Transcriptome analysis of oviduct in laying ducks under different stocking densities

1. High stocking densities can lead to animal stress responses and lead to changes in bird behaviour, egg production and the fertility of laying birds. The oviduct plays a crucial role during the process of laying eggs. Therefore, it is essential to know how high stocking density affects oviduct function.2. In this study, a total of 2,115 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in duck oviduct tissues between different stocking density groups. These genes are mainly enriched in membrane components, calcium ion binding, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and focal adhesion. These pathways were closely related to the formation of eggs. This indicated that secretion and material transport functions of the oviduct are affected under high-density stocking. Further analysis showed that a total of 408 genes related to the transportation process were expressed in the oviduct, of which 96 genes were differentially expressed (LogFC≥1, P < 0.05). Forty-two of these DEGs belonged to the solute carrier family. The data showed that the expression of 31 transcripts was different between the two density groups. Expression of KCNJ15, SLC26A8, and TRPM5 was only seen in the high-density group (8/m²), while ATP13A3 and KCNIP2 were only expressed in the low-density group (4/m²).3. Consequently, high stocking density may affect the expression and splicing of genes related to molecular transport in the oviduct.

Zn induced NiCo composites modified by carbon materials as a battery-type electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors

The development of simple preparation and excellent capacity performance electrode materials is the key to energy conversion and storage for supercapacitors. Based on the growth mechanism of crystal, Zn induced NiCo nanosheets and nanoneedles composite structure deposed on Ni foam (ZNC) are successfully attained by a facile one-step method, the growth mechanism of the composite structure is further discussed. Because of its unique composites structure and additional modification of carbon, the carbon modified ZNC (ZNC@C) delivers better energy storage ability (2280 mC cm^-2at 2 mA cm^-2) compare to ZNC. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is assembled by ZNC@C as the positive electrode and carbonized popcorn as the negative electrode. The ASC exhibits good energy storage performance. Zn also positively affects the adsorption energy to enhance the capacitance property based on Density Functional theory calculation. The simple method for the composite structure by tuning the kinetics behaver of the crystal can provide a new strategy in synthesizing the materials, and the material with a unique structure and high performance will have potential applications in the field of energy storage.

MRI Evaluation of the Normal and Abnormal Endolymphatic Duct in the Pediatric Population: A Comparison with High-Resolution CT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

An enlarged vestibular aqueduct is the most commonly reported imaging abnormality in children with sensorineural hearing loss. MR imaging is often used to evaluate pediatric sensorineural hearing loss; however, there are no well-established size criteria on MR imaging to diagnose an enlarged endolymphatic duct. The first purpose of the study was to determine a range of normal endolymphatic duct sizes on MR imaging and compare it with that in high-resolution CT. The second purpose was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of MR imaging in diagnosing an enlarged endolymphatic duct in patients with an enlarged vestibular aqueduct on CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endolymphatic duct midaperture measurements were analyzed in 52 patients with no history of sensorineural hearing loss. Comparison of CT and MR imaging was made in a second cohort of 41 patients with a normal midaperture width on CT. The sensitivity and specificity of MR imaging were then evaluated in a third cohort of 24 patients with a documented enlarged vestibular aqueduct on CT.

RESULTS

In 94 ears, normal endolymphatic duct midaperture measurements ranged from 0 to 0.9 mm on MR imaging. A significant correlation (P <.001) and moderate agreement were found between CT and MR imaging in 81 ears with a normal vestibular aqueduct on CT. Twenty-four patients had bilateral (n = 14) or unilateral (n = 10) enlarged vestibular aqueducts on CT, and the sensitivity and specificity of MR imaging were 97% and 100%, respectively, for a diagnosis of an enlarged endolymphatic duct.

CONCLUSIONS

MR imaging measurements of the normal endolymphatic duct are similar to those established for CT. MR imaging is a useful tool for the diagnosis of enlarged vestibular aqueduct.

Protective effect of dexmedetomidine on neuronal hypoxic injury through inhibition of miR-134

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of dexmedetomidine (DEX)-mediated miR-134 inhibition in hypoxia-induced damage in PC12 cells.

METHODS

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-stimulated PC12 cells were divided into control, H₂O₂, DEX + H₂O₂, miR-NC/inhibitor + H₂O₂, and miR-NC/ mimic + DEX + H₂O₂ groups. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol(-2-y1)-2,5-diphenytetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, while gene and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were tested by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was determined with a detection kit.

