Transcriptome analysis reveals steroid hormones biosynthesis pathway involved in abdominal fat deposition in broilers

Excessive abdominal fat deposition reduces the feed efficiency and increase the cost of production in broilers.Therefore,it is an important task for poultry breeders to breed broilers with low abdominal fat.Abdominal fat deposition is a highly complex biological process,and its molecular basis remains elusive.In this study,we performed transcriptome analysis to compare gene expression profiles at different stages of abdominal fat deposition to identify the key genes and pathways involved in abdominal fat accumulation.We found that abdominal fat weight(AFW)increased gradually from day 35(D35)to 91(D91),and then decreased at day 119(D119).Accordingly,after detecting differentially expressed genes(DEGs)by comparing gene expression profiles at D35 vs.D63 and D35 vs.D91,and identifying gene modules associated with fat deposition by weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),we performed intersection analysis of the detected DEGs and WGCNA gene modules and identified 394 and 435 intersecting genes,respectively.The results of the Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses showed that the steroid hormone biosynthesis and insulin signaling pathways were co-enriched in all intersecting genes,steroid hormones have been shown that regulated insulin signaling pathway,indicating the importance of the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway in the development of broiler abdominal fat.We then identified 6 hub genes(ACTB,SOX9,RHOBTB2,PDLIM3,NEDD9,and DOCK4)related to abdominal fat deposition.Further analysis also revealed that there were direct interactions between 6 hub genes.SOX9 has been shown to bind to proteins required for steroid hormone receptor binding,and RHOBTB2 indirectly regulates the steroid hormones biosynthesis through cyclin factor,and ultimately affect fat deposition.Our results suggest that the genes RHOBTB2 and SOX9 play an important role in fat deposition in broilers,by regulating steroid hormone synthesis.These findings provide new targets and directions for further studies on the mechanisms of fat deposition in chicken.

Long radial coherence of electron temperature fluctuations in non-local transport in HL-2A plasmas

The dynamics of long-wavelength(kθ<1.4 cm^(-1)),broadband(20 kHz–200 kHz)electron temperature fluctuations(Te/Te)of plasmas in gas-puff experiments are observed for the first time in HL-2A tokamak.In a relatively low density(ne(0)■0.91×10^(19)m^(-3)–1.20×10^(19)m^(-3))scenario,after gas-puffing the core temperature increases and the edge temperature drops.On the contrary,temperature fluctuation drops at the core and increases at the edge.Analyses show the non-local emergence is accompanied with a long radial coherent length of turbulent fluctuations.While in a higher density(ne(0)?1.83×10^(19)m^(-3)–2.02×10^(19)m^(-3))scenario,the phenomena are not observed.Furthermore,compelling evidence indicates that E×B shear serves as a substantial contributor to this extensive radial interaction.This finding offers a direct explanatory link to the intriguing core-heating phenomenon witnessed within the realm of non-local transport.

Microglia in brain aging:An overview of recent basic science and clinical research developments

Aging is characterized by progressive degeneration of tissues and organs,and it is positively associated with an increased mortality rate.The brain,as one of the most significantly affected organs,experiences age-related changes,including abnormal neuronal activity,dysfunctional calcium homeostasis,dysregulated mitochondrial function,and increased levels of reactive oxygen species.These changes collectively contribute to cognitive deterioration.Aging is also a key risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.For many years,neurodegenerative disease investigations have primarily focused on neurons,with less attention given to microglial cells.However,recently,microglial homeostasis has emerged as an important mediator in neurological disease pathogenesis.Here,we provide an overview of brain aging from the perspective of the microglia.In doing so,we present the current knowledge on the correlation between brain aging and the microglia,summarize recent progress of investigations about the microglia in normal aging,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and then discuss the correlation between the senescent microglia and the brain,which will culminate with a presentation of the molecular complexity involved in the microglia in brain aging with suggestions for healthy aging.

