graphene nanosheet (Ir1/NiO/NG) with the loading of 1.13 wt% Ir was successfully synthesized for constructing electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensor for the first time. The morphology and structure of Ir1/NiO/NG were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, and XPS, and the presence of Ir SAs was confirmed by AC-HAADF-STEM. The Ir1/NiO/NG shows 65 mV lower oxidation potential and 3.3 times higher response current than Ni(OH)2/NG. In addition, Ir1/NiO/NG exhibits high sensitivity (70.09 µA mM-1 cm-2), excellent selectivity, low detection limit (2.00 µM), and great stability (91.53% current remaining after 21 days) for electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensing. The outstanding catalytic and sensing performance of Ir1/NiO/NG is mainly attributed to synergistic effect of Ir SAs, NiO nanoparticles, and highly conductive NG, which modulate the electronic and geometric structure of Ir1/NiO/NG. This work shows the promising potential of SACs in electrochemical sensing.

Ginkgo biloba extract promotes Treg differentiation to ameliorate ischemic stroke via inhibition of HIF-1α/HK2 pathway.

The ischemic brain can dialogue with peripheral tissues through the immune system. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) was used to regulate various neurological disorders; however, the impact of EGb on ischemic stroke is still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate whether immunomodulation has participated in the beneficial effects of EGb on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) brain injury. Mice were orally administered with EGb once daily for 7 days before the induction of I/R. Neurobehavioral scores, infarct volume, and brain inflammation were determined. The proportion of CD4+ T cells was detected by flow cytometry. EGb significantly lowered neurobehavioral scores, infarct volume, and the level of inflammatory cytokines in I/R mice. Interestingly, EGb altered the proportion of CD4+ T cells, particularly increasing the proportion of Treg cells. Depletion of Treg cells weakened the neuroprotective effects of EGb on ischemic stroke; furthermore, EGb decreased the expression of HIF-1α and HK2 and promoted the differentiation of Treg cells in vitro. EGb suppressed the HIF-1α/HK2 signaling pathway to promote the differentiation of Treg cells and ameliorate ischemic stroke in mice. The expansion effect of EGb on Treg cells could be exploited as part of future stroke therapy.

The Feasibility of Robot-Assisted Chin Osteotomy on Skull Models: Comparison with Surgical Guides Technique.

Surgical robotic technology is characterized by its high accuracy, good stability, and repeatability. The accuracy of mandibular osteotomy is important in tumor resection, function reconstruction, and abnormality correction. This study is designed to compare the operative accuracy between robot-assisted osteotomy and surgical guide technique in the skull model trials which simulated the genioplasty. In an experimental group, robot-assisted chin osteotomy was automatically performed in 12 models of 12 patients according to the preoperative virtual surgical planning (VSP). In a control group, with the assistance of a surgical guide, a surgeon performed the chin osteotomy in another 12 models of the same patients. All the mandibular osteotomies were successfully completed, and then the distance error and direction error of the osteotomy plane were measured and analyzed. The overall distance errors of the osteotomy plane were 1.57 ± 0.26 mm in the experimental group and 1.55 ± 0.23 mm in the control group, and the direction errors were 7.99 ± 1.10° in the experimental group and 8.61 ± 1.05° in the control group. The Bland-Altman analysis results revealed that the distance error of 91.7% (11/12) and the direction error of 100% (12/12) of the osteotomy plane were within the 95% limits of agreement, suggesting the consistency of differences in the osteotomy planes between the two groups. Robot-assisted chin osteotomy is a feasible auxiliary technology and achieves the accuracy level of surgical guide-assisted manual operation.

