SUMMARY: The plantaris muscle is located between the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, within the posterior calf group. Due to degeneration and its loss of plantar-flexion function, the muscle is vestigial in human beings, but it retains clinical significance. Few cases of variation in the plantaris muscle have been reported, and this, therefore, appears to be rare. Nonetheless, absence of this muscle was identified via the dissection of a left lower limb (male), which also indicated the absence of an attachment in the usual position. The present report, which addresses such variation, may provide both inspiration and reference points for the clinical treatment of so-called “tennis leg”, and for the use of plantaris muscle for the purposes of clinical, autologous graft repair.

RESUMEN: El músculo plantar se ubica entre los músculos sóleo y gastrocnemio, dentro del grupo posterior de la pierna. Debido a la degeneración y la pérdida de la función de flexión plantar, el músculo es un vestigio en los seres humanos, pero conserva su importancia clínica. Se han informado pocos casos de variación en el músculo plantar y, por lo tanto, esto parece ser raro. No obstante, se observó la ausencia de este músculo durante la disección de un miembro inferior izquierdo (masculino). El presente informe, que aborda dicha variación, puede proporcionar puntos de referencia para el tratamiento clínico de la llamada "pierna de tenista" y para el uso del músculo plantar con fines de reparación clínica con injerto autólogo.

Abstract To investigate the imaging features and clinic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). 139 RCC patients underwent MRI and CT examination before surgery, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of MRI and CT in diagnosing ccRCC were analyzed and compared. There were 93 true-positive, 11 false-positive, 11 false-negative and 24 true-negative in MRI screening with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 89.42%, 68.57%, 84.17%, 89.42% and 68.57% respectively. Whereas there were 72 true-positive, 4 false-positive, 32 false-negative and 31 true-negative in CT screening with the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 69.23%, 88.57%, 74.10%, 94.74% and 49.21% respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of MRI were better than those of CT, while the specificity of CT was better than that of MRI. MRI and CT have respective advantages in the diagnosis of ccRCC. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of MRI are superior to those of CT, while the specificity of CT is superior to that of MRI. Clinically, different examinations are selected according to different situations.

Abstract Background Importin 7 (IPO7) belongs to the Importin β family and is implicated in the progression of diverse human malignancies. This work is performed to probe the role of IPO7 in pancreatic cancer development and its potential downstream mechanisms. Methods IPO7 expression in PC and paracancerous tissues were measured using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and qRT-PCR. Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression level of IPO7 in PC cells and immortalize the pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line. After constructing the IPO7 overexpression and knockdown models, the effect of IPO7 on the proliferation of PC cells was analyzed by the CCK-8 and EdU assay. The migration and invasion of PC cells were examined by wound healing assay and Transwell experiment. The apoptosis rate of PC cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to determine the enrichment pathways of IPO7. The effect of IPO7 on the ERBB2 expression was determined using Western blotting. A xenograft mouse model was applied to investigate the carcinogenic effect of IPO7 in vivo. Results IPO7 expression was remarkably elevated in the cancer tissues of PC patients. IPO7 overexpression remarkably enhanced PC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and suppressed apoptosis, while knockdown of IPO7 exerted the opposite effect. Mechanistically, IPO7 facilitated the malignant phenotype of PC cells by up-regulating ERBB2 expression. In addition, knockdown of IPO7 inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Conclusion IPO7 can act as an oncogenic factor and accelerate PC progression by modulating the ERBB pathway.

