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Abstract Background Aging negatively impacts tissue repair, particularly in skeletal muscle, where the regenerative capacity of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) diminishes with age. Although aerobic exercise is known to attenuate skeletal muscle atrophy, its specific impact on the regenerative and repair capacity of MuSCs remains unclear. Methods Mice underwent moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) from 9 months (aged + Ex‐9M) or 20 months (aged + Ex‐20M) to 25 months, with age‐matched (aged) and adult controls. Histological examinations and MuSC transplantation assays assessed aerobic exercise effects on MuSC function and muscle regeneration. CCN2/connective tissue growth factor modulation (overexpression and knockdown) in MuSCs and AICAR supplementation effects were explored. Results Aged mice displayed significantly reduced running duration (65.33 ± 4.32 vs. 161.9 ± 1.29 min, mean ± SD, P

Abstract The advancement of lightweight protective armors holds critical importance for enhancing the maneuverability and combat capabilities of helicopters. Leveraging insights from bionics, it provides a new idea for high-performance armor design. In this study, a new type of composite armor was designed by referring to the structural characteristics of hard phase-protection, soft phase-buffering of unitization armadillo shell. Through the numerical study, the anti-ballistic performance of armor with varying thickness ratios of the dense ceramic layer to the interpenetrating layer is obtained, and the influence of different structures of armor on the anti-ballistic performance is analyzed. The results show that compared with the traditional laminated composite armor, the Al2O3/Al biomimetic composite armor not only improves the separation phenomenon caused by wave impedance mismatch, but also greatly improves the speed drop in resisting high-speed and penetrating bullets. When the thickness ratio is 2:1, the armor has higher ballistic protection performance.

Abstract As an important pest on winter wheat, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) causes damage to the wheat yield by sucking plant nutrients, transmitting plant viruses and producing mildew. R. padi has been reported to develop resistance to pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. To explore potential alternative approaches for R. padi control, the activity of 10 botanical insecticides was evaluated. Results suggested that the toxicity of rotenone and pyrethrins to R. padi were the highest and near to the commonly used chemical insecticides. When exposed to the low-lethal concentrations (LC10, LC30) of rotenone or pyrethrins for 24 h, the lifespan and fecundity of adults in F0 generation decreased significantly compared to control. The negative effect could also be observed in the F1 generation, including the decreased average offspring, longevity of adult, and prolonged nymph period. The population parameters in F1 generation of R. padi were also inhibited by exposing to the low-lethal concentrations of rotenone or pyrethrins, including the decreased net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, finite rate of population increase, and gross reproduction rate. Co-toxocity factor results showed that mixtures of rotenone and thiamethoxam, pyrethrins and thiamethoxam showed synergistic effect. Our work suggested that rotenone and pyrethrins showed negative effect on the population growth under low-lethal concentrations. They are suitable for R. padi control as foliar spraying without causing population resurgence.

Extensive research has been conducted on the structures and preparation methods of ceramic/metal composites to achieve materials with superior strength and toughness. Among these, the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure stands out due to its remarkable advantages. In this study, we employed SLA additive manufacturing to fabricate a Gyroid-structured ceramic skeleton, and utilized metal infiltration to prepare interpenetrating Al2O3/Al composites. A comparison was made between the compressive properties of Al2O3/Al interpenetrating composites with Gyroid curved surface structure and those with honeycomb structure. The experimental outcomes indicate that compressive failure in both structural composites primarily occurs at the bond interface between the ceramic framework and the metal. These composites exhibit brittle fracture and experience shear failure. Furthermore, the compressive failure mechanism involves a mixed fracture composed of cleavage and micropore polymerization fractures. Gyroid curved structural composites exhibit lower local stress concentration due to their smooth and regular topology, rendering them with higher strength and ductility compared to honeycomb structural composites. The ultimate compressive strength of the Gyroid curved composite is 264 MPa, representing a 3.8-fold increase over the honeycomb structure.