Collaborative Control Method and Experimental Research on Robot-Assisted Craniomaxillofacial Osteotomy Based on the Force Feedback and Optical Navigation.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical robot has advantages in high accuracy and stability. But during the robot-assisted bone surgery, the lack of force information from surgical area and incapability of intervention from surgeons become the obstacle. The aim of the study is to introduce a collaborative control method based on the force feedback and optical navigation, which may optimally combine the excellent performance of surgical robot with clinical experiences of surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CMF ROBOT system was integrated with the force feedback system to ensure the collaborative control. Force-velocity control algorithm based on force feedback was designed for this control method. In the preliminary experimental test, under the collaborative control mode based on force feedback and optical navigation, the craniomaxillofacial surgical robot entered the osteotomy line area according to the preoperative surgical plan, namely, right maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy, left maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy, and genioplasty. RESULTS: The force sensor was able to collect and record the resistance data of the cutting process of the robot-assisted craniomaxillofacial osteotomy assisted in real time. The statistical results showed that the repeatability of collaborative control mode was acceptable in bilateral maxillary Le Fort I osteotomies (right, P =0.124>0.05 and left, P =0.183>0.05) and unfavorable in genioplasty ( P =0.048<0.05). CONCLUSION: The feasibility of robot-assisted craniomaxillofacial osteotomy under the collaborative control method based on the force feedback and optical navigation was proved in some extent. The outcome of this research may improve the flexibility and safety of surgical robot to meet the demand of craniomaxillofacial osteotomy.

Quercetin-Coating Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation, Osseointegration and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Nano-Topographic Modificated 3D-Printed Ti6Al4V Implant.

The capabilities of osseointegration and anti-inflammatory properties are of equal significance to the bio-inert titanium implant surface. Quercetin has proved its capacities of activating anti-inflammation through macrophage modulation and promoting osteogenic differentiation. Herein, we fabricated quercetin-coating on nano-topographic modificated 3D-printed Ti6Al4V implant surface. Subsequently the biological cells responses in vitro, anti-inflammatory and osseointegration performance in vivo were evaluated. In vitro studies indicated that quercetin-coating can enhance the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs, while modulating the polarization of macrophages from M1 to M2 phase and improving the anti-inflammatory and vascular gene expression. Moreover, quercetin-loaded implants reduced the level of peri-implant inflammation and ameliorated new bone formation and rapid osseoinegration in vivo. Quercetin-coating might provide a feasible and favorable scheme for endowing 3D-printed titanium alloy implant surface with enhanced the rapid osseointegration and anti-inflammatory properties.

Effects of ergosteroside combined risedronate on fracture healing and BMP-2, BMP-7 and VEGF expression in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of ergosterol combined with risedronate on fracture healing. METHODS: Sixty male Sprague Dawley fracture model rats were assigned into group A (n=20), group B (n=20), and group C (n=20) at random. All rats were fed by gavage until their sacrifice as it follows: group A with ergosteroside and risedronate, group B with risedronate, and group C with saline solution. At weeks 2 and 4, 10 rats of each group were sacrificed. Healing effect and bone tissue changes in the fractures site were assessed by using hematoxylin and eosin stain histology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression of serum bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA, osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA and core-binding factor subunit-?1 (CBF-?1) mRNA. RESULTS: In terms of serum BMP-2, BMP-7, and VEGF expression at weeks 2 and 4 after gavage, group A < group B < group C (P<0.05). At week 4 after gavage, serum VEGF expression in the three groups harbored positive relationship with serum BMP-2 and BMP-7 expression (P<0.05). Regarding serum OPG, OCN and CBF-?1 mRNA expression at weeks 2 and 4 after gavage, group A

Effects of ergosteroside combined risedronate on fracture healing and BMP-2, BMP-7 and VEGF expression in rats

Purpose To evaluate the effect of ergosterol combined with risedronate on fracture healing. Methods Sixty male Sprague Dawley fracture model rats were assigned into group A (n=20), group B (n=20), and group C (n=20) at random. All rats were fed by gavage until their sacrifice as it follows: group A with ergosteroside and risedronate, group B with risedronate, and group C with saline solution. At weeks 2 and 4, 10 rats of each group were sacrificed. Healing effect and bone tissue changes in the fractures site were assessed by using hematoxylin and eosin stain histology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression of serum bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA, osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA and core-binding factor subunit-?1 (CBF-?1) mRNA. Results In terms of serum BMP-2, BMP-7, and VEGF expression at weeks 2 and 4 after gavage, group A < group B < group C (P<0.05). At week 4 after gavage, serum VEGF expression in the three groups harbored positive relationship with serum BMP-2 and BMP-7 expression (P<0.05). Regarding serum OPG, OCN and CBF-?1 mRNA expression at weeks 2 and 4 after gavage, group A

