MIL-101(Cr) molecular cage anchored on 2D Ti3C2TX MXene nanosheets as high-performance electrochemical sensing platform for detection of xanthine.

A new electrochemical sensing material based on the MIL-101(Cr) molecular cage anchored on 2D Ti3C2TX-MXene nanosheets was prepared by using the in situ growth molecular engineering strategy. The sensing material was characterized by using different methods such as SEM, XRD, and XPS. The electrochemical sensing performance of MIL-101(Cr)/Ti3C2Tx-MXene was studied by DPV, CV, EIS, and other techniques. The electrochemical tests showed that the linear range of the modified electrode for xanthine (XA) detection was 1.5-73.0 µM and 73.0-133.0 µM, the detection limit was 0.45 µM (working potential of + 0.71 V vs. Ag/AgCl), and the performance is superior compared with the reported enzyme-free modified electrodes for detecting XA. The fabricated sensor has high selectivity and stability. It has good practicability in serum analysis with recoveries of 96.58-103.27% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.58-4.32%.

A three-dimensional composite film-modified electrode based on polyoxometalates and ionic liquid-decorated carbon nanotubes for the determination of L-tyrosine in food.

A stable and innovative composite film-modified electrode based on Dawson polyoxometalates H8P2Mo16V2O62 (P2Mo16V2) and ionic liquid (BMIMBr)-decorated carbon nanotubes, annotated as PEI/(P2Mo16V2/BMIMBr-CNTs)8, has been constructed by using the layer-by-layer self-assembly (LBL) method for the determination of L-tyrosine. The combination of three active components not only offers higher conductivity to facilitate rapid electron transfer, but also avoids the accumulation of P2Mo16V2 to expand the contact area and increase the reactive active sites. The modified electrode exhibits outstanding sensing performance for determination of Tyr with wide linear determination range of 5.8×10-7 M ~ 1.2×10-4 M, low determination limit of 1.7×10-7M (S/N=3), high selectivity for common interferences, and excellent stability at the potential of +0.78 V (vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl)). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.3% for five groups of parallel experiments shows the satisfactory repeatability of PEI/(P2Mo16V2/BMIMBr-CNTs)8. In addition, for determination of Tyr, the PEI/(P2Mo16V2/BMIMBr-CNTs)8 shows good recoveries of 98.8-99.8% in meat floss, which can be feasible in practical application.

Abnormal Spontaneous Discharges of Primary Sensory Neurons and Pain Behavior in a Rat Model of Vascular Dementia.

Patients with vascular dementia experience more pain than healthy elders, potentially due to the presence of central neuropathic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in vascular dementia remain poorly understood, and there is currently a lack of effective treatment available. In this study, a rat model of vascular dementia was induced by permanently occluding the common carotid arteries bilaterally (2-VO). The cognitive impairments in the 2-VO rats were evaluated using the Morris Water Maze test, while HE and LBF staining were employed to assess brain tissue lesions in the hippocampal, cerebral cortex, and white matter regions known to be associated with severe memory and learning deficits. Furthermore, pain-related behavioral tests, including mechanical and thermal stimuli assessments, were conducted, and in vivo electrophysiological recordings of primary sensory neurons were performed. Compared to sham-operated and pre-operative rats, rats with vascular dementia exhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia 30 days after surgery. Furthermore, in vivo electrophysiology revealed a significant increase in the occurrence of spontaneous activity of Aß- and C-fiber sensory neurons in the rat model of vascular dementia. These results indicate that neuropathic pain behaviors developed in the rat model of vascular dementia, and abnormal spontaneous discharges of primary sensory neurons may play a crucial role in the development of pain after vascular dementia.

Downregulation of miR-33 Has Protective Effect Against Aß25₋35-Induced Injury in SH-SH-SY5Y Cells.

BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD) is a significant health issue for the elderly, and there are at present no clinically effective anti-AD agents. Prevention of Aß-induced neurotoxicity is proposed as a possible modality for treatment of AD. miR-33 has been proven to promote Aß secretion and impair Aß clearance in neural cells. The present study assessed whether miR-33 is involved in AD pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS miR-33 level was detected by qRT-PCR. The Akt/mTOR pathway was analyzed by Western blot analysis. Neuron inflammation and oxidative stress were measured using commercial detection kits. Flow cytometry and Western blot assay were conducted to assess cell apoptosis, and Western blot assay was used to assess synaptic protein levels. RESULTS miR-33 expression level was markedly upregulated in SH-SY5Y cells treated with Aß25₋35. miR-33 knockdown suppressed inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-33 knockdown improved synaptic plasticity, and the protective effect of miR-33 knockdown was discovered through suppressing activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-33 knockdown protects against Aß25₋35-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and synaptic damage by suppressing activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway.

