Large-area and few-layered 1T'-MoTe2thin films grown by cold-wall chemical vapor deposition.

This study employs cold-wall chemical vapor deposition to achieve the growth of MoTe2thin films on 4-inch sapphire substrates. A two-step growth process is utilized, incorporating MoO3and Te powder sources under low-pressure conditions to synthesize MoTe2. The resultant MoTe2thin films exhibit a dominant 1T' phase, as evidenced by a prominent Raman peak at 161 cm-1. This preferential 1T' phase formation is attributed to controlled manipulation of the second-step growth temperature, essentially the reaction stage between Te vapor and the pre-deposited MoOxlayer. Under these optimized growth conditions, the thickness of the continuous 1T'-MoTe2films can be precisely tailored within the range of 3.5-5.7 nm (equivalent to 5-8 layers), as determined by atomic force microscopy depth profiling. Hall-effect measurements unveil a typical hole concentration and mobility of 0.2 cm2Vs-1and 7.9 × 1021cm-3, respectively, for the synthesized few-layered 1T'-MoTe2films. Furthermore, Ti/Al bilayer metal contacts deposited on the few-layered 1T'-MoTe2films exhibit low specific contact resistances of approximately 1.0 × 10-4Ω cm2estimated by the transfer length model. This finding suggests a viable approach for achieving low ohmic contact resistance using the 1T'-MoTe2intermediate layer between metallic electrodes and two-dimensional semiconductors.

The analgesic effects of ß-elemene in rats with neuropathic pain by inhibition of spinal astrocytic ERK activation.

Neuropathic pain takes a heavy toll on individual well-being, while current therapy is far from desirable. Herein, we assessed the analgesic effect of ß-elemene, a chief component in the traditional Chinese medicine Curcuma wenyujin, and explored the underlying mechanisms at the level of spinal dorsal horn (SDH) under neuropathic pain. A spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain model was established in rats. Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of ß-elemene was administered for 21 consecutive days. Mechanical allodynia was explored by von Frey filaments. The activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family (including ERK, p38, and JNK) in spinal neurons, astrocytes, and microglia was evaluated using immunostaining 29 days after SNI surgery. The expression of GFAP, Iba-1, p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38 within the SDH was measured using immunoblotting. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines (including TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) were measured with ELISA. The levels of oxidative stress indicators (including MDA, SOD, and GSH-PX) were detected using biochemical tests. Consecutive i.p. administration of ß-elemene relieved SNI-induced mechanical allodynia (with an EC50 of 16.40 mg/kg). SNI significantly increased the expression of p-ERK in spinal astrocytes but not microglia on day 29. ß-elemene reversed spinal astrocytic ERK activation and subsequent upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in SNI rats, with no effect on the expression of p38 and JNK in spinal glia. ß-elemene also exerted antioxidative effects by increasing the levels of SOD and GSH-PX and decreasing the level of MDA. Our results suggest that SNI induces robust astrocytic ERK activation within the SDH in the late phase of neuropathic pain. ß-elemene exerts remarkable analgesic effects on neuropathic pain, possibly by inhibiting spinal astrocytic ERK activation and subsequent neuroinflammatory processes. Our findings suggest that ß-elemene might be a promising analgesic for the treatment of chronic pain.

Predictors of nasal bacterial culture rates in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

All nontechnical factors were analyzed to predict nasal bacterial culture results in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Four hundred and ninety-six CRS patients, who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), were enrolled. Prior to FESS, the severity of each patient's CRS was evaluated using a questionnaire, endoscopic examination, acoustic rhinometry, smell test, saccharine transit test, and CT scan. Nasal bacterial cultures were collected from both middle meati using a cotton-tipped stick. Our results showed that the symptom severity complained of by patients and their loss of smell function did not influence the bacterial culture rate. We discovered that the bacterial culture rate was significantly higher in nostrils with nasal polyps than those without polyps, along with nostrils experiencing thick, purulent discharge as opposed to those without discharge. Additionally, this result also occurred in nostrils with a saccharin transit time of more than 30 min than it did in those with a saccharin transit time of less than or equal to 30 min. Both the total endoscopic score and anterior group CT score were significantly higher in nostrils with positive culture than those with negative culture, while the second minimal cross-sectional area (MCA2) of the nasal cavity was significantly lower in nostrils with positive culture than those with negative culture. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that both nasal polyps and MCA2 were the predictors for positive nasal bacterial culture results. It was concluded that nasal polyps and MCA2 were the predictors for positive nasal bacterial culture results in CRS patients.

