Establishment of a chicken intestinal organoid culture system to assess deoxynivalenol‑induced damage of the intestinal barrier function

Background Deoxynivalenol(DON)is a mycotoxin that has received recognition worldwide because of its ability to cause growth delay,nutrient malabsorption,weight loss,emesis,and a reduction of feed intake in livestock.Since DON-contaminated feedstuff is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract,we used chicken organoids to assess the DON-induced dysfunction of the small intestine.Results We established a culture system using chicken organoids and characterized the organoids at passages 1 and 10.We confirmed the mRNA expression levels of various cell markers in the organoids,such as KI67,leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5(Lgr5),mucin 2(MUC2),chromogranin A(CHGA),cytokeratin 19(CK19),lysozyme(LYZ),and microtubule-associated doublecortin-like kinase 1(DCLK1),and compared the results to those of the small intestine.Our results showed that the organoids displayed functional similarities in permeability compared to the small intestine.DON damaged the tight junctions of the organoids,which resulted in increased permeability.Conclusions Our organoid culture displayed topological,genetic,and functional similarities with the small intes-tine cells.Based on these similarities,we confirmed that DON causes small intestine dysfunction.Chicken organoids offer a practical model for the research of harmful substances.

Optimized numerical density functional theory calculation of rotationally symmetric jellium model systems

In real space density functional theory calculations,the effective potential depends on the electron density,requiring self-consistent iterations,and numerous integrals at each step,making the process time-consuming.In our research,we propose an optimization method to expedite density functional theory(DFT)calculations for systems with large aspect ratios,such as metallic nanorods,nanowires,or scanning tunneling microscope tips.This method focuses on employing basis set to expand the electron density,Coulomb potential,and exchange-correlation potential.By precomputing integrals and caching redundant results,this expansion streamlines the integration process,significantly accelerating DFT computations.As a case study,we have applied this optimization to metallic nanorod systems of various radii and lengths,obtaining corresponding ground-state electron densities and potentials.

Hyperbolic Tangent Function-Based Protocols for Global/Semi-Global Finite-Time Consensus of Multi-Agent Systems

This paper investigates the problem of global/semi-global finite-time consensus for integrator-type multi-agent sys-tems.New hyperbolic tangent function-based protocols are pro-posed to achieve global and semi-global finite-time consensus for both single-integrator and double-integrator multi-agent systems with leaderless undirected and leader-following directed commu-nication topologies.These new protocols not only provide an explicit upper-bound estimate for the settling time,but also have a user-prescribed bounded control level.In addition,compared to some existing results based on the saturation function,the pro-posed approach considerably simplifies the protocol design and the stability analysis.Illustrative examples and an application demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.

Regulatory potential of soil available carbon,nitrogen,and functional genes on N_(2)O emissions in two upland plantation systems

Dynamic nitrification and denitrification processes are affected by changes in soil redox conditions,and they play a vital role in regulating soil N_(2)O emissions in rice-based cultivation.It is imperative to understand the influences of different upland crop planting systems on soil N_(2)O emissions.In this study,we focused on two representative rotation systems in Central China:rapeseed–rice(RR)and wheat–rice(WR).We examined the biotic and abiotic processes underlying the impacts of these upland plantings on soil N_(2)O emissions.The results revealed that during the rapeseed-cultivated seasons in the RR rotation system,the average N_(2)O emissions were 1.24±0.20 and 0.81±0.11 kg N ha^(–1)for the first and second seasons,respectively.These values were comparable to the N_(2)O emissions observed during the first and second wheat-cultivated seasons in the WR rotation system(0.98±0.25 and 0.70±0.04 kg N ha^(–1),respectively).This suggests that upland cultivation has minimal impacts on soil N_(2)O emissions in the two rotation systems.Strong positive correlations were found between N_(2)O fluxes and soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)),nitrate(NO_(3)^(–)),microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN),and the ratio of soil dissolved organic carbon(DOC)to NO_(3)^(–)in both RR and WR rotation systems.Moreover,the presence of the AOA-amoA and nirK genes were positively associated with soil N_(2)O fluxes in the RR and WR systems,respectively.This implies that these genes may have different potential roles in facilitating microbial N_(2)O production in various upland plantation models.By using a structural equation model,we found that soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA gene accounted for over 50%of the effects on N_(2)O emissions in the RR rotation system.In the WR rotation system,soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA and nirK genes had a combined impact of over 70%on N_(2)O emissions.These findings demonstrate the interactive effects of functional genes and soil factors,including soil physical characteristics,available carbon and nitrogen,and their ratio,on soil N_(2)O emissions during upland cultivation seasons under rice-upland rotations.