Clinical evaluation of a new COVID-19 antigen rapid test kit for detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) is an assay kit for detecting the SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid proteins, based on the colloidal gold method.Accurate diagnosis has an important role in limiting the transmission of SARS-COV-2, and also helps patients to receive earlier treatment .The object of this study was to perform the clinical evaluation of a novel Ag-RDTs with samples collected from two different swabs.DEEPBLUE®COVID-19 antigen detection kit used for the examination of the subjects in the experiment.For antigen testing on samples collected with nasal swabs, sensitivity was 91.7 % (95 % CI 83.6-96.6 %) and specificity was 100 %(95 %CI 98.1-100 %).For nasopharyngeal swabs, the sensitivity was 96.8 % (95 % CI 93.6-98.7 %) and the specificity was 100 % (95 % CI 98.2-100 %).Fisher Precision test showed a significant correlation between nasopharyngeal swab Ag-RDTs and nasal swab Ag-RDTs and RT-qPCR test (p-value <0.001).The results showed that the patients use the kit for testing were comparable to the RT-qPCR.

Tuina (Chinese massage) for insulin resistance and sensitivity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human studies.

INTRODUCTION: Insulin resistance (IR) could be regarded as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. Therefore, multiple therapeutic strategies that target IR should be applied to provide a more effective means of treatment. It aims to determine Tuina's efficacy and safety for IR through this systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: From the inception to July 31, 2023, we will search four English databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science) and two Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database). We will search and include studies of both human and animal models that evaluate Tuina's effects on insulin sensitivity or resistance. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be made by two independent reviewers. We will evaluate the methodological quality of all included studies and conduct meta-analyses using Review Manager Software 5.4.1. DISCUSSION: In both animal and human studies, the effects and safety of Tuina for IR will be evaluated. The evidence generated bythis study will validate effects and safety of Tuinain treating IR and inform future research and clinical decision-making. TRAIL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42022360128.

Probing the general time scale question of boronic acid binding with sugars in aqueous solution at physiological pH.

The boronic acid group is widely used in chemosensor design due to its ability to reversibly bind diol-containing compounds. The thermodynamic properties of the boronic acid-diol binding process have been investigated extensively. However, there are few studies of the kinetic properties of such binding processes. In this report, stopped-flow method was used for the first time to study the kinetic properties of the binding between three model arylboronic acids, 4-, 5-, and 8-isoquinolinylboronic acids, and various sugars. With all the boronic acid-diol pairs examined, reactions were complete within seconds. The k(on) values with various sugars follow the order of D-fructose>D-tagatose>D-mannose>D-glucose. This trend tracks the thermodynamic binding affinities for these sugars and demonstrates that the 'on' rate is the key factor determining the binding constant.

Tai Chi for Overweight/Obese Adolescents and Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Background: Exercise is one of the recommended interventions for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and current evidence has shown that Tai chi may have favorable effects. The objective of this randomized controlled pilot trial was to study the feasibility and potential effects of Tai chi for overweight/obese adolescents and young women with PCOS, so a future definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) can be well designed and implemented. Materials and Methods: This study recruited 50 patients who were randomly assigned to two groups (Tai chi and self-monitored exercise) at a ratio of 3 : 2. The intervention lasted for 3 months, and the feasibility and effectiveness outcomes were measured. Results: A total of 42 patients completed the study, including 24 in the Tai chi group and 18 in the control group. Compared with the self-monitored exercise group, there was a significantly decreased body mass index (BMI) in the Tai chi group adjusted for baseline BMI. The testosterone level and lipid profile were also decreased compared to controls; the same tendency was also observed for the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), but the difference did not achieve statistical significance. Twenty-four (out of 30, 80%) patients in the Tai chi group and 18 (out of 20, 90%) patients in the self-monitored exercise group completed the data collection. A total of 36 exercise sessions were held in both groups. Patients in the Tai chi group took a mean of 34.0 ± 2.21 classes (93.06%), and those in the self-monitored exercise group engaged in 32 ± 3.06 exercise sessions (88.27%) out of the 36 required exercise sessions. Conclusions: The present pilot study was feasible to deliver; there was a decrease in BMI, testosterone level, and lipid profile for PCOS patients in the Tai chi group at 3 months. In a future definitive trial, lower recruitment rate and outcome measurements lead to poor patient acceptance such as the 5-time point oral glucose tolerance test need to be considered and one fixed type of aerobic exercise and supervision from the investigator for the control group are also needed. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02608554.

Auricular therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review protocol aims to describe a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of auricular therapy for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials of auricular therapy in treating PCOS will be searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database. The primary outcome is the body mass index. The study selection, data extraction, and study quality evaluation will be performed independently by 2 researchers. A meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan V5.3 statistical software if possible; otherwise, descriptive analysis or subgroup analysis will be conducted. The quality of evidence for outcomes will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: This study will evaluate the effect and safety of auricular therapy in treating PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence we generated from the present study will provide more options for PCOS management in clinical practice. THE REGISTRATION DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/VBPSM.

