The role of N6-methyladenosine modification in rodent models of neuropathic pain: from the mechanism to therapeutic potential.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain condition resulted from lesions or diseases of somatosensory nervous system, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. A growing body of evidence supports the relationship between pathogenesis and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications of RNA. However, studies on the role of m6A modifications in NP are still at an early stage. Elucidating different etiologies is important for understanding the specific pathogenesis of NP. This article provides a comprehensive review on the role of m6A methylation modifications including methyltransferases ("writers"), demethylases ("erasers"), and m6A binding proteins ("readers") in NP models. Further analysis of the pathogenic mechanism relationship between m6A and NP provided novel theoretical and practical significance for clinical treatment of NP.

Acupuncture regulates the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome-related abnormal follicular development through LncMEG3-mediated inhibition of miR-21-3p.

BACKGROUND: The main features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are abnormal follicular development and ovulatory dysfunction, which are caused by excessive apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. Acupuncture has been shown to improve follicular development abnormalities in patients with PCOS, but its mechanism is unknown. This study hypothesized that the mechanism of acupuncture on follicular development abnormalities in PCOS patients is the inhibition of granulosa cell apoptosis through LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p. METHODS: A PCOS-like rat model was established using subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Acupuncture was performed on rats for 15 d (CV-4, RN-3, CV-6, SP-6 and EX-CA 1). Ovarian morphology was observed by HE staining, and sex hormone and AMH levels were detected by ELISA. Primary granulosa cells were isolated from each group of rats to assess the association of acupuncture treatment, LncMEG3, miR-21-3p, and granulosa cell apoptosis in rats with PCOS. RESULTS: LncMEG3 and miR-21-3p were highly expressed in the ovarian granulosa cells of rats with PCOS, and LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p was involved in the development of PCOS in rats. Silencing of MEG3 attenuated sex hormone dysregulation and ovarian histopathological changes in PCOS rats and promoted follicle cell development and maturation. In addition, silencing MEG3 increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. In addition, silencing MEG3 further inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats. Acupuncture improved polycystic ovarian morphology and sex hormone levels in PCOS rats. Acupuncture intervention increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. Acupuncture intervention inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats by targeting miR-21-3p via LncMEG3. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that acupuncture can downregulate LncMEG3, thereby targeting and regulating miR-21-3p to suppress early and late granulosa cell apoptosis and normalize their proliferation. These factors ultimately compensate for abnormal follicular development. These findings shed light on the clinical potential of acupuncture as a safe treatment for follicular developmental abnormalities in PCOS.

Equipment of Vertically-Ordered Mesoporous Silica Film on Electrochemically Pretreated Three-Dimensional Graphene Electrodes for Sensitive Detection of Methidazine in Urine.

Direct, rapid, and sensitive detection of drugs in complex biological samples is essential for drug abuse control and health risk assessment. In this work, an electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on equipment of vertically-ordered mesoporous silica film (VMSF) on an electrochemically pre-treated three-dimensional graphene electrode (p-3DG), which can achieve direct and sensitive determination of methylthiopyridazine (TR) in urine. Three-dimensional graphene (3DG) with a continuous and interpenetrating graphene network was used as the supporting electrode and simple electrochemical polarization was employed to pre-treat 3DG to improve surface hydrophilicity and electrocatalytic performance. VMSF was easily grown using an electrochemical assisted self-assembly method within 10 s and was stably bound to the p-3DG surface. The nanochannel array on the as-prepared VMSF/p-3DG sensor enriched positively charged TR, leading to significantly improved electrochemical signal. Combined with the high electric activity of p-3DG and the enrichment of nanochannels, VMSF/p-3DG realized sensitive determination of TR ranging from 50 nM to 10 µM with a low detection limit (DL, 30 nM). Owing to the anti-fouling and anti-interference performance of VMSF, the common electroactive molecules including ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) did not interfere with the detection. In addition, the detection of TR in buffer and urine exhibited similar sensitivity. Accurate detection of TR in urine was realized.

