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Background Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with high genetic heterogeneity. SCA3 mainly manifests as progressive cerebellar ataxia accompanied by paralysis of extraocular muscles, dysphagia, lingual fibrillation, pyramidal tract sign, and extrapyramidal system sign. However, it rarely has clinical manifestations similar to Parkinson-like symptoms, and is even rarer in patients sensitive to dopamine. We report a patient initially diagnosed with dopamine-responsive dystonia who was ultimately diagnosed with SCA3 by genetic testing, which was completely different from the initial diagnosis. Case summary A 40-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to hospital due to severe inflexibility. At the beginning of the disease, she presented with anxiety and sleep disorder. At the later stage, she presented with gait disorder, which was similar to Parkinson's disease. Her medical history was unremarkable, but her mother, grandmother, and uncle all had similar illnesses and died due to inability to take care of themselves and related complications. Laboratory and imaging examinations showed no abnormalities, but electromyography and electroencephalography revealed delayed somatosensory evoked potentials and slow background rhythm, respectively. Her symptoms fluctuated during the daytime, and we initially diagnosed her with dopamine-responsive dystonia. After treatment with low-dose levodopa, the patient's symptoms were significantly improved, but the final genetic diagnosis was SCA3. Conclusion SCA3 has various clinical phenotypes and needs to be differentiated from Parkinson's syndrome and dopamine-responsive dystonia.

Nasogastric feeding tube plays an important role in administering enteral feeding and drug delivery for poststroke patients with consciousness disorders or poststroke dysphagia. Nevertheless, placement of nasogastric tubes is not without any risk of potential harm. Inadvertent malposition into the trachea or the distal tracheobronchial tree could induce severe pulmonary complications. As for poststroke patients with long-term dysphoria, such tubes have to be replaced periodically to prevent the overdue service of the tubes. Therefore, the risk of feeding tube misplacement into pulmonary system for these patients is increased. Here, we present a case of a 79-year-old poststroke patient with hydropneumothorax induced by malposition of nasogastric tube into the right pleura after routine replacement, accompanied by acute anterior wall myocardial infarction.

Bone tumors and tumor-like lesions require that comprehensive imaging contains soft tissues and bone structures. There are so many kinds of examinations that the patients with bone tumors and tumor-like lesions should be performed. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the clinical applicability of zero echo time (ZTE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in osseous bone tumor imaging and evaluate the image quality between computed tomography (CT) and ZTE imaging of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions. Thirty-six patients included 18 male patients (mean age: 35 ± 20 years) and 18 female patients (mean age: 42 ± 20 years) were recruited from a clinical cohort of patients undergoing MR and CT. We presented a novel scanning technique for MR scanners (750 W MR, GE Medical Systems) that could obtain ZTE images. ZTE images were acquired after standard-of-care MR imaging. Quality comparison of osseous findings was performed between ZTE and CT imaging using a five-point grading scale. The differences of image quality between ZTE and CT imaging were investigated using Mann–Whitney test. A significance level of P

Background Asthma, a common respiratory disease, is harmful biological effect to our health. As a traditional Chinese medicine for asthma, Majie cataplasm could alleviate the symptoms of asthma and its compositions have immunomodulatory effects. Previous experiments showed that Majie cataplasm was an effective approach to mitigate asthma airway remodeling and had the potential to regulate Th2 cytokines of IL-5 and IL-13. Therefore, our further research focuses on the explanation about the regulatory effect of Majie cataplasm on reshaping Th1/Th2 through their related transcription factors. Methods In this experiment, the launch of asthma model was made by inducing with Ovalbumin (OVA) in C57 mice (n = 40), including 4 groups: the untreated control group (n = 10), the asthma model group (n = 10), the dexamethasone group (n = 10) and the Majie cataplasm group (n = 10). After the intervention, all groups of animals got detected for serum IgE levels, and HE staining of lung tissues was to observe and examine pathological changes. Meanwhile, we analyzed the secretion of IL-4+ T cells and IFN-γ+ T cells in spleen by flow cytometry. The expressions of transcription factor STAT6 mRNA, GATA-3 mRNA and T-bet mRNA in lung tissues was tested by PCR, and western blot had been used to detect levels of JAK2 and STAT3. Results We found that Majie cataplasm eased the content of serum IgE and lung inflammation. It could lower the increased number of IL-4+ T cells and IFN-γ+ T cells (P P P , P P P P Conclusion These data suggest that Majie cataplasm exert an anti-inflammatory effect of Th2 by rebalancing Th1/Th2 through corresponding transcription factor STAT6, GATA-3, STAT3, and T-bet, which providing a strong cornerstone for asthma control.

Background: Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) is a classic Chinese medicinal formula that is widely used to treat allergic asthma. Recently, the use of XQLD to treat allergic asthma has inspired research to determine its mechanism of action. Because dendritic cells (DCs) and the T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine balance play important roles in allergic asthma, the present work aimed to assess how these immune system components are affected by XQLD. Methods: Thirty-six female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into three groups: an ovalbumin-based allergic asthma model group, a XQLD treatment group, and a control group. Histology was performed with haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood were collected from the animals and used to analyze the composition of inflammatory cells and expression levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13. The thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) protein expression was assessed by western blot analysis, and the Gata3 and Tbx21 mRNA levels were assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compared with the OVA group, the levels of TSLP expression, IL-5, IL-13, and immunoglobulin E in the XQLD group were lower (all P

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease in China. Sinisan (SNS) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been widely used in treating chronic liver diseases, including NAFLD. However, its underlying biological mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we employed a network pharmacology approach consisting of overlapped terms- (genes or pathway terms-) based analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network-based analysis, and PPI clusters identification. Unlike the previous network pharmacology study, we used the shortest path length-based network proximity algorithm to evaluate the efficacy of SNS against NAFLD. And we also used random walk with restart (RWR) algorithm and Community Cluster (Glay) algorithm to identify important targets and clusters. The screening results showed that the mean shortest path length between genes of SNS and NAFLD was significantly smaller than degree-matched random ones. Six PPI clusters were identified and ten hub targets were obtained, including STAT3, CTNNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, AGT, NQO1, TOP2A, FDFT1, ALDH4A1, and KCNH2. The experimental study indicated that SNS reduced hyperlipidemia, liver steatosis, and inflammation. Most importantly, JAK2/STAT3 signal was inhibited by SNS treatment and was recognized as the most important signal considering the network pharmacology part. This study provides a systems perspective to study the relationship between Chinese medicines and diseases and helps to discover potential mechanisms by which SNS ameliorates NAFLD.