miR-222 targets ACOX1, promotes triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases. However, the exact pathogenesis of NAFLD remains to be elucidated. Despite the association with tumors and cardiovascular diseases, the role of miR-222 in NAFLD remains unclear. The present study was to investigate the role of miR-222 in NAFLD. METHODS: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce NAFLD. Normal human liver cell line (L02) was cultured with free fatty acid (FFA)-containing medium to stimulate cell steatosis. The mRNA levels of miR-222 and acyl Coenzyme A xidase 1 (ACOX1) were detected by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR). The prediction of ACOX1 as the target gene for miR-222 was conducted via TargetScan. The overexpression or inhibition of miR-222 was mediated by miR-222 mimics or antagomir, and intracellular triglyceride levels were measured using a triglyceride kit. Luciferase reporter assays verified ACOX1 as the target gene for miR-222. RESULTS: miR-222 was significantly elevated in both the in vivo and in vitro NAFLD models. Overexpression of miR-222 significantly increased triglyceride content in the L02 cells, while inhibition of miR-222 expression restricted the accumulation of triglyceride. Overexpression of miR-222 significantly inhibited ACOX1 expression. Transient transfection assays verified that ACOX1 3'-UTR luciferase reporter activity could be inhibited by miR-222 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that miR-222 promotes the accumulation of triglycerides by inhibiting ACOX1.

Transcriptomic analysis of two Beauveria bassiana strains grown on cuticle extracts of the silkworm uncovers their different metabolic response at early infection stage.

Beauveria bassiana is an important entomopathogenic fungus which not only widely distributes in the environment but also shows phenotypic diversity. However, the mechanism of pathogenic differences among natural B. bassiana strains has not been revealed at transcriptome-wide level. In the present study, in order to explore the mechanism, two B. bassiana strains with different pathogenicity were isolated from silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) and selected to analyze the gene expression of early stage by culturing on cuticle extracts of the silkworm and using RNA-sequencing technique. A total of 2108 up-regulated and 1115 down-regulated genes were identified in B. bassiana strain GXsk1011 (hyper-virulent strain) compared with B. bassiana strain GXtr1009 (hypo-virulent strain), respectively. The function categorization of differential expressed genes (DEGs) showed that most of them involved in metabolic process, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, catalytic activity, and some involved in nutrition uptake, adhesion and host defense were also noted. Based on our data, distinct pathogenicity among different strains of B. bassiana may largely attribute to unique gene expression pattern which differed at very early infection process. Most of the genes involved in conidia adhesion, cuticle degradation and fungal growth were up-regulated in hyper-virulent B. bassiana strain GXsk1011. Furthermore, in combination with fungal growth analysis, our research provided a clue that fungal growth may also play an important role during early infection process. The results will help to explain why different B. bassiana strains show distinct pathogenicity on the same host even under same condition. Moreover, the transcriptome data were also useful for screening potential virulence factors.

Hemodynamic Changes in Patients Undergoing Pericardiectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing pericardiectomy at different operational stages. METHODS: Totally 16 consecutive patients receiving radical pericardiectomy were enrolled in this observational study. Hemodynamic variables were monitored continuously by pulse-indicated continuous cardiac output(PiCCO)system. Totally,three sets of intraoperative hemodynamic parameters were obtained at three different stages of pericardiectomy. RESULTS: During the pericardiectomy,the cardiac index[CI,(1.9±0.6),(2.7±0.6),(3.0±0.5)L·min(-1)·m(-2);P<0.05]and stroke volume index[SI,(22.5±8.7),(29.9±8.5),(30.1±8.5)dyn·s·cm(-5)·m(2);P<0.05]showed significant improvement,whereas central venous pressure[CVP,(17.1±5.0),(13.3±3.9),(12.3±3.0)mmHg;P<0.05]decreased significantly. Global end-diastolic volume index[GEDVi,(533±156),(580±153),(559±144)ml·m(-2);P<0.05]increased and stroke volume variation[SVV,(15.6±6.1)%,(10.8±4.2)%,(9.4±5.4)%;P<0.05]decreased intra-operatively. The majority of the above-mentioned hemodynamic improvements occurred after the resection of pericardium over the left ventricular outflow tract(LVOT). CONCLUSIONS: PiCCO system can serve as a reliable,less invasive hemodynamic monitoring method during pericardiectomy. Resection of the pericardium over the LVOT is the most important step of the pericardiectomy.

Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli acupoint (ST36) on gastric motility: possible through PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways.

BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation has been shown to have a great therapeutic potential for treating gastrointestinal motility disorders. However, no evidence has clarified the mechanisms contributing to the effects of EA stimulation at the Zusanli acupoint (ST.36). This study was designed to investigate the regulative effect of EA stimulation at the ST.36 on gastric motility and to explore its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the ST.36 group, the non-acupoint group, and the control group. EA stimulation was set at 2 Hz, continuous mode, and 1 V for 30 min. The frequency and average peak amplitude of gastric motility were measured by electrogastrography. The protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reactions. Caldesmon (CaD) and calponin (CaP) protein expression in the gastric antrum were detected on Western blots. A Computed Video Processing System was used to evaluate morphological changes in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the gastric antrum. RESULTS: EA stimulation at ST.36 had a dual effect on the frequency and average peak amplitude. Additionally, EA stimulation at ST.36 regulated the expression of some genes in the PKC and MAPK signaling pathways, and it regulated the expression of the CaD and CaP proteins. EA serum induced SMC contractility. Promotion of gastric motility may correlate with up-regulation of MAPK6 (ERK3), MAPK13, and Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) gene expression, and the down-regulation of the collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene and CaD and CaP protein expression. Inhibition of gastric motility may correlate with down-regulation of the Interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) genes, and up-regulation of CaD and CaP protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: EA stimulation at ST.36 regulated gastric motility, and the effects were both promoting and inhibiting in rats. The possible mechanisms may correlate with the PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways.

[Study of collagen mimetic peptide's triple-helix structure and its thermostability by circular dichroism].

In the present study, the authors explore the triple-helix conformation and thermal stability of collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) as a function of peptide sequence and/or chain length by circular dichroism(CD). Five CMPs were designed and synthetized varying the number of POG triplets or incorporating an integrin alpha2beta1 binding motif Gly-Phe-Hyp-Gly-Glu-Arg (GFOGER). CD spectroscopy from 260 to 190 nm was recorded to confirm the existence of triple-helix conformation at room temperature, while thermal melting and thermal annealing of triple-helix (thermal unfolding and refolding of triple-helix, respectively) was characterized by monitoring ellipticity at 225 nm as a function of temperature. The results demonstrated that all the CMPs adopted triple-helix conformation, and the thermal stability of the CMPs was enhanced with increasing the number of POG triplets. In contrast to natural collagen, the thermal denaturation processes of CMPs were reversible, i. e. the triple-helix unfolded upon heating while refolded upon cooling. Meanwhile, the phenomenon of "hysteresis" was observed by comparing melting and thermal curves. These findings add new insights to the mechanisms of collagen and CMPs assembly, as well as provide an alternative approach to the fabrication of artificial collagen-likes biomaterials.

Characteristics and Risk Factors of Functional Dyspepsia Fulfilling the Rome IV Criteria Overlapping With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Functional Constipation in South China.

Background/Aims: Functional dyspepsia (FD) overlapping with other gastrointestinal disorders are quite common. The characteristics of FD overlap in Chinese population with latest Rome IV criteria were unclear. This large-scale outpatient-based study assessed the characteristics of FD overlap in South China. Methods: Consecutive FD patients visited the Gastroenterology Clinic at 2 tertiary medical centers in Hangzhou, China who fulfilled the Rome IV criteria were enrolled. Complete questionnaires related to the gastrointestinal symptoms (Rome IV criteria), Reflux Disease Questionnaire, anxiety and depression, quality of sleep and life, and demographic information were collected. Results: Among the total of 3281 FD patients, 50.69% overlapped with gastroesophageal reflux disease, 21.46% overlapped with irritable bowel syndrome, 6.03% overlapped with functional constipation. FD overlap had higher proportion of single/divorced/widowed rate, high education level, being employed, drinking, night shift, unhealthy dietary habit than FD only (P < 0.05). They had higher frequency of consultation and economic burden, as well as lower scores in quality of life (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that increasing age, female, low body mass index, history of gastroenteritis, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality were independent risk factors for FD overlap. Conclusions: FD overlap was quite common in China with high economic burden and poor quality of life, FD patients with history of gastroenteritis, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality were more likely to have overlap disorders. Awareness of the physical and psychosocial stressors in overlapping condition would help optimize the management of FD overlap in clinical practice.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injection for treatment of colorectal cavernous hemangioma: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cavernous hemangioma is a rare vascular malformation resulting in recurrent lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and can be misinterpreted as colitis. Surgical resection is currently the mainstay of treatment, with an emphasis on sphincter preservation. CASE SUMMARY: We present details of two young patients with a history of persistent hematochezia diagnosed with colorectal cavernous hemangioma by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Cavernous hemangioma was relieved by several EUS-guided lauromacrogol injections and the patients achieved favorable clinical prognosis. CONCLUSION: Multiple sequential EUS-guided injections of lauromacrogol is a safe, effective, cost-efficient, and minimally invasive alternative for colorectal cavernous hemangioma.

