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In this paper, the intermetallic compound (IMC) growth behaviors of Sn/Cu and Sn–0.6SiC/Cu solder under isothermal aging (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 h) and thermal cycling (300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500 cycles) were studied. The results manifested that the IMC layer got thicker in Sn/Cu solder and Sn–0.6SiC/Cu solder as the aging time or thermal cycles increased, but the IMC thickness of Sn solder incorporated with silicon carbide nanowires (SiC NWs) was smaller than that of Sn solder in the same condition. According to the adsorption theory, SiC NWs would adsorb on the IMC grains and then reduce the surface tension of IMC, which made for the suppression of IMC growth. Also, SiC NWs could nail at grain boundaries and then prohibit the further growth of IMC grains. Thus, doping 0.6 wt% SiC NWs could reduce the size of IMC grains and decrease the diffusion coefficient of IMC growth, which led to prohibiting the interfacial IMC growth at solder/substrate under isothermal aging. During thermal cycling process, SiC NWs addition was beneficial to decrease the rate of IMC growth at the interface of Sn/Cu solder. Moreover, adding SiC NWs into Sn solder could improve the reliability of solder joints in that there were less cracks formed at IMC layer in Sn–SiC/Cu solder.

Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) expression is increased in podocytes of patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, the relevance of RANK to diabetic nephropathy pathobiology remains unclear. Here, to evaluate the role of podocyte RANK in the development of diabetic nephropathy, we generated a mouse model of podocyte-specific RANK depletion (RANK-/-Cre T), and a model of podocyte-specific RANK overexpression (RANK TG), and induced diabetes in these mice with streptozotocin. We found that podocyte RANK depletion alleviated albuminuria, mesangial matrix expansion, and basement membrane thickening, while RANK overexpression aggravated these indices in streptozotocin-treated mice. Moreover, streptozotocin-triggered oxidative stress was increased in RANK overexpression but decreased in the RANK depleted mice. Particularly, the expression of NADPH oxidase 4, and its obligate partner, P22phox, were enhanced in RANK overexpression, but reduced in RANK depleted mice. In parallel, the transcription factor p65 was increased in the podocyte nuclei of RANK overexpressing mice but decreased in the RANK depleted mice. The relevant findings were largely replicated with high glucose-treated podocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, p65 could bind to the promoter regions of NADPH oxidase 4 and P22phox, and increased their respective gene promoter activity in podocytes, dependent on the levels of RANK. Taken together, these findings suggested that high glucose induced RANK in podocytes and caused the increase of NADPH oxidase 4 and P22phox via p65, possibly together with the cytokines TNF- α, MAC-2 and IL-1 β, resulting in podocyte injury. Thus, we found that podocyte RANK was induced in the diabetic milieu and RANK mediated the development of diabetic nephropathy, likely by promoting glomerular oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine production.

It is well-known that effective charge transfer within the catalyst structure is critical to the improvement of the performance of catalytic reaction. Herein, we reported three functionalized polyo...

It is still rare for coordination complexes to achieve CO2 reduction reaction in water. Demonstrated here is the self-assembly and CO2 photoreduction performance of two thermodynamically reversibly converted polyoxo-titanium clusters (PTCs), Ti4-C8A and Ti7-C8A, using calix[8]arene with high molecular degrees of freedom and variable conformations as an organic “functional armor”. Because of the rich coordination sites and bridging modes of calix[8]arene, the obvious electron transfer effect generated between the titanium–oxo core and calix[8]arene ligand extended the light absorption of the two PTCs from the traditional ultraviolet to the visible region. Moreover, the hydrophobic benzene groups in calix[8]arene endowed the two clusters with high structural and chemical stability in aqueous solutions with different pH values. On this foundation, these two stable and photosensitive clusters were used as heterogeneous molecular photocatalysts for efficient CO2 reduction in water (with triethanolamine as a sacrificial agent) and they exhibited very high CO2-to-HCOO− conversion activity and selectivity. Most importantly, this is the first report of molecular coordination complexes in water containing a sacrificial agent to perform heterogeneous CO2 reduction reaction.

Efficient conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value-added products is essential for clean energy research. Design of stable, selective, and powerful electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is highly desirable yet largely unmet. In this work, a series of metalloporphyrin-tetrathiafulvalene based covalent organic frameworks (M-TTCOFs) are designed. Tetrathiafulvalene, serving as electron donator or carrier, can construct an oriented electron transmission pathway with metalloporphyrin. Thus-obtained M-TTCOFs can serve as electrocatalysts with high FECO (91.3%, −0.7 V) and possess high cycling stability (>40 h). In addition, after exfoliation, the FECO value of Co-TTCOF nanosheets (~5 nm) is higher than 90% in a wide potential range from −0.6 to −0.9 V and the maximum FECO can reach up to almost 100% (99.7%, −0.8 V). The electrocatalytic CO2RR mechanisms are discussed and revealed by density functional theory calculations. This work paves a new way in exploring porous crystalline materials in electrocatalytic CO2RR., The study of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has drawn much attention. Here the authors show a series of tetrathiafulvalene based COFs designed and exfoliated into nanosheets which exhibit high electrocatalytic CO2RR performance.

