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Starch a natural polymer, has made significant advancements in recent decades, offering superior performance and versatility compared to synthetic materials. This review discusses up-to-date diverse applications of starch gels, their fabrication techniques, and their advantages over synthetic materials. Starch gels renewability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, scalability, and affordability make them attractive. Also, advanced theoretical foundations and emerging industrial technologies could further expand their scope and functions inspiring new applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiplicity distributions of net-baryon number fluctuation in the first-order chiral phase transition associated with the nonequlibrium effect are investigated within the improved Polyakov–Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model. Compared with the idealized first-order transition in equilibrium, the calculation indicates that the density fluctuations in the metastable and unstable regions are more violent, which possibly affects the statistical distributions of density fluctuation in later stage of an expanding system. Signals induced by the first-order phase transition and those from the nonequilibrium effect are discussed in detail, which could be exploited to identify the first-order phase transition. Besides, the critical exponents of the thermodynamic quantities at both the critical end point and spinodal boundary are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many clinical trials have demonstrated that statins convey protective effects against atherosclerosis independent of cholesterol-lowering capacities. Other evidence indicates that pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is likely involved in atherosclerosis, but the effects and mechanisms of statins on pyroptosis must be further revealed. Here, we explored the effects and mechanisms of atorvastatin on pyroptosis in human vascular endothelial cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. Atorvastatin upregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NEXN-AS1 and the expression of NEXN at both the mRNA and protein levels in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Atorvastatin inhibited pyroptosis by decreasing the expression levels of the canonical inflammasome pathway biomarkers NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 at both the mRNA and protein levels. The promotion effects of atorvastatin on NEXN-AS1 and NEXN expression could be significantly abolished by knockdown of lncRNA NEXN-AS1 or NEXN , and its inhibitory effects on pyroptosis were also markedly offset by knock-down of lncRNA NEXN-AS1 or interference of NEXN. These results demonstrated that atorvastatin regulated pyroptosis via the lncRNA NEXN-AS1-NEXN pathway, which provides a new insight into the mechanism of how atorvastatin promotes non-lipid-lower effects against the development of atherosclerosis and gives new directions on how to reverse atherosclerosis. Image 1 • Atorvastatin upregulates lncRNA NEXN-AS1 and NEXN in EC. • Atorvastatin inhibits the canonical inflammasome pathway biomarkers of pyroptosis. • Both the above effects can be abolished by knockdown of lncRNA NEXN-AS1 or NEXN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In preliminary seismic analysis and design of a tunnel lining, compared to the frequently-assumed incident S-wave, analytical solutions to internal forces (axial force or thrust, bending moment and shear force) induced by incident R- (Rayleigh) wave are relatively few. Furthermore, in existing solutions the ground-structure interactions, temporal and spatial seismic response variations are not considered simultaneously. In this paper new closed-form solutions to internal forces induced by R-wave were derived for a tunnel lining. Comparison between the proposed solutions and the ones given in literature were made through a typical problem. It shows that: if R-wave propagates along the axis of a tunnel, the longitudinal axial force, bending moment and shear force on a cross section can reach their respective maxima. The maximum resultant normal stress given by literature may be over-predicted; if R-wave propagates perpendicularly to the tunnel’s axis, the circumferential thrust, bending moment and shear force on a longitudinal section can also reach their respective maxima with the maximum thrust being much higher than that due to S-wave; the P-wave component of R-wave is predominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of heterogeneity on mechanical and acoustic emission (AE) behaviours of stratified rock specimens under uniaxial compression using a digital image processing (DIP)-based finite difference method (FDM). In the DIP, a developed image segmentation algorithm based on seeded region growing (SRG) is proposed to fully acquire the mesostructure of stratified rock specimens, instead of the traditional threshold value method. To sufficiently capture the heterogeneity of stratified rock, Weibull statistical manner is adopted to describe mechanical properties of each material component. Three schemes are adopted to study the effect of heterogeneity with different homogeneity index and different mesostructure under two compression loading conditions. The results show that heterogeneity has a great influence on the mechanical and AE behaviours of stratified rock. As the homogeneity of material components increases, the peak strength and brittleness of rocks increase, and the macro elastic modulus improves as well. Simultaneously, the AE modes change from swarm shock to main shock. Under the same component content, the macro-property is better while the component distribution is concentrative relatively, especially to the property of strength. For the coupling effect of mesostructure and heterogeneity arising from material components, mesostructure is considered to cause the visible increase of AE counts. And the numerical results agree well with the previously numerical results and experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The N -methyl- d -aspartate-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR)-associated multiprotein complexes are indispensable for synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. While purification and proteomic analyses of these signaling complexes have been performed in adult rodent and human brain, much less is known about the protein composition of NMDAR complexes in the developing brain and their modifications by neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury. In this study, the postsynaptic density proteins were prepared from postnatal day 9 naïve, sham-operated and HI-injured mouse cortex. The GluN2B-containing NMDAR complexes were purified by immunoprecipitation with a mouse GluN2B antibody and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis for determination of the GluN2B binding partners. A total of 71 proteins of different functional categories were identified from the naïve animals as native GluN2B-interacting partners in the developing mouse brain. Neonatal HI reshaped the postsynaptic GluN2B interactome by recruiting new proteins, including multiple kinases, into the complexes; and modifying the existing associations within 1 h of reperfusion. The early responses of postsynaptic NMDAR complexes and their related signaling networks may contribute to molecular processes leading to cell survival or death, brain damage and/or neurological disorders in term infants with neonatal encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Poyakov–Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model was developed recently, which includes both the chiral dynamics and (de)confinement effect and gives a good description of lattice QCD data. In this study we use the PNJL model to describe the quark phase, and first use it to study the evolution of proto-neutron star (PNS) with a hadron–quark phase transition. Along the line of a PNS evolution, we take several snapshots of PNS profiles, presenting the fractions of different species, the equations of state (EOS), and the mass–radius relations at different stages. The calculation shows the mixed phase may exist during the whole evolving process, and the onset density of quark phase decreases with the radiation of neutrinos in the heating stage. In the cooling stage, the EOS of the mixed phase softens and the center density increases. In this process a part of nuclear matter transforms to quark matter, which may lead to a PNS collapsing into a black hole. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An alternative indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae secretory IgA (SIgA) antibody (SIgA-ELISA) was developed using an adhesin (P97R1) of M. hyopneumoniae produced in Escherichia coli. The SIgA-ELISA assay was validated by the comparison with a nested-PCR assay and a commercial M. hyopneumoniae antibody detection kit (IgG-ELISA). Two hundred and sixty nasal swab samples, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids or serum samples were prepared for SIgA-ELISA validation from a M. hyopneumoniae-free farm, a M. hyopneumoniae vaccinated farm and two M. hyopneumoniae contaminated farms. The results showed that the SIgA-ELISA assay could distinguish the M. hyopneumoniae infection from M. hyopneumoniae vaccinated pigs, which was impossible for the current commercial M. hyopneumoniae antibody detection kits. The diagnostic sensitivity (DSN), specificity (DSP) and accuracy of the SIgA-ELISA were 97.0%, 94.4% and 95.8%, respectively and were compared with nested-PCR on 260 field nasal swab samples. The results of repeatability tests revealed that the coefficients of variation of swab samples within and between runs were less than 10%. This SIgA-ELISA is a needle-free detection methodology for large-scale surveys of M. hyopneumoniae infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel triple-mode hexagonal bandpass filter with capacitive loading is introduced in this article.The technique, adding an open stub with capacitive loading, is applied to enlarge the equivalent self-capacitance of the resonator, which declines its resonant frequencies. A circular patch on the bottom layer is used to implement this technique. One-mode resonant frequency is varied with the radius of the circular patch, whereas the other two modes are nearly not affected. This filter has a pair of transmission zeros, which are close to the passband, thus behaving a high selectivity. For method validation, a bandpass filter operating at 2.45 GHz is fabricated and measured. The experimental results are demonstrated and discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:849–852, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25035 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We reanalyze the observation data of X-ray burst of the X-ray binary EXO 0748-676 with the maximum measurement errors for the originally assigned redshift and the latter modified . The newly obtained properties of the star are and for , slightly different from the previous result, and and for . The neutron star mass obtained with is more consistent with the result given by a detailed multiwavelength analysis. With this result, it is insufficient to rule out soft equations of state of nuclear matter, including those with the appearance of exotic matter. Furthermore, as an example, we show that the exotic composition of the matter in neutron star including antikaon condensation and hyperons can yield an maximum mass about . This is consistent with the mass of EXO 0748-676 with uncertainty in 1σ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We study the variable cosmological constant model with the interaction between dark energy and matter. By constructing the dark energy component as an effective quintessence scalar field, we give an upper limit of parameter m with weak gravity conjecture which requires that the variation of the scalar field Δϕ should be less than the Planck mass . On the other hand, we constrain the model parameters with recent type Ia supernovae and WMAP five-year observation, which gives a consistent result with weak gravity conjecture. The combination of these observational data restricts the model parameters within narrow ranges with , , showing that weak interaction between dark energy and matter is favored in this model. The involving behaviors of relative densities , and decelerated parameter are also studied with the constrained parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interval analysis is a new uncertainty analysis method for engineering structures. In this paper, a new sensitivity analysis method is presented by introducing interval analysis which can expand applications of the interval analysis method. The interval analysis process of sensitivity factor matrix of soil parameters is given. A method of parameter intervals and decision-making target intervals is given according to the interval analysis method. With FEM, secondary developments are done for Marc and the Duncan-Chang nonlinear elastic model. Mutual transfer between FORTRAN and Marc is implemented. With practial examples, rationality and feasibility are validated. Comparison is made with some published results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The hemolytic activity of the cell-free culture supernatant of Anabaena variabilis OL S1 was investigated using the hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes as an assay. The culture medium of A. variabilis started to exhibit hemolytic activity at the late exponential growth phase, and maximized at the stationary phase. The hemolytic toxin is heat-stable and can be extracted in dichloromethane. The hemolytic activities under different temperature, light intensity and pH showed a high correlation with the cell densities (r=0.965, 0.951, 0.865, respectively), and the optimum condition is 28~30�C, pH 7.5~8.0, light intensity 120 μmol photons m−2s−1. The addition of 10~20 μg mL−1 chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, exhibited no marked suppression on the hemolytic activity. The supplement of 1~20 μg mL−1 glycerol increased the hemolytic activity significantly, suggesting that synthesis of hemolysin was dependent on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The spectrum of erythrocyte sensitivity to the hemolysin indicated that rabbit erythrocytes were more sensitive to the hemolysin than were rat and human erythrocytes. Goldfish and cat erythrocytes were, however, insensitive to the hemolytic toxin of A. variabilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, artificial intelligence (AI) has already been applied in cardiovascular imaging (e.g., image segmentation, automated measurements, and eventually, automated diagnosis) and it has been propelled to the forefront of cardiovascular medical imaging research. In this review, we presented the current status of artificial intelligence applied to image analysis of coronary atherosclerotic plaques, covering multiple areas from plaque component analysis (e.g., identification of plaque properties, identification of vulnerable plaque, detection of myocardial function, and risk prediction) to risk prediction. Additionally, we discuss the current evidence, strengths, limitations, and future directions for AI in cardiac imaging of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as lessons that can be learned from other areas. The continuous development of computer science and technology may further promote the development of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a crossover quantum chromodynamical (QCD) phase transition that occurred in the early Universe and explore a potential formation scenario for stable strangeon nuggets during this process. To analyze the thermodynamics of the QCD phase involving u, d, s quarks, we employ the Polyakov–Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model, while the relativistic mean-field model is used to describe the hadronic matter. We consider the participation of strangeons (strange quark clusters with net strangeness) in the quark-hadron phase transition process. During this process, strangeon nuggets are formed, and larger nuggets could survive after the phase transition. The crossover phase transition from quarks to hadrons occur at a cosmic temperature of approximately T ∼ 1 7 0 MeV, and these two phases (quark phase and strangeon nugget-hadronic phase) are connected in a three-window model. We introduce a distribution function of the nugget baryon number, A, to describe the nugget's number density (equivalent to the mass spectrum). All strangeon nuggets with A > A c are considered to be stable, where the critical number, A c , is determined by both weak and strong interactions. To calculate the thermodynamics of stable strangeon nuggets, a nonrelativistic equation of state was applied, resulting in negligible thermodynamic contributions (pressure, entropy, etc.) compared to the hadronic part. Our study shows that the mass fraction of the strangeon nuggets that survived from the early Universe is comparable to dark matter, suggesting a possible explanation for cold dark matter without introducing any exotic particles beyond the Standard Model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schematic diagram of