The widespread occurrence and severity of tuberculosis make it a major global health concern. Abdominal issues often affect the intestine, peritoneum, and lymph nodes, with retroperitoneal involvement being rare. We herein present a case involving a 51-year-old man who experienced abdominal pain and fever. He had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis 1 year prior, which had been cured 6 months before presentation to our hospital. Abdominal unenhanced computed tomography revealed incomplete bowel obstruction. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography showed significant enlargement of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, which were compressing the intestinal lumen. Colonoscopy indicated that the terminal ileum and colon were normal. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lymph node aspiration was performed, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis fluorescence staining was positive. After anti-tuberculosis treatment, the patient’s abdominal pain and fever improved. Retroperitoneal lymph node tuberculosis presents atypically, and obtaining histopathology early is therefore crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract Background Skeletal muscle is negatively impacted by conditions such as spaceflight or prolonged bed rest, resulting in a dramatic decline in muscle mass, maximum contractile force, and muscular endurance. Electrical stimulation (ES) is an essential tool in neurophysiotherapy and an effective means of preventing skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Historically, ES treatment protocols have used either low or high frequency electrical stimulation (LFES/HFES). However, our study tests the use of a combination of different frequencies in a single electrical stimulation intervention in order to determine a more effective protocol for improving both skeletal muscle strength and endurance. Methods An adult male SD rat model of muscle atrophy was established through 4 weeks of tail suspension (TS). To investigate the effects of different frequency combinations, the experimental animals were treated with low (20 Hz) or high (100 Hz) frequency before TS for 6 weeks, and during TS for 4weeks. The maximum contraction force and fatigue resistance of skeletal muscle were then assessed before the animals were sacrificed. The muscle mass, fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), fiber type and related protein expression were examined and analyzed to gain insights into the mechanisms by which the ES intervention protocol used in this study regulates muscle strength and endurance. Results After 4 weeks of unloading, the soleus muscle mass and fiber CSA decreased by 39% and 58% respectively, while the number of glycolytic muscle fibers increased by 21%. The gastrocnemius muscle fibers showed a 51% decrease in CSA, with a 44% decrease in single contractility and a 39% decrease in fatigue resistance. The number of glycolytic muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius also increased by 29%. However, the application of HFES either prior to or during unloading showed an improvement in muscle mass, fiber CSA, and oxidative muscle fibers. In the pre-unloading group, the soleus muscle mass increased by 62%, while the number of oxidative muscle fibers increased by 18%. In the during unloading group, the soleus muscle mass increased by 29% and the number of oxidative muscle fibers increased by 15%. In the gastrocnemius, the pre-unloading group showed a 38% increase in single contractile force and a 19% increase in fatigue resistance, while in the during unloading group, a 21% increase in single contractile force and a 29% increase in fatigue resistance was observed, along with a 37% and 26% increase in the number of oxidative muscle fibers, respectively. The combination of HFES before unloading and LFES during unloading resulted in a significant elevation of the soleus mass by 49% and CSA by 90%, with a 40% increase in the number of oxidative muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius. This combination also resulted in a 66% increase in single contractility and a 38% increase in fatigue resistance. Conclusion Our results indicated that using HFES before unloading can reduce the harmful effects of muscle unloading on the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Furthermore, we found that combining HFES before unloading with LFES during unloading was more effective in preventing muscle atrophy in the soleus and preserving the contractile function of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Abstract During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatic fibrosis is a serious pathological condition caused by virus-induced liver damage. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in the occurrence and progression of liver fibrosis. Although accumulating evidence has shown that HBV directly stimulates HSC activation, whether the virus infects and replicates in HSCs remains controversial. Inflammation is one of the obvious characteristics of chronic HBV infection, and it has been demonstrated that persistent inflammation has a predominant role in triggering and maintaining liver fibrosis. In particular, the regulation of HSC activation by HBV-related hepatocytes via various inflammatory modulators, including TGF-β and CTGF, in a paracrine manner has been reported. In addition to these inflammation-related molecules, several inflammatory cells are essential for the progression of HBV-associated liver fibrosis. Monocytes, macrophages, Th17 cells, NK cells, as well as NKT cells, participate in the modulation of HBV-related liver fibrosis by interacting with HSCs. This review summarizes current findings on the effects of HBV and the relevant molecular mechanisms involved in HSC activation. Because HSC activation is essential for liver fibrosis, targeting HSCs is an attractive therapeutic strategy to prevent and reverse hepatic fibrosis induced by HBV infection. Video abstract

Water is a prerequisite for the formation of earth-biochemical-ecological systems. Differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources are important factors in the formation of differences in the distribution of vegetation in terrestrial ecosystems and are key to the differences in vegetation productivity. Vegetation water use efficiency is calculated by the total amount of fixed biogenic carbon per unit mass of water consumed in photosynthesis and can be used to assess the intensity and capacity of an ecosystem to use water biomass. Based on remote satellite sensing data, this study proposes a new water use efficiency assessment model. The model was validated using flux site data, and we analyzed the relative contribution of climate factors to soil moisture use efficiency using a first-difference method. The results revealed the following: (1) The soil moisture use efficiencies (SUE) of remote sensing data inversions that were evaluated using flux site data based on correlation coefficients and Nash coefficients showed high reliability, and only the NMG (Inner Mongolia) station showed low correlation among the nine sites. (2) Among the nine agricultural sub-regions in China, only the SUE of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region showed a decreasing trend (−1.08 g C/m−2 kg H2O yr), while all other regions showed an increasing trend. (3) The highest vegetation soil moisture use efficiency (1.83 g C/m−2 kg H2O) was found in ferralisols, while the lowest vegetation SUE (0.17 g C/m−2 kg H2O) was found in arid soils. The SUE of different vegetation types showed the characteristics of forest > scrub > cultivated vegetation > wetland > grassland. (4) The relative contribution of gross primary productivity (GPP) to the change in SUE was 37.53%, while the relative contribution of soil moisture content to the change in SUE was −26.71%. Among the five climatic factors, temperature was the most dominant factor affecting the change in SUE, followed by precipitation, net radiation, leaf area index, and potential evapotranspiration. Revealing the relationship between terrestrial ecosystem GPP, soil moisture content, and their responses to climate factors is a prerequisite for understanding the adaptation strategies of regional terrestrial ecosystems to global climate change, which can help to inform decision-making for the sustainable development of ecosystems.