Aiming at the most enhancing the catalytic performance of simple and cheap cobalt(II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (Co TPyP), guided by the nowadays-advanced various technologies, Co TPyP was anchored onto nanoporous bar with thiol-functionalized silica (npb-SiO2-SH). The resulting npb-SiO2-S-Co TPyP catalyst was characterized using various techniques, determining its structure. The total surface area ratios (TSAR) of the immobilized cobalt porphyrin to the npb-SiO2-SH, and the catalytic cyclohexane oxidation reaction conditions were at the same time optimized via Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Compared with those obtained from traditional optimizing method (TOM), on average, RSM could enhance as high as more than 60% catalyst turnover frequency (TOF) and yields of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil). The anchored 0.05 mg Co TPyP could catalyze the oxidation of 200 mL of cyclohexane, under not using any solvents and additives, offering 2.5 × 106 1/h of TOF, and 19% of yields. The npb-SiO2-S (20%-0.0438)-Co TPyP catalyst showed better reusability, excellent catalytic

We aimed at elevating catalytic performances of cobalt tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (Co TPFPP) through axial coordination, nanocavities, and covalently grafting action. The Co TPFPP was immobilized onto nanoporous and nonporous chitosan, forming Co TPFPP/np‐ and nonp‐CTS catalysts, respectively. The catalysts were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The catalytic performances of these catalysts for cyclohexane oxidation under response‐surface‐methodology‐optimized oxidation reaction conditions were estimated and compared. Co TPFPP/np‐CTS was an excellent catalyst at aspect of catalytic activity, exhibiting the considerable potential reusability, 24.2 mol % yields (KA oil : cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol) in average, and total turnover frequencies (TOFs) of 3.25×106 h−1. This is attributed to the structural characteristics of the Co TPFPP/np‐CTS catalyst: the cobalt porphyrin molecules could be highly scattered on CTS, forming the independent active sites, and were not leached. The axial coordination exerted the most important effect on the catalytic activity, and the covalent grafting action had a decisive effect on the increase of the total TOFs and on the reusability of the catalyst.

We investigated the effect of a lemon-peel extract in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis and SW1353 chondrocytes. The rats were divided into control (sham), rheumatoid arthritis (control), extract (150 mg/kg bwt) and extract (300 mg/kg bwt) groups. Pyrogallic acid, caffeic acid, eugenol, p-coumaric acid, p‑hydroxyl benzoic acid, resorcinol, salicylic acid, luteoline, quercetin, chrysin, and luteolin-3‑methoxy‑7-rutinoside were noted in the extracts. The extract was administered orally for five consecutive weeks, and antioxidant and inflammatory markers were investigated. Extracts markedly increased the plasma levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and zinc, and reduced those of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, uric acid, ceruloplasmin, copper, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and prostaglandin E2. Moreover, the extracts reduced the serum levels of interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Extracts at 50, 100 and 150 mg/L reduced chondrocyte proliferation by 20.9, 38.8, and 52.1%, respectively, and reduced the reactive oxygen species and NF-κB levels by > 40%. Furthermore, the lemon-peel extract at 50, 100 and 150 mg/L reduced the xanthine oxidase level by 0.26-, 0.55- and 0.89-fold, respectively. Taking all these data together, it is suggested the lemon peel extract ameliorated rheumatoid arthritis, reduced the SW1353 chondrocyte proliferation, ROS, inflammatory cytokines, and xanthine oxidase levels.

Background: Berberine (BBR) has the beneficial effects of anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, and anti-diabetes. The clinical application of BBR has been hindered by its poor gastrointestinal absorption. Stachyose (Sta), a prebiotic agent, improves the composition of gut microbiota and benefits for diabetes. We therefore investigated whether Sta improves the anti-diabetic actions of BBR using type 2 diabetic KKAy mice.Methods: KKAy mice were randomly divided into four groups: Con, Sta (200 mg/kg), BBR (100 mg/kg), and BBR+Sta (BBR: 100 mg/kg, Sta: 200 mg/kg). Mice were administered intragastrically once daily for 8 weeks. The mice weight, glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, and levels of insulin, glucagon, and inflammatory cytokines were monitored. Oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests were performed; protein and gene expression levels were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR, respectively; gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces were analyzed.Results: The combination of BBR and Sta is more effective than BBR alone in blood glucose control, improvement of insulin resistance and islet functions, inflammatory mediators decrease, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrates that both BBR and combination treatments enhance the abundance of Bacteroidaceae and Akkermansiaceae and decrease Lachnospiraceae levels, whereas Akkermansiaceae elevation due to the administration of BBR with Sta is more significant than BBR alone. Interestingly, the proportion of Lactobacillaceae increases with combination treatment, but is diminished by BBR treatment. Additionally, BBR with Sta significantly reduces the concentrations of fecal SCFAs compared to BBR.Conclusions: The combination of BBR and Sta imparts better effects on the maintenance of glycemia and intestinal homeostasis than BBR alone by modulating gut microbiota and SCFAs, thereby providing a novel approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Polyoxometalates, a class of discrete nanoscale molecular metal-oxo clusters, have excellent catalytic and photoelectric/electrochromic properties due to their excellent electronic storage and redox capacity. They possess of plenty of potential applications as efficient catalysts in the development of clean and green fuels. However, polyoxometalates are easy to agglomerate and deactivate in the catalytic process, and possess of low specific surface area. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to introduce polyoxometalates into crystalline porous materials with well-defined structure, modifiable channels and high porosity. The introduction of transition metal into polyoxometalates can not only regulate their charge number, but also optimize their band structure. As well known, polyoxometalates, as one kind of unique metal oxide cluster, have been considered as promising secondary building units for construction of porous frameworks because of their adjustable compositions, variable topologies and oxygen-rich surface as well as their diverse physical and chemical properties. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to introducing polyoxometalates into frameworks to functionalize porous frameworks materials. So, these transition metal-centered polyoxometalates should be ideal building units for the design and synthesis of porous crystalline framework materials. These crystalline materials are expected to be used in the fields of single-molecule magnets, photocatalytic water splitting, desulfurization and so on. This review is directed to cover the main advances on the development of transition metal-centered polyoxometalate-based framework materials. In the past several decades, researchers have synthesized 1:12 Keggin type and Silverton type polyoxometalate, Anderson type polyoxometalate Waugh type polyoxometalate, Evans-Showell type polyoxometalate and heteropolyvanadate-based framework materials by hydrothermal method and conventional aqueous solution method. The water oxidation and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants of the framework materials were detailly studied. For example, the Keggin anion [CoW12O40]6– turned into an efficient and robust electrocatalyst upon its confinement in the well-defined void space of metal-organic framework (ZIF-8). In the electrocatalytic process, the [H6CoW12O40]@ZIF-8 composite crystalline framework materials is very stable for water oxidation that could retain its initial activity even after 1000 catalytic cycles. The catalyst has a turnover frequency (TOF) of 10.8 mol O2 (mol Co) –1s–1, one of the highest TOFs for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution at neutral pH. Further, the POM-based crystalline framework materials were used for oxidative desulfurization and the decomposition of chemical warfare agent. In these fields, the porous frameworks with catalytic active manganese(IV)-containing heteropolyvanadate [MnV13O38]7- as nodes and rare earth ions as linking units have been successfully prepared. These multifunctional polyoxometalate-based porous framework materials exhibit selective adsorption behavior and remarkable catalytic activity as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of sulfides. A novel manganese(IV)-containing symmetrical heteropolyvanadate K7 [ MnV13O38] · 18H2O to K4Li2[MnV14O40] · 21H2O was also prepared, which is an deficient catalyst for the oxidation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide with tert-butyl hydroperoxide oxidizing agent. In this catalytic process, a TON of 40 is achieved in 8 h, showing potential application toward air decontamination technology. The results show that the transition metal-centered polyoxometalate-based crystalline framework materials possess of many functionalities, especially as excellent catalysts. In this paper, the research progress of crystalline framework materials constructed from transition metal-centered polyoxometalates is systematically summarized, and the challenges and opportunities in this field are also presented.

