Recovery of alkali and alumina from Bayer red mud by the calcification–carbonation method

Red mud produced in the Bayer process is a hazardous solid waste because of its high alkalinity; however, it is rich in valuable components such as titanium, iron, and aluminum. In this study, a novel calcification-carbonation method was developed to recover alkali and alumina from Bayer red mud under mild reaction conditions. Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the potential effects of im- portant parameters such as temperature, amount of CaO added, and CO2 partial pressure on the recovery of alkali and alumina. The results showed that 95.2% alkali and 75.0% alumina were recovered from red mud with decreases in the mass ratios of Na2O to Fe2O3 and of Al2O3 to Fe2O3 from 0.42 and 0.89 to 0.02 and 0.22, respectively. The processed red mud with less than 0.5wt% Na2O can potentially be used as a construction material.

Plexiform fibromyxoma of the small bowel: A case report

BACKGROUND Plexiform fibromyxoma is a rare, special type of mesenchymal tumor. The most common presenting symptoms are anemia, hematemesis, and hematochezia, without sex or age predilection. The reported cases have mainly occurred in the gastric antrum and pylorus region, with some cases in the duodenum. CASE SUMMARY We report here a case of plexiform fibromyxoma in the upper segment of the jejunum, which was continuously followed up for 3 years after surgical removal. Plexiform fibromyxoma showed multinodular or plexiform growth. The cells in the tumor node were spindle-shaped but few in number and mitotic figures. Small blood vessels and mucous matrix were found among the tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the plexiform fibromyxoma cells were positive for smooth muscle actin, focally positive for CD10, and negative for cytokeratin, CD117, DOG-1(discovered on GIST-1) desmin, S-100, epithelial membrane antigen, and CD34. Ki-67 labeling index was < 5%. Plexiform fibromyxoma showed benign biological behavior. After 3 years of consecutive postoperative follow-up, no obvious signs of metastasis or recurrence were found by imaging examination. CONCLUSION Plexiform fibromyxoma is a rare type of mesenchymal tumor. The diagnosis mainly depends on pathological examination, and it should be distinguished from other gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors.

Dihydromyricetin ameliorates chronic liver injury by reducing pyroptosis

BACKGROUND Chronic liver injury(CLI) is now a worldwide disease. However, there is no effective treatment. Pyroptosis plays an essential role in CLI. Dihydromyricetin(DHM) resists oxidation and protects the liver. We hypothesize that the beneficial effect of DHM on CLI is related to its effect on the expression of pyroptosisrelated molecules. Therefore, we studied the influence of DHM on CLI and pyroptosis.AIM To study the role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of CLI and the therapeutic mechanism of DHM.METHODS Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was injected with olive oil, the carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) group was injected with CCl4, the vehicle group was injected with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin while injecting CCl4 and the DHM group was injected with DHM while injecting CCl4. After four weeks of treatment, liver tissues from the mice were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and oil red O. Blood was collected from the angular vein for serological analysis. The severity of CLI was estimated. Some liver tissue was sampled for immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription PCR to observe the changes in pyroptosis-related molecules.RESULTS Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in the CCl4 group were higher than those in the control group, and serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, AST and ALT in the DHM group were lower than those in the vehicle group. Hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining showed that there were more lipid droplets in the CCl4 group than in the control group, and there were fewer lipid droplets in the DHM group than in the vehicle group. Western blotting showed that the expression of the pyroptosis-related molecules caspase-1, NOD-, LRR-and pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3) and gasdermin D(GSDMD)-N in the CCl4 group was higher than that in the control group, while expression of these proteins in the DHM group was lower than that in the vehicle group. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR results showed that the expression of the pyroptosis-related genes caspase-1, NLRP3, GSDMD and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in the CCl4 group was higher than that in the control group, while there was no significant change in NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression in the DHM group compared with that in the vehicle group, and the expression of GSDMD and IL-1β was decreased.CONCLUSION DHM improves CCl4-induced CLI and regulates the pyroptosis pathway in hepatocytes. DHM may be a potential therapeutic agent for CLI.

