1.Two-dimensional black phosphorus materials for bone tissue engineering
Jiahan CHEN ; Chao FENG ; Xiaoxia HUANG ; Minghui NIU ; Xin WANG ; Yong TENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2124-2131
BACKGROUND:Black phosphorus has a high degree of homology with human bone,so it has been extensively studied in the field of bone tissue engineering in recent years.Since 2014,two-dimensional black phosphorus materials have garned significant attention in the field of biomedicine due to their excellent exceptional physical,chemical,and biological properties. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the advancements made in black phosphorus-based nanomaterials for bone tissue engineering,focus on the synthesis methods,osteogenic characteristics,and applications in biomaterials pertaining to two-dimensional black phosphorus nanomaterials. METHODS:Chinese and English key words were"black phosphorus,bone tissue engineering,bone defect,bone regeneration,osteogenesis."Relevant articles in PubMed and CNKI databases from January 2014 to December 2023 were searched.After exclusion and screening,96 articles were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Black phosphorus nanomaterials play an important role in bone tissue engineering due to their good biocompatibility,biodegradability,photothermal action,antibacterial ability,drug loading performance,and special osteogenic effect,and are ideal candidate materials for promoting bone regeneration.The preparation of black phosphorus nanomaterials is mainly a top-down top-layer stripping method.The main principle is to weaken the van der Waals force between the black phosphorus layers by physical or chemical means to obtain a single or less layer of phosphanse,that is,black phosphorus nanosheets or quantum dots.Black phosphate-based nanocomposites are mainly divided into hydrogels,3D printing scaffolds,composite scaffolds,electrospinning,bionic periosteum,microspheres,and bionic coatings.The research of nano-black phosphorus in bone tissue engineering is in its infancy,and still faces many challenges:the behavior of black phosphorus in vivo and the interaction mechanism with various biomolecules need to be further studied.The long-term potential toxicity of black phosphorus is unknown.The manufacturing process for black phosphorus is difficult to control.Therefore,how to develop uniform size,safe,reliable,and efficient nano black phosphorus and transform it into clinical application requires interdisciplinary research on modern biomedical technology,physicochemical technology,and precision manufacturing technology.
2.Effectiveness of three-dimensional printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects.
Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Liang YANG ; Liping GUO ; Yucheng LIU ; Chao GENG ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Zefeng NIU ; Shuai DONG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(11):1447-1451
OBJECITVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects.
METHODS:
Between November 2021 and February 2024, 11 patients with varying degrees of metatarsal defects caused by trauma were treated. There were 10 males and 1 female, aged 22-67 years, with a mean age of 51.2 years. The defect locations were as follows: the first metatarsal in 4 cases, the fifth metatarsal in 2 cases, the first and the second metatarsals in 1 case, the first to third metatarsals in 1 case, the third and the fourth metatarsals in 1 case, the third to fifth metatarsals in 1 case, and the first to fifth metatarsals in 1 case. The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 67.0 (48.5, 72.5). Based on 3D-printed bilateral feet models and mirrored healthy-side foot arch angles for preoperative planning and design, the vascularized fibular graft was performed to repair the metatarsal defects. At last follow-up, the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of bilateral feet were measured on weight-bearing X-ray films, and functional assessment was conducted using the AOFAS score.
RESULTS:
All operations were successfully completed, with an operation time ranging from 180 to 465 minutes (mean, 246.8 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention, with no occurrence of osteomyelitis. All patients were followed up 6-22 months (mean, 10 months). X-ray film reviews showed bone graft healing in all cases, with a healing time of 3-6 months (mean, 5 months). All patients underwent internal fixator removal at 6-12 months after operation. At last follow-up, no significant difference was observed in the medial and lateral longitudinal arches between the healthy and affected feet ( P>0.05). The AOFAS score of the affected foot was 78.0 (73.5, 84.0), showing a significant improvement compared to the preoperative score ( P<0.05). The effectiveness was rated as excellent in 1 case, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. Linear scarring remained at the donor site, with no functional impairment in adjacent joint movement.
CONCLUSION
3D printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects can effectively restore the physiological angle of the foot arch, facilitate the recovery of weight-bearing alignment, promote good bone healing, and yield satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Humans
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Fibula/blood supply*
;
Female
;
Metatarsal Bones/injuries*
;
Adult
;
Bone Transplantation/methods*
;
Aged
;
Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
;
Young Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
3.Clinical efficacy of minimally invasive tendon blade technique in the treatment of moderate and severe gluteal muscle contracture.
