bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extracts from Chrysanthemum zawadskii Flower and Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit Occur via Inhibition of the NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hwang Jisun , Jang Bohee , Choi Yeong Woo , Han Inn-Oc , Oh Eok-Soo
Published: September 2023

Chrysanthemum zawadskii (CZ) and Cudrania tricuspidata (CT) are both traditional Korea herbal medicines, which is widely used to treat fever, cough, gastritis, and women’s diseases that may be linked to inflammatory response. Although it has been used to treat diseases related to inflammation, there has been no case of the synergistic anti‐inflammatory properties of both extracts. Our data revealed that ethanol extracts of dried whole CZ exhibited free radical‐scavenging capacity in vitro, reduced LPS‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species, and decreased the LPS‐induced upregulations of the mRNAs encoding iNOS, COX‐2, and IL‐6 in RAW 264.7 cells, without significant cytotoxicity. This anti‐inflammatory effect was most evident from flower extracts: ethanol extracts from flowers significantly reduced the LPS‐induced upregulations of iNOS and COX‐2 at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. An ethanol extract of the fruit from CT also exerted a radical scavenging capacity and suppressed LPS‐induced proinflammatory gene expression: 5.5 μg/ml of the ethanol extract significantly reduced the ability of LPS to induce the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and IL‐6 without apparent cytotoxicity. Furthermore, as little as 1.0 μg/ml of the combined ethanol extracts of CZ flower and CT fruit reduced the LPS‐induced changes monitored herein, decreasing the upregulations of iNOS and IL‐6, and decreasing the nuclear localization of NF‐κB p65. These results suggest that the observed synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects may be mediated via inhibition of NF‐κB signaling. Taken together, these data suggest that ethanol extracts from CZ flowers and CT fruits have synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects and that a combination of the two extracts could prove useful for the treatment of inflammation‐related diseases.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Segmental Lining under Ground Shock: A Simplified Calculation Method
Authors: Wang Shihao , Wang Ke , Wang Yong , Liu Yi , Xu Zhongyuan , Liu Shaoliu
Published: September 2023

The tunnel lining segments are assumed to be rigid, and the tensile, compression, shear, and bending properties of the joints are considered. A simplified calculation method for the dynamic response of the structure under the ground shock is proposed, and its correctness is verified by comparing it with results from the finite element method. Using this method, the dynamic response of a subway tunnel lining is calculated, the change in joint force is studied, and the influence of the angle between the load and the center of the minimum segment and the wavelength–diameter ratio on the peak joint force is examined. The results indicate that under the ground shock, shallow tunnel lining is in the impulsive regime, and the force of segment joints is mainly compressed. As the wavelength–diameter ratio increases, the peak values of the lining top displacement and vertical deformation increase significantly, and the proportion of displacement and deformation caused by the inertial force gradually decreases. Sine and cosine functions can be used to preliminarily judge if the bending moment and radial force of the joint are too large or too small, so that the resistance of the lining to ground shock can be improved to a certain extent by setting the positions of lining joints reasonably.
Fructose-Induced mTORC1 Activation Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression through Inhibition of Autophagy
Authors: Cui Yanfen , Tian Jianfei , Wang Zhaosong , Guo Hui , Zhang He , Wang Zhiyong , Liu Hui , Song Weijie , Liu Liming , Tian Ruinan , Zuo Xiaoyan , Ren Sixin , Niu Ruifang , Zhang Fei
Published: September 2023

Excessive fructose intake is associated with the occurrence, progression, and poor prognosis of various tumors. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the functions of fructose in cancer could facilitate the development of better treatment and prevention strategies. In this study, we investigated the functional association between fructose utilization and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. Fructose could be taken up and metabolized by PDAC cells and provided an adaptive survival mechanism for PDAC cells under glucose-deficient conditions. GLUT5-mediated fructose metabolism maintained the survival, proliferation, and invasion capacities of PDAC cells in vivo and in vitro. Fructose metabolism not only provided ATP and biomass to PDAC cells but also conferred metabolic plasticity to the cells, making them more adaptable to the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, fructose activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)–mTORC1 signaling pathway to inhibit glucose deficiency-induced autophagic cell death. Moreover, the fructose-specific transporter GLUT5 was highly expressed in PDAC tissues and was an independent marker of disease progression in patients with PDAC. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the role of fructose in promoting PDAC progression and offer potential strategies for targeting metabolism to treat PDAC.