Hemodynamic changes in hepatic sinusoids of hepatic steatosis mice

BACKGROUND Fatty liver(FL) is now a worldwide disease. For decades, researchers have been kept trying to elucidate the mechanism of FL at the molecular level, but rarely involve the study of morphology and medical physics. Traditionally, it was believed that hemodynamic changes occur only when fibrosis occurs, but it has been proved that these changes already show in steatosis stage, which may help to reveal the pathogenesis and its progress. Because the pseudolobules are not formed during the steatosis stage, this phenomenon may be caused by the compression of the liver microcirculation and changes in the hemodynamics.AIM To understand the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and to study the hemodynamic changes associated with hepatic steatosis.METHODS Eight-week-old male C57 BL/6 mice were divided into three groups randomly(control group, 2-wk group, and 4-wk group), with 16 mice per group. A hepatic steatosis model was established by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride in mice. After establishing the model, liver tissue from mice was stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE), and oil red O stains. Blood was collected from the angular vein, and hemorheological parameters were estimated. A two-photon fluorescence microscope was used to examine the flow properties of red blood cells in the hepatic sinusoids.RESULTS Oil red O staining indicated lipid accumulation in the liver after CCl_4 treatment.HE staining indicated narrowing of the hepatic sinusoidal vessels. No significant difference was observed between the 2-wk and 4-wk groups of mice onmorphological examination. Hemorheological tests included whole blood viscosity(mPas, γ = 10 s-1/γ = 100 s-1)(8.83 ± 2.22/4.69 ± 1.16, 7.73 ± 2.46/4.22 ±1.32, and 8.06 ± 2.88/4.22 ± 1.50), red blood cell volume(%)(51.00 ± 4.00, 42.00 ±5.00, and 40.00 ± 3.00), the content of plasma fibrinase(g/L)(3.80 ± 0.50, 2.90 ±0.80, and 2.30 ± 0.70), erythrocyte deformation index(%)(44.49 ± 5.81, 48.00 ±15.29, and 44.36 ± 15.01), erythrocyte electrophoresis rate(mm/s per V/m)(0.55 ±0.11, 0.50 ± 0.11, and 0.60 ± 0.20), revealing pathological changes in plasma components and red blood cells of hepatic steatosis. Assessment of blood flow velocity in the hepatic sinusoids with a laser Doppler flowmeter(mL/min per100 g)(94.43 ± 14.64, 80.00 ± 12.12, and 67.26 ± 5.92) and two-photon laser scanning microscope(μm/s)(325.68 ± 112.66, 213.53 ± 65.33, and 173.26 ± 44.02)revealed that as the modeling time increased, the blood flow velocity in the hepatic sinusoids decreased gradually, and the diameter of the hepatic sinusoids became smaller(μm)(10.28 ± 1.40, 6.84 ± 0.93, and 5.82 ± 0.79).CONCLUSION The inner diameter of the hepatic sinusoids decreases along with the decrease in the blood flow velocity within the sinusoids and the changes in the systemic hemorheology.

Qian-Zheng-San promotes regeneration after sciatic nerve crush injury in rats

Qian-Zheng-San, a traditional Chinese prescription consisting of Typhonii Rhizoma, Bombyx Batryticatus, Scorpio, has been found to play an active therapeutic role in central nervous system diseases. However, it is unclear whether Qian-Zheng-San has therapeutic value for peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, we used Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate this. A sciatic nerve crush injury model was induced by clamping the right sciatic nerve. Subsequently, rats in the treatment group were administered 2 mL Qian-Zheng-San(1.75 g/mL) daily as systemic therapy for 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Rats in the control group were not administered Qian-Zheng-San. Rats in sham group did not undergo surgery and systemic therapy. Footprint analysis was used to assess nerve motor function. Electrophysiological experiments were used to detect nerve conduction function. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess axon counts and morphological analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe myelin regeneration of the sciatic nerve and the number of motoneurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, the sciatic nerve function index, nerve conduction velocity, the number of distant regenerated axons and the axon diameter of the sciatic nerve increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. At 2 weeks postoperatively, nerve fiber diameter, myelin thickness, and the number of motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord anterior horn increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. These results indicate that QianZheng-San has a positive effect on peripheral nerve regeneration.

Catheterization of the gallbladder: A novel mouse model of severe acute cholangitis

AIM To establish a severe acute cholangitis(SAC) model in mice.METHODS Cholecystic catheterization was performed under the condition of bile duct ligation(BDL). Trans-cholecystic injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was defined as the SAC animal model. Sham operation group, intraperitoneal injection of LPS without BDL group, intraperitoneal injection of LPS with BDL group and trans-cholecystic injection of normal saline with BDL group were defined as control groups. The survival rates and tissue injuries in liver, lungs and kidney were evaluated.RESULTS Mice in the SAC group showed a time-dependent mortality and much more severe tissue injuries in liver, lungs and kidney, compared with other groups. However, relieving biliary obstruction could effectively reduce mortality and attenuate liver injury in the SAC mouse model.CONCLUSION Trans-cholecystic injection of LPS under the condition of biliary obstruction could establish a repeatable and reversible mouse model of SAC.