Acupuncture regulates the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome-related abnormal follicular development through LncMEG3-mediated inhibition of miR-21-3p

BACKGROUND: The main features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are abnormal follicular development and ovulatory dysfunction, which are caused by excessive apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. Acupuncture has been shown to improve follicular development abnormalities in patients with PCOS, but its mechanism is unknown. This study hypothesized that the mechanism of acupuncture on follicular development abnormalities in PCOS patients is the inhibition of granulosa cell apoptosis through LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p. METHODS: A PCOS-like rat model was established using subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Acupuncture was performed on rats for 15 d (CV-4, RN-3, CV-6, SP-6 and EX-CA 1). Ovarian morphology was observed by HE staining, and sex hormone and AMH levels were detected by ELISA. Primary granulosa cells were isolated from each group of rats to assess the association of acupuncture treatment, LncMEG3, miR-21-3p, and granulosa cell apoptosis in rats with PCOS. RESULTS: LncMEG3 and miR-21-3p were highly expressed in the ovarian granulosa cells of rats with PCOS, and LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p was involved in the development of PCOS in rats. Silencing of MEG3 attenuated sex hormone dysregulation and ovarian histopathological changes in PCOS rats and promoted follicle cell development and maturation. In addition, silencing MEG3 increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. In addition, silencing MEG3 further inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats. Acupuncture improved polycystic ovarian morphology and sex hormone levels in PCOS rats. Acupuncture intervention increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. Acupuncture intervention inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats by targeting miR-21-3p via LncMEG3. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that acupuncture can downregulate LncMEG3, thereby targeting and regulating miR-21-3p to suppress early and late granulosa cell apoptosis and normalize their proliferation. These factors ultimately compensate for abnormal follicular development. These findings shed light on the clinical potential of acupuncture as a safe treatment for follicular developmental abnormalities in PCOS. Highlights LncMEG3-mediated inhibition of miR-21-3p regulates ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. LncMEG3 and miR-21-3p are involved in the occurrence and development of PCOS-related abnormal follicular development. CuONPs induce co-occurrence of autophagy activation and autophagic flux blockade. Acupuncture can improve the sex hormone levels and follicular development in the context of PCOS. The underlying mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of PCOS abnormal follicular development was revealed.

Novel electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence dual-modality sensing platform for sensitive determination of antimicrobial peptides based on probe encapsulated liposome and nanochannel array electrode.

With the increasing application of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to replace antibiotics in medicine, food and agriculture, it is highly desired to develop a fast, reliable, and convenient strategy for sensitive detection of AMPs. Herein, a novel electrochemical (EC) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) dual-modality sensing platform was developed based on probe encapsulated liposomes and nanochannel array modified electrodes, which enables sensitive determination of nisin in food samples. The bifunctional probe with both EC and ECL signals, tris(2,2-bipyridyl) dichlororuthenium (II) (Ru(bpy)3 2+), was chosen to be easily encapsulated in liposomes (Ru(bpy)3 2+@liposome). Based on the unique sterilization mechanism that AMPs can disrupt cell membranes, Ru(bpy)3 2+@liposome can be destroyed by nisin and release a large number of Ru(bpy)3 2+ probes. Vertically-ordered mesoporous silica-nanochannel film (VMSF) modified ITO electrodes (VMSF/ITO) prepared by electrochemically assisted self-assembly (EASA) method were applied as the sensing electrode. Due to the efficient enrichment of Ru(bpy)3 2+ by the negatively charged nanochannel arrays, VMSF/ITO enables detection of the EC/ECL signals of the released Ru(bpy)3 2+ probes with ultrahigh sensitivity. In consequence, sensitive dual-modality detection of nisin was achieved by the combination of Ru(bpy)3 2+@liposome and VMSF/ITO. The developed sensing system can realize sensitive determination of nisin in ECL mode in the concentration range of 10 ng/ml to 50 µg/ml with a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.3 ng/ml, or in EC mode from 800 ng/ml to 100 µg/ml with a LOD of 70 ng/ml. Combined with the excellent anti-fouling and anti-interference performance of VMSF, rapid and sensitive detection of nisin in milk or egg white was also achieved by the sensor.