Analysis of sleep quality,disease uncertainty,and psychological tolerance in patients undergoing chemotherapy for digestive tract malignancies

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among digestive tract malignancies,following gastric cancer.Sleep is of great significance for maintaining human health.The incidence of sleep disorders in patients with cancer is approximately twice that observed in the general population.Lack of sleep can prolong hospital stays,increase the likelihood of infection,and increase mortality rates.Therefore,studying the factors related to sleep quality is significant for improving the quality of life of patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract.AIM To investigate the relationships among sleep quality,disease uncertainty,and psychological resilience in patients undergoing chemotherapy for digestive tract malignancies.METHODS A total of 131 patients with malignant digestive tract tumors who were treated at Hefei BOE Hospital between April 2021 and September 2022 were selected as research participants.Based on their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)scores,participants were divided into either the sleep disorder group(PSQI score>7)or the normal sleep group(PSQI score≤7).The clinical data—together with the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults(MUIS-A)and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC)scores—were compared.RESULTS In this study,78(59.54%)patients with digestive tract malignancies developed sleep disorders after chemotherapy.Sleep disorder incidence was higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in those with gastric and esophageal cancers(P<0.05).The total MUIS-A score and those for each item in the sleep disorder group were higher than those in the normal sleep group.The total CD-RISC score and those for each item in the sleep disorder group were lower than those in the normal sleep group(P<0.05).The PSQI scores of patients with malignant digestive tract tumors were positively correlated with the scores for lack of disease information,disease uncertainty,and unpredictability in the MUIS-A and negatively correlated with the scores for tenacity,self-improvement,and optimism in the CD-RISC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients undergoing chemotherapy for digestive tract malignancies are prone to sleep problems related to disease uncertainty and psychological resilience.Therefore,interventions can be implemented to improve their sleep quality.

Roles of combined femoral and acetabular anteversion in pathological changes of hip dysplasia and hip reconstructive surgery

Combined femoral and acetabular anteversion is the sum of femoral and acetabular anteversion,representing their morphological relationship in the axial plane.Along with the increasing understanding of hip dysplasia in recent years,numerous scholars have confirmed the role of combined femoral and acetabular anteversion in the pathological changes of hip dysplasia.At present,the reconstructive surgery for hip dysplasia includes total hip replacement and redirectional hip preservation surgery.As an important surgery index,combined femoral and acetabular anteversion have a crucial role in these surgeries.Herein,we discuss the role of combined femoral and acetabular anteversion in pathological changes of hip dysplasia,total hip replacement,and redirectional hip preservation surgery.

Effective time, correction speed and termination time of hemiepiphysiodesis in children

In children with asymmetric growth on the medial and lateral side of limbs,if there still remains growth potential,the guided growth technique of hemiepiphysiodesis on one side of the epiphysis is recognized as a safe and effective method.However,when the hemi-epiphysiodesis start to correct the deformities,how many degrees could hemi-epiphysiodesis bring every month and when to remove the hemi-epiphysiodesis implant without rebound phenomenon are still on debate.This article reviews the current studies focus on the effective time,correction speed and termination time of hemi-epiphysiodesis.

Measurement of the ^(232)Th(n,f)cross section in the 1-200 MeV range at the CSNS Back-n

The ^(232)Th(n,f)cross section is very important in basic nuclear physics and applications based on the Th/U fuel cycle.Using the time-of-flight method and a multi-cell fast-fission ionization chamber,a novel measurement of the^(232)Th(n,f)cross sec-tion relative to^(235)U in the 1–200 MeV range was performed at the China Spallation Neutron Source Back-n white neutron source(Back-n).The fission event-neutron energy spectra of^(232)Th and^(235)U fission cells were measured in the single-bunch mode.Corrected 232Th/235U fission cross-sectional ratios were obtained,and the measurement uncertainties were 2.5–3.7%for energies in the 2–20 MeV range and 3.6–6.2%for energies in the 20–200 MeV range.The^(232)Th(n,f)cross section was obtained by introducing the standard cross section of^(235)U(n,f).The results were compared with those of previous theoreti-cal calculations,measurements,and evaluations.The measured 232Th fission cross section agreed with the main evaluation results in terms of the experimental uncertainty,and 232Th fission resonances were observed in the 1–3 MeV range.The present results provide^(232)Th(n,f)cross-sectional data for the evaluation and design of Th/U cycle nuclear systems.