Significance:

Fructose activates AMPK–mTORC1 signaling to inhibit autophagy-mediated cell death in pancreatic cancer cells caused by glucose deficiency, facilitating metabolic adaptation to the tumor microenvironment and supporting tumor growth.
Galectin-3 Cooperates with CD47 to Suppress Phagocytosis and T-cell Immunity in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastases
Authors: Fan Yibo , Song Shumei , Li Yuan , Dhar Shilpa S. , Jin Jiankang , Yoshimura Katsuhiro , Yao Xiaodan , Wang Ruiping , Scott Ailing W. , Pizzi Melissa Pool , Wu Jingjing , Ma Lang , Calin George A. , Hanash Samir , Wang Linghua , Curran Michael , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: September 2023

The peritoneal cavity is a common site of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) metastasis. Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is resistant to current therapies and confers poor prognosis, highlighting the need to identify new therapeutic targets. CD47 conveys a “don't eat me” signal to myeloid cells upon binding its receptor signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), which helps tumor cells circumvent macrophage phagocytosis and evade innate immune responses. Previous studies demonstrated that the blockade of CD47 alone results in limited clinical benefits, suggesting that other target(s) might need to be inhibited simultaneously with CD47 to elicit a strong antitumor response. Here, we found that CD47 was highly expressed on malignant PC cells, and elevated CD47 was associated with poor prognosis. Galectin-3 (Gal3) expression correlated with CD47 expression, and coexpression of Gal3 and CD47 was significantly associated with diffuse type, poor differentiation, and tumor relapse. Depletion of Gal3 reduced expression of CD47 through inhibition of c-Myc binding to the CD47 promoter. Furthermore, injection of Gal3–deficient tumor cells into either wild-type and Lgals3−/− mice led to a reduction in M2 macrophages and increased T-cell responses compared with Gal3 wild-type tumor cells, indicating that tumor cell–derived Gal3 plays a more important role in GAC progression and phagocytosis than host-derived Gal3. Dual blockade of Gal3 and CD47 collaboratively suppressed tumor growth, increased phagocytosis, repolarized macrophages, and boosted T-cell immune responses. These data uncovered that Gal3 functions together with CD47 to suppress phagocytosis and orchestrate immunosuppression in GAC with PC, which supports exploring a novel combination therapy targeting Gal3 and CD47.

Significance:

Dual inhibition of CD47 and Gal3 enhances tumor cell phagocytosis and reprograms macrophages to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment and suppress tumor growth in peritoneal metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Glioma Response to IDH Inhibition: Real-World Experience
Authors: Lukas Rimas V. , Horbinski Craig
Published: September 2023

Treatment of IDH-mutated non-enhancing grade 2 and 3 diffuse gliomas with ivosidenib leads to reduction of tumor size when assessed via volumetric MRI. Isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibition has a therapeutic benefit in patients with these tumors.

See related article by Kamson et al., p. 4863
Relationship between Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea and Intestinal Microbiome Composition
Authors: Kawasaki Yuka , Kakimoto Kazuki , Tanaka Yasuyoshi , Shimizu Hikaru , Nishida Koji , Numa Keijiro , Kinoshita Naohiko , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Nakazawa Kei , Koshiba Ryoji , Hirata Yuki , Ota Kazuhiro , Sakiyama Naokuni , Terazawa Tetsuji , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Miyazaki Takako , Goto Masahiro , Yokota Haruka , Makizaki Yutaka , Tanaka Yoshiki , Nakajima Shunji , Ohno Hiroshi , Higuchi Kazuhide , Nakamura Shiro , Nishikawa Hiroki
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: Fluoropyrimidines (FPs) are key drugs in many chemotherapy regimens; however, recipients are often prone to diarrhea due to gastrointestinal toxicity. Disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier function by FPs leads to dysbiosis, which may exacerbate intestinal epithelial cell damage as a secondary effect and trigger diarrhea. However, despite studies on chemotherapy-induced changes in the intestinal microbiome of humans, the relationship between dysbiosis and diarrhea is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and the intestinal microbiome. Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective observational study. Twenty-three patients who received chemotherapy, including FPs as first-line chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, were included. Stool samples were collected before the start of chemotherapy and after one cycle of treatment to analyze intestinal microbiome composition and perform PICRUSt predictive metagenomic analysis. Results: Gastrointestinal toxicity was observed in 7 of 23 patients (30.4%), diarrhea was observed in 4 (17.4%), and nausea and anorexia were observed in 3 (13.0%). In 19 patients treated with oral FPs, the α diversity of the microbial community decreased significantly following chemotherapy only in the diarrheal group. At the phylum level, the diarrheal group showed a significant decrease in the abundance of Firmicutes and a significant increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes with chemotherapy (p = 0.013 and 0.011, respectively). In the same groups, at the genus level, Bifidobacterium abundance was significantly decreased (p = 0.019). In contrast, in the non-diarrheal group, Actinobacteria abundance increased significantly with chemotherapy at the phylum level (p = 0.011). Further, Bifidobacterium, Fusicatenibacter, and Dorea abundance significantly increased at the genus level (p = 0.006, 0.019, and 0.011, respectively). The PICRUSt predictive metagenomic analysis revealed that chemotherapy caused significant differences in membrane transport in KEGG pathway level 2 and in 8 KEGG pathway level 3, including transporters and oxidative phosphorylation in the diarrhea group. Conclusion: Organic-acid-producing bacteria seem to be involved in diarrhea associated with chemotherapy, including FPs.
Detection of Small Airway Dysfunction in Asthmatic Patients by Spirometry and Impulse Oscillometry System
Authors: Pisi Roberta , Aiello Marina , Frizzelli Annalisa , Feci Davide , Aredano Ilaria , Manari Gaia , Calzetta Luigino , Pelà Giovanna , Chetta Alfredo
Published: September 2023

