Preparation of composites with MgAl-LDH-modified commercial activated carbon for the quick removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.

The problem of soil and water contamination caused by Cr(VI) discharged from the dyeing, electroplating, and metallurgical industries is becoming increasingly serious, posing a potentially great threat to the environment and public health. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a fast, efficient, and cost-effective adsorbent for remediating Cr-contaminated wastewater. In this work, MgAl-LDH/commercial-activated carbon nanocomposites (LDH-CACs) are prepared with hydrothermal. The effects of preparation and reaction conditions on the composite properties are first investigated, and then its adsorption behavior is thoroughly explored. Finally, a potential adsorption mechanism is proposed by several characterizations like SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, and XPS. The removal of Cr(VI) reaches 72.47% at optimal conditions, and the adsorption study demonstrates that LDH-CAC@1 has an extremely rapid adsorption rate and a maximum adsorption capacity of 116.7 mg/g. The primary removal mechanisms include adsorption-coupled reduction, ion exchange, surface precipitation, and electrostatic attraction. The reusability experiment illustrates that LDH-CAC@1 exhibits promising reusability. This study provides an effective adsorbent with a remarkably fast reaction, which has positive environmental significance for the treatment of Cr(VI) wastewater.

Sinomenine Inhibits the Growth of Ovarian Cancer Cells Through the Suppression of Mitosis by Down-Regulating the Expression and the Activity of CDK1.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers worldwide. While, therapies against ovarian cancer have not been completely effective, sinomenine has been proved to have anti-tumor activity in various cancer cells. However, study of its anti-ovarian cancer effect is still rare, and the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. Therefore, we aim to explore the mechanism of sinomenine anti-ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of anti-ovarian cancer HeyA8 cells was analyzed by CCK8 and colony formation assay. The mechanism of sinomenine anti-ovarian cancer was explored via high throughput RNA-seq, and then the target mRNA and protein expression were verified by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: We found that the proliferation and clone formation ability of ovarian cancer HeyA8 cells were markedly reduced by 1.56 mM sinomenine. The transcriptome analysis showed that 2679 genes were differentially expressed after sinomenine treatment in HeyA8 cells, including 1323 down-regulated genes and 1356 up-regulated genes. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that differential expression genes (DEGs) between the groups of sinomenine and DMSO-treated HeyA8 cells were mainly involved in the process of the cell cycle, such as kinetochore organization, chromosome segregation, and DNA replication. Strikingly, the top 18 ranked degree genes in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were mainly involved in the process of mitosis, such as sister chromatid segregation, condensed chromosome, and microtubule cytoskeleton organization. Moreover, real-time PCR results showed consistent expression trends of DEGs with transcriptome analysis. The results of Western blot showed the expression level of CDK1, which was the highest degree gene in PPI and the main regulator controlling the process of mitosis, and the levels of phosphorylated P-CDK (Thr161) and P-Histone H3 (Ser10) were decreased after being treated with sinomenine. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that sinomenine inhibited the proliferation of HeyA8 cells through suppressing mitosis by down-regulating the expression and the activity of CDK1. The study may provide a preliminary research basis for the application of sinomenine in anti-ovarian cancer.

Lipoxin A4-Mediated p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway Protects Mice Against Collagen-Induced Arthritis.

The aim of the article was to study the mechanism of Lipoxin A4 (LXA4)-mediated p38 MAPK pathway protecting mice against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The impact of LXA4 (0, 5, 10, 15 nM) on synoviocytes proliferation of CIA mice was detected using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. CIA mice were treated with LXA4, SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), and/or anisomycin (a p38 agonist), and the arthritis severity score in each mouse was determined. The gene or protein expressions were detected with Western Blotting, ELISA, or qRT-PCR. LXA4 inhibited the synoviocytes proliferation of CIA mice with decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ and reduced p-p38/total p38 expression in synoviocytes in a dose-dependent manner. LXA4 levels were decreased in synovial tissues and plasma of CIA mice, but p-p38/total p38 expression was increased in synovial tissues. LXA4 could downregulate p-p38/total p38 expression in synovial tissues of CIA mice. Both LXA4 and SB203580 reduced arthritis severity score of CIA mice with the reduction of synovial tissue hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration. CIA mice treated with LXA4 and SB203580 had lower levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ, accompanying decreased MDA as well as increased SOD, CAT,and GPx. However, anisomycin could reverse the protect effects of LXA4 on CIA mice regarding the abovementioned inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indexes. LXA4 protected mice against collagen-induced arthritis via inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling pathway, which may be a potential new therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis.

