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In this study, the water absorption, mechanical properties, and energy evolution characteristics of sandstone were examined through experimental and theoretical analysis. The P-wave velocity was found to initially decrease, then increased with immersion time and water content. The water absorption rates of three sandstone specimens decreased with immersion time and water content. The post-peak deformation of the sandstone changed from brittle failure to strain softening. With the increase in water content, the peak strength and loading Young's modulus per cycle decreased. The loading Young's modulus showed that the unloading stress and increment of unloading stress nonlinearly increased with the number of cycles and decreased before peak strength. With the increase in the number of cycles, residual strains of the sandstone specimens decreased slightly initially and then increased, while the elastic strains increased before peak strength and then decreased at the post-peak stage. With the increase in unloading stress, the energy densities nonlinearly increased. At the same unloading stress, an increase in water content led to an increase in the input energy density and energy ratios of the sandstone specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The force-controlled end-effectors for industrial robots usually face the problems of low output force, poor control accuracy, or slow dynamic response. This paper presents a pneumoelectric force-controlled end-effector (PFE) for industrial robots to perform continuous contact operations. The end-effector possesses the advantages of both the pneumatic drive having large force-mass ratio and the electric direct drive having high force control accuracy and fast dynamic response. Through dynamic modeling and analyses, a force coordination control method based on impedance control is proposed for the PFE. The pneumatic cylinder is actuated by a semi-closed loop, while the voice coil motor (VCM) is controlled through a closed loop to improve the output force, accuracy, and dynamics. Impedance controller is utilized to reduce the impact caused by the critical contact between the tool and workpiece. Simulation analyses show that the force-mass ratio has increased, while the friction influence and overshoot has been reduced. In addition, prototype experiments verify the effectiveness of force control method and demonstrate that the PFE is able to achieve good performances such as control accuracy, step response, and dynamic bandwidth. Compared with the traditional pneumatic end-effector, the force control hysteresis is almost reduced from 41.9 to 0% without apparent creeping phenomenon. The rise time of the step response also decreases from 435 to 6.5 ms, and the bandwidth reaches 47 Hz. The PFE with force coordination control shows great potential in robotic deburring, grinding, and polishing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published data on the growth performance, relative weights of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, liver histology, serum biochemistry, and hematological parameters for turkey poults fed an experimental diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and humic acids (HA) extracted from vermicompost. The negative effects of AFB1 (250 ng AFB1/g of feed) were significantly reduced by HA supplementation (0.25% w/w), suggesting that HA might be utilized to ameliorate the negative impact of AFB1 from contaminated diets. The present study shows the results of the remaining variables, as an extension of a previously published work which aimed to evaluate the impact of HA on the intestinal microbiota, gut integrity, ileum morphometry, and cellular immunity of turkey poults fed an AFB1-contaminated diet. For this objective, five equal groups of 1-day-old female Nicholas-700 turkey poults were randomly assigned to the following treatments: negative control (basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 250 ng AFB1/g), HA (basal diet + 0.25% HA), HA + AFB1 (basal diet + 0.25% HA + 250 ng AFB1/g), and Zeolite (basal diet + 0.25% zeolite + 250 ng AFB1/g). In the experiment, seven replicates of ten poults each were used per treatment (n = 70). In general, HA supplementation with or without the presence of AFB1 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of beneficial butyric acid producers, ileum villi height, and ileum total area, and a significant reduction in serum levels of fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (FITC-d), a marker of intestinal integrity. In contrast, poults fed with AFB1 showed a significant increase in Proteobacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria, clearly suggesting gut dysbacteriosis. Moreover, poults supplemented with AFB1 displayed the lowest morphometric parameters and the highest intestinal permeability. Furthermore, poults in the negative and positive control treatments had the lowest cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response. These findings suggest that HA supplementation enhanced intestinal integrity (shape and permeability), cellular immune response, and healthier gut microbiota composition, even in the presence of dietary exposure to AFB1. These results complement those of the previously published study, suggesting that HA may be a viable dietary intervention to improve gut health and immunity in turkey poults during aflatoxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A high-resolution and non-contact method for measuring the thickness of the insulating ceramic coating. • Analysis of the chromatic confocal sensor's geometric light path. • Simulation of the eddy-current sensor with COMSOL software. • Real-time displaying of insulating coating thickness and 3D surface reconstruction. A high-resolution and non-contact method for measuring the thickness of the insulating ceramic coating is proposed. The measurement system consists of a chromatic confocal sensor, eddy-current sensor, prism, mirror, and high-precision rotatable and liftable platform. The chromatic confocal sensor can obtain the distance from the outer surface of the insulating coating, and the eddy-current sensor can get the distance from the inner surface of the insulating coating. The coating thickness can be obtained from the two sensors' data combination and calculation. The geometrical optical path is analyzed to study the effect of the prism and mirror on the confocal sensor. The eddy-current sensor is simulated by COMSOL software with electromagnetic theories to explore the relationship between its output response and the measured surface's curvature. The sensing parameters of the two sensors are calibrated and optimized through simulation and experimental validation. Measurement software is developed by Labview to display the coating thickness in real time and reveal its distribution by 3D surface reconstruction. The measuring system's performance is tested by an insulating bearing with a 60 mm outer radius. The results show that the axial resolution of the measuring system is 0.1 μm, the repeatable linearity is less than 3 μm, the dynamic measuring linearity relative to the mean value of the coating's thickness is less than 8 μm, the detection speed is about 50 points/min. It has the advantages of high precision, non-contact, quick speed, stability, and visual display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Bioaccumulation of OH-PBDEs in common carp was studied. [•] 2′-OH-BDE68 and 4-OH-BDE90 accumulated to the greatest extent in liver>kidney>muscle. [•] BCFs decreased with the increase of exposure concentration. [•] Relative composition in tissue didn’t change with increasing exposure concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For the engineering application of manipulator grasping objects, mechanical arm occlusion and limited imaging angle produce various holes in the reconstructed 3D point clouds of objects. Acquiring a complete point cloud model of the grasped object plays a very important role in the subsequent task planning of the manipulator. This paper proposes a method with which to automatically detect and repair the holes in the 3D point cloud model of symmetrical objects grasped by the manipulator. With the established virtual camera coordinate system and boundary detection, repair and classification of holes, the closed boundaries for the nested holes were detected and classified into two kinds, which correspond to the mechanical claw holes caused by mechanical arm occlusion and the missing surface produced by limited imaging angle. These two kinds of holes were repaired based on surface reconstruction and object symmetry. Experiments on simulated and real point cloud models demonstrate that our approach outperforms the other state-of-the-art 3D point cloud hole repair algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brooke–Spiegler syndrome (BSS) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by cylindromas, trichoepitheliomas and occasionally spiradenomas. The disease gene was mapped to 16q12-13, and mutations in the CYLD gene were identified in families with BSS. In the present report, we describe a large consanguineous Chinese family with BSS showing an intra-family phenotypic variability. Clinically, some affected individuals only revealed discrete small skin-coloured tumors whereas the proband showed an expansion of multiple large tumors on the back of nose and numerous dome-shaped papules on her scalp. Histologically, both trichoepitheliomas and cylindromas were found in the affected individuals. By sequence analysis, we identified a recurrent mutation 2272C>T (R758X) of the CYLD gene in the affected individuals of this family, which was previously identified in other ethnic families with familial cylindromatosis. Our result provided additional information for phenotype–genotype correlation in BSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unbalanced snow distribution is one of the main reasons for the collapse of multi-span arch roofs