Error Analysis of Robot-Assisted Orthognathic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Orthognathic surgery is an effective method to correct the dentomaxillofacial deformities. The aim of the study is to introduce the robot-assisted orthognathic surgery and demonstrate the accuracy and feasibility of robot-assisted osteotomy in transferring the preoperative virtual surgical planning (VSP) into the intraoperative phase. METHODS: The CMF robot system, a craniomaxillofacial surgical robot system was developed, consisted of a robotic arm with 6 degrees of freedom, a self-developed end-effector, and an optical localizer. The individualized end-effector was installed with reciprocating saw so that it could perform osteotomy. The study included control and experimental groups. In control group, under the guidance of navigation system, surgeon performed the osteotomies on 3 skull models. In experimental group, according to the preoperative VSP, the robot completed the osteotomies on 3 skull models automatically with assistance of navigation. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of robot-assisted orthognathic surgery and compare the errors between robot-assisted automatic osteotomy and navigation-assisted manual osteotomy. RESULTS: All the osteotomies were successfully completed. The overall osteotomy error was 1.07 ±â€Š0.19 mm in the control group, and 1.12 ±â€Š0.20 mm in the experimental group. No significant difference in osteotomy errors was found in the robot-assisted osteotomy groups (P = 0.353). There was consistence of errors between robot-assisted automatic osteotomy and navigation-assisted manual osteotomy. CONCLUSION: In robot-assisted orthognathic surgery, the robot can complete an osteotomy according to the preoperative VSP and transfer a preoperative VSP into the actual surgical operation with good accuracy and feasibility.

New Solutions to Improve the Accuracy of the Navigation-Guided Foreign Body Removal in Craniomaxillofacial Deep Space.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical navigation-guided removal of foreign bodies in the craniomaxillofacial region has been proven to be an effective method. However, there have been some unsuccessful patients due to reduced navigation accuracy or complicated and undetectable anatomy. This article summarizes the experience and proposes some solutions to achieve better results. STUDY DESIGN: Two solutions were proposed to optimize the surgical navigation procedure: using a 3-dimensionally printed customized mandible retainer to indirectly maintain the consistency of the foreign body's visual images of preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation and importing real-time endoscopic imaging during surgery to provide vision under complex anatomy. Two patients were selected for each method. RESULTS: The foreign bodies were successfully and minimally invasively removed in all patients assisted by optimized surgical navigation. During follow-up at 3 to 6 months postoperatively, no complications were found. CONCLUSION: Improving navigation accuracy and providing real vision might be effective at compensating for insufficient navigation due to navigation positioning errors or the interference of imperceptible and complicated anatomy.

Therapeutic potential of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands derived from natural products in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory disease, which is characterized by chronic synovitis, progressive bone destruction and reduced mobility. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, has been shown to regulate the differentiation, activation and apoptosis of various cells involved in rheumatoid arthritis. The ligands of AhR such as tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, benzo[a]pyrene and 3,3'-diindolylmetheane are able to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and attenuate arthritis in mice. However, the long-term use of these compounds is associated with severe side effects, which limit their use as therapeutic agents in animals or humans. There is an urgent need to search for new AhR ligands that are effective and safe. This MiniReview discusses the potential therapeutic value of the AhR ligands derived from natural products.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Polyphaga plancyi (Blattaria: Polyphagidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Polyphaga plancyi is a 15,547 bp circular molecule, which contains 37 typical mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs and 22 tRNAs) and a 854 bp D-loop. Its gene arrangement pattern is identical with typical other cockroaches. All protein-coding genes start with an ATG codon except COI, ND3, ND5, ND4, ND4L ND6 and ND1. TAA is the most frequent stop codon, and TAG, GCA, TA- and T- are also occurred very common. The mtDNA sequence contains 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA of rRNA. Except for tRNASer(AGY) and tRNALeu(CUN) without the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm, all tRNAs could be folded into canonical cloverleaf secondary structures. The phylogenetic trees from the ML and BI analyses based on the complete mtDNA of nine cockroaches' species, share similar topologies and high node support values. Polyphaga plancy has close relative with Eupolyphaga sinensis.