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Rationale: Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) transplantation can restore testosterone production in rodent models and is thus a potential solution for treating testosterone deficiency (TD). However, it remains unknown whether these favorable effects will be reproduced in more clinically relevant large-animal models. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility, safety and efficacy of autologous SLCs transplantation in a testosterone-deficient non-human primate (NHP) model. Methods: Cynomolgus monkey SLCs (CM-SLCs) were isolated from testis biopsies of elderly (> 19 years) cynomolgus monkeys by flow cytometry. Autologous CM-SLCs were injected into the testicular interstitium of 7 monkeys. Another 4 monkeys were injected the same way with cynomolgus monkey dermal fibroblasts (CM-DFs) as controls. The animals were then examined for sex hormones, semen, body composition, grip strength, and exercise activity. Results: We first isolated CD271+ CM-SLCs which were confirmed to expand continuously and show potential to differentiate into testosterone-producing Leydig cells (LCs) in vitro. Compared with CM-DFs transplantation, engraftment of autologous CM-SLCs into elderly monkeys could significantly increase the serum testosterone level in a physiological pattern for 8 weeks, without any need for immunosuppression. Importantly, CM-SLCs transplantation recovered spermatogenesis and ameliorated TD-related symptoms, such as those related to body fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density, strength and exercise capacity. Conclusion: For the first time, our short-term observations demonstrated that autologous SLCs can increase testosterone levels and ameliorate relevant TD symptoms in primate models. A larger cohort with long-term follow-up will be required to assess the translational potential of autologous SLCs for TD therapy.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating medical condition, often accompanied by motor and sensory dysfunction. The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has a protective role in pathological injury after SCI. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to confirm the effects of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-2 (MEKK2)/MEKK3/JNK/Hh pathway on SCI. SCI rat models were established and then inoculated with plasmids overexpressing MEKK2/MEKK3 or with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against MEKK2/MEKK3. The expression of MEKK2 and -3 was detected in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells. The motor function of hindlimbs, the expression of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)- and Hh-pathway-related genes, and the level of neurofilament-200 (NF-200) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured. MEKK2 and -3 were expressed at a high level in DRG cells. The silencing of MEKK2/MEKK3 in rats caused an increase in the expression of glioma-associated oncogene homolog-1 (Gli-1), Nestin, smoothened (Smo), and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) rating and the level of NF-200 protein also increased. However, the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), MIP-3α, p-JNK/JNK, and p-c-Jun/c-Jun and the level of GFAP were reduced. Downregulation of MEKK2/MEKK3 ameliorated the symptoms of SCI by promoting neural progenitor cell differentiation via activating the Hh pathway and disrupting the JNK pathway. The findings in this study reveal a potential biomarker for SCI treatment. Keywords: spinal cord injury, Hedgehog signaling pathway, MEKK2/MEKK3, JNK signaling pathway, neural progenitor cell differentiation

Identification of the active center is pivotal to manipulate the catalyst design for the oxygen evolution reaction. Herein, sulfur was introduced to partly occupy oxygen location in the surface structure of cobalt (II) oxide. The heterogenous ‘O-Co-S’ sites brought an enhanced oxygen evolution activity, including a five-fold intrinsic activity improvement and a reduced overpotential of 66 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the electronegativity difference between sulfur and oxygen induce the Co 3d electron accumulation along the Co-O bond. This orientated distortion optimizes the adsorption behaviors to oxygen-containing species and also favors energy band more continuous to promote electron transfer, thereby leading to improved electrochemical performance. This work provides the atomic-level understanding of the nature of active sites, which would shed light on the rational design and regulation of other material systems for advanced energy storage and conversion devices.

A new tuberculosis model with fast and slow progression and media coverage is formulated and analyzed. The basic reproductive number R0 is derived, and the existence and stability of all the equilibria are discussed. The occurrences of forward and backward bifurcation are obtained by using center manifold theory. Numerical simulations are also given to support our theoretical results. Sensitivity analysis on a few parameters is also carried out. Our results show that media coverage can encourage people to take measures to avoid potential infections and control the spread of tuberculosis.

