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Background It is currently unknown whether 6 months of supervised treadmill exercise has a durable benefit on 6-minute walk performance, even after exercise is completed, in people with peripheral artery disease. Methods and Results A total of 156 participants with peripheral artery disease were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: supervised treadmill exercise, supervised resistance training, or attention control. Participants received supervised sessions during months 1 to 6 and telephone contact during months 6 to 12. Primary outcomes were change in 6-minute walk distance and short physical performance battery at 6-month follow-up and have been reported previously. Secondary outcomes were change in 6-minute walk and short physical performance battery at 12-month follow-up and are reported here. A group of 134 participants (86%) completed the 12-month follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, compared with control, 6-minute walk distance improved in the treadmill exercise group (+36.1 m, 95% CI =13.9-58.3, P=0.001). Between 6- and 12-month follow-up, 6-minute walk distance significantly declined (-28.6 m, 95% CI=-52.6 to -4.5, P=0.020) and physical activity declined -272 activity units (95% CI =-546 to +2, P=0.052) in the treadmill exercise group compared with controls. At 12-month follow-up, 6 months after completing supervised treadmill exercise, change in 6-minute walk distance was not different between the treadmill exercise and control groups (+7.5, 95% CI =-17.5 to +32.6, P=0.56). There were no differences in short physical performance battery change between either exercise group and control at 6-month or 12-month follow-up. Conclusions A 6-month supervised treadmill exercise intervention that improved 6-minute walk distance at 6-month follow-up did not have persistent benefit at 12-month follow-up. These results do not support a durable benefit of supervised treadmill exercise in peripheral artery disease. Clinical Trial Registration URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Identifier: NCT 00106327.

Based on the research of worm gear pair and double roller enveloping hourglass worm without backlash, a new type of worm drive with end roller enveloping is proposed. Based on the principle of gear meshing, the coordinate system of end roller enveloping hourglass worm is established. The equations of worm gear meshing function, meshing equation, lubrication angle, self rotation angle, induced normal curvature and relative entrainment velocity are derived. Matlab is used to analyze the influence of its own parameters on the transmission performance. The results show that: The worm lubrication angle, relative entrainment speed and induced normal curvature can obtain good data, and the self rotation angle of worm gear needs to be optimized.

AbstractIn-vehicle infotainment systems can cause various distractions, increasing the risk of car accidents. To address this problem, mid-air gesture systems have been introduced. This study investigated the potential of a novel interface that integrates a Head-Up Display (HUD) with auditory displays (spearcons: compressed speech) in a gesture-based menu navigation system to minimize visual distraction and improve driving and secondary task performance. The experiment involved 24 participants who navigated through 12 menu items using mid-air gestures while driving on a simulated road under four conditions: HUD (with, without spearcons) and Head-Down Display (HDD) (with, without spearcons). Results showed that the HUD condition significantly outperformed the HDD condition in participants’ level 1 situation awareness, perceived workload, menu navigation performance, and system usability. However, there were trade-offs on visual fixation duration on the menu, and lane deviation. These findings will guide future research in developing safer and more effective HUD-supported in-vehicle gesture interaction systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential local regulatory role of the cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) signaling pathway in granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis, which is a key mechanism promoting follicular atresia in several animal species, including buffalo. Our results showed how CART activity adversely influences buffalo GC viability by affecting estradiol production and enhancing apoptosis. The regulatory mechanism by which CART can affect GC apoptosis entails the modulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway, a key intracellular signaling pathway essential for cell viability. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms governing ovarian follicle development and granulosa cell function. These findings have implications for reproductive biology not only for buffalo but also for different species. Atresia is a process in ovarian follicles that is regulated by hormone-induced apoptosis. During atresia, granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis is a key mechanism orchestrated through diverse signaling pathways. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) signaling within ovarian GCs has been demonstrated to play a key role in the regulation of follicular atresia in cattle, pigs, and sheep. The present work aimed to investigate the potential local regulatory role of CART in GC apoptosis-induced follicular atresia in buffalo, focusing on the modulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathways, which are the intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell viability. Our findings revealed increased expression of CARTPT and BAX and decreased levels of AKT, β-catenin, and CYP19A1 genes in atretic follicles compared to healthy follicles. Subsequently, CART treatment in the presence of FSH inhibited the FSH-induced increase in GC viability by reducing estradiol production and increasing apoptosis. This change was accompanied by an increase in the gene expression levels of both CARTPT and BAX. At the protein level, treatment with CART in the presence of FSH negatively affected the activity of AKT, β-catenin, and LEF1, while the activity of GSK3β was enhanced. In conclusion, our study shows how CART negatively influences buffalo GC viability, underlying the modulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway and promoting apoptosis—a key factor in follicular atresia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although curriculum standards define educational requirements that students are expected to learn and teachers are expected to teach, little is known about the curricular philosophies of the Chinese Special School Curriculum Standards for students with intellectual disabilities. This study uses content analysis to examine how different curricular philosophies are reflected in the 2016 Special School Curriculum Standards and their alignment with the 2011 Compulsory General Education Curriculum Standards. Results show that most curriculum learning items reflect general curriculum access philosophies, but only 13.59% of them are required for typically developing students at the same grade levels. There is a significant difference across curricular philosophies regarding the alignment of the special and general curriculum standards. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are important precursors of forming ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), which have important impacts on air quality and climate change. Using a literature search, this review analyzed the concentration levels and spatial-temporal distributions of isoprene and monoterpene in the atmosphere in China, mainly from biogenic emissions, and estimated their impact on O3 and SOA generation. The existing observations were mainly in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, the Pearl River Delta region, central China, and in remote mountainous areas. The results showed that isoprene is the dominant component of BVOCs in the atmosphere, and its ambient concentration is much higher than monoterpene. The site-average concentrations of isoprene and monoterpene were 0.004–3.80 and 0.0003–6.31 ppb, respectively. At vegetation sites, the concentrations of isoprene and monoterpene were 0.006–3.80 and 0.007–6.31 ppb, respectively, whereas they were 0.004–2.70 and 0.0003–1.10 ppb at urban sites. For urban sites, the higher concentrations of annual isoprene occurred mainly in several central megacities, in the Sichuan–Chongqing region, and in southern regions. For vegetation sites, higher concentrations mainly occurred in southern regions. Ambient concentrations of BVOCs in the western region were the lowest for both urban and vegetation sites. Both isoprene and monoterpene showed higher concentrations in summer. The potential of isoprene and monoterpene to form O3 was 0.05–57.21 and 0.003–72.35 ppb, while that which form SOA was 0.0002–0.21 and 0.0006–10.46 µg/m3, respectively. For urban sites, the average annual O3 formation potential (OFP) by isoprene and monoterpene was 8.70 and 2.58 ppb, respectively, and their SOA formation potential (SOAP) was 0.03 and 0.37 µg/m3, respectively. For vegetation sites, it was 7.95 and 5.31 ppb and 0.03 and 0.75 µg/m3, respectively. The annual average contributions of isoprene and monoterpene to O3 and SOA formation were higher in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, Pearl River Delta region, and central China, which experience severe air pollution in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In people without lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), mitochondrial DNA copy number declines with aging, and this decline is associated with declines in mitochondrial activity and functional performance. However, whether lower extremity ischemia is associated with lower mitochondrial DNA copy number and whether mitochondrial DNA copy number is associated with the degree of functional impairment in people with PAD is unknown. In people with and without PAD, age 65 years and older, we studied associations of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) with mitochondrial DNA copy number and associations of mitochondrial DNA copy number with functional impairment. Calf muscle biopsies were obtained from 34 participants with PAD (mean age: 73.5 years (SD 6.4), mean ABI: 0.67 (SD 0.15), mean 6-minute walk distance: 1191 feet (SD 223)) and 10 controls without PAD (mean age: 73.1 years (SD 4.7), mean ABI: 1.14 (SD 0.07), mean 6-minute walk distance: 1387 feet (SD 488)). Adjusting for age and sex, lower ABI values were associated with higher mitochondrial DNA copy number, measured in relative copy number (ABI

The polygonal honeycomb core has been vertically rotated and spliced to form a new three-dimensional polygonal honeycomb (TPH) structure lattice. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio for the three main directions of the TPH structure had been derived from Castigliano's second theorem and Moore's theorem. The theoretical results show good agreement with the numerical and experimental results. Meanwhile, the compressive strength of the TPH structure has been analyzed. The results show that the geometric parameters have a significant effect on the elasticity and strength of TPH structures, and the mechanical properties of the TPH structures can be programmed by adjusting the geometric parameters. In addition, the TPH structure exhibits a bidirectional zero Poisson's ratio (ZPR) during compression. This structure shows promise for applications in aerospace, construction, and other fields. This study provides guidance for further research on polygonal honeycomb structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the meshing theory of single roller enveloping end face worm drive,the distribution of contact line and the length of contact line on the cylindrical surface of the drive pair,and the self-rotation angle of the roller,and the self-rotation angle velocity of the roller are analyzed. The concepts of contact line wrap angle and contact line density are proposed to describe the spatial complexity of single contact line on roller cylinder and the density of contact wire on roller cylinder. Meanwhile,the calculation formulas of contact wire wrap angle and contact wire density are derived and analyzed numerically. The calculation formula of contact line on cylindrical surface of roller in specific space distribution area is deduced and its value is calculated. The average self-rotation angle velocity of roller in height direction is deduced and its value calculated by using numerical integration function of Matlab mathematical tool software. And the angle of roller in meshing period is obtained with the help of numerical integration function of Matlab. The sliding speeds under the condition of whether the roller is fixed or not are analyzed by comparing their values. The results show that the distribution area of contact line of the roller cylinder is very small in the specific space,the roller has excellent rotation performance,and the transmission pair has excellent anti sliding effect.