Objective: As a traditional herbal formula, Mahuang Xixin Fuzi decoction (MXFD) has been used to treat allergic rhinitis (AR). It regulates the transcription factor GATA3 in T cells, blocks Th2 skewing and rebalances the Th1/Th2 immunity. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are closely associated with GATA3. However, it remains unknown whether ILC2s could be one mechanism through which MXFD acts. We sought to elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of action of this decoction in AR treatment. Methods: Forty C57BL/6J female mice were equally divided into control, model, loratadine- and MXFD-treated groups in random. AR was induced by ovalbumin (OVA), and then treatment with loratadine or MXFD was administered. AR scores were evaluated and compared before and after treatment. Pathological changes in the nasal mucosa and lung were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining of tissue samples. Activation of ILC2 in nasal mucosa was assessed by immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. ILC2 cell count in lungs was measured by flow cytometry and levels of interleukin- (IL) 4, IL-5 and IL-13 in serum were detected by ELISA. Results: The decoction alleviated the symptoms of AR in mice, improved vascular congestion and expansion, glandular hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse nasal mucosa and slowly improved the interstitial pneumonia and lesions. Meanwhile, MXFD reduced the number and percentage of ILC2s in the nasal mucosa and lungs, downregulated the expression of GATA3 mRNA and RORα mRNA, and reduced the related inflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Conclusion: These data suggest that inhibition of ILC2s by MXFD may be an important means by which to treat AR. Keywords: Mahuang Xixin Fuzi decoction, Allergic rhinitis, Type 2 innate lymphoid cells

Tm3+-doped calcium niobium gallium garnet (Tm:CNGG) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The crystal structure, absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of Tm:CNGG crystals were investigated. The absorption and emission bandwidths of Tm:CNGG crystals are larger than those of other Tm3+ doped garnet crystals, which will be beneficial for laser diode (LD) pumping and ultrashort pulse generation. Additionally, continuous wave (CW) laser operation around 2 μm was achieved in the 2.0 at.% Tm:CNGG crystal by LD pumping.

The Tresca and von Mises criteria are two classic yield criteria for metals. While the von Mises criterion has been widely implemented in commercial finite element analysis (FEA) software package, the Tresca yield criterion in the context of the associated-plastic flow rule is not available in any well-known FEA packages such as ABAQUS and ANSYS. In this study, the Tresca yield criterion as well as the associated plastic flow and hardening rules are implemented in a user-defined material model (UMAT) in commercial FEA package ABAQUS based on the return-mapping technique. The consistent tangent operator for the Tresca criterion is also implemented in the UMAT model to facilitate the computation of the tangent stiffness matrix during the Newton-Raphson iteration for solving the nonlinear global equilibrium equations in the plastic domain. The constitutive integration algorithm for the Tresca UMAT is written in the principal stress space, which markedly simplifies the implementation. The implemented Tresca UMAT model is validated by theoretical solution and full-scale burst tests of both pristine and defected pipes. Furthermore, based on the Tresca-based and von Mises-based FEA predictions, a new formula is proposed to accurately predict burst pressure of thin-walled corroded pipes.

Proliferating tricholemmal tumors (PTTs) are rare benign neoplasms that arise from the outer sheath of a hair follicle. Occasionally, these PTTs undergo malignant transformation to become malignant proliferating tricholemmal tumors (MPTTs). Little is known about the molecular alterations, malignant progression, and management of MPTTs. Here, we describe the case of a 58-year-old female that had a widely metastatic MPTT that harbored an activating PIK3CA mutation and was sensitive to the PI3K inhibitor, alpelisib (BYL719). We review the available literature on metastatic MPTT, detail the patient’s course, and present a whole genome analysis of this rare tumor.

A novel load transfer path analysis in mechanical structures is realized by using deep learning (DL) approach with high efficiency and accuracy. The load transfer paths on plate structures considering the light-weight and reinforcement designs are obtained through a mathematical index of the load transfer calculation, U*, which is generated by a proposed DL model. Finite element models (FEM) of different sample plates are firstly built to generate the corresponding U* data used as training data set . The DL model is then trained by a small amount of U * data set obtained from FEM with an optimized network structure by random search for hyper-parameters. U* index and load transfer paths on plates with any random hole openings and stiffeners are then obtained from the trained DL model and compared with the ground true results from FEM to prove the efficiency and accuracy of the DL model after training. Feasibility of the DL application to the load transfer path derivation on varying design of mechanical structure is proven for efficient structural analysis and design improvement without re-modeling and numerical calculations.

Tapping plays an important role in machining internal thread, whereas tapping omitting is inevitable in automated mass production. In this paper, a method for interior thread detection is presented for its efficiency, stability and robustness. Some key technologies such as imaging scheme and image processing algorithms were studied on the basis of the self-designed online detecting device. Firstly, the global threshold segmentation algorithm and local region growing segmentation algorithm are combined to precisely segment the imaging region of screw holes, while the imaging region of thread region is acquired based on the previous orientation. Then, the shape descriptors of the hole and texture descriptors of thread region are computed, respectively. And each descriptor's attribute importance is obtained using rough set. Finally, based on significant classification descriptors, semantic recognition of tapping omitting is achieved by heuristic rules. The experiment shows that the proposed classification algorithm using semantic features can identify the internal thread. The average detection time is 0.256 s, the detection accuracy of tapping omitting is 95.88%, and the detection accuracy of tapping thread is 100%.

The incidence rate of stress ulcers has increased in recent years, with an increase in life pressure, unavoidable trauma and other factors. The therapy of acute stress ulcers has always been an important challenge. Carbon dots (CDs) have been reported to show excellent biological activities, but research on the stress ulcer curative effect of CDs is unprecedented. Here, we prepared a series of semi-carbonized nanodots (SCNDs) from natural plants or herbs as precursors and the as prepared SCNDs were later proved to be effective in the treatment and inhibition of stress gastric ulcers in a rat model. One kind of SCND from edible and medicinal plants, charred Atractylodes macrocephala (SCNDs-1), is demonstrated in detail for its strong anti-stress gastric ulcer effect with inhibition up to 90% and shows extremely high biocompatibility and ultra-low toxicity. These SCNDs lead to the reduction of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress, and the protection of the gastric mucosa. The SCNDs also reduce the excessive neuroendocrine response caused by stress, regulate the energy metabolism and the structure of intestinal flora, improve the damage to the body caused by the stress state, thus alleviating the occurrence of stress-induced gastric ulcers. This work provides new insights into the preparation of carbon nanomaterials from natural plants through a semi-carbonization process and opens new ways to apply bio-active and bio-safe SCNDs in the modern pharmaceutical field.

