Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal genetic disorder for which there is no effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplantation into mdx mice can promote muscle regeneration and improve muscle function, however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. DMD suffers varying degrees of hypoxic damage during disease progression. This study aimed to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have protective effects against hypoxia-induced skeletal muscle injury. Results In this study, we co-cultured iPSCs with C2C12 myoblasts using a Transwell nested system and placed them in a DG250 anaerobic workstation for oxygen deprivation for 24 h. We found that iPSCs reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of BAX/BCL2 and LC3II/ LC3I in hypoxia-induced C2C12 myoblasts. Meanwhile, iPSCs decreased the mRNA and protein levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 and increased myotube width. Furthermore, iPSCs downregulated the phosphorylation of AMPKA and ULK1 in C2C12 myotubes exposed to hypoxic damage. Conclusions Our study showed that iPSCs enhanced the resistance of C2C12 myoblasts to hypoxia and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy in the presence of oxidative stress. Further, iPSCs improved hypoxia-induced autophagy and atrophy of C2C12 myotubes through the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. This study may provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of muscular dystrophy in stem cells.

The current study aimed to assess the effects of the addition of dietary fermented feed (FF) on the growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and number of cecal microorganisms of Sichuan white geese from 1 to 28 d of age. A total of 240, 1-day-old female geese were randomly divided into five groups with six replicates (eight birds per replicate). Geese in the control group were fed the basal diet (0.0% FF) and the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% FF, respectively. The 5.0% FF and 7.5% FF groups had greater body weights (BW), average daily feed intakes (ADFI), and average daily gains (ADG) than the control group. The feed/gain ratio (F/G) in the 7.5% FF group was higher than the control group. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IGA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the 5.0% FF group were higher than those in the control group, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the 5.0% FF group was lower. Moreover, the FF did not affect the plasma biochemical indicators, number of cecal microorganisms, and intestinal morphology of geese in the groups. These findings indicate that 5.0% FF may improve the growth performance (BW, ADG, and ADFI), immunological function, and antioxidant capacity of Sichuan white geese from 1 to 28 days of age.

Abstract Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are promising cells for dental and periodontal regeneration. Objective This study aimed to develop novel alginate-fibrin fibers that encapsulates hPDLSCs and metformin, to investigate the effect of metformin on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, and to determine the regulatory role of the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway in the metformin-induced osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs for the first time. Methodology CCK8 assay was used to evaluate hPDLSCs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red S staining, and the expression of osteogenic genes were evaluated. Metformin and hPDLSCs were encapsulated in alginate-fibrinogen solutions, which were injected to form alginate-fibrin fibers. The activation of Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway was examined using qRT-PCR and western blot. A mechanistic study was conducted by inhibiting the Shh/Gli1 pathway using GANT61. Results The administration of 50 μM metformin resulted in a significant upregulation of osteogenic gene expression in hPDLSCs by 1.4-fold compared to the osteogenic induction group (P < 0.01), including ALP and runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2). Furthermore, metformin increased ALP activity by 1.7-fold and bone mineral nodule formation by 2.6-fold (P<0.001). We observed that hPDLSCs proliferated with the degradation of alginate-fibrin fibers, and metformin induced their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. Metformin also promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by upregulating the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway by 3- to 6- fold compared to the osteogenic induction group (P<0.001). The osteogenic differentiation ability of hPDLSCs were decreased 1.3- to 1.6-fold when the Shh/Gli1 pathway was inhibited, according to ALP staining and alizarin red S staining (P<0.01). Conclusions Metformin enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs via the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway. Degradable alginate-fibrin hydrogel fibers encapsulating hPDLSCs and metformin have significant potential for use in dental and periodontal tissue engineering applications. Clinical Significance Alginate-fibrin fibers encapsulating hPDLSCs and metformin have a great potential for use in the treatment of maxillofacial bone defects caused by trauma, tumors, and tooth extraction. Additionally, they may facilitate the regeneration of periodontal tissue in patients with periodontitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da cobertura contínua do olho doente de pacientes com coriorretinopatia serosa central por 48 horas. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo, caso-controle, incluiu 32 pacientes com coriorretinopatia serosa central, dos quais 17 receberam tratamento de cobertura contínua por 48 horas no olho doente com gaze médica como grupo de tratamento e 15 foram acompanhados como grupo de observação. Todos os pacientes não receberam nenhum outro tratamento ou medicamento. O logaritmo do ângulo mínimo de resolução da acuidade visual melhor corrigida (LogMar), a espessura macular da retina e o valor médio da raiz quadrada da densidade da amplitude no primeiro anel do eletroretinograma multifocal foram examinados antes e após o tratamento por 48 horas, respectivamente. Resultados: Após o tratamento contínuo, a acuidade visual melhor corrigida pela escala logMar foi de 0, 31 ± 0, 18 no grupo de tratamento e 0, 56 ± 0, 37 no grupo de observação (p=0, 019). A espessura macular da retina foi de 461 ± 43 µm no grupo de tratamento e 498 ± 50 µm no grupo de observação (p=0,032). O valor médio da raiz quadrada da densidade de amplitude no primeiro anel do eletroretinograma multifocal foi de 32,5 ± 5,3 nV/deg2 no grupo com cobertura e foi de 26,6 ± 4,3 NV/deg2 no grupo de observação (p=0,002). Conclusões: O tratamento de cobertura contínua no olho doente, durante 48 horas, apresentou efeitos positivos na acuidade visual melhor corrigida, na espessura e na função macular da retina no tratamento da coriorretinopatia serosa central.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the effect of continuously covering the sick eye affected with central serous chorioretinopathy for 48 h. Methods: This retrospective, case-control study involved 32 central serous chorioretinopathy patients categorized in the treatment group composed of 17 sick eye that received continuous covering treatment for 48 h with a medical gauze and the observation group composed of 15 of these patients who were followed up. None of the patients received any other treatments or medications. The logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity, macular retinal thickness, and the root mean square value of the amplitude density in the first ring of multifocal electroretinogram were examined before and after the 48-h treatment. Results: After the continuous treatment, the logMAR best-corrected visual acuities were 0.31 ± 0.18 and 0.56 ± 0.37 in the treatment and observation groups, respectively (p=0.019). The macular retinal thicknesses were 461 ± 43 µm and 498 ± 50 µm in the treatment and observation groups, respectively (p=0.032). The root mean square values of the amplitude density in the first ring of multifocal electroretinogram were 32.5 ± 5.3 nV/deg2 and 26.6 ± 4.3 nV/deg2 in the treatment and observation groups, respectively (p=0.002). Conclusions: The continuous application of the covering treatment for 48 h on the sick eye showed positive outcomes with respect to the best-corrected visual acuity, macular retinal thickness, and macular retina functions in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy.

