Effect Of Treatment Research Articles

Analysis of the Clinical Effect of Chinese Medicine Combined with Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Insomnia

Objective: To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia. Method: 80 patients with primary insomnia were selected as the study sample, with 20 cases randomly selected as the control group and the rest as the observation group. The control group was treated with ordinary western medicine, while the observation group patients were treated with traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion based on this syndrome differentiation. The comparison items were treatment effect, sleep quality, mental health, quality of life, specific sleep indicators, cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitters. Result: The treatment effectiveness showed that the observation group had a higher treatment effectiveness rate than the control group (P<0.05); The results of sleep quality showed that after treatment, the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group in seven dimensions: sleep quality, sleep time, sleep onset time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorders, hypnotic drugs, and daytime dysfunction score (P<0.05); The quality of life results showed that after treatment, the observation group had higher scores than the control group in eight dimensions: physiological function, physiological function, physical pain, health status, energy, social function, emotional function, and mental health (P<0.05); The results of slow wave sleep time and fast eye movement sleep time showed that after treatment, the HAMA and HAMD scores of the physiological mechanism in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); The results of cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter indicators show that after treatment, glutamate γ- the peak systolic blood flow velocity of aminobutyric acid, vertebral artery, and basilar artery in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The clinical treatment of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia patients can significantly improve the clinical treatment effect, and improve the cerebral hemorrhage and neurotransmitter status of patients, promote the improvement of their physical and mental status, can more significantly improve the quality of sleep, reduce sleep difficulties, reduce the dosage of sleeping pills, which has important clinical application value.

Clinical efficacy of intradermal type I collagen injections in treating skin photoaging in patients from high-altitude areas

BACKGROUND Photoaging, a result of chronic sun exposure, leads to skin damage and pigmentation changes. Traditional treatments may have limitations in high-altitude areas like Yunnan Province. Intradermal Col Ι injections stimulate collagen production, potentially improving skin quality. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment for photoaging. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal type Ι collagen (Col Ι) injection for treating photoaging. METHODS This prospective, self-controlled study investigated the impact of intradermal injections of Col Ι on skin photodamage in 20 patients from the Yunnan Province. Total six treatment sessions were conducted every 4 wk ± 3 d. Before and after each treatment, facial skin characteristics were quantified using a VISIA skin detector. Skin thickness data were assessed using the ultrasound probes of the Dermalab skin detector. The Face-Q scale was used for subjective evaluation of the treatment effect by the patients. RESULTS The skin thickness of the right cheek consistently increased after each treatment session compared with baseline. The skin thickness of the left cheek significantly increased after the third through sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline. The skin thickness of the right zygomatic region increased after the second to sixth treatment sessions, whereas that of the left zygomatic region showed a significant increase after the fourth through sixth treatment sessions. The skin thickness of both temporal regions significantly increased after the fifth and sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline (P < 0.05). These findings were also supported by skin ultrasound images. The feature count for the red areas and wrinkle feature count decreased following the treatment (P < 0.05). VISIA assessments also revealed a decrease in the red areas after treatment. The Face-Q-Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall and Face-Q-Satisfaction with Skin scores significantly increased after each treatment session. The overall appearance of the patients improved after treatment. CONCLUSION Intradermal Col Ι injection improves photoaging, with higher patient satisfaction and fewer adverse reactions, and could be an effective treatment method for populations residing in high-altitude areas.

Effects of Photoperiod Treatments on Stock Plants and Cutting Rooting of Three Cultivars of Ornamental Perennials

Many species of herbaceous perennials now have numerous cultivars, with growth habits and flower colors unique to each cultivar. Vegetative propagation is required so that resulting plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. Although many cultivars are selected for precocious and vigorous flowering, it is often difficult to collect adequate vegetative cuttings from such cultivars for commercial production because juvenile (vegetative) growth is preferred for high-quality cuttings. Cuttings that are reproductive (with flower buds or flowers) can have reduced or delayed rooting and increased occurrences of fungal pathogens (especially Botrytis species), resulting in lack of crop uniformity. We sought to answer the question, can growing stock plants of herbaceous perennials under defined photoperiods extend the length of the vegetative period and enhance the rooting of cuttings harvested from these stock plants? In this study, stock plants of ‘P009S’ twinspur (Diascia integerrima), ‘Furman's Red’ sage (Salvia greggii), and ‘Wild Thing’ sage (Salvia greggii) were grown under ambient, 12-hour light, 10-hour light, and 8-hour light to determine if a particular photoperiod could be used to suppress reproductive growth by promoting vegetative growth, thereby enhancing cutting rooting success. Effects of photoperiod treatments varied among the plant cultivars studied. Plants grown under 8-hour photoperiod had longer duration of vegetative growth, smaller growth rates, and lower dry weights when compared with plants grown under 12-hour or 10-hour photoperiod. Plants grown under 12-hour photoperiod had shorter duration of vegetative growth, larger growth rates, and higher dry weights when compared with plants grown under 10-hour and 8-hour photoperiods. The probability of rooting of cuttings harvested from stock plants of ‘P009S’ twinspur, ‘Furman’s Red’ sage, and ‘Wild Thing’ sage grown under 12-hour and 10-hour photoperiods was greater when compared with cuttings harvested from stock plants grown under 8 h photoperiod.

