Fruitlet calyx shedding in pear plants is apparently regulated via numerous pathways that involve both environmental triggers and phytohormones cues such as auxin. In this study, we found at 10 days after full bloom (...Fruitlet calyx shedding in pear plants is apparently regulated via numerous pathways that involve both environmental triggers and phytohormones cues such as auxin. In this study, we found at 10 days after full bloom (DAFB) higher levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and tryptophan (Trp) in calyx persistence fruitlet (CPF) than calyx shedding fruitlet (CSF) ofDanshan Suli’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rhed.). Consisting with this, the activity of indolealdehyde oxidase (IAAIdO), which promotes IAA synthesis, was remarkably increased, and that of peroxidase(POD), which degrades IAA, dropped markedly in CPF but not in CSF. Further, qRT-PCR results revealed that most of 31 PbrARFs (encoding auxin response factors) in Pyrus bretschneideri were highly expressed in CPF, whereas PbrARF4, PbrARF24 and PbrARF26 were significantly downregulated in CPF vis-a-vis CSF. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 6 PbrARFs clustered in the group III, where PbrARF4 showed the closest affinity with AtARF1 that promotes organ abscission, indicating a putative role of PbrARF4 in mediating the process of calyx shedding in pear. In fact, the ectopic overexpression of PbrARF4 in Solanum lycopersicum resulted in an earlier-formed and deeper abscission layer (AL) in the transgenic plants, whose calyxes were more prone to wilt at the mature red stage (MR) compared with the control plants (wild-type). More importantly, expression levels of the abscission genes SILS and Sl Cel2 in transgenic plants overexpressing PbrARF4 were significantly upregulated in comparation with the WT, whereas those of Sl BI and Sl TAPG2 were considerably inhibited. Further, PbrJOINTLESS and PbrIDA,the two genes related to calyx shedding in pear, were up-regulated more in CSF than CPF. The findings contribute to a better understanding of PbrARFs involved in fruitlet calyx shedding of pear, which could prove beneficial to improving the quality of pear fruit.展开更多
Background: Glycine dehydrogenase(GLDC) plays an important role in the initiation and proliferation of several human cancers. In this study, we aimed to detect the methylation status of GLDC promoter and its diagnosti...Background: Glycine dehydrogenase(GLDC) plays an important role in the initiation and proliferation of several human cancers. In this study, we aimed to detect the methylation status of GLDC promoter and its diagnostic value for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HBV-HCC). Methods: We enrolled 197 patients, 111 with HBV-HCC, 51 with chronic hepatitis B(CHB), and 35 healthy controls(HCs). The methylation status of GLDC promoter in peripheral mononuclear cells(PBMCs) was identified by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction(MSP). The mRNA expression was examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR). Results: The methylation frequency of the GLDC promoter was significantly lower in HBV-HCC patients(27.0%) compared to that in CHB patients(68.6%) and HCs(74.3%)( P < 0.001). The methylated group had lower alanine aminotransferase level( P = 0.035) and lower rates of tumor node metastasis(TNM) Ⅲ/Ⅳ( P = 0.043) and T3/T4( P = 0.026). TNM stage was identified to be an independent factor for GLDC promoter methylation. GLDC mRNA levels in CHB patients and HCs were significantly lower than those in HBV-HCC patients( P = 0.022 and P < 0.001, respectively). GLDC mRNA levels were significantly higher in HBV-HCC patients with unmethylated GLDC promoters than those with methylated GLDC promoters( P = 0.003). The diagnostic accuracy of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) combined with GLDC promoter methylation for HBV-HCC was improved compared with that of AFP alone(AUC: 0.782 vs. 0.630, P < 0.001). In addition, GLDC promoter methylation was an independent predictor for overall survival of HBV-HCC patients( P = 0.038). Conclusions: The methylation frequency of GLDC promoter was lower in PBMCs from HBV-HCC patients than that from patients with CHB and HCs. The combination of AFP and GLDC promoter hypomethylation significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of HBV-HCC.展开更多
Coprinus comatus polysaccharide(CCP)has significant hepatoprotective effect.To explore hepatoprotective mechanism of CCP,the study analyzed preventive effect of CCP on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice by histopath...Coprinus comatus polysaccharide(CCP)has significant hepatoprotective effect.To explore hepatoprotective mechanism of CCP,the study analyzed preventive effect of CCP on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice by histopathological examination and biochemical analysis.Simultaneously,hepatoprotective mechanism was also analyzed in conjunction with metabolomics and proliferation of gut microbiota.The results showed that CCP significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and triglyceride(TG)levels in serum of alcoholic liver disease(ALD)mice.Histopathological examination showed that CCP can significantly improve liver damage.Metabolomics results showed that there were significant differences in the level of metabolites in liver tissue of control group,ALD group and CCP group,including taurine,xanthosine,fumaric acid and arachidonic acid,among others.Metabolites pathways analysis showed that hepatoprotective effect of CCP was related to energy metabolism,biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids,amino acids metabolism and lipid metabolism.Additionally,CCP inhibited an increase in the number of Clostridium perfringens,Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus,and a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut of ALD mice.All these findings suggested that CCP treatment reversed the phenotype of ethanol-induced liver injury and the associated metabolites pathways.展开更多
With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a...With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a suitable replacement for Faulhaber Precistep stepper motors.However,the small electrical time constant of such coreless motors poses a challenge,as the problem of severe commutation torque ripple in a fiber positioner running a position loop has been tricky.To overcome this challenge,it is advised to increase the Pulse Width Modulation(PWM)frequency as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the current fluctuation.This must be done while ensuring adequate resolution of the PWM generator.By employing a voltage open-loop field-oriented control based on a modulation frequency of 1 MHz,the drive current only costs 25 m A under a 3.3 V power supply.The sine degree of phase current is immaculate,and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 2μm.Moreover,it is possible to further shrink the bill of devices and the layout area of the Printed Circuit Board,especially in sizesensitive applications.This device has been developed under the new generation of The Large Sky Area MultiObject Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope.展开更多
Background:In traditional Chinese medicine,You-Gui-Wan(YGW)is typically used to treat osteoporosis associated with kidney-yang deficiency.However,there have been few mechanistic studies on the effectiveness of kidney-...Background:In traditional Chinese medicine,You-Gui-Wan(YGW)is typically used to treat osteoporosis associated with kidney-yang deficiency.However,there have been few mechanistic studies on the effectiveness of kidney-yang deficiency-type osteoporosis with YGW.To further clarify the role of YGW in the effect of osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,the study analyzed the therapeutic advantages of YGW by comparing the therapeutic effects of YGW and alendronate(ALN)on osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency.Methods:SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into control,osteoporosis,osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency+YGW and osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency+ALN groups.Except for the control group,osteoporosis was induced by the removal of bilateral ovaries.After 12 weeks,rats with osteoporosis in the kidney-yang deficiency group had kidney-yang deficiency syndrome triggered by hydrocortisone for 14 days.Rats were treated with YGW or ALN for 12 weeks.The weights of rats were recorded.Hematoxylin-eosin staining staining was used to observe pathological changes in bone trabeculae,liver,spleen,and kidneys of rats.Depletion of the growth plate cartilage of rats in different groups was observed by safranine-O staining.The expression of osteoclast key indices(ACP)and osteoblast key indices(ALP)in the bone tissue of rats in the different groups was observed by immunohistochemical staining.The expression of bone resorption-related