Raloxifene improves TNF-α-induced osteogenic differentiation inhibition of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and alleviates osteoporosis.

Effect of raloxifene (RLF) on the improvement of inhibited osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) resulted from tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induction, thus alleviating the progression of osteoporosis (OP), was investigated. An in vivo OP rat model was constructed by performing the procedures of ovariectomy (OVX). Rats were randomly divided into sham group, OVX group and RLF+OVX group. BMSCs were extracted from healthy rats, and randomly divided into control group, TNF-α group, RLF group and TNF-α+RLF group. Viability and cellular calcification ability in each group were detected. The relative levels of osteocalcin (OCN), Runx2 and NF-κB in cells with different treatments were determined. The body weight of rats in the OVX group and RLF+OVX group gradually increased compared with that in the sham group on the 8th week. No significant difference in body weight was observed between the rats of the OVX group and RLF+OVX group. Bone metabolism index (BMD) in the rats of the RLF+OVX group was higher than that of the OVX group, and lower compared with that of the sham group. Compared with the sham group, the elastic/max radial degree and elastic/max load of femora were reduced in the OVX group and RLF+OVX group, especially in the OVX group. The relative levels of OCN and Runx2, as well as the ALP activity and calcification ability, were decreased in the OVX group compared with the sham group, and the effect was partially reversed by the RLF treatment. After osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, the viability and calcification ability were markedly reduced in TNF-α group, which was reversed by RLF treatment. Moreover, TNF-α induction downregulated the relative levels of OCN and Runx2, and RLF treatment could enhance their levels. The upregulated NF-κB protein level, induced by TNF-α, was reduced after RLF treatment. TNF-α induction inhibits osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which could be remarkably alleviated by RLF. It is suggested that RLF contributes to the alleviation of OP progression.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on outcomes after total joint arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Comorbidities in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may compromise outcomes with increased hospital stays, re-admission, and mortality rates. We aimed to determine whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS: To identify studies for this review and meta-analysis, two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar until April 1, 2019, and identified additional studies by manual search of reference lists. Prospective or retrospective studies with quantitative outcomes for patients undergoing TJA were selected. Outcomes were compared between patients with underlying CKD stage ≥ 3 or eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 versus mild/non-CKD as controls. Main endpoints were mortality, re-operation, and re-admission rates. RESULTS: Among 59 studies reviewed, 19 meeting the eligibility criteria were included, providing data of 2,141,393 patients. After THA or TKA, CKD was associated with higher mortality risk than non-CKD (pooled OR 2.20, 95%CI = 1.90 to 2.54; P < 0.001); no significant differences were seen in re-operation between CKD and non-CKD patients (pooled OR 1.26, 95%CI = 0.84 to 1.88; P = 0.266); and CKD patients had higher any-cause re-admission rates (pooled OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.27 to 1.94, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Underlying CKD predicts adverse outcomes after elective TJA with increased risk of mortality, re-admission, surgical site infection, and perioperative transfusion. Findings of this review and meta-analysis highlight CKD as a critical contributor to complications after TJA and may be helpful to surgeons when advising patients about associated risks of TJA.

Assessment of Genetic Differentiation and Linkage Disequilibrium in Solanum pimpinellifolium Using Genome-Wide High-Density SNP Markers.