Association between the persistent organic pollutants and polycystic ovary syndrome: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence concerning the association between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is inconsistent. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the role of POPs in PCOS. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI will be searched to identify qualified studies. All qualified studies regarding the association between POPs and PCOS will be included. The primary outcome of the present study is POPs levels in serum of subjects. Pooled analysis with corresponding 95% confidence intervals will be performed. RESULTS: The comprehensive analysis and quantitative assessment will provide a better understanding of POPs concentrations in patients with PCOS. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis and systematic review will generate evidence of the association between POPs and PCOS. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019126373.

Auricular points acupressure for insulin resistance in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: protocol for a randomised controlled pilot trial.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 5%-20% of reproductive women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Auricular points acupressure (AA) may serve as alternative management for PCOS for its benefits in both physical and psychological well-being. However, the effects of AA for insulin resistance (IR) in overweight/obese PCOS women have not been confirmed. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The present study is designed as a randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AA in treating IR in women with PCOS. A total of 60 eligible PCOS subjects will be randomised into an intervention group (AA group) and a control group (sham AA group) in a ratio of 1:1. Magnetic beads will be taped to the auricular points by the same senior acupuncture specialist from the First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine. The treatment will last for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measure will be changes in homeostasis model assessment of IR between baseline and after 3 months of AA/sham AA treatment. Secondary outcomes include hormonal profile, weight, waist/hip circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, Ferriman-Gallwey score, acne and the assessment of health-related quality of life. Outcome measures are collected at baseline and the end of treatment visit. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine (HZYLLKY201800301). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals for publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03546595; Pre-results.

Differential sensitivities of the vascular K(ATP) channel to various PPAR activators.

Several agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are currently used for the treatment of metabolic disorders including diabetes. We have recently shown that one of them, Rosiglitazone, inhibits the vascular ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K(ATP)) channel and compromises the coronary vasodilation by the ß-adrenoceptor agonist. Here, we show evidence for the channel inhibition by various PPAR agonists, information that may be useful for finding new therapeutical agents with less cardiovascular side-effects and more selective K(ATP) channel blockers targeting at the K(ir)6.1 subunit. Structural comparison of these PPAR agonists may shed insight into the critical chemical groups for the channel inhibition. K(ir)6.1/SUR2B channel was expressed in HEK293 cells and studied in whole-cell voltage clamp. The K(ir)6.1/SUR2B channel was strongly inhibited by several PPAR(γ) agonists with potencies similar to, or higher than, that of Rosiglitazone, while other PPAR(γ) agonists barely inhibited the channel. The K(ir)6.1/SUR2B channel was also inhibited by PPAR(α) and PPAR(ß/δ) agonists with intermediate potencies. The structure necessary for the channel inhibition appears to include the thiazole linked to an aromatic or furan ring. Additions of side groups such as small aliphatic chain increased the potency for channel inhibition, while additions of aromatic rings reduced it. These results indicate that the PPAR(γ) agonists with weak K(ATP) channel inhibition may be potential candidates as therapeutical agents, and those with strong channel inhibition may be used as selective K(ATP) channel blockers. The structural information of the PPAR agonists may be useful for the development of new therapeutical modalities with less cardiovascular side-effects.

[Cost-effectiveness of schistosomiasis comprehensive control in Lushan County from 2007 to 2012].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive control strategy which mainly controls the schistosomiasis infection source in Lushan County from 2007 to 2012. METHODS: The data of the schistosomiasis endemic, Oncomelania hupensis snail status, control technology, and funding were collected and analyzed statistically in the endemic villages of Lushan County from 2007 to 2012. RESULTS: The schistosome infection rate of the residents decreased from 0.04% in 2007 to 0 in 2012. The numbers of advanced schistosomiasis patients decreased from 128 in 2007 to 121 in 2012. No acute schistosomiasis patients were found. The average density of living snails decreased from 0.06 snial/0.1 m2 to 0.05 snail/0.1 m2, with the decreased rate of 16.67%, and no schistosome infected snails were found. However, the snail area increased from 15.84 hm2 in 2007 to 52.12 hm2 in 2012, with the rise rate of 229.04%. The year per capita was 200.48 yuan, the cost of the infection rate decreasing by 1% was 949,900 yuan, and the cost of living snail density decreasing by 1% was 5,698,200 yuan. CONCLUSION: The cost-effectiveness of comprehensive control strategy which mainly controls the schistosomiasis infection source is relatively good in Lushan County from 2007 to 2012.