Risk-Balanced Routing Strategy for Service Function Chains of Cyber-Physical Power System Considering Cross-Space Cascading Failure

Cyber-physical power system(CPPS)has significantly improved the operational efficiency of power systems.However,cross-space cascading failures may occur due to the coupling characteristics,which poses a great threat to the safety and reliability of CPPS,and there is an acute need to reduce the probability of these failures.Towards this end,this paper first proposes a cascading failure index to identify and quantify the importance of different information in the same class of communication services.On this basis,a joint improved risk-balanced service function chain routing strategy(SFC-RS)is proposed,which is modeled as a robust optimization problem and solved by column-and-constraint generation(C-CG)algorithm.Compared with the traditional shortest-path routing algorithm,the superiority of SFC-RS is verified in the IEEE 30-bus system.The results demonstrate that SFC-RS effectively mitigates the risk associated with information transmission in the network,enhances information transmission accessibility,and effectively limits communication disruption from becoming the cause of cross-space cascading failures.

Winding Function Model-based Performance Evaluation of a PM Transverse Flux Generator for Applications in Direct-drive Systems

The magnetic flux in a permanent magnet transverse flux generator(PMTFG) is three-dimensional(3D), therefore, its efficacy is evaluated using 3D magnetic field analysis. Although the 3D finite-element method(FEM) is highly accurate and reliable for machine simulation, it requires a long computation time, which is crucial when it is to be used in an iterative optimization process. Therefore, an alternative to 3DFEM is required as a rapid and accurate analytical technique. This paper presents an analytical model for PMTFG analysis using winding function method. To obtain the air gap MMF distribution, the excitation magneto-motive force(MMF) and the turn function are determined based on certain assumptions. The magnetizing inductance, flux density, and back-electro-magnetomotive force of the winding are then determined. To assess the accuracy of the proposed method, the analytically calculated parameters of the generator are compared to those obtained by a 3D-FEM. The presented method requires significantly shorter computation time than the 3D-FEM with comparable accuracy.

Effects of Repetitive TranscranialMagnetic Stimulation on Upper Extremity Function in Acute Stroke:A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

[Objectives]To conduct a comprehensive examination of the evidence-based impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)on upper extremity functionality in patients with acute stroke.[Methods]A rigorous and systematic electronic search was conducted across the Medline,PubMed,and Web of Science databases,encompassing literature up to July 1,2024.To ensure the reliability of the in-cluded studies,an assessment of their risk of bias was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software,in accordance with the rigorous standards out-lined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Revieus.Subsequently,we employed either the random-effects model or the fixed-effects model,depending on the heterogeneity of the data,to estimate the standardized mean difference(SMD)in outcomes,utilizing Stata 18.0 software for statistical analysis.[Results]Our review encompassed a total of five studies,involving 252 patients with acute stroke.The pooled analysis of these studies revealed a statistically significant improvement in Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity(FMA-UE)scores among pa-tients who received rTMS therapy(SMD=2.71,95%CI:0.85 to 4.56;P<0.0001),albeit with considerable heterogeneity(I^(2)=97.65%)across the trials.[Conclusions]The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis underscore the promising potential of rTMS in enhancing upper extremity function in patients who have experienced an acute stroke.These findings provide compelling evidence for the therapeutic benefits of rTMS in this patient population.

Functional Confirmation Using a Medical X-Ray System of a Semiconductor Survey Meter

In recent years, semiconductor survey meters have been developed and are in increasing demand worldwide. This study determined if it is possible to use the X-ray system installed in each medical facility to calculate the time constant of a semiconductor survey meter and confirm the meter’s function. An additional filter was attached to the medical X-ray system to satisfy the standards of N-60 to N-120, more copper plates were added as needed, and the first and second half-value layers were calculated to enable comparisons of the facility’s X-ray system quality with the N-60 to N-120 quality values. Next, we used a medical X-ray system to measure the leakage dose and calculate the time constant of the survey meter. The functionality of the meter was then checked and compared with the energy characteristics of the meter. The experimental results showed that it was possible to use a medical X-ray system to reproduce the N-60 to N-120 radiation quality values and to calculate the time constant from the measured results, assuming actual leakage dosimetry for that radiation quality. We also found that the calibration factor was equivalent to that of the energy characteristics of the survey meter.

