Novel fluorescence probe for ClO- in living cells: Based on FRET mechanism.

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) as a kind of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a vital role in many biological processes. Organic fluorescence probes have attracted great interests for the detection of HClO, due to their relatively high selectivity and sensitivity, satisfactory spatiotemporal resolution and good biocompatibility. Constructing fluorescence probes to detect HClO with advantages of large Stokes shift, wide emission gap, near infrared emission and good water solubility is still challenging. In this work, a new ratiometric fluorescence probe (named HCY) for HClO was developed. FRET-based HCY was constructed by bonding a coumarin and a flavone fluorophore. In absence of HClO, HCY exists FRET process, however, FRET is inhibited in the presence of HClO because the conjugated double bond broke. Due to the good match of the emission spectrum of the donor and the absorption spectrum of the acceptor, the FRET system appears favorable energy transfer efficiency. HCY showed high sensitivity and rapid response time. The linearity between the ratios of fluorescence intensity and concentration of HClO was established with a low limit of detection. What's more, HCY was also applied for fluorescence images of HClO in RAW264.7 cells.

Lateral Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Acupuncture for Postcaesarean Analgesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Improved pain control after caesarean section remains a challenging objective. Although both the lateral quadratus lumborum block and acupuncture have been reported to provide superior postoperative analgesia after caesarean section when compared to placebo, the efficacy of these techniques has never been compared head-to-head. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the comparative analgesic efficacy of lateral quadratus lumborum block and acupuncture following elective caesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, a total of 190 patients with singleton term pregnancies scheduled for caesarean section under spinal-epidural anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were randomized 1:1 to acupuncture group or lateral quadratus lumborum block group. Lateral quadratus lumborum block group received bilateral lateral quadratus lumborum block with 0.33% ropivacaine and sham acupuncture, acupuncture group received transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and press needle therapy and sham lateral quadratus lumborum block. All patients received the standard postoperative pain treatment. The primary outcome was pain scores on movement at 24 h. Secondary endpoints included pain scores in the first 48 h postoperatively, patient-controlled intravenous analgesia demands, analgesia-related adverse effects, postoperative complications, QoR-15, the time to mobilization, and gastrointestinal function. RESULTS: Median (IQR [range]) pain scores at 24 h on movement was similar in patients receiving acupuncture or lateral quadratus lumborum block (3 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-4), respectively; P = 0.40). Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia consumption and pain scores within 48 h postoperatively also showed no difference between the two groups. The acupuncture improved QoR-15 scores at 24 and 48 h postoperatively (P<0.001), as well as shortened the time to first flatus (P=0.03) and first drinking (P<0.001) compared to lateral quadratus lumborum block. In addition, the median time to mobilization in the lateral quadratus lumborum block group was markedly prolonged compare with acupuncture group (17.0 (15.0-19.0) h vs. 15.3 (13.3-17.0) h, estimated median difference, 1.5; 95%CI, 1-2; P<0.001;). CONCLUSIONS: As a component of multimodal analgesia regimen after caesarean section, acupuncture did not lower postoperative pain scores or reduce analgesic medication consumption compared to lateral quadratus lumborum block.

Comparison of learning curves and related postoperative indicators between endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUD: Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and robotic thyroidectomy (RT) yield similar perioperative outcomes. This study investigated how the learning curve (LC) affects perioperative outcomes between ET and RT, identifying factors that influence the LC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two researchers individually searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until February 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed study quality. Random effects model was used to compute the odds ratio and weighted mean difference (WMD). Poisson regression comparison of the number of surgeries (NLC) was required for ET and RT to reach the stable stage of the LC. Heterogeneity was measured using Cochran's Q. Publication bias was tested using funnel plots, and sensitivity analysis assessed findings robustness. Subgroup analysis was done by operation type and patient characteristics. RESULTS: This meta-analysis involved 33 studies. The drainage volume of ET was higher than that of RT (WMD=-17.56 [30.22, -4.49]). After reaching the NLC, the operation time of ET and RT was shortened (ET: WMD=28.15[18.04, 38.26]; RT: WMD=38.53[29.20, 47.86]). Other perioperative outcomes also improved to varying degrees. Notably, RT showed more refined central lymph node resection(5.67 vs. 4.71), less intraoperative bleeding (16.56 mL vs. 42.30 mL), and incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury(24.59 vs. 26.77). The NLC of RT was smaller than that of ET(Incidence-rate ratios [IRR]=0.64[0.57, 0.72]). CUSUM analysis (ET: IRR=0.84[0.72, 0.99]; RT: IRR=0.55[0.44, 0.69]) or a smaller number of respondents (ET: IRR=0.26[0.15, 0.46]; RT: IRR=0.51[0.41, 0.63]) was associated with smaller NLC. In RT, transoral approach (IRR=2.73[1.96, 4.50]; IRR=2.48[1.61, 3.84]) and retroauricular approach (RAA) (IRR=2.13[1.26, 3.60]; IRR=1.78[1.04, 3.05]) had smaller NLC compared to bilateral axillo-breast and transaxillary approach (TAA). In ET, the NLC of RAA was smaller than that of TAA (IRR=1.61[1.04, 2.51]), breast approach(IRR=1.67[1.06, 2.64]), and subclavian approach(IRR=1.80[1.03, 3.14]). CONCLUSIONS: Rich surgical experience can improve surgical results of ET and RT. After reaching the NLC, the perioperative outcomes of RT are better than those of ET. Study subjects, surgical approaches, and analysis methods can affect NLC.

