Enhancing the spatial separation of photogenerated charges on Fe-based MOFs via structural regulation for highly-efficient photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction.

Although iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) have displayed the photocatalytic activity, there is still abundant room for improving their photocatalytic performance through tuning the structures. In this work, four novel iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) were successfully synthesized via ligand modulation for better photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction, in which MTBDC-TPT-Fe had the highest catalytic activity (MTBDC = 2,5-bis(methylthio)terephthalic acid, TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)- 1,3,5-triazine). The boosted photocatalytic reduction may be mainly ascribed to the enhanced electron push-pull effect between iron-oxygen clusters and organic ligands. The introduction of -SCH3 groups can enhance the light absorption and donate electrons to iron center under visible-light irradiation, meanwhile the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers can be enhanced resulting from the electron-pulling effect when introducing TPT. Moreover, enhanced specific surface areas and positive skeleton charge due to the introduction of TPT may improve active sites exposure and Cr(VI) adsorption, thereby enhancing photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction activity without the presence of any assisted scavengers. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism (i.e. active species) were also studied and presented. This work confirmed an effective structure-performance regulation strategy on Fe-MOFs for photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction.

Primary assessment of the diversity of Omicron sublineages and the epidemiologic features of autumn/winter 2022 COVID-19 wave in Chinese mainland / 医学前沿

With the recent ongoing autumn/winter 2022 COVID-19 wave and the adjustment of public health control measures, there have been widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections in Chinese mainland. Here we have analyzed 369 viral genomes from recently diagnosed COVID-19 patients in Shanghai, identifying a large number of sublineages of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron family. Phylogenetic analysis, coupled with contact history tracing, revealed simultaneous community transmission of two Omicron sublineages dominating the infections in some areas of China (BA.5.2 mainly in Guangzhou and Shanghai, and BF.7 mainly in Beijing) and two highly infectious sublineages recently imported from abroad (XBB and BQ.1). Publicly available data from August 31 to November 29, 2022 indicated an overall severe/critical case rate of 0.035% nationwide, while analysis of 5706 symptomatic patients treated at the Shanghai Public Health Center between September 1 and December 26, 2022 showed that 20 cases (0.35%) without comorbidities progressed into severe/critical conditions and 153 cases (2.68%) with COVID-19-exacerbated comorbidities progressed into severe/critical conditions. These observations shall alert healthcare providers to place more resources for the treatment of severe/critical cases. Furthermore, mathematical modeling predicts this autumn/winter wave might pass through major cities in China by the end of the year, whereas some middle and western provinces and rural areas would be hit by the upcoming infection wave in mid-to-late January 2023, and the duration and magnitude of upcoming outbreak could be dramatically enhanced by the extensive travels during the Spring Festival (January 21, 2023). Altogether, these preliminary data highlight the needs to allocate resources to early diagnosis and effective treatment of severe cases and the protection of vulnerable population, especially in the rural areas, to ensure the country's smooth exit from the ongoing pandemic and accelerate socio-economic recovery.

Primary assessment of the diversity of Omicron sublineages and the epidemiologic features of autumn/winter 2022 COVID-19 wave in Chinese mainland / 医学前沿

With the recent ongoing autumn/winter 2022 COVID-19 wave and the adjustment of public health control measures, there have been widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections in Chinese mainland. Here we have analyzed 369 viral genomes from recently diagnosed COVID-19 patients in Shanghai, identifying a large number of sublineages of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron family. Phylogenetic analysis, coupled with contact history tracing, revealed simultaneous community transmission of two Omicron sublineages dominating the infections in some areas of China (BA.5.2 mainly in Guangzhou and Shanghai, and BF.7 mainly in Beijing) and two highly infectious sublineages recently imported from abroad (XBB and BQ.1). Publicly available data from August 31 to November 29, 2022 indicated an overall severe/critical case rate of 0.035% nationwide, while analysis of 5706 symptomatic patients treated at the Shanghai Public Health Center between September 1 and December 26, 2022 showed that 20 cases (0.35%) without comorbidities progressed into severe/critical conditions and 153 cases (2.68%) with COVID-19-exacerbated comorbidities progressed into severe/critical conditions. These observations shall alert healthcare providers to place more resources for the treatment of severe/critical cases. Furthermore, mathematical modeling predicts this autumn/winter wave might pass through major cities in China by the end of the year, whereas some middle and western provinces and rural areas would be hit by the upcoming infection wave in mid-to-late January 2023, and the duration and magnitude of upcoming outbreak could be dramatically enhanced by the extensive travels during the Spring Festival (January 21, 2023). Altogether, these preliminary data highlight the needs to allocate resources to early diagnosis and effective treatment of severe cases and the protection of vulnerable population, especially in the rural areas, to ensure the country's smooth exit from the ongoing pandemic and accelerate socio-economic recovery.

