Curcumin regulates autophagy through SIRT3-SOD2-ROS signaling pathway to improve quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy in KOA rat model.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) usually leads to quadriceps femoris atrophy, which in turn can further aggravate the progression of KOA. Curcumin (CUR) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and has been shown to be a protective agent for skeletal muscle. CUR has been shown to have a protective effect on skeletal muscle. However, there are no studies related to whether CUR improves KOA-induced quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy. We established a model of KOA in rats. Rats in the experimental group were fed CUR for 5 weeks. Changes in autophagy levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and changes in the expression of the Sirutin3 (SIRT3)-superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) pathway were detected in the quadriceps femoris muscle of rats. KOA led to quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy, in which autophagy was induced and ROS levels were increased. CUR increased SIRT3 expression, decreased SOD2 acetylation and ROS levels, inhibited the over-activation of autophagy, thereby alleviating quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy and improving KOA. CUR has a protective effect against quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy, and KOA is alleviated after improvement of quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy, with the possible mechanism being the reduction of ROS-induced autophagy via the SIRT3-SOD2 pathway.

Effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

To explore the effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety, pain, duration of labor, labor satisfaction, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate in pregnant women. We systematically searched eight databases for randomized controlled studies on the effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women. The inclusion criteria were as follow: participants were pregnant woman; the intervention is foot reflexology or foot massage; the control intervention is placebo, usual care, or no intervention; outcome indicators included pain, anxiety, birth satisfaction, duration of labor, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration; and study type was randomized controlled study. Studies that did not meet the above requirements were excluded. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, the risk of bias using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the level of evidence for the outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation. We used Review Manager 5.3 for data analysis and generated funnel plots to assess publication bias. In addition, sensitivity analysis was used to test the stability of the results. A total of 13 randomized controlled studies with 1189 participants were included in this study. Compared to the control group, foot reflexology massage reduced anxiety and pain in pregnant women, shortened the three stages of labor, and increased birth satisfaction. In addition, it also reduced the pulse rate and respiratory rate of pregnant women, but not for blood pressure. Foot reflexology massage can significantly reduce anxiety and pain, shorten the duration of labor, increase birth satisfaction, and stabilize vital signs in pregnant women. It is a safe and non-invasive form of complementary therapy.PROSPERO registered number: CRD42022359641. URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=359641 .

Effects of rapeseed oil on body composition and glucolipid metabolism in people with obesity and overweight: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the effects of rapeseed oil on body composition, blood glucose and lipid metabolism in people with overweight and obesity compared to other cooking oils. We searched eight databases for randomized controlled studies (including randomized crossover trials). The risk of bias for the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used to evaluate the quality of the outcomes. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Sensitivity analysis was used to check the stability of the pooled results. Statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.3 software. As a result, fifteen randomized controlled studies (including six parallel studies and nine crossover studies) were included in this study. Compared to other edible oils, rapeseed oil significantly reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD = -0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.21, -0.08, I2 = 0%, P < 0.0001), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (MD = -0.03 g/L, 95% CI: -0.05, -0.01, I2 = 0%, P = 0.0003), ApoB/ApoA1 (MD = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.04, -0.00, I2 = 0%, P = 0.02) and insulin (MD = -12.45 pmol/L, 95% CI: -19.61, -5.29, I2 = 37%, P = 0.0007) levels, and increased fasting glucose (MD = 0.16 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.27, I2 = 27%, P = 0.003) levels. However, the differences in body weight and body composition between rapeseed oil and control oils were not significant. In a word, rapeseed oil is effective in reducing LDL-C, ApoB and ApoB/ApoA1 levels in people with overweight and obesity, which is helpful in preventing and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022333436.