Misdiagnosis of hemangioma of left triangular ligament of the liver as gastric submucosal stromal tumor: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Extragastric lesions are typically not misdiagnosed as gastric submucosal tumor (SMT). However, we encountered two rare cases where extrinsic lesions were misdiagnosed as gastric SMTs. CASE SUMMARY: We describe two cases of gastric SMT-like protrusions initially misdiagnosed as gastric SMTs by the abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Based on the CT and EUS findings, the patients underwent gastroscopy; however, no tumor was identified after incising the gastric wall. Subsequent surgical exploration revealed no gastric lesions in both patients, but a mass was found in the left triangular ligament of the liver. The patients underwent laparoscopic tumor resection, and the postoperative diagnosis was hepatic hemangiomas. CONCLUSION: During EUS procedures, scanning across different layers and at varying degrees of gastric cavity distension, coupled with meticulous image analysis, has the potential to mitigate the likelihood of such misdiagnoses.

2023: A year of accomplishments for the 13 Science Citation Index Expanded- and Emerging Sources Citation Index-indexed Baishideng journals.

In 2023, Baishideng Publishing Group (Baishideng) routinely published 47 open-access journals, including 46 English-language journals and 1 Chinese-language journal. Our successes were accomplished through the collective dedicated efforts of Baishideng staffs, Editorial Board Members, and Peer Reviewers. Among these 47 Baishideng journals, 7 are included in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and 6 in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). With the support of Baishideng authors, company staffs, Editorial Board Members, and Peer Reviewers, the publication work of 2023 is about to be successfully completed. This editorial summarizes the 2023 activities and accomplishments of the 13 SCIE- and ESCI-indexed Baishideng journals, outlines the Baishideng publishing policy changes and additions made this year, and highlights the unique advantages of Baishideng journals.

Presence of proNGF-sortilin signaling complex in nigral dopamine neurons and its variation in relation to aging, lactacystin and 6-OHDA insults.

Growing evidence has shown that proNGF-p75NTR-sortilin signaling might be a crucial factor in neurodegeneration, but it remains unclear if it may function in nigral neurons under aging and disease. The purpose of this study is to examine and quantify proNGF and sortilin expression in the substantia nigra and dynamic changes of aging in lactacystin and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat models of Parkinson's disease using immunofluorescence, electronic microscopy, western blot and FLIVO staining methods. The expression of proNGF and sortilin was abundantly and selectively identified in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-containing dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. These proNGF/TH, sortilin/TH-positive neurons were densely distributed in the ventral tier, while they were less distributed in the dorsal tier, where calbindin-D28K-containing neurons were numerously located. A correlated decrease of proNGF, sortilin and TH was also detected during animal aging process. While increase of proNGF, sortilin and cleaved (active) caspase-3 expression was found in the lactacystin model, dynamic proNGF and sortilin changes along with dopamine neuronal loss were demonstrated in the substantia nigra of both the lactacystin and 6-OHDA models. This study has thus revealed the presence of the proNGF-sortilin signaling complex in nigral dopamine neurons and its response to aging, lactacystin and 6-OHDA insults, suggesting that it might contribute to neuronal apoptosis or neurodegeneration during pathogenesis and disease progression of Parkinson's disease; the underlying mechanism and key signaling pathways involved warrant further investigation.

Diversity analysis of Beauveria bassiana isolated from infected silkworm in southwest China based on molecular data and morphological features of colony.

