CE Groups Research Articles

Effect of diets containing probiotic yeast Cystobasidium benthicum and fruit Cyrtocarpa edulis on growth and immune parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus)

This study investigates Cystobasidium benthicum (Cb) probiotic yeast and Cyrtocarpa edulis (Ce) fruit dietary effects, single (0.5 %) or combined (Cb:Ce, 0.25:0.25 %), on growth performance, humoral immunity in serum and skin mucus, and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after 14 and 28 days. The Cb group presented the highest (P < 0.05) specific growth rate, weight gain, and absolute growth rate with respect to the control group. Immunological assays indicated that Cb, Ce and Cb:Ce groups increased serum nitric oxide concentration compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Cb and Cb:Ce groups showed the highest serum myeloperoxidase enzyme activity at day 14 and 28, respectively (P < 0.05); whereas, Cb:Ce group had the highest (P < 0.05) myeloperoxidase activity in skin mucus. The superoxide dismutase enzyme activity was unaffected. On day 28, Cb, Ce, and Cb:Ce groups showed higher and lower (P < 0.05) catalase enzyme activity in serum and skin mucus, respectively, compared with the control group. Only the Cb group had higher (P < 0.05) total protein concentration in serum (day 14) and skin mucus (day 14 and 28) with respect to the control group. The lysozyme activity in serum (day 28) and skin mucus (day 14) was higher (P < 0.05) in the Cb group compared to the control group. Only the skin mucus of Ce group showed bactericidal activity against Aeromonas dhakensis (P < 0.05). Histological studies indicated that Cb and Cb:Ce groups increased microvilli height, and Cb, Ce and Cb:Ce augmented goblet cell area at day 14 compared to the control group (P < 0.05). At day 28, microvilli height was higher in all groups and the number of intraepithelial leukocytes increased in Cb and Ce groups with respect to the control group (P < 0.05). The ex vivo assay revealed that A. dhakensis in leukocytes decreased cell viability similar to the control group (P < 0.05). A principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the results. In conclusion, C. benthicum in the diet was the best supplement to improve the growth and immunity of Nile tilapia.

Widely Targeted Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Improvement in Panax notoginseng Triterpenoids Triggered by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi via UPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

Panax notoginseng is a highly valued perennial medicinal herb in China and is widely used in clinical treatments. The main purpose of this study was to elucidate the changes in the composition of P. notoginseng saponins (PNSs), which are the main bioactive substances, triggered by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) via ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). A total of 202 putative terpenoid metabolites were detected, of which 150 triterpene glycosides were identified, accounting for 74.26% of the total. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) of the metabolites revealed that the samples treated with AMF (group Ce) could be clearly separated from the CK samples. In total, 49 differential terpene metabolites were identified between the Ce and CK groups, of which 38 and 11 metabolites were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, and most of the upregulated differentially abundant metabolites were mainly triterpene glycosides. The relative abundances of the two major notoginsenosides (MNs), ginsenosides Rd and Re, and 13 rare notoginsenosides (RNs), significantly increased. The differential saponins, especially RNs, were more easily clustered into one branch and had a high positive correlation. It could be concluded that the biosynthesis and accumulation of some RNs share the same pathways as those triggered by AMF. This study provides a new way to obtain more notoginsenoside resources, particularly RNs, and sheds new light on the scientization and rationalization of the use of AMF agents in the ecological planting of medicinal plants.

Chronic endometritis and the endometrial microbiota: implications for reproductive success in patients with recurrent implantation failure