The Dawn is Coming -- the Description and Prediction of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic Outbreak in Shanghai by Mathematical Modeling

The COVID-19 Omicron outbreak in Shanghai has been going on for >1 month and 25 million population is subjected to strict lock-down quarantine. Until now, it is not clear how long this epidemic might end. Here, we present a time-delayed differentiation equation model to evaluate and forecast the spreading trend. Our model provides important parameters such as the average quarantine ratio, the detection interval from being infected to being tested positive, and the spreading coefficient to better understand the omicron progression. After data fitting, we concluded on 11 April that the maximum overall number infected in Shanghai would exceed 300,000 on 14 April and the turning point would be in the coming days around 13-15 April, 2022, which is perfectly in line with the real-life infection number. Furthermore, the quarantine ratio in Shanghai was found to be greater than 1, supportive of the effectiveness of the strict lockdown policy. Altogether, our mathematical model helps to define how COVID-19 epidemic progresses under the Shanghai lock-down unprecedented in human history and the Chinese zero tolerance policy.

Marriage of 2D Covalent-Organic Framework and 3D Network as Stable Solar-Thermal Still for Efficient Solar Steam Generation.

In this work, a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based 2D covalent-organic framework (COF) is realized and featured with broadband optical absorption and high solar-thermal conversion performance. Moreover, a 3D hierarchical structure, referred to as COF-based hierarchical structure (COFHS), is rationally designed to achieve an enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency. In this water evaporator, diketopyrrolopyrrole is immobilized into conjugated COF to achieve enhanced light absorption, whereas a porous PVA network scaffold is utilized to support COF sheets as well as to enhance the hydrophilicity of the evaporator. Due to this structural advantage, COFHS displays a high solar-to-vapor energy conversion efficiency of 93.2%. Under 1 sun AM1.5 G irradiation, a stable water evaporation rate of 2.5 kg m-2 h-1 can be achieved. As a proof-of-concept application, a water collection device prepared with the COFHS can achieve high solar-thermal water collection efficiency of 10.2 L m-2 d-1 under natural solar irradiation. The good solar-thermal conversion properties and high-water evaporation rate make the COFHS a promising platform for solar-thermal water production.

The magnetic resonance enterography imaging features of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum in pediatric patients: a retrospective observational study of 31 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) imaging manifestations of a symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum (MD) in pediatric patients in order to provide a reference for the diagnosis of the condition. METHODS: The medical records of 31 pediatric patients with MD from May 2014 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were patients with MD accompanied by unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia (except hematological diseases), chronic persistent abdominal pain, repeated intussusception, or intussusception in older pediatric patients during surgery. The clinical variables (age, sex, and hemoglobin) and imaging, surgical, and pathological findings were recorded. RESULTS: MD was definitively identified in 28 patients, with the following characteristics: a blind-ending fluid-filled and/or gas-filled structure (n=23), an elongated shape (n=1), a dumbbell shape (n=1), and a solid mass (n=3). The diverticula were located in the right lower quadrant (n=16), the right abdomen at the level of the umbilicus (n=3), the right upper quadrant (n=2), the left upper quadrant (n=2), and the midline lower abdomen (n=5). Supply arteries were visualized in nine cases. In all cases, mural enhancement was comparable to that of the adjacent small-bowel (SB). Extravasation of the intravascular contrast medium was seen in two cases. Peripheral structural abnormalities included mesenteric fat stranding (n=7), hemorrhage in the adjacent lumen (n=3), free intraperitoneal gas (n=1), abnormal fluid retention (n=2), intestinal obstruction (n=1), and lymph node enlargement (n=7). A normal appendix was identified in 18 cases. CONCLUSIONS: MRE is an appropriate method of diagnosing symptomatic MD in pediatric patients and is particularly useful in the assessment of complications.