Two-view attention-guided convolutional neural network for mammographic image classification

Deep learning has been widely used in the field of mammographic image classification owing to its superiority in automatic feature extraction.However,general deep learning models cannot achieve very satisfactory classification results on mammographic images because these models are not specifically designed for mammographic images and do not take the specific traits of these images into account.To exploit the essential discriminant information of mammographic images,we propose a novel classification method based on a convolutional neural network.Specifically,the proposed method designs two branches to extract the discriminative features from mammographic images from the mediolateral oblique and craniocaudal(CC)mammographic views.The features extracted from the two-view mammographic images contain complementary information that enables breast cancer to be more easily distinguished.Moreover,the attention block is introduced to capture the channel-wise information by adjusting the weight of each feature map,which is beneficial to emphasising the important features of mammographic images.Furthermore,we add a penalty term based on the fuzzy cluster algorithm to the cross-entropy function,which improves the generalisation ability of the classification model by maximising the interclass distance and minimising the intraclass distance of the samples.The experimental results on The Digital database for Screening Mammography INbreast and MIAS mammography databases illustrate that the proposed method achieves the best classification performance and is more robust than the compared state-ofthe-art classification methods.

Overview and progress of X-nuclei magnetic resonance imaging in biomedical studies

Proton nuclear(^(1)H)is the observed nucleus on which most magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)applications depend.Most traditional^(1)H MRI can provide structural and functional information about organisms,while various non-proton nuclei(X-nuclei)MRI can provide more metabolic information.However,due to the relatively poor signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)of X-nuclei MRI,their applications are quite rare compared to^(1)H.Benefit from the rapid developments of MRI hardware and software technologies,X-nuclei MRI has recently attracted increasing interests in biomedical research.This review firstly introduces some current methods to improve the SNR of X-nuclei MRI.Secondly,this review describes biomedical applications of X-nuclei MRI,especially focusing on the current use of X-nuclei(^(13)C,^(17)O,^(19)F,^(23)Na and^(31)P)MRI to study related diseases in different organs,including the brain,liver,kidney,heart and bone.Finally,perspectives studies on X-nuclei imaging and its potential applications are described in biomedical research.

A significant quantitative trait locus on chromosome Z and its impact on egg production traits in seven maternal lines of meat-type chicken

Background:Egg production is economically important in the meat-type chicken industry.To better understand the molecular genetic mechanism of egg production in meat-type chicken,genetic parameter estimation,genome-wide association analyses combined with meta-analyses,Bayesian analyses,and selective sweep analyses were performed to screen single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and other genetic loci that were significantly associated with egg number traits in 11,279 chickens from seven material lines.Results:Yellow-feathered meat-type chickens laid 115 eggs at 43 weeks of age and white-feathered chickens laid 143 eggs at 60 weeks of age,with heritability ranging from 0.034–0.258.Based on meta-analyses and selective sweep analyses,one region(10.81–13.05 Mb)on chromosome Z was associated with egg number in all lines.Further analyses using the W2 line was also associated with the same region,and 29 SNPs were identified that significantly affected estimation of breeding value of egg numbers.The 29 SNPs were identified as having a significant effect on the egg number EBV in 3194 birds in line W2.There are 36 genes in the region,with glial cell derived neurotrophic factor,DAB adaptor protein 2,protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1,NAD kinase 2,mitochondrial,WD repeat domain 70,leukemia inhibitory factor receptor alpha,complement C6,and complement C7 identified as being potentially affecting to egg number.In addition,three SNPs(rs318154184,rs13769886,and rs313325646)associated with egg number were located on or near the prolactin receptor gene.Conclusion:Our study used genomic information from different chicken lines and populations to identify a genomic region(spanning 2.24 Mb)associated with egg number.Nine genes and 29 SNPs were identified as the most likely candidate genes and variations for egg production.These results contribute to the identification of candidate genes and variants for egg traits in poultry.

