Scaffolds are expected to play a key role in the induction of chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage tissue regeneration. Here, we report the development of a novel tricalcium phosphate-collagenhyaluronate (TCP-COL-HA) scaffold that can function as a stem cell carrier to induce chondrogenesis and promote cartilage repair, and the investigation of chondroinductive properties of scaffolds containing varying amounts of TCP, COL and HA. TCP-COL-HA scaffolds, as well as TCP-COL scaffolds at two different TCP/COL ratios (50:50 and 25:75), were evaluated for their ability to induce cartilage regeneration from rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Chondrogenic differentiation was evaluated by sulphated glycosaminoglycan quantification, collagen type II immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR. Mechanical strength was evaluated by the compression test. The results showed that the TCP-COL-HA scaffolds enhanced rMSC chondrogenesis to a greater degree than did the TCP-COL scaffolds; for the latter, the scaffold with the lower TCP/COL ratio (25:75) was superior in terms of promoting rMSC chondrogenesis. Similar results were obtained in an ectopic implantation model in nude mice. In a critical-size rabbit osteochondral defect-repair model, rMSCs seeded on TCP-COL-HA scaffolds showed greater cartilage regeneration and integration into surrounding tissue than the TCP-COL groups, in which cartilage repair was more efficient at the 25:75 than at the 50:50 ratio. These results indicate that the addition of HA and different TCP/ COL ratios can affect the chondroinductive capacity of scaffolds, and suggest that the TCP-COL-HA scaffold can serve as an effective cell carrier for cartilage regeneration.

In recent years, Candida infections have been increasing significantly. This study was to investigate the distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of such infections. Totally, 3,056 clinical isolates were analysed, C. albicans was the most prevalent species from respiratory and vaginal specimens. However, non-albicans species constituted the majority of isolates from blood, urine, intensive care unit (ICU), organ transplant and burned patients. Similarly, Candida spp. from different specimens and clinical services had different degrees of susceptibility to fluconazole. Isolates from vagina and burned patients had the highest resistance rate, while all of the isolates from ascites and dermatological services were susceptible to fluconazole.

In view of the current situation that it is difficult to obtain the actual cutting force received by the conical pick of Continuous-Miner and to deal with the characteristics of the cutting force. By using contact dynamics, rock mechanics, and finite element methods, based on the display dynamics analysis program ANSYS/LS-DYNA and the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook model, the contact mechanical characteristics between conical pick and rock are analyzed. The resultant force was obtained by obtaining the force curve of the conical pick under X, Y and Z directions, analysis of cutting gear cutting speed of 2.5 m/s, cutting depth of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm, cutting angle of 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50° parameters of the size of cutting force and cutting ratio energy consumption, thus, the best cutting angle of the conical pick is obtained. The conclusions are as follows: when the cutting depth and cutting speed are constant, and the cutting angle is 45°, the mean cutting force received by the conical pick is the least, the specific energy consumption is the least, and the cutting efficiency is the highest. The best cutting angle of the conical pick should be 45°; When the cutting angle and cutting speed are constant, the energy needed by the cutter to cut the rock increases with the increase of cutting depth. The research results provide a theoretical basis for improving cutting efficiency and cutting life, and for choosing cutting angle and cutting thickness.

In view of the current situation that it is difficult to obtain the actual cutting force received by the conical pick of Continuous-Miner and to deal with the characteristics of the cutting force. By using contact dynamics, rock mechanics, and finite element methods, based on the display dynamics analysis program ANSYS/LS-DYNA and the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook model, the contact mechanical characteristics between conical pick and rock are analyzed. The resultant force was obtained by obtaining the force curve of the conical pick under X, Y and Z directions, analysis of cutting gear cutting speed of 2.5 m/s, cutting depth of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm, cutting angle of 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50° parameters of the size of cutting force and cutting ratio energy consumption, thus, the best cutting angle of the conical pick is obtained. The conclusions are as follows: when the cutting depth and cutting speed are constant, and the cutting angle is 45°, the mean cutting force received by the conical pick is the least, the specific energy consumption is the least, and the cutting efficiency is the highest. The best cutting angle of the conical pick should be 45°; When the cutting angle and cutting speed are constant, the energy needed by the cutter to cut the rock increases with the increase of cutting depth. The research results provide a theoretical basis for improving cutting efficiency and cutting life, and for choosing cutting angle and cutting thickness.