Role of spinal adenosine A1 receptors in the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of spinal adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) in the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) for neuropathic pain. METHODS: We performed EA for 30 minutes at the zusanli acupoint in the legs of rats with previously induced chronic constriction injuries and observed the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds 1 hour later. We also examined adenosine levels by high-performance liquid chromatography and A1R expression in the L4-6 spinal cord by western blot analysis. We then injected A1R short interfering RNA (AV-shA1RNA) into the L4-6 spinal cord to downregulate A1R expression and re-examined the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds. RESULTS: Adenosine levels and A1R expression in the L4-6 spinal cord were increased at 1 hour after EA. In addition, EA exhibited an analgesic effect that was reversed by AV-shA1RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that EA at the zusanli acupoint elicits an analgesic effect against neuropathic pain, mediated by A1Rs in the spinal cord.

Effects of long non-coding RNA RP1-90L14.1 on the biological behaviors of cancer prostate LNCaP cells and its regulating mechanisms / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effects of long non-coding RNA RP1-90L14.1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer LNCaP cells and the expressions of GRIN2A and BACE2.@*METHODS@#Using RT-PCR, we detected the expression of RP1-90L14.1 in LNCaP and LNCaP-AI cells, transiently transfected the RP1-90L14.1 overexpression plasmid (the RP1-90L14.1 group) and vector plasmid (the LNCaP-NC group) into the LNCaP cells, and cultured the two groups of cells with ordinary medium and phenol red-free activated carbon adsorption medium (PRF-ACA). Then we examined the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of the cells by CCK-8 and Transwell, and determined the mRNA and protein expressions of GRIN2A and BACE2 by RT-PCR and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The expression of RP1-90L14.1 was significantly higher in the LNCaP-AI than in the LNCaP cells (8.49 ± 0.43 vs 2.53 ± 0.95, P < 0.05), and so was that of LNCaP-RP1-90L14.1 in the RP1-90L14.1 than in the LNCaP-NC group after transfection (0.71 ± 0.22 vs 0.02 ± 0.01, P < 0.05). The optical densities (OD) of the cells were 51.95% and 50.69% higher in the RP1-90L14.1 than in the LNCaP-NC group after 72 hours of culture with ordinary medium and phenol red-free ACA (1.22 ± 0.08 vs 0.08 ± 0.05, P < 0.05; 0.79 ± 0.02 vs 0.53 ± 0.05, P < 0.05), and 51.72% and 60.23% higher in the former than in the latter after 96 hours (1.72 ± 0.07 vs 1.13 ± 0.05, P < 0.05; 1.18 ± 0.05 vs 0.73 ± 0.08, P < 0.05). The numbers of the migrating cells cultured with common medium and PRF-ACA were markedly higher in the RP1-90L14.1 than in the LNCaP-NC group after transfection (682.0 ± 42.7 vs 422.0 ± 37.1, P < 0.05; 419.0 ± 42.9 vs 251.0 ± 25.9, P < 0.05), and so were those of the invading cells (507.0 ± 22.2 vs 274.0 ± 19.6, P < 0.05; 352.0 ± 14.1 vs 216.0 ± 14.3, P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between the RP1-90L14.1 and LNCaP-NC groups in the mRNA and protein expressions of GRIN2A (5.13 ± 0.89 vs 2.09 ± 0.54, P < 0.05; 5.88 ± 0.29 vs 2.03 ± 0.22, P < 0.05) and BACE2 (5.82 ± 0.50 vs 2.53 ± 0.30, P < 0.05; 4.89 ± 0.19 vs 3.37 ± 0.13, P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#　lncRNA RP1-90L14.1 may play important roles in the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of prostate cancer cells. RP1-90L14.1 can promote the expressions of GRIN2A and BACE2 and may have an endogenous competitive relation with GRIN2A and BACE2.