Jia-Kai GAO ; Tao-Ran WANG ; Long BI ; Xiao-Chao CHEN ; Yan-Wu LIU ; Yao-Ping WU ; Xiang HE ; Zhi-Xia NIU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(4):420-423
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical effect of minimally invasive technique in the treatment of moderate and severe gluteal muscle contracture.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was conducted on 85 patients (170 sides) with bilateral gluteal muscle contracture admitted from January 2016 to December 2019. All patients were treated with minimally invasive release of tendon knife. There were 32 males and 53 females, ranging in age from 15 to 37 years old, with an average age of (22.3±6.3) years old. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, first postoperative ambulation time, complication rate, recurrence rate, and Harris hip score (HHS) were analyzed and evaluated.
RESULTS:
The average follow-up time was (16.2±4.6) months, ranging from 12 to 30 months. The operation time ranged from 7 to 15 min, with an average of (10.2±3.1) min. Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 2 to 20 ml, with an average of (8.4±2.2) ml. The incision length ranged from 0.6 to 2.0 cm, with an average of (0.8±0.3) cm. The time to postoperative ambulation ranged from 12 to 28 h, with an average of (20.0±3.2) h. All patients achieved primary wound healing without sciatic nerve injury or recurrence. HHS hip function scores ranged from 90 to 98, with an average score of (96.2±1.4). Complications included intraoperative tendon blade tip fracture in two cases (removed under fluoroscopic guidance) and subcutaneous hematoma in three cases-two resolved with compression and one with open evacuation.. Twenty-nine patients exhibited transient swaying gait postoperatively, of which 24 patients returned to normal after 4 weeks and 5 patients returned to normal after 6 weeks.
CONCLUSION
Minimally invasive tendon blade release is a safe and effective technique for treating gluteal muscle contracture, offering minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes. However, it exhibits a low risk of blade tip fracture and sciatic nerve injury, warranting experienced surgical handling.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Buttocks/surgery*
;
Young Adult
;
Contracture/surgery*
;
Tendons/surgery*
;
Muscle, Skeletal/surgery*
4.Distribution of MN blood type among China's minority ethnic groups.
Wenwen WANG ; Ping CHEN ; Aowei SONG ; Wenhua WANG ; Jiameng NIU ; Lili XING ; Jiangcun YANG ; Yang SUN ; Chao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):51-56
Objective This study aims to investigate and analyze the distribution of MN blood type among ethnic minorities in China. Methods Through a systematic retrieval of the 981 literature related to MN blood group distribution, 120 literature, meeting the criteria of this study, with complete data were selected. The literature covers 49 ethnic minorities. SPSS 26 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Results The results showed that among the 49 ethnic minorities in China, the phenotype distribution of MN blood type was MN>MM>NN, with proportions of 42.54%, 41.86%, and 15.06% respectively. The gene frequency for MN blood type exhibited a trend of m>n, with a gene frequency of m being 0.6313 and n being 0.3687. Cluster analysis divided the Chinese ethnic minorities into three groups based on the gene frequency for m, showing the characteristics of Group I>Group II>Group III. Conclusion The MN blood type characteristics in Chinese ethnic minorities show a higher frequency of the M gene compared to the N gene. The frequency of the M gene is higher in southern ethnic minorities than in northern ones. There are significant differences between southwestern ethnic minorities and the Han nationality, but no differences with long-term mixed/settled Han populations.
Humans
;
China/ethnology*
;
Minority Groups
;
Ethnicity/genetics*
;
Gene Frequency
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Blood Group Antigens/genetics*
5.A chromosome-level Dendrobium moniliforme genome assembly reveals the regulatory mechanisms of flavonoid and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways.
Jiapeng YANG ; Qiqian XUE ; Chao LI ; Yingying JIN ; Qingyun XUE ; Wei LIU ; Zhitao NIU ; Xiaoyu DING
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2253-2272
Dendrobium moniliforme (D. moniliforme) is a traditional medicinal herb widely cultivated in Asia. Flavonoids, one of the largest groups of secondary metabolites in plants, are significant medicinal components in Dendrobium species. Several subgroups of R2R3-MYB proteins have been validated to directly regulate flavonoid biosynthesis. Using PacBio sequencing technology, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-level D. moniliforme genome with a total length of 1.20 Gb and a contig N50 of 3.97 Mb. The BUSCO assessment of genome annotation was 91.4%. By integrating the genome and transcriptome, we identified biosynthesis pathway enzyme genes related to flavonoids, polysaccharides, carotenoids, and alkaloids. A total of 90 R2R3-MYBs were identified in D. moniliforme and classified into 21 subgroups. Studies on the functions of R2R3-MYB transcription factors revealed that R2R3-MYB in SG6 can up-regulate flavonoid biosynthesis. Various validation experiments, including subcellular localization, transient overexpression, UPLC-MS/MS, HPLC, yeast one-hybrid, and dual-luciferase assays, demonstrated that DMYB69 directly up-regulates the expression of enzyme genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, increasing the content of flavonoids such as anthocyanin, flavone, and flavonol. Additionally, DMYB44 was shown to directly up-regulate the expression of carotenoid biosynthesis enzyme genes, thereby increasing carotenoid content. This study provides an essential genome resource and theoretical basis for molecular breeding research in D. moniliforme.