From 2e- to 4e- pathway in the alkaline oxygen reduction reaction on Au(100): Kinetic circumvention of the volcano curve.

We report the free energy barriers for the elementary reactions in the 2e- and 4e- oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) steps on Au(100) in an alkaline solution. Due to the weak adsorption energy of O2 on Au(100), the barrier for the association channel is very low, and the 2e- pathway is clearly favored, while the barrier for the O-O dissociation channel is significantly higher at 0.5 eV. Above 0.7 V reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), the association channel becomes thermodynamically unfavorable, which opens up the O-O dissociation channel, leading to the 4e- pathway. The low adsorption energy of oxygenated species on Au is now an advantage, and residue ORR current can be observed up to the 1.0-1.2 V region (RHE). In contrast, the O-O dissociation barrier on Au(111) is significantly higher, at close to 0.9 eV, due to coupling with surface reorganization, which explains the lower ORR activity on Au(111) than that on Au(100). In combination with the previously suggested outer sphere electron transfer to O2 for its initial adsorption, these results provide a consistent explanation for the features in the experimentally measured polarization curve for the alkaline ORR on Au(100) and demonstrate an ORR mechanism distinct from that on Pt(111). It also highlights the importance to consider the spin state of O2 in ORR and to understand the activation barriers, in addition to the adsorption energies, to account for the features observed in electrochemical measurements.

Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 supports microglial functions and protects against the progression of Huntington's disease in the mouse model.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. Currently, there is no cure, and only limited treatments are available to manage the symptoms and to slow down the disease's progression. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of HD's pathogenesis are complex, involving immune cell activation, altered protein turnover, and disturbance in brain energy homeostasis. Microglia have been known to play a dual role in HD, contributing to neurodegeneration through inflammation but also enacting neuroprotective effects by clearing mHTT aggregates. However, little is known about the contribution of microglial metabolism to HD progression. This study explores the impact of a microglial metabolite transporter, equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT3), in HD. Known as a lysosomal membrane transporter protein, ENT3 is highly enriched in microglia, with its expression correlated with HD severity. Using the R6/2 ENT3-/- mouse model, we found that the deletion of ENT3 increases microglia numbers yet worsens HD progression, leading to mHTT accumulation, cell death, and disturbed energy metabolism. These results suggest that the delicate balance between microglial metabolism and function is crucial for maintaining brain homeostasis and that ENT3 has a protective role in ameliorating neurodegenerative processes.

Association of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with meteorological factors: a time series study in Hefei, China, and a literature review.

