Gut-brain axis as a bridge in obesity and depression:Mechanistic exploration and therapeutic prospects

A recent study by Wang et al,published in the World Journal of Psychiatry,provided preventative and therapeutic strategies for the comorbidity of obesity and depression.The gut-brain axis,which acts as a two-way communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system,plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of these conditions.Evidence suggests that metabolic byproducts,such as short-chain fatty acids,lipopolysaccharide and bile acids,which are generated by the gut microbiota,along with neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators within the gut-brain axis,modulate the host's metabolic processes,neuronal regulation,and immune responses through diverse mechanisms.The interaction between obesity and depression via the gut-brain axis involves disruptions in the gut microbiota balance,inflammatory immune responses,and alterations in the neuroendocrine system.Modulating the gut-brain axis,for example,through a ketogenic diet,the use of probiotics,and the supplementation of antioxidants,offers new remedial approaches for obesity and depression.Future research that explores the mechanisms of the gut-brain axis is needed to provide more evidence for clinical treatment.

Mechanism of Yanghe Pingchaun granules on airway remodeling in asthmatic rats based on IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis

Objective: To investigate the effects of Yanghe Pingchuan Granules on airway remodeling in asthmatic rats, and to explore the mechanism of Interleukin-6/Janus kinase 2/ Signal transducing activator of transcription 3(IL-6/JAK2/STAT3) signal axis. Methods: We separated 42 healthy male SD rats into two groups, a control group (7) and a model group (35).The model group was sensitized with a combination of ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide for 2 weeks, while the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline.After 2 weeks, the modeling group was randomly divided into Model group, Yanghe Pingchuan Granules high, medium and low dose groups and Dexamethasone group, each group consisted of 7 animals. After 4 weeks, OVA atomization and gavage were used for stimulation and treatment. Yanghe Pingchuan Granules high, middle and low groups were given 15.48, 7.74, 3.87 g∙kg-1 Yanghe Pingchuan Granules daily, dexamethasone group was given 0.0625 mg∙kg-1 dexamethasone daily, and the other groups were given the same amount of normal saline. HE, PAS and Masson staining were used to observe the lung histopathological changes in rats. The levels of interleukin-6, IL-23 and IL-17A were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of JAK-2, P-JAK2, STAT3 and P-STAT3 in lung tissues were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, JAK2 and STAT3 in rat lung tissue. Results: The lung tissue structure of the model group was severely damaged compared to the control group, accompanied by a great many of inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, subepithelial collagen fiber deposition and airway epithelial thickening were more obvious. The expressions of IL-6, IL- 23 and IL-17A in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01), the protein expression levels of JAK-2, P-JAK2, STAT3 and P-STAT3 and the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, JAK2 and STAT3 in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01);Compared with the model group, inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell proliferation, subepithelial collagen fiber deposition and airway epithelial thickening were significantly reduced in each administration group, and the expressions of IL-6, IL-23 and IL-17A in serum were significantly decreased (P< 0.01). The protein expression levels of JAK-2, P-JAK2, STAT3 and P-STAT3 and mRNA expression levels of IL-6, JAK2 and STAT3 in lung tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Yanghe Pingchuan Granules can significantly alleviate airway remodeling in asthmatic rats, and its mechanism may be through inhibiting the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signal axis.

Evaluation of Intraobserver and Interobserver Reliability of Mechanical Axis Alignment Measure of the Lower Limb through the Panoramic Radiograph in Patients in the Preoperative and Postoperative Periods of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective: To evaluate intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the measurement of the mechanical axis of the lower limb by means of the panoramic radiograph of lower limbs by physicians with different levels of medical practice. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study with preoperative and postoperative radiographic analysis of a group of 100 patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty. Results: It was observed that there is a highly significant intraobserver and interobserver agreement (p < 0.0001), both preoperatively and postoperatively, among four observers with different training levels. Conclusion: The panoramic radiograph of the lower limbs is a reliable method for measuring the mechanical axis of the lower limb in patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty, regardless of the level of medical practice of the evaluator.