6.Anacyphrethines A and B as potent analgesics: Multiple ion channel inhibitors with an unprecedented chemical architecture.
Hui CHEN ; Hanqi ZHANG ; Chao NIU ; Bianlin WANG ; Biao GAO ; Zhijun LIU ; Guangmin YAO ; Haji Akber AISA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3725-3737
Multi-target analgesics with minimal side effects and high efficacy are a key research focus in addressing the global pain crisis. Using a molecular networking approach, five pairs of potent analgesic alkaloid enantiomers were isolated from the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (A. pyrethrum). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, including LR-HSQMBC and 1H-15N HMBC, quantum 13C NMR DP4+ and ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Anacyphrethines A (1) and B (2) are highly conjugated and polymethylated 6/6/6/6/5/7/5/5-fused octacyclic tetraazabic alkaloids possessing an unprecedented 8,14,18,24-tetraaza-octacyclo[16.8.2.11,23.04,28.05,17.09,16.011,15.021,27] nonacosane motif. Their biosynthetic pathways are proposed involving key aldol, hydroamination, and Schiff base reactions. All isolates showed potent analgesic effects in vivo. Even at a lower dose of 0.2 mg/kg, (±)-1 and (+)-1 still exhibited more potent analgesic activities than morphine. Interestingly, the racemic mixture (±)-1 showed stronger analgesic effect than either pure enantiomer alone at higher doses of 5 and 1 mg/kg; while, (±)-1 showed significant analgesic activities comparable to (+)-1 at lower doses of 0.2 and 0.04 mg/kg. (+)-1 had stronger analgesic effect than (-)-1 at five tested does. Further tests on 44 analgesic-related targets demonstrated that (+)-1 showed significant inhibitory effects against many ion channels such as TRPM8, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, and Cav2.1 with IC50 values of 1.10 ± 0.26, 4.20 ± 0.07, 2.20 ± 0.24, and 10.40 ± 0.69 μmol/L, respectively, while (-)-1 primarily inhibited TRPC6, Kv1.2, and Kv1.3 ion channels with IC50 values of 0.81 ± 0.05, 0.91 ± 0.04, and 1.50 ± 0.13 μmol/L, respectively, without affecting the opioid receptors, suggesting their non-opioid analgesic potentials. The molecular dockings provided structural guidance to develop potent non-opioid analgesics.
7.Current research status and perspectives on the core body temperature measurement and prediction models for high-temperature environments
Wanchang WANG ; Hua YANG ; Chao NIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1405-1413
To prevent heat injury among individuals working in high-temperature environments, monitoring their core temperature is of significant importance. This paper reviewed the current research status of measurement methods and prediction models for core temperature in such conditions. First, it highlighted the ongoing global increase in temperatures and the consequent rise in the risk of heat stroke among workers in high-temperature settings, underscoring the critical role of core temperature monitoring in occupational health protection. Next, it systematically introduced the application of rectal temperature measurement, capsule gastrointestinal temperature measurement, and heat flux method for core temperature assessment. Furthermore, it summarized the application status of widely used core temperature prediction models, such as Gagge model, Fiala model, the Predictive Heat Stress (PHS) model, the ECTempTM (the estimated core temperature) model, and the Heat Strain Decision Aid (HSDA) model, while also outlining recent advances in machine learning-based prediction models. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of various measurement methods and prediction models were comprehensively analyzed, and future directions for the development of core temperature prediction models were proposed. The findings indicate that rectal temperature measurement remains the most direct method for assessing core temperature; prediction models for core temperature in high-temperature environments have achieved considerable progress and have been applied in certain practical scenarios; and future efforts should leverage deep learning algorithms to analyze relevant data and develop more accurate core temperature prediction models.
