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Objective: To investigate the effects of acupotomy on skeletal muscle fibrosis and collagen deposition in a rabbit knee osteoarthritis (KOA) model. Methods: Rabbits (n = 18) were randomly divided into control, KOA, and KOA + acupotomy (Apo) groups (n = 6). The rabbits in the KOA and Apo groups were modeled using the modified Videman's method for 6 weeks. After modeling, the Apo group was subjected to acupotomy once a week for 3 weeks on the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and anserine bursa tendons around the knee. The behavior of all animals was recorded, rectus femoris tissue was obtained, and histomorphological changes were observed using Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad 3, Smad 7, fibrillar collagen types I (Col-I) and III (Col-III) was detected using Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Histological analysis revealed that acupotomy improved the microstructure and reduced the collagen volume fraction of rectus femoris, compared with the KOA group (P = .034). Acupotomy inhibited abnormal collagen deposition by modulating the expression of fibrosis-related proteins and mRNA, thus preventing skeletal muscle fibrosis. Western blot and RT-PCR analysis revealed that in the Apo group, Col-I, and Col-III protein levels were significantly lower than those in the KOA group (both P

Abstract Advances in flexible electronics are driving the development of ferroelectric thin‐film capacitors toward flexibility and high energy storage performance. In the present work, the synergistic combination of mechanical bending and defect dipole engineering is demonstrated to significantly enhance the energy storage performance of freestanding ferroelectric thin films, achieved through the generation of a narrower and right‐shifted polarization‐electric field hysteresis loop. The recoverable energy storage density of freestanding PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 thin films increases from 99.7 J cm−3 in the strain (defect) ‐free state to 349.6 J cm−3, marking a significant increase of 251%. The collective impact of the flexoelectric field, bending tensile strain, and defect dipoles contributes to this enhancement. The demonstrated synergistic optimization strategy has potential applicability to flexible ferroelectric thin film systems. Moreover, the energy storage properties of flexible ferroelectric thin films can be further fine‐tuned by adjusting bending angles and defect dipole concentrations, offering a versatile platform for control and performance optimization.

Abstract Gastric cancer (GC), notorious for its poor prognosis, often advances to peritoneal dissemination, a crucial determinant of detrimental outcomes. This study intricately explores the role of the TGFβ-Smad-LIF axis within the tumor microenvironment in propagating peritoneal metastasis, with a specific emphasis on its molecular mechanism in instigating Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) formation and encouraging GC cellular functions. Through a blend of bioinformatics analyses, utilizing TCGA and GEO databases, and meticulous in vivo and in vitro experiments, LIF was identified as pivotally associated with GC metastasis, notably, enhancing the NETs formation through neutrophil stimulation. Mechanistically, TGF-β was substantiated to elevate LIF expression via the activation of the Smad2/3 complex, culminating in NETs formation and consequently, propelling peritoneal metastasis of GC. This revelation uncovers a novel potential therapeutic target, promising a new avenue in managing GC and mitigating its metastatic propensities.

Abstract Topology created by quasi-continuous spatial variations of a local polarization direction represents an exotic state of matter, but field-driven manipulation has been hitherto limited to creation and destruction. Here we report that relatively small electric or mechanical fields can drive the non-volatile rotation of polar spirals in discretized microregions of the relaxor ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-ran-trifluoroethylene). These polar spirals arise from the asymmetric Coulomb interaction between vertically aligned helical polymer chains, and can be rotated in-plane through various angles with robust retention. Given also that our manipulation of topological order can be detected via infrared absorption, our work suggests a new direction for the application of complex materials.

Abstract Solomon rings, upholding the symbol of wisdom with profound historical roots, were widely used as decorations in ancient architecture and clothing. However, it was only recently discovered that such topological structures can be formed by self-organization in biological/chemical molecules, liquid crystals, etc. Here, we report the observation of polar Solomon rings in a ferroelectric nanocrystal, which consist of two intertwined vortices and are mathematically equivalent to a $${4}_{1}^{2}$$ 4 1 2 link in topology. By combining piezoresponse force microscopy observations and phase-field simulations, we demonstrate the reversible switching between polar Solomon rings and vertex textures by an electric field. The two types of topological polar textures exhibit distinct absorption of terahertz infrared waves, which can be exploited in infrared displays with a nanoscale resolution. Our study establishes, both experimentally and computationally, the existence and electrical manipulation of polar Solomon rings, a new form of topological polar structures that may provide a simple way for fast, robust, and high-resolution optoelectronic devices.