RESULTS

DEX treatment decreased H₂O₂-elevated miR-134 expression. H₂O₂-induced PC12 cell damage was improved by DEX and miR-134 inhibitor; additionally, cell viability was increased, while cell apoptosis was reduced. In addition, both DEX and miR-134 inhibitor reduced the upregulated expression of cleaved caspase-3 and increased the downregulated expression of Bcl-2 in H₂O₂-induced PC12 cells. However, compared to that in the DEX + H₂O₂ group, cell viability in the mimic + DEX + H₂O₂ group was decreased, and the apoptotic rate was elevated with increased cleaved caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Inflammation and oxidative stress were increased in H₂O₂-induced PC12 cells but improved with DEX or miR-134 inhibitor treatment. However, this improvement of H₂O₂-induced inflammation and oxidative stress induced by DEX in PC12 cells could be reversed by the miR-134 mimic.

CONCLUSION

DEX exerts protective effects to promote viability and reduce cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in H₂O₂-induced PC12 cells by inhibiting the expression of miR-134.

Dental Services and Health Outcomes in the New York State Medicaid Program

Previous reports suggest that periodontal treatment is associated with improved health care outcomes and reduced costs. Using data from the New York State Medicaid program, rates of emergency department (ED) use and inpatient admissions (IPs), as well as costs for ED, IPs, pharmacy, and total health care, were studied to determine the association of preventive dental care to health care outcomes. Utilization of dental services in the first 2 y (July 2012-June 2014) was compared to health care outcomes in the final year (July 2014-June 2015). Costs and utilization for members who did not receive dental services (No Dental) were compared to those who received any dental care (Any Dental), any preventive dental care (PDC), PDC without an extraction and/or endodontic treatment (PDC without Ext/Endo), PDC with an Ext/Endo (PDC with Ext/Endo), or Ext/Endo without PDC (Ext/Endo without PDC). Propensity scores were used to adjust for potential confounders. After adjustment, ED rate ratios were significantly lower for PDC and PDC without Ext/Endo but higher for the Any Dental and Ext/Endo without PDC. IP ratios were lower for all treatment groups except Ext/Endo without PDC. ED costs differed little compared to the No Dental group except for Ext/Endo without PDC. For IPs, costs per member were significantly lower for all groups (-$262.91 [95% confidence interval (CI), -325.40 to -200.42] to -$379.82 [95% CI, -451.27 to -308.37]) except for Ext/Endo without PDC. For total health care costs, Ext/Endo without PDC had a significantly greater total health care cost ($530.50 [95% CI, 156.99-904.01]). Each additional PDC visit was associated with a 3% reduction in the relative risk for ED and 9% reduction for IPs. Costs also decreased for total health care (-$235.64 [95% CI, -299.95 to -171.33]) and IP (-$181.39 [95% CI, -208.73 to -154.05]). In conclusion, an association between PDC and improved health care outcomes was observed, with the opposite association for Ext/Endo without PDC.

Metabolomic evaluation of serum metabolites of geese reared at different stocking densities

1. Stocking density is an issue for poultry production. High stocking density can impact biochemical parameters, production, and reproductive performance; however, information regarding the effects of stocking density on serum metabolites in geese is limited.2. Twenty-day-old, Sanhua male geese (n = 240) were allocated to one of two experimental groups for 50 days. One group was housed under a low stocking density (LSD; two birds per m²) and one under a high stocking density (HSD; five birds per m²). Body weight and feed intake were recorded every 10 d. Eight serum samples per group were used for metabonomic analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.3. Stocking density did not affect the spleen, liver, thymus, or bursa of Fabricius weights after 50 d. Feed intake and body weight was significantly lower in geese from the HSD group versus the LSD group (P < 0.05). Thirty-six differential serum metabolites were identified (P < 0.05), indicating altered amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid and vitamin cofactor metabolism.4. The results demonstrated that high-density stocking impacts geese, and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the adverse health effects associated with HSD.

High performance of filter capacitor based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube supercapacitor

The high-performance filter capacitor is a hot research topic in the field of filter circuits for flexible and wearable devices, whereas traditional aluminum electrolytic capacitors still experience widespread problems in terms of large error factors and poor stability. To avoid these disadvantages, in this work, we have developed a liquid dual-layer supercapacitor (SC). When it is employed as the filter capacitor in a filter circuit, any waveform signal can be transformed into a linear signal. The maximum fluctuation of the output signal is less than 16 mV; the SC also demonstrates excellent filtering stability in a frequency range of 1 ∼ 100 000 Hz, as well as an amplitude window of 0 ∼ 10 V. In this framework, our filter SC demonstrates unparalleled processing properties, and can greatly improve the stability and extend the lifetime of the entire electronic circuit. The fact that the requirements of high-end electronic products can be fulfilled due to the contribution of this filter SC are particularly significant.