8.Heshouwuyin delaying the aging of Leydig cells in rat testis through DNA methyltransferase 1
Tian WU ; Shuo-Ya LU ; Yu-Jiao YANG ; Yu-Lei DUAN ; Qi-Chao AN ; Xiao-Lan ZHEN ; Si-Yun NIU
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(3):276-284
Objective To investigate whether Heshouwuyin can delay the aging of Leydig cells in rat testis through DNA methyltransferase 1(DNMT1).Methods Totally 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 10 rats in each group.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of DNMT1 in testis tissue of rats.Testosterone content in serum of rats in each group was detected by ELISA test.A rat Leydig cell aging model was established by free radical oxidative damage.DNMT1 was knocked down by lentivirus in Leydig cells,and the cell senescence status and the testosterone content and testosterone synthesis key enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(3β-HSD),cytochrome P450 family member 11A1(CYP11A1)content secreted by cells were detected by β-galactosidase(β-GAL)staining,immunofluorescenct staining and ELISA.Results Compared with the young control group(YCG),the expression of P16 protein and the positive rate of β-GAL in the testis tissue of rats in the natural aging group(NAG)increased significantly,and the expression of DNMT1 and serum testosterone levels decreased(P<0.05).However,after Heshouwuyin intervention,the expression of P16 protein and the positive rate of β-GAL in the testis of aging rats were reduced,and DNMT1 expression and the serum testosterone levels increased(P<0.05).The same trend was observed in Leydig cells.Knockdown of DNMT1 in Leydig cells,β-GAL positivity and P16 protein expression increased significantly,and testosterone secretion and testosterone synthesis key enzymes 3β-HSD,CYP11A1 content from Leydig cells decreased significantly,compared with the normal control group(NCG)(P<0.05).When Heshouwuyin was added,the above phenomenon was improved.Conclusion Heshouwuyin can delay the aging of rat Leydig cells through DNMT1.
9.An Fe-Cu bimetallic organic framework as a microwave sensitizer for treating tumors using combined microwave thermotherapy and chemodynamic therapy
Zhu XINYANG ; He CHAO ; Tan LONGFEI ; Qi XUN ; Niu MENG ; Meng XIANWEI ; Zhong HONGSHAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(7):1063-1075
Microwave thermotherapy(MWTT),as a treatment for tumors,lacks specificity and requires sensitizers.Most reported microwave sensitizers are single metal-organic frameworks(MOFs),which must be loaded with ionic liquids to enhance the performance in MWTT.Meanwhile,MWTT is rarely combined with other treatment modalities.Here,we synthesized a novel Fe-Cu bimetallic organic framework FeCuMOF(FCM)by applying a hydrothermal method and further modified it with methyl polyethylene glycol(mPEG).The obtained FCM@PEG(FCMP)showed remarkable heating performance under low-power microwave irradiation;it also acted as a novel nanospheres enzyme to catalyze H2O2 decompo-sition,producing abundant reactive oxygen species(ROS)to deplete glutathione(GSH)and prevent ROS clearance from tumor cells during chemodynamic treatment.The FCMP was biodegradable and demonstrated excellent biocompatibility,allowing it to be readily metabolized without causing toxic effects.Finally,it was shown to act as a suitable agent for T2 magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in vitro and in vivo.This new bimetallic nanostructure could successfully realize two tumor treatment modalities(MWTTand chemodynamic therapy)and dual imaging modes(T2 MRI and microwave thermal imaging).Our findings represent a breakthrough for integrating the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and pro-vides a reference for developing new microwave sensitizers.
10.Spiral Microfluidic for Particle Focusing by Stabilization and Acceleration of Secondary Flow
Han-Jie BAI ; Zhi-Hui LIN ; Shi-Chao GUO ; Dan-Dan LONG ; Yan-Bing NIU ; Lei ZHAO ; Shao-Fei SHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(4):504-512
Inertial microfluidics,as a microfluidic technology with the ability to precisely manipulate particles and cells with high throughput,has attracted widespread attention.However,challenges remain in achieving particle focusing with insensitivity to flow rates in large-scale channels,mainly due to the instability of secondary flows within the inertial microfluidic chip.This study developed a microstructure-assisted ultra-low aspect ratio spiral microchannel,which utilized the stability and acceleration of secondary flows to achieve inertial particle focusing.The research results demonstrated successful particle focusing within a 1 mm-wide spiral channel chip,for different diameter sizes(7.3 μm and 15.5 μm),within a wide range of flow rates(0.5-3 mL/min).The focusing efficiencies for these particles were measured to be above 94%and 99%,respectively.Additionally,it was observed that the particle focusing position was approximately 100 μm away from the channel walls,significantly larger than other inertial focusing chips.Consequently,by incorporating ordered microstructures within the spiral channel chip,the stability and enhancement of secondary flows were achieved,resulting in flow rate and particle size-insensitive inertial focusing.Compared to traditional methods of inertial focusing,this design had advantages of not requiring additional sheath flow operations,and boasted high throughput and ease of manufacturing.This innovative structure opened up vast prospects for the development of portable inertial microfluidic chips,and could be used in the fields such as cell analysis and detection,flow cytometry,and online sample processing.

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