Sensitive electrochemical detection of p-nitrophenol by pre-activated glassy carbon electrode integrated with silica nanochannel array film.

Convenient, rapid and sensitive detection of p-nitrophenol (p-NP), one of the priority environmental pollutants, in environmental samples is of great significance. Electrochemical sensor with simple fabrication process, high sensitivity and selectivity, good antifouling, and regeneration performance is highly desirable. Herein, an electrochemical sensing platform is demonstrated based on the integration of vertically-ordered mesoporous silica-nanochannel film (VMSF) on electrochemical pre-activated glassy carbon electrode (p-GCE), which is able to realize ultrasensitive detection of p-NP in environmental samples. Electrochemical pre-activation of GCE is achieved through a simple and green electrochemical polarization process including anodic oxidation at high voltage and the following cathodic reduction at low voltage. The p-GCE possesses enhanced active area and introduced active sites, and enables stable binding of VMSF. VMSF is easily grown on p-GCE through the electrochemically assisted self-assembly (EASA) method within 10 s. Owing to the hydrogen bonding between silanol groups and p-NP, VMSF nanochannels display strong enrichment effect for the detection of p-NP. The developed VMSF/p-GCE sensor can achieve sensitive detection of p-NP ranging from 10 nM to 1 µM and from 1 to 30 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.4 nM. Considering the antifouling ability of VMSF, detection of p-NP in pond water is achieved.

Vertically-Ordered Mesoporous Silica Films Grown on Boron Nitride-Graphene Composite Modified Electrodes for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Carbendazim in Real Samples.

Carbendazim (CBZ), a kind of widely used pesticide, is harmful to human health and environmental ecology. Therefore, it is of great importance to detect CBZ in real samples. Herein we report the stable growth of vertically-ordered mesoporous silica films (VMSF) on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using boron nitride-reduced graphene oxide (BN-rGO) nanocomposite as an adhesive and electroactive layer. Oxygen-containing groups of rGO and 2D planar structure of BN-rGO hybrid favor the stable growth of VMSF via the electrochemically assisted self-assembly (EASA) method. Combining the good electrocatalytic activity of BN-rGO and the enrichment effect of VMSF, the proposed VMSF/BN-rGO/GCE can detect CBZ with high sensitivity (3.70 µA/µM), a wide linear range (5 nM-7 µM) and a low limit of detection (2 nM). Furthermore, due to the inherent anti-fouling and anti-interference capacity of VMSF, direct and rapid electrochemical analyses of CBZ in pond water and grape juice samples are also achieved without the use of complicated sample treatment processes.

Photo-induced synthesis of ternary Pt/rGO/COF photocatalyst with Pt nanoparticles precisely anchored on rGO for efficient visible-light-driven H2 evolution.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been recognized as a new type of promising visible-light-driven photocatalysts for H2 evolution, while it still is a key point to facilitate the separation and transfer of photoinduced charges for further enhancing their activities. In this work, we fabricated a new type of ternary Pt/rGO/COF photocatalysts with Pt cocatalyst precisely anchored on rGO serving as electron collector for largely enhanced H2 evolution. A series of ternary hybrid materials were obtained via one-pot photoreduction of Pt4+ and GO under visible-light irradiation in a solution the same as photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction and simultaneous self-assembling of rGO/COF heterostructure. No need isolation, the synthetic system could be further used for photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction and the results show the H2 evolution rate of Pt/rGO(20%)/TpPa-1-COF hybrid material is 19.59 mmol·g-1·h-1, 6.51 times higher than that of Pt/TpPa-1-COF. The essential role of the exclusively distributed Pt nanoparticles on rGO to the high H2 evolution activity was confirmed by various comparisons of activity for the samples with diverse Pt distribution.