Estrogens prevent the hypothalamus-periphery crosstalk induced by olanzapine intraperitoneal treatment in female mice: Effects on brown/beige adipose tissues and liver

Olanzapine (OLA) is a highly obesogenic second-generation antipsychotic (SGA). Recently we demonstrated that, contrarily to OLA oral treatment, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration resulted in weight loss and absence of hepatic steatosis in wild-type (WT) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)-deficient (KO) male mice. This protection relied on two central-peripheral axes connecting hypothalamic AMPK with brown/inguinal white adipose tissue (BAT/iWAT) uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and hypothalamic JNK with hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS). Herein, we addressed OLA i.p. treatment effects in WT and PTP1B-KO female mice. Contrarily to our previous results in WT females receiving OLA orally, the i.p. treatment did not induce weight gain or hyperphagia. Molecularly, in females OLA failed to diminish hypothalamic phospho-AMPK or elevate BAT UCP-1 and energy expenditure (EE) despite the preservation of iWAT browning. Conversely, OLA i.p. treatment in ovariectomized mice reduced hypothalamic phospho-AMPK, increased BAT/iWAT UCP-1 and EE, and induced weight loss as occurred in males. Pretreatment of hypothalamic neurons with 17β-estradiol (E2) abolished OLA effects on AMPK. Moreover, neither hypothalamic JNK activation nor hepatic FAS upregulation were found in WT and PTP1B-KO females receiving OLA via i.p. Importantly, this axis was reestablished upon ovariectomy. In this line, E2 prevented OLA-induced phospho-JNK in hypothalamic neurons. These results support the role of estrogens in sex-related dimorphism in OLA treatment. This study evidenced the benefit of OLA i.p. administration in preventing its obesogenic effects in female mice that could offer clinical value.

Ketogenic diet modifies ribosomal protein dysregulation in KMT2D Kabuki syndrome

BackgroundKabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder caused by DNA mutations in KMT2D, a lysine methyltransferase that methylates histones and other proteins, and therefore modifies chromatin structure and subsequent gene expression. Ketones, derived from the ketogenic diet, are histone deacetylase inhibitors that can ‘open’ chromatin and encourage gene expression. Preclinical studies have shown that the ketogenic diet rescues hippocampal memory neurogenesis in mice with KS via the epigenetic effects of ketones. MethodsSingle-cell RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry-based proteomics were used to explore molecular mechanisms of disease in individuals with KS (n=4) versus controls (n=4). FindingsPathway enrichment analysis indicated that loss of function mutations in KMT2D are associated with ribosomal protein dysregulation at an RNA and protein level in individuals with KS (FDR <0.05). Cellular proteomics also identified immune dysregulation and increased abundance of other lysine modification and histone binding proteins, representing a potential compensatory mechanism. A 12-year-old boy with KS, suffering from recurrent episodes of cognitive decline, exhibited improved cognitive function and neuropsychological assessment performance after 12 months on the ketogenic diet, with concomitant improvement in transcriptomic ribosomal protein dysregulation. InterpretationOur data reveals that lysine methyltransferase deficiency is associated with ribosomal protein dysfunction, with secondary immune dysregulation. Diet and the production of bioactive molecules such as ketone bodies serve as a significant environmental factor that can induce epigenetic changes and improve clinical outcomes. Integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and clinical data can define mechanisms of disease and treatment effects in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. FundingThis study was supported by the Dale NHMRC Investigator Grant (APP1193648) (R.D), Petre Foundation (R.D), and The Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation/Kids Research Early and Mid-Career Researcher Grant (E.T).