Background: There is no gold standard in diagnosing SAD. Indicators of SAD are considered: (a) a value <65% of predicted values of two of three measures, FEF25-75, FEF50 e FEF75 (FEF+); (b) a value of FEV3/FEV6 < LLN (FEV3/FEV6+); (c) an IOS value of R5-R20 >0.07 kPa·s·L−1 (R5-R20+). Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to ascertain, in asthmatic patients, whether spirometry and IOS indicators agree in detecting SAD. We also assessed the relationship between spirometry and IOS indicators and clinical features of asthma. Methods: We prospectively recruited adult asthmatic patients. Anthropometric and clinical characteristics were recorded. All patients performed spirometry and IOS tests. Results: We enrolled 301 asthmatic patients (179 females; mean age 50 ± 16 years) with normal to moderately severe degree of airway obstruction; 91% were non-smokers, 74% were atopic, 28% had an exacerbation in the previous year, and 18% had a poor asthma control by ACT. SAD was diagnosed in 62% of patients through FEF+, in 40% through FEV3/FEV6+ and in 41% through R5-R20+. κ values were 0.49 between FEF+ and FEV3/FEV6+, 0.20 between FEF+ and R5-R20+, 0.07 between FEV3/FEV6+ and R5-R20+. R5-R20+ but not FEF+ and FEV3/FEV6+ was significantly associated with ACT score (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study shows that in mild to moderately severe asthmatic patients, spirometry and IOS indicators are complementary in diagnosing SAD. Additionally, IOS indicator, but not spirometry ones, was related to asthma control.
Fetal Exposure to Preeclampsia and Later Risk of Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Paramsothy Abira , Hegvik Tor-Arne , Engeland Anders , Bjørge Tone , Egeland Grace M. , Klungsøyr Kari
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Fetal preeclampsia exposure has been associated with later cardiometabolic disease. However, this association has been investigated in few large population-wide studies, and it is unknown whether the association represents a causal relationship or is the result of shared etiological factors.

METHODS:

To further investigate the relationship between preeclampsia exposure and later cardiometabolic disease, we identified 1 692 944 singleton infants born in Norway during 1967 to 1997, where 44 299 were exposed to preeclampsia in utero. The individuals were followed for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia as defined by dispensed medication. We used Cox regression models to calculate the association between preeclampsia exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes adjusting for measured confounders. We also used full sibling comparisons and stratified Cox regression to control for unmeasured familial confounders.

RESULTS:

On the population level, exposed individuals had increased risk of hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.51 [95% CI, 1.41–1.63]), diabetes (aHR 1.33 [95% CI, 1.24-1.43], and dyslipidemia (aHR 1.28 [95% CI, 1.13–1.45]) compared with unexposed individuals. In sibling data, individuals not exposed to preeclampsia, but with an exposed sibling, had higher risk of hypertension and diabetes than individuals where no siblings were exposed to preeclampsia. Moreover, when comparing siblings discordant on preeclampsia exposure, there were no associations between preeclampsia and hypertension (aHR 1.05 [95% CI, 0.88–1.26]), diabetes (aHR 0.96 [95% CI, 0.80–1.14]), and dyslipidemia (aHR 0.86 [95% CI, 0.62–1.20]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Fetal preeclampsia exposure was associated with adult life hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, but these associations were likely due to shared etiological factors, rather than exposure to the preeclamptic condition itself.
Public Schools and Their Pensions: How Is Pension Spending Affecting U.S. School Districts?
Authors: Anzia Sarah F.
Published: September 2023

State and local government decisions about how school funding is raised and allocated have profound impacts on American public education, and in recent years, experts have documented large increases in one type of spending in particular: public pensions. Because most data on school district pension expenditures are at the state level, it has so far been difficult to assess what changes local school districts have made in response. In this paper, I analyze a new dataset of the annual pension expenditures of approximately 200 unified school districts across the United States from 2005 to 2016. Consistent with findings in the literature, I find that pension expenditures rose in real terms in most of them, but also that there has been significant variation in that growth. Moreover, in a descriptive analysis, I find that larger within-district pension expenditure growth is associated with (1) greater revenue growth in the subsequent year and (2) reductions in school district employment, mainly through reductions in the number of non-teaching staff. Finally, there is evidence that districts’ responses to rising pension expenditures may depend on state political institutions, in particular whether the states have mandatory collective bargaining for teachers.
CTE-Focused Dual Enrollment: Participation and Outcomes
Authors: A. Edmunds Julie , Unlu Fatih , Phillips Brian , Mulhern Christine , Hutchins Bryan C.
Published: September 2023

Recent policy efforts have attempted to increase the number of dual enrollment courses offered within Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and there is evidence to suggest that this practice is widespread. However, there is very little research on student participation in CTE dual enrollment and on its impacts. This study examines participation in the CTE Dual Enrollment Pathway in North Carolina, finding that about 9 percent of North Carolina students participated in CTE dual enrollment courses in eleventh or twelfth grade and disparities in participation among subgroups were less than for college transfer dual enrollment courses. Using a propensity-score weighing approach that compared outcomes for participating students with a weighted group of nonparticipants, the study found that participation in CTE dual enrollment was positively associated with college credits earned in high school, graduation from high school, and overall enrollment in college within one year after high school. The study also examined results by subgroup.
Neo-Luddism in the Shadow of Luddism
Authors: Tunç Yusuf Erdem , Öcal Aslan Tolga
Published: September 2023

