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[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) has been used in infertility cases in recent years, and several reports have stated that it has oocyte collection results similar to those of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol. For emergency fertility preservation, random-start ovarian stimulation is usually recommended. Therefore we compared the clinical outcomes of random-start PPOS with those of conventional random-start GnRH-ant protocols in fertility-preserving cases. Methods: We retrospectively examined 86 cycles of oocyte collection, of which 56 were random-start GnRH-ant and 30 were random-start PPOS for fertility preservation at our hospital between January 2016 and April 2021. The primary outcome was the number of mature oocytes per cycle. The secondary outcome was the number of vitrified blastocysts per cycle for embryo freezing cases. Results: No significant differences were noted in the number of days of stimulation, total dose of gonadotropin preparation, and the number of mature oocytes and vitrified blastocysts. The number of hospital visits for monitoring was significantly lower in the PPOS group. The start of menstruation before oocyte collection was significantly less in the PPOS group. Conclusions: Random-start PPOS and GnRH-ant were similar in oocyte collection results. PPOS can reduce the number of hospital visits, thus reducing patient stress. PPOS at the start of the luteal phase can prevent the start of menstruation during ovarian stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the field of oncofertility, patients with breast cancer are often administered letrozole as an adjuvant drug before and after oocyte retrieval to prevent an increase in circulating estradiol.Case Presentation: We report a case of abdominal hemorrhage due to an ovarian rupture in a 29-year-old Japanese patient who restarted letrozole 2 days after an oocyte retrieval procedure in which 14 mature oocytes were retrieved. The patient had sought embryo cryopreservation as a fertility preservation option before undergoing treatment for recurrent breast cancer. A day after restarting letrozole treatment, the patient unexpectedly developed severe abdominal pain. Laparoscopic hemostasis was performed to manage the ovarian swelling and hemorrhage.Conclusions: The ovaries can be restimulated by restart letrozole after an oocyte retrieval procedure. Therefore, reproductive-medicine practitioners should understand the potential complications of letrozole administration in such cases and take steps to ensure that they are minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is normally induced by ovarian stimulation drugs. Severe cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome involve complications such as renal failure and thrombosis. Evidence has recently been developed for a method to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Most cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are of an early-onset type, which occurs shortly after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin. However, late-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which occurs in a pregnancy cycle, also requires caution. We report our experience in treating a woman who was transported to our hospital with a severe case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurring during ovarian stimulation and who was determined to have an ectopic pregnancy.Case Presentation: Assisted reproductive technology was planned for a 29-year-old nulligravida Japanese woman diagnosed with bilateral fallopian tube obstruction and right-sided hydrosalpinx. On day 1 of controlled ovarian stimulation, the result of her human chorionic gonadotropin urine test was negative, and her serum levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone were normal. On day 11 of controlled ovarian stimulation, the levels of estradiol and progesterone had risen to 9679 pg/ml and 16 ng/ml, respectively, prompting suspension of controlled ovarian stimulation. Eleven days after controlled ovarian stimulation was suspended, the patient demonstrated ascites that did not improve despite administration of cabergoline, and she was transported to our hospital 2 days after. Late-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome suggested that she was pregnant, and her serum human chorionic gonadotropin level was 27,778 IU/ml. She underwent laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy and was diagnosed with right tubal pregnancy.Conclusion: In an ectopic pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin sometimes increases later than in an intrauterine pregnancy. In our patient's case, endogenous human chorionic gonadotropin following the start of controlled ovarian stimulation may have caused late-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The key to early detection of similar cases may be to suspect pregnancy in the event of unexpectedly high progesterone levels during ovarian stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is significant, but the underlying mechanism of action is not clear. Considering that glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and caspase‐12 are major proteins participating in cell apoptosis, we investigated the effects of "adjusting internal organs and dredging channel" electroacupuncture therapy on GRP78 and caspase‐12 levels in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats to elucidate the mechanism of action. Methods: Rats were first divided into two groups: one group was rendered diabetic with a single injection of 50 mg/kg STZ, whereas the other normal control group was injected with an equivalent volume of citrate buffer. The STZ‐diabetic rats were randomly divided into three groups: model control and electroacupuncture‐ and mecobalamin‐treated groups. After 12 weeks treatment, the therapeutic