Functional Outcomes of Adult Tibia Shaft Fractures Treated with Solid Intramedullary Nails versus Hollow Nails: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The management of fractures of the tibia shaft is an important aspect of orthopaedic care, and the selection of the surgical method for fixation can substantially impact patient outcomes. The current review aims to compare the outcomes of adult tibia fractures treated with solid nails to those treated with hollow nails. Methods: A search on Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, using three keywords (Outcome, Tibia shaft fractures, Nail) was conducted in April 2023. Results were compiled and two independent reviewers screened and selected eligible articles After removing duplicates, titles and abstracts were read to exclude ineligible studies. Full-text articles of the remaining papers were read to select eligible studies which were further critically appraised to ascertain their methodological quality. The data extracted from the selected papers were synthesized using a combination of pooling of results, tests of statistical difference (t-test and chi-square) and narrative synthesis methods. Results: A total of 2295 articles were obtained from the databases and citation searching. A total of 9 papers were identified as eligible and included in the review. Findings revealed that there is no statistical difference in the outcomes of tibia fractures treated with either solid or hollow nail groups such as duration of surgery (p = 0.541), rate of delayed and non-union (p = 0.342), and rate of surgical site infections (p = 0.395). Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing of tibia shaft fractures with either solid or hollow nails have similar functional outcomes.

Trajectory of Walking Function in Late-Stage Older Individuals Managed with a Regular Exercise Program: A 5-Year Longitudinal Tracking with an IoT Gait Analysis System Using Accelerometers

Purpose: This study focused on maintaining and improving the walking function of late-stage older individuals while longitudinally tracking the effects of regular exercise programs in a day-care service specialized for preventive care over 5 years, using detailed gait function measurements with an accelerometer-based system. Methods: Seventy individuals (17 male and 53 female) of a daycare service in Tokyo participated in a weekly exercise program, meeting 1 - 2 times. The average age of the participants at the start of the program was 81.4 years. Gait function, including gait speed, stride length, root mean square (RMS) of acceleration, gait cycle time and its standard deviation, and left-right difference in stance time, was evaluated every 6 months. Results: Gait speed and stride length improved considerably within six months of starting the exercise program, confirming an initial improvement in gait function. This suggests that regular exercise programs can maintain or improve gait function even age groups that predictably have a gradual decline in gait ability due to enhanced age. In the long term, many indicators tended to approach baseline values. However, the exercise program seemingly counteracts age-related changes in gait function and maintains a certain level of function. Conclusions: While a decline in gait ability with aging is inevitable, establishing appropriate exercise habits in late-stage older individuals may contribute to long-term maintenance of gait function.

Study on Independent Supervision Function of Design Assurance System

The effective operation of a design assurance system cannot be achieved without the effective performance of the independent supervision function.As one of the core functions of the design assurance system,the purpose of the independent supervision function is to ensure that the system operates within the scope of procedures and manuals.At present,the function of independent supervision is a difficult and confusing issue for various original equipment manufacturers as well as suppliers,and there is an urgent requirement to put forward relevant requirements and form relevant methods.Based on the above mentioned objective,the basic requirements of the independent supervision function of design assurance system were studied,the problems and deficiencies in the organization,staffing,and methods existing in the current independent supervision function were analyzed,the improvement suggestions and measures for the performance of the independent supervision function from the aspects of the organization,staffing,procedures,and suppliers were put forward.The present work and conclusions provide guidance and direction for the effective operation of the design assurance system.

Sound Transmission Loss Analysis of a Double Plate-Acoustic Cavity Coupling System with In-Plane Functionally Graded Materials

In this paper, the isogeometric analysis (IGA) is employed to develop an acoustic radiation model for a double plate-acoustic cavity coupling system, with a focus on analyzing the sound transmission loss (STL). The functionally graded (FG) plate exhibits a different material properties in-plane, and the power-law rule is adopted as the governing principle for material mixing. To validate the harmonic response and demonstrate the accuracy and convergence of the isogeometric modeling, ANASYS is utilized to compare with numerical examples. A plane wave serves as the acoustic excitation, and the Rayleigh integral is applied to discretize the radiated plate. The STL results are compared with the literature, confirming the reliability of the coupling system. Finally, the investigation is conducted to study impact of cavity depth and power-law parameter on the STL.