Prevalence and Incidence of Microhemorrhages in Adolescent Football Players

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

SWI is an advanced imaging modality that is especially useful in cerebral microhemorrhage detection. Such microhemorrhages have been identified in adult contact sport athletes, and the sequelae of these focal bleeds are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration. The purpose of this study was to utilize SWI to determine whether the prevalence and incidence of microhemorrhages in adolescent football players are significantly greater than those of adolescent noncontact athletes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preseason and postseason SWI was performed and evaluated on 78 adolescent football players. SWI was also performed on 27 adolescent athletes who reported no contact sport history. Two separate one-tailed Fisher exact tests were performed to determine whether the prevalence and incidence of microhemorrhages in adolescent football players are greater than those of noncontact athlete controls.

RESULTS

Microhemorrhages were observed in 12 football players. No microhemorrhages were observed in any controls. Adolescent football players demonstrated a significantly greater prevalence of microhemorrhages than adolescent noncontact controls (P = .02). Although 2 football players developed new microhemorrhages during the season, microhemorrhage incidence during 1 football season was not statistically greater in the football population than in noncontact control athletes (P = .55).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent football players have a greater prevalence of microhemorrhages compared with adolescent athletes who have never engaged in contact sports. While microhemorrhage incidence during 1 season is not significantly greater in adolescent football players compared to adolescent controls, there is a temporal association between playing football and the appearance of new microhemorrhages.

Flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators based on a CdS nanowall for self-powered sensors

Wurtzite-structured CdS material is widely used in information sensing and energy harvesting. Based on the piezoelectric property of CdS, we present a flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) with three-dimensional-structured CdS nanowall arrays. Under index finger oscillations at a slow rate, the maximal open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current are 1.2 V and 6 nA respectively. Meanwhile, the working mechanism of this PENG was successfully studied with piezoelectric potential distribution and energy band theory respectively. All of the results show that an increase in the bending degree and bending frequency will affect the output of the PENG, suggesting that it can be used as a flexible sensor. In addition, the fabricated PENG can be used as a self-powered pressure sensor relying on the linear relationship between the output voltage and the vertical pressure. This work may provide a new approach to fabricating piezoelectric nanogenerators based on three-dimensional materials as an energy harvester, which may also facilitate the development of flexible and wearable electric sensing technology.

Carbon Dot-Based Composite Films for Simultaneously Harvesting Raindrop Energy and Boosting Solar Energy Conversion Efficiency in Hybrid Cells

Energy harvesting has drawn worldwide attention as a sustainable technology, while combining several approaches in a single device to maximize the overall energy output holds great promise to offer valuable technologies able to alleviate the energy crisis. Here, we present a hybrid cell composed of a silicon solar cell and a water-droplet-harvesting triboelectric nanogenerator (WH-TENG) with the capacity of harvesting both solar and raindrop energies. A transparent and solution processable carbon dot-based composite film is introduced as a dual-functional layer, acting as the transmittance enhancement layer of the solar cell as well as an ionic conductor of the WH-TENG. At an optimal loading of carbon dots in the composite, the significant enhancement of transmittance in visible spectral range increases the short-circuit current density of the solar cell, which results in an increase of its power conversion efficiency from 13.6% to 14.6%. In addition, the transparent WH-TENG consisting of fluorinated ethylene propylene as a triboelectrification layer can generate a maximum power of 13.9 μW by collecting raindrop energy. This study provides a promising strategy to boost the energy conversion through multiple sources with the aid of a dual-functional layer for enhancing solar cell performance as well as harvesting raindrop energy.

Metabolomic profiling of goslings with visceral gout reveals a distinct metabolic signature

1.The objective of the experiment was to analyse serum profiles of goslings with visceral gout and compare them with those of healthy individuals to identify differentially-abundant metabolites as potential biomarkers. 2.Untargeted gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) metabolomic profiling was used to compare the serum metabolome of 15 goslings (Anser cygnoides) with gout and 15 healthy goslings (control). 3.Goslings with gout had a metabolic profile distinct from that of the controls, with 45 metabolite levels differing significantly (VIP > 1; P < 0.05) between both groups. Nine metabolites (hydrocortisone, glucose, trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, galactose, 2-deoxy-D-galactose, beta-mannosylglycerate, d-glucoheptose, zymosterol, and hypoxanthine) were selected through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis (area under curve (AUC) score ≥0.85) as potential biomarkers. Pathway analysis revealed that metabolites with differing levels were mainly involved in galactose, arginine and proline and purine metabolisms. 4.These results provided new insights into the pathogenesis of gout. Increased xanthine and hypoxanthine with decreased hydrocortisone provide promising biomarkers for gosling gout diagnosis. The findings suggested that hepatic metabolic disorders frequently occur in the development of avian gout.