Effect of rutaecarpine on Alzheimer's disease-like cognitive impairments induced by high glucose in rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of rutaecarpine on high glucose-induced Alzheimer's disease-like pathological and cognitive dysfunction and its mechanism in rats.@*METHODS@#Adult male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=20): control group, high glucose group and rutaecarpine group. Rats in the control group were fed with conventional feed and tap water. The rats in the high glucose group were fed with conventional feed and 20% sucrose water. The rutaecarpine group was fed with fodder contain 0.01% rutaecarpine and 20% sucrose water. Morris water maze test was used to detect learning and memory and cognitive function of three groups rats after 24 weeks of feeding. Western blot analysis was used to detect tau protein at Thr205 and Ser214 sites in each group. Phosphorylation levels of GSK-3β in serine 9 site (S9-GSK-3β) and PP2A at cycline 307 site (Y307-PP2AC) were also detected. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed tau protein at Thr205 site in each group both in hippocampus and cortex.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, Morris water maze results showed that the latency of finding the hidden platform of the rats in high glucose group was increased significantly and the number of crossing platforms and the target quadrant residence time were significantly decreased (all P＜0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that the phosphorylation level of tau protein at Thr205 site was significantly increased in the high glucose group compared with the control group, and the phosphorylation level of tau protein at Thr205 site in the rutaecarpine group was higher than that in the high glucose group. Western blot analysis showed that the phosphorylation level of tau protein in the high glucose group was significantly increased at Thr205 and Ser214 site compared with the control group, but the phosphorylation level of pS9-GSK-3β was significantly decreased (all P ＜0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, the latency of finding the hidden platform of the rats in rutaecarpine group was significantly decreased, and the number of crossing platforms and the target quadrant residence time were significantly increased (both P＜0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, the phosphorylation levels of tau protein at Thr205 and Ser214 sites showed a significant decrease, but the phosphorylation level of pS9-GSK-3β was significantly increased (all P＜0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Rutaecarpine can alleviate AD-like cognitive dysfunction induced by high glucose, possibly by enhancing pS9-GSK-3β phosphorylation, down-regulating GSK-3β activity, and thus reducing hyperphosphorylation of tau-associated sites.

Effects of Ringer's solution with different concentrations of alcohol on biphasic compound action potentials of frog sciatic nerve trunk / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To quantitatively investigate the effects of Ringer's solution with different concentrations of alcohol (1%～80%) on biphasic compound action potentials (AP) from frog sciatic nerve trunk, and their recoveries from alcohol effects.@*METHODS@#Individual segments of frog sciatic nerve trunk with a length of 6 to 8 cm were prepared. Ringer's solution with different concentrations of alcohol (0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 16%, 32%, 48%, 64% and 80%) was applied onto the segment of the trunk between the stimulus and ground electrodes via an agent reservoir which was newly armed in a nerve trunk shielded chamber for 5 minutes. The nerve trunk was respectively electro-stimulated to generate the biphasic compound AP which was recorded using the experimental system of BL-420F. This was followed by 5 times washout plus 5 min administration with Ringer's solution before recovery recording of AP.@*RESULTS@#Compared to normal Ringer's solution, Ringer's solution with alcohol at ≤4% did not have dramatic impacts on the AP amplitude and conduction velocity, while Ringer's solution with alcohol at ≥8% there was significant decrease in these two parameters. Ringer's solution with alcohol at the conentrations of 16%, 32% and ≥48% could prevent a small proportion (30%), a large proportion (90%) and all (100%) of sciatic nerve trunks, respectively, from generating AP. Washout with normal Ringer's solution after alcohol application at the concentration of ≤32%, AP could totally recover to normal status. While alcohol at the concentration of 48%, 64% and 80%, the probabilities to regenerate APs were 90%, 40% and 0%, and the AP amplitudes were decreased to 60%, 36% and 0%, respectively. After washout, AP conduction velocity showed no difference with alcohol at the concentration of ≤8% when compared with that before washout, while it could not be recovered to normal under alcohol at ≥16%.@*CONCLUSION@#Ringer's solution with different concentrations of alcohol exerts different effects on biphasic compound AP amplitude and conduction velocity. Hopefully, our findings could be helpful for the alcoholic usage and its recovery from alcoholic damage.

