The neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been widely exploited as a tool for modeling Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the rat. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive profile of the mRNAs and ...long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in rats treated with 6-OHDA as a model of PD. Female SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: a PD model group and a control group. The PD model was induced by 6-OHDA injection. RNA-seq analysis was performed on 6-OHDA-treated rats and corresponding controls. Novel lncRNAs were identified. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in the PD group compared with controls. Gene Ontology function and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on the DEGs, followed by construction of a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. In addition, prediction of lncRNA target genes and function prediction of lncRNAs were performed. Moreover, microRNAs (miRNAs) that interacted with the DEGs and differentially expressed lncRNAs were predicted to construct a miRNA–lncRNA–mRNA regulatory network. A total of 536 DEGs and 512 differentially expressed lncRNAs (44 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated known lncRNAs; 407 up-regulated and 51 down-regulated novel lncRNAs) were identified in the PD rat model compared with controls. The DEGs and target genes of lncRNAs were mainly associated with the innate immune response, 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity, GTPase activity, GTP binding and the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway. IRF7 and ISG15 were hub proteins in the PPI network. Many mRNAs and lncRNAs interacted with other molecules in a competing endogenous RNA network, such as MAS1, TMPRSS2, NPTX1, XLOC_016191, XLOC_026924 and XLOC_005439. We conclude that IRF7, ISG15, MAS1, TMPRSS2, NPTX1, XLOC_016191, XLOC_026924 and XLOC_005439 may contribute critical roles in the pathogenesis of PD.
When a fluid comes into contact with a solid surface, charge separates at the interface. This study describes a method that harvests the gravitational energy of water-available in abundance ...naturally, such as in rain and rivers-through the separation of charge at the interface. Essentially, it is found that water can be charged by flowing it across a solid surface under its own weight; thus, a continuous flow of water can produce a constant supply of power. After optimizing the system, a power of up to ∼170 μW (per Teflon tube of 2 mm in diameter) can be generated. The efficiency, defined as the energy generated by the system over the gravitational energy that the water losses, can reach up to ∼3-4%. In order to generate a continuous stream of positively-charged water, there should also be a constant production of negatively-charged species in the system. Experimental results suggest that the negative charge transfers constantly to the atmosphere due to dielectric breakdown of air. With regards to applications related to high electrical potential of water droplets, the amount of charge generated in a single water droplet is found to be equivalent to that produced by charging the water droplet with a high-voltage power supply operated at ∼5 kV. In general, the energy generated is clean, renewable, and technically simple and inexpensive to produce.
Full text
Available for:
IJS, KILJ, NUK, UL, UM, UPUK
In this paper, we study Runge–Kutta methods with continuous stage, introduced by Butcher in 1987. By setting the coefficients of this family of methods and choosing the appropriate numerical ...integration, we derive new classes of Runge–Kutta methods. Furthermore, we extend the W-transformation technique by permitting W to be a non-square matrix. This allows us to construct more high-order implicit Runge–Kutta methods with some geometric properties. Specially, we provide Runge–Kutta methods with continuous stage which are (conjugate) symplectic, symmetric or energy-preserving for solving Hamiltonian systems. We also present some numerical experiments to verify our results.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Background/Aims: We aimed to explore the protective role of curcumin (Cur) in a cell model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its underlying mechanism. Methods: In this study, genes concerned with ...PD-related keywords were screened within DiGSeE database. The association network between Cur and selected genes was downloaded from STITCH, with the interactions analyzed by STRING. We built a mitochondrial toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced SH-SY5Y cell model of PD. Cell morphology was observed under an electron microscope. MTT assay was applied to detect cell proliferation rate. Western blot assay was conducted to determine the level of apoptotic markers, including cleaved caspase 3, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xl). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT) protein levels and dopamine (DA) concentration were identified as dopaminergic neuron markers and measured by western blotting or Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Cur rescued the toxicity effects of MPP+ on SH-SY5Y cells, by controlling morphological change, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Of all PD-related genes, HSP90 played an important role in Cur-gene network. HSP90 protein level was elevated by MPP+, whereas Cur could reverse this effect. Silencing of HSP90 significantly attenuated the curative effect introduced by Cur, while HSP90 overexpression enhanced the impact of Cur on PD. Conclusion: Cur can effectively inhibit the toxic effect of MPP+ on SH-SY5Y cells and significantly reduce the adverse effects of MPP+ on dopaminergic neurons via up-regulation of HSP90.