Clinical trial for conventional medicine integrated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been rapidly increasing and has become one of the most concerned global health problems. It is of good importance to improve therapeutic efficiency of CKD and delay disease progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a widely used complementary therapy for patients with CKD. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether basic treatment combined with Chinese herbs mixture Qi Gui Yi Shen decoction could achieve better therapeutic effect on CKD patients.

METHODS

To determine whether traditional Chinese medicine Qi Gui Yi Shen decoction could achieve better therapeutic effect, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial. A total of 100 CKD patients that meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled and divided into 2 groups: Qi Gui Yi Shen group (QGYS group) and placebo group. Each group will receive 6-monthly basic treatment in combination with TCM or placebo 3 times per day. Efficacy of Qi Gui Yi Shen decoction is evaluated by analyzing renal function and TCM symptoms, other efficacy assessments include serum level of PAI-I, expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1). Routine blood count, plasma albumin (ALB), and alanine transaminase (ALT) are evaluated as side effect and safety profile.

DISCUSSION

The results from the clinical trial will provide evidence for the effectiveness and safety of Qi Gui Yi Shen Decoction as a treatment for CKD patients. Furthermore, this will propose a new theory and method for CKD treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered with Chinese Clinical Trials Registry at www.chictr.org. (Registration number: ChiCTR1900021622) on 1 March 2019.

Switched-capacitor-convertors based on fractal design for output power management of triboelectric nanogenerator

Owing to the advantages of integration and being magnet-free and light-weight, the switched-capacitor-convertor plays an increasing role compared to traditional transformer in some specific power supply systems. However, the high output impedance and switching loss largely reduces its power efficiency, due to imperfect topology and transistors. Herein, we propose a fractal-design based switched-capacitor-convertors with characteristics including high conversion efficiency, minimum output impedance, and electrostatic voltage applicability. As a double-function output power management system for triboelectric nanogenerators, it delivers over 67 times charge boosting and 954 W m-2 power density in pulse mode, and achieves over 94% total energy transfer efficiency in constant mode. The establishment of the fractal-design switched-capacitor-convertors provides significant guidance for the development of power management toward multi-functional output for numerous applications. The successful demonstration in triboelectric nanogenerators also declares its great potential in electric vehicles, DC micro-grids etc.

Quantifying contact status and the air-breakdown model of charge-excitation triboelectric nanogenerators to maximize charge density

Surface charge density is the key factor for developing high performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG). The previously invented charge excitation TENG provides a most efficient way to achieve maximum charge output of a TENG device. Herein, criteria to quantitatively evaluate the contact efficiency and air breakdown model on charge excitation TENG are established to enhance and evaluate charge density. The theoretical results are further verified by systematic experiments. A high average charge density up to 2.38 mC m-2 is achieved using the 4 μm PEI film and homemade carbon/silicone gel electrode in ambient atmosphere with 5% relative humidity. This work also reveals the actual charge density (over 4.0 mC m-2) in a TENG electrode based on quantified surface micro-contact efficiency and provides a prospective technical approach to improve the charge density, which could push the output performance of TENG to a new horizon.

Polydirectional Microvibration Energy Collection for Self-Powered Multifunctional Systems Based on Hybridized Nanogenerators

Vibrations in the environment are usually distributed over a wide frequency spectrum in multiple directions and a weaker amplitude, which makes most of the current vibrational energy collectors limited in practical environmental applications. Herein, a triboelectric-electromagnetic hybridized nanogenerator (TEHG) for low-frequency random microvibrational energy harvesting in all directions and a wide working bandwidth is fabricated. The output peak power of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) up to 3.65 mW is realized (θ = 0.4 rad, f = 1 Hz). In addition, a real self-powered seawater splitting system and electrochemical cathodic protection system are fabricated, directly converting blue energy to hydrogen energy, and the ships can achieve self-protection against corrosion. Furthermore, relying on the linear relationship between the number of peaks and the amplitude of vibration, a highly sensitive self-powered vibration amplitude sensor system based on LabVIEW software is achieved, which can be used as an amplitude detection of bridges and earthquake monitoring, etc. This work is an important development for harvesting low-frequency random multiple direction microvibrational energy over a wide working bandwidth and the bright future of blue energy. In addition, it has been successfully applied to the power supply of portable electronic equipment, environmental monitors, and self-powered systems.