Air pollution can cause disease and has become a major global environmental problem. It is currently believed that air pollution may be related to the progression of SSNHL. As a rapidly developing city in recent years, Hefei has serious air pollution. In order to explore the correlation between meteorological variables and SSNHL admissions, we conducted this study. This study investigated the short-term associations between SSNHL patients admitted to the hospital and Hefei climatic variables. The daily data on SSNHL-related hospital admissions and meteorological variables containing mean temperature (T-mean; °C), diurnal temperature range (DTR; °C), atmospheric pressure (AP; Hp), and relative humidity (RH; %), from 2014 to 2021 (2558 days), were collected. A time-series analysis integrating distributed lag non-linear models and generalized linear models was used. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Literature published up to August 2023 was reviewed to explore the potential impact mechanisms of meteorological factors on SSNHL. The mechanisms were determined in detail, focusing on wind speed, air pressure, temperature, humidity, and air pollutants. Using a median of 50.00% as a baseline, the effect of exceedingly low T-mean in the single-day hysteresis effect model began at a lag of 8 days (RR = 1.032, 95% CI: 1.001 ~ 1.064). High DTR affected the admission rate for SSNHL on lag 0 day. The significance of the effect was the greatest on that day (RR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.007 ~ 1.104) and then gradually decreased. High and exceedingly high RH affected the admission rate SSNHL on lag 0 day, and these effects lasted for 8 and 7 days, respectively. There were significant associations between all grades of AP and SSNHL. This is the first study to assess the effect of meteorological variables on SSNHL-related admissions in China using a time-series approach. Long-term exposures to high DTR, RH values, low T-mean values, and all AP grades enhance the incidence of SSNHL in residents. Limiting exposure to extremes of ambient temperature and humidity may reduce the number of SSNHL-related hospital visits in the region. It is advisable to maintain a suitable living environment temperature and avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity. During periods of high air pollution, it is recommended to stay indoors and refrain from outdoor exercise.

Carboxymethyl chitosan composited poly(ethylene oxide) electrolyte with high ion conductivity and interfacial stability for lithium metal batteries.

Low ionic conductivity and poor interface stability of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) restrict the practical application as polymeric electrolyte films to prepare solid-state lithium (Li) metal batteries. In this work, biomass-based carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) is designed and developed as organic fillers into PEO matrix to form composite electrolytes (PEO@CMCS). Carboxymethyl groups of CMCS fillers can promote the decomposition of Lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonimide) (LiTFSI) to generate more lithium fluoride (LiF) at CMCS/PEO interface, which not only forms ionic conductive network to promote the rapid transfer of Li+ but also effectively enhances the interface stability between polymeric electrolyte and Li metal. The enrichment of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amidogen functional groups within CMCS fillers can form hydrogen bonds with ethylene oxide (EO) chains to improve the tensile properties of PEO-based electrolyte. In addition, the high hardness of CMCS additives can also strengthen mechanical properties of PEO-based electrolyte to resist penetration of Li dendrites. LiLi symmetric batteries can achieve stable cycle for 2500 h and lithium iron phosphate full batteries can maintain 135.5 mAh g-1 after 400 cycles. This work provides a strategy for the enhancement of ion conductivity and interface stability of PEO-based electrolyte, as well as realizes the resource utilization of biomass-based CMCS.

Clonal hematopoiesis driven by mutated DNMT3A promotes inflammatory bone loss.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) arises from aging-associated acquired mutations in hematopoietic progenitors, which display clonal expansion and produce phenotypically altered leukocytes. We associated CHIP-DNMT3A mutations with a higher prevalence of periodontitis and gingival inflammation among 4,946 community-dwelling adults. To model DNMT3A-driven CHIP, we used mice with the heterozygous loss-of-function mutation R878H, equivalent to the human hotspot mutation R882H. Partial transplantation with Dnmt3aR878H/+ bone marrow (BM) cells resulted in clonal expansion of mutant cells into both myeloid and lymphoid lineages and an elevated abundance of osteoclast precursors in the BM and osteoclastogenic macrophages in the periphery. DNMT3A-driven clonal hematopoiesis in recipient mice promoted naturally occurring periodontitis and aggravated experimentally induced periodontitis and arthritis, associated with enhanced osteoclastogenesis, IL-17-dependent inflammation and neutrophil responses, and impaired regulatory T cell immunosuppressive activity. DNMT3A-driven clonal hematopoiesis and, subsequently, periodontitis were suppressed by rapamycin treatment. DNMT3A-driven CHIP represents a treatable state of maladaptive hematopoiesis promoting inflammatory bone loss.

Metal-Organic-Framework Derived Co-Mo Multimetal Oxide Semiconductors: Selective Trace-Level Hydrogen Sulfide Detection.