BackgroundChronic endometritis (CE) is associated with poor reproductive outcomes, yet the role of endometrial microbiota in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and CE remains unclear. This study aims to characterize endometrial microbiota in RIF patients with CE and assess its implications for reproductive outcomes.MethodsIn this prospective study, we enrolled RIF patients both with and without CE. Endometrial and cervical samples were collected for 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbiota composition was compared between groups using diversity indices, phylum, and genus-level analysis. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between CE, reproductive outcomes, and microbiota. Predictive functional profiling was performed to evaluate metabolic pathways associated with CE.ResultsEndometrial microbiota in CE patients exhibited greater diversity and evenness compared to non-CE patients. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) revealed distinct clustering between CE and non-CE groups. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified Proteobacteria, Aminicenantales, and Chloroflexaceae as characteristic of CE, while Lactobacillus, Acinetobacter, Herbaspirillum, Ralstonia, Shewanela, and Micrococcaceae were associated with non-CE. CCA demonstrated associations between CE, adverse reproductive outcomes, and specific bacterial taxa. Microbial metabolic pathways significantly differed between CE and non-CE groups, with enrichment in pathways related to cofactors, vitamins, secondary metabolites, and the immune system in CE patients.ConclusionRIF patients with CE exhibit distinct endometrial microbiota compositions associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. The increased microbial diversity and altered metabolic pathways in CE suggest a potential correlation with reproductive outcomes, although further studies are necessary to elucidate the causal relationship between microbiota alterations and fertility. Modulating the endometrial microbiome may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to improve IVF outcomes in patients with CE.

Effects of accumulated exercise on the stiffness and hemodynamics of the common carotid artery.

Purpose: This research aims to study and compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous exercise and accumulated exercise with different number of bouts on common carotid arterial stiffness and hemodynamic variables. Methods: Thirty healthy male adults were recruited to complete four trials in a randomized crossover design: no-exercise (CON); continuous exercise (CE, 30-min cycling); accumulated exercise including two or three bouts with 10-min rest intervals (AE15, 2 × 15-min cycling; AE10, 3 × 10-min cycling). The intensity in all the exercise trials was set at 45%-55% heart rate reserve. Blood pressure, right common carotid artery center-line velocity, and arterial inner diameter waveforms were measured at baseline and immediately after exercise (0min), 10 min, and 20 min. Results: 1) The arterial stiffness index and pressure-strain elastic modulus of the CE and AE15 groups increased significantly at 0min, arterial diameters decreased in AE15 and AE10, and all indicators recovered at 10min. 2) The mean blood flow rate and carotid artery center-line velocity increased in all trials at 0min, and only the mean blood flow rate of AE10 did not recover at 10min. 3) At 0min, the blood pressure in all trials was found to be increased, and the wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index of AE10 were different from those in CE and AE15. At 20min, the blood pressure of AE10 significantly decreased, and the dynamic resistance, pulsatility index, and peripheral resistance of CE partially recovered. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the acute effects of continuous exercise and accumulated exercise on the arterial stiffness and diameter of the carotid artery. Compared with continuous exercise, accumulated exercise with an increased number of bouts is more effective in increasing cerebral blood supply and blood pressure regulation, and its oscillatory shear index recovers faster. However, the improvement of blood flow resistance in continuous exercise was better than that in accumulated exercise.

Risk factors and predictive model of cerebral edema after road traffic accidents-related traumatic brain injury

PurposeCerebral edema (CE) is the main secondary injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs). It is challenging to be predicted timely. In this study, we aimed to develop a prediction model for CE by identifying its risk factors and comparing the timing of edema occurrence in TBI patients with varying levels of injuries. MethodsThis case-control study included 218 patients with TBI caused by RTAs. The cohort was divided into CE and non-CE groups, according to CT results within 7 days. Demographic data, imaging data, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Quantitative variables that follow normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation, those that do not follow normal distribution were presented as median (Q1, Q3). Categorical variables were expressed as percentages. The Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for CE. Logistic curve fitting was performed to predict the time to secondary CE in TBI patients with different levels of injuries. The efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic curve. ResultsAccording to the study, almost half (47.3%) of the patients were found to have CE. The risk factors associated with CE were bilateral frontal lobe contusion, unilateral frontal lobe contusion, cerebral contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and abbreviated injury scale (AIS). The odds ratio values for these factors were 7.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.08 − 25.42, p = 0.002), 2.85 (95% CI: 1.11 − 7.31, p = 0.030), 2.62 (95% CI: 1.12 − 6.13, p = 0.027), 2.44 (95% CI: 1.25 − 4.76, p = 0.009), and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.10 − 2.04, p = 0.009), respectively. We also observed that patients with mild/moderate TBI (AIS ≤ 3) had a 50% probability of developing CE 19.7 h after injury (χ2 = 13.82, adjusted R2 = 0.51), while patients with severe TBI (AIS > 3) developed CE after 12.5 h (χ2 = 18.48, adjusted R2 = 0.54). Finally, we conducted a receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of CE time, which showed an area under the curve of 0.744 and 0.672 for severe and mild/moderate TBI, respectively. ConclusionOur study found that the onset of CE in individuals with TBI resulting from RTAs was correlated with the severity of the injury. Specifically, those with more severe injuries experienced an earlier onset of CE. These findings suggest that there is a critical time window for clinical intervention in cases of CE secondary to TBI.