Vertically Ordered Mesoporous Silica-Nanochannel Film-Equipped Three-Dimensional Macroporous Graphene as Sensitive Electrochemiluminescence Platform.

Three-dimensional (3D) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform with high sensitivity and good anti-fouling is highly desirable for direct and sensitive analysis of complex samples. Herein, a novel ECL-sensing platform is demonstrated based on the equipment of vertically ordered mesoporous silica-nanochannel films (VMSF) on monolithic and macroporous 3D graphene (3DG). Through electrografting of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) onto 3DG as molecular glue, VMSF grown by electrochemically assisted self-assembly (EASA) method fully covers 3DG surface and displays high stability. The developed VMSF/APTES/3DG sensor exhibits highly sensitized ECL response of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium (Ru (bpy)3 2+) taking advantages of the unique characteristics of 3DG (high active area and conductivity) and VMSF nanochannels (strong electrostatic enrichment). The VMSF/APTES/3DG sensor is applied to sensitively detect an important environmental pollutant (4-chlorophenol, with limit of detection or LOD of 30.3 nM) in term of its quenching effect (ECL signal-off mode) toward ECL of Ru (bpy)3 2+/tri-n-propylamine (TPrA). The VMSF/APTES/3DG sensor can also sensitively detect the most effective antihistamines chlorpheniramine (with LOD of 430 nM) using ECL signal-on mode because it acts as co-reactant to promote the ECL of Ru (bpy)3 2+. Combined with the excellent antifouling ability of VMSF, the sensor can also realize the analysis of actual environmental (lake water) and pharmaceutical (pharmacy tablet) samples. The proposed 3D ECL sensor may open new avenues to develop highly sensitive ECL-sensing platform.

Acupuncture regulates the autophagy of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome ovulation disorder by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway through LncMEG3.

The main features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are abnormal follicular development and ovulation dysfunction, which are caused by the excessive autophagy of ovarian granulosa cells. Acupuncture has been shown to improve ovulation dysfunction and abnormal follicular development in PCOS patients, but its mechanism is unclear. This study hypothesized that the beneficial effects of acupuncture are the result of LncMEG3-mediated effects on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Acupuncture (CV-4, RN-3, CV-6, SP-6 and EX-CA 1) was used to treat a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe ovarian morphology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were used to detect LH, E2, FSH, T, AMH, LncMEG3, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, P62 and LC3II/I expression. The ovarian morphology of 90% of the rats in the acupuncture treatment group was significantly improved after 11 consecutive days of therapy. Acupuncture also resulted in a significant decrease in serum LH, FSH, T and AMH levels and a significant increase in E2 level (P<0.01). LncMEG3, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, P62 and LC3II/I expression was decreased in ovarian granulosa cells after acupuncture compared with PCOS and lentiviral Intervention Group (P<0.05), while the expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor was increased (P<0.05). These results indicate that acupuncture can down-regulate the expression of LncMEG3 and thereby inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, reducing granulosa cell autophagy and normalizing their proliferation. These factors ultimately remedy abnormal follicular development. These findings suggest that acupuncture has clinical potential as a safe treatment for PCOS ovulatory dysfunction.

One-Step Preparation of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots With Anodic Electrochemiluminescence for Sensitive Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose.

Simple and efficient synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) remains a great challenge. Herein, we present an anodic ECL-sensing platform based on nitrogen-doped GQDs (N-GQDs), which enables sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glucose. N-GQDs are easily prepared using one-step molecular fusion between carbon precursor and a dopant in an alkaline hydrothermal process. The synthesis is simple, green, and has high production yield. The as-prepared N-GQDs exhibit a single graphene-layered structure, uniform size, and good crystalline. In the presence of H2O2, N-GQDs possess high anodic ECL activity owing to the functional hydrazide groups. With N-GQDs being ECL probes, sensitive detection of H2O2 in the range of 0.3-100.0 µM with a limit of detection or LOD of 63 nM is achieved. As the oxidation of glucose catalyzed by glucose oxidase (GOx) produces H2O2, sensitive detection of glucose is also realized in the range of 0.7-90.0 µM (LOD of 96 nM).

