Abstract Background Fibrous scars frequently form at the sites of bone nonunion when attempts to repair bone fractures have failed. However, the detailed mechanism by which fibroblasts, which are the main components of fibrous scars, impede osteogenesis remains largely unknown. Results In this study, we found that fibroblasts compete with osteogenesis in both human bone nonunion tissues and BMP2-induced ectopic osteogenesis in a mouse model. Fibroblasts could inhibit the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via direct and indirect cell competition. During this process, fibroblasts modulated the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs. Knocking down YAP could inhibit osteoblast differentiation of MSCs, while overexpression of nuclear-localized YAP-5SA could reverse the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation of MSCs caused by fibroblasts. Furthermore, fibroblasts secreted DKK1, which further inhibited the formation of calcium nodules during the late stage of osteogenesis but did not affect the early stage of osteogenesis. Thus, fibroblasts could inhibit osteogenesis by regulating YAP localization in MSCs and secreting DKK1. Conclusions Our research revealed that fibroblasts could modulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs, thereby inhibiting their osteoblast differentiation. Fibroblasts could also secrete DKK1, which inhibited calcium nodule formation at the late stage of osteogenesis. failed However unknown study BMP2induced BMPinduced BMP2 induced BMP model (MSCs competition process nuclearcytoplasmic nuclear cytoplasmic nuclearlocalized localized YAP5SA YAPSA 5SA SA Furthermore DKK1 DKK Thus

Abstract Nowadays, peony seed oil (PSO) and chia seed (CS) provide a vast potential in the industries of animal feed, food, nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals, and health. In this paper, study on PSO and CS were added into biscuits, and improvement in the nutraceutical properties of biscuits. The studies indicated that biscuits of acceptable overall quality could be prepared using the content of incorporation of PSO (15 g) and CS (12 g) formulations. The total dietary fiber content was positively correlated with different content of PSO and CS. The body weight of the mice in high dose group was lower than that of control group and other groups, indicating that the components PSO and CS in the biscuits could significantly control the body weight of the mice. From the fourth week, average daily food intake of mice in high dose group was significantly lower compared to control group. However, the grasping power of mice in high dose group increased significantly. With the increase in the content of PSO and CS of biscuits, the DPPH radical scavenging activity increased, too. Thus, the results indicated that whole wheat biscuits supplemented with PSO and CS could be considered as dietary fiber-enriched food, and have antioxidant properties.

ABSTRACT To characterize the N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related gene expression profiles in various tissues of Meishan pigs at different stages, m6A modification-related genes (METTL3, METTL14, METTL16, WTAP, RBM15, and FTO) were detected from newborn to physical maturity of Meishan pigs at eight important developmental stages (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 134, and 158 days old). The expression of m6A-related genes was tissue-specific. Furthermore, the level of METTL3 messenger RNA (mRNA) was higher on day 35 than in other stages in most tissues, and the expression of METTL14 increased after day 35, and FTO exhibited a peak on day 14 in muscle, intestine, lymph nodes, thymus, and kidney. This study provided a reference for an in-depth study of the expression patterns of m6A modification-related genes in Meishan pigs.

Abstract The numerical modelling for dynamic impact testing of end-anchored rockbolt is established in this paper. The dynamic response of rockbolt under impact loading condition is investigated considering the effects of different impact energy levels, anchoring length, bolt diameter, and material type. The results show that the stress characteristics of the anchoring section in end-anchored rockbolt could be divided into three stages with the impact time: impact initial stage, impact middle stage and impact final stage. The elongation of the rockbolt increases by about 30 mm for every 5kJ increase in impact energy. When the impact energy level increases, the energy absorption rate and maximum plastic strain both increase significantly. The impact energy is mainly dissipated by the plastic deformation of the free section and debonding section of end-anchored rockbolt. The free section plays a buffer role through its elastic deformation when the rockbolt is subjected to impact loading. It is remarkable that the energy absorption rate and anti-impact performance of the end-anchored rockbolt can be improved by increasing the bolt diameter and the bolt material strength.

ABSTRACT To screen intestinal barrier genes associated with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection, in the present study we first detected PEDV-infected piglets ( Sus scrofa ) with intestinal damage using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Then, we used qPCR to identify expression differences of intestinal barrier genes between the PEDV-infected and control groups. The results showed that the expression levels of most genes were significantly different between the two groups. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis were performed for the expression levels of 25 candidate genes to reveal the key gene that may be involved in PEDV resistance. Two important candidate genes, GLP2 (glucagon–like peptide 2) and AQP3 (aquaporin 3), have their expression positively correlated (r = 0.84). We speculated that decreased expression of GLP2 and AQP3 might play an important role in the process of PEDV infection of piglets by reducing the expression of tight junction proteins and disrupting the junctions between intestinal epithelial cells. There may be an underlying biological interaction between the two genes, which together affect the functional integrity of the intestinal barrier.