indicators(TRAP and NXT-1),bone formation-related indicators(BALP,BGP,and P1NP),and major indicators of kidney-yang deficiency(ACTH,T3,T4,cAMP,and cGMP)were observed using an ELISA detection kit.The expression levels of the main indices of liver function(ALT and AST)were detected in different groups.Results:The differences between the osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency group and osteoporosis group were that the weight of rats and the expression of ACTH,T3,T4,and cAMP decreased significantly,and the expression of cGMP increased in the osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency group.Moreover,both YGW and ALN effectively improved the symptoms of osteoporosis,including the injury of bone trabeculae and growth plates,as well as the expression of bone metabolism-related indicators.However,unlike ALN,YGW simultaneously ameliorated the expression of key indicators of kidney-yang deficiency and prevented weight loss in rats.In addition,YGW caused no obvious damage to the liver,spleen,or kidney,whereas ALN led to liver cirrhosis.Conclusion:The results reveal that YGW plays a crucial part in osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,increases bone mineral density,and improves bone metabolism indicators,and is safe and efficient for the efficacy of osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency.YGW might have a better therapeutic effect on osteoporosis in patients with kidney-yang deficiency.Therefore,alendronate should be used cautiously in patients with osteoporosis and poor liver function.展开更多
Studies have shown that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)may be associated with sleep disorders.In order to explore the explicit relationship between the two,we systematically reviewed the effects of sleep diso...Studies have shown that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)may be associated with sleep disorders.In order to explore the explicit relationship between the two,we systematically reviewed the effects of sleep disorders,especially obstructive sleep apnea(OSA),on the incidence of NAFLD,and analyzed the possible mechanisms after adjusting for confounding factors.NAFLD is independently associated with sleep disorders.Different sleep disorders may be the cause of the onset and aggravation of NAFLD.An excessive or insufficient sleep duration,poor sleep quality,insomnia,sleep-wake disorders,and OSA may increase the incidence of NAFLD.Despite that some research suggests a unidirectional causal link between the two,specifically,the onset of NAFLD is identified as a result of changes in sleep characteristics,and the reverse relationship does not hold true.Nevertheless,there is still a lack of specific research elucidating the reasons behind the higher risk of developing sleep disorders in individuals with NAFLD.Further research is needed to establish a clear relationship between NAFLD and sleep disorders.This will lay the groundwork for earlier identification of potential patients,which is crucial for earlier monitoring,diagnosis,effective prevention,and treatment of NAFLD.展开更多
The rodent running-wheel recording apparatus is a reliable approach for studying cir-cadian rhythm.This study demonstrated how to construct a simple and intelligent running-wheel recording system.The running wheel was...The rodent running-wheel recording apparatus is a reliable approach for studying cir-cadian rhythm.This study demonstrated how to construct a simple and intelligent running-wheel recording system.The running wheel was attached to the cage's base,whereas the Hall sensor was attached to the cage's cover.Then,the RJ25 adaptor relayed the running signal to the main control board.Finally,the main control board was connected to the USB port of the computer with the USB connection.Data were collected using the online-accessible,self-created software Magturning.Through Magturning,generated data were saved and exported in real time.Afterward,the device was validated by collecting data on the locomotor activities of mice under dif-ferent light conditions.In conclusion,this new device can record circadian activity of rodents.Our device is appropriate for interdisciplinary investigations related to biological clock research.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a pancreatic inflammatory disorder that is commonly complicated by extrapancreatic organ dysfunction.Dachengqi decoction(DCQD)has a potential role in protecting the extrapancreatic ...BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a pancreatic inflammatory disorder that is commonly complicated by extrapancreatic organ dysfunction.Dachengqi decoction(DCQD)has a potential role in protecting the extrapancreatic organs,but the optimal oral administration time remains unclear.AIM To screen the appropriate oral administration time of DCQD for the protection of extrapancreatic organs based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AP rats.METHODS This study consisted of two parts.In the first part,24 rats were divided into a sham-operated group and three model groups.The four groups were intragastrically administered with DCQD(10 g/kg)at 4 h,4 h,12 h,and 24 h postoperatively,respectively.Tail vein blood was taken at nine time points after administration,and then the rats were euthanized and the extrapancreatic organ tissues were immediately collected.Finally,the concentrations of the major DCQD components in all samples were detected.In the second part,84 rats were divided into a sham-operated group,as well as 4 h,12 h,and 24 h treatment groups and corresponding control groups(4 h,12 h,and 24 h control groups).Rats in the treatment groups were intragastrically administered with DCQD(10 g/kg)at 4 h,12 h,and 24 h postoperatively,respectively,and rats in the control groups were administered with normal saline at the same time points.Then,six rats from each group were euthanized at 4 h and 24 h after administration.Serum amylase and inflammatory mediators,and pathological scores of extrapancreatic organ tissues were evaluated.RESULTS For part one,the pharmacokinetic parameters(C max,T max,T 1/2,and AUC 0→t)of the major DCQD components and the tissue distribution of most DCQD components were better when administering DCQD at the later(12 h and 24 h)time points.For part two,delayed administration of DCQD resulted in lower IL-6 and amylase levels and relatively higher IL-10 levels,and pathological injury of extrapancreatic organ tissues was slightly less at 4 h after administration,while the results were similar between the treatment and corresponding control groups at 24 h after administration.CONCLUSION Delayed administration of DCQD might reduce pancreatic exocrine secretions and ameliorate pathological injury in the extrapancreatic organs of AP rats,demonstrating that the late time is the optimal dosing time.展开更多
AIM:To investigate whether butyrate or glutamine enemas could diminish inflammation in experimental diversion colitis.METHODS:Wistar specific pathogen-free rats were submitted to a Hartmann's end colostomy and tre...AIM:To investigate whether butyrate or glutamine enemas could diminish inflammation in experimental diversion colitis.METHODS:Wistar specific pathogen-free rats were submitted to a Hartmann's end colostomy and treated with enemas containing glutamine,butyrate,or saline.Enemas were administered twice a week in the excluded segment of the colon from 4 to 12 wk after the surgical procedure.Follow-up colonoscopy was performed every 4 wk for 12 wk.The effect of treatment was evaluated using video-endoscopic and histologic scores and measuring interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,and transforming growth factor beta production in organ cultures by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Colonoscopies of the diverted segment showed mucosa with hyperemia,increased number of vessels,bleeding and mucus discharge.Treatment with either glutamine or butyrate induced significant reductions in both colonoscopic(P < 0.02) and histological scores(P < 0.01) and restored the densities of collagen fibers in tissue(P = 0.015;P = 0.001),the number of goblet cells(P = 0.021;P = 0.029),and the rate of apoptosis within the epithelium(P = 0.043;P = 0.011) to normal values.The high levels of cytokines in colon explants from rats with diversion colitis significantly decreased to normal values after treatment with butyrate or glutamine.CONCLUSION:The improvement of experimental diversion colitis following glutamine or butyrate enemas highlights the importance of specific luminal nutrients in the homeostasis of the colonic mucosa and supports their utilization for the treatment of human diversion colitis.展开更多