Beauveria bassiana is an important entomopathogenic fungus that not only often causes infection and epidemics of wild insects but some strains also show pathogenicity to the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The present study is about diversity of B. bassiana isolated from the silkworm in southwest China. Five strains of B. bassiana were isolated from infected silkworm. Two isolates, GXtr1009 and GXtr1010, were isolated from infected silkworms treated with two kinds of biological pesticides applied in Guangxi province, and three isolates, SCsk1006, YNsk1106 and GXsk1011, were collected from naturally infected silkworms from different geographical locations in Yunnan and Sichuan. All of the isolates showed highly similar conidia and conidial fructification, but the colony characteristics demonstrated great differences among the isolates. The ITS and 18S rDNA sequence analysis was sufficient to identify all five isolates as B. bassiana. However, the dendrogram, based on the ISSR data, produced two large genetic groups. GXtr1009 and GXtr1010 comprised one group, and SCsk1006, YNsk1106 and GXsk1011 converged in a different large group. The results suggested that, although all of these five B. bassiana strains were pathogenic to silkworms, strains of biological pesticides could be differentiated from strains of naturally infected silkworm via ISSR analysis.

[Influence of different tranexamic acid administration methods during and after cardiac surgery on coagulation function and postoperative blood loss].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different tranexamic acid administration methods during and after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) on coagulation function and postoperative bleeding. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with use of CPB (n=60) were randomized in a double-blind fashion to one of two treatment groups:group A(n=30) , administered with tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg (intravenous injection slowly before skin incision) , followed by infusion of normal saline until postoperative 12 hours;and group B(n=30) , administered with tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg(intravenous injection slowly before skin incision) , followed by infusion of tranexamic acid 1 mg/(kg·h) until postoperative 12 hours. Hemoglobin, platelet count, and coagulation function were assessed before anesthesia induction, after surgery, 8am next day and 24 hours after surgery. Bleeding, allogeneic blood transfusion, and fluid infusion during the postoperative 24 hours were recorded. RESULT: No differences were found between groups in terms of coagulant function, postoperative bleeding, allogeneic blood transfusion, and fluid infusion(P>0.05) . CONCLUSION: Compared with intraoperative administration alone, prolonged treatment with tranexamic acid after cardiac surgery shows no advantage because it can not further improve coagulant function, reduce bleeding, or reduce allogeneic blood transfusion.

Influence of Age and Gender on Nasal Airway Patency as Measured by Active Anterior Rhinomanometry and Acoustic Rhinometry.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influences of age and gender on nasal airway patency, as measured by both active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) and acoustic rhinometry (AR). The nasal airway patency of healthy subjects was evaluated using AAR and AR. In AAR, the subjects generated airflow actively through inspiration and expiration in repetitions of 10, while nasal patency was measured at an inspiratory and expiratory reference pressure of 75 Pa. In AR, we assessed the geometry of the nasal cavity through the analysis of sound waves reflected from the nasal cavities in order to measure both cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes. The subjects were divided by gender, with all males and females then grouped by ages of 20-39 years, 40-59 years and ≥60 years. There were 40 subjects in each group. The mean resistance measured by AAR and the cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes measured by AR were not different between the different age groups; however, the cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes were found to be lesser in females than in males. Our results showed that nasal airway patency was not affected by age, while females were shown to have wider nasal passages than males.

Improving ocular bioavailability of hydrophilic drugs through dynamic covalent complexation.

The clinical benefits of diquafosol tetrasodium (DQS), a hydrophilic P2Y2 receptor agonist for dry eye, have been hindered by a demanding dosing regimen. Nevertheless, it is challenging to achieve sustained release of DQS with conventional drug delivery vehicles which are mainly designed for hydrophobic small molecule drugs. To address this, we developed an affinity hydrogel for DQS by taking advantage of borate-mediated dynamic covalent complexation between DQS and hydroxypropyl guar. The resultant formulation (3% DQS Gel) was characterized by sustained release, low corneal permeation, and extended ocular retention, which were desirable attributes for ocular surface drug delivery. Both in vitro and in vivo studies had been carried out to verify the biocompatibility of 3% DQS Gel. Using corneal fluorescein staining, the Schirmer's test, PAS staining, quantitative PCR and immunohistological analyses as outcome measures, the superior therapeutic effects of 3% DQS Gel over PBS, the hydrogel vehicle and free DQS were demonstrated in a mouse dry eye model. Our DQS delivery strategy reported herein is readily applicable to other hydrophilic small molecule drugs with cis-diol moieties, thus providing a general solution to improve clinical outcomes of numerous diseases.