To explore the effects of supplementing a basal diet with green sweet sorghum stalks on the gut microbiota in geese, one hundred and twenty 28-day-old geese were divided into two groups. Group 1 was fed a basal diet and group 2 was fed 92% of the same basal diet with green sweet sorghum stalks ad libitum for 42 days. Three male geese from each group were killed at 70 days old, four gastrointestinal tract segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and caecum) were collected, and the hypervariable V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. There were obvious changes of microbiome in the caecum compared with the other three intestinal segments after green sweet sorghum stalks were added to the diet. Group 2 had significantly higher alpha diversity in the caecum compared with group 1 (P <0.05). The phyla of bacterial communities in the caecum differed. Group 2 had more abundant Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, but Proteobacteria were more abundant in group 1. At genus level, Bacteroides was more prevalent in group 2, as were Prevotella and YRC22 (P <0.05). Functional analysis revealed that the carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, endocrine system and digestive system metabolic pathways were overrepresented in group 2. In conclusion, caecal microbes might play an important role in digesting green sweet sorghum stalks in geese.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the impact of different hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) times on autophagy of rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2). Methods: Rat cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into normal control group (group A), hypoxia group (group B), 2 h HR group (group C), 12 h HR group (group D), and 24 h HR group (group E). LC3 II/LC3 I was determined via western blotting, and cell viabilities of cardiomyocytes were measured using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results: Cell viabilities in HR model groups were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0.05). LC3 II/LC3 I levels in groups B to D were significantly higher than those of group A (P<0.05), and group D showed the highest LC3 II/LC3 I levels. Cell viabilities in groups B to D were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0.05), with group D showing the lowest cell viabilities (P<0.05). Conclusions: Hypoxia can induce autophagy in rat cardiomyocytes, which can be further activated by reoxygenation; most notable after 12 h. Hypoxia-induced cell injury can be aggravated by reoxygenation. The lowest cell viability was observed at 12 h after reoxygenation; however, cell viability can be recovered after 24 h.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) mediated hypoxia-induced permeability changes in bladder endothelial cells. Models of in vitro hypoxic cell culture of bladder cancer, bladder cancer cells with low HIF-1α expression and HIF-1α RNA interference (RNAi) expression vector were established. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in each group. Bladder cell permeability was determined. Results showed that protein and mRNA expression of HIF-1α and VEGF at 3 and 12 h of hypoxia were significantly higher than normal control (P<0.05), and peaked at 12 h. HIF-1α and VEGF expression in the hypoxic group and hypoxic+3-(5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) group were significantly higher than normal control (P<0.05), while expression in the hypoxic+YC-1 group was significantly lower than the hypoxic group (P<0.05). Bladder cell permeability in the hypoxic and hypoxic+YC-1 group were significantly increased compared to normal control (P<0.05), while in the hypoxic+YC-1 group was significantly decreased compared to the hypoxic group (P<0.05). Most of the cells in the stably transfected HIF-1α RNAi expression vector pcDNA6.2-GW/EmGFP-miR-siHIF-1α expressed green fluorescence protein (GFP) under fluorescence microscope. pcDNA6.2-GW/EmGFP-miR-siHIF-1α could significantly inhibit HIF-1α gene expression (P<0.05). HIF-1α and VEGF expression in the hypoxic group and siHIF-1α hypoxic group were significantly higher than normal group (P<0.05), while expression in the siHIF-1α hypoxic group was significantly lower than the hypoxic group (P<0.05). Findings suggest that HIF-1α is an important factor in the increase of bladder cancer cell permeability.