Role of mitophagy in the hallmarks of aging

Aging, subjected to scientific scrutiny, is extensively defined as a time-dependent decline in functions that involves the majority of organisms. The time-dependent accretion of cellular lesions is generally a universal trigger of aging, while mitochondrial dysfunction is a sign of aging. Dysfunctional mitochondria are identified and removed by mitophagy, a selective form of macroautophagy. Increased mitochondrial damage resulting from reduced biogenesis and clearance may promote the aging process. The primary purpose of this paper is to illustrate in detail the effects of mitophagy on aging and emphasize the associations between mitophagy and other signs of aging, including dietary restriction, telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations, and protein imbalance.The evidence regarding the effects of these elements on aging is still limited. And although the understanding of relationship between mitophagy and aging has been long-awaited, to analyze details of such a relationship remains the main challenge in aging studies.

Synergistic coupling of 0D-2D heterostructure from ZnO and Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)MXene-derived TiO_(2)for boosted NO_(2)detection at room temperature

2D MXenes are highly attractive for fabricating high-precision gas sensors operated at room temperature(RT)due to their high surface-to-volume ratio.However,the limited selectivity and low sensitivity are still long-standing challenges for their further applications.Herein,the self-assembly of 0D-2D heterostructure for highly sensitive NO_(2) detection was achieved by integrating ZnO nanoparticles on Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx MXene-derived TiO_(2) nanosheets(designated as ZnO@MTiO_(2)).ZnO nanoparticles can not only act as spacers to prevent the restacking of MTiO_(2) nanosheets and ensure effective transfer for gas molecules,but also enhance the sensitivity of the sensor the through trapping effect on electrons.Meanwhile,MTiO_(2) nanosheets facilitate gas diffusion for rapid sensor response.Benefiting from the synergistic effect of individual components,the ZnO@MTiO_(2)0D-2D heterostructure-based sensors revealed remarkable sensitivity and excellent selectivity to low concentration NO_(2) at RT.This work may facilitate the sensing application of MXene derivative and provide a new avenue for the development of high-performance gas sensors in safety assurance and environmental monitoring.

