Neurotransmitters (NTs) are essential for modulating nerve signal transmission in the spinal cord, and this study aims to develop a highly sensitive, rapid, and accurate method for analyzing NTs in rat spinal cord tissue. This advancement is crucial for improving clinical diagnosis and management of neurological disorders. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ/MS2) in conjunction with ultra-ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UA-MIL-DLLME) were employed to extract 20 NTs. Among the two magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) tested, [P6,6,6,14]2[CoCl4] was chosen as the extraction solvent due to its distinct properties, including visual recognition, paramagnetism, and high extraction efficiency. The method features efficient magnetic separation using an external magnetic field. Meanwhile, the color of the ionic liquid itself makes the extraction process easier to observe. To enhance extraction efficiency, the hydrophilic ionic liquid [BMIM]BF4 was utilized as the dispersion solvent, and parameters such as MIL type, solvent amount, extraction time, salt concentration, and pH were systematically optimized. The resulting method demonstrated high precision, a broad linear range, and low detection limits, with satisfactory recovery rates for all 20 NTs analyzed. Given its exceptional analytical performance, this technology has broad prospects in the analysis of the nervous system.

Peripheral nerve injury is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system. Alternatives to autologous nerve transplantation have attracted significant interest among researchers. In this study, magnetic nanoparticles are integrated with oriented polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers, followed by the addition of a polypyrrole (Ppy) coating. Ppy-PCL/Fe3O4, when combined with a static magnetic field, activates the superparamagnetic properties of the nanoparticles while ensuring conductivity, creating an environment conducive to nerve regeneration. The optimal intensity of the external magnetic field stimulation is assessed in vitro, and its effects on calcium influx and differentiation in rat RSC96 and PC12 cells, respectively, are examined. The superior efficacy of the integrated system in nerve regeneration is confirmed by histological and functional analyses in vivo. Exploration of the underlying molecular pathways using transcriptome sequencing shows that the regenerative system promotes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and reduces the production of reactive oxygen species. This comprehensive approach not only demonstrates the efficacy of the system in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration but also lays the groundwork for elucidating the underlying mechanistic pathways involved.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is one of the most serious causes of disability and loss of work capacity of younger individuals. Although PNS has a certain degree of regeneration, there are still challenges like disordered growth, neuroma formation, and incomplete regeneration. Regarding the management of PNI, conventional methods such as surgery, pharmacotherapy, and rehabilitative therapy. Treatment strategies vary depending on the severity of the injury. While for the long nerve defect, autologous nerve grafting is commonly recognized as the preferred surgical approach. Nevertheless, due to lack of donor sources, neurological deficits and the low regeneration efficiency of grafted nerves, nerve guide conduits (NGCs) are recognized as a future promising technology in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current treatments for PNI, and discusses NGCs from different perspectives, such as material, design, fabrication process, and composite function.

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), as a member of the cholinesterase family, is widely expressed in various tissues and cell types. Abnormal activity levels of BChE in organ systems or cells are usually associated with diseases. Therefore, developing effective methods for monitoring the distribution and activity of BChE in vivo is significant for exploring the physiological effects of BChE in organisms and improving prophylaxis, diagnosis or therapy of diseases. In this study, a dihydroxanthene-derived fluorescent probe CHQ-B with near-infrared (NIR) excitation and emission maxima was developed for visualizing endogenous BChE in vivo. This probe exhibits superior selectivity and sensitivity towards BChE, as well as low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility to biosamples. Furthermore, efficient and robust fluorescence imaging of the distribution and activity of BChE in diabetic mouse models confirmed the high expression of BChE induced by diabetes. Results of experiments demonstrated that CHQ-B is a promising fluorescence imaging tool for exploring butyrylcholinesterase expression in organisms during researches of relationships between BChE expression and various diseases.

Cysteine (Cys) distribute widely in organisms as the crucial components of proteins, and play important roles in pathophysiological processes of human body. Low level of Cys might induce hepatic injury, edema and growth retardation, while superfluous level of Cys is found to be closely relevant to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this work, a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe PFQ-C was developed for highly selective detection of Cys in living cells and mice by utilizing the cyclization removal reaction between acrylate group and Cys. The superior sensitivity (limit of detection, 0.036 μM), NIR emission (655 nm), large Stokes shift (135 nm) and low cytotoxicity of the probe highlight its broad potential for future clinical applications. The response mechanism of the probe towards Cys was clarified by spectroscopy, chromatography and theoretical calculation. In addition, results of fluorescence imaging of cells and mice revealed the good performance of the probe for monitoring the distributions and variations of Cys activity in vivo, which is very useful for the researches on diseases associated with Cys.