Effects of elafibranor on liver fibrosis and gut barrier function in a mouse model of alcohol-associated liver disease

BACKGROUND Alcohol-associated liver disease(ALD)is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality,but there are no therapeutic targets and modalities to prevent ALD-related liver fibrosis.Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR)α and δ play a key role in lipid metabolism and intestinal barrier homeostasis,which are major contributors to the pathological progression of ALD.Meanwhile,elafibranor(EFN),which is a dual PPARαand PPARδagonist,has reached a phase III clinical trial for the treatment of metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease and primary biliary cholangitis.However,the benefits of EFN for ALD treatment is unknown.AIM To evaluate the inhibitory effects of EFN on liver fibrosis and gut-intestinal barrier dysfunction in an ALD mouse model.METHODS ALD-related liver fibrosis was induced in female C57BL/6J mice by feeding a 2.5% ethanol(EtOH)-containing Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet and intraperitoneally injecting carbon tetrachloride thrice weekly(1 mL/kg)for 8 weeks.EFN(3 and 10 mg/kg/day)was orally administered during the experimental period.Histological and molecular analyses were performed to assess the effect of EFN on steatohepatitis,fibrosis,and intestinal barrier integrity.The EFN effects on HepG2 lipotoxicity and Caco-2 barrier function were evaluated by cell-based assays.RESULTS The hepatic steatosis,apoptosis,and fibrosis in the ALD mice model were significantly attenuated by EFN treatment.EFN promoted lipolysis and β-oxidation and enhanced autophagic and antioxidant capacities in EtOH-stimulated HepG2 cells,primarily through PPARαactivation.Moreover,EFN inhibited the Kupffer cell-mediated inflammatory response,with blunted hepatic exposure to lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and toll like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling.EFN improved intestinal hyperpermeability by restoring tight junction proteins and autophagy and by inhibiting apoptosis and proinflammatory responses.The protective effect on intestinal barrier function in the EtOH-stimulated Caco-2 cells was predominantly mediated by PPARδ activation.CONCLUSION EFN reduced ALD-related fibrosis by inhibiting lipid accumulation and apoptosis,enhancing hepatocyte autophagic and antioxidant capacities,and suppressing LPS/TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses by restoring intestinal barrier function.

Transplantation of fibrin-thrombin encapsulated human induced neural stem cells promotes functional recovery of spinal cord injury rats through modulation of the microenvironment

Recent studies have mostly focused on engraftment of cells at the lesioned spinal cord,with the expectation that differentiated neurons facilitate recovery.Only a few studies have attempted to use transplanted cells and/or biomaterials as major modulators of the spinal cord injury microenvironment.Here,we aimed to investigate the role of microenvironment modulation by cell graft on functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Induced neural stem cells reprogrammed from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells,and/or thrombin plus fibrinogen,were transplanted into the lesion site of an immunosuppressed rat spinal cord injury model.Basso,Beattie and Bresnahan score,electrophysiological function,and immunofluorescence/histological analyses showed that transplantation facilitates motor and electrophysiological function,reduces lesion volume,and promotes axonal neurofilament expression at the lesion core.Examination of the graft and niche components revealed that although the graft only survived for a relatively short period(up to 15 days),it still had a crucial impact on the microenvironment.Altogether,induced neural stem cells and human fibrin reduced the number of infiltrated immune cells,biased microglia towards a regenerative M2 phenotype,and changed the cytokine expression profile at the lesion site.Graft-induced changes of the microenvironment during the acute and subacute stages might have disrupted the inflammatory cascade chain reactions,which may have exerted a long-term impact on the functional recovery of spinal cord injury rats.