due to excessive snow loads in the valley and leeward areas. The formation of uneven snowdrifts is closely related to the shape of the building as it seriously affects the turbulent structure and snow drifting process. This study aims to investigate the snowdrift characteristics of multi-span arch roofs based on a multiphase snowdrift approach. Firstly, the prediction accuracy of the flow field is tested to select a reasonable turbulence model. Then, the reliability of this multiphase approach is validated by comparing the results with a wind tunnel experiment of snowdrifts on a multi-span arch roof. The result preliminarily proves that this approach could well reproduce the unbalanced snowdrift on each span roof and at the trough. The snowdrift characteristics of multi-span arch roofs are investigated under different rise/span ratio and span number conditions based on the validated approach. The formation mechanism and characteristics of snowdrifts on different roofs are clarified by analysis. Finally, several typical distribution patterns are derived based on the statistical analysis of results. It is found that the middle-span roof bears a larger snow load than the roofs at both ends. • The paper proposes a multiphase approach that could accurately predict the snowdrifts on arch roofs. • The multiphase approach could well reproduce the snow drifting process and the sliding effect at roof edge. • Two kinds of unbalanced triangular snow loads are formed on the single-span arch roof according to the rise/span ratio. • The stacking snow load at the trough of the multi-span roof is about twice the peak snow load of the single-span roof. • The middle-span arch roof bears a larger snow load than the roofs at both ends of the multi-span building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a multiphase approach that could better consider the snow drifting development on a building roof and then apply it to the investigation of the snowdrift development on a long-span spherical roof. Firstly, the CFD prediction accuracy for the flow field and the snowdrift on a two-level step building is examined by comparing simulated results with that of a field measurement. The windward snowdrift caused by building's blocking effect and trajectories of snow particles under the action of aerodynamic force and gravity are both well reproduced by incorporating an additional source term and a slip term into the transport equations. Secondly, the prediction accuracy of the snowdrift formed on a spherical roof is confirmed through the comparison with a wind tunnel test. The snow slipping effect at the edge of the roof is also well reproduced by considering the angle of repose of the snow. Based the validated approach, the snowdrift characteristics on a long-span spherical roof are investigated under different inflow velocity conditions. Three kinds of distribution patterns, i.e., the full-span balanced distribution, half-span unbalanced distribution and transitional distribution between them, are observed. Furthermore, the predicted results correspond well with the resultant design codes developed by ISO 4355. Finally, the size effect of the building roof on snowdrifts is explored by simulating the snowdrift on the spherical roofs with different spans. It is found that the spherical roof would have to bear a larger snow load with the increasing roof span, namely, the long-span spherical roof has more risks due to the adverse snow load. • The paper proposes a multiphase approach that could accurately predict the snowdrifts on long-span roofs. • The multiphase approach could well reproduce the motion of snow and the non-equilibrium drifting process. • Three typical snow distribution patterns on the spherical roof and their corresponding inflow velocities are specified. • The long-span spherical roof is more likely to experience the most adverse snow loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity develops from an imbalance of energy homeostasis and is associated with the development of metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms and effective therapeutic approaches is highly needed. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), an flavin adenine dinucletide-dependent amine oxidase, is implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, including tumorigenesis, stem cell fate decisions, and embryonic development. Recent studies have suggested a vital role of LSD1 in regulating adaptive thermogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose, and lipid metabolism. More recently, LSD1 activity was found to be regulated by nutrients, energy status, and hormonal signals, suggesting that it may act as a novel sensor for nutritional regulation of metabolic health. Here, we first discuss the effects of LSD1 on physiological phenotypes, including body weight, fat mass, body temperature, and glucose homeostasis. We also summarize recent understanding of the physiological roles and underlying mechanisms of LSD1 in controlling metabolic functions of adipose and other tissues. Hopefully, a better understanding of the roles of LSD1 in metabolic regulation may provide new perspectives for the nutritional prevention and treatment of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a major enteric disease in poultry, yet effective mitigation strategies remain elusive. Deoxycholic acid (DCA) and butyrate, two major metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota, have independently been shown to induce host defense peptide (HDP) synthesis. However, the potential synergy between these two compounds remains unexplored. Methods: To investigate the possible synergistic effect between DCA and butyrate in regulating HDP synthesis and barrier function, we treated chicken HD11 macrophage cells and jejunal explants with DCA and sodium butyrate (NaB), either individually or in combination, for 24 h. Subsequently, we performed RNA isolation and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR to analyze HDP genes as well as the major genes associated with barrier function. To further determine the synergy between DCA and NaB in enhancing NE resistance, we conducted two independent trials with Cobb broiler chicks. In each trial, the diet was supplemented with DCA or NaB on the day-of-hatch, followed by NE induction through sequential challenges with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens on d 10 and 14, respectively. We recorded animal mortality after infection and assessed intestinal lesions on d 17. The impact of DCA and NaB on the microbiota in the ileum and cecum was evaluated through bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: We found that the combination of DCA and NaB synergistically induced multiple HDP genes in both chicken HD11 cells and jejunal explants. Additionally, the gene for claudin-1, a major tight junction protein, also exhibited synergistic induction in response to DCA and NaB. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with a combination of 0.75 g/kg DCA and 1 g/kg NaB led to a significant improvement in animal survival and a reduction in intestinal lesions compared to either compound alone in a chicken model of NE. Notably, the cecal microbiota of NE-infected chickens showed a marked decrease in SCFA-producing bacteria such as Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Cuneatibacter, with lactobacilli becoming the most dominant species. However, supplementation with DCA and NaB largely restored the intestinal microbiota to healthy levels. Conclusions: DCA synergizes with NaB to induce HDP and claudin-1 expression and enhance NE resistance, with potential for further development as cost-effective antibiotic alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GOS selectively enriched intestinal L. delbrueckii , L. johnsonii and L. reuteri in piglets and mice. • Strain-specific properties of GOS-enriched Lactobacilli were identified for the promotion of gut health. • Preventative administration of L. delbrueckii strain alleviated intestinal barrier damage by reducing the inflammation in macrophages. • Continuous administration of L. johnsonii strain inhibited Salmonella adhesion and invasion through competitive exclusion. • L. reuteri strain failed to protect against Salmonella infection in this study. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are lactogenic prebiotics that exert health benefits by stimulating the growth of different Lactobacillus strains in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of different GOS-enriched lactobacilli in intestinal health. Piglets and mice were supplemented with GOS to identify specific enrichment of Lactobacillus. The protective effects of individual GOS-enriched lactobacilli were investigated in Salmonella -infected mice. Macrophage depletion and transcriptome analysis were further performed to assess the involvement of macrophages and the underlying mechanisms of individual lactobacilli. An in vitro cell co-culture system was also used to evaluate the anti-adhesive and anti-invasive activities of lactobacilli against Salmonella in epithelial cells. GOS markedly increased the relative abundance of three lactobacilli including L. delbrueckii , L. johnsonii , and L. reuteri in both piglets and mice. Supplementation with GOS further alleviated Salmonella infection in mice. L. delbrueckii (ATCC®BAA 365™), but not L. johnsonii or L. reuteri , enhanced propionate production in the intestinal tract and ameliorated Salmonella -induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction by suppressing the JAK2-STAT3 signaling and M1 macrophage polarization. L. johnsonii (BNCC 186110), on the other hand, inhibited Salmonella adhesion and invasion of epithelial cells through competitive exclusion. However, L. reuteri (BNCC 186135) failed to protect mice against Salmonella infection. GOS-enriched lactobacilli show a differential role in protecting against Salmonella -induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanism of action of GOS and individual Lactobacillus strains in the control and prevention of intestinal inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: dermoscopy; linear psoriasis; noninvasive diagnostic; reflectance confocal microscopy EN dermoscopy linear psoriasis noninvasive diagnostic reflectance confocal microscopy 295 297 3 05/12/22 20220501 NES 220501 CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest. To the Editor, Linear psoriasis is an unusual type of psoriasis that was first reported in 1951.1 It is characterized by the linear distribution of psoriatic lesions along the lines of Blaschko. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Laser therapies have brought dawn to refractory skin diseases, but also were accompanied by postlaser inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction. To recover skin function quickly, the research and development of active ingredients including β‐glucan for postlaser repair have attracted much attention. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of skin care regimens containing β‐glucan (Dermdoc®;Songyang Biotech) in repairing postlaser inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction after fractional laser therapy. Methods: A total of 20 patients with facial atrophic acne scars who accepted fractional laser therapy were recruited: 10 patients treated with ablative fractional CO2 laser and 10 patients treated with 1565nm nonablative fractional laser. Using the method of split‐face vehicle‐control study, the left half of the face was served as the treatment side and accepted skin care regimens, and the right half was control side accepted vehicle. Noninvasive bioinstrumentation of skin hydration index, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and hemoglobin index (E value) was detected in the study. Standard digital photographs were taken at each visit. The skin tolerance and adverse effect were also evaluated by subject questionnaire. Results: Compared with the control side, the Hemoglobin index (E value) of the treatment side was improved more significantly on the 7th day (P <.05). The skin hydration index of the treatment side was better than that of the control side on the 7th and 14th day (P <.05). After treatment, the TEWL of the treatment side on the 7th day was statistically significantly lower than that of the control side (P <.05). In the subject self‐assessment questionnaires, 63.2% thought the repair effect of β‐glucan regimens was better than that of vehicle. The skin care regimens were well tolerated without obvious side reactions. Conclusion: The skin care regimens containing β‐glucan may play a positive role in accelerating the recovery of skin inflammation and barrier function after fractional laser therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a localization model employing convolutional neural network (CNN) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) based on Wi-Fi received signal strength indication (RSSI) fingerprinting data. In the proposed scheme, the CNN model is trained by a training dataset. The trained model adapts to complex scenes with multipath effects or many access points (APs). More specifically, the pre-processing algorithm makes the RSSI vector which is formed by considerable RSSI values from different APs readable by the CNN algorithm. The trained CNN model improves the positioning performance by taking a series of RSSI vectors into account and extracting local features. In this design, however, the performance is to be further improved by applying the GPR algorithm to adjust the coordinates of target points and offset the over-fitting problem of CNN. After implementing the hybrid model, the model is experimented with a public database that was collected from a library of Jaume I University in Spain. The results show that the hybrid model has outperformed the model using k-nearest neighbor (KNN) by 61.8%. While the CNN model improves the performance by 45.8%, the GPR algorithm further enhances the localization accuracy. In addition, the paper has also experimented with the three kernel functions, all of which have been demonstrated to have positive effects on GPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The typical resolution for long-term wind speed records that are publicly available in China is daily, this is too coarse for a sound analytical simulation of snowdrift on building roofs. Take Harbin, China as an example, an algorithm was proposed in this study to address this issue, where the commonly-used 2-parameter Weibull distribution was applied to fit the distribution of 10-min mean wind speed. A parameter estimation method, which combines the method of moment and cumulative probability, was proposed to estimate the parameters of Weibull distribution using very limited information on wind speed. The fitted probability model was validated using high-resolution wind speed data by comparing the snowdrift estimated by the modeled wind speed and that estimated by the actual wind speed. Finally, an analytical simulation of snowdrift on a flat roof was carried out to illustrate the application of the proposed model, and the probabilistic characteristic of the derived ground-to-roof conversion factors for snow loads were analyzed. It is indicated that the proposed model is easy to implement and provides a good estimation of the snowdrift on building roofs, and the derived conversion factors could be satisfactorily modeled using a Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution or a normal distribution. • An algorithm was proposed to incorporate very limited wind information into the analytical simulation of roof snow load. • The proposed algorithm is the first of its kind. • An analytical simulation of snowdrifts on a flat roof was carried out using the proposed algorithm. • Probabilistic characteristics of the derived ground-to-roof conversion factors were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The early-life microbiota exerts a profound and lifelong impact on host health. Longitudinal studies in humans have been informative but are mostly based on the analysis of fecal samples and cannot shed direct light on the early development of mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota and its impact on GI function. Using piglets as a model for human infants, we assess here the succession of mucosa-associated microbiota across the intestinal tract in the first 35 days after birth. Results: Although sharing a similar composition and predicted functional profile at birth, the mucosa-associated microbiome in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum) remained relatively stable, while that of the large intestine (cecum and colon) quickly expanded and diversified by day 35. Among detected microbial sources (milk, vagina, areolar skin, and feces of sows, farrowing crate, and incubator), maternal milk microbes were primarily responsible for the colonization of the small intestine, contributing approximately 90% bacteria throughout the first 35 days of the neonatal life. Although maternal milk microbes contributed greater than 90% bacteria to the large intestinal microbiota of neonates upon birth, their presence gradually diminished, and they were replaced by maternal fecal microbes by day 35. We found strong correlations between the relative abundance of specific mucosa-associated microbes, particularly those vertically transmitted from the mother, and the expression levels of multiple intestinal immune and barrier function genes in different segments of the intestinal tract. Conclusion: We revealed spatially specific trajectories of microbial colonization of the intestinal mucosa in the small and large intestines, which can be primarily attributed to the colonization by vertically transmitted maternal milk and intestinal microbes. Additionally, these maternal microbes may be involved in the establishment of intestinal immune and barrier functions in neonates. Our findings strengthen the notion that studying fecal samples alone is insufficient to fully understand the co-development of the intestinal microbiota and immune system and suggest the possibility of improving neonatal health through the manipulation of maternal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare cutaneous malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate after surgery. However, the genetic and epigenetic alterations underlying its pathogenesis remain unknown. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification involved in many biological processes. Methods: In this study, enzymatic methyl‐sequencing (EM‐seq) technique was used to investigate the landscape of genome‐wide DNA methylation from three pairs of tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of patients with EMPD. Additionally, we conducted histopathological examinations to assess the expression of fatty acid‐binding protein 5 (FABP5) in another three paired samples from EMPD patients. Results: The cluster analysis showed the good quality of the samples. A differential methylation region (DMR) heat map was used to quantitatively characterize genome‐wide methylation differences between tumors and controls. Global DNA methylation level is lower in EMPD tissue compared to matched controls, indicating that DNA methylation discriminates between tumor and normal skin. And the top hypomethylation gene on the promoter region in tumor tissues was FABP5 on chromosome 8 with 38.44% decreased median methylation. We next identified the expression of FABP5 in paired tumors and adjacent tissues in three additional patients with EMPD. Immunofluorescence results showed FABP5 highly expressed in tumor tissues and co‐located with CK7, CK20 and EMA. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed DMR genes on promoter are mainly enriched in the calcium ion transport, GTPase mediated signal transduction, Rap1 signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings provide the first description of the whole genome methylation map of EMPD and identify FABP5 as a pathogenic target of EMPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The intestinal microbiota plays a vital role in nutrient digestion, pathogen exclusion, immune de-velopment, and subsequently animal productivity. However, specific microbes that are associated with animal growth are still unclear. Here we profiled the cecal microbiota to identify those bacteria that are linked to body weight gain of broiler chickens raised under typical commercial conditions. Several bacteria were found to show either a positive or negative association with body weight. These bacteria may be further explored to improve the growth performance of chickens and also as potential biomarkers for the selection of broiler chickens with different growth rates. The intestinal microbiota is critically important for animal health and productivity. However, the influence of the intestinal microbiota on animal growth efficiency remains elusive. This current study was aimed at identifying the intestinal bacteria that are associated with the growth rate of broilers in a commercial production setting. Ross 708 broilers with extremely high, medium, and extremely low body weight (BW) were separately selected for each sex from a house of approximately 18,000 chickens on day 42. The cecal content of each animal was subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiota profiling. Our results indicate that a number of bacteria were differentially enriched among different groups of broilers, with several showing a significant correlation (p < 0.05) with BW in both sexes or in a sex-specific manner. Subdoligranulum was drastically diminished in high-BW birds with a strong negative correlation with BW in both males and females. While one Anaerobutyricum strain showed a positive correlation with BW in both sexes, another strain of Anaerobutyricum was positively correlated with BW only in females. These sex-dependent and -independent bacteria could be targeted for improving the growth efficiency and may also be explored as potential biomarkers for the growth rate of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining under the sea is a challenging task in China. Affected by blasting, tunneling, and other engineering disturbance, surrounding rock is often in a state of cyclic loading and unloading stress. In this study, in order to investigate the effect of cyclic loading and unloading on the deformation and damage characteristics of sandstone underneath the Bohai Sea, the GCTS test machine is used to conduct cyclic loading and unloading tests on sandstone. The results show that under cyclic loading and unloading compression, the stress-strain curves of sandstone form a hysteresis loop. The axial residual deformation first decreases, then increases with the increase of cycle number and unloading stress level. Both the circumferential residual strain and volumetric residual strain decrease with the increase of cycle number and unloading stress level. The axial elastic deformation increases with the increase of the cyclic number and cyclic load. The volume deformation first increases, then decreases, and the circumferential strain gradually decreases. In the process of cyclic loading and unloading, the loading elastic modulus gradually increases. Affected by damage, the unloading stress difference of sandstone initially increases with the increase of cycles. Next, the effects of cycle number and unloading stress level on the damage parameters of sandstone are analyzed. Before brittle failure of the specimen, the absolute damage parameters of axial, circumferential, and volume show an increasing trend, and the increase rates of circumferential damage parameters and volume damage parameters suddenly increase, which is also the precursor of the sandstone specimen's instability failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The poultry industry sustains severe economic loss under heat stress conditions. Heat stress adversely affects the productivity, physiological status, and immunity of birds. To date, several mitigation measures have been adopted to minimize the negative effects of heat stress in poultry. Nutritional strategies have been explored as a promising approach to mitigate heat stress-associated deleterious impacts. Of these, probiotic feeding has a strong potential as a nutritional strategy, and this approach warrants further investigation to improve thermotolerance in poultry. Heat stress has emerged as a serious threat to the global poultry industry due to climate change. Heat stress can negatively impact the growth, gut health, immune function, and production and reproductive performances of poultry. Different strategies have been explored to mitigate heat stress in poultry; however, only a few have shown potential. Probiotics are gaining the attention of poultry nutritionists, as they are capable of improving the physiology, gut health, and immune system of poultry under heat stress. Therefore, application of probiotics along with proper management are considered to potentially help negate some of the negative impacts of heat stress on poultry. This review presents scientific insight into the impact of heat stress on poultry health and growth performance as well as the application of probiotics as a promising approach to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance demands new antimicrobial strategies that are less likely to develop resistance. Augmenting the synthesis of endogenous host defense peptides (HDPs) has been proven to be an effective host-directed therapeutic approach. This study aimed to identify small-molecule compounds with a strong ability to induce endogenous HDP synthesis for further development as novel antimicrobial agents. By employing a stable HDP promoter-driven luciferase reporter cell line known as HTC/AvBD9-luc, we performed high-throughput screening of 5002 natural and synthetic compounds and identified 110 hits with a minimum Z-score of 2.0. Although they were structurally and functionally diverse, half of these hits were inhibitors of class I histone deacetylases, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway, ion channels, and dopamine and serotonin receptors. Further validations revealed mocetinostat, a benzamide histone deacetylase inhibitor, to be highly potent in enhancing the expression of multiple HDP genes in chicken macrophage cell lines and jejunal explants. Importantly, mocetinostat was more efficient than entinostat and tucidinostat, two structural analogs, in promoting HDP gene expression and the antibacterial activity of chicken macrophages. Taken together, mocetinostat, with its ability to enhance HDP synthesis and the antibacterial activity of host cells, could be potentially developed as a novel antimicrobial for disease control and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified Eulerian method for snowdrifts was proposed by introducing the snow particle capture efficiency. The relationships between the modified method and the previous methods were discussed, the results showed that the previous methods are special cases of the modified method. Based on the modified method, the impacts of the location and the height of the interfering building on the snow distribution on the target building were studied. The location of the interfering building seriously affects the snow distribution on the roof of the target building. Four typical interference modes were found through simulations. Significant interference effects on snow load occur when the interfering building is higher than the target building, and it becomes more powerful with the increase of the height of the interfering building. • A modified erosion and deposition model is proposed, introducing the capture efficiency of the falling snow phase. • The Impacts of the location of the interfering building on the snow distribution on the target building are investigated. • The Impacts of the height of the interfering building on the snow distribution on the target building are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrence continues to place significant burden on patients and tuberculosis programmes worldwide, and previous studies have rarely provided analysis in negative recurrence cases. We characterized the epidemiological features of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients, estimated its probability associated with different bacteriology results and risk factors.Methods: Using 2005-2018 provincial surveillance data from Henan, China, where the permanent population approximately were 100 million, we described the epidemiological and bacteriological features of recurrent PTB. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively, were used to estimate probability of recurrent PTB and risk factors.Results: A total of 7143 (1.5%) PTB patients had recurrence, and of 21.1% were bacteriological positive on both laboratory tests (positive-positive), and of 34.9% were negative-negative. Compared with bacteriological negative recurrent PTB at first episodes, the bacteriological positive cases were more male (81.70% vs 72.79%; P < 0.001), higher mortality risk (1.78% vs 0.92%; P = 0.003), lower proportion of cured or completed treatment (82.81% vs 84.97%; P = 0.022), and longer time from onset to end-of-treatment. The probability of recurrence was higher in bacteriological positive cases than those in bacteriological negative cases (0.5% vs 0.4% at 20 months; P < 0.05).Conclusions: Based on patient's epidemiological characteristics and bacteriological type, it was necessary to actively enact measures to control their recurrent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For robotic polishing of curved surfaces with compliant polishing disc, it is critical to accurately control the tilt angle of the polishing disc and normal contact force between the disc and the workpiece surface simultaneously. As conventional industrial robots lack force control capability, a 3-DOF two-rotational-one-translational (2R1T) force-controlled end-effector based on the 3-PPS parallel mechanism is developed for robotic polishing. During the polishing process, the changes of the tilt angle of the end-effector's moving platform will result in displacement variations of the contact point, owing to the inherent parasitic motion of the end-effector module, the geometry of the disc, and the compliance of the disc. Without proper compensation of the displacement variation, the control accuracy of contact force will be significantly decreased. To tackle this problem, a parametric model is established to predict the contact point variation. A hybrid orientation/force control architecture with compensation of the contact point variation is proposed. Based on the kinematic analysis, orientation control is achieved through a position controller. The force tracking control considering the uncertainty of the environment is achieved through an admittance controller. By introducing the contact point compensation model into the control architecture, the control accuracy of the contact force is significantly improved. The proposed control architecture is evaluated on a macro-mini manipulator consisting of a 6-DOF industrial robot and the 2R1T force-controlled end-effector. The experimental results indicate that the orientation control is accurate and the mean force errors with three different kinds of tilt angle references are reduced by 78.9 % , 81.1 % and 72.3 % compared to the conventional hybrid orientation/force control, respectively, which validate the effectiveness of the proposed control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has necessitated the development of effective alternatives to antibiotics for livestock and poultry production. This study investigated a possible synergy between butyrate and forskolin (a natural labdane diterpene) in enhancing innate host defense, barrier function, disease resistance, growth performance, and meat quality of broilers. Methods: The expressions of representative genes involved in host defense (AvBD9 and AvBD10), barrier function (MUC2, CLDN1, and TJP1), and inflammation (IL-1β) were measured in chicken HD11 macrophages in response to butyrate and forskolin in the presence or absence of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Intestinal lesions and the Clostridium perfringens titers were also assessed in C. perfringens-challenged chickens fed butyrate and forskolin-containing Coleus forskohlii (CF) extract individually or in combination. Furthermore, growth performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated in broilers supplemented with butyrate and the CF extract for 42 d. Results: Butyrate and forskolin synergistically induced the expressions of AvBD9, AvBD10, and MUC2 in chicken HD11 cells (P < 0.05) and the synergy was maintained in the presence of LPS. Butyrate and forskolin also suppressed LPS-induced IL-1β gene expression in HD11 cells in a synergistic manner (P < 0.05). The two compounds significantly reduced the intestinal lesions of C. perfringens-challenged chickens when combined (P < 0.05), but not individually. Furthermore, butyrate in combination with forskolin-containing CF extract had no influence on weight gain, but significantly reduced feed intake (P < 0.05) with a strong tendency to improve feed efficiency (P = 0.07) in a 42-d feeding trial. Desirably, the butyrate/forskolin combination significantly decreased abdominal fat deposition (P = 0.01) with no impact on the carcass yield, breast meat color, drip loss, or pH of d-42 broilers. Conclusions: Butyrate and forskolin has potential to be developed as novel antibiotic alternatives to improve disease resistance, feed efficiency, and carcass composition of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the interference effects of building groups with flat roofs on snow load, a modified Eulerian-Eulerian model was proposed and verified by three typical cases. Based on the verified model, the impact of wind velocity on snow distribution on an isolated building with a flat roof was discussed first, and then a series of CFD simulations were carried out to investigate the snow distribution on building groups with the regular and staggered arrangement. The results showed that the amount of snow on the isolated building decreases significantly with the increase of wind velocity. The critical building density of the building group with the regular and staggered arrangement is about 0.25, above which the interference effects of the building groups on snow load are not significant. The interference effects of the building groups with the staggered arrangement on snow load are weaker than that of the building group with the regular arrangement. • A modified Eulerian model of snowdrift is proposed and verified. • The snow distribution on the isolated building is sensitive to wind velocity. • The interference effects on snow load are significant when building density is high. • The interference effects on snow load are seriously affected by building arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declines in terrestrial water storage (TWS) exacerbate regional water scarcity and global sea level rise. Increasing evidence has shown that recent TWS declines are substantial in ecologically fragile drylands, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, by synergizing satellite observations and model simulations, we quantitatively attribute TWS trends during 2002–2016 in major climate zones to three mechanistic drivers: climate variability, climate change, and direct human activities. We reveal that climate variability had transitory and limited impacts (<20%), whereas warming‐induced glacier loss and direct human activities dominate the TWS loss in humid regions (∼103%) and drylands (∼64%), respectively. In non‐glacierized humid areas, climate variability generated regional water gains that offset synchronous TWS declines. Yet in drylands, TWS losses are enduring and more widespread with direct human activities, particularly unsustainable groundwater abstraction. Our findings highlight the substantive human footprints on the already vulnerable arid regions and an imperative need for improved dryland water conservation. Plain Language Summary: Terrestrial water storage (TWS) losses are increasingly prominent in both global and regional scales, particularly in vulnerable drylands. An accurate attribution of TWS changes is essential for the sustainability and conservation of water resources. We provide a comprehensive interpretation of recent satellite‐observed TWS changes in each climate zone through quantitative attributions to natural and anthropogenic factors. We found climate change and direct human activities are the dominant drivers of zonal TWS changes but their impacts are considerably divergent between drylands and humid regions. In humid regions, TWS losses are primarily concentrated on glacierized regions and the net TWS budget in the non‐glacierized humid regions exhibits an equilibrium. Contrastively, TWS declines in drylands are more widespread and enduring with human groundwater depletion. Our analysis highlights a pressing need for improving water conservation strategies in global drylands. Key Points: Recent zonal terrestrial water storage (TWS) losses are primary results of climate change and human activities, instead of climate variabilityIn humid regions, glacier loss fully explains the net TWS decline, meaning a water budget equilibrium in non‐glacierized humid regionsIn drylands, widespread TWS losses are mainly attributed to direct human activities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a highly persistent organic pollutant which has raised many concerns in recent years. Research focusing on plant uptake of PFOS is very necessary when considering its risk of transfer from soil into food chain. In this work, the uptake of PFOS by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) which is the most main food crop in northern China, was studied. To predict the kinetic uptake limit, the partition-dominated equilibrium sorption of PFOS by roots of wheat was determined. The uptake of PFOS from water at a fixed concentration (1μgmL−1) increased with exposure time in approach to steady states and the observed uptake was lower than its limit, due presumably to the PFOS dissipation in wheat. The influences of the environmental factors on plant uptake of PFOS were investigated. The concentrations of PFOS measured in the plant compartments increased with increasing salinity (0.03–7.25psu), temperature (20–30°C) and concentration (0.1–100mgL−1) at the ranges tested, whereas the maximum uptake of PFOS was found at pH=6 with increasing pH from 4 to 10. In addition, in all of the cases, the average levels of PFOS detected in the roots were higher than those in the shoots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the biochemical and functional properties of a novel bovine β-defensin (bBD-1). Cloned from bovine mammary papillary duct epithelia, the bBD-1 cDNA predicts a 69 amino acid propeptide that is much more similar to human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1) than to other bovine defensins. The bBD-1 gene contains two exons and one 8.5kb intron. Using RT-PCR, we detected the bBD-1 transcript in the teat mucosa, kidney, vagina, ovary, oviduct, and colon. A synthetic bBD-1 peptide demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The widespread expression of bBD-1 mRNA indicates that bBD-1 may play an important role in the bovine host defense against infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Intestinal microbiota is critical for maintaining animal health and homeostasis. However, involvement of the fungal community, also known as the mycobiota, in animal health and disease is poorly understood. This study was aimed to examine the association between the intestinal mycobiota and the severity of necrotic enteritis (NE), an economically significant poultry disease. Methods: A total of 90 day-of-hatch Cobb broilers were infected with Eimeria maxima on d 10, followed by an oral challenge with C. perfringens on d 14 to induce NE, while another 10 broilers were served as mock-infected controls. On d 17, the lesions in the jejunum were scored, and the ileal digesta were subjected to DNA isolation and real-time PCR quantification of total bacterial and fungi populations. Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) amplicon sequencing was also performed to profile the ileal mycobiota composition. Changes in the ileal mycobiota in response to NE were investigated. Spearman correlation analysis was further conducted to identify the correlations between relative abundances of individual ileal fungi and the severity of NE. Results: While the total bacterial population in the ileum was increased by 2- to 3-fold in NE chickens, the total fungal population was progressively declined in more exacerbated NE, with the most severely infected chickens showing a nearly 50-fold reduction relative to mock-infected controls. Richness of the ileal mycobiota also tended to reduce in chickens with NE (P = 0.06). Compositionally, among 30 most abundant fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), 11 were diminished and 7 were enriched (P < 0.05), while 12 remained largely unchanged in NE-afflicted chickens (P > 0.05). Multiple Wallemia and Aspergillus species were markedly diminished in NE (P < 0.05) and also showed a significant negative correlation with NE severity (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Dysbiosis of the ileal mycobiota is induced evidently by NE and the extent of the dysbiosis is positively correlated with disease severity. These findings suggest a possible role of the intestinal mycobiota in NE pathogenesis and highlight the mycobiota as a new potential target for NE mitigation in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal microbiota is critical for maintaining animal health and homeostasis. However, involvement of the fungal community, also known as the mycobiota, in animal health and disease is poorly understood. This study was aimed to examine the association between the intestinal mycobiota and the severity of necrotic enteritis (NE), an economically significant poultry disease. Methods: A total of 90 day-of-hatch Cobb broilers were infected with Eimeria maxima on d 10, followed by an oral challenge with C. perfringens on d 14 to induce NE, while another 10 broilers were served as mock-infected controls. On d 17, the lesions in the jejunum were scored, and the ileal digesta were subjected to DNA isolation and real-time PCR quantification of total bacterial and fungi populations. Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) amplicon sequencing was also performed to profile the ileal mycobiota composition. Changes in the ileal mycobiota in response to NE were investigated. Spearman correlation analysis was further conducted to identify the correlations between relative abundances of individual ileal fungi and the severity of NE. Results: While the total bacterial population in the ileum was increased by 2- to 3-fold in NE chickens, the total fungal population was progressively declined in more exacerbated NE, with the most severely infected chickens showing a nearly 50-fold reduction relative to mock-infected controls. Richness of the ileal mycobiota also tended to reduce in chickens with NE (P = 0.06). Compositionally, among 30 most abundant fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), 11 were diminished and 7 were enriched (P < 0.05), while 12 remained largely unchanged in NE-afflicted chickens (P > 0.05). Multiple Wallemia and Aspergillus species were markedly diminished in NE (P < 0.05) and also showed a significant negative correlation with NE severity (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Dysbiosis of the ileal mycobiota is induced evidently by NE and the extent of the dysbiosis is positively correlated with disease severity. These findings suggest a possible role of the intestinal mycobiota in NE pathogenesis and highlight the mycobiota as a new potential target for NE mitigation in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Part of tuberculosis (TB) patients were missed if symptomatic screening was based on the main TB likely symptoms. This study conducted to compare the yield and relative costs of different TB screening algorithms in active case-finding in the whole population in China.Methods: The study population was screened based on the TB likely symptoms through a face-to-face interview in selected 27 communities from 10 counties of 10 provinces in China. If the individuals had any of the enhanced TB likely symptoms, both chest X-ray and sputum tests were carried out for them furtherly. We used the McNemar test to analyze the difference in TB detection among four algorithms in active case-finding. Of four algorithms, two were from WHO recommendations including 1a/1c, one from China National Tuberculosis Program, and one from this study with the enhanced TB likely symptoms. Furthermore, a two-way ANOVA analysis was performed to analyze the cost difference in the performance of active case-finding adjusted by different demographic and health characteristics among different algorithms.Results: Algorithm with the enhanced TB likely symptoms defined in this study could increase the yield of TB detection in active case-finding, compared with algorithms recommended by WHO (p < 0.01, Kappa 95% CI: 0. 93-0.99) and China NTP (p = 0.03, Kappa 95% CI: 0.96-1.00). There was a significant difference in the total costs among different three algorithms WHO 1c/2/3 (F = 59.13, p < 0.01). No significant difference in the average costs for one active TB case screened and diagnosed through the process among Algorithms 1c/2/3 was evident (F = 2.78, p = 0.07). The average costs for one bacteriological positive case through algorithm WHO 1a was about two times as much as the costs for one active TB case through algorithms WHO 1c/2/3.Conclusions: Active case-finding based on the enhanced symptom screening is meaningful for TB case-finding and it could identify more active TB cases in time. The findings indicated that this enhanced screening approach cost more compared to algorithms recommend by WHO and China NTP, but the increased yield resulted in comparative costs per patient. And it cost much more that only smear/bacteriological-positive TB cases are screened in active case-finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little reliable data on the global drug resistance to tuberculosis (TB) as most of the existing data is based upon biased samples, is not standardized or was obtained using poor techniques. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) developed a global project on anti-TB drug resistance surveillance (DRS) in 1994. China joined this project in 1995 and the province of Henan was selected as the first site for collection of representative samples to survey the prevalence of drug-resistant TB. Methodology: Standard drug susceptibility testing by the proportion method against streptomycin (S), isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R), and ethambutol (E) was performed with Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from 916 new cases and 456 previously treated cases. Treatment outcome of these patients has been evaluated according to the regimens and drug susceptibility patterns. Results: Drug resistance among new cases to any drug was found to be 43.0% and any resistance: S, 32.5%; H, 31.0%; R, 20.7%; and E, 10.3%. Drug resistance among previously treated cases to any drug was 68.2% and any resistance: S, 52.2%; H, 49.3%; R, 48.3%; and E, 20.4%. The cure rate for new cases was 43.3% and 29.4% for previously treated cases. The poor cure rate resulted mainly from a high defaulter rate. Conclusion: Drug-resistant TB was found to be highly prevalent in Henan and the cure rate remained poor. The results strongly indicated that Henan should take immediate action to improve the cure rate of patients through expansion of the introduction of the directly observed treatment short-course strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in nutrient digestion and utilization with a profound impact on feed efficiency of livestock animals. However, the intestinal microbes that are critically involved in feed efficiency remain elusive. Methods: To identify intestinal bacteria associated with residual feed intake (RFI) in chickens, male Cobb broiler chicks were individually housed from day 14 to day 35. Individual RFI values were calculated for 56 chickens. Luminal contents were collected from the ileum, cecum, and cloaca of each animal on day 35. Bacterial DNA was isolated and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Intestinal microbiota was classified to the feature level using Deblur and QIIME 2. High and low RFI groups were formed by selecting 15 and 17 chickens with the most extreme RFI values for subsequent LEfSe comparison of the difference in the microbiota. Spearman correlation analysis was further performed to identify correlations between the intestinal microbiota composition and RFI. Results: No significant difference in evenness, richness, and overall diversity of the microbiota in the ileum, cecum, or cloaca was observed between high and low RFI chickens. However, LEfSe analysis revealed a number of bacterial features being differentially enriched in either high or low RFI chickens. Spearman correlation analysis further identified many differentially enriched bacterial features to be significantly correlated with RFI (P < 0.05). Importantly, not all short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers showed a positive association with RFI. While two novel members of Oscillibacter and Butyricicoccus were more abundant in low-RFI, high-efficiency chickens, several other SCFA producers such as Subdoligranulum variabile and two related Peptostreptococcaceae members were negatively associated with feed efficiency. Moreover, a few closely-related Lachnospiraceae family members showed a positive correlation with feed efficiency, while others of the same family displayed an opposite relationship. Conclusions: Our results highlight the complexity of the