The acceleration of LMXB 4U 1820-30 derived from its orbital-period derivative P_(b)was supposed to be the evidence for an Intermediate-mass black hole(IMBH)in the Galactic globular cluster(GC)NGC 6624.However,we find...The acceleration of LMXB 4U 1820-30 derived from its orbital-period derivative P_(b)was supposed to be the evidence for an Intermediate-mass black hole(IMBH)in the Galactic globular cluster(GC)NGC 6624.However,we find that the anomalous P_(b)is mainly due to the gravitational wave emission,rather than the acceleration in cluster potential.Using the standard structure models of GCs,we simulate acceleration distributions for pulsars in the central region of the cluster.By fitting the acceleration of J1823-3021 A with the simulated distribution profiles(maximum values),it is suggested that an IMBH with mass M■950_(-350)^(+550)M_(⊙) may reside in the cluster center.We further show that the second period derivative P of J1823-3021 A is probably due to the gravitational perturbation of a nearby star.展开更多
This study is an experimental study to analyze the dissipation effect of a baffle shape installed to reduce the scour problem downstream of a weir. The hydraulic experiment on the flow dissipation effect created by ba...This study is an experimental study to analyze the dissipation effect of a baffle shape installed to reduce the scour problem downstream of a weir. The hydraulic experiment on the flow dissipation effect created by baffle installation was an experiment under a fixed bed condition to investigate the flow dissipation effect based on changes in flow in the apron downstream caused by?changes in baffle shape. The experimental analysis was conducted by measuring the flow rate at the apron downstream with and without the installation of a baffle on the basis of the flow dissipation effect. This experiment compared the flow dissipation effect achieved with five baffle shapes to analyze the effect of the baffle shape. Two conditions of flow rate were considered: when a water level in the area of super-critical flow was lower than the baffle height, and when it?flowed over the baffle. Overall, the flow dissipation effect was found to be?good when a square baffle with a large flow blocking area was used. The analysis also found that hydraulic jump was facilitated when the front part of the baffle was inclined, as flow was induced to the upper direction. The result of the experiment showed that when performing flow dissipation through the use of a baffle, the effect of flow blocking and flow duration alteration should be considered.展开更多
The supply and demand of laboratory animals for teaching in colleges and universities has its own internal characteristics.To grasp the supply and demand characteristics of laboratory animals for teaching is of vital ...The supply and demand of laboratory animals for teaching in colleges and universities has its own internal characteristics.To grasp the supply and demand characteristics of laboratory animals for teaching is of vital importance to the planning,supply and use of teaching animals,the realization of teaching objectives and the completion of teaching tasks.Based on the supply of teaching experimental animals and the work of animal experimental teaching in our university in recent years,this paper expounds the inherent characteristics and practice of supply and demand of teaching experimental animals.展开更多
For the retaining wall and technologies to protect river levee, many patents were applied and numerous new technologies were developed according to the installation method and material. This study installed a magic re...For the retaining wall and technologies to protect river levee, many patents were applied and numerous new technologies were developed according to the installation method and material. This study installed a magic retaining wall block, which was developed as new technology product to protect river levee from running water, in actual size experimental water channel and evaluated the hydraulic performance and the stability of technology based on the increase in the flow velocity and discharge by steps. This study divided the experiment into a total of six steps and conducted it accordingly. According to the experiment results, there was no deformation of the surface of the magic retaining wall block or any soil loss at the bottom either, under the condition of maximum flow velocity of 5.37 m/s (discharge of 7.40 m<sup>3</sup>/s). To analyze the occurrence of scour and the possibility of soil loss at the bottom of a structure due to a high flow velocity, this study conducted an image analysis of Case 6 under the condition of maximum discharge, using a drone. According to the results of an analysis through the drone, there was no soil loss or flow change due to a scour at the bottom of the magic retaining wall block. The results of this study will serve as references in designing a technology applying a magic retaining wall block, and present the methods and procedures to evaluate and verify the development of any further new technology.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease,and gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with both of them.AIM To assess the relationship between gut dysbiosi...BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease,and gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with both of them.AIM To assess the relationship between gut dysbiosis and cardiovascular risk(CVR)in an experimental model of steatohepatitis.METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to a control group(n=10)fed a standard diet and an intervention group(n=10)fed a high-fat choline-deficient diet for 16 wk.Biochemical,molecular,hepatic,and cardiac histopathology.Gut microbiota variables were evaluated.RESULTS The intervention group had a significantly higher atherogenic coefficient,Castelli’s risk index(CRI)-I and CRI-II,interleukin-1β,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(all P<0.001),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(P=0.005),and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(P=0.037)than the control group.Gene expression of miR-33a increased(P=0.001)and miR-126(P<0.001)decreased in the intervention group.Steatohepatitis with fibrosis was seen in the intervention group,and heart computerized histological imaging analysis showed a significant decrease in the percentage of cardiomyocytes with a normal morphometric appearance(P=0.007),reduction in the mean area of cardiomyocytes(P=0.037),and an increase of atrophic cardiomyocytes(P=0.007).There were significant correlations between the cardiomyocyte morphometry markers and those of progression and severity of liver disease and CVR.The intervention group had a lower Shannon diversity index and fewer changes in the structural pattern of gut microbiota(both P<0.001)than controls.Nine microbial families that are involved in lipid metabolism were differentially abundant in intervention group and were significantly correlated with markers of liver injury and CVR.CONCLUSION The study found a link between gut dysbiosis and significant cardiomyocyte abnormalities in animals with steatohepatitis.展开更多
To achieve high power conversion efficiency(PCE) and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells(PSCs), a hole transport layer(HTL) with persistently high conductivity, good moisture/oxygen barrier ability, and adeq...To achieve high power conversion efficiency(PCE) and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells(PSCs), a hole transport layer(HTL) with persistently high conductivity, good moisture/oxygen barrier ability, and adequate passivation capability is important. To achieve enough conductivity and effective hole extraction, spiro-OMe TAD, one of the most frequently used HTL in optoelectronic devices, often needs chemical doping with a lithium compound(LiTFSI). However, the lithium salt dopant induces crystallization and has a negative impact on the performance and lifetime of the device due to its hygroscopic nature. Here, we provide an easy method for creating a gel by mixing a natural small molecule additive(thioctic acid, TA) with spiro-OMe TAD. We discover that gelation effectively improves the compactness of resultant HTL and prevents moisture and oxygen infiltration. Moreover, the gelation of HTL improves not only the conductivity of spiro-OMe TAD, but also the operational robustness of the devices in the atmospheric environment. In addition, TA passivates the perovskite defects and facilitates the charge transfer from the perovskite layer to HTL. As a consequence, the optimized PSCs based on the gelated HTL exhibit an improved PCE(22.52%) with excellent device stability.展开更多
