Tunable templating of photonic microparticles via liquid crystal order-guided adsorption of amphiphilic polymers in emulsions.

Multiple emulsions are usually stabilized by amphiphilic molecules that combine the chemical characteristics of the different phases in contact. When one phase is a liquid crystal (LC), the choice of stabilizer also determines its configuration, but conventional wisdom assumes that the orientational order of the LC has no impact on the stabilizer. Here we show that, for the case of amphiphilic polymer stabilizers, this impact can be considerable. The mode of interaction between stabilizer and LC changes if the latter is heated close to its isotropic state, initiating a feedback loop that reverberates on the LC in form of a complete structural rearrangement. We utilize this phenomenon to dynamically tune the configuration of cholesteric LC shells from one with radial helix and spherically symmetric Bragg diffraction to a focal conic domain configuration with highly complex optics. Moreover, we template photonic microparticles from the LC shells by photopolymerizing them into solids, retaining any selected LC-derived structure. Our study places LC emulsions in a new light, calling for a reevaluation of the behavior of stabilizer molecules in contact with long-range ordered phases, while also enabling highly interesting photonic elements with application opportunities across vast fields.

Unclonable human-invisible machine vision markers leveraging the omnidirectional chiral Bragg diffraction of cholesteric spherical reflectors.

The seemingly simple step of molding a cholesteric liquid crystal into spherical shape, yielding a Cholesteric Spherical Reflector (CSR), has profound optical consequences that open a range of opportunities for potentially transformative technologies. The chiral Bragg diffraction resulting from the helical self-assembly of cholesterics becomes omnidirectional in CSRs. This turns them into selective retroreflectors that are exceptionally easy to distinguish-regardless of background-by simple and low-cost machine vision, while at the same time they can be made largely imperceptible to human vision. This allows them to be distributed in human-populated environments, laid out in the form of QR-code-like markers that help robots and Augmented Reality (AR) devices to operate reliably, and to identify items in their surroundings. At the scale of individual CSRs, unpredictable features within each marker turn them into Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs), of great value for secure authentication. Via the machines reading them, CSR markers can thus act as trustworthy yet unobtrusive links between the physical world (buildings, vehicles, packaging,…) and its digital twin computer representation. This opens opportunities to address pressing challenges in logistics and supply chain management, recycling and the circular economy, sustainable construction of the built environment, and many other fields of individual, societal and commercial importance.

Association of Circulating Apolipoprotein AI Levels in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

With the development of medicine, our research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been further deepened, but the mechanism of its occurrence and development has not been fully revealed, and there is currently no effective treatment method. Several studies have shown that apolipoprotein AI (ApoA-I) can affect the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease by binding to amyloid ß (Aß). However, the association between circulating levels of ApoA-I and AD remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of 18 studies published between 1992 and 2017 to determine whether the ApoA-I levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are abnormal in AD. Literatures were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases without language limitations. A pooled subject sample including 1,077 AD patients and 1,271 healthy controls (HCs) was available to assess circulating ApoA-I levels; 747 AD patients and 680 HCs were included for ApoA-I levels in serum; 246 AD patients and 456 HCs were included for ApoA-I levels in plasma; 201 AD patients and 447 HCs were included for ApoA-I levels in CSF. It was found that serum and plasma levels of ApoA-I were significantly reduced in AD patients compared with HCs {[standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) (-1.72, -0.59); P = 0.000] and [SMD = -1.13; 95% CI (-2.05, -0.21); P = 0.016]}. Patients with AD showed a tendency toward higher CSF ApoA-I levels compared with HCs, although this difference was non-significant [SMD = 0.20; 95% CI (-0.16, 0.56); P = 0.273]. In addition, when we analyzed the ApoA-I levels of serum and plasma together, the circulating ApoA-I levels in AD patients was significantly lower [SMD = -1.15; 95% CI (-1.63, -0.66); P = 0.000]. These results indicate that ApoA-I deficiency may be a risk factor of AD, and ApoA-I has the potential to serve as a biomarker for AD and provide experimental evidence for diagnosis of AD. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: 325961.

Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide modulates the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages linked to the Notch signaling pathway.

Macrophages could be polarized into two major sub-populations including classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) on the regulation of macrophage polarization and further explored the associated molecular mechanisms. In this work, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus IFN-γ and IL-4 were used to establish an in vitro model of two extreme states, namely pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2. The results showed that PSG-1 had effects on the behavior modification of macrophage polarization by reducing CD80 expression in LPS plus IFN-γ-induced M1 macrophages, and attenuating CD23 expression in IL-4-induced M2 macrophages. Further study revealed that PSG-1-modulated M1 and M2 macrophage polarization was associated with controlling phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species generation, NO and cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10). Subsequently, the treatment of M1 macrophages with a combination of PSG-1 and a Notch-response inhibitor (DAPT) did not alter CD80 expression compared with DAPT alone, while several pro-inflammatory parameters were considerably decreased, suggesting that the Notch signaling pathway partly mediated the effects of PSG-1 on modulating macrophage polarization. Together, our findings suggested that PSG-1 could repair the chaos in the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages and the molecular mechanism linked to the Notch signaling pathway.

Light-Switching Surface Wettability of Chiral Liquid Crystal Networks by Dynamic Change in Nanoscale Topography.

Nano- and microscale morphology endows surfaces that play conspicuous roles in natural or artificial objects with unique functions. Surfaces with dynamic regulating features capable of switching the structures, patterns, and even dimensions of their surface profiles can control friction and wettability, thus having potential applications in antibacterial, haptics, and fluid dynamics. Here, a freestanding film with light-switchable surface based on cholesteric liquid crystal networks is presented to translate 2D flat plane into a 3D nanometer-scale topography. The wettability of the interface can be controlled by hiding or revealing the geometrical features of the surfaces with light. This reversible dynamic actuation is obtained through the order parameter change of the periodic cholesteric organization under a photoalignment procedure and lithography-free mode. Complex tailored structures can be used to encrypt tactile information and improve wettability by predesigning the orientation distribution of liquid crystal director. This rapid switching nanoprecision smart surface provides a novel platform for artificial skin, optics, and functional coatings.

Programmable Engineering of Sunlight-Fueled, Full-Wavelength-Tunable, and Chirality-Invertible Helical Superstructures.

Dynamic control of motion at the molecular level is a core issue in promoting the bottom-up programmable modulation of sophisticated self-organized superstructures. Self-assembled artificial nanoarchitectures through subtle noncovalent interactions are indispensable for diverse applications. Here, the active solar renewable energy is used to harness cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) superstructure devices via delicate control of the dynamic equilibrium between the concentrations of molecular motor molecules with opposite handedness. Thus, the spectral position and handedness of a photonic superstructure can be tuned continuously, bidirectionally, and reversibly within the entire working spectrum (from near-ultraviolet to the thermal infrared region, over 2 µm). With these unique horizons, three advanced photoresponsive chiroptical devices, namely, a mirrorless laser, an optical vortex generator, and an encrypted contactless photorewritable board, are successfully demonstrated. The sunlight-fueled chirality inversion prompts facile switching of functionalities, such as free-space optical communication, stereoscopic display technology, and spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion. Motor-based chiroptic devices with dynamic and versatility controllability, fast response, ecofriendly characteristics, stability, and high efficiency have potential to replace the traditional elements with static functions. The inexhaustible natural power provides a promising means for outdoor-use optics and nanophotonics.

Control of Large-Area Orderliness of a 2D Supramolecular Chiral Microstructure by a 1D Interference Field.