Dose Weight loss and Core Exercise improve Oswestry disability index, Trunk Extensor and Flexor Muscle Strength in Obese Middle-Aged Women with Chronic Low Back Pain?

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the weight loss and isotonic core exercise on oswestry disability index (ODI), trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength in obese middle-aged women with chronic low back pain.METHODS Eighteen obese middle-aged woman with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned into weight loss + core exercise group (WL+CE, n=6), core exercise group (CE, n=6), and control group (CON, n=6). The weight loss goal was set at approximately 0.5-1 kg per week, and core exercises were conducted for 60 minutes, three times a week, for 8 weeks. Body composition (weight, % body fat, muscle mass, WHR), ODI, trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength were measured before, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after core exercise.RESULTS WHR and ODI significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks of exercise in both the WL+CE and CE groups compared to before exercise (p&lt;.05, respectively). Trunk extensor muscle strength significant increased at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 146°, 158°, 170°, and 182° in the WL+CE (p&lt;.05, respectively), and significant increased at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 146° and 158° in the CE (p&lt;.05, respectively). Trunk flexor muscle strength was a significant increase at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 146°, 158°, and 182° in the WL+CE (p&lt;.05, respectively), and significant increase at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 110°, 134°, 146°, and 170° in the CE (p&lt;.05, respectively).CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that weight loss and core exercise improve WHR, ODI, and trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength in obese middle-aged women with chronic low back pain.

Impact of developed software package application for the operation and maintenance management on improving the vehicle fleet energy efficiency

In order to improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle fleets, many countries have introduced laws, regulations and politics that encourage the use of vehicles with lower fuel consumption and lower emissions of harmful gases. Also, many companies have adopted strategies for lowering emissions of harmful gases, maintenance costs and vehicle exploitation, including the use of software packages for operation management and maintenance of vehicle fleets. On the international market there are numerous of already made software packages for the operation management and maintenance of vehicle fleets. Some of the companies, having in mind the specificity of business or vehicle exploitation, have decided to develop their own software packages for operation management and maintenance of vehicle fleets. One of them is the company "SRBOLAB" LLC. This paper analyzed the impact of the developed software package on the energy efficiency of the company's vehicle fleet. Firstly, it describes the structure of the developed software package, and after that, applied measures next to the software package, in order to improve energy efficiency and obtained results in the form of an analysis of the energy efficiency of the observed vehicle fleet before and after the implementation of software and measures. Analysis has shown that, regardless of the increased business, the total fuel consumption (l) and mileage (km) are higher after the implementation of software, as well as the energy efficiency of the observed vehicle fleet per CE groups which is reduced to specific fuel consumption (l/100km). Obtained results show that the differences in the specific fuel consumption (l/100km), before and after the implementation of software per CE groups, are in the range of 0,32 l/100km to 1,26 l/100km, in other words, fuel savings are from 4,1 % to 16,8%, if you look at this in percentages. Obtained results in comparison to the size, spent fuel (l), are showing savings in the range of 89 l to 342 l. Total fuel savings (l) for the observed vehicle fleet in the period of January to April 2023 is 626 l.