Manganese tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin chloride was grafted onto powdered chitosan via an acid–base reaction and ligation. The grafted catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry and thermogravimetry. Ethylbenzene oxidation with O[Formula: see text] by the catalyst in the absence of additives and solvents can achieve moderate yields (approximately 30%) of acetophenone and phenethyl alcohol. The grafted catalyst can be reused four times for oxidation reactions. The results indicate that the catalytic activity of manganese tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin chloride is promoted by the ligation and grafting function of the amino groups in the powdered chitosan.

A novel 3D composite of gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-decorated MnO2-graphene (GP)-carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated by drop casting the as-synthesized AuNP/MnO2-GP-CNT suspension onto the surface of GCE. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate the successful formation of AuNPs/MnO2-GP-CNT composite step by step from the precursor of CNTs. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) results show the AuNPs/MnO2-GP-CNTs/GCE exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity towards oxidation of nitrite in a 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.0) compared to the MnO2-GP-CNTs/GCE. The result of amperometric response indicates that the AuNPs/MnO2-GP-CNTs/GCE can be used to determine nitrite concentration in a wide linear range of 1.0 and 2896 μM with a detection limit of 0.05 μM. The developed method can be successfully applied for determination of nitrite in water samples.

Ellagic acid (EA) is a naturally phenolic acid presented in different foods. It has a variety of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbiological and anti-cancer properties. On account of its antioxidant activity, EA might protect cancer cells from free radical damage in photodynamic therapy (PDT) during which reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was stimulated leading to irreversible tumor cell injury. In this study, the influence of EA on K562 cells in 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-based PDT is demonstrated. Cell apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry. Oxidative damage induced by PDT was investigated by measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA). Comet assay was used to evaluate the potential genotoxic effect induced by PDT on the cells. The results showed that EA supplementation alone did not affect the lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and apoptosis in K562 cells. It increases the lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, apoptosis and decreases the survival rate in K562 cells induced by ALA-PDT. The singlet oxygen quencher sodium azide suppresses apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage induced by EA in PDT. In conclusion, EA consumption during PDT did not decrease the effectiveness of cancer therapy on malignant cells. The effect of antioxidants on PDT maybe was determined by its sensitization ability to singlet oxygen.

2D graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has attracted great attention as one of the rising-star candidates for prominent water-splitting photocatalysts. Here, we report an extremely facile one-step, template-free method to synthesize ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets (CN-UMF) by thermal polycondensation of urea simply covered with kitchen-available melamine foam (MF). Compared with g-C3N4 agglomerates (CN-U) prepared without the covering of MF, the as-synthesized CN-UMF has an average thickness of about 4.5 nm and an enlarged surface area of 150.3 m2 g−1, leading to enhanced visible light absorption and charge carrier separation abilities. Therefore, it is able to serve as an efficient water-splitting photocatalyst to result in an outstanding hydrogen production rate of 5498 μmol g−1 h−1. This work provides a new facile strategy for the scalable synthesis of 2D g-C3N4 photocatalysts and paves the way for batch and green production of other 2D materials with good performance.

Hypertension is one of the most common complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Some research has indicated that changes in large artery function especially caused by thromboxane A2 (TXA2) may be a novel factor acting to induce hypertension in CKD. We studied the 5/6 nephrectomy rat model and measured serum levels of creatinine (Cr), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), TXA2-stable metabolites (thromboxane B2, TXB2), and caudal artery pressure after nephrectomy. The tension variations in thoracic aortas were measured after stimulating by vasoconstrictor/vasodilator using the cumulative concentration administration method and then tested the expression of TXA2 receptors in the thoracic aortas through western blots. The CKD rats developed uremia, electrolyte imbalances，and hypertension. They also exhibited a significant increase in TXB2 concentration. The aortic rings of CKD rats showed an increased contraction response to U46619 (a TXA2 analogue) and the expression of TXA2 receptors also enhanced. In the meanwhile, the diastolic function decreased in the CKD group. Our results demonstrate that the impairment of artery contractile function caused by the increase of TXA2 receptors on the wall of aortic rings may be involved in hypertension in CKD rats.