Technology is adopted regardless of its results; however, technology does not always result in absolute progress. The Luddites, the first movement to resist the effects of technology, made a series of uprisings in the nineteenth century, and even today they represent anxiety against technology. Neo-Luddism, as the successor of Luddism, peacefully opposes technology’s adverse effects with a distinct identity. This study evaluates the role Neo-Luddites can play in countering technology’s consequences. The study examines the Neo-Luddite perspective on technology, which seeks to find its own identity between the optimism of scientism in the technographic world and the pessimism of Luddism, considering the consequences of technology on employment and work. Neo-Luddites should emphasize technology’s political side, establish an identity, and determine their methods. Through these efforts, Neo-Luddites can raise awareness of technology’s adverse effects, build pressure on social policies and legal regulations, and shape society’s perspective of technology.
The first checklist of the tribe Olethreutini (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) of Thailand
Authors: MUADSUB SOPITA , PINKAEW NANTASAK
Published: September 2023

Olethreutini fauna in Thailand consists of 171 species belonging to 57 genera. This checklist is based on literature in which Olethreutini species have been described or recorded and identified specimens that were deposited in Kasetsart Kamphaengsaen Insect Collection (KKIC), Thailand. Of those, 36 species still were reported only in Thailand. Five genera (Lipsotelus, Meiligma, Metrioglypha, Prophaecasia, and Psilacantha) are new records for Thailand. Furthermore, 29 species are also recorded from Thailand for the first time.
Production and Characterization of Sustainable Biomass Briquettes from Selected Bamboo Species
Authors: Krishnamoorthi Settu , Divya Muthusamy Palani , Sekar Iyapillai , Varuvel George Jenner , Ravi Ramasamy , Hemalatha Palanivel
Published: September 2023

Bamboo is a diverse group of fast growing perennial tall tree-like perennial grass species, versatile and growing in many parts of India. Every year, the bamboo based industries produce 14.6%–33.5% of bamboo waste, which could be better utilized in the form of briquettes, with
the bamboo-based briquettes providing alternative resources for coal and loose biomass requirements in the diverse industries e.g., agro-industries, tea and coffee industries, food processing industries, brick kilns, beverage industries, and pharmaceutical industries. The physic-thermo-chemical
analysis was conducted in the briquette produced from six bamboo species namely Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa polymorpha, Bambusa cacharensis, Bambusa balcooa, Dendrocalamus longispathus, and Melocanna baccifera, by using a pilot hydraulic piston briquette machine. The current study
concludes that the briquettes produced from a 4-year-old culm of Bambusa polymorpha gave better performance based on the briquettes properties of moisture content (4.75%), ash content (2.37%), volatile matter (71.59%), fixed carbon content (26.04%), gross calorific value (19.09 MJ kg−1),
bulk density (367.7 kg cm−3), energy density (7.03 MJ m−3), compression strength (6.60 MPa), drop resistance test (0.31%), and swelling (3.54), respectively. The briquettes produced from locally available bamboo species in Tripura could potentially fulfill the demand for thermal
energy and be an alternative to the usage of coal and loose biomass in the diverse industries, especially in the state of North-East India.
The Effects of Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency on the Growth, Physiology, and Nutrient Uptake Characteristics of Walnut Trees
Authors: Wang Yushu , Yang Huajun , Wei Liben , Liang Honghai , Huang Xiaohui , Tang Jiajia , Feng Dalan , Li Xiuzhen
Published: September 2023

This study explored the response characteristics and adaptation mechanisms of walnut saplings under calcium and magnesium deficiency. Using walnut saplings as the research subjects, and three treatment groups were established for pot experiments: no deficiency (control, CK), calcium
deficiency (–Ca), and magnesium deficiency (–Mg). The development, physiological attributes, and mineral composition of walnut seedlings were assessed, with an analysis focusing on how deficiencies in calcium and magnesium impact these elements. Compared to the findings in the
CK group, walnut plant height, ground diameter, leaf area, root length, root area, number of root tips, and biomass were significantly decreased in the –Ca and –Mg groups. However, the proportions of the root surface area attributable to level I and II roots were significantly
increased in the –Ca and –Mg groups, whereas that attributable to level V roots was significantly decreased. The root-to-shoot ratio was significantly increased in both groups. Peroxidase (POD), proline (Pro), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in walnuts significantly increased
under calcium deficiency (p<0.05), Moreover, when there is a deficiency in magnesium, there is a notable escalation in the activities of SOD, POD, and catalase, as well as a marked rise in the levels of Pro, MDA, and soluble sugars. Calcium and magnesium deficiency significantly
altered mineral content of walnuts. Calcium deficiency inhibited the absorption of N, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn, but promoted that of P, K, and Mg. Magnesium deficiency inhibited the absorption of N, P, K, Mg, and Fe, whereas it has no effect on other minerals. Long-term calcium and magnesium
deficiency significantly affected the growth of walnut saplings, with magnesium deficiency having strong effects. However, saplings adjusted to mineral deficiency by enhancing the absorption capacity of their roots. Simultaneously, They stimulated the antioxidant protection mechanisms, modulating
the activity of enzymes that combat oxidation, and altering the levels of free Pro and soluble sugars within cells to eliminate free radicals generated due to stress. This, in turn, alleviates the harm caused by lipid peroxidation and bolsters resistance to adverse stress.
Identification, Biological Characteristics and Semi Artificial Cultivation Experiment of Entoloma clypeatum
Authors: Guan Qinlan , Gong Ming-Fu , Ma Zhongqin , Lu Chenxin
Published: September 2023