A Route to Enantiopure ( O-Methyl)6-2,6-Helic[6]arenes: Synthesis of Hexabromo-Substituted 2,6-Helic[6]arene Derivatives and Their Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling Reactions.

A route to enantiopure ( O-methyl)6-2,6-helic[6]arenes (+)- P-2 and (-)- M-2 has been provided. By the reaction of enantiopure triptycene precursors (+)-1 and (-)-1 in refluxed o-DCB for 12 h in the presence of catalytic amount of FeCl3, and then followed by treatment of the obtained oligomers under the same conditions, (+)- P-2 and (-)- M-2 could be obtained in 51% and 53% total yield, respectively. It was also found that racemic and enantiopure ( O-methyl)6-2,6-helic[6]arenes could be easily brominated by Br2 to give the corresponding hexabromo-substituted helic[6]arene derivatives rac-4, (+)- P-4, and (-)- M-4 in high yields. The crystal structure of (+)- P-4 further confirmed the absolute configuration of the helic[6]arenes and their derivatives. Moreover, a series of hexaaryl-substituted helic[6]arene derivatives 5a-f with deepened cavities could be conveniently synthesized in 55-71% yield by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions of 4 and arylboronic acids. rac-5a could encapsulate chloroform and exhibit self-sorting stacking in solid state. Enantiopure (+)- P-5a-f and (-)- M-5a-f showed mirror images in their CD spectra.

Effects of deoxygedunin on Alzheimer-like pathologic dysfunction induced by D-galactose combined with AlCl / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Deoxygedunin on Aβ deposition, learning memory, and oxidative stress induced by D-galactose combined with AlCl in model rats with Alzheimer's disease and its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#Male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (=12):control group, model group (AD) and intervention group (AD+Deo). Morris water maze test was used to detect learning/memory and cognitive function in rats.Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in homogenate of hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Tau protein expression in rat cerebral cortex was detected by immunohistochemistry.Western blot was used to detect the expressions of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1(ERK1), protein kinase B (PKB) and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) on TrkB signaling pathway.@*RESULTS@#The results of water maze test showed that D-galactose combined with AlCl induced a significant increase in the escape latency compared with the control group (<0.05).Deoxygedunin could reverse the increase of the escape latency of the model group (<0.05).On the 7th day after removal of the platform, the model group showed an increase in escape latency compared with the control group and the intervention group (<0.01), and the number of crossing platforms was declined (<0.05); The results of immunohistochemistry and ELISA showed that the expressions of Aβ and tau protein in the model group were increased significantly compared with those of the control group (<0.01).The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased significantly and the content of MDA was increased significantly.Compared with the model group, Deoxygedunin could reverse the increase of the expressions of Aβ and tau protein (<0.01), the decrease of SOD and GSH-Px activities (<0.05) and the increase of the MDA content (<0.05).Western blot results showed that Deoxygedunin treatment reversed the decreased phosphorylation levels of TrkB, AKT and ERK1 in hippocampus of the model group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Supplement of Deoxygedunin can significantly reverse Aβ deposition, oxidative stress and cognitive deficits by activating the TrkB signal transduction pathway, which suggest that Deoxygedunin may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for attenuating AD-like pathological dysfunction induced by D-galactose combined with AlCl.