Background To investigate dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for assessing histopathological and molecular biological features in induced rat epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs). Methods 7,12-dimethylbenz[A]anthracene (DMBA) was applied to induce EOCs in situ in 46 SD rats. Conventional MRI and DCE-MRI were performed to evaluate the morphology and perfusion features of the tumors, including the time-signal intensity curve (TIC), volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep), extravascular extracellular space volume ratio (Ve) and initial area under the curve (IAUC). DCE-MRI parameters were correlated with histological grade, microvascular density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fraction of Ki67-positive cells and the serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA125). Results Thirty-five of the 46 rats developed EOCs. DCE-MRI showed type III TIC more frequently than type II (29/35 vs. 6/35, p 0.05). Ktrans, Kep and IAUC values were positively correlated with MVD, VEGF and Ki67 expression (all p 0.05). Conclusions TIC types and perfusion parameters of DCE-MRI can reflect tumor grade, angiogenesis and cell proliferation to some extent, thereby helping treatment planning and predicting prognosis.

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the alterations in TXA2 receptor signal transduction in type 2 diabetic renal arteries. The contraction of renal arterial rings in control (db/m+) mice and type 2 diabetic (db/db) mice was measured by a Multi Myograph System. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in vascular smooth muscle cells was measured by Fluo-4/AM dye and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to determine gene and protein expression levels, respectively. A stable TXA2 mimic U46619 caused markedly stronger dose-dependent contractions in the renal arteries of db/db mice than in those of db/m+ mice. This response was completely blocked by a TXA2 receptor antagonist GR32191 and significantly inhibited by U73122. U46619-induced vasoconstriction was increased in the presence of nifedipine in db/db mice compared with that in db/m+ mice, whereas the response to U46619 did not differ between the two groups in the presence of SKF96365. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release-mediated and CaCl2-induced contractions did not differ between the two groups. In db/db mice, store-operated Ca2+(SOC) entry-mediated contraction in the renal arteries and SOC entry-mediated Ca2+ influx in smooth muscle cells were significantly increased. And the gene and protein expressions of TXA2 receptors, Orai1 and Stim1 were upregulated in the diabetic renal arteries. Therefore the enhancement of U46619-induced contraction was mediated by the upregulation of TXA2 receptors and downstream signaling in the diabetic renal arteries.

Objectives This study was designed to assess the effects of plumbagin on isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity. Methods Neonatal Sprague Dawley rat pups were treated with plumbagin (50, 100 or 150 mg/kg body weight, orally) from postnatal day 2. The pups on postnatal day 7 were subjected to isoflurane (0.75%) exposure for 6 h. Neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal tissues was detected by TUNEL assay and FluroJade B staining following isoflurane exposure. Protein expressions were analysed by immunoblotting. RT-PCR was performed to assess mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB. Key findings We observed reduced apoptosis in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus regions along with severely reduced pro-apoptotic factors (Bad, Bax and cleaved caspase-3) expression and raised levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin, xIAP and cIAPs (cell survival proteins) in plumbagin supplemented rats. Decrease in the levels of JNK, phospho-JNK, c-Jun and phospho-c-Jun with enhanced ERK1/2 levels was observed on plumbagin pretreatment. Down-regulated PI3K/Akt signalling following isoflurane was activated by plumbagin as evidenced by raised PI3K/Akt pathway proteins – mTORc1, Akt, phospho-Akt, GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β, PTEN and NF-κBp65 in the hippocampal tissues as detected by Western blotting. The mRNA levels were enhanced on plumbagin supplementation. Conclusions Plumbagin exerted its neuroprotective effects by effectively suppressing isoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis via regulating BDNF-TrkB-PI3/Akt and ERK/JNK signalling.

This study investigates how ligands modulate metalloporphyrin activity with the goal of producing a practical biomimetic catalyst for use in the chemical industry. We immobilized iron porphyrinate [iron-tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin; Fe(III) (TPPS)] on powdered chitosan (pd-CTS) to form an immobilized catalyst Fe(III) (TPPS)/pd-CTS, which was characterized using modern spectroscopic techniques and used for catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane with O2. Amino coordination to iron porphyrin in Fe(III) (TPPS)/pd-CTS altered the electron cloud density around the iron cation, probably by reducing the activation energy of Fe(III) (TPPS) and raising the reactivity of the iron ion catalytic center, thereby improving the catalytic efficiency. One milligram of Fe(III) (TPPS) catalyst can be reused three times for the oxidation reaction to yield an average of 22.9 mol% of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol.

Hypertension is one of the risk factors for coronary heart disease. The present study investigated the mechanism of contractile dysfunction induced by serotonin (5-HT) in coronary artery in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Coronary arteries were isolated form SHRs and Wistar rats. Arterial ring contraction was measured using a multi myograph system. Intracellular calcium concentration was measured with a Ca2+ probe fluo-4/AM in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from coronary arteries. Signaling pathway-related proteins were assayed by western blotting. A 5-HT2A receptor blocker, sarpogrelate, completely eliminated coronary artery contraction induced by 5-HT. PLCβ inhibitor U73122 also significantly inhibited the response to 5-HT. Compared with the Wistar rats, serotonin (5-HT)- and CaCl2-induced coronary vasoconstriction in the SHRs was significantly reduced. Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor Y27632, PKC inhibitor rottlerin, and L-type calcium channel blocker nifedipine inhibited the 5-HT-induced coronary artery contraction in a dose-dependent manner in SHRs and Wistar rats. However, the inhibitory effects were reduced in SHRs. In addition, store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) induced an obvious Ca2+ influx in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells, whereas SOC-mediated contraction was very slight in coronary arteries. At the same time, it was found that 5-HT2AR, IP3R, and Cav1.2 protein expression and PKCδ activity were decreased, and STIM1 and Orai1 were increased in VSMCs from coronary arteries of SHRs compared with Wistar rats. These results implicate calcium-handling dysfunction mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor and downstream signaling pathway might lead to a reduction in 5-HT-induced contraction in SHR coronary arteries.

