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At present, research on 3D printing technology for meat protein food is still in its early stages, and improving the molding stability and accuracy of products has always been a key challenge. Here, we take surimi protein as an example and achieve its localized thermal gelation quickly and precisely by incorporating laser sintering technology. And based on the thermal denaturation and solidification of proteins during the printing process, the structural instability problem of meat protein food 3D printing is solved. In this study, we used a CO 2 laser with a power of 50 W to locally heat cure surimi during the printing process. The results show that under the conditions of 1 mm laser spot diameter, 500 mm/s scanning speed and 0.25 mm scanning interval, the shape accuracy and gel strength of surimi products with 1.5 mm layer thickness are significantly improved, and this combination parameter shows the best effect in the experiment. This study provides a theoretical basis and reference for real-time solidification in meat protein food printing. • Use of self-developed 3D printers for laser cooking of foodstuffs. • Selective laser sintering combined with food 3D printing technology. • Finite element simulation described the temperature trend of laser sintered surimi surface. • The introduction of selective laser sintering technology has effectively improved the gel strength and precision of printed surimi products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CT-guided minimally invasive puncture and drainage (MIPD) treatment for cerebellar hemorrhage is safe and feasible. • CT-guided MIPD shows similar mortality rates but a higher proportion of patients with favorable functional outcomes compared with standard craniotomy.. • CT-guided MIPD has a lower incidence of postoperative complications, shorter hospital stays, and reduced medical costs compared with standard craniotomy. • In patients with preoperative hematoma volume greater than 30 mL, standard craniotomy has a lower mortality rate and may be preferable. • In patients with preoperative GCS score ≤8, standard craniotomy has a lower mortality rate and may be preferable. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided minimally invasive puncture and drainage (MIPD) and craniotomy for hematoma evacuation in the treatment of cerebellar hemorrhage. This single-center prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to February 2023. During the study period, 40 patients with cerebellar hemorrhage who underwent CT-guided MIPD treatment were enrolled in the CT-guided MIPD (CTGMIPD) group, and 40 patients with the cerebellar hemorrhage who had a propensity score matching that of the CTGMIPD group and who underwent craniotomy for hematoma evacuation were enrolled in the standard craniotomy (SC) group. The primary outcome indicators were the 6-month mortality of the patients and the proportion of survivors with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 1 or 2. The secondary outcome indicators were the cerebellar hematoma volume, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, incidence of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and medical costs. In addition, data concerning the patients who died during the study period were further analyzed. At the 6-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups, although the proportion of patients with an mRS scores of 1 or 2 was significantly higher in the CTGMIPD group when compared with the SC group (P = 0.015). No significant differences were observed in the hematoma volume, NIHSS score, and GCS score between the two groups. By contrast, the incidence of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and medical costs were significantly lower in the CTGMIPD group than in the SC group (all P < 0.05). When compared with the SC group, the proportion of dead patients with a hematoma volume greater than 30 ml was higher in the CTGMIPD group (P = 0.03). Moreover, after stratification of the patients with a preoperative GCS score ≤8, the CTGMIPD group had a significantly higher mortality rate than the SC group (P = 0.04). The efficacy of CT-guided MIPD in the treatment of cerebellar hemorrhage is close to that of craniotomy for hematoma excavation, although the complication and disability rates of the former are significantly lower than those of the latter. When the preoperative hematoma volume is less than 30 mL or the preoperative GCS score is greater than 8, CT-guided MIPD represents a better choice for the treatment of cerebellar hemorrhage than craniotomy for hematoma evacuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest that biological sex influences susceptibility to kidney diseases with males demonstrating greater risk for developing ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). Sex-related differences in mitochondrial function and homeostasis exist, likely contributing to sexual dimorphism in kidney injury, but the mechanisms are not well characterized. Our observations reveal lower baseline expression of Sirtuin-3 (Sirt3, a major mitochondrial acetyltransferase) in the kidneys of male mice versus females. We tested the hypothesis that differential expression of kidney Sirt3 may mediate sexual dimorphism in AKI using a bilateral kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model and three transgenic mouse models: (1) mice with global transgenic overexpression of Sirt3; (2) mice with inducible, kidney tubule-specific Sirt3 knockdown (iKD); and (3) mice with global Sirt3 knockout. Low mitochondrial Sirt3 (mtSirt3) in males versus females is associated with development of kidney tubular epithelium vacuoles, increased mitochondrial ROS and susceptibility to IRI. Transgenic overexpression of Sirt3 in males protects against kidney IRI and development of tubular epithelium vacuoles. In both sexes, mice with partial kidney tubular epithelium-specific Sirt3 knockdown display intermediate - while global Sirt3 knockout mice display the highest susceptibility to IRI. Female Sirt3 iKD mice demonstrate decreased survival and kidney function after IRI indistinguishable from control males, abolishing the protective effects observed in females. Mechanistically, observed differences in kidney mtSirt3 are sex hormone-dependent; estradiol increases - while testosterone decreases mtSirt3 protein. Our results demonstrate that Sirt3 is an important contributor to the observed sex-related differences in IRI susceptibility, and a potential therapeutic target in the clinical management of AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is important for thermoregulation in many mammals. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is the critical regulator of thermogenesis in BAT. Here we aimed to investigate the deacetylation control of BAT and to investigate a possible functional connection between UCP1 and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), the master mitochondrial lysine deacetylase. We carried out physiological, molecular, and proteomic analyses of BAT from wild-type and Sirt3 KO mice when BAT is activated. Mice were either cold exposed for 2 days or were injected with the β3-adrenergic agonist, CL316,243 (1 mg/kg; i.p.). Mutagenesis studies were conducted in a cellular model to assess the impact of acetylation lysine sites on UCP1 function. Cardiac punctures were collected for proteomic analysis of blood acylcarnitines. Isolated mitochondria were used for functional analysis of OXPHOS proteins. Our findings showed that SIRT3 absence in mice resulted in impaired BAT lipid use, whole body thermoregulation, and respiration in BAT mitochondria, without affecting UCP1 expression. Acetylome profiling of BAT mitochondria revealed that SIRT3 regulates acetylation status of many BAT mitochondrial proteins including UCP1 and crucial upstream proteins. Mutagenesis work in cells suggested that UCP1 activity was independent of direct SIRT3-regulated lysine acetylation. However, SIRT3 impacted BAT mitochondrial proteins activities of acylcarnitine metabolism and specific electron transport chain complexes, CI and CII. Our data highlight that SIRT3 likely controls BAT thermogenesis indirectly by targeting pathways upstream of UCP1. • Impaired cold tolerance in Sirt3 KO mice under fed conditions. • Defective UCP1 dependent respiration in BAT mitochondria of Sirt3 KO mice. • SIRT3 and cold stress reshape the mitochondrial acetylome of BAT mitochondria. • Activation of BAT in Sirt3 KO mice results in changes to plasma acylcarnitines. • Individual ETC complexes are defective in BAT mitochondria in absence of SIRT3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aims The effect of maternal omega-3 fatty acids intake on the body composition of the offspring is unclear. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to confirm the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation during pregnancy and/or lactation on body weight, body length, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass and sum of skinfold thicknesses of offspring. Methods Human intervention studies were selected by a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and references of related reviews and studies. Randomized controlled trials of maternal omega-3 fatty acids intake during pregnancy or lactation for offspring's growth were included. The data were analyzed with RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0. Effect sizes were presented as weighted mean differences (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results Twenty-six studies comprising 10,970 participants were included. Significant increases were found in birth weight (WMD = 42.55 g, 95% CI: 21.25, 63.85) and waist circumference (WMD = 0.35 cm, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.67) in the omega-3 fatty acids group. There were no effects on birth length (WMD = 0.09 cm, 95% CI: −0.03, 0.21), postnatal length (WMD = 0.13 cm, 95% CI: −0.11, 0.36), postnatal weight (WMD = 0.04 kg, 95% CI: −0.07, 0.14), BMI (WMD = 0.09, 95% CI: −0.05, 0.23), the sum of skinfold thicknesses (WMD = 0.45 mm, 95% CI: −0.30, 1.20), fat mass (WMD = 0.05 kg, 95% CI: −0.01, 0.11) and the percentage of body fat (WMD = 0.04%, 95% CI: −0.38, 0.46). Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that maternal omega-3 fatty acids supplementation can increase offspring's birth weight and postnatal waist circumference. However, it did not appear to influence children's birth length, postnatal weight/length, BMI, sum of skinfold thicknesses, fat mass and the percentage of body fat during postnatal period. Larger, well-designed studies are recommended to confirm this conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pieris rapae granulovirus (PrGV) is an important pathogen that has been exploited as a microbial insecticide to control agriculture pests. They can specifically infect cabbage butterfly ( Pieris rapae ), causing a series of pathological symptoms. In this infected P. rapae at 6 h and 72 h. As a result, a series of host genes were significantly modulated following PrGV infection, including those correlated with exoskeleton, ribosome, heat shock protein (HSP), proteasome, oxidation-reduction and apoptosis. Taken together, our study unveiled the P. rapae response to PrGV at different time point and provided a potential strategy for pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, the development of effective and innovative antitumor agents is needed. Our previous work demonstrated that the ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenger, MnTE-2-PyP, inhibited human prostate cancer growth and also inhibited prostate