Ginsenoside Rb1 from Panax ginseng attenuates monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis by inhibiting miR-21-5p/FGF18-mediated inflammation.

Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is a major active compound in Panax ginseng and has shown considerable anti-inflammation effects. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the major degenerative disorders affecting the knee. MiR-21-5p is a potential therapeutic target for OA treatment. This study explored the anti-OA effects of Rb1 by focusing on its interaction with the miR-21-5p/FGF18 axis. OA was induced in rats using monoiodoacetate (MIA) and managed with Rb1. Then, changes in the histological structure and miR-21-5p-mediated signaling pathway were measured in joint tissues. The role of miR-21-5p/FGF18 in the anti-OA effects of Rb1 was confirmed by inducing its levels in rats and chondrocytes. Rb1 improved the histological structure and suppressed the production of cytokines in joint tissues. At the molecular level, Rb1 down-regulated miR-12-5p levels and up-regulated FGF18 levels. In chondrocytes, Rb1 increased cell viability, suppressed inflammation, down-regulated miR-21-5p levels, and up-regulated FGF18 levels. The restored level of miR-21-5p compromised the anti-OA effects of Rb1. In a nutshell, our study reported that the anti-OA effects of Rb1 relied on the inhibited expression of miR-21-5p. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is a major active compound in Panax ginseng and has shown considerable anti-osteoarthritis (OA) effects. The current study not only relates the anti-OA function of ginsenoside Rb1 with microRNA but also provides valuable information for exploring novel targets for the development the anti-OA strategies.

Circular RNA RHOT1 Regulates miR-142-5p/CCND1 to Participate in Chondrocyte Autophagy and Proliferation in Osteoarthritis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) serves as one of the most prevalent types of joint disorders and is a leading cause of symptoms of stiffness, swelling, and arthralgia. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to participate in various cellular processes by competing with microRNAs. Meanwhile, cyclinD1 (CCND1) is a key cell cycle regulatory protein and plays a crucial role in OA progression. Nevertheless, the function of circRHOT1 in the modulation of OA progression is still obscure. Here, we explored the effect of circRHOT1 on autophagy and extracellular matrix (ECM) in OA. Methods: The expression of circRHOT1 and autophagy markers was detected in OA samples. The effect of circRHOT1 on OA was analyzed in the OA rat model. The function of circRHOT1 in the regulation of OA was assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and luciferase reporter gene assay in chondrocytes. Results: We observed that autophagy markers, including LC3 and beclin1, were repressed in clinical OA samples. The expression of circRHOT1 and CCND1 was induced but the miR-142-5p expression was reduced in clinical OA samples. The miR-142-5p expression was negatively correlated with circRHOT1 and CCND1, and the circRHOT1 expression was positively associated with CCND1 in clinical OA samples. Meanwhile, the apoptosis was induced in OA rats but the depletion of circRHOT1 could block the phenotype in the rats. The articular cartilage degeneration was promoted in OA rats, while the knockdown of circRHOT1 repressed the degeneration. The serum levels of CTX-II and COMP were increased in OA rats, and the silencing of circRHOT1 downregulated levels of these proteins. In addition, the expression of collagen II and aggrecan was promoted by the depletion of circRHOT1 in the OA rats. Significantly, the expression of LC3 and beclin1 was suppressed in OA rats, in which the knockdown of circRHOT1 could reverse the effect. Moreover, the depletion of circRHOT1 repressed the cell viability and proliferation but induced apoptosis of chondrocytes. The expression levels of LC3, beclin1, collagen II, and aggrecan were induced by circRHOT1 knockdown. Mechanically, circRHOT1 was able to enhance the CCND1 expression by sponging miR-142-5p in chondrocytes. The overexpression of CCND1 or the inhibition of miR-142-5p reversed circRHOT1 depletion-mediated chondrocyte phenotypes. Conclusions: Circular RNA RHOT1 enhances the CCND1 expression by sponging miR-142-5p to inhibit chondrocyte autophagy and promote chondrocyte proliferation in osteoarthritis. Our findings provided a promising therapeutic target for OA.

