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Crystallization of membrane-embedded components within phospholipid bilayers represents a distinct class of phase transformation that occurs in structurally organized, molecularly crowded, and dimensionally constrained amphiphilic fluids. Using unstable supported lipid bilayers-transiently assembled via surface-mediated fusion and spreading of bicellar precursors containing supersaturating concentrations of cholesterol-we monitor here the morphological evolution and dynamics of cholesterol crystallization within the membrane media. We find that the three-dimensional (3D) crystallization of cholesterol from an unstable two-dimensional (2D) in-membrane state proceeds via well-defined sequence of intermediates, including filaments, rods, helices, and 2D rectangular plates, before transforming into three-dimensional quadrilateral crystals-characteristic triclinic habit of cholesterol monohydrate. EGFR-IN-7 concentration Our observations thus demonstrate that these structurally distinct cholesterol polymorphs are related to one another, contrasting with the notion that they represent disparate crystal habits stabilized by differences in lipid environments. Moreover, these observations indicate that cholesterol crystallization within the membrane media follows nonclassical multistep crystallization governed by the heuristic “Ostwald’s rule of stages”, which predicts that the crystallization kinetics proceed down the free energy landscape in a multistage process where each successive phase transition incurs the smallest loss of free energy relative to its predecessor. Furthermore, we find that the well-known cholesterol extracting agent, β-cyclodextrin, acts by catalytically tipping the equilibrium in favor of crystal growth adding cholesterol from the membrane phase to the crystal in a layer-by-layer manner. Taken together, our results provide a new description of in-membrane cholesterol crystallization and may pave for a screening tool for identifying molecular candidates that target cholesterol crystals.It is very significant that functional porous metal-organic frameworks are used to manufacture hierarchical components to achieve cascading functions that cannot be achieved by a single-layer metal-organic framework (MOF). Here, we report two cases of novel MOFs constructed by the same ligand, Cu(I)-tpt and Cu(II)-tpt (Htpt = 5-[4(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)]phenyl-2H-tetrazole), and prepared a Cu(II)-tpt-on-Cu(I)-tpt membrane by a layer-by-layer approach ignoring the lattice mismatch problem. The first Cu(I)-tpt layer is grown on an oriented Cu2O nanostructured array by a “one-pot” approach. The aligned second Cu(II)-tpt layer can be deposited using liquid-phase epitaxy. Notably, the prepared Cu(II)-tpt-on-Cu(I)-tpt membrane combines adsorption and fluorescence sensing, which exhibited significant adsorption for Cr2O72- (203.25 mg g-1) as typical highly poisonous ions with a fluorescence quenching response. Hence, based on the oxidation-reduction between Cr2O72- and p-arsanilic acid (p-ASA), the Cu(II)-tpt-on-Cu(I)-tpt membrane’s ability to adsorb Cr2O72- could be used to design “on-off-on” mode fluorescence probes to detect p-ASA with high sensitivity (limit of detection (LOD) = 0.0556 μg L-1). p-ASA can be degraded into highly toxic inorganic arsenic compounds in the natural environment and has received widespread attention. Therefore, the integration of adsorption and fluorescence properties makes the Cu(II)-tpt-on-Cu(I)-tpt membrane a feasible multifunctional material for pollution control and detection.Rationally designed pressure sensors for target applications have been in increasing demand. Capacitive pressure sensors with microstructured dielectrics demonstrate a high capability of meeting this demand due to their wide versatility and high tunability by manipulating dielectric layer material and microstructure geometry. However, to streamline the design and fabrication of desirable sensors, a better understanding of how material microstructure and properties of the dielectric layer affect performance is vital. The ability to predict trends in sensor design and performance simplifies the process of designing and fabricating sensors for various applications. A series of equations are presented that can be used to predict trends in initial capacitance, capacitance change, and sensitivity based on dielectric constant and compressive modulus of the dielectric material and base length, interstructural separation, and height of the dielectric layer microstructures. The efficacy of this model has been experimentally and computationally confirmed. The model was then used to illuminate, qualitatively and quantitatively, the relationships between these key material properties and microstructure geometries. Finally, this model demonstrates high tunability and simple implementation for predictive sensor performance for a wide range of designs to help meet the growing demand for highly specialized sensors.Weeds are notorious plant species exhibiting a harmful impact on crops. Biological weed control is an efficient and environmentally friendly technique, usually constitutes naturally derived compounds, including bioherbicidal metabolites produced by Streptomyces sp. The isolation and structural identification of phytotoxic compounds from Streptomyces have recently been proposed as an effective way to the discovery of novel bioherbicides. In the screening of bioherbicidal agents, isolated Streptomyces strain KRA17-580 demonstrated significant phytotoxic activity against Digitaria ciliaris. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence indicated that isolated KRA17-580 is similar to Streptomyces olivochromogenes. The bacterial culture conditions were optimized for temperature, agitation, and initial pH. Streptomyces strain KRA17-580 showed intense phytotoxic activity and high cell mass at an initial pH of 5.5-7.0, more than 150 rpm, and 25-30 °C. The herbicidal compounds isolated from the culture filtrate of strain KRA17-580 were purified by solvent partition, C18, Sephadex LH20 column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. By 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis, the 580-H1 and 580-H2 compounds were identified as a cinnoline-4-carboxamide (MW, 173.0490; C9H7N3O2) and cinnoline-4-carboxylic acid (MW, 174.0503; C9H6N2O2), respectively. Only these two herbicidal compounds showed strong phytotoxic activity against D. ciliaris in foliar applications. However, compound 580-H2 was more phytotoxic than 580-H1 and the toxicity was dose-dependent. The herbicidal metabolite KRA17-580 produced by Streptomyces sp. is a new bioherbicidal candidate that may provide a new lead molecule for more efficient phytotoxic compounds.Aim To report the results of a two-stage reconstruction of septic non-unions of the upper limb using the bone-and-strut technique with a follow-up of more than two years. Methods A total of 19 patients (12 males and seven females; age 27 to 85 years) were included in this cohort study. The evaluation endpoint was set at 24 months. Radiographic union, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, pain and return to work were assessed. All patients were treated with debridement and antibiotic therapy. At a second stage, the nonunion focus was filled with a cancellous bone allograft. Stability was provided using a locking plate and a bone strut. Results After 24 months, the QuickDASH scores improved from a median of 28 (interquartile range, 13 – 35 points), to a median of 78 (interquartile range, 70 – 89 points). Mean pain scores improved from 8.1 (range, 0.3-10) to 0.6 (range 0-2). Radiographic and clinical union was seen in all patients. The majority of patients returned to work or previous activities when retired. A new neurological deficit, recurrence of infection, or other surgery-related adverse events were not observed. Conclusion The two-stage bone-and-strut technique is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of septic non-unions of the upper limb. The union rate is high, the complication rate is acceptable and return return-to-work is high. Recurrence of infectious sequelae during a follow-up period of at least two years was not seen. The patient-reported outcomes increased significantly.Aim To evaluate radiological and clinical outcomes of a case series of patients affected by glenohumeral instability (Bankart lesion) or superior labrum tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions treated by arthroscopic repair using all-suture anchors. Methods Patients were operated by a single surgeon at a single Institution. Exclusion criteria were chondral lesions of the glenoid, rotator cuff lesions, previous surgery at the index shoulder, or a bony Bankart lesion. Position and numbers of anchors used depended on the dimension and type of lesion. The DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and Constant scores were used for subjective and clinical evaluation at follow-ups (FUs); also, at 1-year FU, MRI scan was obtained to evaluate bone reaction to the implanted devices. Results Fifty-four patients were included. A mean of 2.7 devices per patient (145 in total) were implanted. Mean FU was 30 (range 12 – 48) months. No patient reported recurrent instability, nor hardware-related complications were registered. MRI analyses showed that 119 (82%) implants did not alter surrounding bone (grade 0), 26 (18%) implants were surrounded by bone oedema (grade 1), while no bone tunnel enlargement nor a bone cyst (grade 2 or 3, respectively) were registered. Conclusion This study confirmed the efficacy and safety of a specific all-suture anchor system in the arthroscopic repair of the glenoid labrum for glenohumeral instability or a SLAP lesion. In the short- and mid-term period, these devices were associated with good clinical and radiological outcomes without clinical failures or reaction at bone-device interface.Aim To assess treatment outcomes of cerebral palsy (CP) patients who underwent upper limb surgical treatment including new technique of flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) transfer. Methods The study included an outcome of orthopaedic surgeries in 30 upper limbs of 25 CP patients aged 10 to 24 years (mean age of 15.1 years). In addition to standard orthopaedic assessment, we used the integral scales of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Functional disorders of the upper limb were also evaluated with classifications of Van Heest, House, Gshwind and Tonkin. Results A total of 30 surgical interventions were performed. In seven patients with hemiparesis, surgical treatment was accompanied by simultaneous intervention on the lower limb. Improvement of the functional capabilities and cosmetic appearance was noted in all cases in a follow-up over 12 months, as evidenced by an improvement in the functional class according to Van Heest classification. Conclusion A new technique of FCU transfer to the radius showed to be an effective method to address pronation contracture of the forearm joints and can be used in combination with other elements of surgical intervention for elbow and thumb contractures. The FCU rerouting and transfer to distal radius is a good option in the absence of active supination. Distal release of FCU weakening flexion forces with a simultaneous procedure restoring active wrist extension provides satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of associated flexed wrist contracture.