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Intracellular Ca(2+) signaling is considered to be important for multiple astrocyte functions in neural circuits. However, mice devoid of inositol triphosphate type 2 receptors (IP3R2) reportedly lack all astrocyte Ca(2+) signaling, but display no neuronal or neurovascular deficits, implying that astrocyte Ca(2+) fluctuations are not involved in these functions. An assumption has been that the loss of somatic Ca(2+) fluctuations also reflects a similar loss in astrocyte processes. We tested this assumption and found diverse types of Ca(2+) fluctuations in astrocytes, with most occurring in processes rather than in somata. These fluctuations were preserved in Ip3r2(-/-) (also known as Itpr2(-/-)) mice in brain slices and in vivo, occurred in end feet, and were increased by G protein-coupled receptor activation and by startle-induced neuromodulatory responses. Our data reveal previously unknown Ca(2+) fluctuations in astrocytes and highlight limitations of studies that used Ip3r2(-/-) mice to evaluate astrocyte contributions to neural circuit function and mouse behavior.

In this manuscript, the authors use state-of-the-art imaging methods to report the discovery of novel forms of astrocyte calcium signaling in wild-type mice and in mutant mice previously thought to lack astrocyte calcium dynamics. The findings have important implications for experimental and theoretical studies of astrocyte functions in neural circuits. Intracellular Ca 2+ signaling is considered to be important for multiple astrocyte functions in neural circuits. However, mice devoid of inositol triphosphate type 2 receptors (IP3R2) reportedly lack all astrocyte Ca 2+ signaling, but display no neuronal or neurovascular deficits, implying that astrocyte Ca 2+ fluctuations are not involved in these functions. An assumption has been that the loss of somatic Ca 2+ fluctuations also reflects a similar loss in astrocyte processes. We tested this assumption and found diverse types of Ca 2+ fluctuations in astrocytes, with most occurring in processes rather than in somata. These fluctuations were preserved in Ip3r2 −/− (also known as Itpr2 −/− ) mice in brain slices and in vivo , occurred in end feet, and were increased by G protein–coupled receptor activation and by startle-induced neuromodulatory responses. Our data reveal previously unknown Ca 2+ fluctuations in astrocytes and highlight limitations of studies that used Ip3r2 −/− mice to evaluate astrocyte contributions to neural circuit function and mouse behavior.

Silicon monoxide (SiO) is a kind of promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its smaller volume change during the charge and discharge process than pure silicon and its higher theoretical capacity than commercialized graphite. However, its fast-fading capacity still restricts the development of practical application of SiO. A simple and cheap strategy to dope nitrogen and coat carbon on the surface of disproportionated SiO is proposed to improve the cycling stability significantly even at a high specific current. The capacity retention is nearly 85% after 250 cycles and more than 69% after 500 cycles at a specific current of 1000 mA g−1. Even at a specific current of 2000 mA g−1, its cycling performance behaves similarly to that of 1000 mA g−1. Nitrogen doping in materials could improve the conductivity of materials because pyridinic nitrogen and pyrrolic nitrogen could improve the electron conductivity and provide defects to contribute to the diffusion of lithium ions. The use of pitch and melamine, which are easily available industrial raw materials, makes it possible to contribute to the practical application.

Cracks seriously endanger the safe and stable operation of dams. It is important to detect surface cracks in a timely and accurate manner to ensure the safety and serviceability of a dam. The above-water crack detection technology of dams has been widely studied, but due to the complex underwater environment, above-water crack detection technology on dam surfaces cannot be directly applied to underwater crack detection. To adapt to the underwater detection environment and improve the efficiency and accuracy of underwater crack detection, many methods have been proposed for underwater crack detection, including sensor detection and image detection. This paper presents a systematic overview of the development and application practices of existing underwater crack detection technologies for concrete dams, focusing on methods that use underwater robots as underwater mobile carriers to acquire images that are combined with digital image processing algorithms to identify, locate, and quantify underwater cracks in dams. This method has been widely used for underwater crack detection on dam surfaces with the advantages of being non-contact, non-destructive, having high efficiency, and wide applicability. Finally, this paper looks further forward to the development trends and research challenges of detection technologies for underwater cracks on concrete dam surfaces, which will help researchers to complete further studies on underwater crack detection.