Self-organized periodic micro/nanostructures caused by stimulus-responsive structural deformation often occur in anisotropic self-assembled supramolecular systems (e.g., liquid crystal systems). However, the long-range orderliness of these structures is often beyond control. In this article, we first demonstrate that a large-area disordered two-dimensional (2D) microgrid chiral structure appears in the cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) reactive mixture because of the photopolymerization-induced Helfrich deformation effect under exposure to the single UV-laser beam. The result is attributed to the impact of an internal longitudinal strain, which is caused by the pitch contraction of the CLC-monomer region through the continuing compression of the thickening CLC polymer layer adhered on the illuminated substrate of the sample during photopolymerization. The experimental results further show that a one-dimensional (1D) UV-laser interference field can be used to effectively control the postformed 2D microgrid structure to arrange in an orderly manner throughout the large exposed area (an order of centimeter). The optimum ability for controlling the orderliness of the microgrid structure can be achieved if the spacing width of the interference field approximates the periodicity of the postformed 2D microgrids. Several factors, such as the pitch of the CLC mixture and the included angle and intensity of the two interfering laser beams, which influence the orderliness and properties of the 2D microgrid structure, are explored in this study. The result of this research opens a new page to improve the applicability of the Helfrich deformation phenomenon and further provides a reference platform for manipulating, modifying, and even tailoring periodic micro/nanostructures in self-organized supramolecular soft-matter systems for application in advanced optics/photonics.

Drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsule inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of HK-2 by downregulating TGF-ß1/p38MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rheum palmatum L; Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.), is referred to as 'Dahuang, Huangqi' in China. As an important medicinal plant, the rhizome of rhubarb and astragalus is traditionally used in the treatment of kidney diseases associated with renal failure, inflammation and tumors. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsules (composed of rhubarb and astragalus) and to elucidate its mechanism in the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of HK-2 cells was induced by TGF-ß1, and rhubarb-astragalus and losartan drug-containing serum from rats, as well as SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK), were used. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to determine the main components of the drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus from rats. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to determine the levels of protein expression, and real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to detect the levels of gene expression. RESULTS: The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus contained emodin (0.36 µg/ml) and danthraquinone (0.96 µg/ml). Rhubarb-astragalus significantly decreased the protein expression levels of α-SMA, FN, vimentin and N-cadherin in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-ß1, while it significantly increased the E-cadherin protein expression level that was decreased by TGF-ß1. Rhubarb-astragalus also significantly decreased the protein expression levels of TGF-ß1 and p38 MAPK and the mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-ß1, p38 MAPK, Smad2 and Smad3 in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-ß1. It is worth noting that SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) had similar effects as rhubarb-astragalus in this study. CONCLUSION: The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus can inhibit EMT in HK-2 cells by downregulating the TGF-ß1/p38 MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway.

Continuously tunable intensity modulators with large switching contrasts using liquid crystal elastomer films that are deposited with terahertz metamaterials.

A liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) film is successfully deposited with a terahertz metamaterial using thermal evaporation via a programmed electronic shutter and high-efficiency cooling system. The transmittance of the metamaterial at its resonance frequency is monotonically increased from 0.0036 to 1.0 as a pump beam bends the LCE film, so the metamaterial has a large switching contrast of 277 at the frequency. The monotonic increase in the resonance transmittance arises from the constant resonance frequency of the metamaterial at the transmittance modulation and depicts that the metamaterial-deposited LCE film can continuously tune the transmitted intensity of a terahertz beam. The metamaterial-deposited LCE film has potential in developing continuously tunable intensity modulators with large switching contrasts for the application of terahertz imaging and terahertz communication. Therefore, the thermal evaporation expands the application of metamaterials and improves their optical properties.

CT imaging and pathological basis of linear shadow connecting pulmonary segmental artery to horizontal fissure.

To investigate the computed tomography (CT) imaging and pathological basis of the linear shadows connecting pulmonary segmental arteries to horizontal fissure (hereinafter referred to as "linear shadow") on thin-slice CT.Collect 127 clinical cases to analyze the display and morphology of linear shadows on the thin-slice CT and to measure their length, thickness, and angle. Collect 11 autopsy specimens of coal worker's pneumoconiosis to conduct an imaging and pathology basis control study for the linear shadows.There is no correlation between the linear shadow and gender, age, and smoking history. Linear shadows are observed in 54.33% of patients. 93.33% of those linear shadows are straight lines. Generally, the lengths are less than 10 mm, the thicknesses are around 1 mm, and the scopes of angles are wide, range from acute angles to obtuse angles. The linear shadow is a banded structure consisting of loose connective tissue, small blood vessels, and small lymphatic vessels due to the visceral pleura recessed and fused into the lung.Linear shadows are intrinsic to the lung. The linear shadows consist of loose connective tissue, small blood vessels, and small lymphatic vessels.