Effects of Isotonic Core Exercise with Weight Loss on Low Back Pain, Core Strength and Balance in Obese Middle-Aged Women

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of concurrent core exercises and weight loss on lower back pain, core muscle strength, and balance in middle-aged obese women.METHODS: Eighteen middle-aged obese women were randomly assigned to the core exercise with weight loss (CE+WL, n=6), core exercise (CE, n=6), and control (CON, n=6) groups. Moreover, CE was conducted for 60 minutes, three times a week for 8 weeks, with a weight loss goal of approximately 0.5-1 kg per week. All participants underwent measurements of body composition (weight, body mass index, percentage body fat, muscle mass, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), low back pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), core muscle strength (hip flexor), and balance (sensory organization, reaction time, and motor control)) before the experiment, at 4 and 8 weeks.RESULTS: A significant decrease in WHR was observed at 4 and 8 weeks of exercise compared to that before exercise in both the CE+WL and CE groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Additionally, VAS scores significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks compared to those before exercise in the CE+WL group and a decrease was observed at 8 weeks in the CE group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Hip flexor strength significantly increased at 8 weeks of exercise compared to that before exercise in the CE+WL group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Furthermore, hip flexor strength also significantly increased at 4 and 8 weeks in the CE group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Sensory organization significantly increased at C2 after 8 weeks of exercise compared with that before exercise in the CE+WL group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05).CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that combining CE with WL concurrently leads to improvements in WHR, back pain, hip flexor strength, and sensory organization in middle-aged obese women.

The role of memory T cells in Echinococcus granulosus-induced sensitization.

To investigate the changes in memory T cells and the related factors in mice by the establishment of a BALB/c mouse model of Echinococcus granulosus-induced sensitization. A sensitized BALB/c mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of E. granulosus. A control group (CTRL), a nonsensitized group infected with E. granulosus (CE), and a sensitized group infected with E. granulosus (ANPC) were set up. The pathological changes in lung tissue in mice, the change in memory T cells (CD4 Tm), and the change in peripheral blood nucleated interleukin-23 (IL-23) were detected using HE staining, flow cytometry, and liquid-phase multiple protein quantification techniques, respectively. The individual percentage of mouse memory T cells was 9.14 ± 0.45, 25.23 ± 0.17, and 13.29 ± 0.32 in the CTRL, CE, and ANPC groups, respectively. The percentage of memory T cells in the ANPC group was higher than that in the CTRL group (t = 18.410, p < .001) but lower than that in the CE group (t = -80.147, p < .001). The levels of IL-23 in peripheral blood of mice in the CTRL, CE, and ANPC groups were 225.76 ± 27.16, 359.21 ± 28.67, and 215.69 ± 22.69, respectively. The level of IL-23 in peripheral blood of mice in the ANPC group was lower than that in the CE group (t = 9.609, p < .001), and there was no statistical difference with the CTRL group (t = 0.697, p = .502). In the BALB/c mouse model of E. granulosus-induced sensitization, the expression of IL-23 in peripheral blood increased, and the memory T cell proliferated and became activated; there was a decrease in the content of IL-23 in peripheral blood and number of activated memory T cells in the sensitization group infected with E. granulosus. The E. granulosus-induced allergic reaction was related to IL-23 and the activation of memory T cells.

The regulatory role of differential microRNA expressions on cellular inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-10 in Echinococcus granulosus-induced anaphylaxis.