Background Lactulose as an effective prebiotic protects intestinal mucosal injury.Bacillus coagulans is widely used in feed additives because of its ability to promote intestinal health.Our previous study suggests tha...Background Lactulose as an effective prebiotic protects intestinal mucosal injury.Bacillus coagulans is widely used in feed additives because of its ability to promote intestinal health.Our previous study suggests that the combination of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans may be a good candidate as alternative for antibiotic growth promoters.However,the in vivo effects of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans on growth and intestinal health under immune challenge in piglets remains unclear.The objective of this study is to explore the protective effects of synbiotic containing lactu-lose and Bacillus coagulans on the intestinal mucosal injury and barrier dysfunction under immune challenge in weaned piglets.Methods Twenty four weaned piglets were assigned to 4 groups.Piglets in the CON-_(saline)and LPS-_(LPS)group were fed the basal diet,while others were fed either with chlortetracycline(CTC)or synbiotic mixture of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans for 32 d before injection of saline or lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Piglets were sacrificed 4 h after LPS injection to collect samples to determine intestinal morphology,integrity and barrier functions as well as relative genes and proteins.Results Our data showed that no differences were observed in the growth performance of the four test groups.LPS injection induced higher serum diamine oxidase activities,D-lactic acid levels,and endotoxin status,lower villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth,greater mRNA and lower protein expression related tight junction in both jejunum and ileum.In addition,a higher apoptosis index,and protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 were also observed in the LPS challenge group.Interestingly,dietary synbiotic mixture with lactulose and Bacillus coagulans protected against LPS-induced intestinal damage,barrier dysfunction and higher apoptosis as well as CTC.Conclusions Our data suggest that dietary supplementation of synbiotic mixture with lactulose and Bacillus coagu-lans showed resilience to LPS-induced intestinal morphological damage,barrier dysfunction and aggressive apoptosis in piglets as well as the protective effects of CTC.These results indicate that synbiotic mixture of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans showed beneficial effects on performance and resilience to acute immune stress in weaned piglets.展开更多
The cumulative damage caused by repetitive mild traumatic brain injury can cause long-term neurodegeneration leading to cognitive impairment.This cognitive impairment is thought to result specifically from damage to t...The cumulative damage caused by repetitive mild traumatic brain injury can cause long-term neurodegeneration leading to cognitive impairment.This cognitive impairment is thought to result specifically from damage to the hippocampus.In this study,we detected cognitive impairment in mice 6 weeks after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury using the novel object recognition test and the Morris water maze test.Immunofluorescence staining showed that p-tau expression was increased in the hippocampus after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.Golgi staining showed a significant decrease in the total density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampus,as well as in the density of mature dendritic spines.To investigate the specific molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment due to hippocampal damage,we performed proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of the hippocampus with and without repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.The differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in inflammation,immunity,and coagulation,suggesting that non-neuronal cells are involved in the pathological changes that occur in the hippocampus in the chronic stage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.In contrast,differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins were mainly enriched in pathways related to neuronal function and structure,which is more consistent with neurodegeneration.We identified N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 as a hub molecule involved in the response to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,and western blotting showed that,while N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 expression was not altered in the hippocampus after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,its phosphorylation level was significantly increased,which is consistent with the omics results.Administration of GRP78608,an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 antagonist,to the hippocampus markedly improved repetitive mild traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment.In conclusion,our findings suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 signaling in the hippocampus is involved in cognitive impairment in the chronic stage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and may be a potential target for intervention and treatment.展开更多
To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing porcine ischemia-reperfusion models by ligating the left anterior descending(LAD)coronary artery,we first randomly divided 16 male Bama pigs into a sham...To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing porcine ischemia-reperfusion models by ligating the left anterior descending(LAD)coronary artery,we first randomly divided 16 male Bama pigs into a sham group and a model group.After anesthesia,we separated the arteries and veins.Subsequently,we rapidly located the LAD coronary artery at the beginning of its first diagonal branch through a mid-chest incision.Then,we loosened and released the ligation line after five minutes of pre-occlusion.Finally,we ligated the LAD coronary artery in situ two minutes later and loosened the ligature 60 min after ischemia.Compared with the sham group,electrocardiogram showed multiple continuous lead ST-segment elevations,and ultrasound cardiogram showed significantly lower ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening at one hour and seven days post-operation in the model group.Twenty-four hours after the operation,cardiac troponin T and creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme levels significantly increased in the model group,compared with the sham group.Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed the presence of many inflammatory cells infiltrating the interstitium of the myocardium in the model group but not in the sham group.Masson staining revealed a significant increase in infarct size in the ischemia/reperfusion group.All eight pigs in the model group recovered with normal sinus heart rates,and the survival rate was 100%.In conclusion,the method can provide an accurate and stable large animal model for preclinical research on ischemia/reperfusion with a high success rate and homogeneity of the myocardial infarction area.展开更多
Objective Cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are important features of cardiac fibrosis.Various studies have indicated that vitamin D displays an anti-fibrotic property in chroni...Objective Cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are important features of cardiac fibrosis.Various studies have indicated that vitamin D displays an anti-fibrotic property in chronic heart diseases.This study explored the role of vitamin D in the growth of CFs via an integrin signaling pathway.Methods MTT and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were performed to determine cell viability.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and integrin signaling pathway.The fibronectin was observed by ELISA.Immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate the expression of integrinβ3.Results The PCNA expression in the CFs was enhanced after isoproterenol(ISO)stimulation accompanied by an elevated expression of integrin beta-3(β3).The blockade of the integrinβ3 with a specific integrinβ3 antibody reduced the PCNA expression induced by the ISO.Decreasing the integrinβ3 by siRNA reduced the ISO-triggered phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Both the FAK inhibitor and Akt inhibitor suppressed the PCNA expression induced by the ISO in the CFs.Calcitriol(CAL),an active form of vitamin D,attenuated the ISO-induced CFs proliferation by downregulating the integrinβ3 expression,and phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Moreover,CAL reduced the increased levels of fibronectin and hydroxyproline in the CFs culture medium triggered by the ISO.The administration of calcitriol decreased the integrinβ3 expression in the ISO-induced myocardial injury model.Conclusion These findings revealed a novel role for CAL in suppressing the CFs growth by the downregulation of the integrinβ3/FAK/Akt pathway.展开更多
