Study on the Regulation of ROS by Acupuncture and Moxibustion to Relieve Inflammation in the Treatment of Sciatica

Objective: To observe the analgesic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain model rats, and to investigate the mechanism of constriction constriction injury. Methods: 32 SPF SD rats were divided into Control Group, Sham Surgery Group, Model Group and Acupuncture and moxibustion Group, with 8 rats in each group. The Model Group, Acupuncture and moxibustion Group and sciatic nerve ligation were used to establish the CCI pain rat model. The sham operation group only separated the nerve, and the control group did not do any treatment. After modeling, the Acupuncture and moxibustion Group was given acupuncture treatment, while the control group and the Model Group did not do any intervention. 7 days for 1 course of treatment, continuous treatment for 3 courses of sampling and detection. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and Paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were observed. Biochemical detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH);Serum, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected by ELISA. Results: Compared with the control group, PWMT and PWTL in the Model Group were decreased (P α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were increased (P α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were decreased (P Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce the ROS level, enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body, reduce the damage of sciatic nerve caused by inflammation, and relieve sciatic pain.

Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on Tillering Ability of Ophiopogon japonicus cv

[Objectives]This study was conducted to discuss the effects of tillering law and its controlling factors on the growth of Ophiopogon japonicus cv.[Methods]With O.japonicus cv as an experimental material,its average number of tillers,proliferation coefficient,total number of tillers,death number,germination index,germination rate,fresh root weight,root volume and survival rate were determined.[Results] The reproductive ability of the NAA treatments was significantly higher than that of the 6-BA treatments,and the average tillering capacity of the 5 mg/L NAA treatment was significantly higher,90% higher than that of the CK.The proliferation coefficient of O.japonicus cv was significantly better in the NAA treatments than in the 6-BA treatments,and the 5 mg/L-NAA treatment was more significant.The NAA treatments showed total numbers of tillers significantly higher than those of the 6-BA treatments,and exhibited significantly reduced deaths.The 1 mg/L NAA and 10 mg/L 6-BA experimental groups had the strongest germination-promoting effects on O.japonicus cv,which were significantly different from those of other experimental groups,and were 92% and 95% higher than that of the CK,respectively.As to the germination rate indicator of O.japonicus cv,the 1 mg/L NAA and 10 mg/L 6-BA experimental groups exhibited the highest values,which increased by 48% and 43%,respectively,compared with the CK.The 6-BA treatments significantly improved the root growth of O.japonicus cv compared with the NAA treatments,and they significantly promoted root volume of O.japonicus cv.The survival rate of O.japonicus cv treated with hormone NAA was 23.3% higher than that of the 6-BA treatment group.[Conclusions] This study provide a theoretical basis for improving the reproductive ability of O.japonicus cv and expanding its commercial production.

Intermolecular hydrogen-bonding as a robust tool toward significantly improving the photothermal conversion efficiency of a NIR-II squaraine dye

The photothermal therapy(PTT) has come across as a promising noninvasive therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment. However, low photothermal conversion efficiency(PCE) and hydrophobicity may impede the therapeutic efficacy of organic photothermal agents and an efficient PTT-agent must overcome these two major challenges. In this work, we developed a new strategy to promote higher PCE wherein the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interaction between the single dye molecule and water facilitated the transformation of the absorbed energy into the heat. A hydrophilic squaraine dye(SCy1) with the second near-infrared region(NIR-II) absorption and extremely low emission were designed to exhibit much higher PCE than that of the analogues of pentamethine-dyes(PCy1, PCy2). The presence of the ‘–O-' at middle of squaric cycle enabled the intermolecular H-bonding formation between the SCy1 and water to promote the energy dissipation channel. Moreover, the introduction of long-chain phenylsulfonate groups helped in to improve the water solubility apart from serving as an additional means of further enhancing PCE through fluorescence quenching. Therefore, SCy1 with a squaraine backbone and long-chain sulfonate moieties revealed outstanding photothermal stability and anti-aggregation activity apart from showing exceptionally high PCE(74%) in water. SCy1 demonstrated excellent therapeutic efficacy when applied in the PTT treatment of tumor-bearing mice under a laser irradiation of 915 nm.