A green, efficient and easy sample pretreatment method of magnetic ionic liquid-based liquid-liquid microextraction (MIL-based LLME) combined with a sensitive, rapid and precise analytical method of ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ/ MS2) was developed to simultaneously - determining of neurotransmitters (NTs) in biosamples. Two magnetic ionic liquids (MILs), [P6,6,6,14]3[GdCl6] and [P6,6,6,14]2[CoCl4] tested, and the latter was selected as the extraction solvent due to its advantages of visual recognition, paramagnetic behavior and higher extraction efficiency. Facile magnetic separation of MIL containing analytes from matrix was realized by applying external magnetic field without rather than centrifugation. Experimental parameters that would influence the extraction efficiency, including type and amount of MIL, extraction time, speed of the vortex process, salt concentration, and environmental pH, were optimized obtained. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous extraction and determination of 20 NTs in human cerebrospinal fluid and plasma samples. Excellent analytical performance indicates the broad potential of this method for clinical diagnosis and therapy of neurological diseases.

A rapid and sensitive strategy for sensing dopamine (DA) was proposed based on the fluorescence quenching effects of polydopamine (PDA) on carbon dots (CDs). The green-emission fluorescence CDs were synthesized via a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach by employing p-phenylenediamine and ethanol as reagents. In alkaline environments, DA would polymerize to form PDA on surface of CDs, resulting in the fluorescence quenching of the detection system owing to the effects of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FERT) and inner filter effect (IFE). The proposed fluorescence probe exhibits good selectivity and sensitivity to DA in the concentration range of 0.1-15 mu M, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 37 nM. Results of detecting DA in serum samples indicate the broad potential of the proposed strategy for future application in diagnosis of DA-related diseases.

Objectives: To locate the anastomosable constant perforator of radial artery on the proximal forarm using ultrasonography, and describe the application of free radial artery flap based on a single proximal perforator in the reconstruction of digital soft tissue defects.Methods: In 20 forarms (10 right and 10 left) from 10 volunteers, the perforators in the proximal half of forarm from radial artery were visualized by ultrasonography. Then the free radial artery perforator flaps based on the single perforator were used for reconstruction of small digital soft tissue defects in 4 cases between October 2017 and May 2018.Results: Of the 20 forarms, anastomosable perforator was constantly detected from the radial artery in the proximal half of forarm. The diameter of the perforator was 0.7±0.1 mm, the pedicle length is 12±3 mm by ultrasonography. Ther location of the perforator is far from elbow crease 8.8±1.4 cm, and the relative distance of the perforator location from elbow crease to wrist crease is 37.2% ± 4.8%. In clinical cases, all the flaps were complete survival. Flap size ranged from 3.5 to 6.5 cm in length and 2.3 to 3.0 cm in width. Donor sites of forearm were closed primarily in all cases. During a mean period of 12 months (8-14 months) follow-up, the mean Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (BMHQ) score was 72.9 (60.4-85.4) in the affected hand.Conclusions: There is an anastomosable perforator consistent located on the radial artery in the proximal half of forarm. The free radial artery small flap based on this single perforator provides acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes for the reconsturction of digital soft tissue defects . With the preservation of the main vessel (radial artery) of forearm, this flap provides another reliable option for handsurgery surgeon to reconstruct small digital defects.

Background Previous reports on the treatment of neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist were generally conservative, with few case reports of treatment with osteoarticular surgery. Case Presentation A 25-year-old right-handed male complained of unpainful swelling of the dorsal aspect of his right wrist for 3 years. He was at that time diagnosed with synovitis and radiocarpal arthritis. The patient underwent a partial Four-Corner Arthrodesis and Synoviectomy to preserve motor function. Over the next 2 months, his right wrist also developed painful redness, with progressive swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis arthritis, and infectious diseases were ruled out in this case. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated that he had Chiari II syringomyelia so the patient was eventually diagnosed with destructive neuropathic arthropathy (syringomyelia). After 2 months of conservative treatment, the patient’s right wrist spontaneously and completely fused and the pain disappeared. Conclusion Neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist is a rare but clinically significant disease due to its effect on the function of the active limb. Surgeons should rule out a diagnosis of it when treating patients with wrist swelling and osteoarticular abnormalities, otherwise, limited intercarpal arthrodesis should not be taken as a treatment option. Inappropriate partial surgery is likely to lead to rapid total fusion of neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist.

Correction for 'Determination of sulfonamides in blood using acetonitrile-salt aqueous two-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry' by Wei Yu et al., Anal. Methods, 2013, 5, 5983-5989, DOI: 10.1039/C3AY40902C.

An ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid (IL) salting-out microextraction system was developed and applied for the extraction of quinolone antibiotics from urine. A precipitate was formed from the salt and IL, and it acted as the sorbent for the analytes. The precipitate containing the analyte was separated by filtration, redissolved, and the solution then was evaporated. The resulting extract was redissolved for high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Several parameters, including type and volume of IL, the type and amount of salts, sample pH, temperature and extraction time were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the limits of detection for fleroxacin and ciprofloxacin were 3.12 and 4.97 mu g L-1, respectively. When the present method was applied to real urine sample analysis, the analyte recoveries ranged from 82.3 to 106.8%. This ultrasound-assisted IL salting-out microextraction system had the characteristics of high recoveries, shorter separation time and easy-to-perform collection procedure, which yielded the method to have potential for wide application.

Insect resistance to insecticides is an increasingly serious problem, and the resistant mechanisms are complicated. The resistance research based on the chemosensory pathway is one of the hot problems at present, but the specific binding mechanism of chemosensory genes and insecticides remains elusive. The binding mechanism of AlepGOBP2 (belong to insect chemosensory gene) with two insecticides was investigated by computational and experimental approaches. Our calculation results indicated that four key residues (Phe12, Ile52, Ile94, and Phe118) could steadily interact with these two insecticides and be assigned as hotspot sites responsible for their binding affinities. The significant alkyl-π and hydrophobic interactions involved by these four hotspot residues were found to be the driving forces for their binding affinities, especially for two residues (Phe12 and Ile94) that significantly contribute to the binding of chlorpyrifos, which were also validated by our binding assay results. Furthermore, we also found that the AlepGOBP2-chlorpyrifos/phoxim complexes can be more efficiently converged in the residue-specific force field-(RSFF2C) and its higher accuracy and repeatability in protein dynamics simulation, per-residue free energy decomposition, and computational alanine scanning calculations have also been achieved in this paper. These findings provided useful insights for efficient and reliable calculation of the binding mechanism of relevant AlepGOBPs with other insecticides, facilitating to develop new and efficient insecticides targeting the key sites of AlepGOBP2.

A green, rapid and precise sample pretreatment technique, IL-based UAE(ionic liquid-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction), was coupled with high-performance liquid chromatographic separation to identify the main effective components in Schisandra sphenanthera(S. sphenanthera) and Schisandra chinensis(S. chinensis) including schisantherin A, schisandrin A, and deoxyschizandrin. Four different types of ionic liquids have been investigated, finally [C6MIM][BF4] was used as the extraction solvent. A powder form of S. sphenanthera and S. chinensis was mixed with the [C6MIM][BF4] to produce a suspension. This suspension was ultrasonically extracted in a water bath at room temperature. Several of the process parameters were optimized, including the type of ionic liquid used and its volume, the sample amount, the size of the sample particle, the extraction time, etc. HPLC calibration curves were established for all the analytes and proved to be linear(r>0.9999). The lowest detection level for schisandrin A was 0.12 μg/mL, for schisantherin A was 0.08 μg/mL, and for deoxyschizandrin was 0.10 μg/mL. The recoveries of the target compounds were from 74.19% to 109.33%. The standard deviations for detection were generally no more than 6.31%. In contrast to conventional extraction methods, the IL-based UAE did not involve volatile organic volatile solvents, and the analysis time, required sample and solvent volumes were also lower than those of the conventional techniques.

Ionic liquid/anionic surfactant aqueous two-phase system was developed and applied for the extraction of sulfonamides in blood. High-performance liquid chromatography was applied to the determination of the analytes. The blood sample was centrifuged and added to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), ionic liquid 1-Hexyl-3-MethylImidazolium Chloride([C6MIM] Cl), K2HPO4. After the resulting mixture was ultrasonically shaken and centrifuged, the aqueous two phase system was formed and analytes were extracted into the upper phase. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as volume of ionic liquid, amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate, ionic strength, pH value of system, extraction time and temperature were investigated. The limits of detection of Sulfamethyldiazine (SMZ), Sulfamethizole (STZ), sulfachlorpyridazine (SCP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and Sulfisoxazole (SSZ) were 3.29, 4.13, 3.74, 2.45 and 3.60μgL−1, respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of real blood samples, the recoveries of analytes ranged from 85.5 to 110.9% and relative standard deviations were lower than 6.9%.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that reneurorrhaphy of a distal coaptation at an appropriate time after nerve grafting can upregulate neurotrophins in rat spinal cord neurons. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect this procedure has on peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS: Fifteen Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sham-surgery, control, or experimental (transection and rerepair of the distal coaptation of the grafting nerve) groups. The sciatic nerve was evaluated via electromyogram and histology at 20 weeks. RESULTS: When crossing the proximal coaptation of the grafting nerve, the electromyogram and histologic evaluations did not significantly differ between experimental and control groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, crossing the distal coaptation yielded significantly better values (P < 0.05) in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that reneurorrhaphy of the distal coaptation at an appropriate time after nerve grafting can improve nerve function and facilitate the regeneration of axons.