Physcion can induce plant resistance to disease, and is registered to control powdery mildew by spraying in China. Seed coating is a widely applied precision method for pest prevention and control. To explore its potential in disease control and yield increase by seed coating, mixtures containing physcion and commonly used fungicides were designed and applied in a field trial. Greenhouse experiments screened the optimal concentration of physcion for seed coating an found it to be 1:50, with excellent promotion of plant growth and powdery mildew control. In field trials, seeds coated with a combinations of physcion with validamycin and pyrimidine nucleotide (2#) at 1:50 exhibited the highest emergence rate, tillering number, control effect of wheat powdery mildew, enzyme activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and peroxidase (POD), photosynthetic pigment content, and yield. These results provide an effective approach to wheat disease control and yield increase in wheat fields, and can lay the basis for reasonable application of physcion in Huang-huai-hai plain in China.

Abstract Objective To investigate efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) guiding to cut the scar of esophageal stricture after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS). Methods The data of 10 patients with oesophageal stricture after esophageal varices EIS in our hospital from September 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 treated by cutting the scar guided by ultrasonic endoscopy were retrospective, and the efficacy was evaluated. Results The dysphagia was obviously relieved in 9 patients during follow-up, and 1 patient suffered dysphagia again after the treatment. There was no complications of perforation, bleeding and infection among the paitents. Conclusion EUS guiding to cut the scar of esophageal stricture after EIS was safe and reliable.

Nasal bone is a long, paired series of small bones, which is narrow at the top and broad at the bottom, that forms the base of the nasal dorsum. Together with the nasal part of the frontal bone, the frontal process of the maxilla and the middle plate of the ethmoid bone constitute the bone scaffold of the external nose. In this paper, the DICOM image data file was imported into the Mimics software for 3D reconstruction. At the same time, the Geomagic software was used for relevant image processing, and the finite element software ANSYS was used to establish a finite element model to analyze the stress characteristics of the nasomaxillary complex. Results. The maximum principal stress and maximum strain force at the lower segment of nasal bone and the junction of nasal bone and maxilla were relatively large. When the same external force acts on the lower segment of the nasal bone and the angle is 0° (sagittal force), the maximum principal stress and maximum strain force are the smallest. When the angle continues to increase, the maximum principal stress and maximum strain force continue to increase.

Abstract Background IgG4-related disease mainly manifests as organomegaly and is accompanied by tissue fibrosis (Mimori, Mod Rheumatol 29(2):213, 2019) which is frequently confused with tumour (Dawei et al., J Gastroenterol Hepatol 29(12):1375–8, 2020). There are few reports with of IgG4-related disease with the first clinical manifestation involving the stomach. Case presentation We present the case of 46-year-old male patient with a “stomach tumour” as the first manifestation of IgG4-related disease. Gastroscopy showed a mass in the stomach, however, the pathology result was chronic inflammation with IgG4 positivity. CT scans of abdomen showed that the stomach wall was thick, the head of the pancreas was swollen, and retroperitoneal fibrosis was severe.The serum IgG4 level was 75 g/L (normal range 0.03–2.01 g/L).After treatment with methylprednisolone for one month, the symptoms were greatly relieved. Conclusions To reduce the suffering of patients and relieve their financial burden, we should consider the possibility of IgG4-related disease when the initial manifestation is a stomach mass.

DEAD/H-box helicases are an essential protein family with a conserved motif containing unique amino acid sequences (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp/His). Current evidence indicates that DEAD/H-box helicases regulate RNA metabolism and innate immune responses. In recent years, DEAD/H-box helicases have been reported to participate in the development of a variety of diseases, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which is a significant risk factor for hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that different DEAD/H-box helicases play vital roles in the regulation of viral replication, based on the interaction of DEAD/H-box helicases with HBV and the modulation of innate signaling pathways mediated by DEAD/H-box helicases. Besides these, HBV can alter the expression and activity of DEAD/H-box helicases to facilitate its biosynthesis. More importantly, current investigation suggests that targeting DEAD/H-box helicases with appropriate compounds is an attractive treatment strategy for the virus infection. In this review, we delineate recent advances in molecular mechanisms relevant to the interplay of DEAD/H-box helicase and HBV and the potential of targeting DEAD/H-box helicase to eliminate HBV infection.