Little is known about C-N-P stoichiometries and content in teak(Tectona grandis)plantations in South China,which are mostly sited on hilly areas with lateritic soil,and the effect of slope position on the accumulation...Little is known about C-N-P stoichiometries and content in teak(Tectona grandis)plantations in South China,which are mostly sited on hilly areas with lateritic soil,and the effect of slope position on the accumulation of these elements in trees and rhizosphere soils.Here we analyzed the C,N,P content and stoichiometry in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils of trees on the upper and lower slopes of a 12-year-old teak plantation.The Kraft classification system of tree status was used to sample dominant,subdominant and mean trees at each slope position.The results showed that the C,N and P contents in leaves were higher than in fine roots and rhizosphere soils.The lowest C/N,C/P and N/P ratios were found in rhizosphere soils,and the C/N and C/P ratios in fine roots were higher than in leaves.Nutrient accumulation in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils were significantly influenced by slope position and tree class with their interaction mainly showing a greater effect on rhizosphere soils.Leaf C content and C/N ratio,fine root C and P contents,and C/N and C/P ratios all increased distinctly with declining slope position.The contents of organic matter(SOM),ammonium(NH4+-N),nitrate-nitrogen(NO3--N)and available potassium(AK)in rhizosphere soils were mainly enriched on upper slopes,but exchange calcium(ECa),available phosphorus(AP),and pH were relatively lower.Variations in the C,N and P stoichiometries in trees were mainly attributed to the differences in rhizosphere soil properties.N and P contents showed significant positive linear relationships between leaf and rhizosphere soil,and C content negative linear correlation among leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils.Chemical properties of rhizosphere soils,particularly C/N and NH4+-N,had significant effects on the leaf nutrients in trees on the upper slope.Correspondingly,rhizosphere soil properties mainly influenced fine root nutrients on the lower slope,and soil AK was the major influencing factor.Overall,these results offer new insights for the sustainability and management of teak plantations in hilly areas.展开更多
基金supported by the China Agriculture Research System (Grant No.CARS-28-14)。
文摘Fruitlet calyx shedding in pear plants is apparently regulated via numerous pathways that involve both environmental triggers and phytohormones cues such as auxin. In this study, we found at 10 days after full bloom (DAFB) higher levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and tryptophan (Trp) in calyx persistence fruitlet (CPF) than calyx shedding fruitlet (CSF) ofDanshan Suli’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rhed.). Consisting with this, the activity of indolealdehyde oxidase (IAAIdO), which promotes IAA synthesis, was remarkably increased, and that of peroxidase(POD), which degrades IAA, dropped markedly in CPF but not in CSF. Further, qRT-PCR results revealed that most of 31 PbrARFs (encoding auxin response factors) in Pyrus bretschneideri were highly expressed in CPF, whereas PbrARF4, PbrARF24 and PbrARF26 were significantly downregulated in CPF vis-a-vis CSF. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 6 PbrARFs clustered in the group III, where PbrARF4 showed the closest affinity with AtARF1 that promotes organ abscission, indicating a putative role of PbrARF4 in mediating the process of calyx shedding in pear. In fact, the ectopic overexpression of PbrARF4 in Solanum lycopersicum resulted in an earlier-formed and deeper abscission layer (AL) in the transgenic plants, whose calyxes were more prone to wilt at the mature red stage (MR) compared with the control plants (wild-type). More importantly, expression levels of the abscission genes SILS and Sl Cel2 in transgenic plants overexpressing PbrARF4 were significantly upregulated in comparation with the WT, whereas those of Sl BI and Sl TAPG2 were considerably inhibited. Further, PbrJOINTLESS and PbrIDA,the two genes related to calyx shedding in pear, were up-regulated more in CSF than CPF. The findings contribute to a better understanding of PbrARFs involved in fruitlet calyx shedding of pear, which could prove beneficial to improving the quality of pear fruit.
基金This study was supported by grants from the Key Project of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology(2017ZX102022022)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2301801).
文摘Background: Glycine dehydrogenase(GLDC) plays an important role in the initiation and proliferation of several human cancers. In this study, we aimed to detect the methylation status of GLDC promoter and its diagnostic value for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HBV-HCC). Methods: We enrolled 197 patients, 111 with HBV-HCC, 51 with chronic hepatitis B(CHB), and 35 healthy controls(HCs). The methylation status of GLDC promoter in peripheral mononuclear cells(PBMCs) was identified by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction(MSP). The mRNA expression was examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR). Results: The methylation frequency of the GLDC promoter was significantly lower in HBV-HCC patients(27.0%) compared to that in CHB patients(68.6%) and HCs(74.3%)( P < 0.001). The methylated group had lower alanine aminotransferase level( P = 0.035) and lower rates of tumor node metastasis(TNM) Ⅲ/Ⅳ( P = 0.043) and T3/T4( P = 0.026). TNM stage was identified to be an independent factor for GLDC promoter methylation. GLDC mRNA levels in CHB patients and HCs were significantly lower than those in HBV-HCC patients( P = 0.022 and P < 0.001, respectively). GLDC mRNA levels were significantly higher in HBV-HCC patients with unmethylated GLDC promoters than those with methylated GLDC promoters( P = 0.003). The diagnostic accuracy of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) combined with GLDC promoter methylation for HBV-HCC was improved compared with that of AFP alone(AUC: 0.782 vs. 0.630, P < 0.001). In addition, GLDC promoter methylation was an independent predictor for overall survival of HBV-HCC patients( P = 0.038). Conclusions: The methylation frequency of GLDC promoter was lower in PBMCs from HBV-HCC patients than that from patients with CHB and HCs. The combination of AFP and GLDC promoter hypomethylation significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of HBV-HCC.
基金The current project is funded by Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China(ZR2020MH370)Major Science and Technology Innovation in Shandong Province(2017CXGC1307)Ji’nan Science and Technology Project(201303055)。
文摘Coprinus comatus polysaccharide(CCP)has significant hepatoprotective effect.To explore hepatoprotective mechanism of CCP,the study analyzed preventive effect of CCP on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice by histopathological examination and biochemical analysis.Simultaneously,hepatoprotective mechanism was also analyzed in conjunction with metabolomics and proliferation of gut microbiota.The results showed that CCP significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and triglyceride(TG)levels in serum of alcoholic liver disease(ALD)mice.Histopathological examination showed that CCP can significantly improve liver damage.Metabolomics results showed that there were significant differences in the level of metabolites in liver tissue of control group,ALD group and CCP group,including taurine,xanthosine,fumaric acid and arachidonic acid,among others.Metabolites pathways analysis showed that hepatoprotective effect of CCP was related to energy metabolism,biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids,amino acids metabolism and lipid metabolism.Additionally,CCP inhibited an increase in the number of Clostridium perfringens,Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus,and a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut of ALD mice.All these findings suggested that CCP treatment reversed the phenotype of ethanol-induced liver injury and the associated metabolites pathways.
文摘With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a suitable replacement for Faulhaber Precistep stepper motors.However,the small electrical time constant of such coreless motors poses a challenge,as the problem of severe commutation torque ripple in a fiber positioner running a position loop has been tricky.To overcome this challenge,it is advised to increase the Pulse Width Modulation(PWM)frequency as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the current fluctuation.This must be done while ensuring adequate resolution of the PWM generator.By employing a voltage open-loop field-oriented control based on a modulation frequency of 1 MHz,the drive current only costs 25 m A under a 3.3 V power supply.The sine degree of phase current is immaculate,and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 2μm.Moreover,it is possible to further shrink the bill of devices and the layout area of the Printed Circuit Board,especially in sizesensitive applications.This device has been developed under the new generation of The Large Sky Area MultiObject Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81673996,81904220)the Jiangmen Association for Science and Technology-Youth science and technology talent lifting project(Grant No.2022-2023).