To mine new favorable alleles for tomato breeding, we investigated the feasibility of utilizing Solanum pimpinellifolium as a diverse panel of genome-wide association study through the restriction site-associated DNA sequencing technique. Previous attempts to conduct genome-wide association studies using S. pimpinellifolium were impeded by an inability to correct for population stratification and by lack of high-density markers to address the issue of rapid linkage disequilibrium decay. In the current study, a set of 24,330 SNPs was identified using 99 S. pimpinellifolium accessions from the Tomato Genetic Resource Center. Approximately 84% of PstI site-associated DNA sequencing regions were located in the euchromatic regions, resulting in the tagging of most SNPs on or near genes. Our genotypic data suggested that S. pimpinellifolium were divided into three single-ancestry subpopulations and four mixed-ancestry subpopulations. Additionally, our SNP genotypic data consistently confirmed the genetic differentiation, achieving a relatively reliable correction of population stratification. Previous studies utilized the 8K tomato SNP array, SolCAP, to investigate the genetic variation of S. pimpinellifolium and we performed a meta-analysis of these genotypes. The result suggested SolCAP array was less appropriate to profile the genetic differentiation of S. pimpinellifolium when more accessions were involved because the samples belonging to the same accession demonstrated different genome patterns. Moreover, as expected, rapid linkage disequilibrium decay was observed in S. pimpinellifolium, especially in euchromatic regions. Approximately two-thirds of the flanking SNP markers did not display linkage disequilibrium based on r2 = 0.1. However, the 18-Kb linkage disequilibrium decay indeed reveals the potential of single-gene resolution in GWAS when markers are saturated.

Comparison of intravenous, topical or combined routes of tranexamic acid administration in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous, topical and combined routes of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration on blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). DESIGN: This was a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) wherein the weighted mean difference (WMD) and relative risk (RR) were used for data synthesis applied in the random effects model. Stratified analyses based on the surgery type, region, intravenous and topical TXA dose and transfusion protocol were also conducted. The main outcomes included intraoperative and total blood loss volume, transfusion rate, low postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level and postoperative Hb decline. However, the secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS) and/or occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). SETTING: We searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL databases for RCTs that compared different routes of TXA administration. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing TKA or THA. INTERVENTIONS: Intravenous, topical or combined intravenous and topical TXA. RESULTS: Twenty-six RCTs were selected, and the intravenous route did not differ substantially from the topical route with respect to the total blood loss volume (WMD=30.92, p=0.31), drain blood loss (WMD=-34.53, p=0.50), postoperative Hb levels (WMD=-0.01, p=0.96), Hb decline (WMD=-0.39, p=0.08), LOS (WMD=0.15, p=0.38), transfusion rate (RR=1.08, p=0.75) and VTE occurrence (RR=1.89, p=0.15). Compared with the combined-delivery group, the single-route group had significantly increased total blood loss volume (WMD=198.07, p<0.05), greater Hb decline (WMD=0.56, p<0.05) and higher transfusion rates (RR=2.51, p<0.05). However, no significant difference was noted in the drain blood loss, postoperative Hb levels and VTE events between the two groups. The intravenous and topical routes had comparable efficacy and safety profiles. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of intravenous and topical TXA was relatively more effective in controlling bleeding without increased risk of VTE.

Protective effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on TNF-α-induced human nucleus pulposus cells through inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway.

This work aims to evaluate the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on the apoptosis, proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism and oxidative stress-induced damage of human nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) induced by TNF-α. The human NPCs were divided into Control, TNF-α, TNF-α + low Rg3, TNF-α + medium Rg3 and TNF-α + high Rg3 groups. Annexin V-FITC/PI, CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect the apoptosis, proliferation, and cell cycle of NPCs, respectively. The expressions of ECM-related molecules were determined by qRT-PCR, ELISA and Western blotting. NF-κB p65 pathway and apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blotting, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by DCFH-DA assay. Compared with Control group, NPCs in the TNF-α group had elevated proportion of apoptotic cells with up-regulation of Bax and Caspase-3 and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Besides, TNF-α inhibited proliferation and arrested cell cycle at G1 of NPCs. Moreover, human NPCs induced by TNF-α presented the increase in the expressions of ECM degrading genes (MMP3 and ADAMTS5), the content of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the expression of NF-κB/p65 in nucleus, but showed the decrease in the expression of ECM synthesis genes (Aggrecan and COL2A1) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). However, NPCs treated by both TNF-α and Rg3 demonstrated a certain degree of reversal in the above indexes, which became increasingly evident with the up-regulation of Rg3 concentration. Ginsenoside Rg3 may exert the effect of attenuating TNF-α-induced NPCs impairment via blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Genetic mapping of the qSBN7 locus, a QTL controlling secondary branch number per panicle in rice.