Anatomy and clinical application of suprascapular nerve to accessory nerve transfer

BACKGROUND Loss of motor function in the trapezius muscle is one complication of radical neck dissection after cutting the accessory nerve(AN) during surgery.Nerve repair is an effective method to restore trapezius muscle function,and includes neurolysis,direct suture,and nerve grafting.The suprascapular nerve(SCN) and AN are next to each other in position.The function of the AN and SCN in shoulder elevation and abduction movement is synergistic.SCN might be considered by surgeons for AN reanimation.AIM To obtain anatomical and clinical data for partial suprascapular nerve-to-AN transfer.METHODS Ten sides of cadavers perfused with formalin were obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy,Histology and Embryology,Peking University Health Science Center.The SCN(n = 10) and AN(n = 10) were carefully dissected in the posterior triangle of the neck,and the trapezius muscle was dissected to fully display the accessory nerve.The length of the SCN from the origin of the brachial plexus(a point) to the scapular notch(b point) and the distance of the SCN from the origin point(a point) to the point(c point) where the AN entered the border of the trapezius muscle were measured.The length and branches of the AN in the trapezius muscle were measured.A female patient aged 55 years underwent surgery for partial SCN to AN transfer at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology.The patient suffered from recurrent upper gingival cancer.Radical neck dissection was performed on the right side,and the right AN was removed at the intersection between the nerve and the posterior border of the SCM muscle.One-third of the diameter of the SCN was cut off,and combined epineurial and perineurial sutures were applied between the distal end of the cut-off fascicles of the SCN and the proximal end of the AN without tension.Both subjective and objective evaluations were performed before,three months after,and nine months after surgery.For the subjective evaluation,the questionnaire included the Neck Dissection Impairment Index(NDII) and the Constant Shoulder Scale.Electromyography was used for the objective examination.Data were analyzed using t tests with SPSS 19.0 software to determine the relationship between the length of the SCN and the linear distance.A P value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.RESULTS The whole length of the AN in the trapezius muscle was 16.89 cm.The average numbers of branches distributed in the descending,horizontal and ascending portions were 3.8,2.6 and 2.2,respectively.The diameter of the AN was 1.94 mm at the anterior border of the trapezius.The length of the suprascapular nerve from the origin of the brachial plexus to the scapular notch was longer than the distance of the suprascapular nerve from the origin point to the point where the accessory nerve entered the upper edge of the trapezius muscle.The amplitude of trapezius muscle electromyography indicated that both the horizontal and ascending portions of the trapezius muscle on the right side had better function than the left side nine months after surgery.The results showed that the right-sided supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles did not lose more function than the left side.CONCLUSION Based on anatomical data and clinical application,partial suprascapular nerve-to-AN transfer could be achieved and may improve innervation of the affected trapezius muscle after radical neck dissection.

Integrinα6 Targeted Near Infrared Fluorescent Imaging and Photoacoustic Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice

Background and Aims:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death and ranks sixth in terms of incident cases worldwide.The purpose of this study was to develop an effective and sensitive method to distinguish liver cancer tissues from normal tissues in HCC patients.Integrinα6 is a promising cell surface target for molecular imaging of HCC,where it is overexpressed and is a prognostic biomarker.We previously identified an integrinα6-targeted peptide CRWYDENAC(RWY)that has been used for positron emission tomography(PET)imaging of HCC in mouse models.Methods:We labeled the integrinα6-targeted RWY peptide with cyanine 7(Cy7)to form an optical probe(Cy7-RWY)for near infrared fluorescent(NIRF)and photoacoustic(PA)imaging in HCC.Mice transplanted with subcutaneous HCC-LM3 or orthotopic HCC-H22 cells that overexpressed integrinα6 were intravenously injected with Cy7-RWY and its corresponding Cy7-control.NIRF and PA images of mice were collected from 0 to 48 h after injection.Results:Both NIRF and PA signals started to accumulate in the tumor 2 h after injection of Cy7-RWY and peaked at 24 h.Conclusions:Cy7-RWY is a promising optical probe for NIRF and PA imaging of HCC in mice,and has potential clinical application for HCC detection.