Effects of Web-Based Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Among Frontline Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak has spread around the world, and health care workers, as frontline workers, have faced tremendous psychological stress. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore whether web-based mindfulness-based interventions continue to have a positive impact on anxiety, depression, and stress among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) participants were frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) the experimental group was a web-based mindfulness-based intervention; (3) the control group used either general psychological intervention or no intervention; (4) outcome indicators included scales to assess anxiety, depression, and stress; and (5) the study type was a randomized controlled study. Studies that did not meet the above requirements were excluded. We searched 9 databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database, for randomized controlled studies on the effects of web-based mindfulness-based interventions on common mental disorder symptoms among health care workers from January 1, 2020, to October 20, 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Subgroup analysis was used to look for sources of heterogeneity and to explore whether the results were the same for subgroups under different conditions. Sensitivity analysis was used to verify the stability of the pooled results. RESULTS: A total of 10 randomized controlled studies with 1311 participants were included. The results showed that web-based mindfulness-based interventions were effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety (standard mean difference [SMD]=-0.63, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.31, P<.001, I2=87%), depression (SMD=-0.52, 95% CI -0.77 to -0.26, P<.001, I2=75%), and stress (SMD=-0.20, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.05, P=.01, I2=58%) among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with wide CIs and high heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Web-based mindfulness-based interventions may be effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this effect is relatively mild and needs to be further explored by better studies in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022343727; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=343727.

Do dietary supplements prevent loss of muscle mass and strength during muscle disuse? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess whether dietary supplements can prevent loss of muscle mass and strength during muscle disuse. Methods: We searched the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for RCTs assessing the effect of dietary supplements on disuse muscular atrophy without language and time restrictions. Muscle strength and leg lean mass were used as the primary outcome indicators. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle fiber type distribution, peak aerobic capacity and muscle volume were used as secondary outcome indicators. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic index. Mean and standard deviation of outcome indicators were extracted from the intervention and control groups to calculate effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals, with the significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: Twenty RCTs were included with a total of 339 subjects. The results showed that dietary supplements had no effect on muscle strength, CSA, muscle fiber type distribution, peak aerobic capacity or muscle volume. But dietary supplements have a protective effect on the lean mass of the legs. Conclusion: Dietary supplements can improve lean leg mass, but did not show a tendency to have an effect on muscle strength, CSA, muscle fiber type distribution, peak aerobic capacity or muscle volume during muscle disuse. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42022370230.

Cu-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Annulation of N-Phenylglycines with Maleimides: Synthesis of 1H-Pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinoline-1,3(2H)-diones.

A novel protocol for the construction of functionalized 1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinoline-1,3(2H)-diones (PQLs, 3) from N-phenylglycines and maleimides was developed. The cascade reaction was enabled by heating a mixture of the two substrates in the presence of di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as an oxidant and anhydrous CuBr as a catalyst in chlorobenzene. Consequently, a diverse series of PQLs 3 were synthesized in moderate-to-good yields (43-73%). The synthesis of the PQLs was enabled via a one-pot cascade reaction that proceeded through subsequent oxidative decarboxylation, 1,2-addition, intramolecular cyclization, tautomerization, and aromatization reactions. This protocol can be used for the synthesis of functionalized PQLs via a one-pot oxidative decarboxylation annulation reaction rather than through a series of multistep reactions, making it suitable for both combinatorial and parallel syntheses of PQLs.

Effect of pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: An umbrella review of meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the specific exercise effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with or without biofeedback or electrical stimulation on urinary incontinence rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science and Scopus databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on PFMT for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy from inception to 3 October 2022. REVIEW METHODS: Two authors independently extracted key data from the included studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the A Measure Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2 checklist. Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the quality of the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies with 29,925 patients were included, all of which were of critically low methodological quality. Biofeedback therapy seemed to show additional benefits compared to PFMT alone; however, the adjunctive role of electrical stimulation remained more controversial due to the lack of strong evidence. Preoperative PFMT sometimes, but not always, showed the potential to improve urinary incontinence. PFMT with the guidance of a therapist could bring some benefits to the patient and was more acceptable to the patient, but consumed some medical resources. CONCLUSIONS: PFMT has a good effect on improving post-radical prostatectomy incontinence in men, and biofeedback can have an additional beneficial effect on patients, especially in the short-term and medium-term. However, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that electrical stimulation is beneficial for patients with urinary incontinence.

Cu-Catalyzed Oxidative [3 + 2] Annulation of 2-(Pyridine-2-yl)acetates with Maleimides: Synthesis of 1H-Pyrrolo[3,4-b]indolizine-1,3-diones.