Lactate dehydrogenase A promotes the growth of human melanoma cell line MUM-2B / 眼科新进展

Objective To construct the eukaryotic expression vector of LDHA with Flag label and detect its effects on the growth of human choroidal melanoma (CM) MUM-2B cells.Methods CM cells line MUM-2B subcultured by the Military Academy of Sciences were divided into two groups:experimental group and control group.The experimental group was transiently transfected with Flag-LDHA plasmid,and the control group was transiently transfected with Flag plasmid.Using the Flag-LDHA with GST label as a template,the LDHA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR),which then was inserted into eukaryotic expression vector of Flag,and the recombinant plasmid Flag-LDHA was identified by bacterial liquid PCR,double enzyme digestion and sequencing,both which were transiently transfected into human CM MUM-2B cells after successful identification,and finally,its expression was determined by Western blot.The biology behaviors of melanoma cell line MUM-2B transfected with Flag-LDHA and Flag plasmid were analyzed by counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays.Results The coding region sequence of LDHA gene of approximately 1000 bp was harvested from PCR amplification,which was successfully cloned into the Flag vector.Compared with the control group,the PCR result of the bacterial liquid in the experimental group was positive.The double enzyme digestion results showed that eukaryotic expression vector of Flag with a length of about 4000 bp Flag vector and a 1000 bp LDHA gene band.And the sequencing results indicated that the inserted sequence was completely in consonance with the coding sequence of the LDHA gene.Western blot results showed the successful expression of recombinant plasmid Flag-LDHA in MUM-2B melanoma cells.CCK8 assays demonstrated that Flag-LDHA recombinant plasmid could promote the growth of melanoma cell line MUM-2B.Conclusion The eukaryotic expression vector of Flag-LDHA was successfully constructed,which can promote the growth of melanoma cell line MUM-2B.This will lay the foundation for studying the function of LDHA in the initiation and progression of human CM.

Long non-coding RNAs in prostate cancer: An update / 中华男科学杂志

In the human genome, there is a group of RNAs, called long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) with do not have the function of encoding proteins and whose transcript length is greater than 200 nucleotides. The disorders of lncRNAs are often involved in the occurrence and progression of malignant tumors. A large number of studies have indicated the aberrant expression of lncRNAs in prostate cancer (PCa) can regulate gene expressions at epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and cause changes in the biological behaviors of PCa cells. Some lncRNAs have been shown to be closely related to the castration resistance of PCa. In recent years, a variety of lncRNAs have been detected in the PCa tissue, prostatic fluid, serum, and urine, and somehow influenced radiotherapy and chemotherapy of tumors. The expressions of some lncRNAs are also associated with disease prognosis. Thus, lncRNAs are expected to become new diagnostic markers and a therapeutic target for PCa. This review focuses on the roles and action modes and mechanisms of some lncRNAs as well as their potential value of clinical application in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PCa.

Two- to four-year follow-up analysis of three different pulpally involved high degree of difficulty cases managed with endodontic treatments using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

@#Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a biocompatible, antibacterial, radiopaque, and dimensionally stable material after setting. Furthermore, it can set in the presence of moisture, and has a high sealing ability. The objectives of this study were to describe managements of three different exceptionally complicated endodontics cases using MTA, and to evaluate its outcomes of using MTA in long-term follow-up based on modern concept of endodontics. Case #1: A 23-year-old patient diagnosed with combined endodontic-periodontal lesion with palatogingival groove of maxillary right lateral incisor was referred to our department. A treatment of interdisciplinary approach involving root canal treatment, periodontal initial therapy, root resection, guided tissue regeneration and bone grafting was performed. The case showed complete clinical normalcy and radiographic healing on periapical radiograph after 3-year follow-up, and outcome was defined as healed. Case #2: A 33-year-old patient had a perforated resorptive lesion to mesial external root surface of tooth 21. The diagnosis was perforating internal root resorption with pulp necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. A treatment plan of revascularization with MTA coronal plug was made. The case #2 showed clinical normalcy, complete healing of alveolar bone and incomplete healing of resorptive area radiolucency on CBCT after 4-year follow-up, and outcomes were defined as healing. Case #3: An 18-year-old patient with pulp necrosis and chronic apical abscess at immature left maxillary lateral incisor with open apex received treatment of apexification with MTA and followed-up regularly. The case showed complete clinical normalcy and radiographic healing on periapical radiograph, but incomplete healing of the periapical lesion was observed on CBCT after 4-year follow-up. This outcome was defined as healing. 1. MTA may be a suitable material for use as a plug material that prevents infection and blood flow to the main root canal during periodontal surgery, perforation repair and internal root resorption filling and root canal obturation of apexification treatment. 2. Extruded MTA through the apical foramen may not have an adverse effect to periapical tissues, also could be result in osseous healing. Moreover, extruded MTA might have a property to resorb. 3. Tooth discoloration could be a potential drawback of white MTA when it is used as endodontic repair material and the discoloration tends to continuously develop for a while.