Qi Zhang,1 Jing Nie,2 Su-Juan Chen,2 Qiang Li2 1Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; 2School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactive constituents of Qingwen Baidu Decoction (QBD) in a rat model of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our previous studies showed that ethyl gallate (EG) and pentagalloylglucose (PGG) were the active components of QBD for the treatment of ALI. Materials and methods: We isolated two compounds and identified the structures of them by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometer. Lung injury was induced by intratracheal instillation with LPS (5 mg/kg). Rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control group; LPS group; 5 mL/kg DEX + LPS group; 6.6 g/kg QBD extract + LPS group; 17.16 mg/kg PGG + LPS group; 7.26 mg/kg EG + LPS group. The effects of compounds on LPS-induced the number of total cells, neutrophils influx, protein leakage, W/D weight ratio and pulmonary histological changes were examined. Results: The results demonstrated that pretreatment with EG and PGG could notably inhibit lung edema and attenuate the pulmonary histological changes (P

A novel binuclear Cu(II) complex based on ferrocene dicarboxylate was synthesized through ultrasonic and solvothermal processes and its structure confirmed by spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrum (UV–Vis) and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). Structural characterization of the complex was performed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermal stability of it was perused via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The title Cu(II) complex was used as an effective sensor for H2O2. The electrochemical method is one of the most effective methods for material sensing. In many electrochemical techniques to increase the efficiency of activity, the electrochemically active agent is supported on a substrate. Instead of using substrate, the chemical active agent can be applied as a part of the complex structure. In this work, ferrocene dicarboxylate as an active agent in the Cu(II) complex has been used for sensing of H2O2. Due to the effect of particle size on electrochemical activity, the nano-sized complex was synthesized by ultrasonic technique (as an environmentally friendly method) and also, CuO nanoparticles were also obtained by thermal decomposition of ultrasonic treated complex at 500 °C. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As well as, they were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental mapping.

The responses of Vallisneria natans to different water depths were analyzed in potted plants cultivated in a pond. The aim of the present study was to outline the effects of turbid water (i.e. low light) on the morphological parameters and photosynthetic efficiency of V. natans. After 60 days, V. natans plants of morphological characteristics (blade length, width, area, and growth rate) at a depth of 140–170 cm showed a significant decrease with increasing water depth and each parameter was negatively correlated with water depth (p < 0.01); the growth rate was remarkably inhibited with increasing water depth. The portion of light energy absorbed for electron transfer through the antenna pigments gradually decreased at a water depth of 120–170 cm and the concentration of electrons involved in CO2 fixation and qP decreased. However, qN exhibited an opposite trend in the leaves (p < 0.01). The utilized light intensity decreased with the increasing depth. Thus, both the morphology and physiology of V....

To mimic the activity regulated by a cysteinate axial ligand in cytochrome P450 enzymes, metal tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrins (M TCPP) were immobilized on ZnS. They were characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques and were used as a catalyst for cyclohexane oxidation. The small amount of metal (Co, Fe, or Mn) TCPP (1.1 μmol) in the immobilized catalyst could be reused three times for oxidation, providing more than 6.5 × 105 turnover number and 20% molar yield of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil) on average. The coordination of ZnS played a key role. These catalysts were applied to green catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane to produce KA oil products.

To understand the role of a cysteinate axial ligand in cytochrome P450 enzyme activity and to explore the actions of the axial ligand in a biomimetic catalyst, tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin manganese chloride (Mn TCPP) was acylated and ligated onto powdered chitosan (pd-CTS). The grafted material was used as a catalyst for the oxidation of ethylbenzene with molecular oxygen. Common spectroscopic techniques, in particular X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, were used to characterize the grafted material. We found that the coordination of chitosan to manganese porphyrin changed the electron cloud densities of the manganese ion in the catalytic center. This promoted cleavage of the Mn–Cl bond in the Mn TCPP/pd-CTS, it tripled the catalytic activity of manganese tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin and the catalytic efficiency of the metalloporphyrin. The catalyst decreased the environmental impact of the oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone and phenethyl alcohol.

In this study, toad venom (TV) and realgar were loaded into a poloxamer 188/407 (F127/F188)-based temperature-sensitive in situ gel (TISG) and encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (TV-SLN) or ground nano-realgar (NR) to improve drug release and reduce local irritation after vaginal administration. The combination of TV-SLN and NR (TV-SLN/NR) greatly enhanced the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and was most effective at a dose ratio of 2:3 (w/w). After TV-SLN/NR treatment, S and G0/G1 phase arrest were observed in HeLa and SKOV-3 cells and the inhibitory effects on proliferation were stronger than those in the conventional powder group. The gelation temperature of TV-SLN and NR-loaded TISG (TV-SLN/NR-TISG) using the selected formulation was 33 ± 0.91 °C. The cumulative release of the drug increased as the dissolution of gel progressed, showing a linear relationship (r > 0.99). TV-SLN/NR-TISG enabled the sustained release of cargo by adhesion to the vaginal mucosa and showed excellent biocompatibility during continuous administration for 7 days. We specifically demonstrated the effectiveness of the TISG for the vaginal delivery of TV-SLN and NR, supporting its important clinical implications for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Isorhamnetin is one of the most important active ingredients in the fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides L. and the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L., which possesses extensive pharmacological activities. At present, there have been numerous investigations on isorhamnetin, which has the effects of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, organ protection, prevention of obesity, etc. The related mechanisms involve the regulation of PI3K/AKT/PKB, NF-κB, MAPK and other signaling pathways as well as the expression of related cytokines and kinases. Isorhamnetin has a high value of development and application. However, the investigations on its mechanism of action are limited and lack of detailed scientific validation. The manuscript reviewed the pharmacological effects of isorhamnetin and related mechanisms of action for the development of its medicinal properties further.