cancer migration and invasion. We showed that MnTE-2-PyP treatment altered the affinity of the histone acetyltransferase enzyme, p300, to bind to DNA. We speculate that this may be one mechanism by which MnTE-2-PyP inhibits prostate cancer progression. Specifically, MnTE-2-PyP decreased p300/HIF-1/CREB complex (p300/hypoxia-inducible factor-1/cAMP response element-binding protein) binding to a specific hypoxia-response element (HRE) motif within the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene promoter region, and consequently, repressed PAI-1 expression. However, it remains unclear how MnTE-2-PyP reduces p300 complex binding affinity to the promoter region of specific genes. In this study, we found that overexpression of Cu/ZnSOD (superoxide dismutase 1, SOD1) significantly suppressed PAI-1 gene expression and p300 complex binding to the promoter region of PAI-1 gene, just as was observed in cells treated with MnTE-2-PyP. Furthermore, catalase (CAT) overexpression rescued the inhibition of PAI-1 expression and p300 binding by MnTE-2-PyP. Taken together, the above findings suggest that hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is likely the mediator through which MnTE-2-PyP inhibits the PAI-1 expression and p300 complex binding in PC3 cells. To confirm this, we measured the production of H 2 O 2 following overexpression of SOD1 or catalase with MnTE-2-PyP treatment in the presence or absence of radiation. We found that MnTE-2-PyP increased the intracellular steady-state levels of H 2 O 2 and increased nuclear H 2 O 2 levels. As expected, catalase overexpression significantly decreased the levels of intracellular H 2 O 2 induced by MnTE-2-PyP. We then determined if this increased H 2 O 2 production could result in oxidized protein thiol groups. In the presence of MnTE-2-PyP, there was a significant increase in oxidized thiols in PC3 cell lysates and this was reversed with catalase overexpression. Specifically, we showed that p300 was oxidized after MnTE-2-PyP treatment, indicating that MnTE-2-PyP is creating a more oxidizing environment and this is altering the oxidation state of p300 thiol residues. Our data provide an in depth mechanism by which MnTE-2-PyP regulates gene transcription through induced H 2 O 2 mediated oxidation of particular proteins, supporting an important role for MnTE-2-PyP as an effective and innovative antitumor agent to enhance treatment outcomes in prostate cancer radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Altered progesterone responsiveness leads to female infertility and cancer, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Mice with uterine-specific ablation of GATA binding protein 2 ( Gata2 ) are infertile, showing failures in embryo implantation, endometrial decidualization, and uninhibited estrogen signaling. Gata2 deficiency results in reduced progesterone receptor (PGR) expression and attenuated progesterone signaling, as evidenced by genome-wide expression profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation. GATA2 not only occupies at and promotes expression of the Pgr gene but also regulates downstream progesterone responsive genes in conjunction with the PGR. Additionally, Gata2 knockout uteri exhibit abnormal luminal epithelia with ectopic TRP63 expressing squamous cells and a cancer-related molecular profile in a progesterone-independent manner. Lastly, we found a conserved GATA2-PGR regulatory network in both human and mice based on gene signature and path analyses using gene expression profiles of human endometrial tissues. In conclusion, uterine Gata2 regulates a key regulatory network of gene expression for progesterone signaling at the early pregnancy stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve radiation therapy-induced quality of life impairments for prostate cancer patients, the development of radio-protectors is needed. Our previous work has demonstrated that MnTE-2-PyP significantly protects urogenital tissues from radiation-induced damage. So, in order for MnTE-2-PyP to be used clinically as a radio-protector, it is fully necessary to explore the effect of MnTE-2-PyP on human prostate cancer progression. MnTE-2-PyP inhibited prostate cancer growth in the presence and absence of radiation and also inhibited prostate cancer migration and invasion. MnTE-2-PyP altered p300 DNA binding, which resulted in the inhibition of HIF-1β and CREB signaling pathways. Accordingly, we also found that MnTE-2-PyP reduced the expression of three genes regulated by HIF-1β and/or CREB: TGF-β2, FGF-1 and PAI-1. Specifically, MnTE-2-PyP decreased p300 complex binding to a specific HRE motif within the PAI-1 gene promoter region, suppressed H3K9 acetylation, and consequently, repressed PAI-1 expression. Mechanistically, less p300 transcriptional complex binding is not due to the reduction of binding between p300 and HIF-1/CREB transcription factors, but through inhibiting the binding of HIF-1/CREB transcription factors to DNA. Our data provide an in depth mechanism by which MnTE-2-PyP reduces prostate cancer growth and metastasis, which validates the clinical use of MnTE-2-PyP as a radio-protector to enhance treatment outcomes in prostate cancer radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telmisartan, one unique angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, has been attracting attention due to its putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) - γ or β/ δ actions. Recently, telmisartan has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a crucial role in rotenone-induced neuronal apoptosis. Additionally, studies have revealed that inositol-requiring enzyme/endonuclease 1α (IRE1α) is necessary and sufficient to trigger ER stress. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether ER stress-activated IRE1α-mediated apoptotic pathway is involved in the neuroprotection of telmisartan in the rotenone rats of PD and explore the possible involvement of PPAR-β/δ activation. The catalepsy tests were performed to test the catalepsy symptom. The dopamine content and α-synuclein expression were ascertained through high-performance liquid chromatography and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The expression of IRE1α, TNF receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2), caspase-12 and PPAR-β/δ was detected by western blot. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry. Our results show that telmisartan ameliorated the catalepsy symptom and attenuated dopamine depletion as well as α-synuclein accumulation. Moreover, telmisartan decreased ER stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, telmisartan inhibited IRE1α-TRAF2-caspase-12 apoptotic signaling pathway. Additionally, telmisartan activated PPAR β/δ, implying that PPAR-β/δ activation properties of telmisartan are possibly or partially involved in the neuroprotective effects. In conclusion, our findings suggest that suppressing ER stress-activated IRE1α-TRAF2-caspase-12 apoptotic pathway is involved in the neuroprotective effects of telmisartan in the rotenone rats of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the discovery of the endogenous receptor for Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, a main constituent of marijuana, the endocannabinoid system (comprising cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands, as well as the enzymes involved in their metabolic processes) has been implicated as having multiple regulatory functions in many central and peripheral conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that is associated with the involvement of many kinds of cells (such as fibroblastlike synoviocytes [FLSs], osteoclasts, T cells, B cells, and macrophages) and molecules (such as interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs], and chemokines). Increasing evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system, especially cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), has an important role in the pathophysiology of RA. Many members of the endocannabinoid system are reported to inhibit synovial inflammation, hyperplasia, and cartilage destruction in RA. In particular, specific activation of CB2 may relieve RA by inhibiting not only the production of autoantibodies, proinflammatory cytokines, and MMPs, but also bone erosion, immune response mediated by T cells, and the proliferation of FLSs. In this review, we will discuss the possible functions of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of RA, which may be a potential target for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stress ulcers can develop with severe physiological stress, and have been proposed as being brain-driven events. New findings continue to suggest that stress ulcers can be more effectively managed through central manipulation rather than by simply altering local gastric factors. Angiotensin (1–7) (Ang (1–7)) is present as an endogenous constituent of the brain and stomach. The beneficial effects of Ang (1–7) have been confirmed in the vessels, brain, heart, kidney, liver and lungs, but not in the stomach. Given the accumulating evidence suggesting the anti-stress activities of Ang (1–7), its potential gastroprotective effect in the context of stress requires further investigation. In the present study, rat gastric mucosal lesions were induced by 2h of cold-restraint stress. We observed that these lesions were significantly attenuated after 1 week of intracerebroventricular treatment with Ang (1–7). This gastroprotective effect was associated with attenuated oxidative stress and suppressed acid secretion. Brain Ang (1–7) administration profoundly modified responses to stress, indicated by altered levels of several stress hormones, including Ang II, glucocorticoid, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, in blood or stress-related brain regions. These findings indicate that Ang (1–7) exerts anti-stress activities by restoring the gastric microenvironment and modulating the stress pathways. Ang (1–7) may be a promising agent for stress ulcer prophylaxis and therapy, administered through brain-permeable mimics or carriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stability property of switch mode DC-DC converters with impedance loads is quantitatively analyzed in this paper. The continuous and discrete time transfer functions of converters with impedance loads are derived. The proposed method is suitable for all kinds of impedance loads. A digitally controlled Point-of-Load(POL) with additional capacitor banks is taken as an example, changes of the phase margin, the gain margin and the crossover frequency can be accurately predicted when additional capacitor banks with different values of capacitance and equivalent series resistance(ESR) are placed on the output of the converter. Based on this, a new digital controller can be designed to improve the performance of the converter. The proposed method of this paper is verified by experiments in the end. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper focuses on the algorithm theory of the two-dimensional wavelet transform which is used for image edge detection. To simplify the algorithm, the author propounds to turn the two-dimensional dyadic wavelet to one dimensional dyadic wavelet that can be divided into product. We can use the filter to achieve the wavelet multiple scale edge detection quickly. Simultaneously, the process that the wavelet transform used for the multiple-scale edge detection is discussed in detail. Finally, the algorithm can be applied to vehicle license image detection and. Compared with the results of the Sobel, Canny and the others, this algorithm shows great feasibility and the effectiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and postoperative anal function in infants with congenital high imperforate anus treated with laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP). Methods: From January 2004 to July 2007, 33 patients (28 boys and 5 girls, age ranging from 3 to 10 months) with high imperforate anus underwent LAARP. Clinical data of the LAARP group were retrospectively compared with those treated by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP; n = 28) during the same time period. Anorectal function of these patients was evaluated using the following 3 methods: the Kelly score, anorectal vector volume manometry, and magnetic resonance imaging between the ages of 3.1 and 4.4 years. Results: The mean operative time in LAARP and PSARP groups was 112.5 ± 12.4 and 120.4 ± 18.5 minutes (P > .05), respectively. The mean length of hospital stay in the LAARP group was shorter than that of PSARP group (11.3 ± 2.1 vs 14.6 ± 2.3 days, P < .01). No significant difference was observed between LAARP and PSARP groups regarding the Kelly score (3.52 ± 1.42 vs 3.49 ± 0.82). Although magnetic resonance imaging revealed lower malposition rates of rectum in the LAARP group than those of the PSARP group at both I-line (3.0% vs 14.3%) and M-line (3.0% vs 10.7%) levels, this was not statistically different (P > .05). Compared with the PSARP group, lower asymmetric index, larger vector volume, and higher anal canal pressure at rest and during voluntary squeeze were observed in LAARP group (P < .05). However, there were no significant differences in the length of high-pressure zone (15.2 ± 5.8 vs 15.1 ± 6.2 mm) and the presence of rectoanal relaxation reflex (84.8% vs 85.7%). Conclusions: Satisfactory fecal continence can be achieved in patients with high-type imperforate anus after LAARP. Laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through has advantages over PSARP, including shorter hospital stay and better position of rectum. However, long-term follow-up is necessary to compare the benefits of LAARP against PSARP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Surgical correction of the congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is recommended for patients with unsuccessful conservative treatment. Open operative techniques all leave noticeable scars. We proposed a modified endoscopic 1-trocar transaxillary and neck microincision approach for the treatment of CMT. Methods: Endoscopic release of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle was performed in 45 infants and children aged 6 months to 15 years. One 5-mm incision was made in the anterior axillary fold, and a subcutaneous tunnel over the clavicular and sternal heads of the SCM muscle was made. A subcutaneous space was established by CO2 inflation at a pressure of 8 mm Hg and then endoscopically using a 5-mm endoscope. Two additional 1.5- to 2-mm supraclavicular mini-incisions were made beside the SCM muscle for the introduction of miniforceps and electrocautery, respectively. The sternal and clavicular attachments were dissected and divided by electrocautery. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Lee scoring system. Results: The operation was successfully completed endoscopically in all 45 children. The mean operative time was 40 minutes. No injuries of major blood vessels or nerves were encountered. A small bleed was noted in 1 child owing to reoperation. Follow-up for 6 months to 3 years in 42 patients showed complete muscular release and satisfactory cosmetic appearance with no recurrence. The results were classified as excellent in 88.1% (37/42), good in 9.5% (4/42), fair in 2.4% (1/42), and poor in 0 using the Lee scoring system. The neck scars were not visible 1 month after the procedure. Conclusions: The subcutaneous endoscopic transaxillary and micro–neck incision approach for the treatment of CMT is a safe, practical procedure that provides good functional and cosmetic outcomes without vascular or neural injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The study aimed to build a 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of pelvic magnetic resonance images and evaluate the clinical value in anorectal malformations (ARMs). Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed on a 1.5-T magnet. Sagittal, coronal, and transverse turbo spin-echo T1-weighted and fast spin-echo T2-weighted images of the pelvic region were obtained in 22 children. A 3D reconstruction was made on a computer and assisted by the 3D-Doctor software (Trial Version, Able Software Corp). The level and type of ARM and the developmental state of the striated muscle complex (SMC) were analyzed with 3D reconstruction image. Results: The 3D images of the pelvic were confirmed in 22 cases. Three-dimensional reconstructed images perfectly displayed the anatomical relationships of the SMC and the rectal atresia in these spaces. The 3D configuration of the SMC was different in each of the high- and low-type cases. The high-type malformation of SMCs differed particularly from the descriptions. Conclusions: Pelvic magnetic resonance 3D reconstructed images were able to show the dimensional anatomical relations of pelvis, bladder, urethra, rectum, and SMC. Both a 3D image and positional information with MRI offers the surgeon a simulated operative profile of the SMC superior to MRI slices alone, which will help in providing morphological data for image diagnosis and operation of the ARM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] is an endogenous peptide of the renin–angiotensin system with several beneficial effects that are often opposite to those attributed to angiotensin II (Ang II). Since there are no data available so far on the role of Ang-(1–7) after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, in this paper, we investigated the central administration of Ang-(1–7) modulates in vivo the nitric oxide(NO) release and the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury was induced by intraluminal thread occlusion of middle cerebral artery in the adult male rats. The levels of NO in ischemic tissues were measured by NO detection kits. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and western blot were used to determine messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the eNOS in ischemic tissues. The cerebral ischemic lesion resulted in a significant increase of NO release at 3 and 6h compared with sham operation group in our model after reperfusion, whereas both medium and high doses Ang-(1–7) markedly enhanced NO levels at 3–24h, and 3–72h after reperfusion, respectively. In addition, NO release increased was significantly induced by high-dose Ang-(1–7) compared with medium-dose Ang-(1–7) at 24–72h after reperfusion. Medium and high-dose Ang-(1–7) significantly stimulated eNOS activation when compared with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) treatment group at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after reperfusion, however, no significant changes in eNOS expression were found between medium and high-dose Ang-(1–7) at different times after the ischemic insult. These findings indicate that medium and high-dose Ang-(1–7) stimulate NO release and upregulate eNOS expression in ischemic tissues following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using properties of the inverses of annihilation and creation operators of f-oscillator we construct the f-analogues of squeezed vacuum states. If used to describe the motion of a trapped ion, the phase probability distributions of these states for large η are very different from those of the usual squeezed vacuum state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oxidative stress contributes to the initiation and progression of liver damage. SIRT3 is a member of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylases that plays a key role in anti-oxidative defense and mitochondrial function in the liver. Honokiol is a natural lignan from the plants of Magnolia genus that exhibits potent anti-oxidative property. This study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of honokiol against oxidative injury in tert -butyl hydroperoxide ( t -BHP)-injured AML12 hepatocytes in vitro and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-stimulated liver damaged mice in vivo and to determine whether or not this effect occurs by activating SIRT3. The results showed honokiol protects t -BHP-injured AML12 hepatocytes and CCl 4 -stimulated liver damage in mice by activating SIRT3. Honokiol reduces the acetylation level of superoxide dismutase 2 to enhance its anti-oxidative capacity, which decreases reactive oxygen species accumulation in AML12 cells. Honokiol increases the deacetylated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α level to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. Moreover, honokiol attenuates t -BHP induced mitochondrial fragmentation through Ku70-dynamin-related protein 1 axis. These results suggest that honokiol can ameliorate oxidative damage in hepatocytes by activating SIRT3, which might be a potential therapeutic agent for liver oxidative injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity, a major risk factor for the development of type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, is rising at an alarming rate worldwide. Obesity is caused by a chronic imbalance between energy expenditure and energy storage by adipose tissue. Adipogenesis is the process governing the formation and function of adipose tissue. This review article will discuss the most recent advances in understanding the regulation of adipogenesis, including adipose tissue lineage determination, the identity of the adipocyte progenitor cells, novel regulators controlling energy storage and expenditure and lastly the newly identified beige/brite cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to distribution shift, deep learning based methods for image dehazing suffer from performance degradation when applied to real-world hazy images. In this paper, this study considers a dehazing framework based on conditional diffusion models for improved generalization to real haze. First, our work finds that optimizing the training objective of diffusion models, i.e., Gaussian noise vectors, is non-trivial. The spectral bias of deep networks hinders the higher frequency modes in Gaussian vectors from being learned and hence impairs the reconstruction of image details. To tackle this issue, this study designs a network unit, named Frequency Compensation block (FCB), with a bank of filters that jointly emphasize the mid-to-high frequencies of an input signal. Our work demonstrates that diffusion models with FCB achieve significant gains in both perceptual and distortion metrics. Second, to further boost the generalization performance, this study proposed a novel data synthesis pipeline, HazeAug , to augment haze in terms of degree and diversity. Within the framework, a solid baseline for blind dehazing is set up where models are trained on synthetic hazy-clean pairs, and directly generalize to real data. Extensive evaluations on real dehazing datasets demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed dehazing diffusion model in distortion metrics. Compared to recent methods pre-trained on large-scale, high-quality image datasets, our model achieves a significant PSNR improvement of over 1 dB on challenging databases such as Dense-Haze and Nh-Haze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sirt3 is a NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase mainly localized in mitochondria. Recent studies indicate that the