In order to develop a variety of japonica rice with good eating quality suitable for planting in Jiangsu Province, the genetic basis of high quality, disease resistance and high yield japonica rice varieties in Jiangsu Province was systematically studied. The relationship among different rice qualities of cooking, nutrition, and eating was studied by association analysis. It was clear that amylose content was the key factor affecting eating quality. The semi waxy rice with amylose content of 10%~14% has bright surface, soft texture, and elasticity, combining the softness of glutinous rice and the elasticity of japonica rice. The cold rice is not hard, and the taste is excellent. It meets the taste requirements of people in Yangtze River Delta region who like to eat soft fragrant japonica rice. The semi waxy japonica rice variety "Kantou 194" with a low expression of amylose content gene Wx为了培育适合在江苏种植的优良食味粳稻品种,以优良食味为主攻目标,对江苏省优质、抗病、高产粳稻品种的遗传基础开展了系统研究。通过关联分析,研究稻米蒸煮品质、营养品质与食味品质的关系,明确直链淀粉含量是影响食味品质的关键性状。直链淀粉含量为10%~14%的半糯米米饭表面光泽透亮、质地柔软、富有弹性,综合了糯米的柔软性和粳米的弹性,冷饭不硬,食味品质极佳,符合长三角地区人们喜食柔软香型粳米的口感需求。筛选出直链淀粉含量在10%左右、含有低直链淀粉含量基因Wx

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), more than 130,000 people worldwide have been infected. Many studies show that the testis is one of the organs with a high expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor/binding protein of SARS-CoV-2, which has aroused public concerns about the possible damage to male fertility. This article presents a review and analysis of the existing literature, aiming to achieve an objective understanding of the significance of the ACE2 expression in the testis. Hitherto, clinical and laboratory data available on COVID-19 are not sufficient to provide any direct evidence that the testis is a target organ of the virus. Whether the coronavirus damages fertility in male patients with COVID-19 requires further investigation. In the absence of sufficient research-based evidence, damage of the virus to male fertility should not be over-interpreted.

To assess the comparative efficacy and safety of drug treatments for premature ejaculation. A systemic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis were executed on randomised controlled trials of drug interventions for premature ejaculation. Intravaginal ejaculation latency time and related adverse effects were outcome measures. A total of 44 RCTs with 11,008 patients were included in our NMA. In therapy8 weeks, the ranking of drug efficacy was topical creamsselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)+ phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) PDE5i sertraline clomipramine paroxetine dapoxetine 60 milligram (mg) dapoxetine 30 mg fluoxetinecitalopram duloxetineplacebo. In therapy ≥ 8 weeks, the ranking of drug efficacy was SSRI + PDE5i topical creams paroxetine tramadol PDE5i fluoxetine dapoxetine 60 mg dapoxetine 30 mg clomipraminecitalopram placebo. For total adverse events, clomipramine, dapoxetine 30 mg, dapoxetine 60 mg, paroxetine, PDE5i, SSRI + PDE5i and tramadol had a higher risk than placebo. In conclusion, in ≥8 weeks of therapy, the drug combination of SSRI + PDE5i was the most effective PE therapy. In8 weeks of therapy, the efficacy of local anaesthetics was best. All drug treatments were ranked better than placebo. In general, drugs with better effects had more obvious side effects.

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) is a well-established model induced by an autoimmune response to prostate antigen. The symptomatic, pathological, and immunological characteristics of EAP animals are highly consistent with human chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), which makes EAP an ideal model for this disease. Here, we investigate the influence of EAP on male rat sexual function and the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy with celecoxib. EAP rat models were established using male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to a normal control group, an EAP model group, or an EAP model with celecoxib treatment group (celecoxib group). Behavioral changes, sexual behavioral changes, and erectile function were estimated using an open-field test, a sucrose consumption test, mating experiments, and by intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio (ICP/MAP). Histological changes in the prostate were observed by HE staining, and the serum inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT2C receptor, and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression levels in the hippocampus and spinal cord (T13-L1, L5-S2) were examined by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results showed that EAP rats exhibited characteristics of depression, decreased sexual drive, premature ejaculation, and increased threshold of penile erection. Moreover, all these changes were effectively alleviated by celecoxib. Significant increases in prostatic interstitial infiltration by inflammatory cells and in serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels were observed in EAP rats, and these were partially reduced by celecoxib. Additionally, the expression pattern of serotonin system regulators in the hippocampus and spinal cord were altered in EAP model rats, including a decrease in 5-HT levels and an increase in 5-HT1A receptor levels. In conclusion, autoimmune prostatitis impaired rat sexual function, and this was effectively prevented by anti-inflammatory therapy with celecoxib. Moreover, a serotonin system disorder in the central nervous system was likely mediated via inflammation in EAP rats.