Entoloma clypeatum (L.) P. Kumm., also known as Rhodophyllus clypeatus (L. fr.) Quel, is an ectomycorrhizal fungus that grows with Prunus mume. In this study, a strain of E. clypeatum was identified and characterized using morphological and molecular methods.
Furthermore, the biological characteristics of the strain were observed, and a semi artificial cultivation experiment was conducted. The results showed that, the strain MBQM10168 was identified to be Entoloma clypeatum. The indices including the morphology, growth, and mycelial density
of E. clypeatum exhibited significant differences under different conditions such as culture media, pH, growth temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, and air permeability. However, it’s growth was not sensitive to light. The optimal growth conditions for E. clypeatum
mycelium were cultured with branches of P. mume and cottonseed hulls culture media, with a pH range of 4–8, temperature range of 18–28 °C, along-side specific sources of carbon and nitrogen. These include cellobiose, sucrose, and sodium acetate as carbon sources, and
lysine, diammonium citrate, methionine, and ammonium sulfate as nitrogen sources. In addition, with cotton plug for sealing method. Overall, this study demonstrated the feasibility of semi-artificial cultivation of E. clypeatum under suitable conditions, which is expected to promote
the comprehensive utilization of the P. mume plant area and improve the economic values.
The Mechanism of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription in Regulating Luteal Phase Deficiency via Intervention of the Kiss1/GPR54 System in the Hypothalamus
Authors: Liu Bei , Zhou Bo-Ru , Yuan Yi-Zhen , Zhang Shuang , Zhou Wei-Ye , Hu Ming-Hui , Jin Jing , Zhou Hui-Fang , De Ji
Published: September 2023

Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) is a significant contributor to infertility and miscarriage. Bushen Zhuyun Prescription (BSZY) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has potential to treat LPD. To investigate the effect of BSZY in treating LPD, SD rats with complete estrous cycles
were divided into blank, model, dydrogesterone (DYD), high-dose BSZY (BSZY-HD), and low-dose BSZY (BSZY-LD) groups. All the groups were received mifepristone gavage except for the blank group. The pathological changes were observed in the hypothalamus, and the analysis of follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in serum. Additionally, the mRNA and their protein expression levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα), ERβ,
G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1), and GPR54 were assessed; and the key molecules expression in cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway were analyzed. The results revealed that mifepristone treatment caused a decrease in FSH and cAMP levels and an increase in E2 and LH
levels, which were normalised in the BSZY treatment groups. The expression of ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein in the hypothalamus was higher in the BSZY groups compared to the blank group. BSZY also resulted in increased expression of Kiss-1, GPR54, and PKA, as
well as decreased expression of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), c-Fos, phospho-CREB (p-CREB), and p-c-Fos, compared to model group. No significant difference observed in GPR30 expression between the mifepristone and BSZY groups. The mRNA and protein of Kiss1 and GPR54
were decreased in model group and increased after BSZY treatment, while the mRNA and protein expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, p-CREB, and p-c-Fos were also decreased significantly. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that BSZY could effectively regulate hypothalamic ER, interfere with the
Kiss1/GPR54 signal transduction system, activate the cAMP/PKA pathway, and regulate key transduction molecules expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, there by effecting the level of reproductive hormones and has the potential to treat LPD-related infertility.
The Effect of the Hierarchical Chain Nursing Model Combined with Feilike Mixture Treatment on the Disappearance of Fever and Cough in Pediatric Pneumonia
Authors: Wang Meiling , Wu Jingxian
Published: September 2023