Postoperative Mechanical Axis Alignment and Components Position after Conventional and Patient-Specific Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: Accurate postoperative alignment and implant positioning are determinant factors for successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patient-specific template (PST) is a technique that uses computer technology for the planning, deigning and production of cutting guides. This study aims to compare PST to conventional technique in terms of mechanical axis alignment and component positioning. Patients and method: 109 TKA were performed for 78 patients in 2 groups. Group A included 69 conventional TKA in 55 patients and Group B included 40 patient-specific TKA in 23 patient. Postoperative long-film X-rays were done for all patients to observe the mechanical axis, anatomical axis, lateral distal femoral mechanical angle and medial proximal tibial angle. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding alignment or component positioning. Conclusion: Both techniques have shown similar results in restoring the mechanical axis and alignment after TKA. However, PST had the advantages of reduced blood loss and shorter operative time.

Analysis of static structural mechanics of vertical axis wind turbine with lift-drag combined starting structures

The finite element analysis was carried out for a composite vertical axis wind turbine with lift-drag combined starting structures to ensure the structure safety of a vertical axis wind turbine(VAWT).The static and modal analysis of rotor of a composite vertical axis wind turbine was conducted by using ANSYS software.The relevant contour sketch of stress and deformation was obtained.The analysis was made for static structural mechanics,modal analysis of rotor and the total deformation and vibration profile to evaluate the influence on the working capability of the rotor.The analysis results show that the various structure parameters lie in the safety range of structural mechanics in the relative standards.The analysis showing the design safe to operate the rotor of a vertical axis wind turbine.The methods used in this study can be used as a good reference for the structural mechanics′analysis of VAWTs.

Research on the Unsteady Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Vertical Axis Tidal Turbine

The unsteady hydrodynamic characteristics of vertical axis tidal turbine are investigated by numerical simulation based on viscous CFD method. The starting mechanism of the turbine is revealed through analyzing the interaction of its motion and dynamics during starting process. The operating hydrodynamic characteristics of the turbine in wave-current condition are also explored by combining with the linear wave theory. According to possible magnification of the cyclic loads in the maximum power tracking control of vertical axis turbine, a novel torque control strategy is put forward, which can improve the structural characteristics significantly without effecting energy efficiency.

Gut microbiota axis:potential target of phytochemicals from plant-based foods

Food-microbiota-host interactions provide an overarching framework for understanding the function of the gut microbiota axis.Diet is a major modulator of gut microbiota.Plant-based foods are rich in phytochemicals;therefore,it is essential to assess such foods and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their action.In this review,we summarize the role of gut microbiota in the communication between the gut and the brain,liver,lung,kidney,and joints,as well as the role of the gut microbiota axis in diseases involving these organs.In addition,we assess the effects of phytochemicals from plant-based foods on the gut microbiota axis via different pathways.

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of A Vertical-Axis Eccentric-disc Variable-Pitch Turbine(VEVT)

A combined experimental and numerical investigation is carried out to study the performance of a vertical-axis eccentric-disc variable-pitch turbine(VEVT).A scheme of eccentric disc pitch control mechanism based on doubleblock mechanism is proposed.The eccentric control mechanism and the deflection angle control mechanism in the pitch control structure are designed and optimized according to the functional requirements of the turbine,and the three-dimensional model of the turbine is established.Kinematics analysis of the eccentric disc pitch control mechanism is carried out.Kinematics parameters and kinematics equations which can characterize its motion characteristics are derived.Kinematics analysis and simulation are carried out,and the motion law of the corresponding mechanical system is obtained.By analyzing the force and motion of blade of VEVT,the expressions of the important parameters such as deflection angle,attack angle and energy utilization coefficient are obtained.The lateral induced velocity coefficient is acquired by momentum theorem,the hydrodynamic parameters such as energy utilization coefficient are derived,and the hydrodynamic characteristics of VEVT are also obtained.The experimental results show that the turbine has good energy capture capability at different inflow velocities of different sizes and directions,which verifies that VEVT has good self-startup performance and high energy capture efficiency.

Controllable Crack Propagation in Off-Axis Crushing of Stitched Composite Absorbers

Crack growth resistance plays a different role in crashworthiness analysis since the progressive energy absorption is based on controllable fracture mechanisms. In this regard, the present paper studies the efficient crack growth resistance in off-axis crushing of composite tubular structures by implementing natural fiber yarns. One of the through-to-thickness reinforcement methods known as stitching has been chosen to influence the axial and off-axis crushing process. Improving the crack growth resistance and appropriate fiber breakage at different stages of crushing process can significantly improve the resistance force and consequently the energy absorption capability of composite absorbers in axial and off-axis crushing. This analysis will be applied to non-stitched and stitched CFRP composite boxes which showed brittle fracture and transverse shearing crushing modes under off-axis loading of 10 degrees. The analytical methods are also implemented to analysze the effect of various failure mechanisms such as bending, friction, bundle fracture, and interlaminar crack growth for the observed crushing modes. The proposed model is able to predict the crushing load and crush force efficiency in close agreement from experimental studies.