In this study, a green, rapid, and simple method, ionic-liquid-magnetized stirring bar liquid-phase microextraction was developed for the determination of naphthoquinones, including shikonin and β,β'-dimethylacrylshikonin, in Zicao. This method permits active magnetic stirring, extraction, and pre-enrichment in a single device simultaneously, so the extract is conveniently collected. The analytes were extracted from the sample to ionic liquid-magnetized stirring bar, then the analyte-adsorbed magnetized stirring bar can be readily isolated from the sample solution by a magnet. The key experimental parameters were investigated and optimized, including the type and volume of ionic liquid, extraction time, salt concentration, stirring speed, and pH. The recoveries were in the range of 89.47-102.38%, and good reproducibilities were obtained with relative standard deviation below 5.36%. Compared with the conventional extraction methods, the proposed method is quicker and more effective.

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the long-term functional and clinical outcomes of a tendon transfer to restore the extension of the thumb using the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Methods and materials: From June 2005 to September 2012, eight patients (six males; two females) with a mean age of 30 years (range, 16-52 years) who suffered rupture or division of extensor pollicis longus underwent a tendon transfer to restore the extension of the thumb using the extensor carpi radialis brevis. The range of motion, pinch, and grip strength of thumb were compared with the nonoperated hand and evaluated for all the study patients using the Geldmacher scoring system. Results: At an average follow-up of 56 months, all eight patients could extend their thumbs fully and were assessed as good or excellent according to the Geldmacher scoring system. Average grip and tip pinch strengths of the operated hand were 95% (34.9 kg +/- 14.0 kg vs. 36.6 kg +/- 14.6 kg) and 92% (9.2 kg +/- 4.8 kg vs. 9.9 kg +/- 4.7 kg) of the nonoperative side, respectively. There was no marked loss of extension motion or strength of the wrist nor any other postoperative complications. Conclusions: The procedure of transferring the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon to the extensor pollicis longus provides excellent long-term clinical results for restoring the extension of the thumb. The procedure is safe, with few complications, and it can be an alternate procedure of restoring the extension of the thumb. (C) 2017 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Salting-out homogenous extraction followed by ionic liquid/ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction system was developed and applied to the extraction of sulfonamides in blood. High-performance liquid chromatography was applied to the determination of the analytes. The blood sample was centrifuged to obtain the serum. After the proteins in the serum were removed in the presence of acetonitrile, ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, ionic liquid 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate were added into the resulting solution. After the resulting mixture was ultrasonically shaken and centrifuged, the precipitate was separated. The acetonitrile was added in the precipitate and the analytes were extracted into the acetonitrile phase. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as volume of ionic liquid, amount of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, volume of dispersant, extraction time and temperature were investigated. The limits of detection of sulfamethizole (STZ), sulfachlorpyridazine (SCP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and Sulfisoxazole (SSZ) were 4.78, 3.99, 5.21 and 3.77μgL−1, respectively. When the present method was applied to the analysis of real blood samples, the recoveries of analytes ranged from 90.0% to 113.0% and relative standard deviations were lower than 7.2%.

Purpose: To investigate the long-term functional and clinical outcomes of a tendon transfer to restore extension of the thumb using extensor carpi radialis brevis Methods and materials: From Jun 2005 to Sep 2012, 8 patients with rupture or division of extensor pollicis longus (6 males, 2 females; aged 16-52 years, mean age 30 years) underwent a tendon transfer using the extensor carpi radialis brevis to restore extension of the thumb. All patients were assessed by Geldmacher score system, mobility, pinch and grip strength of thumb comparing to the non-operated hand over an average of 36 months (range, 24–84 months) after the operation. Result: At an average follow-up of 36 months, all eight patients were able to extend their thumbs fully, and assessed as good or excellent by Geldmacher score system. Average grip strength of the operated hand was equal to that of the contra lateral hand, and tip pinch strengths were 92% of the contra lateral hand. There was no marked loss of extension motion and strength of wrist, and no other postoperative complications. Conclusions: The procedure of extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon transfer to extensor pollicis longus provides excellent long-term clinical results for restoring extension of the thumb. The procedure is safe, with few complications, which can be an alternate procedure of restoring extension of the thumb.

In-syringe ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was developed and applied for the extraction of sulfonamides in blood.