Objective: To investigate whether acupotomy could inhibit subchondral bone remodeling in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rabbits by regulating the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Methods: KOA rabbits were prepared by immobilization for 6 and 9 weeks by Videman method. Nine groups of rabbits (control, 6 weeks and 9 weeks model, 6 weeks and 9 weeks acupotomy, 6 weeks and 9 weeks electroacupuncture, and 6 weeks and 9 weeks drug groups) received acupotomy, electroacupuncture and risedronate sodium intervention, respectively, for 3 weeks. Results: Acupotomy can inhibit the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in subchondral bone by reducing the proteins expression of cathepsin K (CK) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and decreasing the proteins expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), to intercept the abnormal bone resorption and bone formation of subchondral bone in 6-week and 9-week immobilization-induced KOA rabbits. Conclusion: These findings indicated that acupotomy may be more advantageous than risedronate sodium intervention in modulating subchondral bone remodeling in KOA rabbits, especially in 9-week immobilization-induced KOA rabbits.

Abstract Wrinkled ferroelectric polymer films with out‐of‐plane deformation exhibit exotic strain fields that differ from those of conventional epitaxial film systems, offering a new path toward manipulating electrical and mechanical behaviors in ferroelectrics. However, the direct observation of the domain structure evolution in ferroelectric polymer films during continuous deformation is challenging with current experimental approaches. In this study, the strain‐induced evolution of toroidal domain structures in organic poly(vinylidene fluoride‐ran‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) films with concentric toroidal wrinkle patterns is comprehensively investigated using phase‐field simulations. The results reveal morphology‐ and thickness‐dependent toroidal polar topology in wrinkled P(VDF‐TrFE) films. External strain loading can modulate this ferroelectric domain, which exhibits robust coupling behavior with a mixed strain field of periodic tensile and compressive strains. It is demonstrated that toroidal wrinkled ferroelectric films provide an effective and unique flexible platform for continuously controllable strain engineering in ferroelectrics and a theoretical framework with potential applications in flexible electronic devices.

Freestanding perovskite oxides pave the way to novel flexural properties. Here, the authors observe the nanoscale strain gradient induced flexoelectric polarization with an unusual flexo-expansion/shrinkage effect in freestanding ferroelectric oxide.

Integrating ferroelectric perovskite oxides on Si is highly desired for electronic applications but challenging. Here, the authors show emergent in-plane ferroelectricity and promising nonvolatile memories based on resistive domain wall in BaTiO3/Si.

Abstract Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have extensive application in the formation of their environment, including metastasis. This study explored the ability of gastric cancer (GC) cell-derived EVs-mediated microRNA-129-5p/E2F transcription factor 7/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinase (miR-129-5p/E2F7/MAPK/ERK) axis to affect the peritoneal metastasis of GC by delivering lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12). EV-derived lncRNA and SNHG12/miR-129-5p/E2F7 network were determined by bioinformatics analysis. The regulatory relationship among SNHG12, miR-129-5p, and E2F7 was verified using a combination of dual-luciferase reporter gene, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays. The SNHG12, miR-129-5p, and E2F7 expression was measured by RT-qPCR. After GC cell-derived EVs were isolated and co-cultured with human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs), the uptake of EVs by HPMCs was observed under laser scanning confocal microscopy. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined using cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the mesothelial–mesenchymal transition (MMT)-related protein expression. The pathological and morphological characteristics of metastatic tumors in nude mice were observed by hematoxylin–eosin staining. A high SNHG12 expression was correlated with the poor prognosis of patients with GC. GC-derived EVs led to increased HPMC apoptosis and MMT by transferring SNHG12, whereas the knockdown of SNHG12 annulled the aforementioned results. SNHG12 sponged miR-129-5p to boost E2F7 expression and activate the MAPK/ERK signaling, thus inducing HPMC apoptosis and MMT. In vivo experiments further verified that EVs derived from GC cells promoted peritoneal metastasis in nude mice. GC cell-derived EVs elevated the E2F7 expression and activated the MAPK/ERK signaling to promote peritoneal metastasis through the delivery of SNHG12.