Synthesis of a water-soluble 2,6-helic[6]arene derivative and its strong binding abilities towards quaternary phosphonium salts: an acid/base controlled switchable complexation process.

A water-soluble 2,6-helic[6]arene derivative was conveniently synthesized, and it showed strong binding abilities towards quaternary phosphonium salts in aqueous solution. Moreover, an acid/base controlled switchable complexation process was also described.

Electroacupuncture-induced neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia in the rat is mediated by adenosine A1 receptors.

The activation of adenosine A1 receptors is important for protecting against ischemic brain injury and pretreatment with electroacupuncture has been shown to mitigate ischemic brain insult. The aim of this study was to test whether the adenosine A1 receptor mediates electroacupuncture pretreatment-induced neuroprotection against ischemic brain injury. We first performed 30 minutes of electroacupuncture pretreatment at the Baihui acupoint (GV20), delivered with a current of 1 mA, a frequency of 2/15 Hz, and a depth of 1 mm. High-performance liquid chromatography found that adenosine triphosphate and adenosine levels peaked in the cerebral cortex at 15 minutes and 120 minutes after electroacupuncture pretreatment, respectively. We further examined the effect of 15 or 120 minutes electroacupuncture treatment on ischemic brain injury in a rat middle cerebral artery-occlusion model. We found that at 24 hours reperfusion,120 minutes after electroacupuncture pretreatment, but not for 15 minutes, significantly reduced behavioral deficits and infarct volumes. Last, we demonstrated that the protective effect gained by 120 minutes after electroacupuncture treatment before ischemic injury was abolished by pretreatment with the A1-receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Our results suggest that pretreatment with electroacupuncture at the Baihui acupoint elicits protection against transient cerebral ischemia via action at adenosine A1 receptors.

Formation of charge-transfer complexes based on a tropylium cation and 2,6-helic[6]arenes: a visible redox stimulus-responsive process.

Charge-transfer (CT) complexes formed from 2,6-helic[6]arene hosts and a tropylium cation are described in detail. In particular, it was found that the binding and release processes of the guest in the complexes could be efficiently controlled by a redox stimulus, and the responsive process could be visually observed by the color change of the solution. To our knowledge, this represents the first visible redox stimulus-responsive host-guest system formed from the tropylium cation.

Complexation of Racemic 2,6-Helic[6]arene and Its Hexamethyl-Substituted Derivative with Quaternary Ammonium Salts, N-Heterocyclic Salts, and Tetracyanoquinodimethane.

Complexation of racemic 2,6-helic[6]arene 1 and its hexamethyl-substituted derivative 2 with quaternary ammonium salts, N-heterocyclic salts, and tetracyanoquinodimethane have been described in detail. It was found that host 2 could form stable complexes with acetyl choline, thiaacetyl choline, N,N,N-trimethylbenzenammonium salt, pyridinium, and 4,4'-bipyridinium salts in solution and/or in the solid state. The unsubstituted macrocycle 1 showed more significant complexation with the widely tested quaternary ammonium salts and N-heterocyclic salts, and exhibited stronger complexation towards the guests than its derivative 2. Moreover, it was found that macrocycle 1 and its derivative 2 could also complex with neutral electron-deficient tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), and the association constants were determined to be 2840±94 and 1358±46 m-1 , respectively. These results could make this new macrocycle and its derivatives find wide applications in the design and construction of functional supramolecular assemblies.