AIM: To investigate the effect of protopanaxatriol (PPT) on the drug resistance of paclitaxel (PTX)-resistant human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells (MB231-PR cells). METHODS: The MB231-PR cells were constructed as cell models. They were treated with PPT, and incubated for a certain period of time according to the experimental settings. CellTiter-Glo was used to determine the viability of MB231-PR cells and MDA-MB-231 parental cells (MB231-PT cells). The change of sub-G1 phase was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to evaluate the apoptosis-related proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), B-cell lymphoma2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and survivin. The activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was detected by luciferase reporter assay and immunofluorescence assay. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, chemokine CXC motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), chemokine CC motif ligand 2 (CCL2), CD44, NANOG, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured by ELISA. Tumor sphere formation assay was used to evaluate the characteristics of stem cells. RESULTS: (1) The viability of MB231-PR cells was suppressed by PPT treatment in a dose-dependent manner compared with MB231-PT cells (P<0. 01). Besides, the viability of MB231-PR cells was decreased after combined treatment with PPT and PTX (P<0. 01), the accumulation of sub-G1 phase was induced (P< 0. 01), the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was elevated (P<0. 01), and the protein levels of survivin, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 were increased (P<0. 05). (2) After PPT treatment combined with PTX, the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, CXCL1 and CCL2) and cancer stem cell-related markers (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ALDH1 and CD44) was reduced (P<0. 05), and the protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were decreased (P<0. 01). The activity of NF-κB in MB231-PR cells was suppressed (P<0. 05), and the growth of tumor spheres from MB231-PR cells was damaged (P< 0. 05). (3) Immunofluorescence assay showed that PTX induced nuclear p-p65 expression, but this effect was attenuated by PPT. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with PPT and PTX could attenuate PTX resistance of MB231-PR cells by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and cancer stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red rice, a variety of pigmented grain, serves dual purposes as both a food and medicinal resource. In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing interest in the dermatological benefits of fermented rice extracts, particularly their whitening and hydrating effects. However, data on the skincare advantages derived from fermenting red rice with Aspergillus oryzae remain sparse. This study utilized red rice as a substrate for fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae, producing a substance known as red rice Aspergillus oryzae fermentation (RRFA). We conducted a preliminary analysis of RRFA's composition followed by an evaluation of its skincare potential through various in vitro tests. Our objective was to develop a safe and highly effective skincare component for potential cosmetic applications. RRFA's constituents were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Kjeldahl nitrogen determination, the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We employed human dermal fibroblasts (FB) to assess RRFA's anti-aging and antioxidative properties, immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and 3D epidermal models to examine its moisturizing and reparative capabilities, and human primary melanocytes (MCs) to study its effects on skin lightening. Our findings revealed that RRFA encompasses several bioactive compounds beneficial for skin health. RRFA can significantly promote the proliferation of FB cells. And it markedly enhances the mRNA expression of ECM-related anti-aging genes and reduces reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, RRFA significantly boosts the expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), Filaggrin (FLG), and Hyaluronan Synthase 1 (HAS1) mRNA, alongside elevating moisture levels in a 3D epidermal model. Increases were also observed in the mRNA expression of Claudin 1 (CLDN1), Involucrin (IVL), and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) in keratinocytes. Additionally, RRFA demonstrated an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis. Collectively, RRFA contains diverse ingredients which are beneficial for skin health and showcases multifaceted skincare effects in terms of anti-aging, antioxidant, moisturizing, repairing, and whitening capabilities in vitro, highlighting its potential for future cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dendrobium officinale is widely used for a long time in China, with effect of antioxidation, antitumor, enhancing immunity and so on. In recent years, Dendrobium officinale has been gradually used in cosmetics due to its powerful beauty effects. Aims: Based on senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), we studied the antiaging effect of Dendrobium officinale extract (DOE) on skin. Methods: The senescent model of human skin fibroblasts was established by the induction of H2O2, and the content of SASP factors was tested after the treatment of DOE, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1). Results: It was found that after the treatment with different concentrations of DOE, the contents of IL‐6, MCP‐1 and MMP‐1 all decreased in different degrees. Conclusions: It indicated that DOE could inhibit the secretion of SASP factors and was a promising natural antiaging agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relation of clinicopathological characteristics and RCN1 and GRP78 expression levels in colorectal cancer, and explore their prognostic value. Methods: The expression of RCN1 and HSPA5 mRNA in colorectal cancer( CRC) was examined using the TCGA and UALCAN databases, and clinical samples were obtained for immunohistochemistry to confirm the expression of both. Then, the correlation with clinicopathological features and its prognostic value were analyzed. Results: According to a bioinformatics analysis, RCN1 and HSPA5 mRNA were both significantly overexpressed in CRC and had a positive correlation.The expression of RCN1 was correlated with N stage and TP53 mutations, the expression of HSPA5 was higher in mucinous adenocarcinomas. In CRC tissues, RCN1 and GRP78 protein were both strongly expressed and localized in the cytoplasm. GRP78 expression was significantly correlated with T stage. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curve indicates that patients with higher RCN1 expression had significantly shorter DFS than those with lower expression and a tendency toward shorter OS.According to COX regression analysis,DFS in CRC was found to be independently associated with tumor nerve invasion, TNM stage, and high RCN1 expression, Correlation analysis: RCN1 and GRP78 expression were positively associated in CRC. Conclusion: RCN1 is an independent risk factor for a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has a positive correlation with GRP78 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]