基于侧基多通道和对称性破缺效应的分子电导调控

化学取代是有效调节分子电导,产生多通道输运、量子干涉效应和其他机制的关键方法.但分子骨架和侧基之间存在复杂的相互作用,目前仍未被研究清楚.在本工作中,我们结合扫描隧道显微镜裂结实验技术和第一性原理计算方法,深入研究了具有不同σ和π侧基的分子电导.实验结果及理论分析表明,σ侧基的加入引起了分子前线轨道的对称性破缺并加剧了分子内散射,从而导致电导的降低.相反,π侧基引入了额外的电荷传输通道,实现了电荷传输的多通道效应,增加了分子的电导.这些发现为未来分子功能化和分子电子器件的设计提供了坚实的基础.

Single-Molecule Characterization of van der Waals Contact Between Alkane and Gold

Van der Waals(vdW)contact,dominated by weak but ubiquitous vdW interactions,plays a significant role in diverse fields such as supramolecular chemistry,nanotechnology,and surface science.Accurate characterization of vdW contact at the single-molecule level remains challenging.Herein,we combine the scanning tunneling microscope break junction technique with first-principles calculations to study the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the alkane/Au vdW contact in an in-situ solution environment.The step-like conductance plateaus indicate a gradual desorption of alkyl chains in units of two methylene groups under force stretching.Two distinct charge transport channels,through the shortest C–H/Au pathway and the entire adsorbed alkyl chain,are identified.Furthermore,we discover that a higher electric field leads to increased conductance and stronger bonding of the alkane/Au vdW contact.These results unveil the intrinsic properties of vdW contact at the molecular and even atomic levels,which are crucial for exploring noncovalent interactions and advancing molecular sciences.

Protective effect of Cistanche deserticola on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Objective: Gentamicin(GM) is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic, however, renal toxicity has limited its usage. The present study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Cistanche deserticola on GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.Methods: The nephrotoxicity in rats was induced by intraperitoneal administration of GM(100 mg/kg)for 10 consecutive days. Glomerular filtration rate, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and kidney histopathology were detected to assess the GM-induced nephrotoxicity. The oxidative stress(catalase,superoxide dismutase, glutathione and malondialdehyde) was assessed. The inflammatory response(tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase and nuclear factor-kappa B) and apoptotic marker(Bax and Bcl-2) were also evaluated.Results: The results showed that water and 75% ethanol extracts of C. deserticola(named CDW and CDE,respectively)(100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) in combination with GM could recover the reduction of glomerular filtration rate and enhance the renal endogenous antioxidant capability induced by GM. The increase in the expression of renal inflammatory cytokines(tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6), nuclear protein of nuclear factor-kappa B(p65) and the activity of myeloperoxidase induced by GM was significantly decreased upon CDW or CDE treatment. In addition, CDW or CDE treatment could decrease the Bax protein expression and increase the Bcl-2 protein expression in GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats significantly.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that C. deserticola treatment could attenuate kidney dysfunction and structural damage in rats induced by GM through the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A on MSCs against senescence induced by D-galactose

Objective: To examine the protective effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA) against the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) induced by D-galactose(D-gal) in vitro, and investigate the potential mechanism involved.Methods: Grouping experiment, Normal control(NC) group: conventional culture with complete medium;Senescence group: MSCs were cultured for 48 h with complete medium containing 10 g/L D-gal;HSYA group: on the basis of senescence induction, HSYA with the suitable concentration was used to protect MSCs. The key experimental indices associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cell senescence, proliferation and apoptosis were measured through chemical colorimetry, β-galactosidase staining, Ed U incorporation and flow cytometry, respectively. The relative quantity(RQ) of proteins related closely to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and NF-κB signaling were measured by Western blotting.Results: As compared with Senescence group, treatment with HSYA(120 mg/L) effectively ameliorated the adverse situation of MSCs. Oxidation stress and inflammation along with D-Gal induction was dramatically alleviated in MSCs;The β-Gal-positive staining indicated that MSC senescence was significantly mitigated;The proliferative capability of MSCs was significantly increased by up-regulating PCNA and inhibiting p16 expression;The anti-apoptotic effect on MSCs was exerted by down-regulating the RQ of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax;The activity of NF-κB signaling in MSCs was notably suppressed through inhibiting phosphorylation of IKKβ and p65.Conclusion: HSYA(120 mg/L) significantly delayed the D-Gal-induced senescence process in MSCs through attenuating inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress, and suppressing the activity of NF-κB signaling.