To determine the pathogenesis and molecular targets of anaphylaxis caused by hydatid cyst fluid leakage. First, Balb/c mice were infected with Echinococcus granulosus, and then the anaphylaxis model was developed. The mice were separated into: anaphylaxis caused by the cystic echinococcosis group (ANPC), the cystic echinococcosis without anaphylaxis group (CE group), and the normal control group (CTRL). Following this, the spleen tissue was collected for microRNA (miRNA) sequencing. Using bioinformatics analysis, differentially expressed miRNAs(DEMs) were identified. Then, through the use of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, the key target genes for miRNA regulation associated with echinococcosis-induced anaphylaxis were identified. ANPC and CE groups have 29 and 39 DEMscompared to the CTRL group, respectively. Based on these 25 DEMs, interactions between miRNA and mRNA were screened, and 174 potential target genes were identified. We performed gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathwayenrichment analysis on these 174 target genes, and the results revealed that the three pathways with the highest enrichment were the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and Focal adhesion. The interaction analysis of PPI and miRNA-hub gene networks revealed that interleukin 6 (IL-6) was regulated by miR-146a-5p and miR-149-5p, while IL-10 was regulated by miR-29b-3p and miR-29c-3. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we found that the miRNAs regulating IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly upregulated in the ANPC group, and there are three pathways involved in that process: Pathways of PI3K-Akt signaling, FoxO signaling, and Focal adhesion. IL-6 and IL-10 play an important role in cellular pyroptosis and apoptosis. Therefore, the aforementioned results provide significant reference value for elucidating the mechanism of cellular pyroptosis and apoptosis in echinococcosis-induced anaphylaxis, and for formulating tissue and organ protection strategies for patients with cystic echinococcosis when anaphylaxis is triggered by hydatid cyst rupture.

Postural balance and body mass index in older adults; a descriptive and associative study testing traditional risk factors.

There is a scarcity of information about how much the postural balance parameters, as the area and mean velocity of the center of pressure (CoP), can be modified by traditionally adiposity markers in older adults. To describe and associate postural balance parameters in Chilean older adults with different BMI. A second objective was to associate the area of balance with weight. In a descriptive study, Chilean older adults (mean age; 70 ± 1.0, BMI 29.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2) were categorized by a normoweight control group (CG, n = 7, BMI; 23.1 ± 0.5), overweight (OvW, n = 41, BMI; 27.6 ± 0.2), and obesity (Ob, n = 23, BMI; 34.2 ± 0.5). The subjects were evaluated on a stable/hard [HS]/soft [SS] surface, and under open [OE]/ closed [CE] eyes. Secondary outcomes were weight, height, BMI, and functional health. Univariate test and linear regression were applied. CoP mean velocity on the HS and CE, showed significant differences between CG vs. OvW groups (24.9 ± 7.4 mm/s vs. 12.1 ± 0.97 mm/s, p < 0.0001). There were significant differences in Romberg index between CG vs. OvW group (176.7 ± 16.4% vs. 132.4 ± 7.1%, p = 0.002), and between CG vs. Ob group (176.7 ± 16.4% vs. 129.4 ± 17.2%, p = 0.005). On the SS with OE, there were significant differences between CG vs. OvW groups (29.8 ± 4.8 mm/s vs. 18.6 ± 1.2 mm/s, p < 0.003), and, on the SS, with CE, between CG vs. OvW groups (41.5 ± 31.2 mm/s vs. 24.6 ± 15.2 mm/s, p = 0.015). At higher BMI such as at overweight or obesity conditions, older adults show a reduced 'CoP mean velocity' than control normoweight peers', being 'weight' a traditional adiposity risk factor predictor of balance performance.

Pebax mixed matrix membrane with bimetallic CeZr-MOFs to enhance CO2 separation

Amine-functionalized and metal doped metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) will enable further enhancement of CO2 adsorption, which holds great promise in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO2/N2 separation. Four kinds of UiO66 with different sizes have been successfully fabricated by introduction of Ce and/or amino groups in UiO66. The influence of Ce doping on the UiO66 is greatly related to the ligand. Compared with ZrUiO66, the CeZrUiO66 has bigger particle size, lower BET specific surface area and pore volume and a worse CO2 adsorption capacity. Interestingly, the tendency of Ce-doped ZrUiO66-NH2 is contrary to the aforementioned. In particular, bimetallic CeZrUiO66-NH2 has an ultramicroporous structure, small particle size, rich crystal defect, superb CO2 capture capacity and high CO2/N2 adsorption selectivity, suggesting that the simultaneous introduction of Ce and amino groups is conducive to the enhancement of CO2 separation. The intrinsic ultramicroporous structure of CeZrUiO66-NH2 not only offers fast and low resistance transport channels for CO2, but also supplies more sites for CO2 adsorption owning to the doping of Ce and the amino groups. As a result, Pebax/CeZrUiO66-NH2 (3 wt%) MMMs show the CO2 permeability of 100.7 Barrer and the CO2/N2 ideal selectivity of 76.4, which is close to Robeson upper bound from 2008. Meanwhile, the Pebax/CeZrUiO66-NH2 (3 wt%) MMMs present relatively good pressure resistance, which would be advantageous in terms of industrial application.