Biological structures have excellent mechanical performances including lightweight, high stiffness, etc. However, these are difficult to apply directly to some given complex structures, such as automobile frame, control arm, etc. In this study, a novel bionic design method for skeleton structures with complex features is proposed by the bio-inspired idea of &ldquo, main-branch and sub-branch&rdquo, The envelope model of a given part is established by analyzing the structural functions and working conditions, and the load path is extracted by the load-transferred law as the structural main-branch. Then, the selection criterion of bionic prototype is established from three aspects: load similarity, structural similarity and manufacturability. The cross-sections with high similarities are selected as the structural sub-branch. Finally, the multi-objective size optimization is carried out and a new model is established. The bionic design of a control arm is carried out by the method: structural main-branch is obtained by the load path analysis and structural sub-branch is occupied by the fish-bone structure. The design result shows that the structural stiffness is increased by 62.3%, while the weight is reduced by 24.75%. The method can also be used for other fields including automobile, aerospace and civil engineering.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death after heart disease globally and cerebral ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 70% of all incident stroke cases. We selected four main compounds from a patent Chinese medicine, Qingkailing (QKL) injection, including baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang Qin), geniposide from Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (Zhizi), and cholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid from Bovis Calculus (Niuhuang) with a ratio of 4.4:0.4:3:2.6 m/m, to develop a more efficacious and safer modern Chinese medicine injection against ischemic stroke, refined QKL (RQKL). In this study, we investigated multiple targets, levels, and pathways of RQKL by using an integrative pharm\acology combining experimental validation approach. In silica study showed that RQKL may regulate PI3K-Akt, estrogen, neurotrophin, HIF-1, MAPK, Hippo, FoxO, TGF-beta, NOD-like receptor, apoptosis, NF-kappa B, Wnt, chemokine, TNF, Toll-like receptor signaling pathways against ischemic stroke. The experimental results showed that RQKL improved neurological function and prevented infract volume and blood-brain-barrier damage. RQKL inhibited microgliosis and astrogliosis, and protected neurons from ischemic/reperfusion injury. RQKL also inhibited cell apoptosis and affecting the ratio of the anti-apoptosis protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2) and pro-apoptosis protein Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax). Western blot analysis showed that RQKL activated AKT/PI3K signaling pathway and antibody array showed RQKL inhibited inflammatory response and decreased proinflammatory factor Tnf, Il6, and Il1b, and chemokines Ccl2, Cxcl2, and Cxcl3, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine Il10. In conclusion, RQKL protected tissue against ischemic stroke through multiple-target, multiple signals, and modulating multiple cell-types in brain. This study not only promoted our understanding of the role of RQKL against ischemic stroke, but also provided a pattern for the study of Chinese medicine combining pharmaceutical Informatics and system biology methods.

Microplastics pollution presents an increasing concern worldwide due to the large amount and potential risks. However, data on microplastics in the freshwater environment are still limited, especially in southwest China. This study investigated the microplastics distribution, characteristics and risks in urban water of different cities in the Tuojiang River basin in southwest China. Microplastics were found in all seven cities of the Tuojiang River basin and the concentrations varied from 911.57 ± 199.73 to 3395.27 ± 707.22 items/m3, among which Ziyang urban water had the highest microplastics concentration. Fiber (34.88–65.85%) was a typical and abundant microplastic type. The small size (0.5–1 mm) (27.27–66.67%) was predominant, and white (23.30–54.29%) was the dominant color among all samples. Polypropylene was identified as the main polymer type by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the surfaces of the microplastics had many cracks and a multitude of particles were adsorbed onto it. According to correlation analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between gross domestic product(P=0.015

Background. The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased year by year, which not only seriously affects people’s quality of life, but also imposes a heavy economic burden on the family, society, and country. Currently, the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of T2DM are still unclear. Therefore, exploration of a precise multitarget treatment strategy is urgent. Here, we attempt to screen out the active components, effective targets, and functional pathways of therapeutic drugs through network pharmacology with taking advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for multitarget holistic treatment of diseases to clarify the potential therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulas and provide a systematic and clear thought for T2DM treatment.Methods. First, we screened the active components of Da-Chai-Hu Decoction (DCHD) by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/T) calculation. Second, we predicted and screened the active components of DCHD and its therapeutic targets for T2DM relying on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Analysis Platform (TCMSP database) and Text Mining Tool (GoPubMed database), while using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to obtain T2DM targets. Third, we constructed a network of the active component-target, target-pathway of DCHD using Cytoscape software (http://cytoscape.org/,ver.3.5.1) and then analyzed gene function, related biological processes, and signal pathways through the DAVID database.Results. We screened 77 active components from 1278 DCHD components and 116 effective targets from 253 ones. After matching the targets of T2DM, we obtained 38 important targets and 7 core targets were selected through further analysis. Through enrichment analysis, we found that these important targets were mainly involved in many biological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis. After analyzing the relevant pathways, the synthetic pathway for the treatment of T2DM was obtained, which provided a diagnosis-treatment idea for DCHD in the treatment of T2DM.Conclusions. This article reveals the mechanism of DCHD in the treatment of T2DM related to inflammatory response and apoptosis through network pharmacology, which lays a foundation for further elucidation of drugs effective targets.

BackgroundIschemic stroke is a common clinical disease limited by its time window for treatment. In addition to its high mortality rate, only one treatment currently exists for ischemic stroke. Nonetheless, traditional Chinese medicine is often used as a reatment for the disease. Bezoar is a multi-functional drug that has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, its mechanism of action is yet to be fully elucidated. Based on network pharmacology, we explored the potential mechanism of action of bezoar. Symmap and literature data mining methods were used to obtain the target of bezoar. The mechanism of bezoar for the treatment of ischemic stroke was identified and ischemic stroke-related targets were retrieved using DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and Therapeutic Target Database. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the Cytoscape plugin, BisoGenet, and analysed by topological methods. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment were carried out via the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery server. We obtained 48 potential targets and 3 signalling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and tumour necrosis factor signalling pathways. The mechanism of action of bezoar on ischemic stroke involves multiple targets and signalling pathways. Our research provides a network pharmacology framework for future Chinese medicinal research.