Circular RNA-Related CeRNA Network and Prognostic Signature for Patients with Osteosarcoma.

INTRODUCTION: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is characterized by its relatively high morbidity in children and adolescents. Patients usually have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, resulting in poor outcomes. This study focused on building a circular RNA-based ceRNA network to develop a reliable model for OSA risk prediction. METHODS: We used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to explore the expression patterns of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA in OSA. The prognostic value of circRNA host genes was assessed with data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. We established a circRNA-related ceRNA network and annotated its biological functions. Next, we developed a prognostic risk signature based on mRNAs extracted from the ceRNA network. We also developed a prognostic model and constructed a nomogram to enhance the prediction of OSA prognosis. RESULTS: We identified 166 DEcircRNAs, 233 DEmiRNAs, and 1317 DEmRNAs and used them to create a circRNA-related ceRNA network. We then established a prognostic risk model consisting of four genes (MLLT11, TNFRSF11B, SLC7A7, and PARVA). Moreover, we found that inhibition of MLLT11 and SLC7A7 blocked OSA cell proliferation and migration in in vitro experiments. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies crucial prognostic genes and provides a circRNA-related ceRNA network for OSA, which will contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and development of OSA.

Identification of Chinese character "in and " in / 中国针灸

In order to identify the differences between " in () and " in (), the edition of Ninna-ji, Japan, the author analyzed all " and "of the extant , its annotation books, its handed-down books and its collated books during the past dynasties. " and " are similar in Chinese character pattern. The authors had also analyzed the evolution factors of Chinese character patterns in detail, which induced the misunderstanding of " as ". Hence, the phonology and Chinese exegetics were adopted in analysis. " and "()" were completely same in ancient pronunciation. In compliance with the theory as seeking for the connotation from the pronunciation, " was explained as "()", meaning cleft needling or point needling. Additionally, the academic significance of " was explored. It was believed that it was the specific recognition stage from the vessel to the point regarding the sites of acupuncture and moxibustion in terms of the differences in needling techniques, i.e. vessel needling, muscle needling or tendon needling. It is concluded that " resulted from the misunderstanding of " in the books of different dynasties, hence, the mistakes in the explanation and annotation of " since the Northern Song Dynasty have been clarified.

Relationship between the residual in Tianhui medical slips and in / 中国针灸

Except the complete literature of , Tianhui medical slips unearthed in Chengdu also include a part of literature document on meridian, which was seriously damaged. Both of them were found in the same box together with . The title of the document chapter was not found in the residual medical slips. By investigated the textual content, it was discovered that such medical slips were different from the Mawangdui silk books, i.e. and , of Zhangjiashan bamboo slips of Han Dynasty, as well as in Tianhui medical slips. But, the sentences in description are similar to the sentences of in (), therefore, this residual slips was named as () by the collator. In the paper, by the comparison of this residual slip chapter with the unearthed literature document on meridian as well as in , the origin and evolution of meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine in the Qin and Han dynasties were explained. By taking it as an example, the construction process of classical theory of traditional Chinese medicine was explored.

Efficient Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells Prepared by Lamination of Polytriarylamine/CH3NH3PbI3/Anodized Ti Metal Substrate and Graphene/PDMS Transparent Electrode Substrate.

Flexible Ti metal substrate-based efficient planar-type CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells are fabricated by lamination of the flexible Ti metal substrate/dense TiO2 electron-transporting layer formed by anodization/MAPbI3/polytriarylamine and the graphene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) transparent electrode substrate. By adjusting the anodization reaction time of the polished Ti metal substrate and the number of graphene layers in the graphene/PDMS electrode, we can demonstrate the planar-type MAPbI3 flexible solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 15.0% (mask area = 1 cm2) under 1 sun condition.