Human endoglin-CD3 bispecific T cell engager antibody induces anti-tumor effect in vivo.

Rationale: Endoglin, also known as CD105, is a homo-dimeric membrane glycoprotein required for angiogenesis and serves as a marker for cancer vasculature. In this study, we constructed a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody that targets human endoglin and CD3 (hEND-CD3/BiTE). We examined BiTE binding to endoglin-expressing cells and its effects on the cytolytic activity of T cells and cancer development. Methods: The in vitro effects of hEND-CD3/BiTE, including binding to target cells, T-cell activation, proliferation, and cytotoxicity, were examined in endoglin-expressing 293T cells, human umbilical vascular endothelial cells, tumor-derived endothelial cells, and CD3+ T cells. An in vivo xenograft tumor model was established using A549 human lung cancer cells. The therapeutic efficacy of hEND-CD3/BiTE was assessed by monitoring tumor growth, angiogenesis, and mouse survival. Results: hEND-CD3/BiTE specifically bound to endoglin-expressing cells and CD3+ T cells in vitro and stimulated T-cell activation, proliferation, and Th1 cytokine secretion, and promoted T-cell-mediated cytolysis of endoglin-expressing cells. The hEND-CD3/BiTE in vivo caused minimal toxicity to major organs, reduced tumor neoangiogenesis, inhibited tumor growth, and significantly improved mouse survival. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of hEND-CD3/BiTE and provided a novel approach to clinical cancer treatment.

Integration of vertically-ordered mesoporous silica-nanochannel film with electro-activated glassy carbon electrode for improved electroanalysis in complex samples.

Vertically-ordered mesoporous silica-nanochannel films (VMSF) with highly ordered nanochannels, uniform and adjustable pore size, ultra-thin thickness, and high porosity, have attracted considerable attention in analysis, molecular separation, catalysis, and nanomaterial synthesis. However, their widespread applications in practical electrochemical sensing are largely limited by the poor adhesion to common electrode materials, especially the lack of highly active substrate electrode to equip mechanically stable VMSF. Herein, we report a facile strategy to fabricate VMSF on widely used sensing electrodes without the use of any chemical adhesive for developing superior VMSF based electrochemical sensors. We demonstrate that simple electrochemical polarization (anodic polarization and subsequent cathodic reduction) to activate glassy carbon electrode (GCE) can generate a suitable surface environment allowing direct growth of stable VMSF on such pre-activated GCE (p-GCE) via electrochemically assisted self-assembly (EASA). Compared to traditional VMSF electrodes with ITO or organosilane grafted GCE as substrate, the developed VMSF/p-GCE exhibits much higher electrochemical response to four redox biomarkers (norepinephrine, dopamine, tryptophan, and uric acid). In-depth insights on mechanisms of the high electrochemical activity and incorporation stability of VMSF/p-GCE are made. We further demonstrate the VMSF/p-GCE can be employed to detect dopamine in real serum samples with exceptional sensitivity, low detection potential, as well as superior anti-interference and anti-fouling performance. In addition, high selectivity is realized as the common co-existing interference substances (ascorbic acid-AA and uric acid-UA) do not interfere with the detection.

Silica Nanochannel Array Film Supported by ß-Cyclodextrin-Functionalized Graphene Modified Gold Film Electrode for Sensitive and Direct Electroanalysis of Acetaminophen.