The development of a highly selective and trace-level gas sensing platform for detecting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) remains a formidable challenge. To solve this problem, Co-Mo multimetal oxide semiconductors are rationally tailored by employing metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as self-sacrificial templates. The MOF-derived Co3O4/ß-CoMoO4 based gas sensors displays high sensitivity (Rg/Ra = 22) to 10 ppm of H2S and ultralow limit of detection (10 ppb H2S). The formation of p-p heterojunction and multivalence states of Mo play a crucial role in electron transfer and oxygen adsorption. A sensor array constructed from four Co3O4/ß-CoMoO4 materials with different Co/Mo ratios demonstrates a superior selective discrimination of H2S from other VOCs and malodorous gases by principal component analysis (PCA). Besides, a H2S gas sensing and alarming platform was designed for monitoring the environment contaminated with H2S. This finding provides a feasible approach for the discovery of highly efficient gas sensors to monitor environmental H2S concentration.

Link between mutations in ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes and chronic intestinal ulcers: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Genetic factors of chronic intestinal ulcers are increasingly garnering attention. We present a case of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding associated with mutations of the activin A receptor type II-like 1 (ACVRL1) and phospholipase A2 group IVA (PLA2G4A) genes and review the available relevant literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 20-year-old man was admitted to our center with a 6-year history of recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark stools. At the onset 6 years ago, the patient had received treatment at a local hospital for abdominal pain persisting for 7 d, under the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis, acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation, adhesive intestinal obstruction, and pelvic abscess. The surgical treatment included exploratory laparotomy, appendectomy, intestinal adhesiolysis, and pelvic abscess removal. The patient's condition improved and he was discharged. However, the recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and passage of black stools started again one year after discharge. On the basis of these features and results of subsequent colonoscopy, the clinical diagnosis was established as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accordingly, aminosalicylic acid, immunotherapy, and related symptomatic treatment were administered, but the symptoms of the patient did not improve significantly. Further investigations revealed mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes. ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A are involved in angiogenesis and coagulation, respectively. This suggests that the chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in this case may be linked to mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes. Oral Kangfuxin liquid was administered to promote healing of the intestinal mucosa and effectively manage clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes may be one of the causes of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in IBD. Orally administered Kangfuxin liquid may have therapeutic potential.

Quantitative analysis of the protective performance of bicycle helmet with multi-direction impact protection system in oblique impact tests.

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to assess the protective performance of helmets equipped with multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) under various oblique impact loads. METHODS: Initially, a finite element model of a bicycle helmet with MIPS was developed based on the scanned geometric parameters of an actual bicycle helmet. Subsequently, the validity of model was confirmed using the KASK WG11 oblique impact test method. Three different impact angles (30°, 45°, and 60°) and 2 varying impact speeds (5 m/s and 8 m/s) were employed in oblique tests to evaluate protective performance of MIPS in helmets, focusing on injury assessment parameters such as peak linear acceleration (PLA) and peak angular acceleration (PAA) of the head. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that in all impact simulations, both assessment parameters were lower during impact for helmets equipped with MIPS compared to those without. The PAA was consistently lower in the MIPS helmet group, whereas the difference in PLA was not significant in the no-MIPS helmet group. For instance, at an impact velocity of 8 m/s and a 30° inclined anvil, the MIPS helmet group exhibited a PAA of 3225 rad/s2 and a PLA of 281 g. In contrast, the no-MIPS helmet group displayed a PAA of 8243 rad/s2 and a PLA of 292 g. Generally, both PAA and PLA parameters decreased with the increase of anvil angles. At a 60° anvil angles, PAA and PLA values were 664 rad/s2 and 20.7 g, respectively, reaching their minimum. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that helmets incorporating MIPS offer enhanced protection against various oblique impact loads. When assessing helmets for oblique impacts, the utilization of larger angle anvils and rear impacts might not adequately evaluate protective performance during an impact event. These findings will guide advancements in helmet design and the refinement of oblique impact test protocols.