文摘Background:In traditional Chinese medicine,You-Gui-Wan(YGW)is typically used to treat osteoporosis associated with kidney-yang deficiency.However,there have been few mechanistic studies on the effectiveness of kidney-yang deficiency-type osteoporosis with YGW.To further clarify the role of YGW in the effect of osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,the study analyzed the therapeutic advantages of YGW by comparing the therapeutic effects of YGW and alendronate(ALN)on osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency.Methods:SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into control,osteoporosis,osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency+YGW and osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency+ALN groups.Except for the control group,osteoporosis was induced by the removal of bilateral ovaries.After 12 weeks,rats with osteoporosis in the kidney-yang deficiency group had kidney-yang deficiency syndrome triggered by hydrocortisone for 14 days.Rats were treated with YGW or ALN for 12 weeks.The weights of rats were recorded.Hematoxylin-eosin staining staining was used to observe pathological changes in bone trabeculae,liver,spleen,and kidneys of rats.Depletion of the growth plate cartilage of rats in different groups was observed by safranine-O staining.The expression of osteoclast key indices(ACP)and osteoblast key indices(ALP)in the bone tissue of rats in the different groups was observed by immunohistochemical staining.The expression of bone resorption-related indicators(TRAP and NXT-1),bone formation-related indicators(BALP,BGP,and P1NP),and major indicators of kidney-yang deficiency(ACTH,T3,T4,cAMP,and cGMP)were observed using an ELISA detection kit.The expression levels of the main indices of liver function(ALT and AST)were detected in different groups.Results:The differences between the osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency group and osteoporosis group were that the weight of rats and the expression of ACTH,T3,T4,and cAMP decreased significantly,and the expression of cGMP increased in the osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency group.Moreover,both YGW and ALN effectively improved the symptoms of osteoporosis,including the injury of bone trabeculae and growth plates,as well as the expression of bone metabolism-related indicators.However,unlike ALN,YGW simultaneously ameliorated the expression of key indicators of kidney-yang deficiency and prevented weight loss in rats.In addition,YGW caused no obvious damage to the liver,spleen,or kidney,whereas ALN led to liver cirrhosis.Conclusion:The results reveal that YGW plays a crucial part in osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,increases bone mineral density,and improves bone metabolism indicators,and is safe and efficient for the efficacy of osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency.YGW might have a better therapeutic effect on osteoporosis in patients with kidney-yang deficiency.Therefore,alendronate should be used cautiously in patients with osteoporosis and poor liver function.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82360880,and 82060661Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China,No.20232ACB206057+1 种基金Key project of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education,No.GJJ218104Teaching reform research。
文摘Studies have shown that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)may be associated with sleep disorders.In order to explore the explicit relationship between the two,we systematically reviewed the effects of sleep disorders,especially obstructive sleep apnea(OSA),on the incidence of NAFLD,and analyzed the possible mechanisms after adjusting for confounding factors.NAFLD is independently associated with sleep disorders.Different sleep disorders may be the cause of the onset and aggravation of NAFLD.An excessive or insufficient sleep duration,poor sleep quality,insomnia,sleep-wake disorders,and OSA may increase the incidence of NAFLD.Despite that some research suggests a unidirectional causal link between the two,specifically,the onset of NAFLD is identified as a result of changes in sleep characteristics,and the reverse relationship does not hold true.Nevertheless,there is still a lack of specific research elucidating the reasons behind the higher risk of developing sleep disorders in individuals with NAFLD.Further research is needed to establish a clear relationship between NAFLD and sleep disorders.This will lay the groundwork for earlier identification of potential patients,which is crucial for earlier monitoring,diagnosis,effective prevention,and treatment of NAFLD.
基金Startup Fund for scientific research,Fujian Medical University,Grant/Award Number:2020QH1039Joint Funds for the Innovation of Science and Technology,Fujian Province,Grant/Award Number:2020Y9114 and 2020Y9119。
文摘The rodent running-wheel recording apparatus is a reliable approach for studying cir-cadian rhythm.This study demonstrated how to construct a simple and intelligent running-wheel recording system.The running wheel was attached to the cage's base,whereas the Hall sensor was attached to the cage's cover.Then,the RJ25 adaptor relayed the running signal to the main control board.Finally,the main control board was connected to the USB port of the computer with the USB connection.Data were collected using the online-accessible,self-created software Magturning.Through Magturning,generated data were saved and exported in real time.Afterward,the device was validated by collecting data on the locomotor activities of mice under dif-ferent light conditions.In conclusion,this new device can record circadian activity of rodents.Our device is appropriate for interdisciplinary investigations related to biological clock research.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81603480 and No.81573857.
文摘BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a pancreatic inflammatory disorder that is commonly complicated by extrapancreatic organ dysfunction.Dachengqi decoction(DCQD)has a potential role in protecting the extrapancreatic organs,but the optimal oral administration time remains unclear.AIM To screen the appropriate oral administration time of DCQD for the protection of extrapancreatic organs based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AP rats.METHODS This study consisted of two parts.In the first part,24 rats were divided into a sham-operated group and three model groups.The four groups were intragastrically administered with DCQD(10 g/kg)at 4 h,4 h,12 h,and 24 h postoperatively,respectively.Tail vein blood was taken at nine time points after administration,and then the rats were euthanized and the extrapancreatic organ tissues were immediately collected.Finally,the concentrations of the major DCQD components in all samples were detected.In the second part,84 rats were divided into a sham-operated group,as well as 4 h,12 h,and 24 h treatment groups and corresponding control groups(4 h,12 h,and 24 h control groups).Rats in the treatment groups were intragastrically administered with DCQD(10 g/kg)at 4 h,12 h,and 24 h postoperatively,respectively,and rats in the control groups were administered with normal saline at the same time points.Then,six rats from each group were euthanized at 4 h and 24 h after administration.Serum amylase and inflammatory mediators,and pathological scores of extrapancreatic organ tissues were evaluated.RESULTS For part one,the pharmacokinetic parameters(C max,T max,T 1/2,and AUC 0→t)of the major DCQD components and the tissue distribution of most DCQD components were better when administering DCQD at the later(12 h and 24 h)time points.For part two,delayed administration of DCQD resulted in lower IL-6 and amylase levels and relatively higher IL-10 levels,and pathological injury of extrapancreatic organ tissues was slightly less at 4 h after administration,while the results were similar between the treatment and corresponding control groups at 24 h after administration.CONCLUSION Delayed administration of DCQD might reduce pancreatic exocrine secretions and ameliorate pathological injury in the extrapancreatic organs of AP rats,demonstrating that the late time is the optimal dosing time.
