Search

DSH-20, the active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza flower extract, is used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the intervention of DSH-20 in HDSH-20 reduced H

In this work, the mechanism of reliability of high resistance state (HRS) in AlOxNy-based resistive random access memory (RRAM) has been studied. The Ta/AlOxNy/Pt devices with high quality of the Schottky contact in the Ta/AlOxNy interface show excellent HRS reliability and low power consumption characteristics. We propose that the resistive switching (RS) process is caused by the migration of oxygen ions in the AlOxNy-based RRAM device, and the quality of the metal–semiconductor Schottky contact directly determines HRS reliability in AlOxNy-based RRAM.

Objective. To study the effects of Yiqi Huoxue (YQHX) granules on platelet activation and aggregation induced by thrombin. Methods. The effect of YQHX on platelet aggregation rate was detected by platelet aggregation instrument; the effect of YQHX on thrombosis time was observed by the mouse mesentery thrombosis model. DAMI cells were induced to transform into platelet-like granules using PMA, and the effects of SCH (PAR-1 inhibitor) on thrombin-induced changes in platelet intracellular calcium concentration, PAR-1 protein expression, and phosphorylation of MAPK were examined. Results. Compared with the control group, the platelet aggregation rate, PAR-1 protein expression, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and p38 protein in the YQHX group decreased ( P < 0.05 ), and there was no significant difference between the YQHX + SCH group and YQHX group ( P > 0.05 ). Conclusion. YQHX suppresses the platelet activation induced by thrombin by inhibiting PAR-1 expression.

Zinc is an essential trace element; it serves as a cofactor for a great number of enzymes, transcription factors, receptors, and other proteins. Zinc is also an important signaling molecule, which can be released from intracellular stores into the cytosol or extracellular space, e.g. during synaptic transmission. Amongst cellular effects of zinc is activation of Kv7 (KCNQ, M-type) voltage-gated potassium channels. Here, we investigated relationships between Kv7 channel inhibition by Ca

In this Letter, a Pt/SiNx/TiN/Ta resistive random access memory (RRAM) is proposed, which has low switching voltage, uniform resistance distribution, excellent cycle-to-cycle stability, and excellent nonvolatile performance. As an insertion layer, TiN prevents excessive absorption of nitrogen ions by a Ta electrode and avoids the formation of the unstable metal–semiconductor interface, which significantly reduces cycle-to-cycle variability of SiNx-based RRAM. Due to high conductivity, the TiN layer has a small voltage divider effect when voltage was applied, which helps to achieve low power consumption characteristics. This paper provides a direction for improving performance of nitride-based RRAM, which is useful for further development of highly reliable RRAM.

In this letter, physically transient resistive switching devices with structure of Mg/SiO2/W for logic operation were proposed for the first time. Despite the desirable nonvolatile memory characteristics, the dissolvable memory devices could be used to achieve material implication function. Meanwhile, the transient memory arrays were transferred onto a dissolvable poly (vinyl alcohol) substrate by water-assisted transfer printing technique, and the transient system was capable of dissociating in deionized water after 20 min. This transient Mg/SiO2/W device demonstrates the great potential in future in-memory logic computing systems and secure electronic applications.

Arabidopsis K

This Letter investigates the effect of non-inert electrode thickness on the performance of complementary resistive switching (CRS). Five devices with different Ta electrode thicknesses (0, 2, 5, 10, and 20-nm) are fabricated. For devices with 2, 5, and 10-nm electrode thicknesses, CRS behavior can be obtained through an evolution process, while devices with 0 and 20-nm Ta electrode thicknesses always maintain stable bipolar resistive switching behavior. By analyzing the evolution process and current conduction mechanisms, the influence of non-inert electrode thickness on the performance of CRS is studied, and different oxidation degrees of a non-inert electrode are used to explain the different resistive switching performance in these devices. Aside from that, the model is verified by applying an asymmetric voltage sweeping method. This paper further clarifies the physical mechanism of CRS behavior in non-inert electrode resistive random access memory and provides a way to optimize the performance of CRS behavior.

The introduction of PbS QD (quantum dot) films has been proved, dramatically, to optimize the resistive switching (RS) performance in oxide resistive random access memory. In order to optimize parameters to a greater extent, the necessity of in-depth understanding of the resistance switching mechanism is self-evident. In this paper, PbS QD layers were inserted into a Ta/AlOxNy/Pt structure device in different positions in order to investigate the influence of the device structure in the PbS QD film inserted device. The Ta/PbS QDs/AlOxNy/Pt device with a Ta anion reservoir and a PbS QD film anion reservoir in the same direction exhibits excellent optimization of parameters, which is ideal for low-power devices. A model is constructed to elaborate the resistive switching process. Moreover, modulation of PbS QD film thickness on RS has been studied. A device with middle thickness of the PbS QD films combines low voltage, low current, and excellent stability, which is believed to be a favorable structure for the PbS QD inserted device.