Acupuncture techniques recorded in the Tianhui bamboo slips of medicine in the tomb of the Han Dynasty / 中国针灸

was nominated after the collection of the bamboo slips of medicine unearthed from the tomb of the Han Dynasty in Tiahui county, Chengdu of Sichuan Province. It is the special chapter on the therapeuticmethods of acupuncture, providing the valuable new historical evidences for the study on the inheritance and evolution of acupuncture in TCM. In the paper, using the cross-proof method among the unearthed literature, the inherited literatures and the unearthed relics, the ancient acupuncture techniques at the early Western Han Dynasty were explored. It was discovered that the manipulations of the different needling techniques, such as pulse needling and intermuscular needling, as well as the forms of the needling tools provided the evidences to the Nine Needles recorded in () and the archaeological discovery. There were many acupuncture prescriptions, reflecting the needling methods recorded in () and () as well as needling chart, the stone portrait of the Han Dynasty. The close combination between the acupuncture needling techniques and the pulse diagnosis indicates the theoretic essence of the meridian medicine at the ancient time.

Interpreting the Methods for Blending Decoctions to Treat 60 Ailments in Tianhui bamboo slip medical manuscripts / 中国中药杂志

Among the medical texts excavated in 2012-2013 from the Han Dynasty tomb at Tianhui township in Sichuan province, we found a collection on the treatment of 60 ailments. Under each ailment, we found one or more formulas, for a total of 106 formulas. The authors of this paper compiled and analyzed these texts based on the original bamboo slips and named this collection with the title Methods for Blending Decoctions to Treat 60 Ailments because the content was focused on blending and making medicinal formulas, and also due to the historical connections with the texts the Record of the Court Scribe, "Biography of Bian Que and Cang Gong". For these reasons, this title was determined, where "blending decoctions" mean "blending and harmonizing medicines optimally in preparation for decocting". The Tianhui texts preserve ancient forms of medicinal formulas, including some once believed to be lost, such as "grain decoctions", "fermented alcohol decoctions", and "fiery decoctions". Based on the historical evidence, we can now ascertain that this text is the "Blending Formulas and Making Decoctions" mentioned in the Record of the Court Scribe written by Cang Gong. Moreover, the medical texts, Canon Formulas in Decoction Form (from the book of Han Dynasty) and the Imperial Pharmacy Formulas to Benefit the People in Song Dynasty are both of this genre of medical literature. The Tianhui text is therefore a representative of this genre of literature in the Western and eastern Han, acting as a key link between early medical formula books and later formula books.

Electrodeposition of SnO2 on FTO and its Application in Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells as an Electron Transport Layer.

We report the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an electron transport layer (ETL) consisting of a SnO2 thin film obtained by electrochemical deposition. The surface morphology and thickness of the electrodeposited SnO2 films were closely related to electrochemical process conditions, i.e., the applied voltage, bath temperature, and deposition time. We investigated the performance of PSCs based on the SnO2 films. Remarkably, the experimental factors that are closely associated with the photovoltaic performance were strongly affected by the SnO2 ETLs. Finally, to enhance the photovoltaic performance, the surfaces of the SnO2 films were modified slightly by TiCl4 hydrolysis. This process improves charge extraction and suppresses charge recombination.

Comparative study on transport devices relieving pressure injury during long-distance referral of critical patients / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To investigate the effect of long-distance referral on pressure injury in critically ill patients,and to explore the effectiveness of transport devices in reducing the risk of skin pressure injury.Methods Totally 97 patients hospitalized from July 2015 to June 2016 were enrolled as the subjects after long-distance referral,of whom,52 ones from July to December 2015 were selected into a control group applying common sponge mattress and the remained 45 ones from January to June 2016 were chosen into an experimental group using inflatable mattress during the referral.The two groups were compared after the referral on the incidence rates of pressure injury and its early symptoms.Results The experimental group had the incidence rate of early symptoms being 8.9％,which was statistically different from that (42.3％) in the control group (P=0.00,x2=13.73).The incidence rate of pressure injury was 6.7％ in the experimental group,which was significantly lower than that (34.6％) in the control group (P=0.000,Z=-7.849).Conclusion There is high risk for pressure injury during long-distance referral of critical patients,and proper transport device has to be involved in to lower the risk effectively.