Application of ionic liquids in single-molecule junctions:Recent advances and prospects

Single-molecule junctions,integrating individual molecules as active components between electrodes,serve as fundamental building blocks for advanced electronic and sensing technologies.The application of ionic liquids in single-molecule junctions represents a cutting-edge and rapidly evolving field of research at the intersection of nanoscience,materials chemistry,and electronics.This review explores recent advances where ionic liquids function as electrolytes,dielectric layers,and structural elements within single-molecule junctions,reshaping charge transport,redox reactions,and molecular behaviors in these nanoscale systems.We comprehensively dissect fundamental concepts,techniques,and modulation mechanisms,elucidating the roles of ionic liquids as gates,electrochemical controllers,and interface components in singlemolecule junctions.Encompassing applications from functional device construction to unraveling intricate chemical reactions,this review maps the diverse applications of ionic liquids in single-molecule junctions.Moreover,we propose critical future research topics in this field,including catalysis involving ionic liquids at the single-molecule level,functionalizing single-molecule devices using ionic liquids,and probing the structure and interactions of ionic liquids.These endeavors aim to drive technological breakthroughs in nanotechnology,energy,and quantum research.

Zhuangtongyin Ameliorates Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease by Regulating Caspase-1

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that pyroptosis has an important impact on the pathological process of many cardiovascular diseases, and inhibiting this process can significantly reduce pathological damage. At the same time, some studies have proved that Zhuangtongy in (ZTY) has a certain protective effect on the myocardium of rats with coronary heart disease. Therefore, the aim of this study is to observe and explore the effects of ZTY on cardiomyocytes and its mechanism of action in rats with coronary heart disease based on the Caspase-1 mediated cellular pyroptosis pathway. Methods: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, sham-operation group, model group, ZTY group and cysteinyl aspartate specific protease (Caspase-1) inhibitor group. The blank group did not receive any treatment, and the other groups established a rat model of coronary artery disease by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery, but the sham-operation group was only threaded without ligation. After that, the sham-operated and model groups were gavaged with 0.1 ml/kg distilled water, the ZTY group was gavaged with 13.6 g/kg ZTY decoction based on the previous study, and the Caspase-1 inhibitor group was injected intraperitoneally with 3 mg/kg Ac-YVAD-cmk solvent once a day for four consecutive weeks. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes, HE staining was used to observe the morphology of cardiac tissue, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) was used to detect serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the rats. In addition, fluorescent probe was used to detect serum Reactive oxygen species (ROS). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of mRNAs of ASC, Nlrp3, Caspase-1 and gasdermin-D (GSDMD), and the protein expression of Caspase-1 and GSDMD was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: There was no significant difference between the results of the blank and sham-operated groups. Compared with the blank group, the transmission electron microscopy results showed swollen and ruptured cardiomyocyte membranes in the model group, with pore formation, severe mitochondrial swelling, membrane lysis, and cristae breakage. The staining results showed myofibril breakage, severe intercellular oedema and vacuolation in the model group. The inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-18, CRP and ROS were significantly elevated (P β, IL-18, CRP, ROS and the expression of ASC, Nlrp3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD mRNA were significantly elevated (P Conclusion: ZTY can reduce myocardial injury by lowering the expression of ROS and other inflammatory factors, inhibiting Caspase-1 mediated cellular pyroptosis, thus reducing myocardial inflammation and protecting cardiomyocytes.

Direct measurement of the Raman enhancement factor of rhodamine 6G on graphene under resonant excitation

Graphene substrates have recently been found to generate Raman enhancement. Systematic studies using different Raman probes have been implemented, but one of the most commonly used Raman probes, rhodamine 6G （R6G）, has yielded controversial results for the enhancement effect on graphene. Indeed, the Raman enhancement factor of R6G induced by graphene has never been measured directly under resonant excitation because of the presence of intense fluorescence backgrounds. In this study, a polarization-difference technique is used to suppress the fluorescence background by subtracting two spectra collected using different excitation laser polarizations. As a result, enhancement factors are obtained ranging between 1.7 and 5.6 for the four Raman modes of R6G at 611, 1,183, 1,361, and 1,647 cm-~ under resonant excitation by a 514.5 nm laser. By comparing these results with the results obtained under non-resonant excitation （632.8 nm） and pre-resonant excitation （593 nm）, the enhancement can be attributed to static chemical enhancement （CHEM） and tuning of the molecular resonance. Density functional theory simulations reveal that the orbital energies and densities for R6G are modified bv ~raphene dots.