To simulate the active site cavity structure function and axial coordination of cytochrome P-450 enzymes, mesoporous chitosan(mesp-CTS) was used as a scaffold for a meso-sized cavity to immobilize cobalt tetrakis(p-sulphophenyl)porphyrin chloride(Co TPPS). Immobilization was achieved via an acid–base reaction and axial coordination of the H2N-C group to the Co ion in Co TPPS, thus forming the biomimetic catalyst Co TPPS/mesp-CTS. Several approaches, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET)technique, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used to characterize the grafted catalyst. The catalytic performance of Co TPPS/mesp-CTS in ethylbenzene oxidation without any solvents and additives was investigated. The results showed that only 0.96 × 10 mol of Co TPPS grafted onto mesp-CTS could be recycled three times for 200 mL of ethylbenzene oxidation, with an average yield of 44.6% and selectivity of 68.8%. The highly efficient catalysis can be attributed to promotion by mesp-CTS, including the effect of the mesoporous structure and the axial coordination to the Co ion in Co TPPS. This biomimetic methodology provides a method for clean production of acetophenone via ethylbenzene oxidation.

The purpose of this study was to determine the ion release from four commercially available pit-and-fissure sealants [3M Clinpro, 3M Concise™, BeautiSealant (BS), and GI FX-II)]. With each brand, 18 specimens were prepared. Their fluoride release in de-ionized water was measured by fluoride electrode, while the release of silicate (Si), aluminum (Al), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), and phosphorus (P) was measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The result showed that fluoride was not released from 3M Concise™. GI FX-II displayed the largest fluoride release, which, however, dropped rapidly on day 3. 3M Clinpro exhibited less fluoride release than GI FX-II and BS did. At any time during the 28-day experimental period, GI FX-II released more Na than the other sealants (P

C40H44CuO4Fe2N6, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.4758(4) Å, b = 7.7447(5) Å, c = 16.2929(10) Å, α = 87.111(2)°, β = 85.196(2)°, γ = 89.736(2)°, V = 938.82(10) Å3, Z = 1, R gt(F) = 0.0672, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1316, T = 150(2) K.

Mechanochemistry as an energy-saving and highly efficient synthetic method emerges great potential in various chemical syntheses. The multi-phase compatibilizer polypropylene (PP) grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH) and styrene (St) (PP-g-(MAH-co-St)) was successfully obtained by mechanochemical method without any solvent within minutes. The PP-g-(MAH-co-St) with G MAH = 0.24–1.40 % were made by mechanochemistry successfully. The impact of monomers concentration, initiator concentrations, particle size of PP, ball-milling time and ball-milling speed on the grafting proportion of MAH onto PP (G MAH) was also investigated. The optimum conditions for PP-g-(MAH-co-St) (G MAH = 1.40 %) by ball milling were particle size of PP, 0.150–0.250 (mm); MAH/PP ratio, 6 % (m/m); St/PP ratio, 6 % (m/m); DCP/PP ratio, 0.3 % (m/m) at 400 r/min in 30 min. Infrared (IR) spectra and 1H NMR spectra confirmed the incorporation of MAH and St onto the PP backbone, which also indicated ball milling was an efficient and effective way for the graft of PP-g-(MAH-co-St).

The diagenesis and porosity evolution of the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao sandstones were analyzed based on petrographic observations, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy observations, carbon and oxygen stable isotope geochemistry, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and thermal and burial history modeling results. The point count data show that secondary pores (av. 5.5 %) are more abundant than primary pores (av. 3.7 %) and are thus the dominant pore type in the Shaximiao sandstones. Analysis of porosity evolution indicates that alteration of sandstones mainly occurred during two paragenetic stages. Mechanical compaction and cementation by early chlorite, calcite, and quartz typically decrease the depositional porosity (40.9 %) by an average of 37.2 %, leaving porosity of 3.7 % after stage I ( 120 °C, 125–0 Ma), the precipitation of late chlorite, calcite, quartz, and kaolinite destroyed 3.3 % porosity, leaving porosity of 9.2 % in the rock today.

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) plays a protective role in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. In this study, we further investigate the relationship between H 2 S and conventional protein kinase CβII (cPKCβII) in CHD patients with uremic accelerated atherosclerosis (UAAS). Methods: A total of 30 healthy people, 30 CHD patients without AS and 30 CHD patients with AS (CHD + AS) were studied. Plasma H 2 S was measured with a sulfide sensitive electrode, and cPKCβII membrane translocation was detected by Western blotting. Results: Plasma H 2 S in CHD + AS group was significantly lower than that in CHD patients. cPKCβII membrane translocation in CHD + AS group increased significantly compared with CHD group. Plasma H 2 S concentration was negatively correlated with cPKCβII membrane translocation in CHD + AS patients. Conclusions: These findings suggest a possible linkage between H 2 S metabolism and cPKCβII activation, which may contribute to the development of UAAS in CHD patients.