基金Supported by Grants from the Brazilian Research CouncilFundao de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
文摘AIM:To investigate whether butyrate or glutamine enemas could diminish inflammation in experimental diversion colitis.METHODS:Wistar specific pathogen-free rats were submitted to a Hartmann's end colostomy and treated with enemas containing glutamine,butyrate,or saline.Enemas were administered twice a week in the excluded segment of the colon from 4 to 12 wk after the surgical procedure.Follow-up colonoscopy was performed every 4 wk for 12 wk.The effect of treatment was evaluated using video-endoscopic and histologic scores and measuring interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,and transforming growth factor beta production in organ cultures by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Colonoscopies of the diverted segment showed mucosa with hyperemia,increased number of vessels,bleeding and mucus discharge.Treatment with either glutamine or butyrate induced significant reductions in both colonoscopic(P < 0.02) and histological scores(P < 0.01) and restored the densities of collagen fibers in tissue(P = 0.015;P = 0.001),the number of goblet cells(P = 0.021;P = 0.029),and the rate of apoptosis within the epithelium(P = 0.043;P = 0.011) to normal values.The high levels of cytokines in colon explants from rats with diversion colitis significantly decreased to normal values after treatment with butyrate or glutamine.CONCLUSION:The improvement of experimental diversion colitis following glutamine or butyrate enemas highlights the importance of specific luminal nutrients in the homeostasis of the colonic mucosa and supports their utilization for the treatment of human diversion colitis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.11803009 and 11603009the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province under Grant Nos.2018J05006,2018J01416 and 2016J05013。
文摘The acceleration of LMXB 4U 1820-30 derived from its orbital-period derivative P_(b)was supposed to be the evidence for an Intermediate-mass black hole(IMBH)in the Galactic globular cluster(GC)NGC 6624.However,we find that the anomalous P_(b)is mainly due to the gravitational wave emission,rather than the acceleration in cluster potential.Using the standard structure models of GCs,we simulate acceleration distributions for pulsars in the central region of the cluster.By fitting the acceleration of J1823-3021 A with the simulated distribution profiles(maximum values),it is suggested that an IMBH with mass M■950_(-350)^(+550)M_(⊙) may reside in the cluster center.We further show that the second period derivative P of J1823-3021 A is probably due to the gravitational perturbation of a nearby star.
文摘This study is an experimental study to analyze the dissipation effect of a baffle shape installed to reduce the scour problem downstream of a weir. The hydraulic experiment on the flow dissipation effect created by baffle installation was an experiment under a fixed bed condition to investigate the flow dissipation effect based on changes in flow in the apron downstream caused by?changes in baffle shape. The experimental analysis was conducted by measuring the flow rate at the apron downstream with and without the installation of a baffle on the basis of the flow dissipation effect. This experiment compared the flow dissipation effect achieved with five baffle shapes to analyze the effect of the baffle shape. Two conditions of flow rate were considered: when a water level in the area of super-critical flow was lower than the baffle height, and when it?flowed over the baffle. Overall, the flow dissipation effect was found to be?good when a square baffle with a large flow blocking area was used. The analysis also found that hydraulic jump was facilitated when the front part of the baffle was inclined, as flow was induced to the upper direction. The result of the experiment showed that when performing flow dissipation through the use of a baffle, the effect of flow blocking and flow duration alteration should be considered.
文摘The supply and demand of laboratory animals for teaching in colleges and universities has its own internal characteristics.To grasp the supply and demand characteristics of laboratory animals for teaching is of vital importance to the planning,supply and use of teaching animals,the realization of teaching objectives and the completion of teaching tasks.Based on the supply of teaching experimental animals and the work of animal experimental teaching in our university in recent years,this paper expounds the inherent characteristics and practice of supply and demand of teaching experimental animals.
文摘For the retaining wall and technologies to protect river levee, many patents were applied and numerous new technologies were developed according to the installation method and material. This study installed a magic retaining wall block, which was developed as new technology product to protect river levee from running water, in actual size experimental water channel and evaluated the hydraulic performance and the stability of technology based on the increase in the flow velocity and discharge by steps. This study divided the experiment into a total of six steps and conducted it accordingly. According to the experiment results, there was no deformation of the surface of the magic retaining wall block or any soil loss at the bottom either, under the condition of maximum flow velocity of 5.37 m/s (discharge of 7.40 m<sup>3</sup>/s). To analyze the occurrence of scour and the possibility of soil loss at the bottom of a structure due to a high flow velocity, this study conducted an image analysis of Case 6 under the condition of maximum discharge, using a drone. According to the results of an analysis through the drone, there was no soil loss or flow change due to a scour at the bottom of the magic retaining wall block. The results of this study will serve as references in designing a technology applying a magic retaining wall block, and present the methods and procedures to evaluate and verify the development of any further new technology.
文摘BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease,and gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with both of them.AIM To assess the relationship between gut dysbiosis and cardiovascular risk(CVR)in an experimental model of steatohepatitis.METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to a control group(n=10)fed a standard diet and an intervention group(n=10)fed a high-fat choline-deficient diet for 16 wk.Biochemical,molecular,hepatic,and cardiac histopathology.Gut microbiota variables were evaluated.RESULTS The intervention group had a significantly higher atherogenic coefficient,Castelli’s risk index(CRI)-I and CRI-II,interleukin-1β,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(all P<0.001),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(P=0.005),and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(P=0.037)than the control group.Gene expression of miR-33a increased(P=0.001)and miR-126(P<0.001)decreased in the intervention group.Steatohepatitis with fibrosis was seen in the intervention group,and heart computerized histological imaging analysis showed a significant decrease in the percentage of cardiomyocytes with a normal morphometric appearance(P=0.007),reduction in the mean area of cardiomyocytes(P=0.037),and an increase of atrophic cardiomyocytes(P=0.007).There were significant correlations between the cardiomyocyte morphometry markers and those of progression and severity of liver disease and CVR.The intervention group had a lower Shannon diversity index and fewer changes in the structural pattern of gut microbiota(both P<0.001)than controls.Nine microbial families that are involved in lipid metabolism were differentially abundant in intervention group and were significantly correlated with markers of liver injury and CVR.CONCLUSION The study found a link between gut dysbiosis and significant cardiomyocyte abnormalities in animals with steatohepatitis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21975028, U21A20172 and 22011540377)the Special Key Projects (2022-JCJQ-ZD-224-12)。
文摘To achieve high power conversion efficiency(PCE) and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells(PSCs), a hole transport layer(HTL) with persistently high conductivity, good moisture/oxygen barrier ability, and adequate passivation capability is important. To achieve enough conductivity and effective hole extraction, spiro-OMe TAD, one of the most frequently used HTL in optoelectronic devices, often needs chemical doping with a lithium compound(LiTFSI). However, the lithium salt dopant induces crystallization and has a negative impact on the performance and lifetime of the device due to its hygroscopic nature. Here, we provide an easy method for creating a gel by mixing a natural small molecule additive(thioctic acid, TA) with spiro-OMe TAD. We discover that gelation effectively improves the compactness of resultant HTL and prevents moisture and oxygen infiltration. Moreover, the gelation of HTL improves not only the conductivity of spiro-OMe TAD, but also the operational robustness of the devices in the atmospheric environment. In addition, TA passivates the perovskite defects and facilitates the charge transfer from the perovskite layer to HTL. As a consequence, the optimized PSCs based on the gelated HTL exhibit an improved PCE(22.52%) with excellent device stability.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFE0114400).