What is static charge? Despite the long history of research, the identity of static charge and mechanism by which static is generated by contact electrification are still unknown. Investigations are ...challenging due to the complexity of surfaces. This study involves the molecular-scale analysis of contact electrification using highly well-defined surfaces functionalized with a self-assembled monolayer of alkylsilanes. Analyses show the elementary molecular steps of contact electrification: the exact location of heterolytic cleavage of covalent bonds (i.e., Si-C bond), exact charged species generated (i.e., alkyl carbocation), and transfer of molecular fragments. The strong correlation between charge generation and molecular fragments due to their signature odd-even effects further shows that contact electrification is based on cleavage of covalent bonds and transfer of ionic molecular fragments. Static charge is thus an alkyl carbocation; in general, it is an ionic molecular fragment. This mechanism based on cleavage of covalent bonds is applicable to general types of insulating materials, such as covalently bonded polymers. The odd-even effect of charging caused by the difference of only one atom explains the highly sensitive nature of contact electrification.
Personalized medicine should ideally be prescribed to every individual because of the unique characteristics (e.g., biological, physical, and medical) of each individual. It is, however, challenging ...to provide personalized medicine for the mass population of specific individuals effectively and efficiently. This manuscript describes a method of fabricating fully customizable drug tablets for personalized medicine by the 3D printing technology. This method involves the versatile fabrication of the tablets via the specifically designed 3D printed molds of different shapes and sizes, and an intuitive 1-dimensional release of drug that relates the shape of the drug-containing matrix to the release profile. The customization includes all the aspects of varying dosage, duration, release profiles, and combination of multiple drugs. In particular, it has previously been technically difficult to devise a single platform that fabricates carriers that release drug with any desired type of release profiles. This method of fabricating fully customizable tablets is simple, inexpensive, and efficient. Detailed selection and investigation of the materials ensured that the tablet and the method of fabrication are safe (e.g., biocompatible, FDA-approved ingredients used) and other desirable features (e.g., sustained release and high dosage) are achieved. These desirable characteristics of the method thus allow fully customizable drug tablets to be fabricated efficiently on the spot after the diagnosis of individual patients; at the same time, the method can be made widely accessible to the mass population. Hence, the concept of personalized medicine can truly be realized.
Display omitted
•Fully customizable drug tablets were prepared via the 3D printing technology for personalized medicine.•Customization includes all aspects of dosage, duration, release profiles, and combination of multiple drugs in a single tablet.•Wide range of customization demonstrated, including high drug loading and sustained release.•Method is simple, inexpensive, safe, and versatile.•Individually customized drug tablet can thus be made widely accessible for realizing the concept of personalized medicine.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
A dual biofunctional hydrogel (HQCS-SP) wound dressing, offering antibacterial properties and a biological response, was innovatively designed and developed to repair full-layer skin defects. The ...HQCS-SP hydrogel creates an artificial matrix that facilitates cell recruitment, extracellular matrix deposition, exhibiting exceptional tissue affinity, robust self-healing, effective hemostatic capabilities and accelerates wound healing. It is synthesized by crosslinking modified chitosan (HQCS) with spirulina protein (SP) and Fe
. The HQCS provides antibacterial, antioxidant, good tissue affinity and excellent hemostasis performance. The incorporation of SP not only reinforces the antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenesis effects but also participates in the regulation of signal pathways and promotes wound healing. Therefore, this study offers a new visual angle for the design of advanced functional trauma dressings with great application potential in the bio-medical field.
Full text
Available for:
IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
PDF