Kv7.1-Kv7.5 (KCNQ1-5) K

In this letter, fully transient artificial synapses based on magnesium oxide memristors with short-term plasticity (STP) were proposed for the first time. Typical physiological reactions related to STP including pair-pulse facilitation and pair-pulse depression were demonstrated in such a transient synaptic device. Importantly, water-assisted transfer printing method was employed to transfer the dissolvable synaptic arrays onto bioresorbable poly (vinyl alcohol) substrate to form a fully transient system, which finally disintegrated in deionized water within 30 min. This transient synaptic emulator possesses great potential in security neuromorphic computing and environmentally resorbable applications.

Background Although the protective effects of Yiqi-Huoxue granule (YQHX), a Chinese 4-herb formula, on patients with ischemic heart diseases are related to the attenuation of oxidative stress injury, the mechanism(s) underlying these actions remains poorly understood. Purpose Our aim was to investigate the potential protective effects of YQHX treatment against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in rat H9c2 cells. Methods H9c2 cells were treated with YQHX for 16 h before exposed to 200 μM H2O2 for 6 h. The apoptosis induced by H2O2 was measured using hoechst 33,342 staining and Annexin-V FITC/PI assay. The expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were observed using western blot. The effects of UCP2 knockdown on cell apoptosis and intracellular ROS production were also investigated. Results H2O2 exposure led to significant activation of oxidative stress followed by increased apoptosis and ROS production, as well as decreased UCP2 expression in H9c2 cells. YQHX treatment at the concentration of 0.75 and 1.5 mg/ml remarkably reduced the expression of Bax and caspase-3, whereas increased the protein expression of Bcl-2 and UCP2. These changes were attenuated by transgenic knockdown of UCP2 with Lenti-shUCP2 vector. Conclusions Taken together, our study demonstrated that YQHX attenuates H2O2-induced apoptosis by upregulating UCP2 expression in H9c2 Cells, suggesting that YQHX is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of I/R injury-mediated apoptosis.

This paper reported the Pt/AlOxNy/Ta structure with oxygen scavenging metal Ta as a top electrode in order to achieve excellent data storage and the artificial synaptic function. As a series resistance layer and a thermal enhanced layer, the TaOx interface layer between the resistance switching (RS) layer and the top electrode (TE) can greatly affect the RS characteristics. These effects can be attributed to properties of the interface layer such as thermal and electrical conductivities, suggesting that properties of the interface layer should be carefully and systematically considered if excellent RS characteristics are desirable. Based on the electrical testing and current conduction mechanism analyses, the major factors affecting the bipolar gradual RS behavior can be concluded as the property of the interface layer between the RS layer and TE, the Joule heating caused by current, and the distribution of the electric field on the interface layer.

At present, the physical mechanism of complementary resistive switching (CRS) devices remains controversial. In this Letter, stable CRS can be achieved in Pt/AlOxNy/Ta resistive random access memory (RRAM). A dynamic evolution from bipolar resistive switching to CRS can be evidently observed in non-inert electrodes RRAM. The causes of CRS behavior are analyzed in detail, and these phenomena are attributed to the different oxidation degrees of the top electrode and propose that the transition state can be used as a signal for the emergence of CRS behavior. Moreover, the model is partially supported by measured switching behavior of the Pt/AlOxNy/TaOx device. This research contributes to the understanding of the CRS behavior physical mechanism in non-inert electrodes RRAM devices.

A highly stable composite proton exchange membrane (PEM) was developed by loading phosphotungstic acid in mesoporous silica nanospheres (HPW@MSNs) and blending with sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). The SPEEK/HPW@MSNs-0.5 membrane exhibits enhanced comprehensive performance, such as improved and stable proton conductivity and increased methanol barrier property. The proton conductivity decreased by 15.10% after 240 h at 60 °C and was 1.9 times lower than that of the SPEEK/HPW membrane. The selectivity of the SPEEK/HPW@MSNs-0.5 membrane was about 2.0 times that of the pure SPEEK membrane and 3.4 times that of the SPEEK/HPW membrane.

AIM To identify and evaluate the evidence documenting the association between neonatal morphine and later childhood neuropsychological development. METHOD We conducted a systematic literature search of eight electronic databases from inception until June 2019. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies recruiting neonates who received morphine treatment, and measuring neuropsychological development outcomes with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. RESULTS Twelve separate reports from three RCTs and five cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. Owing to the small number of the included trials and the variable study designs, a meta-analysis was not performed. The findings from this review indicated that neonatal morphine use had no adverse effects on behaviour, cognition, motor, and executive function development at 8 to 9 years and earlier; except for the inconsistent conclusions on internalizing behavioural problems at 5 to 7 years and cognitive and motor developments at 18 months. INTERPRETATION Why a child needs morphine may have a more profound impact on later neuropsychological development than morphine itself. The small number, high heterogeneity, and limitations of the included studies limit confidence in the result of this systematic review.