To explore the perception of the female partner's beauty, stimulating factors for sexual arousal, and the acquisition of sexual knowledge in blind males and analyze the related influencing factors.Using a self-designed questionnaire and with the help of the Disabled Persons' Federation and the Association for the Blind of Ganzhou, we conducted an investigation among 54 blind males at an average age of 33.5 years, who met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled according to the rosters provided by the above institutions. We convened the subjects in the appointed hospitals or other places for telephone or face-to-face question-and-answer interviews with qualified investigators trained previously.In the first phase, as the preliminary investigation, open-ended questions were asked of 21 of the subjects on the telephone or at a one-to-one interview. In the second phase, as the formal investigation, closed-ended questions were asked of the other 33 blind males at a face-to-face interview. The blind males perceived the beauty of their sexual partners mainly by the female's mild disposition and sweet voice (63.6% ［21/33］), soft and satiny skin (51.5% ［17/33］), sexy and well-shaped body (54.5% ［18/33］), and intoxicating bodily scent (18.2% ［6/33］). The stimulating factors for sexual arousal of the subjects included hearing the partner's soft and sweet voice (39.4% ［13/33］), feeling her satiny skin (54.5% ［18/33］), touching her sexy and well-shaped body (66.7% ［22/33］), and the pleasant mood of the males (30.3% ［10/33］).The blind males in Ganzhou perceive the beauty of their sexual partners mainly by their senses of hearing, touch and smell, and the stimulating factors for sexual arousal chiefly include the partner's sweet voice, satiny skin and well-shaped body as well as the pleasant mood of the males.

With the wide application of digital control technology in the nuclear safety control system, cyber security has gradually become an important part of system operation security. Replay attacks are a common form of cyber attack, this attack can bypass software encryption, signatures and other safeguards against information leaks to disguise identity or inject information. This paper describes a formal method to verify the ability of the protocol to resist replay attacks. This method need analyze the network protocol communication process, determine the elements to resist replay attack in the protocol, use formal language to establish the model of attack for the protocol, traverse all states by formal tools, check whether there is a design flaw in the protocol and demonstrate the process and path of replay attack so that protocol designers identify the weaknesses of defensive measures.

Purpose. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether hcp plays a role in the process of Acinetobacter baumannii infection and to examine clinically relevant factors that may affect hcp expression. Methodology. Seventy-seven A. baumannii isolates from patients with a respiratory infection at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China) were included in this study. PCR was performed to screen for the presence of hcp. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to examine the expression of hcp. Results. A total of 77.9 % (60 of 77) of the A. baumannii clinical isolates possessed the hcp gene. Expression of hcp was found to be strain-specific and associated with the infection status. Higher gene expression of hcp was found for invasive A. baumannii isolates causing an infection relative to the colonization group, and for the same strain at a post-infection status compared with that prior to infection. Acid environment was also found to be a trigger of hcp gene expression. Conclusion. The type VI secretion system and hcp predominate in A. baumannii causing respiratory infections. Expression of hcp is regulated by the infection status and acid environment, and might play a role in the process of triggering infection by the colonizer.