Abstract As a ubiquitous second messenger, calcium (Ca2+) can interact with numerous cellular proteins to regulate multiple physiological processes and participate in a variety of diseases, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which is a major cause of hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that depends on the distinct Ca2+ channels on the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, as well as mitochondria, HBV can elevate cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Moreover, within HBV-infected cells, the activation of intracellular Ca2+ signaling contributes to viral replication via multiple molecular mechanisms. Besides, the available evidence indicates that targeting Ca2+ signaling by suitable pharmaceuticals is a potent approach for the treatment of HBV infection. In the present review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms related to the elevation of Ca2+ signaling induced by HBV to modulate viral propagation and the recent advances in Ca2+ signaling as a potential therapeutic target for HBV infection. Video Abstract

As a small DNA virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a pivotal role in the development of various liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Among the molecules encoded by this virus, the HBV X protein (HBX) is a viral transactivator that plays a vital role in HBV replication and virus-associated diseases. Accumulating evidence so far indicates that pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are at the front-line of the host defense responses to restrict the virus by inducing the expression of interferons and various inflammatory factors. However, depending on HBX, the virus can control PRR signaling by modulating the expression and activity of essential molecules involved in the toll-like receptor (TLR), retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR), and NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathways, to not only facilitate HBV replication, but also promote the development of viral diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms that are linked to the regulation of PRR signaling mediated by HBX to inhibit innate immunity, regulation of viral propagation, virus-induced inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis. Given the importance of PRRs in the control of HBV replication, we propose that a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of cellular factors involved in PRR signaling induced by the viral protein may open new avenues for the treatment of HBV infection.

JAK/STAT plays an important role in cytokine signal transduction and it is potentially involved in the proinflammatory response during the early phase of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). However, whether JAK2 activity is upregulated and whether JAK2 inhibition plays a role in the maintenance of pancreatic homeostasis during SAP is incompletely understood. Here we show that JAK2/STAT3 activity is highly elevated in SAP and blockade of JAK2 by AG-490 protects against SAP-induced pancreatic inflammation and injury. Gene expression and ELISA studies showed that JAK2 inhibition altered the cytokine profiles in both the circulation and pancreases. Further analysis revealed that JAK2 inhibition restored the level of cytokines critical for macrophage polarization towards M2 macrophage. Our findings suggest that pharmacological targeting at JAK2/STAT signalling may be an effective choice of therapeutic interventions against SAP.

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are well-known histone deacetylases that are capable of modulating various cellular processes in numerous diseases, including the infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is one of the primary pathogenic drivers of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mounting evidence reveals that HBV can alter the expression levels of all SIRT proteins. In turn, all SIRTs regulate HBV replication via a cascade of molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, several studies suggest that targeting SIRTs using suitable drugs is a potential treatment strategy for HBV infection. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms associated with SIRT-mediated upregulation of viral propagation and the recent advances in SIRT-targeted therapy as potential therapeutic modalities against HBV infection.

The high-speed camera was used to collect the droplet transfer pattern and arc pattern of the laser-arc hybrid welding process. Using the methods of image processing and mathematical statistics, the effects of different laser and arc power conditions on the welding stability were studied. The results show that the melting width depends on the welding current, the depth of penetration depends on the laser power, the droplet transition pattern, the actual filament spacing and the arc length determine the welding stability of the laser arc hybrid welding.

Wood-based functional materials have developed rapidly. But the flammability significantly limits its further application. To improve the flame retardancy, the balsa wood was delignified by NaClO2 solution to create a cellulose scaffold, and then alternately immersed in CaCl2 ethanol solution and NaHCO3 aqueous solution under vacuum. The high porosity and wettability resulting from delignification benefited the following mineralization process, changing the thermal properties of balsa wood significantly. The organic-inorganic wood composite showed abundant CaCO3 spherical particles under scanning electron microscopy. The peak of the heat release rate of delignified balsa-CaCO3 was reduced by 33% compared to the native balsa, according to the cone calorimetric characterization. The flame test demonstrated that the mineralized wood was flame retardant and selfextinguish. Additionally, the mineralized wood also displayed lower thermal conductivity. This study developed a feasible way to fabricate a lightweight, fire-retardant, self-extinguishing, and heat-insulating wood composite, providing a promising route for the valuable application of cellulosic biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]