In this study, we examined the effect of the hierarchical chain nursing model combined with Feilike mixture treatment on the disappearance of fever and cough in children with pneumonia. Eighty children with pneumonia who were admitted to our hospital from March 2021 to July 2022 were
selected as the study subjects. The children were divided into the observation group (n = 40) and the experimental group (n = 40) based on the treatment interventions that they received. The observation group underwent routine treatment plus hierarchical chain nursing intervention,
while the experimental group were treated with the Feilike mixture in addition to the interventions provided to the observation group. The clinical efficacy and symptom disappearance time were compared between the two groups. Subsequently, an in vitro cell experiment was conducted using
lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 inflammatory cells to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Feilike mixture. Immunoblotting was performed to measure tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β expression, further validating the mechanism of
action of the Feilike mixture in treating children with pneumonia. The total effective rate in the observation group was 77.5% compared with 97.5% in the experimental group (P <0.05). The disappearance time of fever, cough, and pulmonary rales in the experimental group was significantly
shorter than in the observation group (P <0.05). In the in vitro experiment, compared with the control group, the inflammatory factor concentrations in the model group were significantly increased (P <0.05). The Feilike mixture at various doses exhibited significant
inhibitory effects on inflammatory factor expression. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of relevant proteins was elevated in the model group compared with the control group (P <0.05). After treatment with the Feilike mixture, protein expression was significantly
reduced compared with the model group (P <0.05). The application of the hierarchical chain nursing model combined with the Feilike mixture in children with pneumonia showed promising results. This combined intervention effectively improved the therapeutic efficacy and promoted the
rapid disappearance of symptoms, such as fever, cough, and pulmonary rales. Furthermore, the in vitro results demonstrated that the Feilike mixture significantly reduced inflammatory factor concentrations, while inhibiting the expression of related proteins.
Bone-Healing Activity of Galanthus nivalis Extract-Impregnated Alginate/Chitosan Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Liu Yong , Yang Guogang
Published: September 2023

In this study, Galanthus nivalis extract was incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles and the resulting particles were loaded into alginate/chitosan scaffolds for the treatment of calvarial defects in a rat model. Cell viability assay, cytoprotection assay, scanning electron
microcopy assay, cell migration assay, swelling assay, biodegradation assay, antiinflammatory assay, compressive strength measurement, and porosity assays were performed for characterizing the composite sponges. In Vitro studies showed that the scaffolds had a porous architecture and
protected cells against oxidative stress. In Vivo study showed that bone healing activity of Galanthus nivalis extract-loaded scaffolds was significantly greater than polymer-only scaffolds and control group. Gene expression studies showed that the expression levels of osteopontin,
collagen type 1, osteonectin, and TGF-B genes was improved in the Galanthus nivalis extract-containing scaffolds. This preliminary research shows that the combination of herbal medicine principles with bone tissue engineering is an effective strategy to treat bone injuries.
Panax Notoginseng Saponins Alleviate High Glucose-Induced Glomerular Endothelial Cell Injury by Inhibiting the ET-1/PKC/TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yin Min , Ai Xi , Pan Yuanwei , Wang Lin , Liu Rui , Zhu Weihong , Sun Yalin , Wang Shuiying , Jin Zhouhui
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on glomerular endothelial cell (GEC) injury induced by high glucose, which is crucial in the development of diabetic nephropathy. GECs were treated with high glucose
alone, PNS alone, or a combination of PNS and overexpression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a key regulator in endothelial dysfunction. The results showed that high glucose inhibited cell viability, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and upregulated the expression of fibronectin (FN),
collagen type IV (Col-IV), protein kinase C (PKC), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and ET-1. Additionally, high glucose downregulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT). PNS treatment
significantly protected against high glucose-induced GEC injury by promoting cell viability, reducing ROS generation, downregulating FN, Col-IV, PKC, TGF-β1, and ET-1 expression, and upregulating SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT expression. However, ET-1 overexpression reversed the protective
effects of PNS, indicating the involvement of the ET-1/protein kinase C (PKC)/TGF-β1 pathway. In conclusion, PNS demonstrated a protective effect against high glucose-induced GEC injury by inhibiting the ET-1/PKC/TGF-β1 pathway. These findings suggest that PNS may be
a potential therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy by antagonizing ET-1.
Curculigoside Inhibits the Progression of Osteoarthritis via Regulating Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain-Like Receptor Containing Pyrin Domain 3
Authors: Shen Guowei , Yan Shichang , Shen Siyuan , Liang Feng , Xiao Shouyun , Zhang Yunpeng , Zhang Yongtao , Ding Huimin
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to explore the potential effects of curculigoside on NLRP3 expression and catabolic genes in osteoarthritis (OA) development. OA mouse models were generated by destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM) and treated with curculigoside. Curculigoside treatment resulted in
dose-dependent reductions in OARSI scores, with the 20 μg dose restoring scores to normal levels. Curculigoside increased mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and MMP9 induced by DMM surgery in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, curculigoside downregulated the expression of NLRP3, NF-κB,
and PKR at both mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, curculigoside reversed the effects of IL-1β on MMP-9, iNOS, and Col2A mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner, similar to the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. In vivo and in vitro results supported curculigoside’s
potential to aid cartilage restoration in OA patients by blocking the NLRP3 pathway. These findings suggest curculigoside as a potential therapeutic option for OA, offering hope for improved public health outcomes related to this degenerative joint condition.
Study of the process of preparing amorphous Fe–W(La) alloy plating by induced co-deposition
Authors: Tian Liang , Li Jidong , Xing Hongxuan , Yue Lingfeng , Li Zhen , Wang Yiyong
Published: September 2023