Clinicopathological Features of Nondiabetic Renal Diseases from Different Age Groups:An Observational Cross-sectional Study

Background:Diabetes mellitus (DM)has become the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Nondiabetic renal diseases (NDRDs) have different clinicopathological features and prognosis from those of diabetic nephropathy.Our study sought to analyze the clinical and pathological features of NDRDs,in different age groups through a cross-sectional study. Methods:All patients with type 2 DM at our center who underwent renal biopsy between March 1997 and March 2017 were screened and divided into three groups by age:Group 1 (youth group),18-44 years old;Group 2 (middle-aged group),45-59 years old;and Group 3 (elderly group),≥60 years old.We analyzed the clinicopathological data and risk factors by univariate and multivariate logistic regression for NDRD of the patients to identify the features of NDRD in different age groups. Results:We included 982 patients in the final analysis.Patients with NDRD accounted for 64.4%of all patients.IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was the most common pathological pattern in young patients with NDRD,accounting for 26.3%.In the middle-aged group,the two most common pathological patterns were IgAN and membranous nephropathy.Membranous nephropathy was the most common pathological pattern in elderly patients with NDRD,accounting for 29.3%.Consistent with pathological features,glomerular hematuria is a risk factor for NDRD in Group 1 (odds ratio [OR],26.514;95%confidence interval [CI],2.503-280.910;P =0.006).On the other hand,rapidly increasing proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome is a risk factor for NDRD in Group 2 (OR,5.921;95% CI,2.061-17.013;P =0.001)and Group 3 (OR,90.409;95%CI,6.198-1318.826;P =0.001). Conclusions:This single-center study showed that the proportion and composition of NDRD differ among different age groups. Consistent with pathological features,some clinical indices such as hematuria and proteinuria showed different features among different age groups.

Three-dimensional Intralunate Arteries Visualization with Red Lead （Pb3O4） Angiography

Background： The etiology of Kienb-ck＇s disease is controversial, and the blood supply is a possible pathogenic factor. The red lead （Pb3O4） angiography with micro-computed tomography （micro-CT） of lunate to investigate intralunate arteries has rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate a new, reasonable, and simplified technique to study the intraosseous arterial pattern of normal lunates. Methods： This study investigated the intraosseous arterial pattern of six normal cadaveric lunates through Pb3O4 injection and three-dimensional reconstruction with micro-CT. The intraosseous arteries of all specimens were clearly enhanced. The data of enhanced arteries and nutrient foramina were shown as median （Q1, Q3） and analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results： The mean number of total nutrient foramina was 2.00 （1.75, 2.00） on the palmar side and 3.50 （2.50, 4.25） on the dorsal side. The number with enhanced arteries on the palmar side was 1.00 （0.75, 2.00） and on the dorsal side was 3.50 （1.75, 4.00）. There were no significant differences between the number of nutrient foramina on the palmar and dorsal sides of the lunates, no matter the total number or enhanced arteries. The intraosseous arterial pattern in normal lunates can be classified into three types： the dominate stems from the palmar side, from the dorsal side, and from both sides with anastomosis. Conclusions： The Pb3O4 angiography with micro-CT is a simplified, quicker, and reliable method to study intraosseous arteries.

Anatomical and clinical study of a new mallet fracture classification method

Background:Mallet fracture is avulsion of the terminal extensor tendon from the base of the distal phalangeal bone with a fragment.This study was performed to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of mallet fractures,invest电ate a new mallet fracture classification system using anatomical and imaging methods,and discuss the treatment schemes for different types of mallet fracture.Methods:Sixty-four fresh cadaveric fingers were divided into four groups,and models of different types of mallet fracture with distal interphalangeal joint instability were established by dissecting 25%,50%,75%,and 100% of the bilateral collateral ligaments.The the stability of the distal interphalangeal joint was them observed.The lateral radiographs of mallet fractures in 168 patients were analyzed and classified according to the involvement of the joint surface in the fracture,the thickness of fracture,the untreated time after injury,and the complication of distal interphalangeal joint palmar subluxation.Forty-seven patients were surgically treated by reconstruction of extensor tendon insertion,the Ishiguro method,or single Kirschner wire fixation.Results:The established mallet fracture model showed that the distal interphalangeal joint was stable when the bilateral collateral effect of mallet fractures on was then observed.The lateral radiographs of mallet ligaments were cut off by 25%(t=-0.415,P=0.684)and significantly unstable when this range was≥50%(50% transection:t=-6.363,P<0.001;75% transection:t=-17.036,P<0.001;100%transection:t=-30.977,P<0.001,respectively).The mallet fractures were divided into Types Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ(fracture involving<20%,20%-50%,and>50% of the joint surface,respectively).Type Ⅱ was further divided into Tpes Ⅱa and Ⅱb according to whether the course of injury was<or≥2 weeks,respectively.The mean post-operative flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 63.4°±7.9°,and the mean extension lag was 6.7°±4.6°.Conclusions:The lateral collateral ligament is the main factor that maintains the stability of the distal interphalangeal joint.Type Ⅱ was further divided into Types Ⅱa and Ⅱb according to whether the course Classification that combines the involvement of the joint surface in the fracture,the thickness of the fracture,and the untreated time after injury is reasonable and will help to choose an appropriate operational method.