The removal of antibiotics from wastewater to prevent their environmental accumulation is significant for human health and ecosystems. Herein, iron (Fe)-atom-doped anatase TiO2 nanofibers (Fe-TNs) were manufactured for the photocatalytic Fenton-like decomposition of tylosin (TYL) under LED illumination. Compared with the pristine TiO2 nanofibers (TNs), the optimized Fe-TNs exhibited improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic Fenton-like activity with a TYL degradation efficiency of 98.5% within 4 h. The effective TYL degradation could be attributed to the expanded optical light absorption and accelerated separation and migration of photogenerated electrons and holes after the introduction of Fe. The photogenerated electrons were highly conducive to the generation of active SO4•− radicals as they facilitated Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycles, and to oxidizing TYL. Moreover, the holes could be involved in TYL degradation. Thus, a significant enhancement in TYL degradation could be achieved. This research verifies the use of iron-doped anatase nanofibers as an effective method to synthesize novel photocatalytic Fenton-like catalysts through surface engineering for wastewater remediation.

Background Compared with conventional closed therapy, acupotomy has the advantages of lower cost, convenient application, and better single and long-term effects. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical effect of acupotomy in the treatment of Tarsal Tunnel syndrome. Methods There were 80 patients enrolled into the study who were randomly assigned to either the acupotomy or closed therapy group, with 40 patients in each group. The acupotomy group was treated once every 6 days, on 3 occasions for the duration of treatment, and the closed therapy group was treated twice a week, for 3 weeks as the course of treatment. The effects of treatment were analyzed and evaluated according to the standard of curative effect. Results The “cure rate” of the number of patients in the acupotomy group whose symptoms had completely disappeared (13 patient out of 39) was higher than the closed therapy group (1 patient out of 39), and this difference was significant (p < 0.01). The number of patients in the acupotomy group who did not benefit from the therapy (5 patients) was significantly lower than the closed therapy group (15 patients; p < 0.05). The total number of patients in the acupotomy group who benefitted from the therapy (34 patients) resulted in an effective rate of 87.18%, which was higher than the closed therapy group (24 patients; 61.53%). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Acupotomy is effective in the treatment of Tarsal Tunnel syndrome, was superior to traditional closed therapy, and is worthy of clinical application.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of acupotomology (Apo) in the prevention of articular cartilage destruction via the promotion of chondrocyte proliferation and chondrocyte expression of cell cycle regulators, CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6 in a rabbit knee osteoarthritis (KOA) model. Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into a control group, an OA (osteoarthritis) model group, an Apo (acupotomology) group and EA (electro-acupuncture) group (n = 7). Improved Videman's method was used to induce a rabbit model of KOA over 6 weeks. One week later, acupotomy and electro-acupuncture therapy was applied to animals in the respective groups and treatment lasted 4 weeks. Following these treatments, quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were performed to assess the mRNA and protein levels of cell cycle regulators CyclinD1 (Cell cycle protein D1), CDK4 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 4) and CDK6 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 6). Ethology measures and knee morphology were also compared among groups. Results: The Lequesne MG index score of morphology was increased (P .05). Compared with the EA group, the morphology score was decreased in Apo group (P

Examining the ecology quality of the Pan-Third Pole region has implications for global environmental change and sustainable development. However, spatio-temporal evolution of ecological quality in this region is still lacking. In this study, 65 countries of the Pan-Third Pole region were selected. A comprehensive evaluation index system of ecological quality was constructed using a dataset containing remote sensing, ecological environment and socio-economic data to spatially quantify the ecological quality, as well as its change from 2000 to 2020. The results displayed that the average ecological quality of the Pan-Third Pole region was at a moderate level of 0.53. Spatially, the excellent ecological quality regions were mainly concentrated in East Asian countries, while the severe quality regions were located in the Middle East. From 2000–2020, areas with improved ecological changes accounted for 38.48% of the total area, and 10.66% of the total area experienced a decline; specifically, European countries had a large proportion of improved ecological quality areas, while East Asian countries had a significantly larger proportion of declining ecological quality areas. We also found that ecosystem changes and human activities had an influence on ecological quality in the Pan-Third Pole region. This study provides an important empirical study on ecosystem services in the region.