文摘Background Lactulose as an effective prebiotic protects intestinal mucosal injury.Bacillus coagulans is widely used in feed additives because of its ability to promote intestinal health.Our previous study suggests that the combination of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans may be a good candidate as alternative for antibiotic growth promoters.However,the in vivo effects of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans on growth and intestinal health under immune challenge in piglets remains unclear.The objective of this study is to explore the protective effects of synbiotic containing lactu-lose and Bacillus coagulans on the intestinal mucosal injury and barrier dysfunction under immune challenge in weaned piglets.Methods Twenty four weaned piglets were assigned to 4 groups.Piglets in the CON-_(saline)and LPS-_(LPS)group were fed the basal diet,while others were fed either with chlortetracycline(CTC)or synbiotic mixture of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans for 32 d before injection of saline or lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Piglets were sacrificed 4 h after LPS injection to collect samples to determine intestinal morphology,integrity and barrier functions as well as relative genes and proteins.Results Our data showed that no differences were observed in the growth performance of the four test groups.LPS injection induced higher serum diamine oxidase activities,D-lactic acid levels,and endotoxin status,lower villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth,greater mRNA and lower protein expression related tight junction in both jejunum and ileum.In addition,a higher apoptosis index,and protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 were also observed in the LPS challenge group.Interestingly,dietary synbiotic mixture with lactulose and Bacillus coagulans protected against LPS-induced intestinal damage,barrier dysfunction and higher apoptosis as well as CTC.Conclusions Our data suggest that dietary supplementation of synbiotic mixture with lactulose and Bacillus coagu-lans showed resilience to LPS-induced intestinal morphological damage,barrier dysfunction and aggressive apoptosis in piglets as well as the protective effects of CTC.These results indicate that synbiotic mixture of lactulose and Bacillus coagulans showed beneficial effects on performance and resilience to acute immune stress in weaned piglets.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171363(to PL),82171321(to XL),82171458(to XJ)the Youth Nova Program of Shaanxi,No.2021KJXX-19(to PL)。
文摘The cumulative damage caused by repetitive mild traumatic brain injury can cause long-term neurodegeneration leading to cognitive impairment.This cognitive impairment is thought to result specifically from damage to the hippocampus.In this study,we detected cognitive impairment in mice 6 weeks after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury using the novel object recognition test and the Morris water maze test.Immunofluorescence staining showed that p-tau expression was increased in the hippocampus after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.Golgi staining showed a significant decrease in the total density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampus,as well as in the density of mature dendritic spines.To investigate the specific molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment due to hippocampal damage,we performed proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of the hippocampus with and without repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.The differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in inflammation,immunity,and coagulation,suggesting that non-neuronal cells are involved in the pathological changes that occur in the hippocampus in the chronic stage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.In contrast,differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins were mainly enriched in pathways related to neuronal function and structure,which is more consistent with neurodegeneration.We identified N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 as a hub molecule involved in the response to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,and western blotting showed that,while N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 expression was not altered in the hippocampus after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,its phosphorylation level was significantly increased,which is consistent with the omics results.Administration of GRP78608,an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 antagonist,to the hippocampus markedly improved repetitive mild traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment.In conclusion,our findings suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 signaling in the hippocampus is involved in cognitive impairment in the chronic stage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and may be a potential target for intervention and treatment.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82070367).
文摘To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing porcine ischemia-reperfusion models by ligating the left anterior descending(LAD)coronary artery,we first randomly divided 16 male Bama pigs into a sham group and a model group.After anesthesia,we separated the arteries and veins.Subsequently,we rapidly located the LAD coronary artery at the beginning of its first diagonal branch through a mid-chest incision.Then,we loosened and released the ligation line after five minutes of pre-occlusion.Finally,we ligated the LAD coronary artery in situ two minutes later and loosened the ligature 60 min after ischemia.Compared with the sham group,electrocardiogram showed multiple continuous lead ST-segment elevations,and ultrasound cardiogram showed significantly lower ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening at one hour and seven days post-operation in the model group.Twenty-four hours after the operation,cardiac troponin T and creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme levels significantly increased in the model group,compared with the sham group.Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed the presence of many inflammatory cells infiltrating the interstitium of the myocardium in the model group but not in the sham group.Masson staining revealed a significant increase in infarct size in the ischemia/reperfusion group.All eight pigs in the model group recovered with normal sinus heart rates,and the survival rate was 100%.In conclusion,the method can provide an accurate and stable large animal model for preclinical research on ischemia/reperfusion with a high success rate and homogeneity of the myocardial infarction area.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81441016)and Key R&D Plan in Shaanxi Province of China(No.2020SF-262 and No.2019SF-200).
文摘Objective Cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are important features of cardiac fibrosis.Various studies have indicated that vitamin D displays an anti-fibrotic property in chronic heart diseases.This study explored the role of vitamin D in the growth of CFs via an integrin signaling pathway.Methods MTT and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were performed to determine cell viability.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and integrin signaling pathway.The fibronectin was observed by ELISA.Immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate the expression of integrinβ3.Results The PCNA expression in the CFs was enhanced after isoproterenol(ISO)stimulation accompanied by an elevated expression of integrin beta-3(β3).The blockade of the integrinβ3 with a specific integrinβ3 antibody reduced the PCNA expression induced by the ISO.Decreasing the integrinβ3 by siRNA reduced the ISO-triggered phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Both the FAK inhibitor and Akt inhibitor suppressed the PCNA expression induced by the ISO in the CFs.Calcitriol(CAL),an active form of vitamin D,attenuated the ISO-induced CFs proliferation by downregulating the integrinβ3 expression,and phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Moreover,CAL reduced the increased levels of fibronectin and hydroxyproline in the CFs culture medium triggered by the ISO.The administration of calcitriol decreased the integrinβ3 expression in the ISO-induced myocardial injury model.Conclusion These findings revealed a novel role for CAL in suppressing the CFs growth by the downregulation of the integrinβ3/FAK/Akt pathway.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program(grant number 2017YFD0601100)。
文摘Little is known about C-N-P stoichiometries and content in teak(Tectona grandis)plantations in South China,which are mostly sited on hilly areas with lateritic soil,and the effect of slope position on the accumulation of these elements in trees and rhizosphere soils.Here we analyzed the C,N,P content and stoichiometry in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils of trees on the upper and lower slopes of a 12-year-old teak plantation.The Kraft classification system of tree status was used to sample dominant,subdominant and mean trees at each slope position.The results showed that the C,N and P contents in leaves were higher than in fine roots and rhizosphere soils.The lowest C/N,C/P and N/P ratios were found in rhizosphere soils,and the C/N and C/P ratios in fine roots were higher than in leaves.Nutrient accumulation in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils were significantly influenced by slope position and tree class with their interaction mainly showing a greater effect on rhizosphere soils.Leaf C content and C/N ratio,fine root C and P contents,and C/N and C/P ratios all increased distinctly with declining slope position.The contents of organic matter(SOM),ammonium(NH4+-N),nitrate-nitrogen(NO3--N)and available potassium(AK)in rhizosphere soils were mainly enriched on upper slopes,but exchange calcium(ECa),available phosphorus(AP),and pH were relatively lower.Variations in the C,N and P stoichiometries in trees were mainly attributed to the differences in rhizosphere soil properties.N and P contents showed significant positive linear relationships between leaf and rhizosphere soil,and C content negative linear correlation among leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils.Chemical properties of rhizosphere soils,particularly C/N and NH4+-N,had significant effects on the leaf nutrients in trees on the upper slope.Correspondingly,rhizosphere soil properties mainly influenced fine root nutrients on the lower slope,and soil AK was the major influencing factor.Overall,these results offer new insights for the sustainability and management of teak plantations in hilly areas.