Objective Bayesian Meta-Analysis Based on Generalized Marginal Multivariate Random Effects Model

Objective Bayesian inference procedures are derived for the parameters of the multivariate random effects model generalized to elliptically contoured distributions. The posterior for the overall mean vector and the between-study covariance matrix is deduced by assigning two noninformative priors to the model parameter, namely the Berger and Bernardo reference prior and the Jeffreys prior, whose analytical expressions are obtained under weak distributional assumptions. It is shown that the only condition needed for the posterior to be proper is that the sample size is larger than the dimension of the data-generating model, independently of the class of elliptically contoured distributions used in the definition of the generalized multivariate random effects model. The theoretical findings of the paper are applied to real data consisting of ten studies about the effectiveness of hypertension treatment for reducing blood pressure where the treatment effects on both the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are investigated.

Is shockwave therapy effective in the management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence is lacking for the efficacy of shockwave therapy (SWT) in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). To investigate the efficacy of SWT on pain and function in the management of GTPS. A systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature was conducted up to May 2023. Studies utilising SWT on adults for GTPS, providing measures of pain and/or function at baseline and at follow-up were considered for inclusion. Meta-analysis was undertaken using converted pain and functional outcomes. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias, and assigned a level of evidence as per the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations criteria. Twelve articles (n=1121 subjects) were included, including five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and seven non-RCTs. No statistical differences were observed for pain over time f(1,5)=1.349 (p=0.298) or between SWT and control f(1,5)=1.782 (p=0.238). No significant differences in functional outcomes in short- (H=2.591, p=0.181) and medium-term follow-up (H=0.189, p=0.664) were identified between SWT and control. Moderate magnitude treatment effects for pain (Hedges-G [HG] 0.71) favouring SWT groups over control was identified, decreasing to low for function (HG 0.20). Further pain and functional treatment effects were identified at higher magnitudes across follow-up time-points in SWT groups compared to control. Moderate-quality evidence demonstrated no statistically significant improvements in pain and function post-SWT compared to control. Low-quality evidence established clinical improvements throughout all included studies favouring SWT over control. Consequently, owing to relatively low incidence of side effects, SWT should be considered a viable option for the management of GTPS. Issues with both clinical and statistical heterogeneity of studies and during meta-analysis require consideration, and more robust RCTs are recommended if the efficacy of SWT for the management of GTPS is to be comprehensively determined.

Effect of heat treatment on the structural and emulsifying properties of copra meal protein: Improving interfacial properties to enhance performance of its Pickering emulsion

This study investigated the impact of different temperatures and durations on the structural and emulsifying properties of copra meal protein. Additionally, the stability of copra meal protein Pickering emulsions was assessed through rheological and interfacial characteristics. Findings revealed a positive correlation between emulsification properties and heating temperature and duration. Thermal aggregates, facilitated by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bonds, significantly enhanced surface hydrophobicity. Heat-treated copra meal protein-based Pickering emulsions demonstrate enhanced adsorption at the oil-water interface and resistance to diffusion. The three-phase contact angle increases from 57.7° to 79.8° following heating at 95 °C for 30 min. The addition of NaCl and heating treatment did not affect emulsion particle size or interface adsorption ability. But it improved the rheological properties to varying degrees. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing the physicochemical and functional attributes of copra meal protein in the food industry.

Effect of thermal treatments on the surface electrical conductivity of AlSi7Mg produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

In the last years, the production of hypoeutectic Al-Si waveguide components by metal additive manufacturing has gained increasing attention in the telecommunications industry. The performances of waveguide components are influenced primarily by dimensional tolerances, surface electrical conductivity, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy. Among these properties, electrical conductivity is known to be strongly influenced by the structural and microstructural characteristics of the alloys.In this work, microstructural and structural properties of an hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy, namely the AlSi7Mg alloy, were studied using FESEM, DSC, and XRD to understand how different thermal treatments (stress relieving, T5, and T6) affect the surface electrical conductivity. In the end, the most suitable thermal treatment to be applied to this alloy to maximize its electrical conductivity and, therefore, its appeal for microwave waveguide components is identified.