A novel protocol for the construction of highly functionalized indolizine derivatives, that is, 1H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]indolizine-1,3-diones (PIZDOs, 3) from 2-(pyridine-2-yl)acetates and maleimides via a regioselective oxidative [3 + 2] annulation was developed. The cascade oxidative reaction was enabled by heating a mixture of the two substrates in the presence of Ag2CO3 as an oxidant and Cu(OAc)·H2O as a catalyst in chlorobenzene. Consequently, a series of PIZDOs 3 were synthesized with high regioselectivity in moderate yields. This protocol can be used in the synthesis of functionalized PIZDOs via the one-pot oxidative annulation reaction rather than through multistep reactions, which is suitable for both combinatorial and parallel syntheses of PIZDOs.

Effects of WB-EMS and protein supplementation on body composition, physical function, metabolism and inflammatory biomarkers in middle-aged and elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The patients with sarcopenic obesity (SO) have the characteristics of both sarcopenia and obesity, that is, less muscle mass and increased fat mass, and their morbidity, disability and mortality are higher than patients with sarcopenia or obesity alone. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training and protein supplementation intervention on body composition, physical function, metabolism and inflammatory biomarkers in middle-aged and elderly patients with SO. METHODS: We searched for randomized controlled trials in seven databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, SinoMed, and CNKI as of July 3, 2021. The methodological quality of each included study was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled studies with a total of 779 participants were included in this meta-analysis. WB-EMS training improved sarcopenia Z-score (MD = -1.52, 95 % CI: -2.27, -0.77, P < 0.0001) and waist circumference (WC) (MD = -1.41, 95 % CI: -2.62, -0.20, P = 0.02), and increased skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) (MD = 1.27, 95 % CI: 0.66,1.88, P < 0.0001) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) (MD = 0.68, 95 % CI: 0.08, 1.27, P = 0.03). Protein supplementation intervention reduced body fat rate (BF%) (MD = -1.28, 95 % CI: -1.88, -0.68, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0 %), total body fat (TBF) (MD = -0.98, 95 % CI: -1.65, -0.31, P = 0.004, I2 = 0 %) and trunk body fat mass (TBFM) (MD = -0.50, 95 % CI: -0.94, -0.06, P = 0.03, I2 = 0 %), and increased grip strength (GS) (MD = 1.13, 95 % CI: 0.06, 2.21, P = 0.04, I2 = 0 %). The combination of WB-EMS and protein supplements is beneficial to most body components and physical functions, such as SMI (MD = 1.21, 95 % CI: 0.73, 1.51, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0 %), GS (MD = 1.60, 95 % CI: 0.80, 2.40, P < 0.0001, I2 = 45 %) and walking speed (WS) (MD = 0.04, 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.06, P < 0.0001, I2 = 49 %). Compared with protein supplementation alone, WB-EMS could have an additional beneficial effect on BF% (MD = -0.92, 95 % CI: -1.80, -0.04, P = 0.04) and WC (MD = -1.03, 95 % CI: -1.70, -0.36, P = 0.003). Nevertheless, the addition of protein supplements did not provide any additional benefit compared with WB-EMS alone. In addition, there was almost no positive effect of WB-EMS and protein supplements on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: As things stand, protein supplementation intervention can effectively reduce body fat percentage, fat mass, and increase grip strength in SO patients. Both WB-EMS and protein supplementation intervention had no significant effects on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. WB-EMS combined with protein supplementation intervention was beneficial for SO patients in many ways. Due to the small number of studies, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of WB-EMS alone or in combination with protein supplementation intervention in SO patients. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202190096 DOI:10.37766/inplasy2021.9.0096.

Efficacy of heterologous boosting against SARS-CoV-2 using a recombinant interferon-armed fusion protein vaccine (V-01): a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled phase III trial.