Background This study evaluated the clinical effects of the use of a temporary bi-frame fixator in conjunction with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) for treating AO/OTA 41B3 and 41C tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 30 patients with TPFs affected by vertical compression seen from October 2019 to October 2020. All patients were treated with a bi-frame fixator to correct the vertical shortening deformity, with the MIPPO technique used after reduction. All patients underwent routine examinations at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24months postoperatively and then annually. Clinical parameters assessed included the Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS), number of assistants, intraoperative hemorrhage, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, length of hospital stay, and time to fracture healing. Radiographic findings were assessed using Rasmussen scores. Results All patients had satisfactory fracture reduction on postoperative imaging. The average operating time was 112.03 ± 20.9 min, with 15.79 ± 3.45 fluoroscopic exposures; the average blood loss was 66.63 ± 10.88 mL, the average length of hospital stay was 12.86 ± 5.11 days, and the average fracture healing time was 10.33 ± 1.48 weeks. The mean follow-up time was 23.18 ± 2.59 months. At the last follow-up, the Rasmussen anatomical score was excellent in 22 (75.3%) patients, good in 5 (16.7%), and fair in 3 (10%). The average HSS was 65.7 ± 3.26, 82.26 ± 2.28, and 87.66 ± 2.4 after 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively, and it was 92.56 ± 2.96 at the last follow-up (F = 1073.073, P <  0.001). No complications occurred in any patient during follow-up. Conclusion For AO/OTA 41B3 and 41C fractures of the tibial plateau, the use of a temporary bi-frame fixator combined with the MIPPO technique can correct the compressed displacement, reduce soft tissue damage, and facilitate surgical reduction, which aid the recovery of joint function.

Wound healing is a physiological process, involving three successive and overlapping phases—hemostasis/inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling—to maintain the integrity of skin after trauma, either by accident or by procedure. Any disruption or unbalanced distribution of these processes might result in abnormal wound healing. Many molecular and clinical data support the effects of estrogen on normal skin homeostasis and wound healing. Estrogen deficiency, for example in postmenopausal women, is detrimental to wound healing processes, notably inflammation and re-granulation, while exogenous estrogen treatment may reverse these effects. Understanding the role of estrogen on skin might provide further opportunities to develop estrogen-related therapy for assistance in wound healing.

The cellular mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are poorly understood. Cumulative evidence suggests that abnormal synapse function underlies many features of this disease. Astrocytes regulate several key neuronal processes, including the formation of synapses and the modulation of synaptic plasticity. Astrocyte abnormalities have also been identified in the postmortem brain tissue of ASD individuals. However, it remains unclear whether astrocyte pathology plays a mechanistic role in ASD, as opposed to a compensatory response. To address this, we combined stem cell culturing with transplantation techniques to determine disease-specific properties inherent to ASD astrocytes. We demonstrate that ASD astrocytes induce repetitive behavior as well as impair memory and long-term potentiation when transplanted into the healthy mouse brain. These in vivo phenotypes were accompanied by reduced neuronal network activity and spine density caused by ASD astrocytes in hippocampal neurons in vitro. Transplanted ASD astrocytes also exhibit exaggerated Ca2+ fluctuations in chimeric brains. Genetic modulation of evoked Ca2+ responses in ASD astrocytes modulates behavior and neuronal activity deficits. Thus, this study determines that astrocytes derived from ASD iPSCs are sufficient to induce repetitive behavior as well as cognitive deficit, suggesting a previously unrecognized primary role for astrocytes in ASD.

Background The commonly used technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures with sacroiliac screws and anterior internal fixator (INFIX) is prone to complications, such as injury to the pelvic vasculature and nerves, life-threatening bleeding, lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis, and wound infection. This study investigated the clinical effects of using a modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and INFIX technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis of minimally invasive internal fixation using modified incision of an anterior-ring INFIX application combined with modified percutaneous iliosacral screw placement was performed for 22 cases of unstable pelvic fractures from January 2017 to December 2018. Based on the Tile classification, there were 4 type B1, 7 type B2, 5 type B3 and 6 type C1 injuries. Preoperatively, the length and orientation of the internal fixation were computer-simulated and measured. On postoperative day 3, pelvic radiographs and three-dimensional computed tomograms were used to assess fracture reduction and fixation. All patients were regularly followed up at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and annually thereafter. Fracture healing, complications, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the quality of fracture repositioning and Majeed score were assessed during follow-up. Results All patients were followed up for a mean of 25.23 ± 1.48 months. All fractures healed without loss of reduction and no patient showed evidence of delayed union or nonunion. Two years postoperatively, the mean VAS score was 0.32 ± 0.09 and the mean Majeed score was 94.32 ± 1.86. Conclusion The modified percutaneous iliosacral screw technique increases the anterior tilt of the sacroiliac screw by shifting the entry point posteriorly to increase the safety of the screw placement. Downward modification of the INFIX incision reduces the risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. This technique is safe, effective and well tolerated by patients.

A target for boosting stroke recovery Stroke is a leading cause of disability because of the brain's limited capacity for recovery. The functional recovery that does occur derives in part from the transfer of brain function to the tissue bordering the stroke site. A study in a mouse model shows that stroke reduces excitation in neurons adjacent to the stroke site by impairing transport of GABA, leading to a build-up of this inhibitory neurotransmitter. Genetic or pharmacological blockade of extrasynaptic GABA A receptors improves behavioural recovery. Critically, the treatment remains successful when there is a delay between stroke and therapy. This work identifies novel pharmacological targets for neural recovery after stroke and possibly other brain injuries. Following a stroke, there is generally limited functional recovery, but plasticity in adjacent intact areas may be critical to rehabilitation. These authors report that tonic GABA A inhibition is elevated in cortex immediately surrounding the stroke site. Furthermore, genetically or pharmacologically reducing tonic GABA A receptor signalling leads to improved functional and motor recovery in a mouse model of stroke, suggesting that this could be a new pharmacological target for stroke therapy. Stroke is a leading cause of disability, but no pharmacological therapy is currently available for promoting recovery. The brain region adjacent to stroke damage—the peri-infarct zone—is critical for rehabilitation, as it shows heightened neuroplasticity, allowing sensorimotor functions to re-map from damaged areas 1 , 2 , 3 . Thus, understanding the neuronal properties constraining this plasticity is important for the development of new treatments. Here we show that after a stroke in mice, tonic neuronal inhibition is increased in the peri-infarct zone. This increased tonic inhibition is mediated by extrasynaptic GABA A receptors and is caused by an impairment in GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) transporter (GAT-3/GAT-4) function. To counteract the heightened inhibition, we administered in vivo a benzodiazepine inverse agonist specific for α5-subunit-containing extrasynaptic GABA A receptors at a delay after stroke. This treatment produced an early and sustained recovery of motor function. Genetically lowering the number of α5- or δ-subunit-containing GABA A receptors responsible for tonic inhibition also proved beneficial for recovery after stroke, consistent with the therapeutic potential of diminishing extrasynaptic GABA A receptor function. Together, our results identify new pharmacological targets and provide the rationale for a novel strategy to promote recovery after stroke and possibly other brain injuries.

Objective Heel fractures need extensive surgical incisions and are challenging to successfully reposition using traditional prying. The goal of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of using a Kirschner pin‐guided distractor to treat inversion shortening calcaneal fractures in the “out‐in” position. Methods A total of 40 data from 37 patients with inversion shortened calcaneal fractures from January 2018 to March 2020 were reviewed. Preoperative lateral and axial X‐rays and 3D CT were taken to assess the fracture type, and minimally invasive internal fixation was performed in the “out‐in” position with distractor repositioning, and intraoperative and postoperative images were taken to assess fracture repositioning and fixation. During the follow‐up period, the postoperative functional recovery status was assessed using the VAS score, AOFAS score, and FAOS score. Paired‐samples t‐test was used for all data comparisons. Results All cases received a mean follow‐up of 28.49 ± 3.25 months, and the mean fracture healing time was 7.84 ± 0.71 weeks. The postoperative images showed well‐fixed fracture repositioning, and calcaneal height, length, width, and inversion angles were significantly improved. At the final follow‐up, the calcaneal height, length, and width recovered from 39.35 ± 4.44mm, 79.35 ± 2.7mm, and 45.75 ± 2.87mm preoperatively to 50.93 ± 3.18mm, 82.23 ± 1.90mm, and 39.67 ± 1.58mm postoperatively (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The calcaneus inversion angle restored from 7.73° ± 2.26° to 3.80° ± 1.80° (p < 0.001). Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle improved from 13.13° ± 3.02° and 105.15° ± 8.94° to 27.95° ± 3.41° and 122.85° ± 5.54° (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). No non‐healing fractures, osteomyelitis, or traumatic arthritis were observed. Conclusion Minimally invasive internal fixation with distractor repositioning in the “out‐in” position is effective in the treatment of inversion shortening calcaneal fractures while restoring the anatomy and protecting the soft tissue. Sanders type II calcaneal fracture with minimally invasive surgical treatment in the “Out‐In” Position.