ABSTRACT To understand the developmental expression patterns of key genes in the Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4 ) pathway and their regulatory characteristics in the immune response in pigs, we examined TLR4 and its downstream genes expression levels in the intestinal and immune tissues of Meishan pigs. The genes were expressed in all examined tissues at the different developmental stages. TLR4 expression was higher in spleen and lower in other tissues. Spleen and lymph TLR4 expression was significantly lower in 7- and 35-day-old pigs; in the intestinal tissues, it was significantly lower in 21- and 35-day-old pigs. IFNA, IL1B , and TNFA expression varied greatly with developmental stage; expression was significantly higher in most tissues in 21-, 134-, and 158-day-old pigs. TLR4 was highly positively correlated with TNFA in the immune tissues and was significantly correlated with all downstream genes in the spleen; there was no significant correlation in the intestinal tissues. There was near significant positive correlation among the downstream genes in the intestinal tissues, but almost no significant correlation in the immune tissues. We speculated that the TLR4 pathway genes may have an anti-lipopolysaccharide invasion effect during weaning, and the high expression of the downstream genes is beneficial for improving immunity in adult pigs. Our results may contribute to better understanding the TLR4 signaling pathway and its molecular mechanisms and could provide a reference and basis for appropriate-age experimental animal selection for relevant future research.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, blood biochemical parameters, and fecal microflora of finishing pigs. Thirty-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrance × Yorkshire) (66-day-old, 67.95±0.25 kg) were randomly allocated to two treatments and fed diets containing soybean meal and FSBM. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), blood biochemical parameters, and meat quality index were measured. At the end of experiment, the fecal microflora of finishing pigs was analyzed with 16S rDNA techniques. Results revealed that pigs fed FSBM had a greater ADG and lower cooking loss relative to control group (basal diets). Compared with the control group, the triglyceride content in the serum of the group fed FSBM increased significantly, and the creatinine content in the serum decreased notably. Fermented soybean meal enhanced the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Prevotellaceae, Bcteroidales, Bacteroidia, but inhibited the growth of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, and Ruminococcaceae in the intestine of pigs. Therefore, we can speculate that FSBM may play an important role in animal production. Dietary FSBM supplementation may be beneficial to some aspects of growth performance and the diversity of fecal microflora in finishing pigs.

Resumo Introdução: A rinite alérgica é uma doença inflamatória crônica que afeta um a cada seis indivíduos. A rinite alérgica perene é responsável por 40% dos casos de rinite alérgica. A ciclesonida é um dos corticosteroides intranasais mais novos para o tratamento dessa condição clínica. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança da ciclesonida no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene. Método: Uma busca foi feita nos bancos de dados Pubmed, Scientific Citation Index, Embase e Clinical Trial Registries por ensaios clínicos randomizados e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials por estudos controlados randomizados que comparassem ciclesonida com placebo no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene. Resultados: Oito estudos foram incluídos. Em comparação com os grupos placebo, os grupos ciclesonida mostraram diminuição significante no escore do Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (DM = −0,56; IC 95%: −0,72 a −0,39, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,19, I2 = 24%), do Instantaneous Total Nasal Symptom Score (DM = −0,57; IC95%: −0,75 a −0,39, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,34, I2 = 11%). Um efeito significante no escore do Reflective Nasal Symptom Score Subtotal (DM = −0,15; IC 95%: −0,18 a −0,13, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,12, I2 = 24%) também foi demonstrado. O escore do Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (RQLQs) (DM = −0,27; IC 95%: −0,39 a −0,15, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,58, I2 = 0%) também foi significantemente reduzido no tratamento com ciclesonida. Além disso, a diferença em relação aos eventos adversos emergentes do tratamento entre os dois grupos não foi significante. Conclusão: A ciclesonida pode melhorar a rinite alérgica perene sem aumentar os eventos adversos. Esse fármaco pode ser outra opção valiosa para a rinite alérgica perene no futuro.