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of cerebrovascular accident worldwide. It causes long-term disability and death. Qingkailing (QKL) injection is a traditional Chinese patent medicine which has been clinically applied in the treatment of ischemic stroke for nearly thirty years. In the present study, network pharmacology combined with experimentation was used to elucidate the mechanisms of QKL. ADME screening and target prediction identified 62 active compounds and 275 targets for QKL. Topological screening of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to build a core PPI network consisting of 408 nodes and 17,830 edges. KEGG enrichment indicated that the main signaling pathway implicated in ischemic stroke involved hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Experimentation showed that QKL alleviated neurological deficits, brain infraction, blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, and tight junction degeneration in a mouse ischemic stroke model. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy was used to evaluate BBB permeability and cerebral microvessel structure in living mice. HIF-1α, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tight junction proteins such as occludin, zonula occludins-1 (ZO-1), claudin-5, and VE-Cadherin were measured by western blotting. QKL upregulated ZO-1 and downregulated HIF-1α and MMP-9. QKL has a multiapproach, multitarget, and synergistic effect against ischemic stroke.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Calculus bovis is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases given its roles in clearing away heat, detoxification and pain relief. Calculus bovis is used the treatment of cerebral ischaemia, liver and gallbladder diseases and various inflammatory conditions. However, the mechanism of action of calculus bovis in the treatment of ischaemic stroke is not well understood. Aim of the study In this study, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects of calculus bovis on neurovascular units were studied, and the mechanism of action of calculus bovis on neurovascular units was also discussed. Materials and methods Neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells were used to construct models of brain neurovascular units in vitro. The oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and glucose (OGD/R) model was used to assess the effects of in vitro cultured calculus bovis on inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-5, HIF-1, VEGF, PI3K, Akt, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 expression was detected. Results In vitro cultured calculus bovis protects the blood-brain barrier; repairs tight junction proteins; increases ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-5 protein expression; maintains TEER(transepithelial electrical resistance) values; repairs damaged endothelial cells; increases γ-GT activity; reduces LDH and inflammatory injury; and reduces TNF-α, LI-6, and IL-1β levels. In vitro cultured calculus bovis reduces oxidative stress damage and NO and improves SOD activity. In vitro cultured calculus bovis protects neurons through antiapoptotic activities, including reductions in the apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3, increases in Bcl-2 protein expression, and protection of brain neurovascular units through the HIF/VEGF and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. Conclusion In summary, the protective effect of calculus bovis on neurovascular units is achieved through antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. The mechanism of action of in vitro cultured calculus bovis in ischaemic stroke involves multiple targets and signalling pathways. The PI3K/Akt, HIF-1α and VEGF pathways effectively protect neurovascular units in the brain.

Bus rollover accidents are receiving increasing attention due to the associated high fatality rate. In order to improve the bus structural performance during the rollover collision, it is necessary to investigate how the impact force is transferred within the bus superstructure. This paper introduced a method for studying the load transfer behavior of the bus superstructure during the standard rollover test by using the U * M index. A bus bay section was used as the sample structure to demonstrate the proposed method. The result of the paper reveals that the load transfer analysis based on the U * M index can provide engineers with the insight of the structural issues and the direction to improve the structural performance, which cannot be accomplished through the conventional finite element analysis.

Objective: Research on the biological mechanisms by which the liver controls dispersion and regulates emotion usually focuses on psychological stress. This study investigated the biological mechanisms underlying the liver's regulation of emotion using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Differences in subjective stress, subjective emotion, and physiological responses were examined between healthy women (Group A) and depressed women with liver qi stagnation syndrome (Group B). Method: Subjects were 72 women who met the inclusion criteria after physical examination. The EPQ-RSC, BAI, and BDI-21 were used to assess personality and emotion. Subjects completed a 5-point scale to measure subjective stress. Heart rate and heart rate variability were measured. To measure changes in activity of the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine (LC-NE)/autonomic nervous system and the HPA axis, saliva samples were collected at the end of the rest and preparation periods, and 5 time pionts after the TSST task. The PAD Emotion Scale was completed at 4 time points before and after the TSST task. Saliva cortisol was tested. These indexes were compared between the two groups. Results: There were 33 subjects in Group A and 39 subjects in Group B. Subjects in Group B had lower levels of stress, pleasure, and dominance, but higher arousal (after the task: P

Structural integrity analysis of pipe elbows is of critical significance because they not only withstand the internal or external pressure but also absorb the bending moment in a pipeline system. While the burst capacity of pipe elbows under internal pressure only have been extensively investigated in the literature, the study on the burst capacity of pipe elbows under combined internal pressure and bending moment is still limited. In this paper, the effect of bending on the burst capacity of thin-walled defect-free and local wall-thinning (LWT) elbows subjected to combined internal pressure and bending moment is systematically investigated. A correction factor is defined to quantify the bending effect on the burst capacity; extensive parametric finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out to analyze the dependence of the correction factor on the bending mode and magnitude, elbow size and steel grade, and LWT size and location. The results indicate that as the magnitude of the bending increases, the burst capacity of both the defect-free and LWT elbows generally deceases. For the defect-free elbows, the elbow steel grade has a significant influence on the correction factor while the influence of the elbow geometry is marginal. For the LWT elbows, the correction factor depends markedly on the LWT location and bending mode.

Dy3+-doped YAlO3 single crystal has been successfully grown by Czochralski technique. The spectroscopic parameters were determined by Judd-Ofelt theory based on the measured polarized absorption spectra. Dy:YAP crystal exhibits a yellow emission centered at 574 nm which can be used for pumping of the forbidden 1S0-3P0 ytterbium clock transition. The decay lifetime of the 4F9/2 level was measured to be 185 μs.

Background Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is one of the most common diseases presenting to gastroenterology clinics. Acupuncture is widely used as a complementary and alternative treatment for patients with GORD. Objective To explore the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of GORD. Methods Four English and four Chinese databases were searched through June 2016. Randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of manual acupuncture or electroacupuncture (MA/EA) for GORD versus or as an adjunct to Western medicine (WM) were selected. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed by two authors independently and RevMan 5.2.0 was used to analyse data. Results A total of 12 trials involving 1235 patients were included. Meta-analyses demonstrated that patients receiving MA/EA combined with WM had a superior global symptom improvement compared with those receiving WM alone (relative risk (RR) 1.17, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.26; p=0.03; six studies) with no significant heterogeneity (I2=0%, p=0.41). Recurrence rates of those receiving MA/EA alone were lower than those receiving WM (RR 0.42,95% CI 0.29 to 0.61; p2=7%, p=0.34), while global symptom improvement (six studies) and symptom scores (three studies) were similar (both p>0.05). Descriptive analyses suggested that acupuncture also improves quality of life in patients with GORD. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for GORD. However, due to the small sample size and poor methodological quality of the included trials, further studies are required to validate our conclusions. Trial registration number PROSPERO Systematic review registration no. CRD42016041916.

Load paths analysis is important in design process of load bearing structures. U* index was introduced as the indicator of load paths based on finite element analysis. However, the U* index was only formulated based on three translational degrees of freedom (DOFs) without considering the rotational DOFs. Hence, the U* index cannot be used together with plate and shell theories, which are very important in engineering computations of thin-walled structures. A coupling issue in finite element analysis is that shell elements which are governed by plate and shell theories are invalid for U* calculations. This paper proposed a new load transfer index () with considering both translational and rotational DOFs (i.e. six DOFs). To demonstrate the effectiveness of the new index in structural design and analysis, a case study was performed to a complex thin-walled structure. The stiffness to mass ratio of the sample structure is raised by 18.3% based on the load transfer analysis using the new index.