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma(PRP)in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture(ATR)and Achilles tendinopathy(AT)has been controversial.AIM To assess PRP injections’effectiveness in treating ATR and AT.METHODS A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted utilizing multiple databases such as Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Chinese Science and Technology Journal,EMBASE,and China Biomedical CD-ROM.The present investigation integrated randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in managing individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy.The eligibility criteria for the trials encompassed publications that were published within the timeframe of January 1,1966 to December 2022.The statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Review Manager 5.4.1,the visual analogue scale(VAS),Victorian Institute Ankle Function Scale(VISA-A),and Achilles Tendon Thickness were used to assess outcomes.RESULTS This meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials,8 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for AT and 5 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for ATR.PRP for AT at 6 wk[weighted mean difference(WMD)=1.92,95%CI:-0.54 to 4.38,I2=34%],at 3 mo[WMD=0.20,95%CI:-2.65 to 3.05,I2=60%],and 6 mo[WMD=2.75,95%CI:-2.76 to 8.26,I2=87%)after which there was no significant difference in VISA-A scores between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the PRP group and the control group after 6 wk[WMD=6.75,95%CI:-6.12 to 19.62,I2=69%]and 6 mo[WMD=10.46,95%CI:-2.44 to 23.37,I2=69%]of treatment,and at mid-treatment at 3 mo[WMD=11.30,95%CI:7.33 to 15.27,I2=0%]after mid-treatment,the PRP group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group.Post-treatment patient satisfaction[WMD=1.07,95%CI:0.84 to 1.35,I2=0%],Achilles tendon thickness[WMD=0.34,95%CI:-0.04 to 0.71,I2=61%]and return to sport[WMD=1.11,95%CI:0.87 to 1.42,I2=0%]were not significantly different between the PRP and control groups.The study did not find any statistically significant distinction between the groups that received PRP treatment and those that did not,regarding the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles scores at 3 mo[WMD=-1.49,95%CI:-5.24 to 2.25,I2=0%],6 mo[WMD=-0.24,95%CI:-3.80 to 3.32,I2=0%],and 12 mo[WMD=-2.02,95%CI:-5.34 to 1.29,I2=87%]for ATR patients.Additionally,no significant difference was observed between the PRP and the control groups in improving Heel lift height respectively at 6 mo[WMD=-3.96,95%CI:-8.61 to 0.69,I2=0%]and 12 mo[WMD=-1.66,95%CI:-11.15 to 7.83,I2=0%]for ATR patients.There was no significant difference in calf circumference between the PRP group and the control group after 6 mo[WMD=1.01,95%CI:-0.78 to 2.80,I2=54%]and 12 mo[WMD=-0.55,95%CI:-2.2 to 1.09,I2=0%]of treatment.There was no significant difference in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups at 6 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.38,95%CI:-2.34 to 1.58,I2=82%]and after 12 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.98,95%CI:-1.41 to-0.56,I2=10%]there was a significant improvement in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in the rate of return to exercise after treatment[WMD=1.20,95%CI:0.77 to 1.87,I2=0%]and the rate of adverse events[WMD=0.85,95%CI:0.50 to 1.45,I2=0%]between the PRP group and the control group.CONCLUSION The use of PRP for AT improved the patient’s immediate VAS scores but not VISA-A scores,changes in Achilles tendon thickness,patient satisfaction,or return to sport.Treatment of ATR with PRP injections alone improved long-term ankle mobility but had no significant effect on VISA-A scores,single heel lift height,calf circumference or return to sport.Additional research employing more extensive sampling sizes,more strict experimental methods,and standard methodologies may be necessary to yield more dependable and precise findings.

Effects of different pelvic osteotomies on acetabular morphology in developmental dysplasia of hip in children

Developmental dysplasia of hip seriously affects the health of children,and pelvic osteotomy is an important part of surgical treatment.Improving the shape of the acetabulum,preventing or delaying the progression of osteoarthritis is the ultimate goal of pelvic osteotomies.Re-directional osteotomies,reshaping osteotomies and salvage osteotomies are the three most common types of pelvic osteotomy.The influence of different pelvic osteotomy on acetabular morphology is different,and the acetabular morphology after osteotomy is closely related to the prognosis of the patients.But there lacks comparison of acetabular morphology between different pelvic osteotomies,on the basis of retrospective analysis and measurable imaging indicators,this study predicted the acetabular shape after developmental dysplasia of the hip pelvic osteotomy in order to help clinicians make reasonable and correct decisions and improve the planning and performance of pelvic osteotomy.

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic osteomyelitis based on nanomaterials

Chronic osteomyelitis is a painful and serious disease caused by infected surgical prostheses or infected fractures.Traditional treatment includes surgical debridement followed by prolonged systemic antibiotics.However,excessive antibiotic use has been inducing rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide.Additionally,it is difficult for antibiotics to penetrate internal sites of infection such as bone,thus limiting their efficacy.New approaches to treat chronic osteomyelitis remain a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons.Luckily,the development of nanotechnology has brought new antimicrobial options with high specificity to infection sites,offering a possible way to address these challenges.Substantial progress has been made in constructing antibacterial nanomaterials for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.Here,we review some current strategies for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis and their underlying mechanisms.