the signalling pathways regulated by NIPA1-SO. Our study has uncovered an athero-protective role of the lncRNA NIPA1-SO , which, by interacting with a single transcription factor, is capable of inhibiting monocyte adhesion and foam cell formation, two fundamental processes in atherosclerosis. The transcription factor FUBP1 negatively regulates NIPA1 expression; this inhibitory effect is increased by the interaction of NIPA1-SO with FUBP1, resulting in lower transcription of NIPA1. A reduction in NIPA1 protein results in increased BMPR2 protein due to a reduction in NIPA1-mediated BMPR2 endocytosis and degradation, leading to higher levels of Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation (pSmad1/5/8), which, through complexation with Smad4, inhibit transcription of the adhesion molecules VCAM1 and ICAM1, reducing monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Further, the pSmad1/5/8:Smad4 complex promotes ABCA1 and ABCG1 transcription, both of which promote cholesterol efflux via high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, thereby inhibiting foam cell formation. [Display omitted] • Human atherosclerotic plaques have reduced expression of the long non-coding RNA NIPA1-SO and increased levels of NIPA1. • NIPA1-SO inhibits monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and decreases cholesterol accumulation. • Increasing the expression of NIPAI-SO or knockout of NIPA1 reduces atherosclerosis in an animal model. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important players in gene regulation and cardiovascular diseases. However, the roles of lncRNAs in atherosclerosis are poorly understood. In the present study, we found that the levels of NIPA1-SO were decreased while those of NIPA1 were increased in human atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, NIPA1-SO negatively regulated NIPA1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Mechanistically, NIPA1-SO interacted with the transcription factor FUBP1 and the NIPA1 gene. The effect of NIPA1-SO on NIPA1 protein levels was reversed by the knockdown of FUBP1. NIPA1-SO overexpression increased, whilst NIPA1-SO knockdown decreased BMPR2 levels; these effects were enhanced by the knockdown of NIPA1. The overexpression of NIPA1-SO reduced while NIPA1-SO knockdown increased monocyte adhesion to HUVECs; these effects were diminished by the knockdown of BMPR2. The lentivirus-mediated-overexpression of NIPA1-SO or gene-targeted knockout of NIPA1 in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice reduced monocyte-endothelium adhesion and atherosclerotic lesion formation. Collectively, these findings revealed a novel anti-atherosclerotic role for the lncRNA NIPA1-SO and highlighted its inhibitory effects on vascular inflammation and intracellular cholesterol accumulation by binding to FUBP1 and consequently repressing NIPA1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral ischaemia is a common cerebrovascular disease and often induces neuronal apoptosis, leading to brain damage. Polygalasaponin F (PGSF) is one of the components in Polygala japonica Houtt, and it is a triterpenoid saponin monomer. This research focused on anti‐apoptotic effect of PGSF during oxygen‐glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and primary rat cortical neurons. OGD/R treatment reduced viability of PC12 cells and primary neurons. This reduced viability was prevented by PGSF, as shown by MTT assay. OGD/R insult decreased expression of Bcl‐2/Bax both in PC12 cells and primary neurons but elevated levels of caspase‐3 in primary neurons. However, PGSF may up‐regulate expression of Bcl‐2/Bax and down‐regulate caspase‐3 in these particular cells. Furthermore, Bcl‐2/Bax and the ratio between phosphorylated Akt and total Akt were decreased in PC12 cells treated with OGD/R, and both were increased by PGSF. Moreover, increase in the ratios of Bcl‐2/Bax and phosphorylated Akt/total Akt in PC12 cells was suppressed by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Data suggest PGSF might prevent OGD/R‐induced injury via activation of PI3K/Akt signalling. The ability of PGSF to block the effects of OGD/R appears to involve regulation of Bcl‐2, Bax and caspase‐3, which are related to apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the kurtosis and skewness of net-baryon number fluctuations in the Polyakov loop extended Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model, and discuss the relations between fluctuation distributions and the phase structure of quark-gluon matter. The calculation shows that the traces of chiral and deconfinement transitions can be effectively reflected by the kurtosis and skewness of net-baryon number fluctuations not only in the critical region but also in the crossover region. The contour plot of baryon number kurtosis derived in the PNJL model can qualitatively explain the behavior of net-proton number kurtosis in the STAR beam energy scan experiments. Moreover, the three-dimensional presentations of the kurtosis and skewness in this study are helpful to understand the relations between baryon number fluctuations and QCD phase structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application progress of atomic force microscopy in shale pore surface mechanical properties is reviewed. The application of atomic force microscopy in shale surface morphology and pore structure is summarized, including the main characterization parameters of shale surface roughness and characterization methods of pore structure. The advantages of watershed method in identifying pore structure are introduced. Shows the atomic force microscope in the mechanical properties of shale surface, including the Young's modulus, adhesion force and the characterization of the surface potential, atomic force microscopy are discussed in terms of pore structure and mechanical properties characterization of application, further enhance the atomic force microscope in the shale pore structure and mechanical properties on the application of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liu, Na, Yanbo Zhang, Pu Zhang, Kerui Gong, Chunyang Zhang, Kai Sun, and Guo Shao. Vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin show different expression patterns in the early and late hypoxia preconditioning phases and may correlate with DNA methylation status in the mouse hippocampus. High Alt Med Biol. 23:361–368, 2022. Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin (EPO) have been proven to participate in neuroprotection induced by hypoxia preconditioning (HPC), and they can be regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). It has been reported that DNA methylation can affect VEGF and EPO expression. This study aimed to explore the expression of VEGF and EPO in the early phase and late phase of HPC and whether their expression was affected by DNA methylation. Method: Acute repeated HPC mice were used as the animal model, and detection of molecular changes was performed immediately (early phase) and 1 day (late phase) after HPC treatment. The mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF, EPO, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the hippocampi were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The activity of DNMTs and global methylation levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. DNA methylation levels of VEGF and EPO promoters, which were catalyzed by DNMTs, were determined by bisulfite-modified DNA sequencing. Results: The expression of VEGF was increased in the early phase and late phase of HPC (p < 0.05), whereas the expression of EPO was unchanged in the early phase (p > 0.05) of HPC and was increased in the late phase (p < 0.05). VEGF and EPO expression were negatively correlated with the DNA methylation levels of their promoters. DNMT3A and DNMT3B were decreased in the early phase and late phase (p < 0.05), whereas DNMT1 was unchanged in the early phase and late phase (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that DNMTs affect VEGF and EPO expression by regulating the DNA methylation levels of the promoters of VEGF and EPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify quantitative CT features for distinguishing well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) from poorly differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (PNECs).Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with PNECs and 131 patients with PNETs confirmed by biopsy or surgery were retrospectively included. General demographic (sex, age) and CT quantitative parameters (arterial/portal absolute enhancement, arterial/portal relative enhancement ratio, arterial/portal enhancement ratio) were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to confirm independent variables for differentiating PNECs from PNETs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each quantitative parameter were generated to determine their diagnostic ability.Results: PNECs had a much lower mean arterial/portal absolute enhancement value (19.5 ± 11.0 vs. 78.8 ± 47.2; 28.1 ± 15.8 vs. 77.0 ± 39.4), arterial/portal relative enhancement ratio (0.57 ± 0.36 vs. 2.03 ± 1.31; 0.80 ± 0.52 vs. 1.99 ± 1.13), and arterial/portal enhancement ratio (0.62 ± 0.27 vs. 1.22 ± 0.49; 0.74 ± 0.19 vs. 1.21 ± 0.36) than PNETs (all p < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, arterial absolute enhancement (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93, 0.99) and portal absolute enhancement (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99) were independent factors for differentiating PNECs from PNETs. For each quantitative parameter, arterial lesion enhancement yielded the highest diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.922 (95% CI: 0.867-0.960), followed by portal absolute enhancement.Conclusions: Arterial/portal absolute enhancements were independent predictors with good diagnostic accuracy for differentiating between PNETs and PNECs. Quantitative parameters of enhanced CT can distinguish PNECs from PNETs.Key Points: • PNECs were hypovascular and had a much lower enhanced CT attenuation in both arterial and portal phases than well-differentiated PNETs. • Quantitative parameters derived from enhanced CT can be used to distinguish PNECs from PNETs. • Arterial absolute enhancement and portal absolute enhancement were independent predictive factors for differentiating between PNETs and PNECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of dicycloplatin as chemotherapeutic regimen in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: In this randomized, open-label, phase II trial, patients with unresectable HCC who were TACE treatment–naïve or experienced recurrence after surgical resection or ablation were enrolled at 7 centers in China from March 2019 to November 2019. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive TACE with chemotherapeutic regimen of dicycloplatin alone (group A1), dicycloplatin plus epirubicin (group A2), or epirubicin alone (group B). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results: The ORR at 6 months in group A1 (n = 22) was significantly better than that in group B (p = 0.093; 90% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–9.45). The DCR in group A1 was significantly higher than that in group B (p = 0.045; 90% CI, 1.29–12.88). There was no significant difference in DOR among the groups (p = 0.271). The median PFS were 6.00 and 3.05 months in groups A2 (n = 25) and B (n = 24), respectively (p = 0.061). Grade 3 or worse adverse events were similar among groups in the safety population (p = 0.173). Conclusion: TACE with dicycloplatin was comparably safe and well tolerable as epirubicin alone in patients with unresectable HCC. Compared with epirubicin alone, significant improvement in ORR and DCR when dicycloplatin was applied, as well as prolonged PFS when dicycloplatin plus epirubicin was applied, was generated. Key Points: • To our knowledge, this is the first multicenter randomized trial to assess the efficacy and safety of TACE with dicycloplatin in patients with unresectable HCC. • This phase II trial showed that TACE with dicycloplatin alone or plus epirubicin was comparably safe and well tolerable as epirubicin alone. • Significant improvements in ORR, DCR when dicycloplatin was applied, and prolonged PFS when dicycloplatin plus epirubicin was applied were recorded compared with epirubicin alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of a combination of endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure and basement membrane graft for the treatment of gastrointestinal cutaneous fistulas. The authors present two case studies of patients with fistulas that did not heal using traditional methods. They describe the use of the basement membrane graft and a self-made vacuum-assisted closure device to successfully close the fistulas. The article provides graphs illustrating the treatment process and acknowledges the funding sources for the study. The authors declare no conflicts of interest and state that ethical approval was obtained for the publication of the case reports. [Extracted from the article]

As skeletal muscle is one of the largest organs in the body, its damage can directly reflect a decline in somatic function, thus, further affecting daily life and health. Inflammation is a prerequisite for the repair of injured skeletal muscles. Chronic inflammation induced by inadequate repair in skeletal muscle aggravates tissue injury. Exosomes regulate inflammatory responses to facilitate the repair of skeletal muscle injury. Moreover, exosomal miR‐223 with high specificity is the most abundant miRNA in peripheral blood and regarded as biomarkers for inflammation post skeletal muscle injury, which warrants further investigation. Available studies have demonstrated that exosomal miR‐223 negatively correlates with TNF‐α levels in serum and regulates the canonical inflammatory NF‐κB signaling pathway. miR‐223 is a negative feedback regulator with great potential for adjusting inflammatory imbalance and promoting skeletal muscle repair. The research on the regulation of negative feedback factors in the inflammatory signaling pathway is essential in biology and medicine. Therefore, this review mainly elaborates the formation, heterogeneity and markers of exosomes and points out exosomal miR‐223 as a beneficial role in chronic skeletal muscle inflammation and can be expected to be a potential therapeutic target for skeletal muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a recently discovered class of endogenous non-coding RNA that is generated by cyclization, driven by intron pairing, and regulated by related regulators. An important biological function of CircRNA is acting as a molecular sponge to significantly alter miRNA levels over a short period. Several studies have shown that circRNA is closely related to stroke. Therefore, a better understanding of CircRNA function and regulatory mechanism in ischemic brain will help us for the early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment of stroke. Here, we summary the biological characteristics, expression of circRNA, and its effect on outcome after ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel strain of infectious bronchitis virus (CK/CH/FJ/202005) caused severe air sacculitis in 1- and 15-day-old challenged SPF chickens. • Tracheal and air-sac lesions were first evident at 5 DPI, and persisted throughout the 30-day experiments. • In the 1-day-old infected group, the viral titer in the trachea was above 104 at 5, 7, 10, and 15 DPI, and then dropped rapidly during the third week. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has a significant impact on the poultry industry, and genogroup VI (GVI) IBVs, such as the TC07−2 strain, were reported in China since 2007. We isolated a novel strain, CK/CH/FJ/202005 (henceforth 202005), from broilers that were vaccinated with different attenuated IBV strains (H120, 4/91, or QX) in Fujian, China during 2020. Based on comparison with the SNU8065 strain (GI-22), the 1ab genes were the locations of recombination in this new isolate. Pathogenicity testing of 1-day-old and 15-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens indicated varying severities of air sacculitis beginning 5 days-post-inoculation (DPI). Histopathological analysis indicated that tracheal lesions started at 5 DPI and persisted throughout the 30-day experiments in 1-day-old infected chickens. Virus re-isolation and viral load tests indicated this strain was mainly in the trachea, and not the kidneys. Our findings showed that the 202005 strain was pathogenic in 1-day-old and 15-day-old chickens. These results should be considered when developing strategies to control IBV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since pseudorabies (PR) re-emerged and rapidly spread in China at the end of 2011, researchers have focused on effective vaccine strategies to prevent and control pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in pig herds. Due to the extensive application of an attenuated vaccine based on the Bartha-K61 strain isolated in Hungary in 1961 and the variation of the PRV strain, it has been suggested that traditional vaccines based on the Bartha-K61 strain offer only partial protection against variant strains. It was therefore evaluated whether the Porcilis® Begonia vaccine, which is based