Spectroscopic features and laser performance of a novel thulium-doped scandium yttrium silicate crystal Tm 3+ :ScYSiO 5 (Tm:SYSO) are presented. The experimental lifetime of luminescence related to the 3 F 4 – 3 H 6 laser transition of Tm 3+ amounts to 1.1 ms, which is smaller by a factor of three than the calculated radiative lifetime value due to the contribution of nonradiative relaxation. As a consequence of the internal disordered structure of the SYSO host crystal, the luminescence bands of 3 F 4 – 3 H 6 and 3 H 4 - 3 H 6 show significant inhomogeneous spectral broadening as compared with that of SSO. The laser performances were evaluated in an end-pumped cavity using a CW semiconductor laser as a pump source. In a free run regime, the Tm:SYSO laser delivered a maximum output power of 580 mW at 2022 nm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 17.4%. With a birefringent quartz plate inserted into laser cavity, the laser output wavelength was continuously tuned from 1950 nm to 2057 nm and dual wavelength operations at 2011 nm and 2020 nm, 1987 nm and 2045 nm, 2022 nm and 2044 nm were observed.

Objective Ephedra asarum aconite decoction is used in the clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis. We investigated the effects of ephedra asarum aconite decoction on Th1/Th2 balance in two animal models of allergic rhinitis and in activated T cells in vitro. Methods Animal models of simple and compound kidney yang deficiency types of allergic rhinitis were treated with ephedra asarum aconite decoction to observe the efficacy of this traditional Chinese medicine formula on allergic symptoms, serum cytokines, and tissue RNA levels. We also cultured and activated T cells from the mouse. After treatment with ephedra asarum aconite decoction, we tested the proliferation and differentiation of T cells. Results Ephedra asarum aconite decoction relieved allergy symptoms in both types of animal models, and was more effective in the compound kidney yang deficiency model. In addition to its anti-allergic efficacy, ephedra asarum aconite decoction significantly improved the health status of animals in the compound kidney yang deficiency groups, significantly made their bodyweight rising up, and significantly increased the T-bet mRNA/GATA-3 mRNA ratio. Moreover, ephedra asarum aconite decoction promoted the proliferation of activated T cells and inhibited the differentiation to Th2 cells in vitro. Conclusions Ephedra asarum aconite decoction regulates the balance of Th1/Th2 to ameliorate allergic conditions.

In recent years, the study of the load transfer in the structure has achieved a growing attention from mechanical engineers, specifically in the vehicle industry. To further develop this relatively new branch of structural analysis and in particular the $$ {\text{U}}^{*} $$ index theory for load transfer analysis, it seems necessary to apply this method to different vehicle components. Therefore, in this study, one of the main load carrying components of a multiple passengers carrying vehicle was chosen for load transfer analysis. This choice has significant importance due to the focus of previous $$ {\text{U}}^{*} $$ index studies on small passenger vehicles, which have completely different structure and load paths. Another important feature of this study is the application of a sophisticated and detailed approach for choosing the loading and boundary condition. To address an actual working condition, a full model of the vehicle was analyzed under different working loads and the most severe loading condition was selected for this study. Then, a detailed $$ {\text{U}}^{*} $$ index analysis was performed on the structure to evaluate the load transfer for both loading and reaction forces. Based on the results of this analysis, parts with questionable stiffness were located and a design modification was proposed to improve the structural behavior. In addition, to verify the computer model and conclusions of the $$ {\text{U}}^{*} $$ index analysis, the structure was tested physically under same loading condition. Finally, the proposed modified design of the structure was analyzed with $$ {\text{U}}^{*} $$ index theory, and using the design criteria suggested in the theory, it was shown that the new design has great potential for better performance and more efficient load transfer.

Objective To assess the efficacy of Qingre Lishi Tuihuang therapy (QLTT) for acute icteric hepatitis B infection. Methods Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2016 with no language restrictions for reports of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of QLTT treating acute icteric hepatitis B. Two researchers independently extracted detailed data and assessed methodological quality. Review Manager 5.3.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 2238 participants were included in this review. The methodological quality was generally poor. The results indicated that supplemented Yinchenhao decoction combined with non-specific treatments was more effective in improving the cure rate (risk ratio = 1.80; 95% CI 1.21–2.68) and reducing the serum levels of total bilirubin (mean difference = −29.74; 95% CI −31.91 to −27.57) and aspartate aminotransferase. Other self-made prescriptions conforming to QLTT plus non-specific treatments had beneficial effect for acute icteric hepatitis B in curing this disease (risk ratio = 1.48; 95% CI 1.27–1.73), as well as for negative seroconversion of HBeAg (risk ratio = 1.39; 95% CI 1.11–1.74). Supplemented Yinchenhao decoction plus non-specific treatments was more effective than other self-made prescriptions conforming to QLTT in reducing serum total bilirubin level. Conclusion Qingre Lishi Tuihuang therapy appears to improve effect based on non-specific treatments for the treatment of acute icteric hepatitis B. However, it is premature to draw confirmative conclusions, owing to the poor methodological quality and high clinical heterogeneity of the included trials. Further well-designed clinical randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes should be undertaken.

Dendritic cells (DCs) can secrete cytokines stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which leads to not just acute inflammatory responses but also Th1 polarization. Furtherly, chronic inflammation or autoimmune diseases could be triggered. As a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, Ephedra Aconite Asarum Decoction with the main ingredients of ephedrine and hypaconitine can show effect on anti-inflammation and immunoregulation. But it remains unclear whether Ephedra Aconite Asarum Decoction controls DCs. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ephedra Aconite Asarum Decoction on LPS-induced bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) in vitro. We found that Ephedra Aconite Asarum Decoction lowered surface costimulators on DCs and reduced the expression of Th1 type cytokines. Yet it is slightly beneficial for shifting to Th2. Our work reveals that the Ephedra Aconite Asarum Decoction can regulate Th1 inflammation through intervening DCs.