Postbiotics of Bacillus subtilis LCBS1 have beneficial effects on bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Our previous studies found live Bacillus subtilis LCBS1 could improve the utilization efficiency and intestinal health in bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) fed the SM-based diet. However, non-viable probiotics may play the health benefits of probiotics. Therefore, 0.8% NaCl (negative control group, CG), LCBS1 live bacteria (positive control group, LB) and postbiotics from LCBS1 (heat-inactivated bacteria, HIB; cell-free extract, CE; cell-free supernatant, CS) were added to the SM-based diets and their effects on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health were evaluated in a 56 days feeding trial in bullfrog. Dietary supplement LB, HIB and CE significantly improved weight gain and feed efficiency. Meanwhile, apparent digestibility coefficients of protein were significantly increased, and the pH values of jejunum were significantly decreased in the HIB and CE groups compared with the CG, and indifferent with the LB group. Lower jejunum malondialdehyde concentration, and higher jejunum total antioxidant capacity and whole-body protein deposition in the HIB group were observed compared with the CG, and indifferent with the LB group. Dietary supplement LB and HIB significantly increased activities of lipase and protease in the jejunum, and serum complement 4 level and alkaline phosphatase activity. Higher jejunum il-4 expression in the LB and HIB groups, and lower jejunum tnf-α expression in the HIB, CE and CS groups were observed. Furthermore, the jejunal physical barrier was improved in the LB, HIB, and CE groups. Higher villus height, muscular thickness and zo-1 expression, lower serum diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate concentration in the LB, HIB and CE groups were observed than those of the CG. Relative abundance of potential probiotics including Prevotella_9, Lactococcus, and Cetobacterium was increased in the LB and HIB groups, accompanied by decreased the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria Mycoplasma. Overall, postbiotics of LCBS1 (heat-inactivated bacteria and cell-free extract) could be applied as a potential additive in bullfrog diet.

Swimming in cold water upregulates genes involved in thermogenesis and the browning of white adipose tissues.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is an interacting effect of six weeks of swimming in cold water on the gene expression of browning markers in adipose tissue in rodents. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control (C, 25 °C), Cold Exposure (CE, 4 °C), Swimming in tepid Water (STW, 30 °C), and Swimming in Cold Water (SCW, 15 °C). The swimming included 2-3 min intervals, 1 min rest, until exhaustion, three days a week for six weeks, with 3 to 6% of bodyweight overload. Rats from CE were exposed to cold for 2 h per day, five days per week. After the experimental protocol, interscapular brown (BAT) and inguinal subcutaneous white (WAT) fat tissues were excised, weighed, and processed for beiging and mitochondrial biogenesis markers gene expression. The experimental protocols resulted in an apparent increase in the number of brown adipocytes (per mm2) in the adipose deposits compared to the C group; substantial changes were observed in the SCW group. Compared to other groups, cold exposure alone increased significantly serum norepinephrine, and also β2-adrenergic receptor expression was upregulated in the adipocytes compared to the C group. The STW group increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), β2-adrenergic receptor, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins-α(c/EBP-α) in WAT in comparison with the C group(p < 0.05). In both adipocytes, the SCW intervention significantly upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, and c/EBP-α genes in comparison with the C and CE groups. In addition, the expression of TFAM and UCP1 was upregulated substantially in the SCW group compared to other groups. Our data demonstrate that swim training and cold exposure present additive effects in the expression of genes involved in the beiging process and mitochondrial biogenesis markers in BAT and WAT. In addition, it seems that the upregulation of these genes is related to the activation of β2-adrenergic receptors.