Abstract Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects 1 out of 6 individuals. Perennial allergic rhinitis accounts for 40% of AR cases. Ciclesonide is one of the relatively new intranasal steroid for allergic rhinitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Scientific Citation Index, Embase, Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to find out the randomized controlled Trial comparing ciclesonide with placebo for PAR. Results: Eight studies were included. In comparison with placebo groups, ciclesonide groups significantly decreased Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = −0.56; 95% CI −0.72 to 0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.19, I2 = 24%), Instantaneous Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = −0.57; 95% CI −0.75 to −0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.34, I2 = 11%). A significant effect for Reflective Nasal Symptom Score Subtotal (MD = −0.15; 95% CI −0.18 to −0.13, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.12, I2 = 24%) was also demonstrated. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score (RQLQs) (MD = −0.27; 95% CI −0.39 to −0.15, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.58, I 2 = 0%) in the treatment of ciclesonide was also significantly reduced. In addition, the difference in Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: Ciclesonide can improve perennial allergic rhinitis without increasing adverse events. Ciclesonide may be another valuable choice for perennial allergic rhinitis in the future.

Abstract A large number of cracks occur in concrete structure after projectile penetration. The study of crack distribution and propagation process is the basis of damage assessment, structural repair and high dynamic fracture mechanism. In this paper, wire saw cutting, X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) and mechanical property testing of damaged concrete were carried out on deep penetration targets. According to X-CT images of radial core samples in target and the mechanical properties of damaged concrete, the crack distribution in the target was divided into a plastic damage zone and a brittle damage zone, and the microcracks only existed in the plastic damage zone. The initial growth process of three-dimensional cracks was obtained by X-CT images of axial core samples in target, that is, the cracks in the pure mortar target gradually developed from the radial direction to the tangential direction, and the target containing coarse aggregate directly formed tangential cracks. The propagation progress of cracks was obtained through the target section, that is, the tangential cracks bent in the pure mortar target, and were relatively straight in the target containing coarse aggregate. A crack propagation model was established, and the tangential crack formula and the crack propagation velocity were obtained.

Abstract MYD88 plays an important role in the immune response against infections. To analyze MYD88 gene expression during different stages of pig development, we used real-time PCR. MYD88 was seen expressed in all tissues examined. MYD88 expression in spleen, lungs, and thymus reached its highest value from 7 to 14 days of age and decreased thereafter. Expression in lymph nodes was high until 28 days of age and then it declined after weaning, with stable low levels in adult pigs. MYD88 expression was high before 35 days of age in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), where it reached its highest value from 7 to 14 days of age. MYD88 expression in the small intestine declined post-weaning and remained relatively low during adulthood. The results of this study suggest that weaning stress and development of the immune system might be positively correlated with MYD88 expression regulation. Moreover, this study provided evidence that the high expression of MYD88 may diminish weaning stress and increase disease resistance in Meishan pigs.

Abstract Deep penetration experiments were performed on five types of concrete with different coarse aggregate content. The projectile diameter was 29.9 mm, the initial velocity was 647 m/s, and the volume fraction of the coarse aggregate was between 0% and 59.0%. The damage laws and damage mechanism of the target were analyzed. The pure mortar target had the smallest radial crack origin diameter and crater depth. Too high of the coarse aggregate content led to the formation of many voids, which led to the disappearance of radial cracks, crater surface bypassing the coarse aggregate and a large reduction of crater diameter. The influence laws and mechanism of the coarse aggregate on the penetration depth were also analyzed. The increase of volume fraction of coarse aggregate was beneficial to reducing penetration depth and the increase of voids volume fraction was opposite. The penetration depth was the lowest when the volume fraction of the coarse aggregate reached the maximum and no voids formed. By modifying the static resistance stress in the Forrestal penetration formula, a penetration depth model considering the volume fractions of the coarse aggregate and voids was established. The predicted results were in good agreement with the experimental results.

Abstract Realgar is a naturally occurring arsenic sulfide (or Xionghuang, in Chinese). It contains over 90% tetra-arsenic tetrasulfide (As4S4). Currently, realgar has been confirmed the antitumor activities, both in vitro and in vivo, of realgar extracted using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans). Bioleaching, a new technology to greatly improve the use rate of arsenic extraction from realgar using bacteria, is a novel methodology that addressed a limitation of the traditional method for realgar preparation. The present systematic review reports on the research progress in realgar bioleaching and its antitumor mechanism as an anticancer agent. A total of 93 research articles that report on the biological activity of extracts from realgar using bacteria and its preparation were presented in this review. The realgar bioleaching solution (RBS) works by inducing apoptosis when it is used to treat tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. When it is used to treat animal model organisms in vivo, such as mice and Caenorhabditis elegans, tumor tissues grew more slowly, with mass necrosis. Meanwhile, the agent also showed obvious inhibition of tumor cell growth. Bioleaching technology greatly improves the utilization of realgar and is a novel methodology to improve the traditional method.