Cerebral Microbleeds in Critically Ill Patients with Respiratory Failure or Sepsis: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been described in critically ill patients with respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or sepsis. This scoping review aimed to systematically summarize existing literature on critical illness-associated CMBs. METHODS: Studies reporting on adults admitted to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis with evidence of CMBs on magnetic resonance imaging were included for review following a systematic search across five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science) and a two-stage screening process. Studies were excluded if patients' CMBs were clearly explained by another process of neurological injury. RESULTS: Forty-eight studies reporting on 216 critically ill patients (mean age 57.9, 18.4% female) with CMBs were included. Of 216, 197 (91.2%) patients developed respiratory failure or ARDS, five (2.3%) patients developed sepsis, and 14 (6.5%) patients developed both respiratory failure and sepsis. Of 211 patients with respiratory failure, 160 (75.8%) patients had coronavirus disease 2019. The prevalence of CMBs among critically ill patients with respiratory failure or ARDS was 30.0% (111 of 370 patients in cohort studies). The corpus callosum and juxtacortical area were the most frequently involved sites for CMBs (64.8% and 41.7% of all 216 patients, respectively). Functional outcomes were only reported in 48 patients, among whom 31 (64.6%) were independent at discharge, four (8.3%) were dependent at discharge, and 13 (27.1%) did not survive until discharge. Cognitive outcomes were only reported in 11 of 216 patients (5.1%), all of whom showed cognitive deficits (nine patients with executive dysfunction and two patients with memory deficits). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral microbleeds are commonly reported in patients with critical illness due to respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis. CMBs had a predilection for the corpus callosum and juxtacortical area, which may be specific to critical illness-associated CMBs. Functional and cognitive outcomes of these lesions are largely unknown.

To explore the pathogenesis of anterior resection syndrome by magnetic resonance imaging rectal defecography.

BACKGROUND: Over 90% of rectal cancer patients develop low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after sphincter-preserving resection. The current globally recognized evaluation method has many drawbacks and its subjectivity is too strong, which hinders the research and treatment of LARS. AIM: To evaluate the anorectal function after colorectal cancer surgery by quantifying the index of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defecography, and pathogenesis of LARS. METHODS: We evaluated 34 patients using the standard LARS score, and a new LARS evaluation index was established using the dynamic images of MRI defecography to verify the LARS score. RESULTS: In the LARS score model, there were 10 (29.41%) mild and 24 (70.58%) severe cases of LARS. The comparison of defecation rate between the two groups was 29.36 ± 14.17% versus 46.83 ± 18.62% (P = 0.004); and MRI-rectal compliance (MRI-RC) score was 3.63 ± 1.96 versus 7.0 ± 3.21 (P = 0.001). Severe and mild LARS had significant differences using the two evaluation methods. There was a significant negative correlation between LARS and MRI-RC score (P < 0.001), and they had a negative correlation with defecation rate (P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: MRI defecography and standard LARS score can both be used as an evaluation index to study the pathogenesis of LARS.

Rapid plasma membrane isolation via intracellular polymerization-mediated biomolecular confinement.

Plasma membrane isolation is a foundational process in membrane proteomic research, cellular vesicle studies, and biomimetic nanocarrier development, yet separation processes for this outermost layer are cumbersome and susceptible to impurities and low yield. Herein, we demonstrate that cellular cytosol can be chemically polymerized for decoupling and isolation of plasma membrane within minutes. A rapid, non-disruptive in situ polymerization technique is developed with cell membrane-permeable polyethyleneglycol-diacrylate (PEG-DA) and a blue-light-sensitive photoinitiator, lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP). The photopolymerization chemistry allows for precise control of intracellular polymerization and tunable confinement of cytosolic molecules. Upon cytosol solidification, plasma membrane proteins and vesicles are rapidly derived and purified as nucleic acids and intracellular proteins as small as 15 kDa are stably entrapped for removal. The polymerization chemistry and membrane derivation technique are broadly applicable to primary and fragile cell types, enabling facile membrane vesicle extraction from shorted-lived neutrophils and human primary CD8 T cells. The study demonstrates tunable intracellular polymerization via optimized live cell chemistry, offers a robust membrane isolation methodology with broad biomedical utility, and reveals insights on molecular crowding and confinement in polymerized cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Isolating the minute fraction of plasma membrane proteins and vesicles requires extended density gradient ultracentrifugation processes, which are susceptible to low yield and impurities. The present work demonstrates that the membrane isolation process can be vastly accelerated via a rapid, non-disruptive intracellular polymerization approach that decouples cellular cytosols from the plasma membrane. Following intracellular polymerization, high-yield plasma membrane proteins and vesicles can be derived from lysis buffer and sonication treatment, respectively. And the intracellular content entrapped within the polymerized hydrogel is readily removed within minutes. The technique has broad utility in membrane proteomic research, cellular vesicle studies, and biomimetic materials development, and the work offers insights on intracellular hydrogel-mediated molecular confinement.