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effect and specific mechanism of Coix Seed Oil (CSO) on immune hepatic fibrosis in immune injury rats. In this study, healthy Wister rats were injected with porcine serum in order to establish hepatic fibrosis model. We choose the compound Sophora flavescens injection as the positive control drug. HE staining was used to observe the morphological and histological changes. HSC-T6 cells were cultured in vitro. MTT and AO/EB staining were used to detect the effect of CSO on the proliferation and apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells. The results shown that Coix seed oil significantly improved hepatic fibrosis of immune injury rats, and the degree of hepatic fibrosis in CSO group was significantly reduced. Intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, HA, LN, PIIINP and C-IV in rats (P < 0.01).), MTT assay showed that the cells proliferated well. The results of HE staining showed that Coix seed oil had a good therapeutic effect on immune-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. AO/EB staining showed that 0.5 mg/mL CSO for 24 h and 0.1 mg/mL CSO for 48 h both significantly promoted the apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells. In conclusion, Coix seed oil has a significant therapeutic effect on immune hepatic fibrosis, and its molecular mechanism may be related to antagonizing cytokine TGF-β1, inhibiting the expression of TIMP-1, promoting collagen degradation, inhibiting the activation of hepatocyte and promoting the apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the impact of recombinant human interferon α1b (rhIFNα1b) treatment in infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections on subsequent wheezing. Methods: The clinical data of infants (n = 540) with viral pneumonia, wheezy bronchitis, or bronchiolitis hospitalized in 19 Chinese hospitals from June 2009 to June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters relevant to wheezing episodes within the last year were collected by telephone and questionnaires. The rhIFNα1b treatment group (n = 253) and control group (n = 287) were compared in terms of wheezing episodes within the last year. Moreover, the wheezing group (95 cases) and non-wheezing group (445 cases) were compared. Results: Out of 540 cases, 95 (17.6%) experienced wheezing episodes, 13.8% (35/253) cases treated with rhIFNα1b, and 20.9% (60/287) cases without rhIFNα1b experienced wheezing episodes within the last year. The rhIFNα1b treatment significantly improved wheezing episodes within the last year, compared with the control peers (p = 0.031). Single-factor regression showed statistically significant differences between the wheezing and non-wheezing groups in terms of age, rhIFNα1b use, childhood and family history of allergy, housing situation, and feeding history (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed a childhood history of allergy (OR = 2.14, p = 0.004), no rhIFNα1b use (OR = 1.70, p = 0.028), and living in a crowded house (OR = 1.92, p = 0.012) might be risk factors of subsequent wheezing. Accordingly, breastfeeding (OR = 0.44, p = 0.008) and hospitalization age of 1-year-old (OR = 0.58, p = 0.024) were protective factors. Conclusions: Early use of rhIFNα1b in infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections and breastfeeding could prevent subsequent wheezing. Living in a crowded house could promote subsequent wheezing.

ABSTRACT In order to provide the basis for the design and control of a citrus picking robot clamp and cutter, and find the optimal combination of cutting parameters, this study used a self-made citrus stem cutting test-bed to study the effects of the citrus stem diameter, blade cutting speed, blade cutting clearance, and tool sliding cutting angle on the peak cutting force of citrus stems through a single-factor experiment. Based on the single-factor test, the blade cutting speed, blade cutting clearance, and tool sliding angle are selected as the influencing factors, and a multi-factor test is carried out with the target of the peak cutting force, and the regression model is established. The results showed that the peak cutting force increased linearly with the diameter of the fruit stalk, decreased with the increase of the blade cutting speed and sliding cutting angle, and first decreased and then increased with the increase of the blade cutting clearance. Through the optimisation analysis of the regression model, it is found that the optimal cutting parameter combination is the blade cutting speed of 40 mm/min, blade cutting gap of 1 mm, tool sliding cutting angle of 20°, and the peak cutting force under this combination is 168.23 N. The deviation between the predicted value of the peak cutting force and the measured value is less than 2%, and the optimisation result of the cutting parameters is reliable. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimal design and control of the clamping and cutting mechanism of the citrus picking robot.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS A HOXB2 é um novo indicador prognóstico para o câncer de pulmão. Mas não está claro se a HOXB2 tem algum efeito na progressão do glioblastoma (GBM). O objetivo deste artigo foi sondar as influências da HOXB2 na patogênese do GBM. MÉTODOS Foram analisados o nível de expressão e o poder prognóstico da HOXB2 em pacientes com GBM. Em seguida, os níveis de expressão proteica e mRNA da HOXB2 em linhagens de células de GBM foram testados por qRT-PCR e western blotting. A proliferação, a invasão e migração celular foram determinadas por CCK8 e ensaios transwell, várias vezes. Os níveis proteicos das proteínas associadas à via PI3K/AKT foram analisados pelo método western blotting. RESULTADOS Os resultados indicaram que havia uma clara superrexpressão da HOXB2 em pacientes com GBM e que a alta expressão da HOXB2 estava relacionada a um prognóstico negativo. Além disso, a expressão da HOXB2 foi mais elevada em todas as linhagens de células do GBM U251, U-87MG, GOS-3 do que nas células HEB (controle normal). Entretanto, a diminuição da expressão de P-PI3K e p-AKT foi identificada após a redução da expressão da HOXB2. CONCLUSÕES Esses dados demonstram que a HOXB2 desempenha um papel vital na progressão do GBM, podendo ser um alvo promissor para o tratamento do GBM.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES HOXB2 is a new prognostic indicator for lung cancer. But it is unclear whether HOXB2 holds an effect in glioblastoma (GBM) progression. The purpose of this article was to probe the influences of HOXB2 on GBM pathogenesis. METHODS HOXB2 expression level and prognostic power in GBM patients were analyzed. Then the mRNA and protein expression levels of HOXB2 in GBM cell lines were tested by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were determined by CCK8 and transwell assay, severally. The protein levels of PI3K/AKT-pathway associated proteins were analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS The results indicated that HOXB2 was distinctly overexpressed in GBM patients and high expression of HOXB2 was related to a poor prognosis. Moreover, the expression of HOXB2 was higher in all GBM cell lines U251, U-87MG, GOS-3 than that in HEB cells (normal control). Meanwhile, decreased expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT were identified after HOXB2 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrated that HOXB2 had a vital role in GBM progression and could serve as a promising target for GBM treatment.