murine Sirt3 gene expresses different transcript variants resulting in three possible Sirt3 protein isoforms with variable lengths at the N-terminus: M1 (aa 1–334), M2 (aa 15–334), and M3 (aa 78–334). In this study, we stably expressed these variants in several cell lines. We found that Sirt3 M1 or M2 can be stably expressed with predominant mitochondrial localization. However, stable expression of Sirt3 M3 protein was consistently at very low levels. Fast proteasomal degradation contributes to the low expression of Sirt3 M3 protein, as proteasome inhibitor treatment increased Sirt3 M3 protein levels in these cells. Sirt3 M3 protein is ubiquitinated and the E3 ubiquitin ligase subunit Skp2 is involved in Sirt3 M3 protein degradation. Additionally, we found Sirt3 M3 protein can be produced from Sirt3 transcripts encoding longer M1 and M2 isoforms. To explore the mechanism underlying the instability of Sirt3 M3 protein, we found that Sirt3 M1 and M2 proteins, but not M3, specifically interact with HSP60. This suggests that heat shock proteins might play a role in the maintenance of Sirt3 protein stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The multipartite entangled state for the total momentum and relative coordinates of n particles is constructed. The corresponding quantum-mechanical operator with respect to the classical transformation , , , in the state is investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrical connectors are being used in a variety of areas including civil use, defense technology, aerospace technology, and etc. The application of electrical connectors at extreme conditions (e.g. under extreme strain, pressure, and temperature) calls for superior thermal performance, chemical durability, and electrical properties (e.g. dielectric constant) of sealing glasses. In this study, the mixed alkali effect (between Na and K) of modified alkali barium aluminoborosilicate glasses was studied as a function of thermal properties, electrical resistivity, and chemical durability. Glasses used in this study were modified upon a commercially available compression sealing glass, Elan 13 glass, which was a lead-free substitute for Corning 9013 glass. It was found that the mixing of alkali (Na and K) and alkaline earth (Ca and Mg) can be used to optimize the physico-chemical properties of the resultant glasses, with performance better than or equivalent to the Elan 13 glass. In addition, optimized properties can be achieved at the following compositional space: 59.0 to 65.0 wt% of SiO 2 , 3.0 to 4.5 wt% of B 2 O 3 , 3.0 to 4.5 wt% of Al 2 O 3 , 11.0 to 18.0 wt% of R 2 O, 11.0 to 13.0 wt% of BaO, 1.2 to 1.4 wt% of CaO, and 0.3 to 0.6 wt% of MgO. The resultant glasses can sealed at 950 oC for 30 min with an adhesion strength of 98 MPa, a leaking rate of 5×10-10 Pa·m3/s, and pass ratings on resistance and dielectric breakdown strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Erxian decoction (EXD), a famous Chinese herbal prescription, consists of Rhizoma Curculiginis , Herba Epimedii , Radix Morindae Officinalis , Radix Angelicae Sinensis , Cortex Phellodendri , Rhizoma Anemarrhenae , all of which are recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Objective To conduct an updated systematic and meta-analysis investigating efficacy and safety of EXD for menopausal syndrome. Methods An electronic search was conducted in eight databases from inception until July 2018. Randomized controlled trials with risk-of-bias score ≥ 7 according to the Cochrane Back Review Group were included for analyses. All participants with a diagnosis of menopausal syndrome met the established criteria. The treatment group was EXD monotherapy or adjunct therapy. Comparators were placebo, hormone replace therapy, hormone plus nonhormonal agents, nonhormonal agents and no treatment. The primary outcome measurements were the Kupperman index, total hot flush scores, total menopause rating scale (MRS) scores and total menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) scores. The secondary outcomes were total clinical effective rate, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale scores, self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores, self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores, athens insomnia scale (AIS) scores, serological indicators, blood pressure, and adverse events. RevMan 5.3 Software was used for data analyses. GRADE system was used to assess the level of evidence. Results Sixteen eligible studies with 1594 subjects were identified. Five studies showed EXD was contradictory results according to Kupperman index of menopausal syndrome compared with hormone. One study showed EXD significantly improved total hot flush scores, total MRS scores and total MENQOL scores compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Meta-analysis of 10 EXD monotherapy or 2 paratherapy studies showed that both can significantly improve total effective rate compared with hormone (P < 0.05); 3 studies showed that EXD plus hormone significantly reduces the TCM syndrome scores, HAMD scale scores, SDS scores and SAS scores compared with hormone (P < 0.05). One study showed a significant effect of EXD for reducing AIS scores compared with hormone (P < 0.05); 7 studies showed contradictory effects for improving serological indicators compared with hormone. Two studies reported adverse effects, whereas the other studies did not mention. The quality of the evidence of primary outcomes was moderate to high according to the GRADE profiler. Conclusions The present findings do not allow an assessment of the evidence because the low-quality studies included cannot be reproduced. However, we identified an area, which is worthy of further research. Rigorous RCTs are still needed in the future. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • GW501516 reduces movement impairment of PD mice. • GW501516 attenuates dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in the midbrain of PD mice as well as dopamin loss in the striatum of PD mice. • GW501516 suppresses inflammatory reaction and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the midbrain of PD mice. • GW501516 attenuates astrocytic reaction but has no significant effect on microglial reaction in the midbrain of PD mice. Abstract Recent studies have indicated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARß/δ) agonists exert neuroprotective effects in the model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Furthermore, PPARß/δ agonists have been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory activity, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Emerging evidence indicates that the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD. In the present study we investigate whether PPARß/δ agonists alleviate NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation in the 1- methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. We administered GW501516, a selective and high-affinity PPARß/δ agonist, via intracerebroventricular infusion. Locomotor activities were tested by open field tests and the pole test. The levels of dopamine and its metabolites were determined using highperformance liquid chromatography.Dopaminergic neurodegeneration was assessed via Western blot analysis. The levels of oxidative stress were detected via spectrophotometric assays. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by performing quantitative real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. Western blot analysis was used to assess NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results show that GW501516 reduced movement impairment in PD mice; furthermore, it attenuated dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the midbrain and the depletion of dopamine in the striatum and it inhibited inflammatory reactions and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the midbrain of PD mice. More importantly, it attenuated astrocytic reaction but had no significant effect on microglial reaction in the midbrain of PD mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate for the first time that the specific PPARß/δ agonist GW501516 alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation in astrocytes in the MPTP mouse model of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii that can infect almost all warm-blooded hosts including horses and humans. Horse meat is one of the most important meat products for human consumption. However, data on seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses intended for human consumption in Northern China is scarce. Thus, a total of 614 serum samples were collected from Jilin Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR) between 2015 and 2017, and were detected the seroprevalence for T. gondii by indirect hemagglutination assay test. In the prevalence study, the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses was 17.92% (110/614) by IHA test, at the cut- off 1:64. Horses collected from Changchun (13.58%, P  = 0.02) has a significantly lower seroprevalence than those from Meihekou City (21.72%) and Tongliao City (22.81%). Moreover, a significant difference of T. gondii seroprevalence was found between horses ages at less than 12 months (22.75%) and ≥12 months or higher (16.42%, P  = 0.002). To our knowledge, this is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses in Jilin and IMAR, Northern China. Logistic regression suggested that age and geographical location of horses were identified as risk factors. These findings will provide the useful data for controlling and preventing toxoplasmosis in horses and/or other hosts in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for gastric cancer (GC). But the increase of drug resistance makes the prognosis of patients worse. Studies have shown that Baicalin can not only inhibit various cancers but also increase the sensitivity of cancers to chemotherapy. However, how Baicalin works in chemotherapeutic resistance of GC are unclear. CCK8 (Cell Counting Kit 8) was used to detect the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of Baicalin and 5-Fu. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC were tested through colony formation assay and transwell assay. Fluorescent probes detected intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). RNA-seq (RNA sequencing) detected differentially expressed genes and pathways, and qPCR (Quantitative Real-time PCR) tested the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. The combination of Baicalin and 5-Fu inhibited GC progression and increased intracellular ROS levels. Both the inhibition of malignant phenotype of gastric cancer cells and the generation of intracellular ROS caused by Baicalin could be saved by the inhibitor of ferroptosis–Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Heat map of enriched differentially expressed genes identified by RNA-seq included four ferroptosis-related genes, and subsequent GO (Gene Ontology) analysis suggested an association between the ferroptosis pathway and Baicalin treatment. The changes in expression of ferroptosis-related genes were validated by qPCR, and the result confirmed that the combination of Baicalin and 5-Fu promoted ferroptosis in GC. Baicalin inhibits GC and enhances 5-Fu by promoting ROS-related ferroptosis in GC. [Display omitted] • Baicalin inhibits gastric cancer (GC) cells and assists 5-Fu in killing GC cells. • Baicalin produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GC cells rather than normal cells. • Ferroptosis involves in Baicalin-induced GC cells inhibition and ROS production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]