The function and clinical relevance of lncRNA UBE2CP3-001 in human gliomas.

INTRODUCTION: Gliomas are the most frequent primary tumors in the human brain. Recent studies have identified a class of long noncoding RNAs, named lncRNAs, which were reported to participate in regulating the development of various diseases, including gliomas. In our previous studies, we found that lncRNA UBE2CP3-001 was overexpressed in gliomas but not in normal tissue. However, the molecular functions of UBE2CP3-001 in glioma are largely unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The presence of UBE2CP3-001 in U87 cells, glioma tissues and normal brain tissues was detected by real-time RT-PCR. The ability of U87 cells to migrate was analyzed using a cellular wound healing assay after downregulation of UBE2CP3-001. The survival rate of U87 cells after UBE2CP3-001 knockdown was also analyzed using the CCK8 assay. In vivo tumor weights from xenograft tumors transfected with UBE2CP3-001 shRNA were further analyzed using in vivo animal experiments. The expression levels of MMP-9 and TRAF3IP2 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Our data showed that UBE2CP3-001 was overexpressed in most glioma tissues (p < 0.01). Downregulation of UBE2CP3-001 could inhibit cell migration (p < 0.01) and invasiveness (p < 0.01) of U87 cells. Downregulation of UBE2CP3-001 in U87 cells also suppressed the cell proliferation (p < 0.01) and promoted apoptosis (p < 0.01). Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed that knockdown of UBE2CP3-001 could retard the growth of U87 xenograft tumors (p < 0.01). Western blot analysis showed that knockdown of UBE2CP3-001 could effectively inhibit the expression of MMP-9 (p < 0.01) and TRAF3IP2 (p < 0.01) in U87 glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest an important role of UBE2CP3-001 in glioma and indicate its potential application in anti-glioma therapy.

Strain-Tunable Electronic Properties and Band Alignments in GaTe/C2N Heterostructure: a First-Principles Calculation.

Recently, GaTe and C2N monolayers have been successfully synthesized and show fascinating electronic and optical properties. Such hybrid of GaTe with C2N may induce new novel physical properties. In this work, we perform ab initio simulations on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the GaTe/C2N van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure. Our calculations show that the GaTe/C2N vdW heterostructure is an indirect-gap semiconductor with type-II band alignment, facilitating an effective separation of photogenerated carriers. Intriguingly, it also presents enhanced visible-UV light absorption compared to its components and can be tailored to be a good photocatalyst for water splitting at certain pH by applying vertical strains. Further, we explore specifically the adsorption and decomposition of water molecules on the surface of C2N layer in the heterostructure and the subsequent formation of hydrogen, which reveals the mechanism of photocatalytic hydrogen production on the 2D GaTe/C2N heterostructure. Moreover, it is found that in-plane biaxial strains can induce indirect-direct-indirect, semiconductor-metal, and type II to type I or type III transitions. These interesting results make the GaTe/C2N vdW heterostructure a promising candidate for applications in next generation of multifunctional optoelectronic devices.

Dura-splitting versus a combined technique for Chiari malformation type I complicated with syringomyelia.

