An apparatus for plasma cleaning and storage of transmission electron microscopy specimens and specimen holders.

The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimen with thickness in nanometer scale is susceptible to hydrocarbon contamination and oxidation, and the specimen holder is also susceptible to contaminants, which would deteriorate the quality of TEM imaging and degrade the efficiency of TEM experiments. Conventional pretreatment devices often have limited functions and low practicability, which may cause problems for TEM specimens and holders. In this work, a multifunctional apparatus for plasma cleaning and storage of TEM specimens and specimen holders is developed based on the specific design of the vacuum joints.

Filiform needle acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Filiform needle acupuncture (FNA), the most classical and widely applied acupuncture method based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, has shown a promising effect in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and patient preference of FNA in the treatment of AR by comparing FNA with sham acupuncture, no treatment, and conventional medication.

Search Strategy: Eight electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to October 14, 2021.