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has seen decades of changes in land use/cover as a result of urbanization and regional planning policy. Research on the efficiency of social development aids in the pursuit of social and environmental sustainability. Based on CLUD and socioeconomic statistical data, this study systematically analyses the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of urban land use in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and evaluates its social development efficiency from three perspectives—the holistic, the municipal, and urban hierarchy—by using indicators such as the Moran index, land use efficiency, and urban expansion speed and proportion. Results show that the urbanization rate climbed from 21.26% to 54.95%, and the area of urban lands increased from 201.93 km2 to 796.59 km2 from 1990 to 2020, with urban lands expanding from the Lanzhou–Xining City Area to the central and south of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The holistic urban land use efficiency grew from 1.14 to 1.53, while the UPD decreased slightly from 1.44 to 1.31, and the UED increased steadily from 1.40 to 12.97 per decade. Moreover, we should pay attention to the rational allocation of land in human, social and ecosystem terms to comprehensively improve the quality of urbanization across the plateau.

Background: The main reason for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment failure is metastasis. Little is known about the mechanisms involved in the metastasis of ESCC, and there is a lack of effective therapeutic targets. In our previous study, we found that patients with high levels of BC200 tended to have poor prognoses.Methods: First, we applied qRT-PCR to detect the expression level of BC200 in normal esophageal squamous epithelial cells and ESCC cells with different degrees of differentiation ability. Then, we changed BC200 expression by transfecting constructed lentiviruses that included BC200 shRNA (LV-BC200-shRNA, KD), negative control (CON053, NC), or BC200 gene (LV-BC200, BC200) to create BC200-deficient cell models in KYSE410 and KYSE70 cells and BC200 overexpression cell models in EC9706 cells and verified the transfection effect by qRT-PCR. Then, we examined cell migration by wound healing assay, invasion by Transwell assay, and proliferation by MTT assay and examined the metastasis ability in a xenograft mouse model. Gene expression profiling was performed to screen a panel of mRNAs following inhibition of BC200 expression. We then used ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) to analyze the functions of the changed molecules and their interactions. The results from the microarray were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results: In this study, we found that the expression of BC200 in poorly differentiated cell lines was significantly higher than that in well-differentiated cell lines. BC200 can significantly promote the migration and invasion but not the proliferation ability of ESCC cells in vitro and BC200 shRNA can significantly suppress tumor metastasis in vivo. Our genome-wide expression profile chip showed 406 differentially expressed genes, with 91 upregulated genes and 315 downregulated genes. The upstream regulator analysis showed that ATF4 was predicted to be strongly inhibited and 21 genes were consistently inhibited by this gene. Our qRT-PCR and Western blotting data also identified the reduced expression of ATF4 and some selected downstream genes, such as SNAIL2, GADD45A, and PSAT1, as a consequence of downregulating BC200 expression in ESCC.Conclusion: Our data showed that BC200 promoted the metastasis of ESCC cells and could regulate the expression of ATF4 and its downstream genes.