Convenient and sensitive detection of active analytes in complex matrix is crucial in biological, medical, and environmental analysis. Silica nanochannel array film (SNF) equipped electrochemical sensors have shown excellent anti-fouling performance in direct analysis of complex samples. In this work, we demonstrated an electrochemical sensor with anti-fouling performance for highly sensitive detection of acetaminophen (APAP) based on SNF supported by ß-cyclodextrin-graphene (CDG) nanocomposite modified Au film electrode (AuF). Because of their rich surface hydroxyls and 2D lamellar structure, CDG on AuF can serve as the nanoadhesive for compact binding SNF, which can be grown by electrochemical assisted self-assembly method in a few seconds. Attributable to the electrocatalytic property of graphene and the synergistic enrichment from both CD and SNF nanochannels towards analyte, the SNF/CDG/AuF sensor demonstrates sensitive detection of acetaminophen ranged from 0.2 to 50 µM with an ultralow limit-of-detection of 14 nM. Taking advantage of the anti-fouling ability of SNF, the sensor is able to realize accurate and convenient analysis of APAP in commercially available paracetamol tablets.

Rapid and sensitive determination of doxorubicin in human whole blood by vertically-ordered mesoporous silica film modified electrochemically pretreated glassy carbon electrodes.

Direct and accurate detection of doxorubicin (DOX) in unprocessed human whole blood is of vital importance in medical diagnosis and monitoring. In this work, we demonstrate the utilization of electrochemically pretreated glassy carbon electrodes (p-GCE) modified with vertically-ordered mesoporous silica films (VMSF) for rapid and sensitive electrochemical detection of DOX. The electrochemically pretreated process is a simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for improving interface catalytic properties and introducing oxygen-containing groups into the GCE surface, which could be suitable for stably growing VMSF without any adhesive layer simultaneously retaining the underlying electrode activity. Benefiting from the highly sensitive electrode substrate of p-GCE and electrostatic preconcentration effect of VMSF, the present VMSF/p-GCE sensor was able to determine DOX with an ultrahigh sensitivity (23.94 µA µM-1) and a relatively low limit of detection (0.2 nM) and a rather wide linear range (0.5 nM to 23 µM). Furthermore, direct and reliable electrochemical detection of DOX in human whole blood without complicated sample pretreatments was achieved owing to the excellent anti-fouling and anti-interference ability of VMSF.

Antitumor Activity of Lipid-DNA Aptamer Modified T Lymphocytes in Carcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with no current effective therapeutics. One of the main reasons for the low efficacy of PDAC immunotherapy is the limited CD8+ T cell infiltration, without neo antigen present in PDAC. Aptamers represent single-stranded oligonucleotides which bind to specific targets with high specificity. We developed DNA conjugates and prepared diacyl phospholipid-aptamer XQ-2d which has potential for the targeted therapy and diagnosis of PDAC. In this study, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were employed to assess whether the Lipo-XQ-2d probe could anchor on activated T cells to constitute ligands specifically recognizing PDAC PL45 cells. Flow cytometry was employed to determine cytotoxicity in activated T cells. Results showed that the Lipo-XQ-2d probe could be inserted into T cells, and was specifically bound to both T cells and PL45 cells. In addition, the Lipo-XQ-2d probe redirected T cells to kill PL45 cells in vitro and was not toxic to cells. In conclusion, lipid-DNA-aptamer-modified T-lymphocytes might effectively kill PDAC in vitro, supporting the clinical application of T cell adoptive immunotherapy.

Effect of Massage on the TLR4 Signalling Pathway in Rats with Neuropathic Pain.

This study set out to investigate the effect of massage on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathway in the dorsal root ganglia of rats that had undergone spinal nerve ligation (SNL), with the hypothesis that massage could be used as an analgesic. Forty female SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, sham-operated group, model group, sham massage group, and massage group. There were 8 rats in each group. SNL rat models were established in the model group, sham massage group, and massage group. Rats in the sham-operated group underwent surgery to expose the vertebral nerves, but no further procedures were performed. The control group consisted of intact animals. The rats in the massage group underwent massage using a massage simulation machine once a day for 14 d in succession; the hind limbs of the rats in the sham massage group were gently touched with a cloth bag once a day for 14 continuous days. The rats in the control group, the sham-operated group, and the model group did not receive any intervention and were observed for 14 d. Paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) and paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) of rats in each group were detected 1 d before modelling and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 d after modelling. Fourteen days after modelling, the expression levels of TLR4, IRAK1, TRAF6, TNF-α, and IL-6 were detected in all rats. The PWTL and PWMT of SNL rats were decreased, while these parameters were elevated after massage. SNL rats showed higher levels of TLR4, IRAK1, TRAF6, IL-6, and TNF-α, and massage effectively lowered the expression levels of these molecules. Inhibiting activation of the TLR4 signalling pathway, which can reduce the release of inflammatory factors, may be one mechanism by which massage treats neuropathic pain.

