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Background: Gout is a hyperuricemia (HUA)-related inflammatory reaction in the joints. Leech therapy has been effective in the gout, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Objectives: In this study, an exploration of the therapeutic mechanism of leech therapy in HUA and gouty arthritis (GA) rats was done. Material and methods: HUA and GA construction utilizing sodium urate crystal, the potassium form of oxygen oxazine acid, and adenine. Serum and tissues were collected to measure uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), and urea nitrogen (UN). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was executed to evaluate the levels of xanthine oxidase (XOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The expression of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette efflux transporter G2 (ABCG2) and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) were assessed by Western blot and visualized in immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Leech therapy reduces the levels of UA, Cr, and UN as well as the liver and serum levels of XOD activity, increasing the expressions of GLUT9, ABCG2, and OAT3 in the kidney. Meanwhile, it reduces joint swelling and lowers the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR2, and NF-kB. Conclusions: Leech therapy regulates the metabolism of uric acid and treats gouty arthritis with an anti-inflammatory effect.

AbstractInsoluble humic substances-humin (HM) are ubiquitous in the environment and often coexist with iron reducers. Previous research has focused on the electron-donating process from HM to iron reducers; however, the reduction process of HM by iron reducers and its impact on the fate of typical contaminants are still poorly understood. In this study, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was selected as a model iron reducer, and its ability to reduce HM and the potential environmental impact of bioreduced HM were investigated. The results showed that S. oneidensis MR-1 reduced HMs extracted from different sources to different extents. This process is highly dependent on lactate concentration, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen concentration. Alginate bead experiments indicated that the indirect pathway accounted for 40% of the total electrons transferred from S. oneidensis MR-1 to HM. Electrochemical and spectrochemical analyses further revealed that in addition to flavin, c-type cytochrome may mediate electron transfer. The quinone and iron components may be the main functional groups of HM that accept electrons. Finally, we showed that after being reduced by S. oneidensis MR-1, HM can act as an electron donor for microbial nitrate reduction and the chemical reduction of Cr(VI), with electron-mediation efficiencies of 93% and 56%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the strength requirements of aluminum/polytetrafluoroethylene (Al/PTFE) in practical applications, tungsten (W) whisker is added into the traditional formula Al/PTFE (26.5%/73.5%) to improve the dynamic compressive strength of the reactive material. Mechanical properties of reactive material specimens prepared by sintering are tested. In the results, it is shown that the dynamic compressive strength of Al/PTFE‐reactive material reinforced by tungsten whisker with volume fraction of 13.1% can reach 141 MPa at strain rate of 1800 s−1. The constitutive model of dynamic compression for tungsten‐whisker‐enhanced Al/PTFE‐reactive material is constructed, and the results are basically consistent with the experimental results. The quantitative impact energy release of reactive material specimens under vacuum environment are performed by using the two‐stage light gas gun loading system, and the quantitative impact release energies of Al/PTFE‐reactive material reinforced by tungsten whisker under different whisker percentage content and diameter are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair of bone defects from various causes remains a significant challenge in clinical settings. Piezoelectric materials have been demonstrated to promote osteogenic differentiation, among which barium titanate (BT) has been widely reported. Magnesium oxide (MgO) dopants not only enhance the piezoelectric properties but also stimulate the osteogenic and angiogenic properties in stem cells. In this study, a MgO‐modified BT/hydroxyapatite (MgO@BT/HA) piezoelectric ceramic scaffold was constructed using three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed technology. The results indicated that the addition of MgO improved the electrical properties of BT (d33 = 68.26 pC/N), and facilitated an increase in the proportion of HA (30%) while maintaining the piezoelectric coefficient (d33 = 2.04 pC/N) of the ceramic system. Furthermore, under the induction of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation, in vitro biosafety experiments confirmed that MgO@BT/HA exhibits excellent biosafety and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]