Mechanical Characteristics of Composite Resins Produced by Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of resin composites produced by additive and subtractive manufacturing. Six composite resin materials produced by subtractive (Vita Enamic-VE, Cerasmart-CE, Lava Ultimate-LU) and additive manufacturing (Varseo Smile Crown plus-VSC, Saremco Print Crowntec-SPC, Formlabs 3B Permanent crown-FLP) were selected. The three-point bending test was performed, and surface hardness of test specimens was measured. The flexural strength values of CE, SPC and LU test groups were found to be statistically higher when compared to VE, FLP and VSC test groups (p⟨0.0033). The modulus of elasticity values of the test specimens was listed as VE>LU>CE>SPC>FLP>VSC. The FLP group [35.11(4.46)] had the lowest surface hardness values, whereas the VE group [252.50 (21.5)] had the highest values. Other groups were listed as LU⟩CE⟩SPC⟩VSC in terms of surface hardness. According to the ISO 6872:2015, the flexural strengths of all resin composites were found to be acceptable for single unit fixed restorations. However, the VSC group's flexural strength is suitable for inlay, onlay, veneer restorations or single-unit anterior fixed dental prostheses. Also, VSC may not be a suitable choice for posterior restorations due to its low flexural strength.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves the biocompatibility of bone substitutes in dental pulp stem cells

BackgroundThe Biocompatibility between osteoprogenitor cells and bone substitutes is necessary for cell differentiation and osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro effect of bovine (Geistlich BioOss®), porcine (OsteoBiol Gen-Os®) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (Cerasorb M®) bone substitutes, and their combination with polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), upon cultured dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). MethodsThe DPSCs were isolated from third molars extracted from healthy individuals and seeded with 5 mg/ml of Bio-Oss® (BO), Gen-Os® (GO) and Cerasorb® (CE) in combination with EGCG 1 μM. The effects were evaluated based on cell viability / cytotoxicity assay (MTT, cell viability staining test), cell migration, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. ResultsBO and CE produced negative effects upon cell viability and migration, and GO and CE resulted in deficient cell adhesion. On the other hand, all the biomaterials exerted no negative effects upon ALP activity. Interestingly, the addition of EGCG reverted the cytotoxic effect and the loss of migration capacity in the BO and CE groups, and improved cell adhesion in the GO and CE groups. Furthermore, EGCG promoted an overall increased in ALP activity. ConclusionThe addition of EGCG to the tested biomaterials BO, GO and CE reverts their negative impact on DPSCs, and improves their biocompatibility with cultured DPSCs. The use of EGCG, thus, appears to be a promising strategy for restoring and enhancing the osteoconductive properties of BO, GO and CE in bone regeneration treatments.

Evaluation of Magnesium-Phosphate Particle Incorporation into Co-Electrospun Chitosan-Elastin Membranes for Skin Wound Healing.

Major challenges facing clinicians treating burn wounds are the lack of integration of treatment to wound, inadequate mechanical properties of treatments, and high infection rates which ultimately lead to poor wound resolution. Electrospun chitosan membranes (ESCM) are gaining popularity for use in tissue engineering applications due to their drug loading ability, biocompatibility, biomimetic fibrous structure, and antimicrobial characteristics. This work aims to modify ESCMs for improved performance in burn wound applications by incorporating elastin and magnesium-phosphate particles (MgP) to improve mechanical and bioactive properties. The following ESCMs were made to evaluate the individual components’ effects; (C: chitosan, CE: chitosan-elastin, CMg: chitosan-MgP, and CEMg: chitosan-elastin-MgP). Membrane properties analyzed were fiber size and structure, hydrophilic properties, elastin incorporation, MgP incorporation and in vitro release, mechanical properties, degradation profiles, and in vitro cytocompatibility with NIH3T3 fibroblasts. The addition of both elastin and MgP increased the average fiber diameter of CE (~400 nm), CMg (~360 nm), and CEMg (565 nm) compared to C (255 nm). Water contact angle analysis showed elastin incorporated membranes (CE and CEMg) had increased hydrophilicity (~50°) compared to the other groups (C and CMg, ~110°). The results from the degradation study showed mass retention of ~50% for C and CMg groups, compared to ~ 30% seen in CE and CEMg after 4 weeks in a lysozyme/PBS solution. CMg and CEMg exhibited burst-release behavior of ~6 µg/ml or 0.25 mM magnesium within 72 h. In vitro analysis with NIH3T3 fibroblasts showed CE and CEMg groups had superior cytocompatibility compared to C and CMg. This work has demonstrated the successful incorporation of elastin and MgP into ESCMs and allows for future studies on burn wound applications.