NeRF-In: Free-Form Inpainting for Pretrained NeRF With RGB-D Priors.

Neural radiance field (NeRF) has emerged as a versatile scene representation. However, it is still unintuitive to edit a pretrained NeRF because the network parameters and the scene appearance are often not explicitly associated. In this article, we introduce the first framework that enables users to retouch undesired regions in a pretrained NeRF scene without accessing any training data and category-specific data prior. The user first draws a free-form mask to specify a region containing the unwanted objects over an arbitrary rendered view from the pretrained NeRF. Our framework transfers the user-drawn mask to other rendered views and estimates guiding color and depth images within transferred masked regions. Next, we formulate an optimization problem that jointly inpaints the image content in all masked regions by updating NeRF's parameters. We demonstrate our framework on diverse scenes and show it obtained visually plausible and structurally consistent results using less user manual efforts.

The pH-Induced Increase of the Rate Constant for HER at Au(111) in Acid Revealed by Combining Experiments and Kinetic Simulation.

Origins of pH effects on the kinetics of electrocatalytic reactions involving the transfer of both protons and electrons, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) considered in this study, are heatedly debated. By taking the HER at Au(111) in acid solutions of different pHs and ionic concentrations as the model systems, herein, we report how to derive the intrinsic kinetic parameters of such reactions and their pH dependence through the measurement of j-E curves and the corresponding kinetic simulation based on the Frumkin-Butler-Volmer theory and the modified Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation. Our study reveals the following: (i) the same set of kinetic parameters, such as the standard activation Gibbs free energy, charge transfer coefficient, and Gibbs adsorption energy for Had at Au(111), can simulate well all the j-E curves measured in solutions with different pH and temperatures; (ii) on the reversible hydrogen electrode scale, the intrinsic rate constant increases with the increase of pH, which is in contrast with the decrease of the HER current with the increase of pH; and (iii) the ratio of the rate constants for HER at Au(111) in x M HClO4 + (0.1 - x) M NaClO4 (pH ≤ 3) deduced before properly correcting the electric double layer (EDL) effects to the ones estimated with EDL correction is in the range of ca. 10 to 40, and even in a solution of x M HClO4 + (1 - x) M NaClO4 (pH ≤ 2) there is a difference of ca. 5× in the rate constants without and with EDL correction. The importance of proper correction of the EDL effects as well as several other important factors on unveiling the intrinsic pH-dependent reaction kinetics are discussed to help converge our analysis of pH effects in electrocatalysis.

Analysis on Quality of Sojae Semen Praeparatum Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBased on the quality evaluation experience of "it is better to have a fragrant and strong aroma" summarized by materia medica of past dynasties， the chemical components of Sojae Semen Nigrum（SSN） and Sojae Semen Praeparatum（SSP） were systematically compared and analyzed， and the main fermentation products in different fermentation time were quantitatively analyzed， so as to clarify the transformation law of internal components in the processing process and provide scientific basis for the modern quality control of SSP. MethodUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） was used for the structural identification of the chemical constituents of SSN and SSP， and with the aid of Progenesis QI v2.3 software， the negative ion mode was employed for principal component analysis（PCA） pattern recognition， and the data were analyzed with the aid of orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） for two-dimensional data to obtain S-plot， and components with |P|>0.1 were selected as the differential constituents. The contents of isoflavonoids in SSP during fermentation was determined by UPLC， and the samples were taken every 8 h in the pre-fermentation period and every 2 d in the post-fermentation period， and the dynamic changes of isoflavonoid contents in different fermentation stages were analyzed. The contents of amino acids and nucleosides in SSP and SSN from different fermentation stages were quantitatively analyzed by phenyl isothiocyanate（PITC） pre-column derivatization and high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） gradient elution， and the contribution of flavor substances to the "delicious" taste of SSP was discussed by taste intensity value（TAV）. ResultA total of 19 kinds of differential components were screened out， mainly soybean saponins and isoflavones， and their contents decreased significantly or even disappeared after fermentation. In the pre-fermentation process of SSP， glycoside bond hydrolysis mainly occurred， and isoflavone glycosides in SSN were degraded and converted into the corresponding aglycones， the content of flavor substances such as amino acids increased gradually. In the post-fermentation process， protein degradation mainly occurred， after 8 d of post-fermentation， the content of isoflavones was basically stable， while the total content of amino acids increased by 8-40 times on average. Different amino acids form the special flavor of SSP， such as the TAV of glutamate is always ahead of other flavor substances， and sweet substances such as alanine and valine have made relatively great contributions to SSP. ConclusionBased on the law of constituent transformation， combined with the traditional evaluation index of "fragrant and strong"， it is difficult to control the fermentation degree of SSP by the existing standards in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is suggested that description of the characteristics of SSP be refined and changed to "fragrant， delicious and slightly sweet"， and at the same time， the post-fermentation index compounds such as glutamic acid， alanine and valine should be added as the quality control indicators of SSP， so as to standardize the production process and improve the quality of SSP.