A microbiome-dependent gut-bone axis determines skeletal benefits from mechanical loading

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism entitled“Gut microbial alterations in arginine metabolism determine bone mechanical adaptation”demonstrated that administration of L-arginine enhanced bone mechanical adaptation by activating a nitric oxide-calcium feedback loop in osteocytes.The findings revealed that mechanical regulation of bone adaptation is associated with gut microbiota.The underlying cause of heterogeneity of bone mechanoresponsiveness was the significant difference in the composition of the gut microbiota,in which the family Lachnospiraceae contributed to the inter-individual high variability in bone mechanical adaptation.Additionally,administration of Lachnospiraceae exhibited increased expression levels of L-citrulline and L-arginine and enhanced bone mechanoresponsiveness in recipients.Collectively,this study provides mechanistic insights into inter-individual variability of the gut microbial,which is related to the heterogeneity of bone mechanical adaptation and provides a novel preventive and therapeutic strategy to anti-osteoporotic for maximizing bone mechanoresponsiveness via the microbiota-metabolite axis.

针刺联合神经干细胞修复脊髓损伤的科学依据

背景:脊髓损伤是由创伤性或非创伤性事件引起的一种神经系统疾病,常导致损伤节段以下严重功能障碍。近年来,神经干细胞移植被认为在调控脊髓损伤后的炎症反应、抑制胶质瘢痕的过度增生以及促进神经再生方面具有显著的治疗潜力。目的:综述并讨论针刺及神经干细胞移植疗法在抑制脊髓损伤诱导的继发性损伤中的潜在作用机制,深入探讨其治疗脊髓损伤的科学依据。方法:以“脊髓损伤,针刺,神经干细胞,SDF-1α/CXCR4轴”为中文检索词,以“Spinal cord injury,acupuncture,neural stem cells,SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis”为英文检索词,分别检索PubMed、Elsevier、万方及中国知网数据库,最终纳入96篇文献,汇总分析了针刺联合神经干细胞治疗脊髓损伤的相关研究成果,总结了这一联合疗法在治疗脊髓损伤后继发性损伤中的相关机制。结果与结论:①基质细胞衍生因子1α(stromal-derived factor 1α,SDF-1α)/CXC趋化因子受体4(chemokine receptor 4,CXCR4)轴在神经干细胞移植治疗脊髓损伤中扮演着至关重要的角色,该信号传导机制不仅影响神经干细胞的迁移、增殖和分化,更是决定干细胞归巢至损伤部位效率的关键因素。因此,针对该轴线的调控,对于提升脊髓损伤的治疗效果具有重要意义。②针刺作为一种传统中医疗法,在脊髓损伤的继发性损伤调控中展现出独特的优势,它能够通过调节炎症反应、抑制细胞凋亡、改善微循环、减少神经胶质瘢痕形成以及对抗氧化应激等多种途径,有效减轻脊髓损伤后的继发性损伤。③针刺还能够影响SDF-1α/CXCR4轴的表达与功能,从而增强神经干细胞的归巢和存活能力,促进神经再生和功能恢复。④结合针刺与干细胞移植的疗法,是一种创新且较好的脊髓损伤治疗策略,适用于修复神经环路,它结合了传统中医的智慧与现代生物技术的优势,为脊髓损伤患者提供了新的治疗选择。然而,目前这种联合疗法仍处于研究和探索阶段,其长期疗效和安全性尚需进一步验证。⑤综合而言,针刺及神经干细胞移植治疗脊髓损伤具有巨大的临床应用潜力,但仍需深入研究和优化治疗方案。未来,期待通过更多的临床试验和机制研究,进一步揭示这一疗法的疗效机制和最佳适应证,为脊髓损伤患者带来更好的康复希望和更高效的治疗效果。

基于脑-肠-菌轴探讨调补肝脾法治疗功能性消化不良的作用机制

功能性消化不良(FD)作为临床常见疾病,其发病机制在现代医学方面被证实与胃肠动力、内脏敏感性、胃肠微生态等直接相关。脑-肠-菌轴作为一条人体的特殊通路,可较好地阐释其复杂的病理机制。中医药在FD的治疗方面有着十分确切的效果。从中医理论角度,脾胃之“运”“化”与现代医学胃肠动力、营养代谢等具有高度相似之处;而肝主疏泄影响脾胃气机,调畅情志影响思维等功能将中枢系统与胃肠道联系在一起,与现代医学“脑-肠-菌轴”高度相似。文章从中西医两方面论治FD,加强了对其病因病机与治则治法的认识,并拓展了中医调补肝脾法的思路。

Mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for antidepression: Evidence from preclinical studies

This review summarizes the anti-depressant mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in preclinical studies,including anti-inflammatory effects mediated by activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 signaling pathway,anti-oxidative stress effects,enhancement of synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis via activation of the endocannabinoid system and brain derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway,increasing the content of monoamine neurotransmitters via inhibition of Sirtuin 1/monoamine oxidase A signaling pathway,and reducing the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis.We also discuss the shortcomings of transcranial magnetic stimulation in preclinical studies such as inaccurate positioning,shallow depth of stimulation,and difficulty in elucidating the neural circuit mechanism up-and down-stream of the stimulation target brain region.

Determinations of directions of the mean stress field in Sichuan-Yunnan region from a number of focal mechanism solutions

Based on the spatial orientation and slip direction of the fault plane solutions, we present the expression of corresponding mechanical axis tensor in geographic coordinate system, and then put forward a method for calculating average mechanical axis tensor and its eigenvalues, which involves solving the corresponding eigenequation. The method for deducing mean stress field from T, B, and P axes parameters of a number of focal mechanism solutions has been verified by inverting data of mean stress fields in Fuyun region and in Tangshan region with fitting method of slip direction, and both results are consistent. To study regional average stress field, we need to choose a population of focal mechanism solutions of earthquakes in the massifs where there are significant tectonic structures. According to the focal mechanism solutions of 256 moderate-strong earthquakes occurred in 13 seismic zones of Sichuan-Yunnan region, the quantitative analysis results of stress tensor in each seismic zone have been given. The algorithm of such method is simple and convenient, which makes the method for analyzing tectonic stress field with large amount of focal mechanism solution data become quantified.

Magnetization arrangement of hard magnetic phases and mechanism of magnetization and reversal magnetization of nano-composite magnets

During the process of directional solidification,laser remelting/solidification in the layer on sintered magnets, die-upsetting of cast magnets,or die-upsetting of nano-composites,the arrangements of the easy-magnetization-axes of the hard magnetic phases(Nd2Fe14B,SmCo5 or Sm2Co17 type)in their designed directions have been studied.In Fe-Pt nano-composite magnets,attempts have been taken to promote phase transformation from disordered,soft magnetic A1 to ordered,hard magnetic L10 FePt phase at reduced temperatures.The dependence of the magnetization and reversal magnetization processes on the microstructures,involving the morphology and three critical sizes of particles of the FePt nano-composite magnets,are summarized. With the decrease of the nominal thickness of the anisotropic FePt film epitaxially grown on the single crystal MgO(001)substrate, the reversal magnetization process firstly changes from full domain wall displacement to partial magnetic wall pinning related to the morphology change,where the coercive force increases abruptly.The reversal magnetization process secondly changes from magnetic wall pinning to incoherent magnetization rotation associated with the particles being below the first critical size at which multi-domain particles turn into single domain ones,where the coercive force is still increased.And the reversal magnetization mode thirdly changes from incoherent to coherent rotation referred to the second critical size,where the increase of the coercive force keeps on.However,when the particle size decreases to approach the third critical size where the particles turn into the supperparamagnetic state,the coercive force begins to decrease due to the interplay of the size effect and the incomplete ordering induced by the size effect.Meanwhile,due to the size effect,Curie temperature of the ultra-small FePt particles reduces.

基于System C的事务级AXI总线模型设计

本文设计了一个具有两个主端口、两个从端口、总线仲裁和地址译码组件的事物级AXI总线模型。该模型以ARM官方提供的AXI周期精确型事务级建模方法为基础,参考GFT通信机制抽象化总线信号和具体的握手信号,结合仲裁算法,使用System C语言进行建模,具有建模效率高和仿真速度快的优点。模型之间时钟和事件同步,模块之间通过端口和层次化通道通讯。本文建立了仿真测试平台,以一个完整的系统平台来测试总线建模是否正确,进行了随机访问测试和定向测试,测试涵盖了建模的各种功能,测试仿真结果表明AXI总线事务级模型通讯正常,功能正确。

Elastodynamics of axi-symmetric deformation in magneto-micropolar generalized thermoelastic medium