Background Cerebral ischemia is the second-leading cause of death and the main cause of permanent adult disabilities worldwide. Qingkailing (QKL) injection, a patented Chinese medicine approved by the China Food and Drug Administration, has been widely used in clinical practice to treat cerebral ischemia in China. The NOD-like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated in cerebral ischemia and thus, is an effective therapeutic target. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important regulator inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Methods We investigated the potential of QKL injection to provide neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (210–230 g) were randomly divided into three groups which consist of sham, MCAO and 3 ml/kg QKL. Rats in the QKL group received intraperitoneal injections of 3 ml/kg QKL, while rats in other groups were given saline in the same volumes. After 90 min ischemia and 24 h reperfusion, neurological function, laser speckle imaging, brain infarction, brain water content and brain blood barrier permeability were examined and cell apoptosis at prefrontal cortex were evaluated 24 h after MCAO, and western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was also researched, respectively. Results Intraperitoneal administration of QKL alleviated neurological deficiencies, cerebral infarction, blood-brain barrier permeability, brain oedema and brain cell apoptosis after MCAO induction. QKL decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10. Furthermore, QKL activated phosphorylated AMPK, decreased oxidative stress and decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions QKL relieved cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and suppressed the inflammatory response by inhibiting AMPK-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that QKL might have potential in treating brain inflammatory response and attenuating the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Background Chinese medicine (CM) classifies psoriasis vulgaris into three syndromes: blood-heat syndrome (BHS), blood-stasis syndrome (BSS), and blood-dryness syndrome (BDS). The levels of several immunological serum markers in BHS have been established. We aimed to investigate the immune status of patients with psoriasis vulgaris of BSS and BDS. Methods Seven databases were searched, covering nearly 40 years. Fifteen studies including 957 individuals (386 patients with psoriasis vulgaris of BSS, 233 patients with BDS, and 338 healthy controls) were identified. Differences in interleukin (IL) levels between subjects and controls were pooled as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model. Results For BSS, interferon (IFN)-γ (MD 3.85, 95% CI: 1.27 to 6.44), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (MD 1.71, 95% CI: 0.70 to 2.72), IL-4 (MD 7.66, 95% CI: 4.67 to 10.65), IL-17 (MD 5.06, 95% CI: 0.28 to 9.85), IL-6 (MD 99.34, 95% CI: 45.84 to 152.84), and IL-22 (43.88, 95% CI: 28.17 to 59.59) levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls, while pooled IL-10 levels were lower in patients (MD -10.33, 95% CI: -12.03 to -8.63). The MD in IL-8 levels between cases and controls was not significant. Subjects with BDS showed higher levels of IFN-γ (MD 2.33, 95% CI: 0.22 to 4.45), TNF-α (MD 2.33, 95% CI: 1.26 to 3.40), and IL-23 (MD 46.18, 95% CI: -7.60 to 99.97) and lower levels of IL-4 levels (MD -2.47, 95% CI: -4.78 to -0.15) than did controls. The MDs in IL-17, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were not statistically significant. Conclusions Our pooled analysis suggests that the levels of several ILs are specifically altered in BSS and BDS. Larger, well designed, controlled studies are needed to confirm these results and fully clarify these effects.

Ischemic stroke is accompanied by high mortality and morbidity rates. At present, there is no effective clinical treatment. Alternatively, traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used in China and Japan for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Baicalin is a flavonoid extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis that has been shown to be effective against ischemic stroke; however, its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Based on network pharmacology, we explored the potential mechanism of baicalin on a system level. After obtaining baicalin structural information from the PubChem database, an approach combined with literature mining and PharmMapper prediction was used to uncover baicalin targets. Ischemic stroke-related targets were gathered with the help of DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Genetic Association Database (GAD), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed through the Cytoscape plugin BisoGenet and analyzed by topological methods. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were carried out via the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) server. We obtained a total of 386 potential targets and 5 signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and forkhead box (FOXO) signaling pathways. GO analysis showed that these targets were associated with antiapoptosis, antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and other physiopathological processes that are involved in anti-ischemic stroke effects. In summary, the mechanism of baicalin against ischemic stroke involved multiple targets and signaling pathways. Our study provides a network pharmacology framework for future research on traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a longstanding history and has gained widespread clinical applications. San Cao Decoction (SCD) is an experience prescription first formulated by Prof. Duzhou Liu. We previously demonstrated its antihypertensive effects; however, to systematically explain the underlying mechanisms of action, we employed a systems pharmacology approach for pharmacokinetic screening and target prediction by constructing protein-protein interaction networks of hypertension-related and putative SCD-related targets, and Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery enrichment analysis. We identified 123 active compounds in SCD and 116 hypertension-related targets. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis of the drug-target network showed that SCD acts in a multidimensional manner to regulate PI3K-Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling to maintain blood pressure. Our results highlighted the molecular mechanisms of antihypertensive actions of medicinal herbs at a systematic level.

The aim of this study was to predict Ki-67 labeling index (LI) preoperatively by three-dimensional (3D) CT image parameters for pathologic assessment of GGO nodules. Diameter, total volume (TV), the maximum CT number (MAX), average CT number (AVG) and standard deviation of CT number within the whole GGO nodule (STD) were measured by 3D CT workstation. By detection of immunohistochemistry and Image Software Pro Plus 6.0, different Ki-67 LI were measured and statistically analyzed among preinvasive adenocarcinoma (PIA), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis with cross-validation were performed to further research a quantitative correlation between Ki-67 labeling index and radiological parameters. Diameter, TV, MAX, AVG and STD increased along with PIA, MIA and IAC significantly and consecutively. In the multiple linear regression model by a stepwise way, we obtained an equation: prediction of Ki-67 LI=0.022*STD+0.001* TV+2.137 (R=0.595, R’s square=0.354, p

Hydraulic fracturing is an efficient technique for enhancing coal seam gas production. Induced stress (or stress shadow) of hydraulic fracturing has been popularly studied recent years. In this study, induced stress was measured in a field during the process of hydraulic fracturing. It was found that the induced stress evolution was closely related to the increase of injection volume. The relation between the average induced stress value and the injection volume was fit by the Michaelis-Menten equation well. When carried out the injection operation, we found that the induced stress increased significantly within the radius of 70 m around the hydraulic fracturing borehole. The induced stress also dropped occasionally during the injection process, which indicated some large fractures’ propagation. When the injection operation was finished, the induced stress began to decrease slowly. The subsequent drilling of gas extraction could release the induced stress. In addition, the induced stresses caused by adjacent fracturing boreholes (spacing was 50 m) substantially influenced each other. The induced stress acted earlier in the upper part of the coal seam than the lower part influenced by the steep incidence of the coal seam. Furthermore, the orientation of the induced stress distribution was eventually parallel to the maximum horizontal principal stress direction controlled by a nearby large fault, although the initial orientation was arbitrary. The results are helpful for hydraulic fracturing evaluation and optimization and numerical simulation research.