efficacy of electroacupuncture was assessed using sciatic nerves isolated from rats. In the electroacupuncture group, rats were treated by electroacupuncture for 20 minutes once daily for 6 days each week, with 1 day off, for 12 consecutive weeks. The selected acupressure points include bilateral acupressure points of BL13 (Fehu), BL20 (Pishu), BL23 (Shenshu), LI4 (Hegu), LR3 (faichong), ST36 (Zusanli), and SP6 (Sanyiniiao). Acupressure points were stimulated using a HuaTuo SDZ‐V Electric Acupuncture Therapy Apparatus. The acupressure points of BL13 and BL23, as well as SP6 and LR3, were connected on the same side with a dilatational wave of 3 Hz (frequency ratio of 1 : 5) to stimulate the parts of the body to the extent that could be tolerated by the rat. As for the mecobalamin‐treated groups, mecobalamin was administrated to rats intragastrically at a dose of 20 mg/kg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis were used to determine GRP78 and caspase‐12 levels in sciatic nerves. In addition, cell apoptosis in sciatic nerves was determined using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results: Electroacupuncture markedly reduced the pathological injury to sciatic nerves in STZ‐diabetic rats. Moreover, electroacupuncture significantly downregulated GRP78 and caspase‐12 and reduced cell apoptosis of sciatic nerves in DPN rats. Conclusions: Electroacupuncture improved DPN by downregulating GRP78 and caspase‐12 and reducing cell apoptosis of sciatic nerves in STZ‐diabetic rats, and further inhibited the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress, thus preventing sciatic nerve injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clock genes are essential for the daily functions of vertebrates and invertebrates and participate in a wide variety of biological functions including biochemical, physiological, and behavioral processes. Circadian clock disorders are detrimental to both humans and fish, and therefore research on the regulation of genes involved in the circadian clock has attracted increasing attention. Period 2 (per2) is an important gene whose expression is closely related to melatonin secretion, in addition to being affected by the photoperiod length. To gain more insights into the potential biological function of per2, we have cloned and expressed per2 in Amur minnow (Phoxinus lagowskii). We also analyzed melatonin content and AANAT2 gene expression under different short or long-term photoperiod conditions. In the present study, the secretion of melatonin in P. lagowskii was highest in the dark phase under short-term experiments. In the pituitary, the expression of the per2 gene was highest during the dark phase in both the 16L: 8D and 8L: 16D groups. The expression of the per2 gene in the brain was also highest during the dark phase in the 12L: 12D group. Though the expression of the per2 gene was not the highest in the dark phase for the other groups, there were no significant differences compared to the highest value. In addition, in the brain and pituitary, AANAT2 expression was highest during the light phase, except in the 8L: 16D group. Our findings suggested that Amper2 may participate in the feedback regulation of melatonin by regulating the expression of AANAT2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses confirmed that per2 mRNA was expressed during the dark phase, especially in 16L: 8D group. Immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed that PER2 protein was expressed higher in 8L: 16D group. The dual luciferase experiment first validated the promotion of Wnt/β-Catenin expression by the per2 gene. Our results provide novel insights into the expression and location of per2, which contributes to a better understanding of the role of clock genes in the circadian rhythm and seasonal responses of high-latitude fish and might provide useful information of practical interest for high-latitude aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide coordination polymers (Ln-CPs) ([Eu(L)2(H2O)]Br·H2O)n (EuBr) and ([TbL2(H2O)2]Br·H2O)n (TbBr) have been synthesised and photoluminescence studies revealed that EuBr and TbBr exhibit a sensitive and fast luminescence quenching response to Fe3+ and picric acid (PA). The quenching effect constant (Ksv) of EuBr for Fe3+ can reach 3974 M−1 and that of TbBr can reach 4249 M−1. The Ksv of PA is calculated for EuBr as 17 000 M−1 and TbBr as 20 200 M−1. The recyclability experiment of the quenching ability of EuBr and TbBr in water can be tested at least 3 times. Thus, the lanthanide based coordination polymers are a good candidate for use as a multi-response luminescent sensor for the quantitative detection of toxic and hazardous substances in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High expression of collagen type X alpha 1 chain (COL10A1), a member of the collagen family, had been observed in various human cancers, but the detailed function and molecular mechanism of COL10A1 were largely unclear. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of COL10A1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cells and to reveal its biological function and mechanism in CRC. Materials and methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) and Western blot experiments were used to determine the clinical relevance between expression levels of COL10A1 and CRC. Results: Compared with normal tissues, COL10A1 expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues. Biological functional experiments showed that overexpression of COL10A1 enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, and knockdown of COL10A1 inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. Western blot assays showed that COL10A1 promoted the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The overexpression of COL10A1 was associated with adverse prognosis in CRC by tissue microarray (TMA) analysis. Conclusion: Our findings had provided evidences to support the fact that COL10A1 was abnormally up-expressed in CRC and involved in the progression of CRC and the process of EMT. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the high-level expression of COL10A1 was an independent risk factor of prognosis and overall survival in CRC patients. These suggested that COL10A1 might be a new potential target for cancer therapy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop software for multi-axis electrical discharge machining (EDM) computer numerical control (CNC) systems using open CNC technology and soft CNC technology and to then apply the software to the machining of rimmed turbine blisks. Through the analysis of functional requirements, this study established the hierarchy structure of the software. On the basis of this structure, three main modules and their communications were established with Linux and RT-Linux as the development platforms. The software architecture was also constructed. Through the construction of the modules and communications and the realization of the functions, the multi-axis EDM CNC system software was developed and installed into a five-axis EDM CNC machine to realize the machining of rimmed turbine blisks. Machining results show that the architecture of the software is correct, harmonious, and reasonable. The software is also stable and reliable and features strong real-time capability and accurate movement control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense AlO-TiB-BC composites are synthesized by in situ reactive hot press sintering of BC with 20 wt% TiAl and TiAl at 1700 °C, respectively. The sinterability of BC is improved by the intermetallic compounds due to the formation of AlO and TiB. The sizes of AlO, TiB, and BC grains are less than 2.5 μm. The agglomerates of AlO and TiB particles tend to orientationally align in the direction perpendicular to the pressure axis. By incorporation of TiAl, the flexural strength and fracture toughness reach 482 MPa and 3.6 MPa m, respectively. When TiAl is added, the flexural strength is reduced to 408 MPa because of the thermal residual stress, while the fracture toughness is increased to 4.2 MPa·m. The increase of AlO in the composite can reduce the strength and enhance the toughness of the composite due to the thermal residual stress originated from the thermal expansion mismatch between BC and AlO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel solution-phase method is developed for preparation of agglomerates of amorphous carbon nanoparticles under ambient atmosphere by the reaction of ferrocene and ammonium chloride in diglycol at 200°C. Samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. It is found that the nanoparticles are complete amorphous and agglomerate together due to the strong surface tension. The agglomerates of amorphous carbon nanoparticles with a diameter of 20–50nm have a wide size distribution of mesopores with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 75.2m2 g−1. It is proposed that the dissolved reactants uniformly dispersing in the solutions could react at a molecular level to form uniform carbon nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture based on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) /acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling pathway to improve glycolipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice. 10 db/m mice with normal genotype were used as the normal control group without diabetes (Con), and 30 db/db mice were divided randomly into three groups: Pathological model mice (Mod), Acupuncture + ACC antagonist group (Acu + ACC), and Acupuncture + AMPK antagonist group (Acu + AMPK). Con and Mod did not receive any special treatment, only as a control observation. The latter two groups of mice received electroacupuncture treatment for 4 weeks. Mouse triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), and cholesterin(CHO) levels were detected by colorimetric assay. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to detect insulin(INS) levels. Liver histopathologic changes and hepatic glycogen synthesis were observed by HE and PAS staining. The mRNA and protein expression of insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS1), Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), AMPK, and ACC were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR.The results show that compared with Mod, TG, LDL, CHO, and INS levels of Acu + AMPK and Acu + ACC mice were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the HDL levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the steatotic degeneration of mice hepatocytes was reduced to different degrees, and the hepatocyte glycogen particles were increased, and the latter two groups had a decrease in AKT, ACC mRNA expression was reduced (P < 0.05), PI3K protein expression was increased, and AKT and ACC protein expression was reduced (P < 0.05), in addition, protein expression of AMPK was increased and IRS1 protein expression was reduced in Acu + ACC (P < 0.05). The study showed that electroacupuncture improves glucose-lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice, and this mechanism is related to the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kagami-Ogata syndrome is also known as paternal uniparental disomy 14 and related disorders and is caused by abnormal genomic imprinting in the long arm of the chromosome 14q32.2 region. Its clinical manifestations include polyhydramnios in the fetal stage, respiratory insufficiency because of a small thorax, abdominal wall abnormalities, and peculiar facial features after birth.Case Presentation: A 38-year-old Japanese primigravida woman was referred to our hospital in the 19th week of pregnancy for suspected omphalocele. She had a history of hypothyroidism but was prescribed orally administered levothyroxine (50 μg/day) prior