Two lichens differing in element concentrations have similar spatial patterns of element concentrations responding to road traffic and soil input.

Two epiphytic lichens (Xanthoria alfredii, XAa; X. ulophyllodes, XAu) and soil were sampled at three sites with varied distances to a road in a semiarid sandland in Inner Mongolia, China and analyzed for concentrations of 42 elements to assess the contribution of soil input and road traffic to lichen element burdens, and to compare element concentration differences between the two lichens. The study showed that multielement patterns, Fe:Ti and rare earth element ratios were similar between the lichen and soil samples. Enrichment factors (EFs) showed that ten elements (Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, K, P, Pb, S, Sb, and Zn) were enriched in the lichens relative to the local soil. Concentrations of most elements were higher in XAu than in XAa regardless of sites, and increased with proximity to the road regardless of lichen species. These results suggested that lichen element compositions were highly affected by soil input and road traffic. The narrow-lobed sorediate species were more efficient in particulate entrapment than the broad-lobed nonsorediate species. XAa and XAu are good bioaccumulators for road pollution in desert and have similar spatial patterns of element concentrations for most elements as response to road traffic emissions and soil input.

Highly sensitive detection of rutin in pharmaceuticals and human serum using ITO electrodes modified with vertically-ordered mesoporous silica-graphene nanocomposite films.

Herein we report a simple and rapid approach to fabricate a vertically-ordered mesoporous silica-electrochemically reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite film (VMSF/ErGO) on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface by the electrochemically-assisted self-assembly (EASA) method, which is capable of greatly promoting the electroanalytical performance of rutin compared to the previously reported VMSF modified ITO electrode and, meanwhile, displaying excellent anti-fouling and anti-interference ability in pharmaceutical formulations and human serum. Due to the excellent electrocatalytic activity of ErGO and the synergistic enrichment effects from the π-π interaction of ErGO and the hydrogen bond effect from the VMSF, the present VMSF/ErGO/ITO sensor is able to detect rutin with a wide linear range, a high sensitivity and a low limit of detection. Moreover, the VMSF/ErGO/ITO electrode could retain the high sensing performance with high transmittance upon tailoring the concentration of the modified graphene oxide (GO), which provides a simple approach for modifying transparent ITO electrodes and could be potentially used for optoelectronic devices.

A systematic review of the efficacy comparison of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common symptoms in gynecology. It refers to people who experience lower abdominal pain, swelling, backache, or another discomfort before and after menstruation or during menstruation, which seriously affects the quality of life and work. Clinically, there are many methods to treat primary dysmenorrhea, among which acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are beneficial. This work aimed to test the efficacy of acupuncture and TCM in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and hope to supply more reliable evidence for clinical treatment. METHODS: We searched articles from the Wanfang database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure and collected the clinical, randomized, or quasi-randomized controlled trials of acupuncture compared with TCM for primary dysmenorrhea. We tested the quality and data of the included studies according to the Cochrane criteria and compiled detailed systematic reviews and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seven articles (including 492 patients) on acupuncture and TCM for primary dysmenorrhea were included in the systematic review. Seven studies were included in the final analysis, and there was no heterogeneity among the studies (P=0.98, I2=0%). The results showed that the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture was better than TCM (OR: 4.86, 95% CI: 2.84-8.33, Z =5.75, P<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of acupuncture is superior to TCM in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.