Effectiveness of comprehensive rhinoplasty on secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of comprehensive rhinoplasty with autogenous costal cartilage grafting and prosthesis augmentation rhinoplasty in the treatment of secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 96 patients with secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery between September 2008 and January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 17 males and 79 females with an average age of 25.6 years (range, 17-38 years). Autogenous costal cartilage grafts were used to construct stable nasal tip framework and enhance the strength of alar cartilage. Nasal dorsum prostheses (39 cases of bulge, 45 cases of silicone prosthesis) or autogenous costal cartilage (12 cases) were used for comprehensive rhinoplasty. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the postoperative satisfaction subjectively, and nasal alar height symmetry index, nasal alar width symmetry index, nasal dorsum central axis deviation angle, and nasal columella deviation angle were calculated to evaluate objectively before and after operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 6 months to 8 years, with an average of 13.4 months. Nasal septal hematoma occurred in 3 patients after operation, which was improved after local aspiration and nasal pressure packing. Two cases had mild deformation of the rib cartilage graft of the nasal dorsum, one of which had no obvious deviation of the nasal dorsum and was not given special treatment, and one case underwent the cartilage graft of the nasal dorsum removed and replaced with silicone prosthesis. The incisions of the other patients healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as postoperative infection and prosthesis displacement. The nasal alar height symmetry index, nasal alar width symmetry index, nasal dorsum central axis deviation angle, and nasal columella deviation angle significantly improved after operation when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). Postoperative subjective satisfaction evaluation reached the level of basic satisfaction or above, and most of them were very satisfied.@*CONCLUSION@#Comprehensive rhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage grafting to construct a stable nasal tip support, combined with dorsal nasal prosthesis or autologous cartilage implantation, can achieve good effectiveness on secondary nasal deformity with saddle nasal deformity after cleft lip surgery.

[Gender differences in antidepressant effect of raw Rehmanniae Radix].

For the first time, this study evaluated the gender differences and mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of raw Rehmanniae Radix(RRR) based on the classic depression model with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome of Yin deficiency and internal heat. The depression model with Yin deficiency and internal heat was established by the widely recognized and applied method of thyroxine induction of the classic depression model with Yin deficiency and internal heat(chronic unpredictable mild stress). Male and female mice were simultaneously treated with RRR. The study analyzed indicators of nourishing Yin and clearing heat, conventional antidepressant efficacy test indicators, and important biomolecules reflecting the pathogenesis and prevention and treatment mechanisms of depression, and conducted a correlation analysis of antidepressant efficacy, Yin-nourishing and heat-clearing efficacy, and biological mechanism in different genders, thereby comprehensively assessing the antidepressant effects of RRR on depression of Yin deficiency and internal heat, as well as its gender differences and mechanisms. RRR exhibited antidepressant effects in both male and female mouse models, and its antidepressant efficacy showed gender differences, with a superior effect observed in females. Moreover, the effects of RRR on enhancing or improving hippocampal neuronal pathology, nucleus-positive areas, postsynaptic dense area protein 95, and synaptophysin protein expression were more significant in females than in males. In addition, RRR significantly reversed the abnormal upregulation of nuclear factor(NF)-κB/cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) pathway proteins in the hippocampus of both male and female mouse models. The antidepressant effects of RRR were more pronounced in depression female mice with Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome, possibly due to the improvement of neuronal damage and enhancement of neuroplasticity. The antidepressant mechanisms of RRR for depression with Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome may be associated with the downregulation of the NF-κB/COX2/NLRP3 pathway to reduce neuronal damage and enhance neuroplasticity.