Waning of neutralizing titres along with decline of protection efficacy after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines was observed, including China-made inactivated vaccines. Efficacy of a heterologous boosting using one dose of a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 fusion protein vaccine (V-01) in inactivated vaccine-primed population was studied, aimed to restore the immunity. A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled phase III trial was conducted in healthy people aged 18 years or older in Pakistan and Malaysia. Each eligible participant received one dose of the V-01 vaccine developed by Livzon Mabpharm Inc. or placebo within the 3-6 months after the two-dose primary regimen, and was monitored for safety and efficacy. The primary endpoint was protection against confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 10,218 participants were randomly assigned to receive a vaccine or placebo. Virus-neutralizing antibodies were assessed in 419 participants. A dramatic increase (11.3-fold; 128.3-1452.8) of neutralizing titres was measured in the V-01 group at 14 days after the booster. Over two months of surveillance, vaccine efficacy was 47.8% (95%CI: 22.6-64.7) according to the intention-to-treat principle. The most common adverse events were transient, mild-to-moderate pain at the injection site, fever, headache, and fatigue. Serious adverse events occurred almost equally in V-01 (0.12%) and placebo (0.16%) groups. The heterologous boosting with the V-01 vaccine was safe and efficacious, which could elicit robust humoral immunity under the epidemic of the Omicron variant.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05096832.

Effects of resistance training on body composition and physical function in elderly patients with osteosarcopenic obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) is a complex disease commonly seen in the elderly. We found that resistance training may improve bone mineral density, skeletal muscle mass, and body fat percentage in patients with OSO. Therefore, resistance training is beneficial for elderly OSO patients and is worth being promoted. PURPOSE: Investigate effects of resistance training on body composition and physical function in elderly osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) patients. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, SinoMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Database were searched from inception until October 13, 2021.Two independent researchers extracted the key information from each eligible study. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the quality of the outcomes. Sensitivity analysis indicated the stability of the results. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included, with 182 participants. Twelve weeks of resistance training improved bone mineral density (BMD, mean difference (MD) = 0.01 g/cm2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.001, 0.02, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%), skeletal muscle mass (SMM, MD = 1.19 kg, 95% CI: 0.50, 1.89, P = 0.0007, I2 = 0%), Z score, timed chair rise test (TCR), and body fat percentage (BFP, MD = - 1.61%, 95% CI: - 2.94, - 0.28, P = 0.02, I2 = 50%) but did not significantly affect skeletal muscle mass index (SMI, MD = 0.20 kg/m2, 95% CI: - 0.25, 0.64, P = 0.38, I2 = 0%) or gait speed (GS). CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training is a safe and effective intervention that can improve many parameters, including BFP, SMM, and Z score, among OSO patients and is a good option for elderly individuals to improve their physical fitness.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Wearable Technology for Chronic Disease Management: A New Paradigm in Smart Healthcare.

Chronic diseases are a growing concern worldwide, with nearly 25% of adults suffering from one or more chronic health conditions, thus placing a heavy burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. With the advent of the "Smart Healthcare" era, a series of cutting-edge technologies has brought new experiences to the management of chronic diseases. Among them, smart wearable technology not only helps people pursue a healthier lifestyle but also provides a continuous flow of healthcare data for disease diagnosis and treatment by actively recording physiological parameters and tracking the metabolic state. However, how to organize and analyze the data to achieve the ultimate goal of improving chronic disease management, in terms of quality of life, patient outcomes, and privacy protection, is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. Artificial intelligence (AI) can provide intelligent suggestions by analyzing a patient's physiological data from wearable devices for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In addition, blockchain can improve healthcare services by authorizing decentralized data sharing, protecting the privacy of users, providing data empowerment, and ensuring the reliability of data management. Integrating AI, blockchain, and wearable technology could optimize the existing chronic disease management models, with a shift from a hospital-centered model to a patient-centered one. In this paper, we conceptually demonstrate a patient-centric technical framework based on AI, blockchain, and wearable technology and further explore the application of these integrated technologies in chronic disease management. Finally, the shortcomings of this new paradigm and future research directions are also discussed.

Fabrication of a Polylactide-Glycolide/Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Dextran/Plastrum Testudinis Extract Composite Anti-Inflammation Nanofiber Membrane via Electrospinning for Annulus Fibrosus Regeneration.