to conception and was euthyroid. Her ultrasound scan prior to visiting our hospital revealed fetal omphalocele, heavy for date, and polyhydramnios. The mother was advised to be admitted for observation from 28 weeks of gestation for threatened premature delivery. She required amniodrainage at 29 and 32 weeks of gestation. At 35 weeks of gestation, the fetal membrane prematurely ruptured and she gave birth after an emergency Cesarean section. The infant was a male child with a birth weight of 3188 g, and was suspected to have Kagami-Ogata syndrome after birth based on thoracic hypoplasia, swallowing function abnormalities, and peculiar facial features. A definitive diagnosis was established by performing genetic testing of the infant after obtaining informed written consent from both the parents; the results of the genetic testing revealed hypermethylated intergenic-differentially methylated region and maternally expressed gene 3-differentially methylated region in the corresponding chromosome 14 region. Both the parents were genetically tested after adequate genetic counseling, which revealed a de novo microdeletion in a differentially methylated region.Conclusion: Kagami-Ogata syndrome should have been suspected because of the presence of polyhydramnios and omphalocele during pregnancy. Respiratory insufficiency soon after birth, because of a small thorax, is expected in this disease and a diagnosis during pregnancy may have enabled appropriate care after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. To investigate the effects of acupuncture on endogenous metabolites in the liver of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice-based metabolomics. Methods. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis and univariate analysis were used to analyze the changes of endogenous metabolites in the liver of mice in each group and to provide new clinical ideas for acupuncture in the treatment of glycolipid metabolism disorders caused by T2DM and NAFLD. Results. After 4 weeks of continuous treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin (INS), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) decreased significantly in mice in the acupuncture treatment group (ATG), and the content of liver glycogen increased significantly. Based on 1H-NMR metabolomic analysis, a total of 47 metabolites were identified in the liver of T2DM with NAFLD mice, of which eight metabolites: UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, adenosine, glutamate, isoleucine, ATP, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, NADP+, and leucine were significantly altered by acupuncture treatment. Through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, it is found that acupuncture has an intervention effect on five metabolic pathways, mainly involving amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress. Conclusion. Our study shows that acupuncture can regulate the liver metabolism mode of T2DM in NAFLD mice. It can reduce blood glucose and lipid accumulation in the liver, and these findings provide a new idea and theoretical basis for acupuncture in the treatment of diseases related to glucose and lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The surgical approach for patients with Siewert type II AEG remains controversial. Several studies have described a new laparoscopic radical resection approach of Siewert type II AEG through the left diaphragm. However, the technical safety and feasibility of the new surgical approach compared with the transhiatal approach have not yet been tested. Study design: We retrospectively reviewed patients with AEG who underwent TSLG and LTH operations in the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine between January 2017 and April 2021. Histologically confirmed AEG and D2 lymphadenectomy with curative R0 patients were included, and patients with Siewert I/III AEG or distant metastasis were excluded. Blood loss, the amount of harvested lymph node, and complications related to surgery were evaluated. Results: A total of 99 patients with Siewert type II AEG were analyzed, 44 in the TSLG group and 55 in the LTH group. There was no difference in clinicopathological features between the two groups. The more harvested lymph node (23.33 ± 11.41 vs. 32.18 ± 12.85, p < 0.01), lower mediastinal lymph node (1.07 ± 2.08 vs. 3.25 ± 3.31, p < 0.01), and longer proximal margin length (3.08 ± 1.19 vs. 4.47 ± 0.95 cm, p < 0.01) were observed in the TSLG group. The rate of cure (R0 gastrectomy) in the TSLG group was higher than that in the LTH group (100% vs. 89.09%, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The TSLG approach is associated with improved surgical views, simplified lymphatic dissection in the inferior mediastinum, and more reliable margins. TSLG surgery may be an effective addition to LTH surgery, particularly when lower mediastinal lymph node metastases are suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) has a great impact on an individual's quality of life. The current researchers' previous trial suggested that acupuncture was a promising adjunctive treatment for PDPN. However, the underlying mechanism of action of acupuncture treatment for PDPN is still unclear, especially its effects at the cerebral level. The aim of this trial will be to explore how acupuncture works in treating PDPN by using multimodal cerebral imaging.Method and Design: This will be a randomized controlled trial. A total of 150 participants will be recruited and assigned to one of three groups: the healthy group, the DM without PDPN group and the DM with PDPN group. Participants in the DM without PDPN and the DM with PDPN groups will each be further divided between an electroacupuncture group and a sham electroacupuncture group. Participants will receive six treatment sessions per week for 4 weeks. Multimodal cerebral imaging includes resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); this neurophysiological testing will be the primary outcome measure. Subjective pain scales and blood analysis will be a secondary outcome measure and will be used to assess the clinical efficacy of the intervention. Multimodal cerebral imaging will be used to detect cerebral activity changes in each treatment group. The clinical data and fMRI data will be analysed for all the groups. Multiple correlation regression analyses will be used to assess the association between changes in cerebral functional activity and the improvement of clinical outcomes after acupuncture treatment.Discussion: This study is based on the results of the researchers' previous study, and using combined clinical and cerebral function changes, it will help evaluate the effects of acupuncture on PDPN. The investigation of acupuncture's central mechanism of action will further expand the understanding of acupuncture treatment of PDPN.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900024109 . Registered on 26 June 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is an acute kidney injury associated with high number of mortality. We have examined the molecular mechanism and found that oxidative stress and hypoxia leads to induction of autophagy. In IRI induced autophagy, TFEB translocated to nucleus in response to IRI and induced a number of target genes of Coordinated Lysosomal Expression and Regulation (CLEAR) network. Real-time PCR analyses result showed IRI dependent increase in mRNA level to lysosomal hydrolases (Ctsa, Psap), lysosomal membranes (Lamp1), lysosomal acidification (Atp6ap1) non-lysosomal proteins involved in lysosomal biogenesis (M6pr, Nagpa) and autophagy (Becn1, VPS11). Overall, both lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy pathways were induced. Two key players of TFEB dependent proteins in autophagy, LAMP1 and BECN1 were verified by protein analyses. Pretreatment with urolithin A promoted autophagy and attenuated renal injury in kidney IRI and thus inverse relationship existed between TFEB–CLEAR pathway and kidney injury. Urolithin A also attenuated IRI induced pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL1β, MIP1α and MIP2 mRNA and associated kidney injury. Overall, our results explored the understanding of autophagy and CLEAR network to kidney IRI and those insights may help to develop new therapeutic strategies to protect against IRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture through a review and analysis of systematic reviews of acupuncture for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Systematic reviews of acupuncture treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy were collected by searching CNKI, VIP, Wanfang database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to February 14, 2020. After literature selection and extraction, included reports were evaluated in terms of the quality of the methodology and of the report using criteria from the AMSTAR2 scale and the PRISMA statement. Results and discussion: Eighty eight reviews were retrieved. The inclusion criteria were a published systematic evaluation/meta‐analysis/systematic review of acupuncture treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which included subjects meeting the diagnostic criteria for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and which compared acupuncture treatment with non‐acupuncture treatment. After the inclusion criteria had been applied, 18 reviews were finally included. According to the PRISMA statement, 3 reports were relatively complete, 12 reports had certain defects, 3 reports had considerable information missing, and 18 reports had extremely low methodological quality according to the AMSTAR2 scale. Current evidence shows that acupuncture improves diabetic peripheral neuropathy and increases nerve conduction velocity. However, the methodological quality of the reviews is generally extremely low, and most of the reviews had certain defects, showing that there is still much room for improvement in terms of the methodology and quality of the research reports. What is new and conclusion: Acupuncture appears to have an effect on DPN, effectively improving nerve conduction and clinical symptoms. Although the methodological quality of the included studies was generally very low and defects were frequent, our study highlights areas where improvement in methodology is required. There is a need for further study of the pathogenesis of DPN, and for developing a unified standard for methods of acupuncture treatment, acupoint selection, and adverse reactions reporting. Traditional Chinese medical practices such as acupuncture should adopt an evidence‐based approach to provide greater confidence in their use. This review evaluates and verifies the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by using the quality of report and methodology, in order to provide reference for clinical decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In response to the problem of asynchronous fermentation between lignocellulose and perishable materials in compost, the combined technology of low-temperature hydrochar and compost has been studied. Hydrochar was prepared through low-temperature hydrothermal reactions and applied to aerobic fermentation. The response relationship between lignocellulose content, electron transfer capability, and microbes was explored. The results showed that a pore structure with oxygen-containing functional groups was formed in hydrochar, promoting electron transfer during composting. With the rapid increase in composting temperature, the lignocellulose content decreased by 64.36 mg/g. Oceanobacillus , Cerasibacillus , Marinimicrobium , and Gracilibacillus promoted the degradation of lignocellulose and the carbon/nitrogen cycle during aerobic fermentation, and there was a significant response relationship between electron