Contact force (CF) sensing technology allows real-time monitoring during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effect of CF sensing technology on procedural parameters and clinical outcomes still needs clarification. Because of the inconsistent results thus far in this area, we performed a meta-analysis to determine whether CF sensing technology can improve procedural parameters and clinical outcomes for the treatment of AF. Studies examining the benefits of CF sensing technology were identified in English-language articles by searching the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (inception to May 2015). Ten randomized, controlled trials involving 1834 patients (1263 males, 571 females) were included in the meta-analysis (681 in the CF group, 1153 in the control group). Overall, the ablation time was significantly decreased by 7.34 min (95%CI=-12.21 to -2.46; P=0.003, Z test) in the CF group compared with the control group. CF sensing technology was associated with significantly improved freedom from AF after 12 months (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.20 to 1.99; P=0.0007) and complications were significantly lower in the CF group than in the control group (OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.29 to 0.87; P=0.01). However, fluoroscopy time analysis showed no significantly decreased trend associated with CF-guided catheter ablation (weighted mean difference: -2.59; 95%CI=-9.06 to 3.88; P=0.43). The present meta-analysis shows improvement in ablation time and freedom from AF after 12 months in AF patients treated with CF-guided catheter ablation. However, CF-guided catheter ablation does not decrease fluoroscopy time.

Our aim was to investigate the role of chemokines in promoting instability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and the underlying molecular mechanism. Coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed in 60 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients and 60 unstable angina pectoris (UAP) patients. The chemotactic activity of monocytes in the 2 groups of patients was examined in Transwell chambers. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation in normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and fractalkine in serum were examined with ELISA kits, and expression of MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine mRNA was examined with real-time PCR. In the SAP group, 92 plaques were detected with IVUS. In the UAP group, 96 plaques were detected with IVUS. The plaques in the UAP group were mainly lipid 51.04% (49/96) and the plaques in the SAP group were mainly fibrous 52.17% (48/92). Compared with the SAP group, the plaque burden and vascular remodeling index in the UAP group were significantly greater than in the SAP group (P<0.01). Chemotactic activity and the number of mobile monocytes in the UAP group were significantly greater than in the SAP group (P<0.01). Concentrations of hs-CRP, MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine in the serum of the UAP group were significantly higher than in the serum of the SAP group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and expression of MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine mRNA was significantly higher than in the SAP group (P<0.05). MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine probably promote instability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque.

The cosmic ray flux (CRF) and 10.7 cm flux (F10.7) are studied for solar cycles 19-23. The cross-correlations show longer time-dependence at odd than at even cycles. A shift of the maximum at the histograms of CRF¹ /F10.7¹ (the ratios of normalized values), does not depend on the polarity of the cycle. The behavior of CRF¹ vs F10.7¹ differs for odd and even cycles and also for different cycle phases. We fitted an inverted CRF¹ profile to the F10.7¹ profile with a linear function. The F10.7¹/CRFinv histogram differs for odd and even cycles. The results for sunspot number (SSN) are similar to F10.7 but differ for the F10.7¹ /CRFinv histograms. Summarizing, besides the differences between odd and even cycles, there occur variations at different phases of the cycles and also variations independent of the polarity of the cycle, the latter perhaps arising outside the heliosphere.

Estudiamos los flujos de rayos cósmicos (CRF) y de 10.7 cm (F10.7) para los ciclos solares 19-23. La correlación cruzada indica dependencia más prolongada en ciclos impares que en pares. El movimiento del máximo en los histogramas CRF¹/F10.7¹ (los cocientes de los valores normalizados), no depende de la polaridad del ciclo. El comportamiento de CRF¹ vs F10.7¹, difiere entre ciclos pares e impares y también en diferentes fases del ciclo. Ajustamos un perfil CRF¹ invertido (CRFinv) a F10.7¹ con una función lineal. El histograma F10.7¹/CRFinv difiere para ciclos pares e impares. Los resultados para el número de manchas solares (SSN) son similares a los de F10.7 pero no para los histogramas F10.7¹/SSNinv. Resumiendo, hay diferencias entre ciclos pares e impares, también en las fases de los ciclos y otras independientes de la polaridad del ciclo; estas últimas tal vez se originan fuera de la heliosfera.

N,N'-Bis(salicylidene)ethylenediiminocobalt (Cosalen) was encapsulated into the supercage of microporous NaY zeolite via "ship-in-a-bottle" technique. The impregnated Cosalen complex immobilized on the outer surface of the zeolite was also prepared in order to further prove the encapsulation by the flexible ligand method. The samples were characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD, TG/DTA and SEM techniques. The oxidation of cyclohexane using oxygen was chosen to evaluate the catalytic performance of encapsulated complex. The encapsulated Cosalen was stable than the neat Cosalen complex and the conversion of cyclohexane reached 24.4% at 130 ºC for 3 h in the CH3CN solution without adding any inducing agents. The higher selectivity for acid including adipic acid indicated that the encapsulated Cosalen exhibited the ability to produce acid from cyclohexane by one-step reaction.