Ag-modified Fe2O3 nanoparticles on a carbon cloth as an anode material for high-performance supercapacitors

By exploiting the storage performance of supercapacitors, iron has the potential to be used as a new anode material. However, this potential is limited by unsatisfactory electrical conductivity and poor cycling stability which impact the energy and power density. Consequently a foundation for improving the electrical conductivity and cycling stability of iron materials to obtain good storage performance is needed. In this work, Ag-modified Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on carbon cloth were synthesized as an anode material for supercapacitors. The specific capacitance of the composite material reaches 10.39 F cm^-2 (2734.2 F g^-1) at a current density of 1 mA cm^-2 and remains at 83% of this value after 12 000 cycles. The energy density is 379.8 Wh kg^-1 at a power density of 131.6 W kg^-1 and remains at 123.9 Wh kg^-1 at a power density of 2631.6 W kg^-1. The electrical conductivity and interfacial effect created between Ag@Fe₂O₃ is confirmed with density functional theory calculations. The packaged asymmetric supercapacitor devices have flexibility and can light ten LEDs for 2 min 30 s, with an energy density of 60.3 Wh kg^-1 that can be reached at a power density of 1063.8 W kg^-1 and remain at 16 Wh kg^-1 even at a power density of 4255.3 W kg^-1.

Effect of imatinib on DOCA-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats through P38 MAPK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of imatinib in desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Normal group (n=20), DOCA induction group (n=20), and imatinib treatment group (treatment group, n=20) were set up. Then, the cardiac function was examined via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography (ECG) on the 21st d after modeling. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and myocardial function index creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were detected. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure tumor necrosis factor-gamma (TNF-γ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining assay was carried out to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissues. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting were employed to measure the expression levels of important myocardial fibrosis-related genes [checkpoint kinase 1 (Chek1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)], as well as genes and proteins of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

RESULTS

In comparison with the normal group, DOCA induction group had significantly lowered fractional shortening (FS, %) and ejection fraction (EF, %), but overtly increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDd) and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESd), as well as levels of serum ALP, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and CK-MB. Besides, the levels of TNF-γ, IL-6, and IL-1β were notably raised in the DOCA induction group. HE staining results showed that myocardial injury was more severe in DOCA induction group. The results of the gene detection revealed that the expression levels of Chek1, α-SMA, p38 MAPK, and JNK were evidently higher in DOCA induction group than those in the imatinib treatment group (p<0.05), and the expression of p38 MAPK protein in the rat myocardial tissues was remarkably lower in the treatment group than that in the DOCA induction group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Imatinib can regulate the repair of myocardial injury caused by DOCA-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats by repressing the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

[Clinical assessment and related intervention of neonatal upper airway obstruction]

Objective:To discuss the diagnosis and evaluation of upper airway obstruction in neonates, classify the possible causes of neonatal upper airway obstruction, establish a standardized diagnosis and treatment procedure to improve the of treatment efficacy. Method:Clinical data of 71 cases with upper airway obstruction history were retrospective analyzed, 38 cases were treated by combined medical and surgical treatment, 17 cases underwent medical treatment, 16 cases abandonment the treatment. The effectiveness of fibrolaryngoscope, CT, neck ultrasound, MRI and other results was evaluated, and to analyze the prognosis of the treatment, the outcomes and risk factors were also analysed, to evaluate risk factors associated with upper airway obstruction. Result:Fifty-five cases were cured or improved. The mortality rate of 16 children who gave up treatment and left hospital automatically was 81.25%（13/16）. The accuracy rate of flexible laryngoscope in detecting the level of upper airway obstruction was 100%, the coincidence rate of B-ultrasound for upper airway cystic occupation was 100%. Etiological order from high to low was congenital space-occupying lesions, congenital upper airway malformation, vocal cord paralysis, Pierre-Robin syndrome. The site of obstruction has a significant influence on the severity of upper airway obstruction（P<0.05）. The cure rate of the non-endotracheal intubation group was higher than that of the endotracheal intubation group（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The obstruction site of upper airway significantly affects the outcome and the severity of the disease. Upper airway space occupying lesions are the primary causes of upper airway obstruction in neonates. Early assessment and timely treatment can improve the cure rate and improve the prognosis. Internal medicine combined with surgical treatment is effective in relieving upper airway obstruction.