In order to obtain the high level of γ-aminobutyric acid Moringa oleifera leaves, Use 7% sodium glutamate solution to soak the fresh Moringa oleifera leaves, study effect of different treatment times and three different drying methods( hot air drying, vacuum freeze drying, shadow drying) on the formation of y-aminobutyric acid and quality (total flavonoids, soluble sugar, amino acids, polyphenols, color)of dried Moringa oleifera leaves. The results indicated that shadow-dried Moringa oleifera leaves had the hightest retention of γ-aminobutyric acid, but its browning degree were not preferable, soluble sugar was damaged gravely, and its vulnerable to weather conditions. Vacuum freeze dried Moringa oleifera leaves had the hightest retention of flavonoids, polyphenols and amino acids. The y-aminobutyric acid content of Vacuum freeze dried and hot air dried Moringa oleifera leaves had no much difference. Hot air dried Moringa oleifera leaves browning degree were preferable, it’s had an moderate content of soluble sugar and amino acids, the short drying time is characteristics of this drying method.with the treatment time increased, the content of γ-aminobutyric acid and amino acids content first increased and then decreased. Flavonoids and polyphenols content first decreased and then increased. Soluble sugar content decreased. In summary, after soaking with 7% sodium glutamate solution for 10h, then dried by hot air drying(drying temperature of 60°C), was the most suitable way for industrial production of the high level of γ-aminobutyric acid Moringa oleifera leaves.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are highly chondrogenic and can be used to treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by alleviating cartilage defects. Acupotomy, a biomechanical therapy guided by traditional Chinese medicine theory, alleviates cartilage degradation and is widely used in the clinic to treat KOA by correcting abnormal mechanics. However, whether combining acupotomy with ASCs will reverse cartilage degeneration by promoting chondrocyte proliferation in KOA rabbits is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of combination therapy of acupotomy and ASCs on chondrocyte proliferation and to determine the underlying mechanism in rabbits with KOA induced by knee joint immobilization for 6 weeks. After KOA modeling, five groups of rabbits (acupotomy, ASCs, acupotomy + ASCs, model and control groups) received the indicated intervention for 4 weeks. The combination therapy significantly restored the KOA-induced decrease in passive range of motion (PROM) in the knee joint and reduced the elevated serum level of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), a marker for cartilage degeneration. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the combination therapy inhibited cartilage injury. The combination therapy also significantly blocked increases in the mRNA and protein expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) and decreases in the mRNA and protein expression of cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin D1/CDK6 in cartilage. These findings indicated that the combination therapy mitigated knee joint immobility, promoted chondrocyte proliferation and alleviated cartilage degeneration in KOA rabbits, and these effects may be mediated by specifically regulating the GSK3β-cyclin D1-CDK4/CDK6 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite ferroelectric oxides are usually considered to be brittle materials; however, recent work [Dong et al., Science 366, 475 (2019)] demonstrated the super-elasticity in the freestanding BaTiO3 thin films. This property may originate from the ferroelectric domain evolution during the bending, which is difficult to observe in experiments. Therefore, understanding the relation among the bending deformation, thickness of the films, and domain dynamics is critical for their potential applications in flexible ferroelectric devices. Here, we reported the dynamics of ferroelectric polarization in the freestanding BaTiO3 ultrathin films in the presence of large bending deformation up to 40 using phase-field simulation. The ferroelectric domain evolution reveals the transition from the flux-closure to a/c domains with "vortex-like" structures, which is caused by the increase in out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization. Additionally, by varying the film thickness in the identical bending situation, we found that the a/c phase with a vortex-like structure emerges only as the film thickness reached 12nm or higher. The results from our investigations provide instructive information for the microstructure evolution of bending ferroelectric perovskite oxide films, which could serve as a guide for the future application of ferroelectric films on flexible electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the medial vastus muscular trigger point energy metabolism (adenine nucleotide, lactic acid) changes due to acupotomy intervention and the biological mechanism of treating myofascial pain syndrome with acupotomy using a rat model with myofascial pain syndrome. Methods: The trigger point model rats were established by the method of crush plus eccentric exercise. The pathological variation of trigger points of rats was observed by electrophysiology. The expression of adenine nucleotide and lactic acid on trigger points was verified through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the colorimetric method. Differences among groups were then analyzed. Results: At the end of 8th week of modeling, in the model group, the levels of adenine nucleotide declined significantly (P < 0.05), and the levels of lactic acid increased significantly (P < 0.05). After three rounds of acupotomy treatment, the levels of adenine nucleotide in the acupotomy therapy group significantly increased, and the levels of lactic acid in the acupotomy therapy group significantly declined compared with those in the model group (P < 0.01). There were also significant differences of adenine nucleotide and lactic acid between the acupotomy therapy group and the normal group after three rounds of acupotomy treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Through releasing and activating the trigger points, acupotomy may promote the release of adenine nucleotide and inhibit the secretion of lactic acid in the local site, improving the continued contracting condition of muscles and reducing the accumulation of metabolic products. In this way, acupotomy may break the vicious cycle and finally cure the myofascial pain syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Face liveness detection aims to distinguish genuine faces from disguised faces. Most previous works under visible light focus on classification of genuine faces and planar photos or videos. To handle the three-dimensional (3-D) disguised faces, liveness detection based on multispectral images has been shown to be an effective choice. In this paper, a gradient-based multispectral method has been proposed for face liveness detection. Three feature vectors are developed to reduce the influence of varying illuminations. The reflectance-based feature achieves the best performance, which has a true positive rate of 98.3% and a true negative rate of 98.7%. The developed methods are also tested on individual bands to provide a clue for band selection in the imaging system. Preliminary results on different face orientations are also shown. The contributions of this paper are threefold. First, a gradient-based multispectral method has been proposed for liveness detection, which considers the reflectance properties of all the distinctive regions in a face. Second, three illumination-robust features are studied based on a dataset with two-dimensional planar photos, 3-D mannequins, and masks. Finally, the performance of the method on different spectral bands and face orientations is also shown in the evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the adoption of strain models to predict the spatial distribution of the eutectic M 2B borides in Fe-Cr-B cast irons, family of ferrous alloys containing high chromium and boron. Success of the models in the prediction of the spatial distribution of the eutectic borides; Distribution of the large hard phases in Fe-Cr-B cast irons in the matrix grains somewhere between extreme cases.