Tissue engineering is a promising approach for the treatment of chronic lower back pain (LBP) caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) resulting from degeneration and inflammation of annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue. However, scaffold with an anti-inflammatory effect on AF cells has not been reported. In this study, we fabricated a polylactide-glycolide (PLGA)/poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)Zdextran (DEX) composite membrane loaded with plastrum testudinis extract (PTE), a Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal extract, via electrospinning. The membranes were characterized by mechanical measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using an in vitro inflammation model induced by interleukin (IL)-1ß, the cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effects of the composites were investigated by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Potential regulatory mechanisms were examined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The results showed that the P10P8D2 (PLGA 10 g, PCL 8 g, DEX 2 g) composite nanofiber membrane exhibited the most uniform diameter distribution, best mechanical properties, a moderate degradation rate, and the best cytocompatibility characteristics. The optimal concentration of PTE was 120 µg/mL. Importantly, P10P8D2 combined with PTE exhibited anti-inflammatory and cell proliferation promotion effects. Moreover, the NF-κBB/NLRP3/IL-ß signaling pathway was inactivated. Our findings suggested that the nanofiber membrane composed of P10P8D2 and PTE has anti-inflammatory and pro-proliferation effects on AF cells. It may provide an effective strategy for AF tissue regeneration.

Numerical Study of the Microflow Characteristics in a V-ball Valve.

V-ball valves are widely applied in many process industries to regulate fluid flow, and they have advantages of good approximately equal percentage flow characteristics and easy maintenance. However, in some applications, the V-ball valve needs to have good performance under both large and extremely small flow coefficients. In this paper, the improvement of the original V-ball valve is made and the flow characteristics between the original and the improved V-ball valve are compared. Two types of small gaps are added to the original V-ball, namely the gap with an approximately rectangular port and the gap with an approximately triangular port. The effects of the structure and the dimension of the gap on flow characteristics are investigated. Results show that within the gap, the flow coefficient increases but the loss coefficient decreases as the valve opening increases, and the flow coefficient has an approximately linear relationship with the flow cross-area of the added gap. Results also show that under the same flow cross-area, the flow coefficient has a higher value if the distance between the gap and the ball center is greater or if the gap is an approximately rectangular port, while the loss coefficient has an opposite trend.

Gradient Waveguide Thickness Guided-Mode Resonance Biosensor.

Portable systems for detecting biomolecules have attracted considerable attention, owing to the demand for point-of-care testing applications. This has led to the development of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. However, most LOCs are developed with a focus on automation and preprocessing of samples; fluorescence measurement, which requires additional off-chip detection instruments, remains the main detection method in conventional assays. By incorporating optical biosensors into LOCs, the biosensing system can be simplified and miniaturized. However, many optical sensors require an additional coupling device, such as a grating or prism, which complicates the optical path design of the system. In this study, we propose a new type of biosensor based on gradient waveguide thickness guided-mode resonance (GWT-GMR), which allows for the conversion of spectral information into spatial information such that the output signal can be recorded on a charge-coupled device for further analysis without any additional dispersive elements. A two-channel microfluidic chip with embedded GWT-GMRs was developed to detect two model assays in a buffer solution: albumin and creatinine. The results indicated that the limit of detection for albumin was 2.92 µg/mL for the concentration range of 0.8-500 µg/mL investigated in this study, and that for creatinine it was 12.05 µg/mL for the concentration range of 1-10,000 µg/mL. These results indicated that the proposed GWT-GMR sensor is suitable for use in clinical applications. Owing to its simple readout and optical path design, the GWT-GMR is considered ideal for integration with smartphones or as miniaturized displays in handheld devices, which could prove beneficial for future point-of-care applications.

Neuroprotective Effect of Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy for Schizophrenia: A Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study.

The underlying mechanism of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) treatment for drug-resistant and catatonic schizophrenia remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate whether MECT exerts its antipsychotic effects through elevating N-acetylaspartate (NAA) concentration measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS). Multiple-voxel H-MRS was acquired in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and thalamus to obtain measures of neurochemistry in 32 MECT, 34 atypical antipsychotic-treated schizophrenic patients, and 34 healthy controls. We found that both MECT and atypical antipsychotic treatments showed significant antipsychotic efficacy. MECT and atypical antipsychotic treatments reversed the reduced NAA/creatine ratio (NAA/Cr) in the left PFC and left thalamus in schizophrenic patients compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the NAA/Cr ratio after treatments was significant higher in the MECT group, but not in the medication group. Our findings demonstrate that eight times of MECT elevated the relative NAA concentration to display neuroprotective effect, which may be the underlying mechanism of rapid antipsychotic efficacy.