The buffer effect provided by an atrium is one typical passive strategy used in sustainable building design. Based on a comprehensive evaluation framework that includes both satisfaction and comfort, this research develops two types of graphical visualisation info-graphs. One is a compass reflecting the occupant satisfaction voting, which conveys the level of satisfaction occupants have with the architectural design. The results reflect the health level of the occupants, as well as how efficiently resources are used. The second info-graph is a data cloud that can be used to display a building’s physical environment, and thus convey the distribution of the characteristics of physical environment, such as thermal comfort, lighting, and the acoustic and indoor air quality throughout the entire building. This data cloud directly displays the impact of the passive space on the main building space. Its results illustrate how effectively the building’s indoor environment provides the required levels of occupant comfort and quality of life. Finally, this research uses an example of a green building in a cold climate in China to display its unique method of graphical visualisation analysis. The results highlight the level of environmental performance of the object building in two kinds of info-graphs, as well as optimised possibilities for the atrium and the entire building in both the design and renovation phases.

Foam technology utilizes the good coverage of foam to form a closed space around dust sources. The foam then wets the dust particles, causing them to adhere before they spread into the air, resulting in better dust control than with water sprays. In the process of foam dust control at a heading face, the foam spray trajectory is highly influenced by the wind, making it difficult to focus foam on the dust sources, which wastes the foam and reduces dust control efficiency. To resolve this problem, the idea of transporting foam to the cutting head through the roadheader’s inner pipeline is proposed. To adapt to the high resistance of foam delivery in the roadheader’s inner pipeline, according to the water and air supply of the heading face, a table water-jet suction device and porous spiral coupling foaming device were designed, and the working conditions were tested using a self-designed experiment system in the laboratory. The results showed that the foaming agent could be automatically added into the device at a working water flow rate of 1–1.6 m3/h at a ratio of 1%. The optimum air flow was 45–50 m3/h, in which range the foam expansion ratio reached the maximum and the outlet pressure demand was satisfied. Field application showed that the new foam method had a better dust control efficiencies than traditional foam methods.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and four other Chinese electronic databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medical Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and WanFang Database were used to search (up to Feb, 2016) for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials recruiting adults with FD treated with CHM. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted based on Cochrane standards using Review Manager software. Results Fourteen publications (1424 patients) were included. Evidence revealed that CHM was more efficacious than the placebo in improving global dyspepsia symptoms (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.31–1.60), Chinese medicine syndrome (CMS) (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.23–1.50), and quality of life (SMD, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.15–0.45) in FD patients. Furthermore, the difference in the incidence of adverse events between CHM and placebo groups had no statistical significance (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.66–1.70). Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates that CHM has a therapeutic potential in treating FD with a certain safety. However, due to the restricted number of trials included, well-planned, long-term studies are necessary to provide credible evidence.

Passive design has been widely identified as one of the most economical and effective strategies for sustainable building. The use of “animate” building space is one significant passive strategy in architectural design. It has two properties -organic and dynamic–and its type includes such as atriums, courtyards, wind towers, light wells, patios, sunspaces, etc. This study introduces a logical, scientific method of assessing building space performance. A multi-criteria approach was developed to validate and optimize the influence of animate spaces on sustainable buildings, with an emphasis on their influence on building environment quality and occupant satisfaction. Considering both the relationship between the building and people, and the building and the environment, and focusing primarily on of building design and building environment control, this research introduces an evaluation tool called SCTool. SCTool includes compasses that measure occupant satisfaction and indoor physical environment performance, and a Satisfaction–Comfort matrix that evaluates the fluctuating performances of animate spaces and the building's overall sustainable performance in building operating phase. This research chose atrium to represent one of typical animate spaces, and adopted a pair-group analysis method to isolate and analyze a single variable. Four typical atriums were chosen and divided into two categories: 3-direction atriums and high rise building atriums. Each test group of buildings included one green building and one conventional building. The results indicate the level of environmental performance of each object building, and highlight optimized possibilities for the atrium and the entire building in both the design and renovation phases.

Asthma poses a threat to human health, and its pathogenesis is closely related to the neuroimmune system. Majie cataplasm can not only regulate the immune system but also the nervous system in asthma patients for its components. We speculate that Majie cataplasm may relieve asthmatic patients with sensitivity to hormone or not by regulating the body's neuroimmune system. Methods In this experiment, a mouse model of asthma was well established by ovalbumin. The lung function of animals was examined and pathological changes in the lung tissue were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neurokinin A (NKA) were measured by ELISA. The location of CGRP, CD3 and neutrophil in lung tissue and their expressions were detected by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, contents of CGRP mRNA, Substance P (SP) mRNA, interleukin (IL)-17 mRNA and interleukin(IL)-13 mRNA were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Compared with the asthma model group, Majie cataplasm and dexamethasone can not only equivalently relieve airway hyperresponsiveness, but also make the content of serum IgE reduced. In addition, they can lower the content of serum CGRP and NKA after OVA stimulation, and this effect was more obvious for Majie cataplasm. Our results also showed that Majie Cataplasm and dexamethasone could inhibit the secretion of CGRP and the infiltration of T lymphocytes together with neutrophils in lung tissue and reduce expressions of CGRP mRNA, SP mRNA, IL-17 mRNA and IL-13 mRNA in lung tissue. Conclusion Majie cataplasm effectively relieves expressions of neuropeptides such as CGRP, reduces the infiltration of immune cells in lung tissue, regulates the body's neuroimmune system, and has a therapeutic potential for both Th2 asthma and neutrophilic asthma., Majie cataplasm; Asthma; The neuroimmune system; Calcitonin gene-related peptide; T cells; Neutrophils; Neuroscience; Molecular neuroscience; Immunology; Inflammation; Immune response; Respiratory system; Allergology

Ischemic stroke is one of the main causes of death and disablement globally. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is established as a sensor of detecting cellular damage and modulating inflammatory responses to injury during the progress of ischemic stroke. Inhibiting or blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome at different stages, including expression, assembly, and secretion, may have great promise to improve the neurological deficits during ischemic stroke. The current review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding in the literature of the molecular structure, expression, and assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and highlights its potential as a novel therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine a new method to create a rat model of diarrhea with spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome. Methods. A senna leaf (Folium sennae) decoction was made in 3 concentrations of 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 g/mL. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control (C)-, high (H)-, middle (M)-, and low (L)- dose groups. The groups received saline, 1.0, 0.5, or 0.25 g/mL senna leaf decoction, respectively, for 4 weeks. Body weight monitoring, food consumption, water intake, defecation frequency, stool Bristol score, weight-loaded forced swimming test, forelimb grip strength test, D-xylose absorption test, serum cortisone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), 24 h urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS), and histopathological detection were conducted to assess the success of the senna leaf decoction-induced model. Results. This study showed that the senna leaf decoction could induce diarrhea and dose-dependently slow body weight growth, reduce food consumption, and increase water intake, stool Bristol score, and defecation frequency. Statistical differences were found between groups H and M in rectal temperature, weight-loaded forced swimming time, forelimb grip strength, and serum cortisone. The D-xylose absorption test also showed dysfunction of intestinal absorption in groups H and M. The serum cortisone and 24 h urine 17-OHCS were significantly reduced in group H. Conclusions. Gastric gavage of 10 mL/kg of body weight of a high concentration of a senna leaf decoction (1.0 g/mL) for 4 weeks was used to create a rat model of diarrhea with spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome.