Comparative study on transport devices relieving pressure injury during long-distance referral of critical patients / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To investigate the effect of long-distance referral on pressure injury in critically ill patients,and to explore the effectiveness of transport devices in reducing the risk of skin pressure injury.Methods Totally 97 patients hospitalized from July 2015 to June 2016 were enrolled as the subjects after long-distance referral,of whom,52 ones from July to December 2015 were selected into a control group applying common sponge mattress and the remained 45 ones from January to June 2016 were chosen into an experimental group using inflatable mattress during the referral.The two groups were compared after the referral on the incidence rates of pressure injury and its early symptoms.Results The experimental group had the incidence rate of early symptoms being 8.9％,which was statistically different from that (42.3％) in the control group (P=0.00,x2=13.73).The incidence rate of pressure injury was 6.7％ in the experimental group,which was significantly lower than that (34.6％) in the control group (P=0.000,Z=-7.849).Conclusion There is high risk for pressure injury during long-distance referral of critical patients,and proper transport device has to be involved in to lower the risk effectively.

Explore the construction of thesaurus in the ancient literature of traditional Chinese medicine digital construction / 国际中医中药杂志

Chinese medical thesaurus was constructed setting knowledge element as the core and knowledge classification as the basis. In making the full use of our previous traditional knowledge classification research on traditional knowledge protection of TCM, the ancient literature of TCM knowledge classification system was constructed. The construction of TCM ancient books thesaurus plays a vital role in ancient Chinese medicine resource description, intelligent retrieval and knowledge discovery. This article disscussed the necessity of constructing Chinese medical thesaurus and the problems need to pay attention to in the process of building from three points of the Chinese medical thesaurus construction idea, plan, and the relevant system construction.

Metal substrate based electrodes for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells: fabrication methods, progress and challenges.

A step towards commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) requires more attention to engineering aspects, such as flexibility, the roll to roll fabrication process, the use of cost effective materials, etc. In this aspect, advantages of flexible DSSCs attracted many researchers to contemplate the transparent conducting oxide coated flexible plastic substrates and the thin metallic foils. In this feature article, the pros and cons of these two kinds of substrates are compared. The flexible dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated using metal substrates are briefly discussed. The working electrodes of DSSCs fabricated on various metal substrates, their fabrication methods, the effect of high temperature calcination and drawbacks of back illumination are reviewed in detail. A few reports on the flexible metal substrate based counter electrodes that could be combined with the plastic substrate based working electrodes are also covered at the end.

Fabrication of Ag nanoparticles embedded in TiO2 nanotubes: using electrospun nanofibers for controlling plasmonic effects.

Composites of electrospun poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fibers and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were used as a soft template for coating with TiO2 by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Whereas the as-deposited TiO2 layers on PEO fibers and Ag NPs were completely amorphous, the TiO2 layers were transformed into polycrystalline TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) with embedded Ag NPs after calcination. Their plasmonic effect can be controlled by varying the thickness of the dielectric Al2 O3 spacer between Ag NPs and dye molecules by means of the ALD process. Electronic and spectroscopic analyses demonstrated enhanced photocurrent generation and solar-cell performance due to the intense electromagnetic field of the dye resulting from the surface plasmon effect of the Ag NPs.

Improvement of dye-sensitized solar cells toward the broader light harvesting of the solar spectrum.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been extensively evolved for the past two decades in order to improve their cell performance. From the commercialization point of view, the overall solar to electrical energy conversion efficiency should compete with other solar cells. But, due to structural restrictions of DSSC using the liquid electrolyte and a space requirement between two electrodes, the direct tandem construction of DSSCs by stacking of repeating units is highly limited. In this feature article, important research trials to overcome these barriers and a recent research trend to improve the light harvesting strategies mainly panchromatic engineering, various tandem approaches such as parallel tandem, series tandem, p-n tandem etc., have been briefly reviewed.