Repeated procedural pain may lead to increased secretion of cortisol and future neurobehavioral development disorders in preterm infants. Changes in the cortisol level may mediate the effect of neonatal repetitive procedural pain on altered childhood neurobehavioral development in preterm infants. However, few studies have investigated the effect of combined pharmacological, behavioral, and physical interventions over repeated painful procedures on pain response, cortisol level, and neurobehavioral development. This study examined (1) the efficacy and safety of sucrose combined with massage, music, non-nutritive sucking, and gentle human touch to treat preterm infants with repeated procedural pain; (2) the cortisol level at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); (3) neurobehavioral development at 40 weeks' corrected gestational age; and (4) the potential mediating effect of the cortisol level in the combined interventions on neurobehavioral development. Stable preterm infants (n = 76) were randomized to receive routine care or combined interventions across repeated painful procedures throughout their NICU stay. The Premature Infant Pain Profile scores in the early, middle, and late periods of the NICU stay were measured, as were the basal salivary cortisol level at admission and discharge, the Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment score at 40 weeks' corrected gestational age, and the incidence of adverse effects during the study period. Our findings indicated that the combined interventions remained efficacious and safe for reducing repeated procedural pain, decreased the cortisol level at discharge, and promoted early neurobehavioral development in preterm infants. This effect may have been mediated through decreased cortisol levels and reduced repeated procedural pain.

The increasing prevalence of depression and diabetes mellitus has become a major public health problem worldwide. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are at a high risk of being diagnosed with depression, and diabetes complicates depression treatment by promoting the deterioration of glycemic control, reducing self-care ability and quality of life, and causing severe functional disability and early mortality. Moreover, health deterioration dramatically increases the financial cost of social and health care system. Thus, how to treat depression, diabetes, and diabetes complicated by depression has become one of the world’s urgent concerns. The activation of nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is closely related to mental illness. This finding provides a new perspective for studying depression. NLRP3 plays an important role in the development of diabetes. In this review, we elaborate the definition and epidemiology of depression, diabetes, and diabetic depression and introduce the functional characteristics of an NLRP3 inflammasome and upstream P2X7 receptor. Moreover, related research on NLRP3 inflammasomes and P2X7 receptors is summarized and used as a reference for confirming that the excessive activation of P2X7- NLRP3 leads to the increased release of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, in depression and diabetes. We provide insights into the P2X7–NLRP3–IL-1β pathway as an important pathological mechanism and novel therapeutic target in diabetes and depression. Given that the P2X7–NLRP3–IL-1β pathway may play an important role in diabetes confounded by comorbid depression, the possibility of intervention with baicalin is proposed.

Objectives To identify and assess the evidence showing the efficacy of auricular acupressure alone for myopia in children and adolescents. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published until March 2019 in Pubmed, Web of Science, OVID, Foreign Medical Literature Retrieval Service, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, The Chinese Biological Medicine Database, Wanfang Database, and Chongqing VIP Information were searched. The quality of RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Results Ten RCTs were included to be qualitatively summarized, of which 5 studies qualified for the meta-analysis of the efficacy rate in treating myopia. This review demonstrated that auricular acupressure alone was more effective than eye-drops treatment, eye exercise, and was the just as effective as needle acupuncture. Conclusions Auricular acupressure could slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. However, there is a need for further studies with higher methodological quality and sufficient follow-up.

In this letter, physically transient and fully bioresorbable resistive switching devices based on ZnO are proposed, with excellent resistive switching memory performance shown in Mg/ZnO/W and Mg/ZnO/Mg devices. The devices utilize dissolvable metals including Mg and W with biodegradable silk fibroin substrates that can dissolve while immersed in deionized water after 15 minutes and as fast as 5 minutes in phosphate-buffered saline. The entire memory device consists of dissolvable and bioresorbable electronic materials, which have excellent promise for secure memory systems, implantable medical devices, environment-friendly sensors, disposable consumer devices, and bio-integrated electronics.

In this letter, physically transient resistive memory devices based on solution-processed MgO films were demonstrated for the first time. Stable and reproducible resistive switching memory performances were achieved with Mg/solution-processed MgO/W devices, which have larger OFF/ON resistance ratio ( $10^{5}$ ) than the Mg/sputtered MgO/W devices. Triggered failures can be achieved by immersing the transient devices in deionized water for 6 min at room temperature. In addition, flexible and transient memory devices were accomplished by water-assisted transfer printing method and no significant degradation is observed under a bending radius of 3 mm. The solution-processed MgO-based dissolvable devices demonstrate great potential in low-cost transient electronics, flexible memory systems, secure electronics, and biocompatible devices.