[Analgesic effect of calpain inhibitor ALLN on the zymosan-induced paw inflammatory pain and its effect on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in the spinal dorsal horn].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the analgesic effect of calpain inhibitor ALLN on the zymosan-induced paw inflammatory pain and its effect on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the spinal dorsal horn. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into three groups: control group, sham-operated group, and zymosan group. According to Meller's method, zymosan (1.25 mg) was injected intraplantarly to induce paw inflammation in zymosan group; an equal volume of PBS was administered in the sham-operated group. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and maximum thickness of paw were tested or measured before and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after injection. All rats were killed at different occasions following surgery to examine calpain activity in the spinal dorsal horn with Western blot analysis. Another sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated group, zymosan-induced paw inflammation with intraperitoneal dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) treatment group, and zymosan-induced paw inflammation with intraperitoneal calpain inhibitor ALLN treatment group. MWT and maximum thickness of paw were tested or measured before and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after injection. All rats were killed at different occasions following surgery to examine the COX-2 expression in the spinal dorsal horn with Western blot analysis. RESULTS: MWT significantly decreased in the rats with zymosan-induced paw inflammation, while the maximum thickness of paw significantly increased, compared with control and sham-operated rats (P < 0.05). Calpain in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn was dramatically activated after zymosan injection (P < 0.01). Intraperitoneal ALLN injection significantly increased zymosan-induced MWT and decreased paw edema at the same time points after zymosan injection compared with DMSO treatment group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, calpain inhibitor ALLN treatment significantly decreased the COX-2 expression in the spinal dorsal horn compared with DMSO treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Administration of calpain inhibitor ALLN is effective to attenuate zymosan-induced paw inflammatory pain. Calpain activation may be one aspect of the signaling cascade that increases the COX-2 expression in the spinal cord and contributes to mechanical hyperalgesia after peripheral inflammatory injury.

Validation of the clinical applicability of the brief self-administered waterless empirical taste test during the era of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to test the clinical applicability of a new taste test, the Brief Self-Administered Waterless Empirical Taste Test (B-WETT) in the era of COVID-19. METHODS: Sixty healthy volunteers and 60 patients experiencing gustatory dysfunction were enrolled. All subjects received both the Self-Administered WETT and the new B-WETT which are comprised of disposable plastic strips containing sucrose, citric acid, sodium chloride, caffeine, and monosodium glutamate tastants to evaluate taste function. The healthy volunteers were re-tested with the WETT and B-WETT after an inter-test interval of at least 7 days to measure retest reliability. RESULTS: The sum scores of five tastants of the first test were 25.7 for males and 29.5 for females in WETT, and 12.4 for males and 15.2 for females in B-WETT. There were significant differences in the sum scores between males and females whether in WETT or B-WETT. The sum scores strongly correlated between WETT and B-WETT, whether in healthy volunteers or in patients with gustatory dysfunction (r >0.7). There was also a strong correlation between the first and second tests of B-WETT for the sum scores. CONCLUSION: This study shows that B-WETT is a valid and reliable taste test, and is convenient for use in the era of COVID-19 to evaluate the taste function of patients.

Validation of the local applicability of the 'TIB' Olfactory Test Device in the era of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity and test-retest reliability of the novel 'TIB' Olfactory Test Device (TIB) and to determine its normative values. METHODS: The study stratified the study subjects into normosmic, hyposmic and anosmic groups according to their olfactory function. The olfactory function of the subjects was evaluated using both the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania of Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC) and the TIB. The normosmic group was used to retest with the UPSIT-TC and TIB at an inter-test interval of at least 7 days. The cut-off scores of TIB among the three different groups were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: This study enrolled 180 subjects: 60 in each group. The mean scores of TIB were 44.1 for the normosmic group, 27.5 for the hyposmic group and 10.9 for the anosmic group. The TIB scores were significantly different across the three groups. There was a significant correlation between the first and second TIB tests (r = 0.506). The cut-off scores were 41 for normosmic subjects and 24 for hyposmic subjects. CONCLUSION: The validity and test-retest reliability results suggest that the TIB is an appropriate olfactory test for the Taiwanese population.