Optimization of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection Conditions for Interaction between Gonyautoxin and Its Aptamer

This study aimed to optimize the detection conditions for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in four different buffers and explore the interaction between gonyautoxin (GTX1/4) and its aptamer, GO18. The influence of the silver colloid solution and MgSO4 concentration (0.01 M) added under four different buffered conditions on DNA SERS detection was studied to determine the optimum detection conditions. We explored the interaction between GTX1/4 and GO18 under the same conditions as those in the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technique, using Tris-HCl as the buffer. The characteristic peaks of GO18 and its G-quadruplex were detected in four different buffer solutions. The change in peak intensity at 1656 cm−1 confirmed that the binding site between GTX1/4 and GO18 was in the G-quadruplex plane. The relative intensity of the peak at 1656 cm−1 was selected for the GTX1/4–GO18 complex (I1656/I1099) to plot the ratio of GTX1/4 in the Tris-HCl buffer condition (including 30 μL of silver colloid solution and 2 μL of MgSO4), and a linear relationship was obtained as follows: Y = 0.1867X + 1.2205 (R2 = 0.9239). This study provides a basis for subsequent application of SERS in the detection of ssDNA, as well as the binding of small toxins and aptamers.

Test of the Aphrodisiac Effect of Ethanol Extract of Roots, Stems and Leaves of Packaged Plants (Smilax rotundifolia) on Male White Rats (Sprague Dawley)

Developing countries use medicinal plants for aphrodisiac treatment, one of which is a pack plant (Smilax rotundifolia) which is commonly used to enlarge male genitalia in Papua Indonesia. Because these claims are not scientifically tested and proven, at this time This study aims to determine the effect of the ethanol extract of S. rotundifolia stem and leaf tubers on the parameters of sexual behavior in male Sprague Dawley rats. As well as fear the most effective plant parts have aphrodisiac activity. Thirty rats were divided into 5 groups (A-E) consisting of group A given 0.5% Na CMC colloid solution (normal control), group B given X-gra® suspension dosage 51.37 mg / kgBW (control positive), group C was given root ethanol extract dosage 200mg / kgBB, group D was given stem ethanol extract dosage 200mg / kgBB and group E was given leaf ethanol extract dosage 200mg / kgBB. The aphrodisiac test was observed on the 31st day with a ratio of male and female rats (1: 2). All parameters tested in the extract group showed significant differences with the normal group. This showed an aphrodisiac effect in all extract groups. The 200 mg / KgBB stem extract group reduced latent rates and intromission mounts as well as increased copulation rates, showing a marked increase in the number of intromissions, reduced ejaculatory latency and inter-intromission interval, and increased ejaculation frequency. which was not significant in the X-gra group (positive control) (p

Filtration of Nanoparticle Agglomerates in Aqueous Colloidal Suspensions Exposed to an External Radio-Frequency Magnetic Field

The study investigated the phenomenon of the fast aggregation of single-domain magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in stable aqueous colloidal suspensions due to the presence of a radio-frequency (RF) magnetic field. Single-domain nanoparticles have specific magnetic properties, especially the unique property of absorbing the energy of such a field and releasing it in the form of heat. The localized heating causes the colloid to become unstable, leading to faster agglomeration of nanoparticles and, consequently, to rapid sedimentation. It has been shown that the destabilization of a stable magnetic nanoparticle colloid by the RF magnetic field can be used for the controlled filtration of larger agglomerates of the colloid solution. Two particular cases of stable colloidal suspensions were considered: a suspension of the bare nanoparticles in an alkaline solution and the silica-stabilized nanoparticles in a neutral solution. The obtained results are important primarily for biomedical applications and wastewater treatment.

Epidural Filling with Crystal-colloid Solution for Post Accidental Dural Puncture Headache: A Case Series

Purpose: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common anesthetic complication caused by expected spinal puncture or accidental dural puncture during intraspinal anesthesia operation. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical features and outcomes of parturients with accidental dural punctures (ADP). Methods: (All cesarean sections at the Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children (Chongqing, China) carried out under neuraxial anesthesia from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 were reviewed and data from 20 parturients with ADP were collected and analyzed. Results: Seventeen individuals received crystal-colloid solution fillers and three did not. The median epidural catheter retaining time was 40 hours; the median frequency of epidural filling was three times, with a median total volume of 60 ml. One patient developed tinnitus and three complained of head swelling during filling. The median bed-stay duration was 73 hours, with total intravenous infusion volume of 7.3 L in the first three postoperative days. Two patients complained of slight dizziness and mitigation, and five felt weak. One individual had intermittent headaches and dizziness till the seventh postoperative day. Conclusions: Epidural injection of crystal-colloid solution, combined with hydration, maybe a useful preven-tive strategy for ADP-induced headache after cesarean section.