BACKGROUND: Surgical approaches for Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) complicated with syringomyelia (SM) are controversial, so we assessed the efficacy and safety of two widely used procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed results from posterior fossa decompression (PFD) using bony decompression with dura-splitting or a combined technique (duraplasty with arachnoid dissection and coagulation of the herniated tonsils) for CM-I associated with SM between Jan 2008 and Feb 2016. Patients were followed up for at least one year. General data, primary outcomes (symptom improvement, syrinx reductions, and complications) and secondary outcomes (operating time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay) for each procedure were compared. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients treated, 17 had dura-splitting decompression and 32 had the combined technique. There were no significant differences in general data. The combined technique was significantly superior to dura-splitting for long-term syrinx reductions (length, 100.03 ± 44.79 vs 72.73 ± 34.79 mm, p = 0.040; diameter, 8.09 ± 3.46 vs 5.73 ± 3.02 mm, p = 0.026) and symptom improvement (75.00% vs 47.06%, p = 0.036). No postoperative complications occurred during dura-splitting cases; however, complications occurred in 9 combined technique cases (31.25%, p = 0.010) and surgical time was longer for the combined technique (248.03 ± 60.12 vs 167.94 ± 60.11 min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combined technique improved long-term symptoms and reduced syringes compared to dura-splitting; however, postoperative complications are more likely.

Optical orientation of nematic liquid crystal droplets via photoisomerization of an azodendrimer dopant.

Two sequential transformations of the orientational structure in nematic liquid crystal droplets containing a dendrimer additive (nanosized macromolecules with light-absorbing azobenzene terminal moieties) under light irradiation in the UV-blue spectral range were investigated. The origin of these transitions is in the change of the boundary conditions due to photoisomerization of the dendrimer adsorbed onto the liquid crystal-glycerol interface. It was shown that the photoisomerization processes of dendrimer molecules in a liquid crystal are accompanied by a spatial rearrangement of their azobenzene moieties, which is the key point in the explanation of the observed effects.

PSMB8 regulates glioma cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis through modulating ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Glioma has been considered as one of the most aggressive and popular brain tumors of patients. It is essential to explore the mechanism of glioma. In this study, we established PSMB8 as a therapeutic target for glioma treatment. Expression of PSMB8 as well as Ki-67 was higher in glioma tissues demonstrated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Then, the role of PSMB8 in migration and proliferation of glioma cells was investigated by conducting wound-healing, trans-well assay, cell counting kit (CCK)-8, flow cytometry assay and colony formation analysis. The data showed that interfering PSMB8 may inhibit the migration and proliferation of glioma cells by reducing expression of cyclin A, cyclin B1, cyclin D1, Vimentin, and N-cadherin, and by increasing expression of E-cadherin. Additionally, interfering PSMB8 may induce apoptosis of glioma cells by upregulating caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, these in vitro findings were validated in vivo and the ERK1/2 and PI3k/AKT signaling pathways were involved in PSMB8-triggered migration and proliferation of glioma cells. In an in vivo model, downregulation of PSMB8 suppressed tumor growth. In conclusion, PSMB8 is closely associated with migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of glioma cells, and might be considered as a novel prognostic indicator in patients with gliomas.

Pd2+ fluorescent sensors based on amino and imino derivatives of rhodamine and improvement of water solubility by the formation of inclusion complexes with ß-cyclodextrin.

Mono- and bis-rhodamine derivatives appended with amino (RhB1) and imino (BRI) groups, respectively, have been designed as colorimetric and fluorescent sensors for the selective detection of Pd2+. In addition, an attempt has been made to improve the water solubility of the probe by synthesizing inclusion complexes of RhB1 with ß-cyclodextrin as the host molecule. The resulting probe, RhB1-CD, exhibited exactly the same physicochemical phenomena as the guest molecule RhB1, indicating that complexation with ß-CD improved the water solubility of RhB1 without affecting its sensing ability. With increasing concentrations of Pd2+, the absorption (556 nm) and emission (591 nm) intensities of BRI as well as the absorption intensities of RhB1/RhB1-CD (563 nm) increase, whereas the emission intensities of RhB1/RhB1-CD decrease due to fluorescence quenching. Therefore, BRI can act as an "OFF-ON" fluorescent probe switch in CH3CN/H2O (3 : 2 v/v) with a detection limit of 1 µM in solution, whereas RhB1 and RhB1-CD act as "ON-OFF" fluorescent probes in EtOH/H2O (1 : 1 v/v) and water, respectively, with a detection limit of 10 µM. All these probes exhibited high selectivity for Pd2+ and reversibility by treatment with Na2S. In the presence of commonly coexisting metal ions, such as Hg2+, Fe3+, Cu2+ and Al3+, BRI undergoes either catalytic Schiff base hydrolysis or it is unaffected by its affinity to the metal ions. However, Pd2+ can be effectively distinguished by a 12-15 nm bathochromic shift in its emission spectrum when compared with that of other metal ions. A Job's plot revealed that BRI forms 1 : 2 complexes by a spirolactam ring opening mechanism, whereas RhB1/RhB1-CD form 2 : 1 complexes by a ring opening mechanism followed by Pd2+-induced dimerization; the proposed binding mechanisms are presented.

Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide ameliorates anoxia/reoxygenation-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1), a main polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum, possesses potent antioxidant capacity and cardiovascular benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PSG-1 in oxidative stress and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury conditions. The results showed that exposure of HUVECs to A/R triggered cell death and apoptosis. Administration of PSG-1 significantly inhibited A/R-induced cell death and apoptosis in HUVECs. PSG-1-reduced A/R injury was mediated via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as evidenced by elevation of mitochondrial Bcl-2 protein and mitochondrial membrane potential, and attenuation of Bax translocation, cytochrome c release and caspases activation. Furthermore, PSG-1 enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and glutathione content, and concomitantly attenuated reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation and glutathione disulfide content. The antioxidant, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, significantly ameliorated all of these endothelial injuries caused by A/R, suggesting that antioxidant activities might play a key role in PSG-1-induced endothelial protection. Taken together, these findings suggested that PSG-1 could be as a promising adjuvant against endothelial dysfunction through ameliorating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Short linear shadows connecting pulmonary segmental arteries to oblique fissures in volumetric thin-section CT images: comparing CT, micro-CT and histopathology.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate short linear shadows connecting pulmonary segmental arteries to oblique fissures in thin-section CT images and determine their anatomical basis. METHODS: CT scanning was performed on 108 patients and 11 lung specimens with no lung diseases around the oblique fissures or hila. Two radiologists evaluated the imaging. The parameters included length, thickness of short linear shadows, pulmonary segmental artery variations, and traction interlobar fissures, etc. RESULTS: The short linear shadows were not related to sex, age, or smoking history. The lengths of the short linear shadows were generally within 10 mm. The thicknesses of the short linear shadows ranged from 1 to 2 mm. Of the patients, 26.9 % showed pulmonary segmental artery variations; 66.7 % of short linear shadows pulled oblique fissures. In three-dimensional images, the short linear shadows appeared as arc planes, with one side edge connected to the oblique fissure, one side edge connected to a pulmonary segmental artery. On the tissue slices, the short linear shadow exhibited a band structure composed of connective tissues, small blood vessels, and small lymphatic vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Short linear shadows are a type of normal intrapulmonary membranes and can maintain the integrity of the oblique fissures and hilar structure. KEY POINTS: • Volumetric thin-section CT scanning is commonly used to study lung anatomy. • Short linear shadows are a common intrapulmonary structure in thin-section CT. • Short linear shadows correlate with band structures on the correlative tissue slices.

Carrot juice fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 ameliorates type 2 diabetes in rats.

The effect of carrot juice fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 on high-fat and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes in rats was studied. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: non-diabetes mellitus (NDM), untreated diabetes mellitus (DM), DM plus L. plantarum NCU116 (NCU), DM plus fermented carrot juice with L. plantarum NCU116 (FCJ), and DM plus non-fermented carrot juice (NFCJ). Treatments of NCU and FCJ for 5 weeks were found to favorably regulate blood glucose, hormones, and lipid metabolism in the diabetic rats, accompanied by an increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) in the colon. In addition, NCU and FCJ had restored the antioxidant capacity and morphology of the pancreas and kidney and upregulated mRNA of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). These results have for the first time demonstrated that L. plantarum NCU116 and the fermented carrot juice had the potential ability to ameliorate type 2 diabetes in rats.