A series of Cu-X/γ-Al2O3 (X = Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts were synthesized by a rapid intermittent microwave irradiation method for hydrogen generation from dimethyl ether steam reforming. Different parameters, such as the promoters of X (X = Fe, Co, Ni), microwave irradiation procedure and the ratio of metal to γ-Al2O3, were investigated. The results show that 2Cu-Fe/72γ-Al2O3 has the best performance, for which the agglomeration is prevented, CuO is well dispersed and the catalytic activity is improved. Promoter iron oxide in 2Cu-Fe/9γ-Al2O3 facilitates the watergas shift reaction, which lead to an increase in the conversion of CO to CO2 and hydrogen yield. Particularly, the 2Cu-Fe/72γ-Al2O3 catalyst, with the best molar ratio of metal to γ-Al2O3, shows a dimethyl ether conversion of >99% and a hydrogen yield of >98% and produces the lowest CO content of 1.4%, indicating that the synergism between dimethyl ether hydrolysis and methanol reforming requires an appropriate balance between the metallic Cu-Fe and the acid γ-Al2O3. The intermittent microwave irradiation technique provides a simple but effective method of the Cu-Fe/γ-Al2O3 synthesis with a good catalyst performance for the dimethyl ether steam reforming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on gene expression in the hypothalamus of rats with stress-induced prehypertension and try to reveal its biological mechanism with gene chip technology. Methods. The stress-induced hypertensive rat model was prepared by combining electric foot-shocks with generated noise. Molding cycle lasted for 14 days and EA intervention was applied on model + EA group during model preparation. Rat Gene 2.0 Array technology was used for the determination of gene expression profiles and the screened key genes were verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method. Results. Compared with the blank group, 234 genes were upregulated and 73 were downregulated in the model group. Compared with the model group, 110 genes were upregulated and 273 genes were downregulated in model + EA group. The PCR results of the key genes including HSPB1, P2RX4, PPP1R14A, and TH are consistent with that of gene chip test. Conclusion. EA could significantly lower blood pressure of stress-induced prehypertension rats and affect its gene expression profile in hypothalamus. Genes and their signal transduction pathway that related to the contraction of vascular smooth muscle, concentration of Ca2+, and excitability of sympathetic nerve may be involved in EA's antihypertensive mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of acupotomy, on mitophagy and the Pink1-Parkin pathway in chondrocytes from rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA)., Methods: A KOA model was established via the modified Videman method. Rabbits were randomly divided into a control group (CON), KOA group and KOA + acupotomy group (Acu). Rabbits in the acupotomy group were subjected to acupotomy for 4 weeks after model establishment. The behavior of the rabbits before and after intervention was recorded. Cartilage degeneration was evaluated by optical microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The level of mitophagy was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced kinase 1 (Pink1)-Parkin mitophagy pathway components was evaluated by immunofluorescence, Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction., Results: In rabbits with KOA, joint pain, mobility disorders and cartilage degeneration were observed, the Mankin score was increased, collagen type Ⅱ (Col-Ⅱ) expression was significantly decreased, mitophagy was inhibited, mitochondrial function was impaired, and factors associated with the Pink1-Parkin pathway were inhibited. Acupotomy regulated the expression of Pink1-Parkin pathway-related proteins, the mitophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3, the translocase of the outer membrane, and the inner mitochondrial membrane 23; increased the colocalization of mitochondria and autophagosomes; promoted the removal of damaged mitochondria; restored mitochondrial adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) production; and alleviated cartilage degeneration in rabbits with KOA., Conclusions: Acupotomy played a role in alleviating KOA in rabbits by activating mitophagy in chondrocytes via the regulation of proteins that are related to the Pink1-Parkin pathway.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most frequently encountered diseases in the orthopedic department, which seriously reduces the quality of life of people with KOA. Among several pathogenic factors, the biomechanical imbalance of the knee joint is one of the main causes of KOA. Acupotomology believes that restoring the mechanical balance of the knee joint is the key to treating KOA. Clinical studies have shown that acupotomy can effectively reduce pain and improve knee mobility by reducing adhesion, contracture of soft tissues, and stress concentration points in muscles and tendons around the knee joint. In this protocol, we used the modified Videman method to establish a KOA model by immobilizing the left hindlimb in a straight position. We have outlined the method of operation and the precautions related to acupotomy in detail and evaluated the efficacy of acupotomy in conjunction with the theory of "Modulating Muscles and Tendons to Treat Bone Disorders" through the detection of the mechanical properties of quadriceps femoris and tendon, as well as cartilage mechanics and morphology. The results show that acupotomy has a protective effect on cartilage by adjusting the mechanical properties of the soft tissues around the knee joint, improving the cartilage stress environment, and delaying cartilage degeneration.