Achievement Level of Compulsory and Major English Groups of B.Ed. Students in Subject Verb Agreement of English

This paper attempts to test the achievement level of students who are studying English as a Compulsory English (hereafter CE) and a Major English (hereafter ME) at Bachelor of Education (hereafter B.Ed.) level at Dhankuta Multiple Campus under Tribhuvan University's syllabus. Both CE and ME groups are being taught the same books as the Compulsory English in the same class by the same teacher. Most of the CE groups fail in the exam in compulsory English. On the basis of findings, this paper recommends that both CE and ME should not be taught together in the same class. They should be treated differently in different classroom.

Application of electromagnetic navigation in endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a cohort study.

Clinical retrospective cohort study. To explore the application of the electromagnetic navigation system in Endo-TLIF. From May 2019 to March 2020, 76 patients with single-segment lumbar spondylolisthesis treated by electromagnetic navigation-assisted Endo-TLIF (NE group) and conventional Endo-TLIF (CE group) were enrolled in the study. Time of pediclescrew implantation, entire operation time, the number of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy exposures, total blood loss, incisionlength, ambulation time, accuracy of pedicle screws, complications, visual analog scale for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, Japanese Orthopedic Association score and postoperative fusion rates were recorded, respectively. There were no significant differences in preoperative demographics between the NE and CE groups (P > 0.05). The mean number of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy exposures, guidewires insertion, entire operation time, total blood loss and adjustment rate of screws in the NE group were significantly less compared with the CE group (P < 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in clinical parameters between the two groups at different time points in the follow-up period (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in fusion rates between the two groups. In addition, one case of cage subsidence was observed after surgery in the CE group. Electromagnetic navigation systems could be applied throughout the entire surgical course and ameliorate theshortcomingsofthe conventional Endo-TLIF technique to reduce radiation exposure, improve accuracy, avoid repetitive operations and shorten surgery time and the required learning curve of the procedure. Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

The amino-functionalized Ce doped UiO-66 presents high potential in nuclear energy wastewater treatment

Nuclear energy is a clean and reliable alternative to traditional fuels such as gasoline and coal. However, the treatment of wastewater from nuclear plants is an issue that needs wildly exploration. In this study, novel cerium (Ce) modified aminated MOF UiO-66 was synthesized through solvothermal reactions. Using ZrCl 4 as a sacrificial template, the target product Ce-UiO-66-NH2 had been prepared by hydrothermal process. The microscopic surface morphology and characterized structure were investigated by BET, SEM, and FTIR characteristic protocols. The results revealed that Ce and amino groups have been successfully introduced on the surface of UiO-66. The absorbent Ce-UiO-66-NH2 showed its maximum specific surface area, with 823 m2/g. And the average pore size was 0.52 and 0.47 cm 3/g for Ce-UiO-66 and Ce-UiO-66-NH2, respectively. For the SEM results, both absorbents showed spherical structure, with the particles presenting 0.2–0.5μm size core–shell structures. Considering the FTIR spectra, the characteristic peaks were located at 1656, 1569, 1385, 963, 894 cm −1 wavenumbers, indicating the incorporation of Ce and -NH2. The absorbance effect was highly enhanced by suitable functionalization of the material by introducing addition metal element Ce and amino group and thus more binding storage can be used in nuclear wastewater treatment.