Effect of ozone treatment on thermo tolerant Campylobacter contaminated poultry products retailed at Baghdad markets/Iraq

Effect of ozone treatment on thermo tolerant Campylobacter contaminated poultry products retailed at Baghdad markets/Iraq

Effect of semi-permeable film stabilisation treatment on dry and wet cyclic corrosion behaviour of Q420qENH weathering steel plates and welded joints in deicing salt media

In this paper, the influence of semi-permeable film stabilisation on the corrosion trend, corrosion type and corrosion mechanism of bridge weathering steel in a deicing salt medium was investigated by dry and wet alternating accelerated corrosion test. The results indicate that the semi-permeable film stabilisation treatment reduces the inflection point of corrosion rate reduction of weathering steel plates and welded specimens in the deicing salt medium, reduces the value of n, which represents the trend of full-scale corrosion, and improves their resistance to full-scale corrosion. After 30 days of corrosion, the peak intensity ratios of Iβ-FeOOH+FeOCl /Iα-FeOOH for untreated plates and welded specimens were 1.092 and 1.132 times higher than that of the semi-permeable film stabilisation treatment specimens, respectively. With a reduction of defects and an increase in densification in the rust layer, and a significant reduction in the concentration of chloride ions at the interface between the rust layer and the substrate. During the whole corrosion process, the self-corrosion potential of the rust layer after the stabilisation treatment of the semi-permeable film was increased by 1.08–1.12 times, the impedance was increased by 1.13–1.32 times, and the electrochemical stability was significantly improved. The semi-permeable film in the pre-corrosion period effectively blocked the penetration of chloride ions, reducing the concentration of corrosion medium in the rust layer, reduced the generation of unstable phases of β-FeOOH and FeOCl. At the same time, the stabiliser treatment improves the Cu, Cr and Ni elements in the rust layer, promoted the formation of the stable phase α-FeOOH in the rust layer and the refinement of the rust grains, thus significantly improving the corrosion resistance of the weathering steel in the deicing salt medium.

Asprosin aggravates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via inflammation and lipid metabolic disturbance mediated by reactive oxygen species.

Asprosin (ASP) is a newly-identified adipokine and plays important roles in energy metabolism homeostasis. However, there is no report on whether and how ASP is involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, in the study, we investigated the protective effects of ASP-deficiency on the liver in the NAFLD model mice and the detrimental effects of ASP treatment on the human normal hepatocytes (LO2 cell line). More important, we explored the underlying mechanism from the perspective of lipid metabolism and inflammation. In the in vivo experiments, our data showed that the ASP-deficiency significantly alleviated the high-fat diet-induced inflammation and NAFLD, inhibited the hepatic fat deposition and downregulated the expressions of fat acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1); moreover, the ASP-deficiency attenuated the inflammatory state and inhibited the activation of the IKK/NF-κBp65 inflammation pathway. In the in vitro experiments, our results revealed that ASP treatment caused and even exacerbated the injury of LO2 cells induced by FFA; In contrast, the ASP treatment upregulated the expressions of PPARγ, FOXO1, FASN, ACC and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and elevated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Accordingly, these results demonstrate that ASP causes NAFLD through disrupting lipid metabolism and promoting the inflammation mediated by ROS.

Influences of solution temperature on microstructures and performance of electron beam welded joints of laser powder bed fusion TC11 thin-walled samples

The effects of subtransus treatment (750 °C, 800 °C, 850 °C, 900 °C, and 950 °C) as well as supertransus treatment (1100 °C) on the microstructures and mechanical performance of electron beam welded (EBW) joints of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) TC11 alloy were investigated. At a solution temperature of 950 °C, globular α phases and transformed β phases were observed in the joint. When the solution temperature exceeded the β transus temperature (Tβ), α colonies and massive α phases emerged in the joints, resulting in Widmanstatten structures. The base metal (BM) exhibited the highest microhardness, followed by the heat affected zone (HAZ), whereas the fusion zone (FZ) demonstrated the lowest microhardness. As the solution temperature increases, the microhardness of joints decreases at first and then increases. Notably, the joint subjected to a solution temperature of 850 °C exhibited the lowest microhardness. When the solution temperature was ≥900 °C, transformed β phases emerged within the joints, resulting in an elevation of microhardness. Below Tβ, the elongation of welded joints gradually augmented while the tensile strength reduced at first and then increased with the rising solution temperature. Microstructures in joint with solution temperature of 950 °C consisted of lamellar α phases, globular α phases, and transformed β phases. As a result, the joint exhibited an optimal balance between strength (1103.1 ± 34.9 MPa) and plasticity (9.37 ± 0.20%). Ductile fracture characteristics with dimples on the fracture surface were observed in the tensile samples. Therefore, it can be concluded that a solid solution temperature of 950 °C is optimal for LPBF TC11 alloy.

Effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polylactic acid: Study of competition between crystallization and interlayer bonding

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a popular additive manufacturing technique because of its flexibility, customization, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. However, due to the layer-by-layer fabrication process and the formation of voids, the mechanical properties of printed parts are lower than other manufacturing techniques. As a solution, heat treatments can effectively mitigate additive manufacturing limitations and improve the mechanical properties of printed parts. The interlayer bonding and subsequently mechanical properties of 3D-printed PLA were affected by the competition between crystallization and chain diffusion of 3D-printed polylactic acid during the heat treatment process. This competition highlights the importance of optimization of heat treatment. Additionally, crystallite growth could cause a reduction in some mechanical properties, like elongation. The size, distribution, and content of voids are also influenced by heat treatment, playing a crucial role in the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts. In this research, printed samples were heat-treated at temperatures of 75 ºC, 110 ºC, and 130 ºC for two hours. Furthermore, compression-molded samples were fabricated to inspect a comparison of mechanical properties between the traditional and additive manufacturing methods and investigate the effect of layer-by-layer fabrication on these properties. Sample AM-75 showed a 15.5% improvement in bonding strength compared to the non-annealed printed sample, resulting in an increase of 20.2% in tensile strength and 275% in impact strength. Moreover, annealing the sample at 130 ºC resulted in a 7.6% reduction in porosity and a significant improvement of 220% in crystallinity, heat deflection temperature, flexural modulus, and flexural strength, with improvements of 121%, 29.5%, and 15.2% respectively.

Emulsifying and interfacial properties of glutenin processed by pH-shifting treatment

Modifying and improving protein functionality is crucial for expanding the application of proteins in the food industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pH-shift treatments on the emulsifying and interfacial properties of glutenin (Glu). Glu was exposed to acidic (pH 1–3) and basic (pH 10–13) pH values for 4 h and subsequently neutralized for refolding. The pH-shifting treatments significantly improved Glu surface wettability with three-phase contact angle from 66.21 ± 2.31° to 91.4 ± 0.88°. The alkali shift treatment resulted in samples with larger Kdiff values. The treated samples also showed amplitude and frequency dependence in their E, Ev, and Ed values, with higher E and Ed values indicating an elastic membrane at the interface. Emulsions prepared from Glu treated with alkali shift treatment exhibited smaller particle size, larger ζ-potential, and more stable storage properties. The rheological results indicated higher viscosity, thixotropy and creep of emulsions prepared from alkali shift treated Glu. In conclusion, treatment of Glu with alkali shift resulted in significant improvements in emulsifying and interfacial properties, suggesting that Glu may be a more promising ingredient for use in food.

Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride plus sufentanil citrate inhibits glucose metabolism and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in human esophageal squamous carcinoma KYSE30 cells by modulating the JAK/STAT3/HIF‑1α axis.

Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (DEX-HCl) and sufentanil citrate (SFC) are commonly used anesthetic drugs for esophageal cancer (EC) surgery. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of DEX-HCl and SFC treatment on glucose metabolism and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in EC. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), clonogenic, wound healing and Transwell migration assays were performed to assess the effects of the DEX-HCl and SFC on KYSE30 cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Changes in lactate and glucose levels in KYSE30 cells were also detected. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and glucose metabolism-related proteins. The results of CCK8, clonogenic and wound healing assays demonstrated that DEX-HCl and SFC inhibited KYSE30 cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Similarly, the combined DEX-HCl and SFC treatment significantly reduced lactate production, ATP production and glucose levels in KYSE30 cells. Western blotting indicated that DEX-HCl and SFC could reduce JAK/STAT and metastasis-related protein expression. Demonstrating a reduction in Hexokinase 2, matrix metallopeptidase 2 and 9, N-cadherin and lactate dehydrogenase A protein expression levels. The effects of DEX-HCl and SFC combined treatment were counteracted by the addition of JAK/STAT pathway activator RO8191, which suggested that DEX-HCl and SFC could serve a role in mediating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in KYSE30 cells.

Design and Methods of the Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hearing loss has been identified as a major modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. The Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI) study will assess the mechanisms linking early age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and cognitive impairment. Randomized, controlled, single-site, early phase II, superiority trial. Tertiary academic medical center. One hundred fifty participants aged 55 to 75 years with early ARHL (severity defined as borderline to moderate) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment will be included. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to a best practice hearing intervention or a health education control. The primary study outcome is cognition measured by the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study-Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite. Secondary outcomes include additional measures of cognition, social engagement, and brain organization/connectivity. Trial enrollment will begin in early 2024. After its completion in 2028, the EARHLI trial should offer evidence on the effect of hearing treatment versus a health education control on cognitive performance, social engagement, and brain organization/connectivity in 55- to 75-year-old community-dwelling adults with early ARHL and amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Effect of post-weld heat treatment on the microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of dissimilar Al-Mg-Li/Al-Cu-Li laser welded joints

Butt joints of the V-1461 and 1424 heat treated aluminum–lithium alloys of the third generation were welded with a CO2 laser and studied in detail for the first time. In particular, spatial distributions of the formed phases and their evolution upon post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), determining the mechanical properties of the joints, were investigated. The PWHT included quenching and subsequent artificial aging. The key factors, affecting the metallurgical processes in a weld pool, were the following: 1) the alloying elements and the thermal properties of the alloys, 2) the dynamics of the local non-equilibrium melting, the convective transfer of the molten metal in the weld pool and its subsequent solidification, 3) the cooling rate, and 4) the PWHT procedure. By using synchrotron radiation and scanning electron microscopy, new θ(Al2Cu), T1(Al2CuLi) and S1(Al2MgLi) phases were found in the weld metal that were absent in both base metals. This phenomenon reduced the mechanical properties of the joints to the levels, corresponding to about 50 % of the 1424 alloy as the weakest one. Quenching contributed to the formation of the δ′(Al3Li) strengthening phase in the weld metal. As a result, the ultimate tensile strength increased up to 70 % and elongation up to 95 % of the corresponding levels of the 1424 alloy. Artificial aging made it possible to form the T1(Al2CuLi) strengthening phase, to increase the content of the δ′(Al3Li) one, as well as to improve the mechanical properties of the joint. In this case, the ultimate tensile strength was 411 MPa, the yield point was 327 MPa and elongation was 1.7 %. These values were close to those for the 1424 alloy (about 80 %, 89 % and 23 %, respectively).

Effect of light treatmeat on oxidation and flavour of dry-cured Wuchang fish

Lighting conditions are an important factor affecting dry-cured products. This study investigated the effects of treatments with different light intensities (0 lx, 1000 lx, 25000 lx) and different light sources including red light, blue light, UV-light on oxidation leve and flavor change in dry-cured Wuchang fish. The results showed that dry-cured Wuchang fish exhibited an attractive brown-yellow color, the highest oxidation degree of myoglobin (Mb), the highest fat oxidation under the light conditions of 25000 lx light intensity and UV-light irradiation. This phenomenon was observed that the degree of Mb oxidation was increased, while the degree of fat oxidation was increased. At 25000 lx light intensity and UV-light irradiation, dry-cured Wuchang fish showed an ignificantly decreased fatty acid conten (especially oleic acid and linoleic acid), significantly increased characteristic volatile compound contents (22 for 25,000 lx light intensity and 27 for UV-light irradiation), which contributed to the improvement of quality stability of dry-cured Wuchang fish. Our findings provide theoretical support for the industrial application of exogenous light in dry-cured Wuchang fish.

Research of active compounds from Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus and potential targets against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma based on Network pharmacology.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) is a series of lymphoid malignancies in some aggressive subtypes with unsatisfactory treatment effects. Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (Xie Bai) is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-cancer activities, which may potentially suppress aggressive NHL. This study tries to discover active components and targets of Xie Bai in treating NHL by network pharmacology-based approaches. Compounds and related targets of Xie Bai were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform. Target genes associated with NHL were searched by GeneCards and DisGeNET, then the overlapped targets were further analyzed by STRING tool, GO, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was employed to verify the interaction between compounds and targets. 11 bioactive compounds were successfully identified, with 30 targets that were screened out for the treatment of NHL. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that Xie Bai exerted its potential effects against NHL via pathways in cancer, such as PI3K/ AKT, p53, and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that 3 active compounds (quercetin, beta-sitosterol, and naringenin) had good affinity with selected 6 targets（TP53, AKT1, CASP3, CCND1, HPK1, and NLRP3). Identifying six potential genes could accurately be docked with Xie Bai and had close interactions with NHL, which may provide insight into further research and new treatment strategy.