It was reported that liquid-electrolyte-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are “majority carrier” devices where the internal electric field is screened off; accordingly, the electrons travel through the TiO2 nanoparticles by diffusion rather than drift, resulting in “sticky” electrons which undergo frequent trapping and detrapping. We report here the drift transport observed in I−/I3− electrolyte-based DSSCs by using a 3-dimensional (3-D) transparent conducting oxide (TCO) such as fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) coated with TiO2 as the photoanode. By re-allocating the charge transport process, the thin TiO2 layer (20–30 nm) covering the entire TCO scaffold leads to a striking reduction in charge transport distance by a factor of 102 to 103. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study indicates that it is viable to establish a potential gradient in the 3-D TCO scaffold; thus, the electron transport in this 3-D TCO structure exhibits field-driven drift behaviour, which is verified by the linear dependence of electron lifetime on the photovoltage, along with the virtual independence of electron transport resistance with respect to the bias voltage in spite of the use of the liquid I−/I3− electrolyte.

Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Erhuang Formula (EHF) and explore its pharmacological mechanisms on adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF). Materials and methods The compounds in EHF were analyzed by HPLC/MS. Adenine-induced CRF rats were administrated by EHF. The effects were evaluated by renal function examination and histology staining. Immunostaining of some proteins related cell adhesion was performedin renal tissues, including E-cadherin, β-catenin, fibronectin and laminin. The qRT-PCR was carried out determination of gene expression related inflammation and fibrosis including NF-κB, TNF-α, TGF-β1, α-SMA and osteopontin (OPN). Results Ten compounds in EHF were identified including liquiritigenin, farnesene, vaccarin, pachymic acid, cycloastragenol, astilbin, 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptemthoxyflavone, physcion, emodin and curzerene. Abnormal renal function and histology had significant improvements by EHF treatment. The protein expression of β-catenin, fibronectin and laminin were significantly increased and the protein expression of E-cadherin significantly decreased in CRF groups. However, these protein expressions were restored to normal levels in EHF group. Furthermore, low expression of PPARγ and high expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, TGF-β1, α-SMA and OPN were substantially restored by EHF treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions EHF ameliorated renal damage in adenine-induced CRF rats, and the mechanisms might involve in the inhibition of inflammatory and fibrotic responses and the regulation of PPARγ, NF-κB and TGF-β signaling pathways.

Qingwen Baidu Decoction (QBD) is an extraordinarily “cold” formula. It was traditionally used to cure epidemic hemorrhagic fever, intestinal typhoid fever, influenza, sepsis and so on. The purpose of this study was to discover relationships between the change of the constituents in different extracts of QBD and the pharmacological effect in a rat model of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The study aimed to discover the changes in constituents of different QBD extracts and the pharmacological effects on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by LPS. The results demonstrated that high dose and middle dose of QBD had significantly potent anti-inflammatory effects and reduced pulmonary edema caused by ALI in rats (p < 0.05). To explore the underlying constituents of QBD, we assessed its influence of six different QBD extracts on ALI and analyzed the different constituents in the corresponding HPLC chromatograms by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. The results showed that the pharmacological effect of QBD was related to the polarity of its extracts, and the medium polarity extracts E2 and E5 in particular displayed much better protective effects against ALI than other groups. Moreover, HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and PCA analysis showed that verbascoside and angoroside C played a key role in reducing pulmonary edema. In addition, the current study revealed that ethyl gallate, pentagalloylglucose, galloyl paeoniflorin, mudanpioside C and harpagoside can treat ALI mainly by reducing the total cells and infiltration of activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs).

An aryl benzyl ester dendritic axially substituted silicon (IV) phthalocyanine, a di-{3,5-di-(4-methoxycarbonyl group benzyloxy) benzyloxy) benzyloxy} axially substituted silicon (IV) phthalocyanine (DSiPc) was synthesized. Its structure was characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, IR and ESI-MS. The photophysical property of DSiPc was studied by steady and time-resolved spectroscopic methods. The steric hindrance of dendritic structure can reduced the aggregation efficiently. The photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer between this novel macromolecule and benzoquinone was studied. The results showed that the fluorescence emission of this dendritic phthalocyanine could be quenched by BQ. Therefore, this novel dendritic phthalocyanine was an effective new electron donor and transmission complex could be used as a potential artificial photosynthesis system.

Spinal cord injury causes sensory loss below the level of lesion. Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25) is a t-SNARE protein essential for exocytosis and neurotransmitter release, but its role in sensory functional recovery has not been determined. The aim of the present study is therefore to investigate whether SNAP25 can promote sensory recovery. By 2D proteomics, we found a downregulation of SNAP25 and then constructed two lentiviral vectors, Lv-exSNAP25 and Lv-shSNAP25, which allows efficient and stable RNAi-mediated silencing of endogenous SNAP25. Overexpression of SNAP25 enhanced neurite outgrowth in vitro and behavior response to thermal and mechanical stimuli in vivo, while the silencing of SNAP25 had the opposite effect. These results suggest that SNAP25 plays a crucial role in sensory functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). Our study therefore provides a novel target for the management of SCI for sensory dysfunction. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The rheological properties of sodium alginate (SA)/agar (AR)/montmorillonite (MMT) solutions were investigated using a rotational viscometer. The dependence of solution apparent viscosity on rotation speed, MMT proportion and solution temperature were researched systematically. Furthermore, the relation of apparent viscosity and micro-structure of the ternary solution was also discussed.

The crystallization behavior and crystalline structure of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) filled with a novel nucleating agent (TMC328), which is a kind of aromatic amide derivatives, were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray (XRD). In isothermal crystallization from the melt, the present of TMC328 remarkably affected the isothermal crystalline behaviors of PLA. PLA/0.5% TMC328 sample exhibited very short crystallization half-times at 90-130 °C. Furthermore, the Avrami theory was used to describe the isothermal crystallization kinetics of PLA/TMC328 samples. It is confirmed that TMC328 showed a significant heterogeneous nucleation effect on the crystallization of PLA matrix. Moreover, XRD measurement indicates that TMC328 is a kind of α-form nucleating agent for PLA.