Evolution and Development Trend Prospect of Metal Milling Equipment

The world is currently undergoing profound changes which have never happened within the past century.Global competition in the technology and industry fields is becoming increasingly fierce.The strategic competition of the major powers further focuses on the manufacturing industry.Developed countries such as the United States,Germany,and Japan have successively put forward strategic plans such as“re-industrialization”and“return of manufacturing industry”,aiming to seize the commanding heights of a new round of global high-end technology competition and expand international market share.Standing at the historic intersection of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and China's accelerated high-quality development,the“14th Five-Year Plan”clearly pointed out that intelligent manufacturing is the main development trend to promote China's manufacturing to the medium-high end of the global value chain.This reflects the importance of advanced manufacturing for national strategic layout.To better grasp the development direction of advanced manufacturing equipment,the development process and current application status of manufacturing equipment are summarized,and thereafter the characteristics of manufacturing equipment in different development stages of the manufacturing industry are analyzed.Finally,the development trend of advanced milling equipment is prospected.

Rapid stabilization of stochastic quantum systems in a unified framework

Rapid stabilization of general stochastic quantum systems is investigated based on the rapid stability of stochastic differential equations.We introduce a Lyapunov-LaSalle-like theorem for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems first,based on which a unified framework of rapidly stabilizing stochastic quantum systems is proposed.According to the proposed unified framework,we design the switching state feedback controls to achieve the rapid stabilization of singlequbit systems,two-qubit systems,and N-qubit systems.From the unified framework,the state space is divided into two state subspaces,and the target state is located in one state subspace,while the other system equilibria are located in the other state subspace.Under the designed state feedback controls,the system state can only transit through the boundary between the two state subspaces no more than two times,and the target state is globally asymptotically stable in probability.In particular,the system state can converge exponentially in(all or part of)the state subspace where the target state is located.Moreover,the effectiveness and rapidity of the designed state feedback controls are shown in numerical simulations by stabilizing GHZ states for a three-qubit system.

Evolution of edge turbulent transport induced by L-mode detachment in the HL-2A tokamak

This paper presents the characteristics of L-mode detachment,together with the behavior of edge turbulent transport and plasma confinement on the HL-2A tokamak.Partially detached and pronounced detached states have been achieved in L-mode plasma.Stored energy was maintained before and after detachment.Edge turbulence and its transport have increased obviously in the partially detached state.In the pronounced detached state,redistribution of the density and temperature profiles due to detachment leads to low amplitude of electron temperature and pressure,as well as very weak edge turbulence and transport.Despite strong plasma radiation in the pronounced detached state,reduced edge turbulent transport contributes to maintaining stored energy in detached L-mode plasma in HL-2A.Different detachment states play an important role in the redistribution of density and temperature profiles,which requires further study.

Accessory navicular in children

Accessory navicular(AN)is a developmental variation of the secondary ossification center of the navicular tuberosity.Ten percent of patients with AN will have pain symptoms that affect walking and life.As the AN changes the position of the posterior tibial tendon insertion,children with AN often have posterior tibial tendon function insufficiency and flexible flat foot.Surgical treatment is often required after failure of conservative treatment.This article reviewed the etiology,clinical manifestations,complications,and treatment methods of AN.

Post-traumatic heterotopic ossification in front of the ankle joint for 23 years:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Heterotopic ossification(HO)refers to the formation of new bone in non-skeletal tissues such as muscles,tendons or other soft tissues.Severe muscle and soft tissue injury often lead to the formation of HO.However,anterior HO of the ankle is rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient with massive HO in front of the ankle joint for 23 years.In 1998,the patient was injured by a falling object on the right lower extremity,which gradually formed a massive heterotopic bone change in the right calf and dorsum of the foot.The patient did not develop gradual ankle function limitations until nearly 36 mo ago,and underwent resection of HO.Even after 23 years and resection of HO,the ankle joint was still able to move.CONCLUSION It is recommended that the orthopedist should be aware of HO and distinguish it from bone tumor.