transfer capability and functional microbes. The combined application of hydrochar and aerobic fermentation accelerated the degradation of lignocellulose. This study provides technical support for the treatment of heterogeneous organic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have discovered an emerging role of IL11 in various colitis-associated cancers, suggesting that IL11 mainly promotes tumor cell survival and proliferation in regulating tumorigenesis. Herein we aimed to reveal a novel function of IL-11 through STAT3 signaling in regulating tumor immune evasion. Methods: AOM/DSS model in Il11−/− and Apcmin/+/Il11−/− mice were used to detect tumor growth and CD8+ T infiltration. STAT1/3 phosphorylation and MHC-I, CXCL9, H2-K1 and H2-D1 expression were detected in MC38 cells and intestine organoids treated with/without recombinant IL11 to explore effect of IL11/STAT3 signaling, with IL11 mutein used to competitively inhibit IL11 and rescue inhibited STAT1 activation. Correlation between IL11 and CD8+ T infiltration was analyzed using TIMER2.0 website. IL11 expression and survival prognosis was analyzed in clinical data of patient cohort from Nanfang Hospital. Results: IL11 is highly expressed in CRC and indicates unfavorable prognosis. IL11 knockout increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and reduced intestinal and colon formation. Tumors were significantly suppressed while MHC-I and CXCL9 expression for CD8+ T infiltration were remarkably increased in the tumor tissues of Apcmin/+/Il11−/− mice or Il11−/− mice induced by AOM/DSS. IL11/STAT3 signaling downregulated MHC-I and CXCL9 by inhibiting IFNγ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation. IL11 mutein competitively inhibit IL11 to upregulate CXCL9 and MHC-I in tumor and attenuated tumor growth. Conclusions: This study ascribes for a new immunomodulatory role for IL11 during tumor development that is amenable to anti-cytokine based therapy of colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generating grinding method has the characteristics of high machining accuracy and high efficiency. Therefore, it is widely used in the finishing process of the face gear tooth surface. The physical performance of the grinding process is an important factor that influences the machining accuracy of the face gear tooth surface. Therefore, to improve the manufacturing accuracy of the face gear, it is necessary to accurately simulate the grinding process of the face gear. Owing to the influence of the complex spatial geometric characteristics of the face gear tooth surface and the grinding wheel, establishing a surface residual modeling method for the face gear is a key challenge in simulating the generating grinding process. To address the aforementioned issues, this study proposes a normal cutting depth iterative method to calculate the grinding residual in the face gear generating grinding process. This method considers the complex 3D spatial characteristics of the face gear tooth surface and establishes the spatial residual model of each node of the face gear surface in the process of generating grinding. Compared with other residual algorithms based on 2D truncation or Boolean operation of face gears, this algorithm has higher computational accuracy and efficiency. Thus, it lays the foundation for accurately establishing the complex spatial microscopic surface topography in the face gear generating grinding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The five-axis flank milling process of sculptured surfaces is an intricate process involving time-varying and nonlinear characteristics under the multiphysics coupling effect. The milling force during the process is an important factor that influences the machining accuracy of sculptured surfaces. Face gears, as parts with sculptured surfaces, are widely employed in the aerospace and machinery manufacturing industries. To realize the high-precision manufacturing of face gears with a universal milling machine, this study proposes a five-axis flank milling method for face gears. In addition, based on the tangent plane approximation algorithm and the Receptance Coupling Substructure Analysis (RCSA) method, the milling force and the tool tip vibration during the face gear machining process are investigated. Finally, a five-axis flank milling force model and a face gear surface machining error model are established considering the interaction between the milling force and the process system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten‐doped diamond‐like carbon (W‐DLC) films were prepared by magnetron sputtering, followed by annealing in the temperature range of 100–500°C. The effects of the annealing treatment on the chemical compositions, mechanical properties and tribological behaviours of annealed W‐DLC films with a base oil were tested by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction and nanoindenter tests. The results indicated that increasing the annealing temperature led to a decrease in the thicknesses and hardness values of the W‐DLC films due to the graphitization and oxidation of the film surfaces. However, the structures of the W‐DLC films annealed at 500°C were destroyed. Under poly‐alpha olefin lubrication, when the annealing temperature was lower than 300°C, the tribological properties of the W‐DLC films were stable. This occurred because the graphitization of the sample surface was conducive to the removal of abrasive particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a serious chronic complication caused by diabetes. The pathogenesis of DCI is complex, but brain nerve injury and brain nerve cell apoptosis are important pathological changes. Multimodal brain imaging is one of the most important techniques to study the neural mechanism of the brain. For the clinical treatment of DCI, there is no effective targeted Western medicine and a lack of clear drug intervention methods. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find effective complementary and alternative methods and clarify their mechanism. This research seeks to explore the multimodal brain imaging effect of "Adjust Zang-fu and Arouse Spirit" electroacupuncture for DCI.Methods: This clinical research will be a randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 60) and the control group (n = 30). The intervention group will be divided into the "Adjust Zang-fu and Arouse Spirit" electroacupuncture group (n = 30) and sham electroacupuncture group (n = 30). All participants will continue to receive routine hypoglycemic therapy. The treatment period is the same in both groups. The primary outcomes include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). The secondary outcomes include blood glucose and blood lipid tests, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), Hachinski Ischemic Scale (HIS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and before and after treatment, and adverse events will be examined. Inter- and intragroup analyses will be performed.Discussion: This randomized controlled study, combined with multimodal brain imaging techniques and a clinical evaluation scale, was designed to explore the mechanism of "Adjust Zang-fu and Arouse Spirit" electroacupuncture in improving the central nervous system in DCI.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registration ChiCTR2000040268 . Registered on 26 November 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not all obstetric care facilities offer sufficient genetic counseling in Japan. When necessary, patients are referred to tertiary perinatal care centers for genetic counseling and further testing. Because each facility typically has an exclusive contract with a laboratory, the additional testing required may be performed at a different laboratory. With no reporting standards for normal chromosomal variants, differences between laboratories impede result interpretation, and clinical errors may occur. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with 46,XX,?dup (4)(p12p12) variant over two pregnancies. During the first pregnancy, the variant was determined to be a de novo, leading the parents to terminate the pregnancy. During the second pregnancy, further analysis revealed no 4p duplication, and we diagnosed as a normal variant, 4cenh+, inherited from the mother. Differences in reporting standards for a normal variant made evaluation of this patient difficult. Medical staff should be aware of this issue, and reporting standards should be standardized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effects between sulfurized-nanocrystallized 316L stainless steel and molybdenum dithiocarbamates (MoDTC) additive under boundary lubrication were investigated in this paper. The tribological behaviors of the treated steel were investigated on a ball-on-disc SRV tribometer. The chemical analysis of tribofilms was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the sulfurized-nanocrystallized sample exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction (0.060) and the lowest wear rate under MoDTC lubrication. The sulfurized ultrasonic cold forging technology (UCFT) composite treatment provided a strong support to the soft FeS layer and prolonged its service time. The MoS 2 decomposed by MoDTC can achieve the lowest coefficient of friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, 316L stainless steel (316LSS) is treated by a ultrasonic cold forging technology (UCFT) which is one of the methods of surface nanocrystallization. The tribological properties of UCFT sample are investigated by a SRV tribometer under lubrications with MoDTC and ZDDP. The chemical analysis of tribofilms is performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the UCFT sample exhibits the lowest coefficient of friction (0.066) under MoDTC lubrication and the lowest wear rate under ZDDP lubrication, indicating that surface nanocrystallization has synergistic effects on low friction and antiwear performances of both MoDTC and ZDDP. The obviously synergistic effects between UCFT steel and MoDTC/ZDDP may be attributed to the higher hardness and surface reactivity of the UCFT surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel species Halomonas zhaodongensis NEAU-ST10-25 recently identified by our group is a moderate halophile which can grow at the range of 0-2.5 M NaCl (optimum 0.5 M) and pH 6-12 (optimum pH 9). To explore its halo-alkaline tolerant mechanism, genomic DNA was screened from NEAU-ST10-25 in this study for Na(Li)/H antiporter genes by selection in Escherichia coli KNabc lacking three major Na(Li)/H antiporters. One mrp operon could confer tolerance of E. coli KNabc to 0.8 M NaCl and 100 mM LiCl, and an alkaline pH. This operon was previously mainly designated mrp (also mnh, pha or sha) due to its multiple resistance and pH-related activity. Here, we will also use mrp to designate the homolog from H. zhaodongensis (Hz_ mrp). Sequence analysis and protein alignment showed that Hz_ mrp should belong to Group 1 mrp operons. Further phylogenetic analysis reveals that Hz_Mrp system should represent a novel sub-class of Group 1 Mrp systems. This was confirmed by a significant difference in pH-dependent activity profile or the specificity and affinity for the transported monovalent cations between Hz_Mrp system and all the known Mrp systems. Therefore, we propose that Hz_Mrp should be categorized as a novel Group 1 Mrp system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) is usually added in low viscosity engine oils to improve its ability to reduce friction. However, increasing the amount of MoDTC added results in unwanted sulfated ash increases and other adverse effects. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the optimization of the amount of MoDTC added. The current work investigates this topic in terms of the Mo concentration in the lubricant. Seven different Mo concentrations with the same additive package are tested, whose tribological properties and chemistry of the tribofilm are investigated. For the selected operating conditions in this study, the critical concentration of Mo is determined to be ≈ 350 ppm due to its ability to reduce the friction to ≈ 0.04 under a constant and varying lambda ratio by forming the required threshold thickness of MoS 2 within the tribofilm matrix, dominated by zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) species. In general, increasing the Mo concentration increases the formation rate of MoS 2 in the initial stages of the traction, directly forming a thicker MoS 2 layer within the tribofilm up to a specific Mo concentration. Induction time also decreases with increasing Mo concentration, and increasing the Mo concentration from 350 to 1000 ppm does not negatively impact the wear generated. • Optimization Mo concentration in a new low viscosity engine oil is investigated. • Mo's critical concentration is determined to be ≈ 350 ppm as it reduces the friction to ≈ 0.04. • Increasing Mo concentration increases the MoS 2 formation rate and decreases induction time. • Increasing Mo concentration from 350 to 1000 ppm does not negatively impact wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The interactions and synergistic tribological effects between plasma nitrided 52100 steel and molybdenum dithiocarbamates (MoDTC) additive under boundary lubrication were studied in this work. The tribological behaviors of plasma nitrided and untreated steels under lubrication with different MoDTC concentrations were examined on a four-ball friction and wear tester. The results showed an obvious synergistic effect between plasma nitrided steel and MoDTC additive. The synergistic effect indicated a lower friction coefficient without an induction phase and a higher wear resistance, which was attributed to more amount of MoS2 and absorbed carbon were formed in the tribofilm of the nitrided surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Low temperature ion sulfuration technology was used to obtain sulfurized layer on W doped diamond-like carbon (W-DLC) coating. The tribological behaviors of the pure W-DLC and sulfurized W-DLC coatings were investigated under PAO and MoDTC lubrication conditions. It shows that sulfurized W-DLC coatings can obviously improve their tribological performances under PAO with MoDTC lubrication. The primary reason is due to the formation of WS x on the surface of sulfurized W-DLC coating, the decomposition of additives for formation a higher ratio of Mo sulfide/Mo oxide and the graphitization for a high ratio of sp2/sp3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, metagenomic DNA was screened for the Na+/ H+ antiporter gene from the halophilic bacteria from Daban Salt Lake using Escherichia coli KNabc lacking three major Na+/ H+ antiporters, and two genes psmrAB predicted to encode paired small multidrug resistance ( PSMR) family proteins, the homolog of Yvd SR, were finally cloned. Only the simultaneous presence of psmrAB, but not the single gene alone, conferred the tolerance of E. coli KNabc to up to 0.6 M Na Cl and at alkaline pH. p H-dependent Na+( Li+)/ H+ antiport activity was detected from everted membrane vesicles prepared from E. coli KNabc cells carrying psmrAB, which had the highest activity at p H 9.0. However, a detailed test for antimicrobial drugs showed that E. coli DH5α with psmrAB only exhibited slight resistance to chloramphenicol, but not other representative antimicrobial drugs especially ethidium bromide. Protein sequence alignment showed that neither PsmrA nor PsmrB has homology with known single-gene or multiple-gene Na+/ H+ antiporters, or such proteins as TetA(L) and MdfA with Na+/ H+ antiport activity. Taken together, PsmrAB should function mainly as a novel two-component Na+/ H+ antiporter. This is the first example of a PSMR family member that exhibits Na+/ H+ antiporter activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 17α-Hydroxylase deficiency is a recessively inherited autosomal disease caused by mutations in the CYP17A1 gene. It is a rare disease and accounts for approximately 1% of congenital adrenal cortex hyperplasias. Inhibition of 17α-hydroxylase causes low levels of cortisol and high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone in the blood as well as excessive levels of mineralocorticoids that lead to hypertension and hypokalemia. Usually, the female patients are diagnosed with abnormality of the genitalia or extra genitalia, primary amenorrhea, or hypertension in puberty. We report a case of a 29-year-old woman who had undergone gonadectomy in her childhood due to complete androgen insensitivity syndrome and was diagnosed with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency in adulthood.Case Presentation: Our patient was a Japanese female diagnosed with androgen insensitivity syndrome, and both gonadectomy and episioplasty were performed at the age of 11 years at the University of Tsukuba Hospital. Thereafter, she was transferred to our hospital at the age of 21 years for vaginoplasty. At the age of 25 years, she presented with hypertension followed by complicated hypokalemia at the age of 28 years. The captopril loading test and adrenocorticotropic hormone loading test of her adrenal steroidogenesis revealed primary aldosteronism. After sufficient genetic counseling, a genetic test was performed that identified her as having CYP17A1 gene mutation.Conclusions: The differential diagnosis of disorders of sex development can be difficult at a young age without complete expression of the phenotype. However, diagnosis at a later age would change the treatment and prognosis of the disease; therefore, a genetic examination should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]