Abstract Diecastings of the A356 aluminum alloy were produced by rheo-diecasting (RDC) and High pressure die casting (HPDC), the microstructures of primary solidification, secondary solidification and eutectic Si of diecastings with different pouring temperature were explored and the mechanical properties of different parameters were tested. The result shows that the primary α-Al grains in RDC with self-inoculation method (SIM) are smaller and rounder than the dendrite structure in HPDC. During the RDC process, the amount of primary α-Al grains, average grain size and the lamellar spacing of the eutectic Si increase with the decrease of the melt treatment temperature. While the average grain size and the shape factor are gradually increasing with the increase of melt treatment temperature. As a result, RDC can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the A356 aluminum alloy compared with HPDC, the mechanical properties are optimal at 600°Cwith the tensile strength and elongation are 268.67MPa and 6.8%, respectively.

Abstract In this study, Mg-12Zn magnesium alloys alloyed with Al additions (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, wt.%) were fabricated by permanent mould casting. The Al content on their microstructure and mechanical properties were systematically examined with an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and mechanical tests at room temperature. The experimental results indicate that the microstructure of the alloys is mainly composed of α-Mg and semi-continuous or continuous eutectic phases. A higher addition of Al (≥6%) causes the generation of the Mg17Al12 phases. Notably, the grain sizes of the alloys gradually decrease, whilst the partial morphology of some eutectic phases is modified into lamellar structure with increasing of Al addition. Mechanical properties characterization manifested that, the alloys with different Al additions reveal distinguishing tensile properties. Among them, the alloy with 4% Al provides an excellent mechanical properties, i.e., a UTS of 206 MPa and an EL of 7.92%, which is respectively higher 28 MPa and 1.08% than that of ZA120 alloy. The deterioration in the tensile properties for the higher Al-bearing alloys is possibly related to the lamellar structure, coarse and continuous net-work morphology and β-Mg17Al12 phases, respectively.

Abstract Semisolid slurry of ZA27 alloy was prepared by Self-inoculation Method (SIM), the effects of isothermal holding parameters on microstructures of rheo-diecasting were researched, and the mechanical properties of ZA27 rheo-diecastings were tested. The results indicate that the dendritic microstructure of ZA27 alloy formed by permanent mold casting can be significantly modified by RDC with SIM, and obtain fine spherical microstructures. After comprehensive consideration, the suitable melt treatment temperature for the ZA27 alloy semisolid processing is 550~560°C. The isothermal holding process of ZA27 alloy slurry has great effect on primary α-Al particles (α1), while has little effect on the microstructure of secondary solidification in the process of thin-walled rheo-diecasting, and the suitable isothermal holding time of semisolid slurry for rheo-diecasting is 3 min. Compared with HPDC, the RDC process can increase the tensile strength of ZA27 alloy by more than 6.9%, with a maximum increase of about 12.5%. The best performance die casting can be obtained when the slurry holding time is 3-5 min.

Abstract: Dihydroporphyrin iron (III) chelates (also known as DHFe) have a role in plant growth regulation under normal and stressful conditions. In the present study, using Glycine max cultivars Jackson (the salt-sensitive) and Lee68 (the salt-tolerant) as the experimental materials, the physiological and molecular events contributing to the ameliorative effects of foliar DHFe spray on seedling growth; leaf photosynthetic parameters; reactive oxygen species (ROS) content; antioxidant enzyme activity; Na+, K+, and Cl- contents; and seed traits of soybean plants under control or salt-stressed conditions were investigated. The results showed that foliar spraying DHFe solution on soybean seedlings under NaCl treatment can significantly increase the leaf osmotic potential (ψs) and relative water content (RWC); reduce the Na+ and Cl- contents and Na+/K+ ratio; and simultaneously enhance the leaf antioxidant enzymes (CAT and APX, POD and SOD) activity, together with the mitigated ROS damage (lower H2O2 and MDA contents). Thus, it can apparently restore the salt stress-inhibited growth and photosynthetic capacity of Jackson and Lee68 seedlings, of which the salt-sensitive cv. Jackson displayed more pronounced effects. This may be related to the fact that, except for DHFe as a kind of antioxidant, foliar application of DHFe could enhance the transcription levels of GmCLC1 in roots and leaves and those of GmSOS1 in roots of Jackson plants under salt stress. When continuously cultivated to maturity, foliar spraying DHFe under salt stress could improve, to a certain extent, the seed traits (including the numbers of pods and seeds and seeds dry weight per plant) of both soybean cultivars. This approach may also provide a valuable theoretical basis and technical guidance for future practical application of DHFe as a type of plant growth promoter for the chemical regulation of foliar DHFe spray in mitigating salt injury to soybean and other crops under saline cultivation conditions.