Secondary branch number (SBN) is an important component affecting spikelet number per panicle (SPP) and yield in rice. During recurrent backcross breeding, four BC2F4 populations derived from the high-yield donor parent IR65598-112-2 and the recurrent parent Tainan 13 (a local japonica cultivar) showed discontinuous variations of SPP and SBN within populations. Genetic analysis of 92 BC2F4 individuals suggested that both SPP and SBN are controlled by a single recessive allele. Two parents and 37 BC2F4 individuals showing high- and low-SBN type phenotypes were analyzed by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). Based on 2,522 reliable SNPs, the qSBN7 was mapped to a distal region of the long arm of chromosome 7. Trait-marker association analysis with an additional 166 high-SBN type BC2F4 individuals and 8 newly developed cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers further delimited the qSBN7 locus to a 601.4-kb region between the markers SNP2788 and SNP2849. Phenotype evaluation of two BC2F5 backcross inbred lines revealed that qSBN7 increased SPP by 83.2% and SBN by 61.0%. The qSBN7 of IR65598-112-2 could be used for improving reproductive sink capacity in rice.

Improved Intermittent-clamped Drainage in Lower Lumbar Internal Fixation: A Randomized Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous negative pressure drainage (CNPD) is widely used after lower lumbar internal fixation; however, it may cause tremendous blood loss and lead to postoperative hemorrhagic anemia. The present study explored the efficacy and safety of improved intermittent-clamped drainage (ICD) for lower lumbar internal fixation. METHODS: This was a prospective study that included 156 patients with decompression of the spinal canal and internal fixation for the first time from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients were randomly divided into ICD group and CNPD group, and each group had 78 cases. A drainage tube was placed under the deep fascia in all patients within 10 min after the commencement of wound closure. The postoperative drainage amount at different time points, the hemoglobin level, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used in this study. RESULTS: The drainage amount was significantly reduced in the ICD group, as compared with the CNPD group (Z = 10.74, P < 0.01). The mean total drainage amount (in ml) of the single-segment and two-segment procedures was significantly greater in the CNPD group than the ICD group (Z = 10.63 and 10.75, respectively; P < 0.01). For the adverse events, there was no significant difference in postoperative temperature, wound problem, and complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative drainage amount between ICD and CNPD groups, and ICD is an effective, convenient, and safe method for routine use in lower lumbar surgery. It is essential to focus on the effect of clamping drainage with long-segment surgical procedure and complex lumbar disease in the further investigation, as well as the effect of clamping on long-term functional outcomes.

Modified technique of transoral release in one-stage anterior release and posterior reduction for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation.