Expression of a bee venom phospholipase A_2 from Apis cerana cerana in the baculovirus-insect cell

Bee venom phospholipase A2(BvPLA2) is a lipolytic enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 acyl bond of glycerophospholipids to liberate free fatty acids and lysophospholipids.In this work,a new BvPLA2(AccPLA2) gene from the Chinese honeybee(Apis cerana cerana) venom glands was inserted into bacmid to construct a recombinant transfer vector.Tn-5B-4(Tn) cells were transfected with the recombinant bacmid DNA for expression.Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed a double band with molecular weights of 16 and 18 kDa.Products of hexahistidine AccPLA2 fusion protein accumulated up to 5.32% of the total cellular proteins.The AccPLA2 fusion protein was cross reactive with the anti-AmPLA2(BvPLA2 of the European honeybee,Apis mellifera) polyclonal serum.The reaction resulted in a double glycosylation band,which agrees with the band generated by the native AmPLA2 in Western blot analysis.The PLA2 activity of the total extracted cellular protein in the hydrolyzing egg yolk is about 3.16 μmol/(min·mg).In summary,the recombinant AccPLA2 protein,a native BvPLA2-like structure with corresponding biological activities,can be glycosylated in Tn cells.These findings provided fundamental knowledge for potential genetic engineering to produce AccPLA2 in the pharmaceutical industry.

Features of intra-hamate vascularity and its possible relationship with avascular risk of hamate fracture

Background:The angiography with micro-computed tomography(micro-CT)has been proved its great advantages on investigating the intra-osseous vascularity of carpal bones.But few researches have focused on the intra-hamate vascularity.This study aimed to illustrate the intra-osseous arteries of the hamate and the relationship between the intra-hamate vascularity and the avascular risk of different types of hamate fractures.Methods:Six normal cadaveric hamates were investigated with red lead(Pb3O4)micro-CT angiography.The intra-osseous arteries of specimens were clearly enhanced and the three-dimensional model was reconstructed.In order to study the features of the arterial entrances and intra-hamate vascularity,the diameters,quantities,locations of enhanced arteries,and the locations of transversal/proximal pole fracture lines on the body of the hamate were statistically compared.Besides,in order to analyze the relationship between intra-hamate vascularities and different hamate fractures,127 cases of hamate fractures who presented in our hospital from March 2003 to June 2017 were retrospectively studied.Results:A total of 94 cases were followed up(range:4–37 months;mean:12.4 months)effectively.The overall union rate of hamate fractures was as high as 92.6%(87 of 94 cases),while non-union of fracture on hamate hook was more common(P=0.031).The arterial entrances were located around the dorsal,volar,radial,ulnar non-articular surfaces of the hamate body and the hook of the hamate.Generally,there were one to two trunk arteries on the volar non-articular surface and one to three trunk arteries on the dorsal non-articular surface.They formed one or two arterial arches,from which some branches were emitted and supplied the proximal parts.The intra-osseous vascularities of the hamate body were generally located in the radial part.The blood supply of the hook was mainly from the volar non-articular surface in most specimens.Hamate fractures could be classified into four types:fractures of the transversal/proximal pole,medial tuberosity,dorsal coronal of the hamate body,and fractures of the hamate hook.Conclusions:This study showed new features of intra-hamate vascularity and the results will guide surgeons to reduce the vascular damage during the hamate fracture operations.The fracture lines of different types of hamate fractures may disrupt the intra-hamate arteries.The intra-hamate vascularities will have different influences on the avascular risks of different hamate fractures.

Hydrothermal conversion of Ti-containing minerals in system of Na_2O–Al_2O_3–SiO_2–CaO–TiO_2–H_2O

Titanium has a great effect on the digestion of bauxite in the Bayer process because it reacts readily at high temperatures in alkaline sodium aluminate solution. Under this consideration, the hydrothermal conversion of Ti-containing minerals in the system of Na2O-Al2O3- SiO2-CaO-TiOz-H2O with increased temperatures was studied based on the thermodynamic analysis and systematic experiments. The results show that anatase converts to AlaTi2SiO12 at low temperatures （60-120℃）, which is similar to anatase in crystal structure. As the temperature continues to rise, Al4Ti2SiO12 decomposes gradually and converts to Ca3TiSi2（Al2Si0.5Ti0.5）O14 at 200 ℃ When the temperature reaches 260℃, CaTiO3 forms as the most stable titanate species for its hexagonal closest packing with O^2- and Ca^2＋. The findings enhance the under-standing of titanate scaling in the Bayer process and clarify the mechanism of how additive lime improves the digestion of diaspore.