Objective: To investigate the effects of acupotomy on the subchondral bone absorption and mechanical properties in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA)., Methods: The rabbits were divided into blank control, model, acupotomy and electroacupuncture (EA) groups, with 12 rabbits in each. Modified Videman's method was used to prepare KOA model. The acupotomy and EA group were given indicated intervention for 3 weeks. The behavior of rabbits in each group was recorded. Subsequently, cartilage-subchondral bone units were obtained and morphological changes were observed by optical microscope and micro computed tomography. Compression test was used to detect the mechanical properties of subchondral bone, Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were applied to detect the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2-Smad1 (BMP2-Smad1) pathway in subchondral bone., Results: Compared with the control group, rabbits in the KOA group showed lameness, knee pain, and cartilage degradation; the subchondral bone showed active resorption, the mechanical properties decreased significantly and the BMP2-Smad1 pathway downregulated significantly. Both acupotomy and EA intervention could increase the thickness of trabecular bone (Tb. Th), the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and the thickness of subchondral bone plate, reduce the separation of trabecular bone (Tb. Sp), improve the maximum load and elastic modulus of subchondral bone, and effectively delay cartilage degeneration in KOA rabbits. This process may be achieved through upregulation the related proteins of BMP2-Smad1 pathway. The maximum load and elastic modulus of subchondral bone in the acupotomy group were slightly better than those in the EA group., Conclusions: Acupotomy could effectively protect cartilage by inhibiting abnormal bone resorption and improving mechanical properties of subchondral bone thorough the related proteins of BMP2-Smad1 pathway in KOA rabbits.

Objective: To investigate the effects of acupotomy on inhibiting abnormal formation of subchondral bone in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA)., Methods: A total of 24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of 6 rabbits each [control, model, electroacupuncture (EA) and acupotomy]. Eighteen KOA model rabbits were established using a modified Videman method. Rabbits in EA and acupotomy groups received the intervention for 3 weeks. Then, the cartilage and subchondral bone unit were obtained and the histomorphological changes were recorded. Osteo-protegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in subchondral bone were evaluated by Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry., Results: Compared with the model group, both the acupotomy and EA groups showed a significant decrease in the Lequesne index (both 0.01) and Mankin score ( 0.01, < 0.05). In addition, both EA and acupotomy groups had a higher expression of total articular cartilage (TAC) ( 0.05, < 0.01) and lower expression of articular calcified cartilage (ACC)/TAC ( 0.05, < 0.05) compared with the model group. The thickness of the subchondral bone plate in EA and acupotomy groups were decreased (both 0.01) compared to the model group. Moreover, trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), protein and relative expression of OPG and the ratio of OPG/RANKL in the subchondral bone of acupotomy group were decreased statistically significant, while these parameters were not significantly changed in the EA group compared with the model group., Conclusions: In the rabbit model of KOA, acupotomy inhibits aberrant formation of subchondral bone by suppressing OPG/RANKL ratio as a potential therapy for KOA.