A Comparative Study of Polypyrrole and Ag/Polypyrrole Hybrid Nanocomposites as Sensitive Material Used for New Dry Polarizable Bioimpedance Sensors

Three types of dry polarizable electric bioimpedance sensor for skin bioimpedance monitoring without skin preparation have been developed. The sensitive materials as a component of these sensors are the conductive polypyrrole and hybrid nanocomposite polypyrrole-Ag, with 10% and 20% Ag incorporated in the polypyrrole matrix. The hybrid nanocomposites Ag nanoparticles (NPs)/polypyrrole were obtained by introducing the colloid solution of Ag NPs in pyrrole solution, followed by polymerisation, and calculated for 10% and 20% of monomer’s mass. The structural characterisation and morphological analysis of these sensitive materials were carried-out by Raman spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In making the electrodes, the technique of pressing powders of polypyrrole and hybrid composites Ag NPs/polypyrrole in a hydraulic press was used in the form of a disk. The electric bioimpedance performance of sensors was investigated using a two-point method in the frequency range of 1–300 kHz, at a voltage of 2 Vpeak-peak, on six human subjects, three men and three women. For these three bioimpedance sensors, it was found that the electric bioimpedance of the skin decreases across the frequency range and shows good linearity of the impedance-frequency curve on the range frequency of interest in bioimpedance measurements.

A Study of Nanosilver Colloid Prepared by Electrical Spark Discharge Method and Its Antifungal Control Benefits

This is a study of an antimicrobial test, including yeast, Aspergillus Niger, and Aspergillus Flavus, on a nanosilver colloid solution. The antibiosis is compared with a standard silver ion solution at the same concentration as in the experimental process. This study proved that the nanosilver colloid prepared by the electrical spark discharge method (ESDM) is free of any chemical additives, has a microbial control effect, and that the effect is much better than the Ag+ standard solution at the same concentration. 3M Count Plate (YM) is used to test and observe the colony counts. The microbial control test for yeast, Aspergillus Niger, and Aspergillus Flavus is implemented in the nanosilver colloid. In addition to Aspergillus flavus, an Ag+ concentration of 16 ppm is enough to inhibit the growth of the samples. At the same concentration, the nanosilver colloid has a much better microbial control effect than the Ag+ standard solution, which may be because the nanoparticle can release Ag+ continuously, so the solution using the ESDM has a more significant microbial control effect.

Different Effects of Albumin and Hydroxyethyl Starch on Low Molecular-Weight Solute Permeation through Sodium Hyaluronic Acid Solution

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a high-molecular-weight linear polysaccharide, restricts solute transport through the interstitial space. Albumin and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used to correct the decrease of blood volume during surgery, but may leak into the interstitial space under inflammation conditions. Given the possibility that the structure of HA may be affected by adjacent macromolecules, this study tested whether albumin and HES (Mw 130,000) exert different effects on solute permeation through sodium hyaluronic acid (NaHA: Mw 1.3 × 106) solution. To this end, permeation of Orange G, a synthetic azo dye (Mw 452), into NaHA solutions containing albumin or HES over time was assessed. The amount of time it took for the relative absorbance of Orange G to reach 0.3 (T0.3) was determined in each NaHA solution relative to the reference solution (i.e., colloid solution without NaHA). Relative T0.3 values of albumin were larger than those of HES for 0.1% NaHA solution (3.33 ± 0.69 vs. 1.16 ± 0.08, p = 0.006, n = 3) and 0.2% NaHA solution (1.95 ± 0.32 vs. 0.92 ± 0.27, p = 0.013, n = 3). This finding may help in the selection of an appropriate colloid solution to control drug delivery into the interstitial space of cancer tissue under inflammation conditions.