To obtain high-performance Fe–W alloy plating instead of environmentally hazardous chromium plating, the effects of the cathode material, electrolyte pH, temperature, current density, plating time and rotational speed on the cathode current efficiency and alloy plating are investigated
in this paper. The results show that the pH and current density of the plating solution greatly influence the morphology and current efficiency of the cathode. The current efficiency of the cathode can reach 63.56%, and the tungsten content can reach 55% at pH = 8, 60 °C, 12 A/dm2,
100 r/min, 75 min, 0.1 mol/l of Fe2+ and 0.2 mol/l of W6+. After XRD analysis, the plating is found to consist of the Fe7W6 amorphous phase. In addition, La is added to the Fe–W alloy under optimal conditions. By analyzing the polarization curve, the potential of
the Fe–W(La) alloy is positively shifted by 0.039 V compared with the Fe–W alloy, which has good corrosion resistance.
Recent progress of nano-drug delivery systems in gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Guan Xiaoqi , Zhang Ke , Mei Xianghuang , He Zhipeng , Su Shi , Yang Jingcheng , Lv Jiake , Yuan Li , Duan Xiao , Guo Wei
Published: September 2023

Gastrointestinal cancer is a major cancer type with a high incidence worldwide. In China, most patients with gastrointestinal tumors are diagnosed in the late stage and are unsuitable for surgery. Chemotherapy is the last treatment option for most advanced tumor patients. However, it
always leads to severe side effects on the human body. The emergence of nano-carrier-based drug delivery can remarkably increase drug efficiency and avoid severe side effects in cancer patients. This article reviews the therapeutic application of nano-drug delivery systems (NDDSs) in gastrointestinal
tumors in recent years, which is expected to improve the quality of life of advanced cancer patients and help develop more nano-drugs for gastrointestinal cancer patients.
The effect of nanomaterials in the treatment of medical waste in hospitals
Authors: Su Xuefeng , Zhu Mengni , Li Hui , Li Yilin , Sun Cheng
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of medical waste produced, which poses a serious threat to the environment. Within such waste, the presence of antibiotics, which are now widely used, poses a potential threat to human health. This paper investigates
the ability of Fe–Mn-NAM adsorbent material made from water hyacinth extract, iron chloride, and manganese sulfate, to adsorb the antibiotics norfloxacin (NOR) and ofloxacin (OFLX) in medical solid waste. Experimental results indicated that the specific surface area of the Fe–Mn-NAM
nanosorbent material was 32.56 m2/g, with an average pore volume of 0.083 cm3/g and an average pore size of 3.21 nm. The amount of antibiotics adsorbed by Fe–Mn-NAM peaked under weakly alkaline conditions, and the capacity of the material to adsorb NOR significantly
exceeded that for OFLX. There was a negative correlation between the amount of Fe–Mn-NAM adsorbent material added and the adsorption of NOR and OFLX, and a positive correlation with the antibiotic removal rate. At the same adsorbent dosage, the amount of adsorption and the removal rate
of NOR by the Fe–Mn-NAM adsorbent material were significantly higher than for OFLX. Through electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, surface complexation, and surface hydrophobicity, the Fe–Mn-NAM adsorbent material demonstrated a certain capacity to treat and eliminate NOR
and OFLX in medical solid waste.
Research on the treatment of black and odorous water bodies in rural areas under the background of rural revitalization
Authors: Duan Mi , Chen Hongjun
Published: September 2023

This research addresses the excessive presence of pollutants, such as total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), among others, in rural water bodies that are heavily contaminated and emit a foul odor. The base substrate
used in this research consists of nano-particles of ferric chloride. Subsequently, these particles undergo chemical modifications using various agents, such as hydroxybenzoic acid, sodium hydroxide, chitosan, acrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, and zinc sulfate. To alleviate the contamination
and foul odor in rural water bodies, the resulting composite material was combined with microbial effective microorganisms (EM) agents and subjected to an aeration process. The findings of this study indicate a significant reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) value over a 70-day experimental
period. The COD concentration in the water decreased significantly from 80 mg/L to a mere 15 mg/L, resulting in a reduction percentage of approximately 68.56%. Additionally, the water quality improved from a fifth-class rating, indicating inferior quality, to a third-class rating, denoting
a higher quality. The oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value remained stable at levels below 50 mV, while the redox potential increased fivefold, effectively eliminating black and smelly water. Moreover, the levels of TN and TP also improved from inferior fifth-class to third-class water
quality. This research highlights the capacity of using a combination of flocculants and microbial treatments, in aerated environments, to significantly enhance the water quality in heavily contaminated and foul-smelling rural water bodies. The proposed method exhibits the potential to efficiently
remediate heavily contaminated and foul-smelling water bodies in small-scale rural regions, indicating its robust scope for future application.
Infrared Scattering of Cloud in an Isothermal Atmosphere
Authors: Fan Chongxing , Huang Xianglei
Published: September 2023