This study aimed to gain insight into the underlying pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction in young men under the age of 40 years without widely-known risk factors. Compared with normal controls, patients with erectile dysfunction had increased carotid intima–media thickness, fasting levels of blood glucose and insulin, and homeostatic model assessment index, as well as lower flow-mediated vasodilation and testosterone levels (P < 0.05), though all of these values were within their respective normal range. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified carotid intima–media thickness, flow-mediated vasodilation, insulin level, and homeostatic model assessment index as significant predictors of erectile dysfunction. Young men with flow-mediated vasodilation 0.623 mm had a 4.16-fold, and young men with homeostatic model assessment index >1.614 had a 5.993-fold greater risk of having erectile dysfunction. In conclusions, in young men with normal results from general clinical screening, an increased carotid intima–media thickness and homeostatic model assessment index and reduced flow-mediated vasodilation were associated with a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction may appear before the detection of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and may be the earliest clinical sign of subclinical cardiovascular disease.

Microsurgical longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy (LIVE) has been widely used to treat epididymal obstructive azoospermia since 2004. Although the deferential vasculature plays an important role in supplying blood to the testis and epididymis, little attention has been paid to the potential benefits of sparing the deferential vessels during the anastomosis in LIVE. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferential vessel-sparing LIVE in humans. From December 2013 to December 2015, 69 azoospermic men with epididymal obstruction due to a genital infection, trauma, or idiopathic factors underwent deferential vessel-sparing LIVE in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. The outcomes of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age was 31.1 years for men and 28.3 years for their partners. Fifty-nine (85.5%, 59/69) men were followed up after surgery for approximately 16 months. Patency was noted and confirmed by semen analysis (>10 000 sperm/ml) in 83.1% (49/59) of men. The natural pregnancy rate was 40.7% (24/59) by the end of the study, with 87.5% (21/24) of these natural pregnancies achieved within 12 months after surgery. No severe adverse events or complications were observed. In this study, we present a novel technique for sparing the deferential vessels during LIVE. The preliminary outcomes show this technique to be safe with favorable patency and pregnancy rates.

Effective procedures for the purification of Leydig cells (LCs) can facilitate functional studies and transplantation therapies. However, current methods to purify LCs from testes are still far from satisfactory. Here, we found that testicular autofluorescence existed in the interstitium along with the gradual maturation of LCs from birth to adulthood. These autofluorescent cells were further isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and determined to be composed of LCs and macrophages. To further purify LCs, we combined two fluorescence channels of FACS and successfully separated LCs and macrophages. Of note, we confirmed that the obtained LCs not only possessed high purity, viability and quantity but also had intact steroidogenic activity and excellent responsiveness to luteinizing hormone. Moreover, subcutaneous transplantation of isolated LCs could alleviate the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in castrated mice. In summary, we established an effective autofluorescence-based method for isolating LCs. This method will aid in the future success of using LCs for basic and translational applications.

Cleft palate is a common craniofacial birth defect. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of excess all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) on periderm removal and the disappearance of basal medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells during palatogenesis, particularly during the stage prior to contact. atRA (200 mg/kg) was administered to C57BL/6N mice at embryonic day (E) 12.0 by gavage. Fetal palates were processed and analyzed by histology and electron microscopy. Single palate shelf peridermal cells were removed and cultured in the presence of atRA (3 µM) only or in the presence of or the caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD (100 µM) only, for 48 h. Once cultured, morphological changes were analyzed by histological staining and electron microscopy. A TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptotic neurons. Paired palatal shelves with periderm removal were cultured in the presence of atRA (3 µM) only or in the presence of Z-VAD (100 µM) only for 48 h and analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. At E14.5, medial edge epithelium periderm was retained in the atRA-treated palates but had been shed prior to contact in the control groups. In addition, atRA was revealed to disrupt the cell cycle in the periderm by downregulating p21. Furthermore, atRA inhibited apoptosis in the periderm and basal MEE cells; however, atRA exhibited no effect on basement membrane degradation in single palatal organ culture. Additionally, once paired palates were cultured for 48 h, all of the groups in which the periderm had been removed exhibited confluence of the embryonic palatal mesenchyme. The present results suggest that periderm removal is inhibited in atRA-induced cleft palate in mice and that removal of the periderm contributes to EPM confluence in vitro.

BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained growing popularity in use in spinal fusion procedures in the last decade. Substantial intraoperative blood loss is frequently accompanied with spinal fusion, and it is unknown whether blood harvested intraoperatively qualifies for PRP preparation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Whole blood was harvested intraoperatively and venous blood was collected by venipuncture. Then, we investigated the platelet concentrations in whole blood and PRP, the concentration of growth factors in PRP, and the effects of PRP on the proliferation and viability of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs). RESULTS Our results revealed that intraoperatively harvested whole blood and whole blood collected by venipuncture were similar in platelet concentration. In addition, PRP formulations prepared from both kinds of whole blood were similar in concentration of platelet and growth factors. Additional analysis showed that the similar concentrations of growth factors resulted from the similar platelet concentrations of whole blood and PRP between the two groups. Moreover, these two kinds of PRP formulations had similar effects on promoting cell proliferation and enhancing cell viability. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, intraoperatively harvested whole blood may be a potential option for preparing PRP spinal fusion.

As the digital instrument control system in the field of security become more and more widely used, the reliability of the software has drawn great attention. Identifying and eliminating potential errors in software is an effective way to improve software reliability. Most of the methods for identify software failures at this stage are evolved from the traditional failure analysis methods, such as fault tree, Failure Mode Effect Analysis methods (FMEA). These traditional failure analysis methods encountered some problems, such as the credibility of the results depends heavily on the skills of the executive staff and the analysis workload is huge. In this study, a formal method was adopted to describe the software design, and formal tools were used to find the software failure path. Formal technology is based on rigorous mathematical theory, and it is easy to carry out by computer processing, which can greatly reduce the impact of executive staff awareness on the analysis results. In addition, using formal tools can effectively reduce the workload of executives.

A series of hierarchical pore molecular sieves (HPMSs) with pore size up to 6.0 nm were prepared using triblock copolymer (P123) as mesoporous template agent and characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption. Cobalt-loaded catalysts were prepared by impregnating cobalt nitrate onto HPMSs and characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The result indicates that mesopore size of HPMS increased along with the increment of the amount of P123. The selectivity of the catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor, and the results show that the selectivity of C12+ hydrocarbons is increased with the increment of the pore size.

Radiation-induced damage and degradation to shielding and structure materials in nuclear reactors is one of the key limiting factors that affect the safety considerations and the lifetime. Neutron radiation damages materials mainly by exciting a number of Primary Knock-on Atom (PKAs). PKAs induce displacement cascades, causing microstructure changes and mechanical degradations in materials. Computer simulations are used to model this complex process. Knowing the PKA spectrum accurately is important because PKA spectrum and the input of computer simulation are coupled. In this work, we aim to obtain the PKA spectrum in Zr-based alloys with relatively low Zr concentration by using the Geant4 software. Some new functions were added by reprogramming in Geant4. We found that the energy spectra of PKA in Zr2Cu and Zr2Ni are mainly caused by Zr atom, and the shape of the average energy spectra are similar with pure Zr. The number of PKA distributions and the energy deposition in these two Zr-based metals are similar with pure Zr but different than those in pure Ni. These finding indicate that the metallic elements of Cu and Ni have small impact on PKA spectrum in Zr-based alloys, which illustrate that simplified simulation models are feasible when using computer for simulating. Moreover, it has great significant for the calculation of irradiation damage and the computer simulation for the process of collision cascade after one PKA is formed.

The present study describes a novel all-arthroscopic technique for medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). Surgical instruments were specifically designed to assist in the all-arthroscopic approach for MAT. The bone plug attachment technique, either the arthroscopic-assisted or all-arthroscopic approach, attaches bone plugs to the anterior and posterior horns. In the present study, two sets of surgical implements were designed: One to produce bone plugs of predefined sizes in the anterior and posterior horns of the allograft meniscus (bone plug implements) and a second to create bone tunnels in the receptor tibial plateau to hold the bone plugs (bone tunnel implements). The present study demonstrated that an all-arthroscopic approach to MAT was feasible. Furthermore, the specifically designed surgical instruments allowed for consistent preparation of grafts and recipient tissues, contributing to a standardized approach to MAT. The present findings indicate that an all-arthroscopic approach to MAT may be achievable. They also provide the incentive for future clinical studies to directly compare the outcomes and to initiate the standardization of the procedure to optimize MAT and maximize patient outcomes and quality of life.