intestinal microbiota and a need to differentiate the bacteria to the species, subspecies, and even strain levels in order to reveal their true association with feed efficiency. Identification of RFI-associated bacteria provides important leads to manipulate the intestinal microbiota for improving production efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (M-PDT) is a novel therapeutic modality for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) that is reported to be effective and well tolerated. However, the mechanisms underlying its antitumor effects are not fully understood. In this research, we investigated the effects of M-PDT on pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling, ruptures of cell membrane, and inflammatory cytokine release, in two human cSCC cell lines, SCL-1 and HSC-5. We found that M-PDT triggered pyroptosis in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by increased lactate dehydrogenase release, propidium iodide staining, and expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, such as NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), N-terminal of gasdermin D (N-GSDMD), cleaved caspase-1, and mature interleukin 1 beta (IL-1B) in both cell lines. This process was inhibited by treatment with MCC950, an NLRP3-specific inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in M-PDT-induced pyroptosis. We also demonstrated that M-PDT activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which is required for pyroptosis induction, as treatment with SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, suppressed the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins after M-PDT. JNK activation enhanced M-PDT-induced pyroptosis, highlighting the significance of the JNK pathway in M-PDT. Moreover, M-PDT increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which are responsible for JNK activation and pyroptosis induction. In summary, our results revealed that M-PDT triggers pyroptosis through ROS-mediated JNK activation and subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome activation in cSCC cells, providing a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of M-PDT and promoting its clinical application. • Pyroptosis dominates M-PDT-induced cell death in cSCC cells. • JNK signaling is a key regulator of M-PDT-triggered pyroptosis in cSCC cells. • M-PDT-induced mitochondrial ROS accumulation activates JNK and induces pyroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus cecorum (EC) has been associated with septicemia and early mortality in broiler chickens. There is limited research investigating the pathogenicity of EC field strains obtained from affected birds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of in-ovo administration into the amnion with different EC field isolates at d 18 of embryogenesis (DOE18). In Exp 1, 7 EC field isolates alone or in combination (EC1–EC3, EC4–EC5, EC6, and EC7) were selected based on phenotypic characteristics and evaluated at different concentrations (1 × 102, 1 × 104, and 1 × 106 CFU/200 µL/embryo) to assess the impact on early performance and macroscopic lesions. Three isolates (n = 3; EC2, EC5, EC7) were selected for additional evaluation based on the significant (P < 0.05) BWG reduction (d 0–21) compared to the negative control (NC) and the presence of macroscopic lesions observed during posting sessions at d 14 and d 21. An additional isolate associated with enterococcal spondylitis was included in Exp 2 (EC11B). Treatment groups for Exp 2 include: 1) NC, 2) EC2, 3) EC5, 4) EC7, and 5) EC11B (n = 90–120/embryos/group). Groups 2 to 5 were challenged at 1 × 102 CFU/200 µL/embryo by in-ovo injection into the amnion at DOE18. Chicks were placed in battery cages for the duration of the study (21 d), and pen weights were recorded at d 0, d 7, d 14, and d 21 to calculate average BW and BWG. At d 14 and d 21 posthatch, liver, spleen, free thoracic vertebrae (FTV), and femoral head (FH) were aseptically collected to enumerate Enterococcus spp. using Chromagar Orientation as the selective media. Cecal contents were collected at d 21 to evaluate the effect of EC challenge on the cecal microbiome composition. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in BW at d 21, and BWG from d 14 to 21 and d 0 to 21, for EC7 and EC11B. Enterococcus cecorum was recovered from the FTV of all challenged groups at d 14 and d 21. The most representative lesions were pericarditis, hydropericardium, focal heart necrosis, and FH osteomyelitis. However, lesions were not uniform across challenged groups or ages (d 14 and d 21). Alpha diversity of the cecal contents was markedly lower in EC5 and EC11B compared to all treatment groups suggesting that EC exposure during late embryogenesis affect the cecal microbiome up to 21 d posthatch. Additionally, these results highlight the differences in pathogenicity of EC strains isolated from field cases and suggest that hatchery exposure to EC during late embryogenesis is a potential route of introduction into a flock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-chain n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to have beneficial effects on intestinal health. However, the underling mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) attenuates TNF-α-induced intestinal cell injury and barrier dysfunction by modulating necroptosis signalling. Intestinal porcine epithelial cell line 1 was cultured with or without 12.5 µg/ml DHA, followed by exposure to 50 ng/ml TNF-α for indicated time periods. DHA restored cell viability and cell number triggered by TNF-α. DHA also improved barrier function, which was indicated by increased trans-epithelial electrical resistance, decreased FD4 flux and increased membrane localisation of zonula occludins (ZO-1) and claudin-1. Moreover, DHA suppressed cell necrosis in TNF-α-challenged cells, as shown in the IncuCyte ZOOM™ live cell imaging system and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, DHA decreased protein expression of TNF receptor, receptor interacting protein kinase 1, RIP3 and phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase-like protein, phosphoglycerate mutase family 5, dynamin-related protein 1 and high mobility group box-1 protein. Furthermore, DHA suppressed protein expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Collectively, these results indicate that DHA is capable of alleviating TNF-α-induced cell injury and barrier dysfunction by suppressing the necroptosis signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2013, a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak occurred in a middle school in Henan province of China. An outbreak survey was carried out in the school. Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the detection rate of TB cases and those with strong Mantoux positive (SMP), defined as tuberculin skin test (TST) indurations of 15mm or larger and/or blisters, necrosis or lymphangitis, and to identify their risk factors. Methods: The TST, chest x-ray/radiography, and TB-suspicious symptoms interview were used to screen for TB cases. Their diagnosis was made by sputum smear microscopy, liquid culture, computed tomography (CT), and diagnostic therapy if necessary. We retrospectively analyzed the outbreak survey data of 4082 students and 278 staff in the school. Logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors associated with SMP and TB disease. Results: Approximately 3.55% of students and 16.55% of staff were SMP. SMP rate in students was significantly lower than that in staff (p<0.001). 55 TB cases in students and none in staff were identified in the school from February to November, 2013, with a detection rate of 1.35% for students. SMP and TB case detection rates were 20.29% and 41.77%, respectively, in the index class, both significantly higher than that in the other classes (3.26% and 0.55%, respectively; both p<0.001). In the index class, TB case detection rate over the study period in students with SMP was not significantly higher than that with TST indurations of <15mm (38.18% vs 21.43%, p = 0.24), but it was significantly higher in the other classes (7.81% vs 0.18%, p<0.001). Risk factors independently associated with SMP and TB cases shared the following with the index case: same dormitory-floor (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.36, 95% CI 3.02–9.48, p<0.001 for SMP; AOR 2.67; 95% CI 1.03–6.96, p = 0.044 for TB cases), same classroom (AOR 4.01; 95% CI 1.95–8.26, p<0.001 for SMP; AOR 165.08; 95% CI 66.88–407.47, p<0.001 for TB cases), same teaching-floor in different classroom (AOR 5.41; 95% CI 3.02–9.71, p<0.001 for SMP; AOR 11.24; 95% CI 3.71–34.03, p<0.001 for TB cases) and same teaching-building on different floor (AOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.16–2.85, p = 0.009 for SMP; AOR 3.30; 95% CI 1.16–9.42, p = 0.025 for TB cases). The closer the contact was with the index case, the larger the AORs for SMP and TB cases were. Conclusion: Same dormitory-floor, same classroom, same teaching-floor and same teaching-building with the index case were all risk factors for both TB infection and disease for students in the outbreak, and the closer the contact was with the index case, the higher the risk was observed. Attention should also be paid to students with TST indurations <15mm, as well as to those with that ≥15mm for the index class in dealing with the outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastrointestinal tract is the site of nutrient digestion and absorption and is also colonized by diverse, highly mutualistic microbes. The intestinal microbiota has diverse effects on the development and function of the gut-specific immune system, and provides some protection from infectious pathogens. However, interactions between intestinal immunity and microorganisms are very complex, and recent studies have revealed that this intimate crosstalk may depend on the production and sensing abilities of multiple bioactive small molecule metabolites originating from direct produced by