Abstract Thermal damage in rock engineering occurs in the air-filled and quasi-vacuum environments of rock mass located near or far from the free surface. Meanwhile, dynamic loads are encountered frequently in engineering practice. In this study, 39 limestone samples are prepared, and a series of laboratory tests, including split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and optical microscopy analyses, are conducted to investigate the effects of temperature and the environment on the dynamic mechanical properties of limestone. The results show that the macro-physical and dynamic mechanical properties of limestone after thermal treatment can be divided into two stages by a critical temperature of 450°C, at which the thermal damage factor is 0.71 and 0.75 in the quasi-vacuum and air-filled environments, respectively. In the first stage, with temperatures varying from 25°C to 450°C, the thermal damage due to expansion and fracturing slightly influences the related parameters, except the P-wave velocity. However, in the second stage, with temperatures ranging from 450°C to 900°C, the thermal damage caused by mineral decomposition and hydration leads to a remarkable decrease in the dynamic bearing and anti-deformation capacities. The environment plays a negligible role in the first stage but an important role in the second stage, and the dynamic compressive strength and modulus of samples after thermal treatment in the air-filled environment are much lower than those in the quasi-vacuum environment. Both the temperature and environment of thermal treatment should be considered in engineering practice, especially when the temperature exceeds 450°C.

In this paper, the interaction behavior of p-sulfonated calix[n]arene (SCnA) with tramadol hydrochloride was investigated by fluorescence spectra, ¹H NMR spectra, and theoretical calculations in aqueous solution. At the optimized conditions, the fluorescence intensity of tramadol hydrochloride showed positive correlation to the concentration of SCnA, which led to a validated, simple, and sensitive fluorescence quenching method for the determination of tramadol hydrochloride was established for the first time. Moreover, the interaction based on SCnA superstructure provided has promising potential for therapeutic monitoring and pharmacokinetics and clinical application

OBJECTIVE: Salvia miltiorrhiza has long been used to treat systemic sclerosis. Tanshinone IIA, one of the phytochemicals derived from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, exhibits multiple biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate whether tanshinone IIA has an effect on the interleukin-17A-induced functional activation of systemic sclerosis patient-derived dermal vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS: Systemic sclerosis patient-derived dermal vascular smooth muscle cells were incubated with various dosages of tanshinone IIA in the presence of interleukin-17A or the serum of systemic sclerosis patients. Cell proliferation was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8. The expression of collagen 1 and 3 in cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Cell migration was measured using a transwell assay. The expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Our data demonstrate that tanshinone IIA exerts an inhibitory effect on interleukin-17A-induced systemic sclerosis patient-derived dermal vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and migration. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that tanshinone IIA might serve as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of systemic sclerosis.

Durante las últimas décadas, el exceso de velocidad ha sido identificado como el factor más dominante que contribuye a la ocurrencia de accidentes graves y lesiones en las vías, de ahí que la medida de fijar la velocidad límite sea lo más común. Sin embargo, algunos estudios han concentrado sus esfuerzos en el problema de la velocidad límite en ambientes adversos, debido a la reducción en visibilidad y fricción en el pavimento. El propósito principal de esta investigación es desarrollar un prototipo de recomendaciones de velocidad límite para segmentos básicos de autopistas con condiciones ambientales difíciles. Si el vehículo delantero realiza una parada súbita, la distancia de separación del vehículo trasero es dividida en cuatro fases. Suponiendo que la visibilidad sea menor que la distancia segura entre dos vehículos consecutivos, una ecuación parabólica puede ser construida para describir la relación entre la máxima velocidad segura del vehículo, condiciones del pavimento, pendiente del segmento y visibilidad, y de ahí la máxima velocidad segura es redondeada hacia abajo, el múltiplo de 5 más cercano, y es propuesta como la velocidad límite bajo condiciones nubladas, de lluvia y nieve.

Over the past decade, over speeding has been identified to be the most dominant factor contributing to the occurrence of severe crashes and injuries on freeways, and thus speed limit performs the most popular countermeasure. However, few studies have focused on the problem of freeway speed limits in bad weather due to reduction of visibility and pavement friction. Therefore, the primary purpose of this research is to develop a prototype of speed limits recommendations for basic freeway segments under the inclement weather conditions. If the leading vehicle makes a sudden stop, the travelling distance of the following vehicle is divided into four phases. Assuming the visibility is no less than the safe following distance between consecutive vehicles, consequently, a parabolic equation is constructed to describe the relation between the vehicle's maximum safe speed, pavement conditions, segment slope and visibility, and then maximum safe speed is rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 as the proposed speed limit under the fogy, rainy or snowy conditions.