Objective To determine efficacy of intraoperative microvascular Doppler ultrasound in assisting subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy for pain relief in the treatment of painful varicoceles, compared to the microsurgery without Doppler ultrasound. Methods Total 153 patients underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy were randomly allocated to two groups: Groups 1 and 2 included 82 and 71 patients monitored with and without using intraoperative microvascular Doppler ultrasound, respectively. The assessments were compared between two groups, including intraoperative parameters (vessel numbers and operative time) and postoperative outcomes (pain resolution, complications and recurrence). Results The average numbers of internal spermatic veins ligated (13.87±6.43 vs 11.72±5.66) and arteries preserved (1.96±0.87 vs 1.73±0.86) were significantly greater in Group 1 with Doppler ultrasound. Precisely, the smaller size of the internal spermatic veins was ligated and the more encircled arteries were also preserved in Group 1. In two groups with and without using Doppler ultrasound, 56 (68.3%) and 36 (50.7%) patients experienced a complete resolution of pain, 21 (25.6%) and 29 (40.9%) patients experienced partial resolution, whereas 5 (6.1%) and 6 (8.5%) patients experienced no change in the chronic pain, respectively. Thus, patients in Group 1 had a better outcome in chronic pain resolution (P = 0.033). The operative time, complications and recurrence rate were not different between the two groups. Conclusions Subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy is an effective method to treat painful varicoceles. With the assistance of Doppler Ultrasound monitoring, greater numbers of vessels were identified and a better outcome of pain resolution was achieved.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which can lead to hepatic disease, has become a critical national healthcare problem, and many people die each year as a result of HBV infection and its complications. Although microRNA-33a (miR-33a) is a novel modulator of lipid and cholesterol metabolism, the role of miR-33a in the hepatic fibrogenesis is still unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of miR-33a in liver fibrosis. miR-33a expression in whole liver and serum samples was measured from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In addition, different murine hepatic fibrosis models were produced to consolidate the results in human tissue. Human and murine primary liver fibrosis-associated cells were isolated and treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). miR-33a expression levels in liver tissue significantly increased with a fibrosis progression manner in the human liver. Furthermore, serum miR-33a levels associated positively with progressing process of hepatic fibrosis. miR-33a was in particular increased in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) than other liver fibrosis-associated cells. Stimulation of HSCs with TGF-β1 leads to a critical increase of miR-33a. Increasing miR-33a levels increased (whereas inhibiting miR-33a weakened) the activation role of TGF-β1 in LX-2 cells, which might be a potential mechanism through moderating Smad7 expression. miR-33a may be a novel marker for HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis progress, suggesting a new therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.

In this paper, we propose a new set of orthogonal moments based on Exponent functions, named Exponent-Fourier moments (EFMs), which are suitable for image analysis and rotation invariant pattern recognition. Compared with Zernike polynomials of the same degree, the new radial functions have more zeros, and these zeros are evenly distributed, this property make EFMs have strong ability in describing image. Unlike Zernike moments, the kernel of computation of EFMs is extremely simple. Theoretical and experimental results show that Exponent-Fourier moments perform very well in terms of image reconstruction capability and invariant recognition accuracy in noise-free, noisy and smooth distortion conditions. The Exponent-Fourier moments can be thought of as generalized orthogonal complex moments.

Digital image processing is a technology that using computer to process images through a certain algorithm. It has been widely used in many areas of engineering and military. The system which is fit for the researching and teaching plays a very important role in the fields of scientific research and education. This paper discusses the development of image processing system and image processing technique in MATLAB. In practice, the operation of the system is convenient its interface is beautiful and its vision is very good.