Study on the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia,characterized by a chronic and progressive course.The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To assess the effects of pirfenidone in the early treatment of IPF on lung function in patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 patients with IPF who were treated in our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023.These patients were divided into two groups:control group(n=53)and observation group(n=60).In the control group,patients received routine therapy in combination with methylprednisolone tablets,while those in the observation group received routine therapy together with pirfenidone.After applying these distinct treatment approaches to the two groups,we assessed several parameters,including the overall effectiveness of clinical therapy,the occurrence of adverse reactions(e.g.,nausea,vomiting,and anorexia),symptom severity scores,pulmonary function index levels,inflammatory marker levels,and the 6-min walk distance before and after treatment in both groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly higher rates than the control group after therapy,with a clear distinction(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group experienced significantly fewer adverse reactions than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).When analyzing the symptom severity scores between the two groups of patients after treatment,the observation group had significantly lower scores than the control group,with a distinct difference(P<0.05).When comparing the pulmonary function index levels between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group displayed significantly higher levels than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).Evaluating the inflammatory marker data(C-reactive protein,interleukin-2[IL-2],and IL-8)between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels than the control group,with significant disparities(P<0.05).Comparison of the 6-min walking distance data between the two groups of patients after treatment showed that the observation group achieved significantly greater distances than the control group,with a marked difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Prompt initiation of pirfenidone treatment in individuals diagnosed with IPF can enhance pulmonary function,elevate inflammatory factor levels,and increase the distance covered in the 6-min walk test.This intervention is conducive to effectively decreasing the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients.

Interaction between systemic iron parameters and left ventricular structure and function in the preserved ejection fraction population:a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Left ventricular(LV)remodeling and diastolic function in people with heart failure(HF)are correlated with iron status;however,the causality is uncertain.This Mendelian randomization(MR)study investigated the bidirectional causal relationship between systemic iron parameters and LV structure and function in a preserved ejection fraction population.METHODS Transferrin saturation(TSAT),total iron binding capacity(TIBC),and serum iron and ferritin levels were extracted as instrumental variables for iron parameters from meta-analyses of public genome-wide association studies.Individuals without myocardial infarction history,HF,or LV ejection fraction(LVEF)<50%(n=16,923)in the UK Biobank Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study constituted the outcome dataset.The dataset included LV end-diastolic volume,LV endsystolic volume,LV mass(LVM),and LVM-to-end-diastolic volume ratio(LVMVR).We used a two-sample bidirectional MR study with inverse variance weighting(IVW)as the primary analysis method and estimation methods using different algorithms to improve the robustness of the results.RESULTS In the IVW analysis,one standard deviation(SD)increased in TSAT significantly correlated with decreased LVMVR(β=-0.1365;95%confidence interval[CI]:-0.2092 to-0.0638;P=0.0002)after Bonferroni adjustment.Conversely,no significant relationships were observed between other iron and LV parameters.After Bonferroni correction,reverse MR analysis showed that one SD increase in LVEF significantly correlated with decreased TSAT(β=-0.0699;95%CI:-0.1087 to-0.0311;P=0.0004).No heterogeneity or pleiotropic effects evidence was observed in the analysis.CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a causal relationship between TSAT and LV remodeling and function in a preserved ejection fraction population.

Responses of growth performance,antioxidant function,small intestinal morphology and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein to dietary iron in yellow-feathered broilers

This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance,antioxidant function.intestinal morphology,and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1-to21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers.A total of 7201-d-old yellow-feathered maleb roilers were allocated to 9 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage.The dietary treatments were consisted of a basal diet(contained 79.6 mg Fe kg^(-1))supplemented with 0,20,40,60,80,160,320,640,and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)in the form of FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O.Compared with the birds in the control group,birds supplemented with 20mg Fe kg^(-1)had higher average daily gain(ADG)(P<0.0001).Adding 640 and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)significantly decreased ADG(P<0.0001)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)(P<0.0001)compared with supplementation of 20mg Fe kg^(-1).Malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration in plasma and duodenum increased linearly(P<0.0001),but MDA concentration in liver and jejunum increased linearly(P<0.05)or quadratically(P<0.05)with increased dietary Fe concentration.The villus height(VH)in duodenum and jejunum,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(V/C)in duodenum decreased linearly(P?0.05)as dietary Feincreased.As dietary Fe increased,the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of claudin-1 decreased linearly(P=0.001),but the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of zona occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin decreased linearly(P?0.05)or quadratically(P?0.05).Compared with the supplementation of 20 mg Fe kg^(-1),the supplementation of640 mg Fe kg^(-1)or higher increased(P?0.05)MDA concentrations in plasma,duodenum,and jejunum,decreased VH in the duodenum and jejunum,and the addition of 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)reduced(P?0.05)the jejunal tight junction protein(claudin-1,ZO-1,occludin)mRNA abundance.In summary,640 mg of supplemental Fe kg^(-1)or greater was associated with decreased growth performance,increased oxidative stress,disrupted intestinal morphology,and reduced mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein.