Promoting angiogenesis by targeting various angiogenic regulators has emerged as a new treatment strategy for myocardial ischemia (MI). MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has been identified as the main regulator of compensatory angiogenesis; however, its role in MI is unclear. A rat MI model and an EA. hy926 endothelial cell hypoxia model were constructed and it was found that miR-126 was highly expressed in both models. The knockdown of HIF-1α expression in EA. hy926 cells in turn downregulated VEGF and CD34 expression and consequently inhibited angiogenesis. MiR-126 inhibitor inhibited EA. hy926 cell migration and tube formation as well as downregulated VEGF and CD34 expression, and these were reversed by transfection of miR-126 mimics. Rescue tests using miR-126 and HIF-1α demonstrated that miR-126-mediated regulation of angiogenesis was dependent on HIF-1α. In summary, miR-126 regulates the occurrence and progression of angiogenesis during MI via HIF-1α and may be a potential new therapeutic target.

Background Yiqi-Huoxue granule (YQHX), consisting of four kinds of traditional Chinese medicine, is an empirical prescription for the treatment of coronary heart disease. It is known to promote angiogenesis, but the mechanism is unknown. Purpose This article investigates the possible mechanism of YQHX inducing angiogenesis in the ischemic myocardium. Methods EAhy.926 cells were treated with YQHX hypoxic cardiomyocyte-conditioned medium (YHMCM) and the levels of VEGF, CD34, and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt were detected by western blotting. Also, the effects on endothelial tube formation and migration were observed. The level of miR-126 was detected by qRT-PCR. Results YQHX promoted tube formation and migration of EAhy.926 cells and upregulated VEGF, CD34, and the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT via regulating miR-126 levels. However, these effects were inhibited by a miR-126 inhibitor. Conclusion In summary, YQHX improves angiogenesis by regulating the miR-126/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which indicates that YQHX could be a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic myocardium.

The increase incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Salmonella has become a major global health concern. Polymyxin, an ancient polypeptide antibiotic, has been given renewed attention over recent years, resulting in resistance of Gram-negative bacteria to polymyxin, but its resistance mechanism is not completely clear. Thus, it is important to study its resistance mechanisms. In this study, an in vitro induced polymyxin-resistant strain of Salmonella typhimurium in the laboratory were constructed to investigate the mechanism of resistance of Salmonella to polymyxin. Gradual induction of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC13311 (AT) by concentration increment was used to screen for a highly polymyxin-resistant strain AT-P128. The broth dilution technique was used to compare the sensitivity of the two strains to different antimicrobial drugs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were then identified by whole genome sequencing, and differences in gene expression between the two strains were compared by transcriptome sequencing and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Finally, for the first time, the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system was used to construct gene deletion mutants in Salmonella to knock out the phoP gene of AT-P128. The results showed that strain AT-P128 was significantly more resistant to amoxicillin, ceftiofur, ampicillin, fluphenazine, and chloramphenicol and significantly less resistant to sulfamethoxazole than the parental strain AT. The growth curve results showed no significant change in the growth rate between AT-P128 and AT. Motility and biofilm formation assays showed a significant decrease in AT-P128. Additionally, the WGS results showed that AT-P128 had mutations in 9 genes involving 14 SNPs. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR results showed increased expression of phoPQ. The loss of the phoP gene decreased AT-P128ΔphoP resistance to polymyxin by 32-fold. These results suggested that polymyxin resistance affected the biology, genome components, and gene expression levels of Salmonella and that the PhoPQ two-component system played a key role in polymyxin resistance in Salmonella, providing insights into the diversity and complexity of polymyxin resistance in Salmonella.

This Letter studies the effect of crystallinity on the performance of AlN-based resistive random access memory using rapid thermal annealing. We compared I–V characters of devices fabricated at different annealing temperatures. By increasing the crystallinity of an AlN film, switching voltages and the memory window increase. Meanwhile, the reliability of the device improves. It is found that the electron conduction mechanism fits in with the space-charge-limited conduction model. Based on the above phenomena, we purpose that the crystallization leads to a decrease in vacancies within the AlN film, while it enhances local effects of grain boundaries on the electron transport. Both of these conclusions can result in an increase in switching voltages and the memory window. This paper can provide a platform for further studies on improving the performance of AlN-based devices.

With the aid of the dynamic density functional theory of Archer, the ionic density profile, the surface charge density, and the related dielectric constant distribution in a microcapacitor were determined. It is found that the law of the dielectric decrement is deeply affected by the ionic density profile and the excluded volume effects. While when the ionic density is very large, the excluded volume effects will play a dominating role.