With the laser cladding technology, 70%Ni60A+30%WC cladding layer was cladded on the surface of Q345 steel. And the phase, microstructure and wear resistance of cladding layer were analyzed. Experiments show that the Ni-based WC alloy laser cladding treatment on Q345 steel surface have a great upgrade on grain refinement, surface hardness and wear-resistance of Q345 steel surface.

Taking backfill material of underground mine as the object of study, this paper conducts the research on its strength characteristics by using uniaxial compressive strength testing machine at different cement-sand mass ratio and curing time and mass concentration which the method of experiment and theory analysis were used. The model of predicting the strength of tailings backfill was introduced, and its results were identical with the expreimental test after comparing. Therefore, the mathematical model can be used to estimate the strength of tailings backfill after assigning the specific value of tailing backfill. The tested results show that the uniaxial compressive strength of backfill rose with the increase of its concentration, cement-sand ratio, and the curing time; the strength of backfill was not enough to sustain the stope if the curing time is short and the cement-sand ratio is small.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effects of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) on myocardial regeneration and cardiac repair after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS WJ-MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord under sterile conditions and were cultured and expanded until passage 5. WJ-MSCs were labeled with CM-Dil before transplantation. The mid-third of the left anterior descending artery was ligated surgically to establish a mini-swine AMI model. The miniswines were divided randomly into three groups (n=6 in each): control group, PBS group, and transplantation group. Six weeks later, evaluation of the changes in myocardial perfusion and function was performed by single-photon emission computed tomography and echocardiography in each group. Then, the animals were euthanized and the tissues in the infarcted area were harvested for histopathological examination. RESULTS The changes in myocardial perfusion and function were significantly improved in the transplantation group compared with the control and PBS groups (P

It is well recognized that PIAS1, a SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) E3 ligase, modulates such cellular processes as cell proliferation, DNA damage responses, and inflammation responses. Recent studies have shown that PIAS1 also plays a part in cell differentiation. However, the role of PIAS1 in adipocyte differentiation remains unknown. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ), a major regulator of adipogenesis, is a target of SUMOylation, but the E3 ligase responsible for the SUMOylation of C/EBPβ has not been identified. The present study showed that PIAS1 functions as a SUMO E3 ligase of C/EBPβ to regulate adipogenesis. PIAS1 expression was significantly and transiently induced on day 4 of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, when C/EBPβ began to decline. PIAS1 was found to interact with C/EBPβ through the SAP (scaffold attachment factor A/B/acinus/PIAS) domain and SUMOylate it, leading to increased ubiquitination and degradation of C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ became more stable when PIAS1 was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi). Moreover, adipogenesis was inhibited by overexpression of wild-type PIAS1 and promoted by knockdown of PIAS1. The mutational study indicated that the catalytic activity of SUMO E3 ligase was required for PIAS1 to restrain adipogenesis. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of PIAS1 overexpression on adipogenesis was rescued by overexpressed C/EBPβ. Thus, PIAS1 could play a dynamic role in adipogenesis by promoting the SUMOylation of C/EBPβ.

Based on the three-stage perforation model, a semi-theoretical analysis is conducted for the ballistic performances of a rigid kinetic projectile impacting on concrete plates. By introducing the projectile resistance coefficients, dimensionless formulae are proposed for depth of penetration (DOP), perforation limit thickness, ballistic limit velocity, residual velocity and perforation ratio, with the projectile nosed geometries and projectile-target interfacial friction taken into account. Based on the proposed formula for DOP and lots of penetration tests data of normal and high strength concrete targets, a new expression is obtained for target strength parameter. By comparisons between the results of the proposed formulae and existing empirical formulae and large amount of projectile penetration or perforation tests data for monolithic and segmented concrete targets, the validations of the proposed formulae are verified. It is found that the projectile-target interfacial friction can be neglected in the predictions of characteristic ballistic parameters. The dimensionless DOP for low-to-mid speed impacts of non-flat nosed projectiles increases almost linearly with the impact factor by a coefficient of 2/(πS). The anti-perforation ability of the multilayered concrete plates is dependent on both the target plate thickness and the projectile impact velocity. The variation range of the perforation ratio is 1–3.5 for concrete targets.