[Quality control of human chorionic gonadotrophin subunit dissociation].

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a glycohormone widely used in treatment of infertility, is a heterodimer composed of an alpha- and a beta-subunit. The heterodimer could be dissociated during production and storage with an impact on its bioactivity. A CE-SDS method for quantitative analysis of hCG subunit dissociation was established in this study by optimization of a variety of method conditions including sample preparation buffer compositions, incubation temperature, separation voltage, and capillary temperature. This method was validated for good sensitivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy for both α- and ß-subunit. CE-SDS also showed much better precision and accuracy than SDS-PAGE. The method was successfully used in both recombinant hCG (r-hCG) produced by cell culture and hCG (u-hCG) derived from urine. The CE-SDS method was used in the study of hCG development and stability. Therefore, it is an useful tool for the quality control of hCG.

Preparation and Flame Retardance of Polyurethane Composites Containing Microencapsulated Melamine Polyphosphate.

A new microencapsulated flame retardant containing melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and 4,4'-oxydianiline-formaldehyde (OF) resin as the core and shell materials, respectively, was synthesized by in situ polymerization. 29Si NMR was used to measure the condensation density of polyurethane containing silicon compound (Si-PU). The structures and properties of the microencapsulated melamine polyphosphate (OFMPP) were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and water solubility. Thermal behavior of the OFMPP was systematically analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis. Flame retardance tests such as the limiting oxygen index and UL-94 were employed to evaluate the effect of composition variation on the MPP and OFMPP in polyurethane composites. The results indicated that the microencapsulation of MPP with the OF resin improved hydrophobicity and that the flame retardance of the Si-PU/OFMPP composite (limiting oxygen index, LOI = 32%) was higher than that of the Si-PU/MPP composite (LOI = 27%) at the same additive loading (30 wt %).

Chemical and pharmacological evaluations on the extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang-Qin) prepared by various extraction methods.

BACKGROUND: This study reported a comprehensive approach (comparing the extraction yields, chemical profiles, antioxidant properties and CYP450-inhibitory effects) to evaluated the effectiveness of various extraction methods [microwave-assisted extraction using water (MAE-W), heat reflux extraction using water (HRE-W), ultrasonic extraction using 70 % ethanol and ultrasonic extraction using ethanol (UE-E)] for Huang-Qin (HQ), the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. RESULTS: The HQ extraction efficiency by MAE-W was the best. The chemical profiles of extracts obtained using HRE-W and MAE-W were similar; whereas more flavones but less flavone glycosides were detected in the UE-E extract. There was no difference in the antioxidant properties among different extracts. In vitro human liver microsome assays illustrated that all extracts possessed herb-drug interaction potentials but the UE-E extract are shown with a potent interaction with CYP3A4-metabolized drugs. CONCLUSION: MAE-W is a favorable method for the preparation of HQ extracts based on extraction yield, pharmacological properties and safety.

Crude Saponins of Panax notoginseng Have Neuroprotective Effects To Inhibit Palmitate-Triggered Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Associated Apoptosis and Loss of Postsynaptic Proteins in Staurosporine Differentiated RGC-5 Retinal Ganglion Cells.

Increased apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) contributes to the gradual loss of retinal neurons at the early phase of diabetic retinopathy (DR). There is an urgent need to search for drugs with neuroprotective effects against apoptosis of RGCs for the early treatment of DR. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine, on apoptosis of RGCs stimulated by palmitate, a metabolic factor for the development of diabetes and its complications, and to explore the potential molecular mechanism. We showed that crude saponins of P. notoginseng (CSPN) inhibited the increased apoptosis and loss of postsynaptic protein PSD-95 by palmitate in staurosporine-differentiated RGC-5 cells. Moreover, CSPN suppressed palmitate-induced reactive oxygen species generation and endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP and caspase 12 pathways. Thus, our findings address the potential therapeutic significance of CSPN for the early stage of DR.