BACKGROUND: One-stage anterior release and posterior reduction is one of the most effective methods for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. However, the criteria of appropriate tissue release for successful posterior reduction is yet to be confirmed. Hence, an assistant technique using the transoral approach to verify satisfactory release is required. To evaluate the efficacy of the modified technique of transoral release for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD) with patients underwent one-stage anterior release and posterior reduction. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2014, 23 consecutive patients diagnosed with IAAD free from bony union between the C1-C2 facet joints on reconstructive computed tomography scan underwent one-stage anterior release and posterior reduction after no response to 2 weeks of skull traction. During transoral release, an elevator was used as a lever repeatedly to confirm a 3-5 mm bilateral joint space between the lateral masses of the atlas and axis. The release was accomplished since a 3-5 mm joint space was achieved. After anterior release, posterior reduction and instrumented fusion were subsequently performed. RESULTS: All patients were observed for an average of 18 (range 6-50) months. Nineteen of 23 patients achieved complete reduction while four had an incomplete reduction. Significant differences in pre- and postoperative JOA scores and cervicomedullary angle (CMA) were found. Twenty-one patients presenting with myelopathy had a JOA score of 12.9 at final follow-up, improved from 7.8 before surgery. The mean CMA improved to 143.5° postoperatively from 101.8° preoperatively. Bony fusion was confirmed in all cases under radiologic assessment during follow-up; there were no instrument failures. CONCLUSION: The modified technique of transoral release provides appropriate criteria for anterior release, to achieve good posterior reduction without excessive tissue release or intraspinal manipulation, proving its value as an assistant technique in one-stage anterior release and posterior reduction for IAAD.

[Pedicle exposure technique for atlas screw fixation:a radiological research].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the meaning of pedicle exposure technique for screw fixation on atlas with the vertebral groove height less than 4 mm by using reconstructive computed tomography. METHODS: From April 2015 to June 2015, 84 pedicles of 51 patients with groove heights less than 4 mm were studied by digital reconstruction respectively. Parameters of atlas pedicle screw fixation were measured. RESULTS: Among the 51 cases, the vertebral groove height was (3.28±0.51) mm. Lateral mass heights, lateral mass widths and the transition area heights between lateral mass and posterior arch were fit for 3.5 mm screw implanting. Ideal pedicle screw trajectory lengths from 0° to 15° (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°) were (27.36±1.81), (27.01±1.68), (27.07±1.75), (27.48±1.72) mm, exposed trajectory lengths from 0° to 15°(0°, 5°, 10°, 15°) were(23.44±1.79), (23.87±1.84), (24.58±1.89), (25.56±2.01) mm, trajectory length of lateral mass was (20.78±2.05) mm. The mean CT values on 5 sections through pedicle trajectory and lateral mass trajectory were (701.89±141.48) HU and (599.11±137.33) HU, respectively. There were no significant differences between ideal pedicle trajectory lengths from 0° to 15°(P>0.05). Exposed trajectory lengths was significantly increased accompanying with medial angles increasing (P<0.05), and was longer than trajectory lengths of lateral mass (P<0.05). CT value of pedicle screws was higher than CT value of lateral mass screws significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Screws can be implanted in atlas with vertebral groove height less than 4 mm by using pedicle exposure technique. Few trajectory lengths will be sacrificed with favorable pull out strength due to adequate bone mass purchased.

Reassessment of QTLs for late blight resistance in the tomato accession L3708 using a restriction site associated DNA (RAD) linkage map and highly aggressive isolates of Phytophthora infestans.

Tomato late blight caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is a major threat to tomato production in cool and wet environments. Intensified outbreaks of late blight have been observed globally from the 1980s, and are associated with migration of new and more aggressive populations of P. infestans in the field. The objective of this study was to reassess late blight resistance in the wild tomato accession L3708 (Solanum pimpinellifolium L.) against pathogens of different aggressiveness. An F2:3 genetic mapping population was developed using L3708 as the paternal parent. Two isolates of P. infestans, Pi39A and Pi733, were used for inoculation. Pi733 is a highly aggressive genotype that defeats three known late blight resistance genes, Ph-1, Ph-2, and Ph-5t in tomato. In contrast, Pi39A is a less aggressive genotype that defeats only Ph-1. Restriction site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-Seq) technology was used to massively sequence 90 bp nucleotides adjacent to both sides of PstI restriction enzyme cutting sites in the genome for all individuals in the genetic mapping population. The RAD-seq data were used to construct a genetic linkage map containing 440 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified a new disease-resistant QTL specific to Pi733 on chromosome 2. The Ph-3 gene located on chromosome 9 could be detected whichever isolates were used. This study demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of RAD-Seq technology for conducting a QTL mapping experiment using an F2:3 mapping population, which allowed the identification of a new late blight resistant QTL in tomato.