The present investigation is concerned with an axi-symmetric problem in the electromagnetic micropolar thermoelastic half-space whose surface is subjected to the mechanical or thermal source. Laplace and Hankel transform techniques are used to solve the problem. Various types of sources are taken to illustrate the utility of the approach. Integral transforms are inverted by using a numerical technique to obtain the components of stresses, temperature distribution, and induced electric and magnetic fields. The expressions of these quantities are illustrated graphically to depict the magnetic effect for two different generalized thermoelasticity theories, i.e., Lord and Shulman （L-S theory） and Green and Lindsay （G-L theory）. Some particular interesting cases are also deduced from the present investigation.

精密镗床旋转轴几何误差完备性测量与辨识

针对四轴卧式镗床旋转轴需测几何误差的数目不统一与完备性缺失的问题,提出了基于形状创成函数的四轴卧式镗床旋转轴PIGEs形成机理分析方法与旋转轴完备几何误差测量辨识方法。基于形状创成机理构建了卧式镗床几何误差创成函数,确定了旋转轴可通过误差补偿进行调整的最少与位置无关的几何误差(Position-independent geometric error, PIGEs)数目。建立了卧式镗床旋转轴4项PIGEs、6项与位置有关的几何误差(Position-dependent geometric error, PDGEs)、6项安装误差(Setup error, SEs)与球杆仪(Double ball bar, DBB)测量轨迹半径之间的完备性函数模型,设计了基于DBB的四轴联动Viviani曲线测量轨迹,构建了旋转轴6项PDGEs的NURBS表征与PIGEs、SEs辨识方法。开展了误差补偿对比实验验证,结果表明,利用几何误差完备性测量与辨识结果进行误差补偿,较仅单一补偿6项PDGEs可提升圆轨迹测量精度40.69%。

川滇菱形块体东边界震源机制与应力场特征

文中利用四川、云南、重庆、青海、甘肃地震台网以及西昌密集台阵和巧家密集台阵的数字地震波形资料,采用CAP全波形反演方法及HASH初动极性和振幅比方法,获得了川滇菱形块体东边界区域3 951组M L≥1.0地震的震源机制。进而基于以上震源机制,采用阻尼区域应力场反演算法(MSTASI)和Vavrycuk的迭代联合反演方法获得了研究区的构造应力场分布特征、主要活动断裂的应力性质和摩擦系数。结果显示,研究区震源机制P轴、T轴以及最大主应力轴σ1和最小主应力轴σ3总体上倾角较小,揭示了近水平的挤压或剪切应力环境。σ1以NW-SE和NWW-SEE向为主,从北到南有顺时针旋转的趋势,应力性质以走滑型为主,局部兼有逆冲型和拉张型,整体分布特征与区内走滑型边界断裂活动性质一致。R值具有明显的空间差异,鲜水河断裂-龙门山断裂-安宁河断裂交会地区R值相对较高,有明显的挤压特征;鲜水河断裂带、安宁河断裂带北段和小江断裂带的R值均在0.25~0.5之间,表现为NE-SW向挤压和NW-SE向拉张,拉张应力可能远小于挤压应力;大凉山断裂带北段和则木河断裂带的R值均在0.5~1之间,表现为NW-SE向压缩和NE-SW向拉张,且挤压应力大于拉张应力。研究区域主要断裂的摩擦系数也有差异:安宁河断裂带和大凉山断裂带北段的摩擦系数相对较低,在0.75以下,鲜水河断裂带、则木河断裂带及大凉山断裂带南段的摩擦系数偏高,在0.80以上。川滇菱形块体东边界活动断裂带上的构造应力相对较高,尤其是鲜水河断裂带和小江断裂带的应力更高,需要关注其地震危险性。

基于Ansys的汽车传动轴的力学分析和轻量化设计

[目的]探究使用轻量化设计方法提高汽车传动轴的性能和效率。[方法]以传动轴的三个关键部件凸缘叉、花键轴叉以及万向节叉为研究对象,提出了以密度为基础进行拓扑优化的结构设计方法。对建好的模型进行力学分析,根据分析结果,对可能存在的问题进行优化,并对优化的部件再次进行力学校核测试,直至符合安全要求。[结果]该设计方案较已有相关方案表现优异,最终方案使传动轴的质量降低了约18%。[结论]该优化方式为减轻重量提供了一种切实有效的方法,也可用于减轻器械重量、降低能源消耗和改善环境。