Association of DNA methylation/demethylation with the functional outcome of stroke in a hyperinflammatory state

Inflammation is closely related to stroke prognosis, and high inflammation status leads to poor functional outcome in stroke. DNA methylation is involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of stroke. However, the effect of DNA methylation on stroke at high levels of inflammation is unclear. In this study, we constructed a hyperinflammatory cerebral ischemia mouse model and investigated the effect of hypomethylation and hypermethylation on the functional outcome. We constructed a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and treated the mice with lipopolysaccharide to induce a hyperinflammatory state. To investigate the effect of DNA methylation on stroke, we used small molecule inhibitors to restrain the function of key DNA methylation and demethylation enzymes. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, neurological function scores, neurobehavioral tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot assay were used to evaluate the effects after stroke in mice. We assessed changes in the global methylation status by measuring DNA 5-mc and DNA 5-hmc levels in peripheral blood after the use of the inhibitor. In the group treated with the DNA methylation inhibitor, brain tissue 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining showed an increase in infarct volume, which was accompanied by a decrease in neurological scores and worsening of neurobehavioral performance. The levels of inflammatory factors interleukin 6 and interleukin-1 beta in ischemic brain tissue and plasma were elevated, indicating increased inflammation. Related inflammatory pathway exploration showed significant overactivation of nuclear factor kappa B. These results suggested that inhibiting DNA methylation led to poor functional outcome in mice with high inflammation following stroke. Further, the effects were reversed by inhibition of DNA demethylation. Our findings suggest that DNA methylation regulates the inflammatory response in stroke and has an important role in the functional outcome of hyperinflammatory stroke.

Greatly enhanced corrosion/wear resistances of epoxy coating for Mg alloy through a synergistic effect between functionalized graphene and insulated blocking layer

The poor corrosion and wear resistances of Mg alloys seriously limit their potential applications in various industries.The conventional epoxy coating easily forms many intrinsic defects during the solidification process,which cannot provide sufficient protection.In the current study,we design a double-layer epoxy composite coating on Mg alloy with enhanced anti-corrosion/wear properties,via the spin-assisted assembly technique.The outer layer is functionalized graphene(FG)in waterborne epoxy resin(WEP)and the inner layer is Ce-based conversion(Ce)film.The FG sheets can be homogeneously dispersed within the epoxy matrix to fill the intrinsic defects and improve the barrier capability.The Ce film connects the outer layer with the substrate,showing the transition effect.The corrosion rate of Ce/WEP/FG composite coating is 2131 times lower than that of bare Mg alloy,and the wear rate is decreased by~90%.The improved corrosion resistance is attributed to the labyrinth effect(hindering the penetration of corrosive medium)and the obstruction of galvanic coupling behavior.The synergistic effect derived from the FG sheet and blocking layer exhibits great potential in realizing the improvement of multi-functional integration,which will open up a new avenue for the development of novel composite protection coatings of Mg alloys.

Deep brain implantable microelectrode arrays for detection and functional localization of the subthalamic nucleus in rats with Parkinson’s disease

The subthalamic nucleus(STN)is considered the best target for deep brain stimulation treatments of Parkinson’s disease(PD).It is difficult to localize the STN due to its small size and deep location.Multichannel microelectrode arrays(MEAs)can rapidly and precisely locate the STN,which is important for precise stimulation.In this paper,16-channel MEAs modified with multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)(MWCNT/PEDOT:PSS)nanocomposites were designed and fabricated,and the accurate and rapid identification of the STN in PD rats was performed using detection sites distributed at different brain depths.These results showed that nuclei in 6-hydroxydopamine hydrobromide(6-OHDA)-lesioned brains discharged more intensely than those in unlesioned brains.In addition,the MEA simultaneously acquired neural signals from both the STN and the upper or lower boundary nuclei of the STN.Moreover,higher values of spike firing rate,spike amplitude,local field potential(LFP)power,and beta oscillations were detected in the STN of the 6-OHDA-lesioned brain,and may therefore be biomarkers of STN localization.Compared with the STNs of unlesioned brains,the power spectral density of spikes and LFPs synchronously decreased in the delta band and increased in the beta band of 6-OHDA-lesioned brains.This may be a cause of sleep and motor disorders associated with PD.Overall,this work describes a new cellular-level localization and detection method and provides a tool for future studies of deep brain nuclei.