In the absence of scattering, thermal contrast in the atmosphere is the key to infrared remote sensing. Without the thermal contrast, the amount of absorption will be identical to the amount of emission, making the atmospheric vertical structure undetectable using remote sensing techniques. Here we show that, even in such an isothermal atmosphere, the scattering of clouds can cause a distinguishable change in upwelling radiance at the top of the atmosphere. A two-stream analytical solution, as well as a budget analysis based on Monte Carlo simulations, are used to offer a physical explanation of such influence on an idealized isothermal atmosphere by cloud scattering: it increases the chance of photons being absorbed by the atmosphere before they can reach the boundaries (both top and bottom), which leads to a reduction of TOA upwelling radiance. Actual sounding profiles and cloud properties inferred from satellite observations within 6-h time frames are fed into a more realistic and comprehensive radiative transfer model to show such cloud scattering effect, under nearly isothermal circumstances in the lower troposphere, can lead to ∼1–1.5-K decrease in brightness temperature for the nadir-view MODIS 8.5-μm channel. The study suggests that cloud scattering can provide signals useful for remote sensing applications even for such an isothermal environment.
Spatial error modeling and accuracy distribution of line laser gear measuring center
Authors: Zhang Shuang-Shuang , Yang Hong-Tao , Liu Yue-Qi
Published: September 2023

The Line laser gear measuring center (LLGMC) is an innovative gear measurement equipment that offers high efficiency but low accuracy. One crucial factor that influences its measurement accuracy is the presence of geometric errors. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of these geometric errors and proposed a method for modeling spatial errors. Instead of directly considering the geometric errors, we replaced them with the installation errors of the gear and line laser probe. This approach simplifies and improves the error transmission relationship. Subsequently, the installation errors are converted into a unified representation of the height error of the incident light from the line laser. A spatial error model that considers nine installation errors is then further established. By numerically calculating the sensitivity of different error sources, we effectively identified the errors that have a significant impact on the accuracy of LLGMC. Moreover, accuracy distribution is carried out to ensure that LLGMC can meet the measurement accuracy requirements for gears with a tolerance class of 6. This article provides a theoretical foundation for the structural design and accuracy assurance of LLGMC during the research and development phase.
Sensorless control of a PMSM based on an RBF neural network-optimized ADRC and SGHCKF-STF algorithm
Authors: Li Haoran , Zhang Rongyun , Shi Peicheng , Mei Ye , Zheng Kunming , Qiu Tian
Published: September 2023

For the problem of the rotor position estimation and control accuracy of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), this paper proposes a PMSM sensorless based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network optimized Automatic disturbance rejection control (RBF-ADRC) and strong tracking filter (STF) improved square root generalized fifth-order cubature Kalman filter (SGHCKF-STF). The Automatic disturbance rejection control (ADRC) has strong robustness, but there are many parameters and difficult to adjust. Now we use RBF neural network to adjust the parameters in ADRC online so as to improve the robustness and anti-disturbance ability. In order to improve the estimation accuracy of rotor position and speed, the orthogonal triangle (QR) decomposition and STF are introduced on the basis of the generalized fifth-order cubature Kalman filter (GHCKF) to design the SGHCKF-STF algorithm that not only ensure the non-positive nature of the covariance matrix but also improve the ability to cope with sudden changes in state during the filtering process. Experimental results show that the combination of RBF-ADRC and SGHCKF-STF improve the sensorless control effect of the PMSM to some extent.
Flight safety warning of iced aircraft based on reachability analysis and fuzzy inference
Authors: Yuan Guoqiang , Li Yinghui , Xu Haojun
Published: September 2023

A flight safety warning method based on reachability analysis and fuzzy inference is proposed against aircraft icing. A nonlinear model of iced aircraft with uncertainty is proposed based on the existing research results on the effects of icing and the uncertainty in icing detection. To deal with the uncertainty caused by icing, reachability analysis is used to estimate the safe flight envelope of iced aircraft. On this basis, fuzzy inference is employed for flight safety warning which can be used to enhance the pilot’s situational awareness in icing encounters. Simulations of the GTM (Generic Transport Model) aircraft show that, the proposed method has the potential to further increase the flight crew awareness about the risk of losing control in flight under icing.
Force-Loaded Cementocytes Regulate Osteoclastogenesis via S1P/S1PR1/Rac1 Axis
Authors: Wang H. , Li T. , Jiang Y. , Chen S. , Zou S. , Bonewald L.F. , Duan P.
Published: September 2023

Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) is the major iatrogenic complication of orthodontic treatment, seriously endangering tooth longevity and impairing masticatory function. Osteoclasts are thought to be the primary effector cells that initiate the pathological process of OIIRR; however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for OIIRR remain unclear. Our previous studies revealed that cementocytes, the major mechanically responsive cells in cementum, respond to compressive stress to activate and influence osteoclasts locally. For this study, we hypothesized that the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway, a key mechanotransduction pathway in cementocytes, may regulate osteoclasts under the different magnitudes of either physiologic compressive stress that causes tooth movement or pathologic stress that causes OIIRR. Here, we show a biphasic effect of higher compression force stimulating the synthesis and secretion of S1P, whereas lower compression force reduced signaling in IDG-CM6 cementocytes. Using conditioned media from force-loaded cementocytes, we verified the cell-to-cell communication between cementocytes and osteoclasts and show that selective knockdown of S1PR1 and Rac1 plays a role in cementocyte-driven osteoclastogenesis via the S1P/S1PR1/Rac1 axis. Most importantly, the use of inhibitors of this axis reduced or prevented the pathological process of OIIRR. The intercellular communication mechanisms between cementocytes and osteoclasts may serve as a promising therapeutic target for OIIRR.