Foam technology is more efficient than water sprays for dust control in coal mines, but the traditional foam system is complex and poses problems related to foam production and spraying application, with high water consumption, unstable equipment and relatively low utilization efficiency of foam. This paper describes an optimized foam system which overcomes these disadvantages. The proposed foam generator has a self-suction unit that uses a turbulent-flow water jet to automatically draw in ambient air and foaming agent, thereby eliminating the need for compressed-air hoses and pipes. As well as simplifying the system, it solves the current problem of water backflow created by high-pressure compressed air. A refined foam spraying structure was developed for use in conjunction with an operating roadheader as it produces and diffuses dust. The structure consists of foam distribution supports and arc-fan nozzles. It can produce a more focused, continuous and uniform coverage at the source of the dust. The optimized system consumes less water and foaming agent, and achieves greater dust-suppression efficiency than methods in current use.

// Katherine E. Hutchinson 1 , Douglas B. Johnson 2 , Adam S. Johnson 3 , Violeta Sanchez 2 , Maria Kuba 3 , Pengcheng Lu 4 , Xi Chen 4 , Mark C. Kelley 5 , Qingguo Wang 6 , Zhongming Zhao 1, 6 , Mark Kris 7 , Michael F. Berger 8, 9 , Jeffrey A. Sosman 2 , William Pao 2, 10 1 Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 2 Department of Medicine/Division of Hematology-Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 3 Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 4 Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 5 Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 6 Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 7 Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA 8 Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA 9 Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA 10 Currently an employee of Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland Correspondence to: Katherine E. Hutchinson, e-mail: katie.hutchinson@vanderbilt.edu Keywords: melanoma, ERBB, DUSP4, trametinib, afatinib Received: April 09, 2015 Accepted: June 01, 2015 Published: June 13, 2015 ABSTRACT Melanomas are characterized by activating “driver” mutations in BRAF, NRAS, KIT, GNAQ, and GNA11. Resultant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling makes some melanomas susceptible to BRAF (BRAF V600 mutations), MEK1/2 (BRAF V600, L597, fusions; NRAS mutations), or other kinase inhibitors (KIT), respectively. Among driver-negative (“pan-negative”) patients, an unexplained heterogeneity of response to MEK1/2 inhibitors has been observed. Analysis of 16 pan-negative melanoma cell lines revealed that 8 (50%; termed Class I) are sensitive to the MEK1/2 inhibitor, trametinib, similar to BRAF V600E melanomas. A second set (termed Class II) display reduced trametinib sensitivity, paradoxical activation of MEK1/2 and basal activation of ERBBs 1, 2, and 3 (4 lines, 25%). In 3 of these lines, PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathway signaling is abrogated using the ERBB inhibitor, afatinib, and proliferation is even further reduced upon the addition of trametinib. A potential mechanism of ERBB activation in Class II melanomas is minimal expression of the ERK1/2 phosphatase, DUSP4, as ectopic restoration of DUSP4 attenuated ERBB signaling through potential modulation of the ERBB ligand, amphiregulin (AREG). Consistent with these data, immunohistochemical analysis of patient melanomas revealed a trend towards lower overall DUSP4 expression in pan-negative versus BRAF- and NRAS-mutant tumors. This study is the first to demonstrate that differential ERBB activity in pan-negative melanoma may modulate sensitivity to clinically-available MEK1/2 inhibitors and provides rationale for the use of ERBB inhibitors, potentially in combination with MEK1/2 inhibitors, in subsets of this disease.

Background Ground-glass nodules (GGNs), which are possible precursors of lung cancer, attract increasing attention. Many studies have attempted to identify the characteristic imaging features of GGNs for their qualitative diagnosis; however, the comprehension of GGNs remains controversial. We performed this study to identify imaging characteristics helpful to the differential diagnosis of solitary GGNs. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 112 solitary GGNs resected from 112 patients, pathologically examined after surgical resection. Imaging features of the GGNs, such as size, shape, a solid component, lobulation, spiculation, vascular convergence sign, pleural tag, and air cavity density, were assessed. Differences between malignant and benign nodules were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 112 GGNs, 82 were malignant and 30 were benign. A solid component, vascular convergence sign, and a larger diameter were risk factors for malignancy, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 93.9%, 60.0%, and 84.8%, respectively. Lobulation, spiculation, air cavity densities, and pleural tags were also important indicators of malignancy, with positive predictive values of 93.5%, 83.3%, 91.7%, and 87.2%, respectively. Conclusion GGNs with a solid component, vascular convergence sign, and a larger diameter are highly suggestive of malignancy. The possibility of a neoplasm should also be considered in the case of GGNs that show lobulation, spiculation, air cavity densities, or pleural tags. To obtain a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the nodules, three-dimensional reconstruction is highly recommended.

Efficient diode-pumped Tm:LuAG lasers operating in continuous wave, dual-wavelength,and passive $Q$ -switching regimes have been demonstrated. A maximum output power of 4.42 W with a beam quality of $\mathrm{M}^{\mathbf {2}}\le 1.45$ at 2021.2 nm was obtained, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 49.5%. Using a birefringent quartz plate, the Tm:LuAG laser emitted the highest output power of 2.3 W at dual-wavelength of 2022 and 2030 nm. With a SWCNT-SA employed as saturable absorber, passively $Q$ -switched Tm:LuAG laser was realized, which generated the shortest pulses of 405 ns at 2021.6 nm and a maximum single pulse energy of $40.6~\mu $ J at 2019.7 nm.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and autophagy activation play important roles in the process of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The synergistic protective effects of Geniposide and ursodeoxycholic acid against cellular apoptosis caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation-reoxygenation (OGD/R) were investigated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and western blotting to examine cellular viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mRNA and protein levels, respectively, in relation to ERS and autophagy. We found that pretreatment with Geniposide improved cellular viability. Moreover, treatment with a combination of Geniposide and Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) (GT) protected injured cells better than Geniposide alone. Further studies showed that the increase in cellular ROS levels, and the overexpression of mRNA and proteins related to OGD/R-induced ERS and autophagy, were both counteracted by GT. Our study indicates that the protective effects of GT on OGD/R-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells are associated with the inhibition of ERS and autophagy.