Association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with asthma in the Uygur population of China.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, affecting ∼300 million children and adults worldwide. Previous studies identified a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 33 (ADAM33) as an important susceptibility gene for asthma in patients of different nationalities; however, it is unknown whether this relationship exists in ethnically diverse populations. The present study focused on the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADAM33 gene and asthma in the Uygur population of China. Three SNPs of ADAM33 (T1, S+1 and F+1) were genotyped in a case-control study among the Chinese Uygur population, involving 126 adult asthmatic patients and 126 healthy controls. The frequency of the ADAM33 T1 C allele among asthma patients was significantly higher compared to healthy controls (20.6 vs. 11.1%, P=0.003). The distribution of ADAM33 genotypes differed significantly between the two groups. The frequency of the T1 TC genotype was higher among patients compared to healthy controls [odds ratio (OR)=2.118, P=0.016] and the variant genotype, TC+CC, increased the risk of asthma (OR=2.244, P=0.005). Following adjustment for confounding factors, the ORs of TC and TC+CC for asthma were 2.317 and 2.522, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the forced expiratory volume (FEV1) levels in patients with the TC genotype compared to the TT genotype of T1. Haplotype analysis revealed that the frequencies of Hap5 (CAC) and Hap6 (CAT) were significantly higher among asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls (P=0.024 and 0.016, respectively). The genotype and allele frequencies of SNP S+1 and F+1 were not statistically different between asthmatic patients and controls. In conclusion, the ADAM33 T1 SNP may affect susceptibility to asthma in the Chinese Uygur population.

The preparation of highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays by an anodization method and their applications.

The tubular-shaped nanostructure of TiO(2) is very interesting, and highly ordered arrays of TiO(2) nanotubes (TNTs) can be easily fabricated by anodization of the Ti substrate in specific electrolytes. Here in this feature article, we review synthesis methods for various TNTs including normal, alloy, and architectural forms such as bamboos, lace, and flowers. Specific nanosize architectures such as bamboo and lace types can be regulated by alternating voltage and further anodizing. In order to extend light response of TNTs to visible solar spectra, various dopings of specific elements have been discussed. The normal and modified TNTs are suggested for applications such as dye sensitized solar cells, water splitting, photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, CO(2) reduction, sensors, energy storage devices including Li ion batteries and supercapacitors, and other applications such as flexible substrate and biomaterials.

TiO2 nanotube fabrication with highly exposed (001) facets for enhanced conversion efficiency of solar cells.

We demonstrate that the use of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and acetic acid during the synthesis of TiO(2) nanotubes may result in the synthesis of single-crystal-like anatase TiO(2) with a mainly exposed and chemically active (001) facet. An enhancement in the overall conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells was observed in a photoanode consisting of TiO(2) single-crystal-like anatase exposed (001) facets.

Cost-effective dye-sensitized solar cells consisting of two metal foils instead of transparent conductive oxide glass.

A cost-effective structure for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) without using transparent conductive oxide (TCO) is reported. Instead of high-cost F/SnO(2) glass (FTO-glass) or woven metal mesh, a Ti foil and a perforation-patterned stainless steel (StSt) foil are introduced as the substrates for a counter-electrode and a photo-electrode, respectively.

Novel ionic iodide-siloxane hybrid electrolyte for dye-sensitized solar cells.

A novel ionic siloxane hybrid electrolyte was fabricated by thermal polymerization of iodide-oligosiloxane resin. The nanosized iodide-oligosiloxane was synthesized by a simple sol-gel condensation of 3-iodopropyltrimethoxysilane and diphenylsilanediol. It is found that the composition and concentration of the oligosiloxane used in the electrolyte affect the performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). An optimized DSSC with the hybrid electrolyte using smaller molecular-sized oligosiloxane with a greater amount of iodide groups presented solar to electricity conversion efficiency of 5.2% at 1 sunlight (100 mW cm(-2)), which is comparable to that afforded by a liquid electrolyte.