Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) attenuates acetic acid-induced overactive bladder in rats by regulating brain neural activity through the modulation of mast cells and tibial nerves.

Objective: The present study evaluated the effects of deep acupuncture at Weizhong acupoint (BL40) on bladder function and brain activity in a rat model of overactive bladder (OAB), and investigated the possible mechanisms around the acupuncture area that initiate the effects of acupuncture.

Methods: Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, comprising a control group, model group, group treated with deep acupuncture at BL40, group treated with shallow acupuncture at BL40, group treated with acupuncture at non-acupoint next to BL40, and group treated with acupuncture at Xuanzhong (GB39). Urodynamic evaluation was used to observe the urination, and functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the brain activation.

Exploring acetylation-related gene markers in polycystic ovary syndrome: insights into pathogenesis and diagnostic potential using machine learning.

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent cause of menstrual irregularities and infertility in women, impacting quality of life. Despite advancements, current understanding of PCOS pathogenesis and treatment remains limited. This study uses machine learning-based data mining to identify acetylation-related genetic markers associated with PCOS, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic efficacy.

Double pyramid stacked CoO nano-crystals induced by graphene at low temperatures as highly efficient Fenton-like catalysts.

Transition metal oxides are widely used as Fenton-like catalysts in the treatment of organic pollutants, but their synthesis usually requires a high temperature. Herein, an all-solid-state synthesis method controlled by graphene was used to prepare a double pyramid stacked CoO nano-crystal at a low temperature. The preparation temperature decreased by 200 °C (over 30% reduction) due to the introduction of graphene, largely reducing the reaction energy barrier.

A label-free immunosensor for diagnosis of Dengue infection with simple electrical measurements.

The interdigitated electrodes and electrical measurements for the diagnosis of dengue infection using antigen-antibody conjugation method are reported. As a proof of concept, pre-inactivated dengue virus was firstly immobilized indirectly onto the immunosensor surface, pre-coated with sol-gel derived barium strontium titanate (BST) thin film and modified with organic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formed by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) and a cross-linker glutaraldehyde over the interdigitated electrodes. The modified sensor surface served as selective sensing probe to capture/conjugate the dengue antibody molecules present in patient's serum.

Integration of optical fiber light guide, fluorescence detection system, and multichannel disposable microfluidic chip.

A combination of fluorescence detection and microfluidic technology provides promising applications in life sciences. A prototype of an integrated fluorescence detection system and optical fiber light guide on a laminate-based multichannel microfluidic chip has been developed and tested. A blue LED, plastic optical fiber, photodiode, Mylar and PMMA, and fluorescein and BSA-FITC were used as an excitation source, light coupler and guide, detector, microfluidic substrate and sample, respectively.

Two-layered metallic film-induced surface plasmon polariton for fluorescence emission enhancement in on-chip waveguide.

We demonstrate an enhancement of fluorescence emission due to bimetallic silver-gold film-induced surface plasmon wave extension. Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes were excited by the evanescent wave field produced from surface plasmon polaritons excited on metal-deposited sections along an embedded strip waveguide. Various silver-gold combinations were used to quantify for the evanescent field enhancement.