The wolfberry ( Lycium barbarum L.) fruit has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and food, but fruits grown in various geographic areas are significantly different in quality and content of functional components. In this study, we tested the internal nutritional ingredients and related environmental factors using forty-two wolfberry fruits collected from seven wolfberry producing regions in China (Yinchuan and Zhongning in Ningxia, Jingyuan in Gansu, Nuomuhong Farm in Qinghai,Hangjinhouqi and Wulateqianqi in Inner Mongolia, and Jinghe in Xinjiang). The nutritional ingredients of the forty-two wolfberry fruits are dependent on the environment. Correlation analysis revealed that the amount of nutrients was highly related to each other. Based on the analysis ofratio of total sugar to betaine (sugar-alkali ratio), we have successfully established quality standards for the wolfberry based on the levels of betaine and sugar. The standards were as follows: high betaine low sugar (sugar-alkali ratio≤15.1), high betaine medium sugar (15 165). Zhongning of Ningxia is the geo-authentic producing region of the wolfberry, whereby the wolfberries are rich in main pharmacological ingredients Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and three trace elements (iron, manganese and selenium) and medium sugar-alkali ratio. In addition, the correlation analysis showed that both the altitude and average temperature difference between day and night had positive effects on the wolfberry flavonoids content but the annual sunshine duration negatively affected the betaine contents of the wolfberry fruit.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is mediated by disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis. The store-operated calcium (SOC) channel is the primary Ca2+ channel in non-excitable cells, but its participation in agent-induced ER stress is not clear. In this study, the effects of tunicamycin on Ca2+ influx in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were observed with the fluorescent probe Fluo-4 AM. The effect of tunicamycin on the expression of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-related proteins BiP and CHOP was assayed by western blotting with or without inhibition of Orai1. Tunicamycin induced endothelial dysfunction by activating ER stress. Orai1 expression and the influx of extracellular Ca2+ in HUVECs were both upregulated during ER stress. The SOC channel inhibitor SKF96365 reversed tunicamycin-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by inhibiting ER stress. Regulation of tunicamycin-induced ER stress by Orai1 indicates that modification of Orai1 activity may have therapeutic value for conditions with ER stress-induced endothelial dysfunction.

This study prepared a composite scaffold composed of curcumin and poly(e-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL, PCEC) copolymer using coelectrospinning technology. Incorporation of curcumin into the polymeric matrix had an obvious effect on the morphology and dimension of PCEC/curcumin fibers. The results of in vitro anti-oxidant tests and of the cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the curcumin-loaded PCEC fibrous mats had significant anti-oxidant efficacy and low cytotoxicity. Curcumin could be sustainably released from the fibrous scaffolds. More importantly, in vivo efficacy in enhancing wound repair was also investigated based on a full-thickness dermal defect model for Wistar rats. The results indicated that the PCEC/curcumin fibrous mats had a significant advantage in promoting wound healing. At 21 days post-operation, the dermal defect was basically recovered to its normal condition. A percentage of wound closure reached up to 93.3 ± 5.6% compared with 76.9 ± 4.9% of the untreated control (p

The CdS quantum dots sensitized TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by sequential chemical bath deposition (S-CBD) method and characterized by FE-SEM and UV-vis spectroscopy. And they were used to degrade the dimethyl phthalate (DMP) in aqueous under sunlight irradiation. The results show that these photo-catalysts have the highest performance, while the initial concentration of dimethyl phthalate in aqueous solution is 10 mg / L, the degradation rates reaches above 80% in the optimum condition which is the CdS deposited 20 cycles, catalyst dosage ~3cm2, and the sunlight irradiating 180 minutes.

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the improvement of locomotor function in injured spinal cord and underlying mechanism. Forty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats (180~200 g) were randomly divided into three groups, sham operation control group (sham), spinal cord transection group (SCT) and EA group. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Rating Scale was used to evaluate functional recovery of rats in hindlimbs at 1, 3, 5 weeks after injury and EA therapy. The gene and protein expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively, and the number of GFAP-positive cells was counted, also. Compared with SCT group, the locomotor function in hindlimbs of rats was improved after 1, 3, 5 weeks following EA therapy. EA treatment not only decreased effectively the number of GFAP immunostaining and GFAP expression, but also downregulated the PDGF expression both gene and protein, in addition decreased the number of PDGF immunostaining in injured spinal cord of rats with transection. It therefore concluded that EA therapy can significantly promote the recovery of locomotor function, and this may be linked to the inhibition of astrogliosis, together with the downregulation of PDGF.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) contributes to ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. This study aimed to determine its precise role in this pathogenic state and the related signaling pathway.Ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury models were generated in TLR4(-/-) mice (C3H/HeJ: point mutation; C57BL/10ScNJ: gene deletion), their respective TLR4(+/+) wild-type counterparts, and heterozygous TLR4(+/-) mice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) was injected intraperitoneally 1 h or 30 min before ethanol administration. At 1 h post-ethanol treatment, gastric or serum specimens were evaluated.Ethanol intra-gastric administration induced significant gastric mucosal injury in all mice, but the damaged area was larger in TLR4(-/-) mice. LPS preconditioning and up-regulated TLR4 expression led to significantly larger areas of gastric mucosal damage. Upon ethanol administration, TLR4(+/+), and not TLR4(-/-), mice showed significant increases in TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), cytoplasmic high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). PDTC pretreatment significantly attenuated the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damaged areas, inhibited nuclear NF-κB p65 expression, and suppressed HMGB1 translocation out of the nucleus. In addition, PDTC pretreatment reduced ethanol-stimulated expression of the inflammatory modulators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in serum.Both deficient and excessive expression of TLR4 promotes ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. The underlying mechanism involves the MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and the HMGB1, TLR4 activator ligand. The increased expression of HMGB1 may lead to increased secretion and binding to TLR4, further stimulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and aggravating the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury.