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Heterostructure has triggered a surge of interest due to its synergistic effects between two different layers, which contributes to desirable physical properties for extensive potential applications. Structurally stable borophene is becoming a promising candidate for constructing two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures, but it is rarely prepared by suitable synthesis conditions experimentally. Here, we demonstrate that a novel heterostructure composed of hydrogenated borophene and graphene can be prepared by heating the mixture of sodium borohydride and few-layered graphene followed by stepwise and in situ thermal decomposition of sodium borohydride under high-purity hydrogen as the carrier gas. The fabricated borophene-graphene heterostructure humidity sensor shows ultrahigh sensitivity, fast response, and long-time stability. The sensitivity of the fabricated borophene-based sensor is near 700 times higher than that of pristine graphene one at the relative humidity of 85% RH. The sensitivity of the sensor is highest among all the reported chemiresistive sensors based on 2D materials. Besides, the performance of the borophene-graphene flexible sensor maintains good stability after bending, which shows that the borophene-based heterostructures can be applied in wearable electronics. The observed high performance can be ascribed to the well-established charge transfer mechanism upon H 2 O molecule adsorption. This study further promotes the fundamental studies of interfacial effects and interactions between boron-based 2D heterostructures and chemical species.

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a widely used tool in a variety of industries and research endeavors. With its application to spine biomechanics, FEA has contributed to a better understanding of the spine, its components, and its behavior in physiological and pathological conditions, as well as assisting in the design and application of spinal instrumentation, particularly spinal interbody cages (ICs). IC is a highly effective instrumentation for achieving spinal fusion that has been used to treat a variety of spinal disorders, including degenerative disc disease, trauma, tumor reconstruction, and scoliosis. The application of FEA lets new designs be thoroughly “tested” before a cage is even manufactured, allowing bio-mechanical responses and spinal fusion processes that cannot easily be experimented upon in vivo to be examined and “diagnosis” to be performed, which is an important addition to clinical and in vitro experimental studies. This paper reviews the recent progress of FEA in spinal ICs over the last six years. It demonstrates how modeling can aid in evaluating the biomechanical response of cage materials, cage design, and fixation devices, understanding bone formation mechanisms, comparing the benefits of various fusion techniques, and investigating the impact of pathological structures. It also summarizes the various limitations brought about by modeling simplification and looks forward to the significant advancement of spine FEA research as computing efficiency and software capabilities increase. In conclusion, in such a fast-paced field, the FEA is critical for spinal IC studies. It helps in quantitatively and visually demonstrating the cage characteristics after implanting, lowering surgeons’ learning costs for new cage products, and probably assisting them in determining the best IC for patients.

Here we investigate the effects and mechanisms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in regulating chondrocyte mechanics during inflammation in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Primary porcine chondrocytes and human OA chondrocytes were isolated and cultured. Cell mechanical properties were measured using atomic force microscopy. RNA sequencing, immunocytochemistry, quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to elucidate associated signaling mechanisms. Porcine cartilage and human OA cartilage explants were collected. Human articular cartilage samples were obtained from ten donors. Anterior cruciate ligament transection surgery was performed to induce OA in male C57BL/6J mice. The therapeutic effects of EPA and activation of associated signaling were evaluated using histology, immunohistochemistry and micro-computed tomography. EPA reduced F-actin intensity and Young’s modulus in IL-1α-treated porcine chondrocytes and in human OA chondrocytes. Mechanistically, EPA inhibited IL-1α-induced increase in CD44 expression in porcine chondrocytes by suppressing phosphorylation of NF-κB subunits p65. In addition, EPA alleviated articular cartilage degeneration and decreased the expression of p-p65 and CD44 in IL-1α-treated porcine and human OA cartilage explants. Moreover, EPA suppressed the increase in Young’s modulus induced by CD44 ligands (A6 peptide and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid) in porcine chondrocytes. Finally, intraarticular injection of EPA emulsion-integrated hyaluronic acid injection attenuated OA-associated alterations in articular cartilage and subchondral bone and decreased CD44 expression in mice. Our data not only provide new insights into EPA’s chondroprotective actions and underlying mechanisms but also offer new evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of a novel EPA emulsion-integrated hyaluronic acid injection for OA treatment. Eicosapentaenoic acid restores chondrocyte mechanics in osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that causes pain and disability. It involves complex factors such as inflammation and mechanical stress, yet no effective drugs currently exist. This study explores how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, affects OA. Researchers used cells from pigs and humans to see how EPA influences chondrocyte mechanics. They treated these cells with EPA and an inflammatory substance called IL-1α to mimic OA conditions. They found that EPA helps maintain the cells’ normal shape and stiffness and reduces harmful proteins. EPA also lowers the expression of CD44, a protein linked to OA progression, by blocking a specific signaling pathway (NF-κB). In animal models, EPA reduced cartilage damage and improved joint health. The study suggests that EPA could be a promising treatment for OA by targeting inflammation and mechanical stress in joints. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.

Inorganic semiconductors typically have limited p-type behavior due to the scarcity of holes and the localized valence band maximum, hindering the progress of complementary devices and circuits. In this work, we propose an inorganic blending strategy to activate the hole-transporting character in an inorganic semiconductor compound, namely tellurium-selenium-oxygen (TeSeO). By rationally combining intrinsic p-type semimetal, semiconductor, and wide-bandgap semiconductor into a single compound, the TeSeO system displays tunable bandgaps ranging from 0.7 to 2.2 eV. Wafer-scale ultrathin TeSeO films, which can be deposited at room temperature, display high hole field-effect mobility of 48.5 cm 2 /(Vs) and robust hole transport properties, facilitated by Te-Te (Se) portions and O-Te-O portions, respectively. The nanosphere lithography process is employed to create nanopatterned honeycomb TeSeO broadband photodetectors, demonstrating a high responsibility of 603 A/W, an ultrafast response of 5 μs, and superior mechanical flexibility. The p-type TeSeO system is highly adaptable, scalable, and reliable, which can address emerging technological needs that current semiconductor solutions may not fulfill. The authors report an inorganic tellurium-selenium-oxygen (TeSeO) alloyed semiconductor for high-mobility p-channel transistors and broadband photodetectors, through the scalable thermal evaporation method combined with post-oxygen implantation.

Cultured urine-derived cells (UDCs) have been proposed as a source of material for the RNA-based molecular diagnosis of genetic disorders. Previous studies have shown that UDCs can be clonally expanded, passaged, frozen, regrown and have some stem cell characteristics, but their anatomic origin and diagnostic utility remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we cultured UDCs from 40 individuals (aged 4 to 20 years; 21 females) and extracted RNA for sequencing. We compared UDC gene expression to that of marker genes of the kidney and urinary tract segments. UDC gene expression most closely matched marker genes of parietal epithelial cells that line the inner surface of Bowman’s capsule in the kidney glomerulus. UDCs expressed VCAM1 (CD106) and POUF51 (OCT4), consistent with a progenitor cell type. UDCs also expressed 54.4% of 3125 OMIM-listed disease-causing genes. This indicated that UDCs can be used to diagnose a similar number of genetic disorders as skin fibroblasts and a wider range of genetic disorders than can be analysed by RNA extracted from whole blood. In conclusion, UDCs are a non-invasive cell source for RNA sequencing that is suitable for investigating a broad range of conditions.

Current treatments for osteoporotic fractures primarily target bone-resorbing osteoclasts, but they often fail to address fibrosis—a buildup of fibrous tissue that disrupts bone healing. This fibrosis is frequently triggered by bisphosphonates, which, while effective in reducing bone loss, also activate fibroblasts and impair callus formation. Here we show that an injectable hydrogel bone adhesive composed of magnesium-alendronate metal-organic frameworks (Mg-ALN MOF) embedded in a gelatin/dialdehyde starch network can simultaneously suppress bone resorption and reduce fibrosis. The Mg-ALN MOF adhesive binds firmly to irregular bone surfaces and degrades under acidic osteoporotic conditions, gradually releasing Mg 2+ ions. These ions competitively bind to sclerostin (SOST), thereby interrupting the SOST/TGF-β signaling pathway that promotes fibroblast activation and abnormal collagen deposition. This dual-action mechanism significantly enhances fracture healing, resulting in a 27.8% improvement in flexural strength. Our findings suggest a promising therapeutic strategy that combines mechanical support with targeted regulation of both bone resorption and pathological fibrosis. Excessive fibrosis triggered by bisphosphonates impairs fracture healing in osteoporotic bone. Here, the authors develop an injectable magnesium-alendronate MOF-based hydrogel adhesive and show it prevents fibrosis and enhances bone repair, improving healing strength in an osteoporotic rat model.

Boron arsenide has recently attracted significant attention for its thermal and electronic properties. However, its lengthy growth process and bulk structure limit its application in advanced semiconductor systems. In this study, we introduce a method for synthesizing ultrathin crystalline hexagonal boron arsenide (h-BAs) nanosheets in large quantities via an in-situ chemical reaction of sodium borohydride with elemental arsenic in a low-pressure hydrogen atmosphere. We successfully fabricated h-BAs-based memory devices with ON/OFF current ratios up to 10 9 , low energy consumption of less than 4.65 pJ, and commendable stability. Furthermore, we have developed flexible h-BAs-based memristors with good stability and robustness. This research not only provides a promising avenue for synthesizing h-BAs nanosheets, but also underscores their potential in the development of next-generation electronic devices. 2D hexagonal boron arsenide (h-BAs) is predicted to show interesting electronic and thermal properties, but its synthesis has so far remained elusive. Here, the authors report a method to synthesize 2D crystalline h-BAs nanosheets, showing their application for the realization of rigid and flexible low-power memristors.

Conventional computer systems based on the Von Neumann architecture rely on silicon transistors with binary states for information representation and processing. However, exploiting emerging materials’ intrinsic physical properties and dynamic behaviors offers a promising pathway for developing next-generation brain-inspired neuromorphic hardware. Here, we introduce a stable and controllable photoelectricity-induced halide-ion segregation effect in epitaxially grown mixed-halide perovskite CsPbBr 1.5 I 1.5 microwire networks on mica, as confirmed by various in-situ measurements. The dynamic segregation and recovery processes show the reconfigurable, self-powered photoresponse, enabling non-volatile light information storage and precise modulation of optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, our microwire array successfully addressed a typical graphical neural network problem and an image restoration task without external circuits, underscoring the potential of in-material dynamics to achieve highly parallel and energy-efficient physical computing in the post-Moore era. This study demonstrates stable photoelectricity-induced halide segregation in epitaxial mixed-halide perovskite microwire networks on mica, verified by in-situ observations. Dynamic segregation-recovery processes and reconfigurable self-powered photoresponse reveal physical computing potential.

Background The study aimed to (1) create a series of pedicle injectors with different number of holes on the sheath especially for the Chinese elderly patients and (2) further investigate the effects of the injectors on the augmentation of pedicle screw among osteoporotic lumbar pedicle channel. Methods This study used the biomechanical test module of polyurethane (Pacific Research Laboratory Corp, USA) to simulate the mechanical properties of human osteoporotic cancellous bone. The bone cement injectors were invented based on anatomical parameters of lumbar pedicle in Chinese elderly patients. Mechanical test experiments were performed on the bone cement injectors according to the three groups, namely, a local augmentation group, a full-length augmentation group, and a control group. The local augmentation group included three subgroups including 4-hole group, 6-hole group, and 8-hole group. All holes were laterally placed. The full-length augmentation group was a straight-hole injector. The control group was defined that pedicle screws were inserted without any cement augmentation. Six screws were inserted in each group and the maximum insertion torque was recorded. After 24 h of injecting acrylic bone cement, routine X-ray and CT examinations were performed to evaluate the distribution of bone cement. The axial pull-out force of screws was tested with the help of the material testing system 858 (MTS-858) mechanical tester. Results The bone cement injectors were consisted of the sheaths and the steel rods and the sheaths had different number of lateral holes. The control group had the lowest maximum insertion torque as compared with the 4-hole, 6-hole, 8-hole, and straight pore groups ( P  < 0.01), but the differences between the 4-hole, 6-hole, 8-hole, and straight pore groups were no statistical significance. The control group had the lowest maximum axial pull-out force as compared with the other four groups ( P  < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed the 8-hole group (161.35 ± 27.17 N) had the lower maximum axial pull-out force as compared with the 4-hole group (217.29 ± 49.68 N), 6-hole group (228.39 ± 57.83 N), and straight pore group (237.55 ± 35.96 N) ( P  < 0.01). Bone cement was mainly distributed in 1/3 of the distal end of the screw among the 4-hole group, in the middle 1/3 and distal end of the screw among the 6-hole group, in the proximal 1/3 of the screw among the 8-hole group, and along the long axis of the whole screw body in the straight pore group. It might indicate that the 8-hole and straight-hole groups were more vulnerable to spinal canal cement leakage. After pullout, bone cement was also closely connected with the screw without any looseness or fragmentation. Conclusions The bone cement injectors with different number of holes can be used to augment the pedicle screw channel. The pedicle screw augmented by the 4-hole or 6-hole sheath may have similar effects to the straight pore injector. However, the 8-hole injector may result in relatively lower pull-out strength and the straight pore injector has the risks of cement leakage as well as cement solidarization near the screw head.

Background C1-ring osteosynthesis is a valid alternative to posterior C1–C2 or C0–C2 fusion to preserve important C1–C2 motion in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures. Nevertheless, the fixation instruments used in current studies for transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis were not suitable for anterior anatomy of the atlas or did not have reduction mechanism. We therefore present this report to investigate preliminary clinical effects of transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis using a laminoplasty plate in unstable atlas fractures. Methods From January 2014 to December 2017, 13 patients with unstable atlas fractures were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated with transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis using a laminoplasty plate. Pre- and postoperative images were obtained to assess reduction of the fracture, internal fixation placement, and bone union. Neurological function, range of motion, and pain levels were evaluated clinically on follow-up. Results The surgeries were successfully performed in all cases. The average follow-up duration was 16.6 ± 4.4 months (range 12–24 months). One patient suffered screw loosening after operation and underwent replacement operation subsequently. Satisfactory clinical outcomes were achieved in all patients with ideal fracture reduction, reliable plate placement, well-preserved range of motion, and neck pain alleviation. All patients achieved bone union of fractures without loss of reduction or implant failure or C1–C2 instability during the follow-up. No vascular or neurological complication was noted during the operation and follow-up. Conclusions Transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis using a laminoplasty plate is a effective surgical treatment for unstable atlas fractures. This technique has a ingenious reduction mechanism, and can provide satisfactory bone union and preservation of C1–C2 motion.