on the NIA-3 strain with deletions in the gE and TK genes, is efficacious against experimental infection with the virulent, contemporary Chinese PRV strain ZJ01. In this study, piglets were vaccinated with Porcilis® Begonia through either the intradermal (ID) route or the intramuscular (IM) route and subsequently challenged intranasally with strain ZJ01 at 4 weeks post-vaccination. An unvaccinated challenge group and an unvaccinated/nonchallenged group were also included in the study. All animals were monitored for 14 days after challenge. Vaccinated and negative control pigs stayed healthy during the study, while the unvaccinated control animals developed lesions associated with PRV ZJ01 challenge, and 44% of these pigs died before the end of the experiment. This study demonstrated that ID or IM vaccination of pigs with a vaccine based on the NIA-3 strain Porcilis® Begonia clinically protects against fatal PRV challenge with the ZJ01 strain. • 0.5*105.0 TCID50/pig challenge is success. The challenged piglets appears steady progression of PRV. • Porcilis® Begonia clinically protects against fatal PRV challenge with the ZJ01 strain. • ID route represents a valid strategy in terms of efficacy and efficiency compared to the IM route. • ID-administered vaccines with lower doses than IM formulations can induce immunogenic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the most common phenomena in ischemic disease or processes that causes progressive disability or even death. It has a major impact on global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of application in ischemic diseases and has significant clinical effect. Numerous studies have shown that the formulas or single herbs in TCM have specific roles in regulating oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, inhibiting cell apoptosis, etc., in I/R injury. We used bibliometrics to quantitatively analyze the global output of publications on TCM in the field of I/R injury published in the period 2001–2021 to identify research hotspots and prospects. We included 446 related documents published in the Web of Science during 2001–2021. Visualization analysis revealed that the number of publications related to TCM in the field of I/R injury has increased year by year, reaching a peak in 2020. China is the country with the largest number of publications. Keywords and literature analyses demonstrated that neuroregeneration is likely one of the research hotspots and future directions of research in the field. Taken together, our findings suggest that although the inherent limitations of bibliometrics may affect the accuracy of the literature-based prediction of research hotspots, the results obtained from the included publications can provide a reference for the study of TCM in the field of I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lysozyme is an important molecule of innate immune system for the defense against bacterial infections. Three genes encoding chicken-type (c-type) lysozymes, C1-, C2-, C3-type, were obtained from tilapia Oreochromis aureus by RT-PCR and the RACE method. Catalytic and other conserved structure residues required for functionality were identified. The amino acid sequence identities between C1- and C2-type, C1- and C3-type, C2- and C3-type were 67.8%, 65.7% and 63.9%, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analyze indicated the three genes were firstly grouped to those of higher teleosteans, Pleuronectiformes and Tetraodontiformes fishes, and then clustered to those of lower teleosteans, Cypriniformes fishes. Bioinformatic analysis of mature peptide showed that the three genes possess typical sequence characteristics, secondary and tertiary structure of c-type lysozymes. The three tilapia c-type lysozymes mRNAs were mainly expressed in liver and muscle, and C1-type lysozyme also highly expressed in intestine. C1-type lysozyme mRNA was weakly expressed in stomach, C2- and C3-type mRNAs were weakly expressed in intestine. After bacterial challenge, up-regulation was obvious in kidney and spleen for C1-type lysozyme mRNA, while for C2- and C3-type lysozyme obvious increase were observed in stomach and liver, suggesting that C1-type lysozyme may mainly play roles in defense, while C2- and C3-type lysozyme mainly conduct digestive function against bacteria infection. All the three c-type recombinant lysozymes displayed lytic activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These results indicated that three c-type lysozymes play important roles in the defense of O. aureus against bacteria infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This letter presents two ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas with 3.4/5.5 GHz dual-notched bands. The U- and V-slots are used to reject the frequency band (3.3–4.2 GHz) limited by C-band satellite communication and Wimax systems. Another rejection band (5.15–5.825 GHz), limited by IEEE 802.11b or HIPERLAN/2 system, is obtained by using the U/V-slot defected ground structure. Experimental results indicate that these antennas cover the entire UWB for voltage standing wave radio <2, except two notched bands. Moreover, these antennas have omnidirectional radiation patterns in the H-plane and good gain flatness. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2942–2945, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24792 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemolytic activity of the cell-free culture supernatant of Anabaena variabilis OL S1 was investigated using the hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes as an assay. The culture medium of A. variabilis started to exhibit hemolytic activity at the late exponential growth phase, and maximized at the stationary phase. The hemolytic toxin is heat-stable and can be extracted in dichloromethane. The hemolytic activities under different temperature, light intensity and pH showed a high correlation with the cell densities (r=0.965, 0.951, 0.865, respectively), and the optimum condition is 28~30°C, pH 7.5~8.0, light intensity 120 μmol photons m−2s−1. The addition of 10~20 μg mL−1 chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, exhibited no marked suppression on the hemolytic activity. The supplement of 1~20 μg mL−1 glycerol increased the hemolytic activity significantly, suggesting that synthesis of hemolysin was dependent on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The spectrum of erythrocyte sensitivity to the hemolysin indicated that rabbit erythrocytes were more sensitive to the hemolysin than were rat and human erythrocytes. Goldfish and cat erythrocytes were, however, insensitive to the hemolytic toxin of A. variabilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. It is pretty well known that DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are actively involved in abnormal cell growth. The goal of the current study is to explore the correlation between DNMT expression and colorectal adenomatous polyps (CAPs). Method. Twenty pairs of CAP samples with a diameter ≥ 10 mm and corresponding normal colorectal mucosa (NCM) tissues from patients were used in the present study. The expression levels and activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were measured in the CAP tissues. The global methylation and the promoter methylation level of 3 kinds of tumour suppressor gene were detected. Results. mRNA and protein levels of DNMT3B were found to be elevated in the CAP tissues compared with the control tissue. Additionally, the methylation of long interspersed nuclear elements-1 (LINE-1/L1) was decreased in the CAP tissue. Furthermore, methylation of the promoter of a tumour suppressor gene Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) was increased in the CAP tissues, while the mRNA levels of RASSF1A were decreased. Conclusions. These results suggest that the overexpression of DNMT3B may contribute to a role in the genesis of CAPs through the hypomethylation of chromosomes in the whole cell and promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: DNA Methylation of the tumour suppressor gene leading to gene silencing plays an important role in thyroid tumour development. The purpose was to determine the DNA methylation status of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and death‐associated protein kinase (DAPK) in patients with thyroid nodules and to explore whether they can be used as molecular diagnostic tools to differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Design, patients and measurements: Thyroid tissue and blood samples were obtained from normal healthy individuals (controls) and patients suffering from clinically diagnosed thyroid nodular disease [papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), adenoma and nodular goitre]. DNA methylation level, mRNA expression and protein expression of PTEN and DAPK in the thyroid tissues and peripheral blood were detected using methylation‐specific PCR, semi‐quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity, specific and accuracy of detection were evaluated between blood and thyroid tissue. Results: There was a significant increase in the level of DNA methylation of PTEN and DAPK in PTC (P <.05) compared with controls and other types of thyroid nodules. Levels of the mRNA of both PTEN and DAPK were lower in PTC in both peripheral blood and tissue samples compared with controls, while there was concomitant decrease of both PTEN and DAPK protein expression in PTC tissues (P <.05). There was no significant difference in diagnostic specificity, sensitivity and accuracy between blood sample and thyroid tissues. Conclusions: Hypermethylated status of both PTEN and DAPK in peripheral blood and tissue samples can be useful biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and, distinguishing of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact microstrip triple-mode bandpass filter using half-wavelength (λ/2) open-ended microstrip line with double center loaded stubs is proposed in this article.By introducing a radial-line stub to the traditional dual-mode resonator, a triple-mode resonator is realized and the mode characteristics of the resonator are discussed. Also, an equivalent lumped circuit is proposed and the method of parameters extracting is given. The proposed filter exhibits a quasi-elliptic function response with a compact circuit dimension. At last, an experimental filter is fabricated and a good agreement between simulations and measurements is reached. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 2109–2111, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25364 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many high-piled wharves were built in the last century, and some wharf members have been damaged over decades of operation. It is important to use effective means to evaluate the safety status and durability of these high-piled wharf structures and guide reinforcement efforts. At present, the most common safety status evaluation methods for high-piled wharves are site inspections, crack detection, and concrete strength tests. However, it is difficult to provide quantitative safety indicators using these methods. In this paper, a disturbing-energy method is proposed for the safety assessment of high-piled wharves based on the variational principle and minimum potential energy principle. The geometric nonlinear effect is introduced, and formulations are derived for calculating the disturbing energy. A concentric compression bar example is presented to validate the proposed method through a comparison analysis between the Euler method and disturbing-energy method. Through several cases involving different loads applied to the same high-piled wharf structure, the same load applied to different structures, overall stiffness degradation, and member damage, the disturbing-energy method is shown to reflect very well the safety condition or damage condition of the high-piled wharf structure. The disturbing-energy method can also be used to identify the failure path of the structure and optimize the form of the wharf structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs have been implicated in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the expression and mechanism of action of lncRNAs in atherosclerosis are still unclear. We implemented microarray analysis in human advanced atherosclerotic plaques and normal arterial intimae to detect the lncRNA and mRNA expression profile. Gene Ontology functional enrichment and pathway analyses were applied to explore the potential functions and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. A total of 236 lncRNAs and 488 mRNAs were selected for further Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Moreover, quantitative RT-PCR tests of most selected lncRNAs and mRNAs with high fold changes were consistent with the microarray data. We also performed ELISA to investigate the corresponding proteins levels of selected genes and showed that serum levels of SPP1, CD36, ATP6V0D2, CHI3L1, MYH11, and BDNF were differentially expressed in patients with coronary heart disease compared with healthy subjects. These proteins correlated with some biochemical parameters used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a favorable diagnostic performance. The microarray profiling analysis and validation of differentially-expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in atherosclerosis not only provide new insights into the pathogenesis of this disease but may also reveal new biomarkers for its diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases in the world. The effective therapeutic methods and drugs are still not clear. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a triterpenoid saponin isolated from the root of Huangqi, has a beneficial effect in the treatment of AD. However, whether AS-IV alters microglia in the inflammation of AD is still ambiguous. In our study, 99 common targets were collected between AS-IV and AD. BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl-2), pro-apoptotic BCL-2 protein BAX, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and receptor tyrosine phosphatase type C (PTPRC) were screened for inflammation and microglia in the above targets by network pharmacology. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and EGFR both interact with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by a protein interaction network, and IL-1β had a higher affinity for AS-IV based on molecular docking. Enrichment revealed targets involved in the regulation of neuronal cell bodies, growth factor receptor binding, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance., etc. Besides, AS-IV alleviated the reduced cell proliferation in amyloid-beta (Aβ)-treated microglial BV2 cells. AS-IV affected BV2 cell morphological changes and decreased cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b) gene, IL-1β , and EGFR mRNA levels increment during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injury in BV2 cell activation. Therefore, AS-IV may regulate microglial activation and inflammation via EGFR-dependent pathways in AD. EGFR and IL-1β are vital targets that may relate to each other to coregulate downstream molecular functions in the cure of AD. Our study provides a candidate drug and disease target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the clinic. [Display omitted] • Huangqi root's AS-IV aids AD treatment via microglia modulation. • AS-IV interacts with key targets, including EGFR and IL-1β, to combat inflammation. • AS-IV mitigates microglial activation via EGFR pathways, holding promise for neurodegenerative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncoding RNAs are emerging as important players in gene regulation and disease pathogeneses. Here, we show that a previously uncharacterized long noncoding RNA, nexilin F-actin binding protein antisense RNA 1 (NEXN-AS1), modulates the expression of the actin-binding protein NEXN and that NEXN exerts a protective role against atherosclerosis. An expression microarray analysis showed that the expression of both NEXN-AS1 and NEXN was reduced in human atherosclerotic plaques. In vitro experiments revealed that NEXN-AS1 interacted with the chromatin remodeler BAZ1A and the 5' flanking region of the NEXN gene and that it also upregulated NEXN expression. Augmentation of NEXN-AS1 expression inhibited TLR4 oligomerization and NF-κB activity, downregulated the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines by endothelial cells, and suppressed monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. These inhibitory effects of NEXN-AS1 were abolished by knockdown of NEXN. In vivo experiments using ApoE-knockout mice fed a Western high-fat diet demonstrated that NEXN deficiency promoted atherosclerosis and increased macrophage abundance in atherosclerotic lesions, with heightened expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines, whereas augmented NEXN expression deterred atherosclerosis. Patients with coronary artery disease were found to have lower blood NEXN levels than healthy individuals. These results indicate that NEXN-AS1 and NEXN represent potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background We have previously reported that 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-cdR) can repress protein serine/threonine phosphatase-1γ (PP1γ) expression and activity in the mouse hippocampus and affect the behaviour of mice in a water maze. It is well known that the phosphorylation of N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor 2B subunit (NR2B) plays a role in behaviour. In this study, we examined whether 5-Aza-cdR affects NR2B phosphorylation at tyrosine 1472 (p-Y1472 NR2B) and whether it affected the responses of the mice in a passive avoidance test. Methods 5-Aza-cdR (10 μM) was administered to mice via intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v). The learning and memory behaviour of the mice were evaluated by measuring their response in a step-down type passive avoidance test 24 h after the injection. The mRNA level of NR2B was measured by real-time PCR. NR2B and p-Y1472 NR2B protein expression in the mouse hippocampus was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. CDK5 activity was detected by the ADP-Glo™ + CDK5/p35 Kinase Enzyme System. To further clarify whether the 5-Aza-cdR effects on behaviour were dependent on cellular proliferation or not, the effect of 5-Aza-cdR on the expression level of NR2B, the phosphorylation level of p-Y1472 NR2B, cell viability and the cell cycle were analysed using the immortalized mouse hippocampal neuronal cells neural cell line HT22 treated with 10 μM 5-Aza-cdR compared with an untreated control group. Results After injection with 5-Aza-cdR, the behaviour of the mice in the step-down test was improved, while their phosphorylation level of p-Y1472 NR2B was increased and their CDK5 activity was decreased in the hippocampus. In vitro experiments showed 10 μM 5-Aza-cdR increased the p-Y1472 NR2B phosphorylation level with inhibition of cell viability and cell cycle arrest. Conclusions Our results suggested that the effect of 5-Aza-cdR on behaviour may be related to the increase in phosphorylation of p-Y1472 NR2B in the hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation is an epigenetic event involved in regulation of gene transcription during cell differentiation. DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) play a role in differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons. The aim of this study was to determine whether nerve growth factor (NGF) was involved in differentiation of mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT22) as assessed by IncuCyte. Quantitative PCR and western blot were used to measure gene and protein expression of DNMT as well as the activity of DNMTs. Treatment with NGF was found to upregulate both gene and protein expressions as well as total activity of DNMTs in differentiating HT22 cells. Compared to undifferentiating cells, the percentage of differentiating cells at S phase increased significantly when incubated with NGF. In undifferentiated cells, NGF failed to induce gene and protein expressions and activity of DNMTs. Data demonstrate that differentiation of HT22 cells by exposure to NGF involve the activation of DNMTs pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Anti- M. hyopneumoniae IgG could be detected in both the infected and vaccinated pigs. • Anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA was detected in the infected pigs, but not the vaccinated pigs. • The sIgA-ELISA could differentiate the M. hyopneumoniae infected from vaccinated pigs. • The sIgA-ELISA could diagnose the M. hyopneumoniae infection without the interference of maternal antibody. Abstract In order to evaluate the sIgA-ELISA method reported previously for differentiating Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ( M. hyopneumoniae ) infected from vaccinated pigs, dynamics of anti- M. hyopneumoniae secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody secretion in nasal mucus and IgG antibodies in serum from 10 pigs experimentally infected with M. hyopneumoniae or vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine were examined using sIgA-ELISA and a commercial M. hyopneumoniae antibody detection kit (IgG-ELISA), respectively. In addition, nasal swabs and serum samples from 2368 pigs of different ages originating from 10 pig farms with different M. hyopneumoniae infection and vaccination status were examined using the two ELISA. In the experimental model, anti- M. hyopneumoniae IgG antibodies were detected in both, the challenge group and the vaccine group. Anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA antibodies were detected in the challenge group from 7 days post challenge onwards, but not in the vaccine group. According to the data obtained from pig farms maintaining administration of inactivated vaccine, the prevalence of anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA antibody positive pigs was significantly lower than that of IgG antibody positive pigs. In non-vaccinating herds, the prevalence of sIgA antibodies was correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms typical for porcine enzootic pneumonia. In all suckling pigs, no matter vaccinated or not, the prevalence of anti- M. hyopneumoniae sIgA antibody positives was significantly lower than that of IgG antibody positives. These results prove that the sIgA-ELISA is a valuable method enabling the surveillance of M. hyopneumoniae infections in pig herds without interference due to maternally derived antibodies or antibodies induced by administration of inactivated vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some reinforced concrete structures are subjected to repeated loads during their service lives, and the effect of repeated loads is stronger and more complex than static loads. This paper reports the results of the tests performed on cylindrical reinforced concrete specimens under uniaxial repeated loads. The effect of structural parameters (e.g., stirrup configuration, bond length, confinement method, and concrete cover) and loading parameters (e.g., amplitude, peak load, loading rate, and initial load cycles) on the bond properties of the reinforced concrete under repeated loads was studied in detail. In addition, the degradation mechanisms and failure modes of the specimens' bond stress were analyzed. It is found that the use of stirrups, increase of bond length, and concrete cover, as well as confinement can effectively curb the widening and expansion of cracks in concrete and significantly improve ductility and repeated load bearing capability. As the rigidity of confinement material increased, the enhancement effect of confinement on bond stress increases. Compared to the role of confinement (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced polymer), increasing the concrete cover can more effectively improve the bond stress. The rebar's subsequent residual bond stress declines as the number of early-stage load cycle increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation are essential for processes of gene expression in normal mammalian development. DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) are responsible for initiating and maintaining DNA methylation. It is known that 5-Aza-CdR, an inhibitor of DNMT induces cytotoxicity by reducing DNMT activity in various tumor cell lines. However, disturbances in neuronal DNA methylation may also play a role in altered brain functions. Thus, it was of interest to determine whether alterations in DNA methylation might be associated with neuronal functions by using 5-Aza-CdR, on mouse hippocampus-derived neuronal HT22 cell line. In particular, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 5-Aza-CdR on cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis as well as the expression levels of DNMT in HT22 cells. HT22 cells were incubated with 5 or 20 μmol/L 5-Aza-CdR for 24 h. Data showed that 5-Aza-CdR at both concentrations significantly inhibited proliferation of HT22 cells and exacerbated cytoplasmic vacuolization. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that 5-Aza-CdR treatment at both concentrations decreased early apoptosis but enhanced late apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis illustrated that 5-Aza-CdR treatment induced S phase arrest. Further, incubation with 5-Aza-CdR produced a down-regulation in expression of mRNA and protein DNMT1 and 3A but no marked changes were noted in DNMT 3B and p21 expression. In addition, DNMT1 activity was significantly decreased at both 5-Aza-CdR concentrations. Evidence indicates that 5-Aza-CdR induced cytotoxicity was associated with altered mRNA and protein expression of DNMT 1 and 3A associated with reduced DNMT1 activity in HT22 cells which might affect brain functions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sublethal hypoxic or ischemic events can improve the tolerance of tissues, organs, and even organisms from subsequent lethal injury caused by hypoxia or ischemia. This phenomenon has been termed hypoxic or ischemic preconditioning (HPC or IPC) and is well established in the heart and the brain. This review aims to discuss HPC and IPC with respect to their historical development and advancements in our understanding of the neurochemical basis for their neuroprotective role. Through decades of collaborative research and studies of HPC and IPC in other organ systems, our understanding of HPC and IPC-induced neuroprotection has expanded to include: early- (phosphorylation targets, transporter regulation, interfering RNA) and late- (regulation of genes like EPO, VEGF, and iNOS) phase changes, regulators of programmed cell death, members of metabolic pathways, receptor modulators, and many other novel targets. The rapid acceleration in our understanding of HPC and IPC will help facilitate transition into the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overweight goods is a new concept, which is put forward in recent years with the increase of the traffic volume of the railway. In order to study the response mechanism of railway track subgrade under the action of overweight good, using finite element software ANSYS, a track-subgrade dimensional elastic constitutive model is established to calculate the dynamic response and elastic displacement under the effect of overweight goods. And then we compare the results with the existing design specifications and we evaluate the results comprehensively. The results show that: The stress of rail and sleeper do not exceed the allowable stress value, and the ballast stress exceeds 27.5% more than the allowable value. The transverse and longitudinal distributions of dynamic stress are not uniform, the maximal value is 202.33 kPa. There is an obvious superposition effect among multiple axles. The nearest wheel base of two bogies under the effect of 40 axle load increases by 0.615 m compared with that under the effect of 25 t axle load, meanwhile, the stress at the center of the subgrade surface on the wheelbase decreases by 22.2%. The elastic deformation of subgrade is 1.38 mm. When axle load increases by 10 t, the elastic deformation will increase by around 0.13 mm. The results can provide a reference for future security operations of overweight goods and embankment maintenance and repair of track subgrade of heavy haul railway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Learning and memory is a complex process. Some reports have shown that protein kinases (PKs) and phosphatases (PPs) are important mediators in this process. And it is also well known that protein serine/threonine phosphatase 1 (PP1) and DNA methylation are critically involved in learning and memory. Methods In the current study, the mice and cultured cells (NG108-15) were treated with vehicle or 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-cdR), a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor. The ability of learning and memory of mice was detected by Morris Water Maze, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of DNMTs and PP1γ in mice hippocampus were measured by real-time PCR and western-blot. To further clarify whether the 5-aza-cdR effects on learning and memory depend on cell proliferation/apoptosis or not, the effects of 5-aza-cdR on the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and PP1γ transcriptional activity were analyzed by using the xCelligence system, flow cytometer and Luciferase reporter assay, respectively. Results The ability of learning and memory was increased while the expressions of DNMTs and PP1γ were decreased in the hippocampus of mice which were injected with 5-aza-cdR. In vitro experiments showed 10 μM 5-aza-cdR inhibited cell proliferation, decreased PP1γ transcription without inducing apoptosis. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that the 5-aza-cdR restrains the expression of PP1γ which is related to learning and memory in the mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadate is a transition element that present in nature and was shown to be a nonspecific inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases. It was reported that vanadium (Vd) compounds exhibit antitumor actions in several cancer cell lines. This study aimed to examine the antiproliferative and apoptotic actions of different concentrations of sodium vanadate (NaVd) (+5) in esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC109 by determining the protein expression levels of cyclin D1 and caspase-3 following incubation for various times from 15 min up to 4 h. In addition, cell proliferation of EC109 treated with different concentrations (NaVd) was also measured using the MTT assay at 4, 12, 24, and 48 h. The cell cycle of EC109 cells exposed to different concentrations of NaVd was detected using flow cytometry determination at 24 h. Data showed that NaVd greater than 100 µMsignificantly increased cyclin D1. In contrast, reduced caspase-3 protein expression levels occurred at 50 µM. Cellular proliferation was significantly decreased at 50uM. The cell cycle was arrested at S phase with 100 µMNaVd. Taken together, data indicate that NaVd produced concentration- and time-dependent antitumor actions in EC109 cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) is a demethylating agent that has various biological effects related to DNA methylation. DNA methylation plays important roles in learning and memory. We have reported that 5-Aza-CdR improved the performance of mice in the water maze and step-down tests. Some behaviours have been well recognized to be mediated by neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The Notch signalling pathway plays a key role in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In this study, we examined whether 5-Aza-CdR (DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) affects neurogenesis and Notch1 expression. The learning and memory behaviour of mice was evaluated by a conditioned avoidance learning 24 h after 5-Aza-CdR treatment. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 and HES1 were measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells and the expression of Notch1 in the hippocampal DG were observed through laser confocal microscopy. To further clarify whether 5-Aza-CdR affects behaviour through neurogenesis, the expression level of Notch1, cell viability and cell cycle were analysed using the HT22 cell line. The behaviour in conditioned avoidance learning was improved, while neurogenesis and the Notch1 pathway were increased in the hippocampus of mice that were injected with 5-Aza-CdR. In vitro experiments showed that 5-Aza-CdR increased the expression of the Notch1 pathway and upregulated S-phase in the cell cycle and cell viability. Our results suggest that the effect of 5-Aza-CdR on behaviour may be related to an increase in neurogenesis with upregulation of the Notch1 pathway in the hippocampus. [Display omitted] • 5-Aza-CdR improved mouse behaviour in conditioned avoidance learning. • 5-Aza-CdR promoted neurogenesis by the increased expression of the Notch1 pathway in the DG of the mouse hippocampus. • 5-Aza-CdR decreased Notch1 promoter DNA methylation levels, which may contribute to Notch1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of placing the decompression tube as a bridge to surgery for acute malignant left-sided colonic obstruction.Methods: From January 2009 to August 2014, consecutive patients with acute malignant left-side colonic obstruction underwent placement of the decompression tube as a bridge to surgery in our center. The technical and clinical success of placing the decompression tube was evaluated. Clinical success was defined as relief of obstructive symptoms within 48 h after placing the decompression tube. Elective tumor resection was performed 7-9 days after colonic decompression. The types of surgery, primary anastomosis rate, and follow-up findings were analyzed.Results: Twenty patients with acute malignant left-side colonic obstruction underwent placement of the decompression tube as a bridge to surgery. Placement of decompression tube was technically successful in all patients. No procedure-related complication occurred. Clinical success was achieved in 19 patients. Elective tumor resection and primary anastomosis were successfully performed in all 19 patients. The postoperative complications included wound infection (n = 2) and anastomotic stenosis (n = 1).Conclusion: Decompression tube can serve as an easy, safe, and effective bridge to subsequent surgery for patients with acute malignant left-sided colonic obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]