the gut microbiota or by the metabolism of dietary components. Here, we review the interplay between the host immune system and the microbiota, how commensal bacteria regulate the production of metabolites, and how these microbiota-derived products influence the function of several major innate and adaptive immune cells involved in modulating host immune homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Frequent dust storms have harm to human health and agricultural activities in Central Asia. However, there has been a great deal of uncertainty in prediction of dust storms in Central Asia. One of the important reasons is that the adaptability of different dust emission schemes has not been evaluated. Here, the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART), Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) and Shao2004 (Shao04) dust schemes coupled to the WRF-Chem model were used to simulate the severe dust storm occurred in Central Asia on 12–15 July 2016. Generally, this dust storm was initialed by a vortex at 500 hPa and surface cold front, and then swept across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Shao04 case could represent the spatial-temporal evolution of the dust storm well, especially at the northern Iran and Turkmenistan, due to its better description of the physical process of dust emission. But it overestimated the aerosol optical depth (AOD) to the southeast of the Aral Sea, which might be associated with the uncertainties of the soil particle distribution dataset. The AFWA case simulated AOD as better as Shao04 case with improved soil moisture correction factors, saltation algorithms and particle size distributions although it had smaller particle size, indicating that smaller particles are assignable. The GOCART case showed the largest dust emission areas due to the low threshold velocity. Yet both the AFWA and GOCART scheme underestimated the high AOD over northern Iran owe to its low erodibility factors. The total dust emission of the four-day period in the Shao04 scheme was 11.9 Tg, which was 2–3 times larger than those obtained in the AFWA and GOCART schemes. The significant differences of dust emission between three dust schemes may essentially depend on the sensitivities of threshold friction velocity on surface property. Highlights • AFWA and Shao04 schemes have better performance on dust storms modeling. • GOCART case only simulated high AOD over Turkmenistan. • Differences of dust emission in three schemes highly depend on parameters of scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A high-fill slope located in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan Province, China, was designed for building placement on its top platform. A reinforcement system consisting of a geogrid, front stability piles (FSPs), retaining sheets, prestressed anchors, and rear deeply buried piles (DBPs) has been used to stabilize the slope. Two typical slope sections were selected to study the high-fill slope stability and retaining mechanism of the reinforcement system. Field measurements of the horizontal displacement and strain in the piles, as well as the anchor working load, were collected and analyzed. In addition, a series of two-dimensional finite element method (FEM) analyses combined with a strength reduction technique was conducted to analyze two selected cross sections. The results show that the retaining structure behavior is closely related to the fill construction process of a high-fill slope. The deflection of the stabilizing pile increases almost linearly with the filling height in the initial stage of fill construction. The variation in the working load of the prestressed anchor shows an offset between prestress loss and increasing fill pressure. The FEM results can provide insight into the pile-soil interaction mechanism and its contribution to fill slope stabilization. The FSPs shift the sliding surface from through the slope toe to through the top of the FSPs. The anchors can reduce the bending moment by supplying additional bearing points. The DBPs can share a portion of the sliding thrust and effectively enhance the safety factor. This paper provides a reference for reinforcement system design for similar engineering projects considering high-fill slopes. Highlights • A case of reinforcement and monitoring for a high-fill slope is presented. • The reinforcement system includes two rows of piles, retaining sheets and anchors. • The behavior of the reinforcement system is investigated through field measurements. • The reinforcement mechanism is analyzed by FEM combined with monitoring. • This study provides a reference for the design of similar high-fill slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) associated with in situ measurements and satellite retrievals was used to investigate the meridional transport of Taklimakan Desert (TD) dust, especially in summer. Both satellite observations and simulations reveal that TD dust particles accumulate over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the Tianshan Mountains in summer, resulting in higher dust concentration up to 85 μg m−3 here. The proportions of meridional transport of TD dust in summer increase up to 30% of the total output dust over the TD. Further, the impacts of thermal and dynamic forcing on the meridional transport of TD dust to the TP and Tianshan Mountains are investigated based on composite analysis and numerical modeling. It is found that the weakness of the westerly jet over East Asia significantly decreases the eastward transport of TD dust. More TD dust particles lifted to higher altitude reach up to 8 km induced by the enhanced sensible heating in summer. Under the influence of the northerly airflow over the TD regions, the TD dust particles are strengthened southward and transported to the northern slope of the TP through topographic forcing. Moreover, the cyclonic circulation raises dust particles to higher altitude over the TP. It can further intensify the TP heat source by direct radiative forcing of dust aerosols, which may have a positive feedback to the southward transport of TD dust. This research provides confidence for the investigation of the role of TP dust with regard to the radiation balance and hydrological cycle over East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laser immunotherapy is a new anti-cancer therapy combining photothermal therapy and immunostimulation. It can eliminate the tumours by damaging tumour cells directly and promoting the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to enhance tumour immunogenicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal effects of laser immunotherapy and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser immunotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Methods: The cell viability and the DAMPs productions of heat-treated cSCC A431 cells in different temperatures were investigated. Laser immunotherapy with the optimal thermal effect for DAMPs production was performed on SKH-1 mice bearing ultraviolet-induced cSCC and a patient suffering from a large refractory cSCC. Results: The temperature in the range of 45-50 °C killing half of A431 cells had an optimal thermal effect for the productions of DAMPs. The thermal effect could be further enhanced by local application of imiquimod, an immunoadjuvant. Laser immunotherapy eliminated most tumours and improved the survival rate of the ultraviolet-induced cSCC-bearing SKH-1 mice (p < 0.05). The patient with cSCC treated by laser immunotherapy experienced a significant tumour reduction after laser immunotherapy increased the amounts of infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumour. No obviously adverse effect was observed in the mice experiment or in the clinical application. Conclusions: Our results strongly indicate that laser immunotherapy with optimal thermal effects is an effective and safe treatment modality for cSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel alternatives to antibiotics are needed for the swine industry, given increasing restrictions on subtherapeutic use of antibiotics. Augmenting the synthesis of endogenous host defense peptides (HDPs) has emerged as a promising antibiotic-alternative approach to disease control and prevention. To facilitate the identification of HDP inducers for swine use, we developed a stable luciferase reporter cell line, IPEC-J2/PBD3-luc, through permanent integration of a luciferase reporter gene driven by a 1.1 kb porcine β-defensin 3 (PBD3) gene promoter in porcine IPEC-J2 intestinal epithelial cells. Such a stable reporter cell line was employed in a high-throughput screening of 148 epigenetic compounds and 584 natural products, resulting in the identification of 41 unique hits with a minimum strictly standardized mean difference (SSMD) value of 3.0. Among them, 13 compounds were further confirmed to give at least a 5-fold increase in the luciferase activity in the stable reporter cell line, with 12 being histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Eight compounds were subsequently observed to be comparable to sodium butyrate in inducing PBD3 mRNA expression in parental IPEC-J2 cells in the low micromolar range. Six HDAC inhibitors including suberoylanilide hydroxamine (SAHA), HC toxin, apicidin, panobinostat, SB939, and LAQ824 were additionally found to be highly effective HDP inducers in a porcine 3D4/31 macrophage cell line. Besides PBD3, other HDP genes such as PBD2 and cathelicidins (PG1-5) were concentration-dependently induced by those compounds in both IPEC-J2 and 3D4/31 cells. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities of 3D4/31 cells were augmented following 24 h exposure to HDAC inhibitors. In conclusion, a cell-based high-throughput screening assay was developed for the discovery of porcine HDP inducers, and newly identified HDP-inducing compounds may have potential to be developed as alternatives to antibiotics for applications in swine and possibly other animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]