Failure Study of BFRP Joints with Two Epoxy Adhesives under Hygrothermal Coupling.

Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer (BFRP)-bonded structures are lightweight, high strength, economical, and environmentally friendly, which is very advantageous in the civil sector. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive account of the hygrothermal degradation and failure mechanisms of BFRP-bonded structures by comparing the residual properties of two epoxy adhesive BFRP single-lap joints after ageing for 240 h, 480 h, and 720 h in an extreme hygrothermal environment with pure water at 80 °C. The hydrophilicity and thermal stability of the two adhesives were firstly compared by water absorption and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) tests, and the hygrothermal degradation of the molecular chains and the reduction in Tg were characterised by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) curves. The failure strength and load-displacement curves of the two joints were then compared, and it was found that the strength and stiffness had different trends, while the paired t-test was used to demonstrate the correlation between the failure strength and the adhesive Tg, as well as the difference in the failure mechanisms of the two joints caused by the water absorption rate. The analysis of macrosections and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images summarised the process and reasons for the transition of the failure mode from fibre tearing to hybrid failure, and finally, the changes in elemental concentration and O/C values were analysed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), which proved that the degree of hydrolysis could not be used as a judgement of the degradation degree of the joint alone, and provided data support for the application of the BFRP-bonded structure in the humid and hot environment.

One-Step Hydrothermal Strategy for Preparation of a Self-Cleaning TiO2/SiO2 Fiber Membrane toward Oil-Water Separation in a Complex Environment.

Oil pollution caused by a large number of industrial activities and oil spill accidents has posed serious harm to the environment and human health. However, some challenges remain with the existing separation materials, such as poor stability and fouling resistance. Herein, a TiO2/SiO2 fiber membrane (TSFM) was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method for oil-water separation in acid, alkali, and salt environments. The TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully grown on the fiber surface, endowing the membrane with superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity. The as-prepared TSFM exhibits high separation efficiency (above 98%) and separation fluxes (3016.38-3263.45 L·m-2·h-1) for various oil-water mixtures. Importantly, the membrane shows good corrosion resistance in acid, alkaline, and salt solutions and still maintains underwater superoleophobicity and high separation performance. The TSFM displays good performance after repeated separation, demonstrating its excellent antifouling ability. Importantly, the pollutants on the membrane surface can be effectively degraded under light radiation to restore its underwater superoleophobicity, showing the unique self-cleaning ability of the membrane. In view of its good self-cleaning ability and environmental stability, the membrane can be used for wastewater treatment and oil spill recovery and has a broad application prospect in water treatment in complex environments.

HMFT: Hyperspectral and Multispectral Image Fusion Super-Resolution Method Based on Efficient Transformer and Spatial-Spectral Attention Mechanism.

Due to the imaging mechanism of hyperspectral images, the spatial resolution of the resulting images is low. An effective method to solve this problem is to fuse the low-resolution hyperspectral image (LR-HSI) with the high-resolution multispectral image (HR-MSI) to generate the high-resolution hyperspectral image (HR-HSI). Currently, the state-of-the-art fusion approach is based on convolutional neural networks (CNN), and few have attempted to use Transformer, which shows impressive performance on advanced vision tasks. In this paper, a simple and efficient hybrid architecture network based on Transformer is proposed to solve the hyperspectral image fusion super-resolution problem. We use the clever combination of convolution and Transformer as the backbone network to fully extract spatial-spectral information by taking advantage of the local and global concerns of both. In order to pay more attention to the information features such as high-frequency information conducive to HR-HSI reconstruction and explore the correlation between spectra, the convolutional attention mechanism is used to further refine the extracted features in spatial and spectral dimensions, respectively. In addition, considering that the resolution of HSI is usually large, we use the feature split module (FSM) to replace the self-attention computation method of the native Transformer to reduce the computational complexity and storage scale of the model and greatly improve the efficiency of model training. Many experiments show that the proposed network architecture achieves the best qualitative and quantitative performance compared with the latest HSI super-resolution methods.

Improvement in the healing of bone fractures using a cyclodextrin/Ni-MOF nanofibers network: the development of a novel substrate to increase the surface area with desirable functional properties.

In this study, a ß-cyclodextrins (ß-CDs)/Ni-based MOF (ß-CDs/Ni-based MOF) fibrous network with focus on biocompatible and biodegradable properties was used as a new material for orthopedic applications. The final products were synthesized by an efficient, rapid, and controllable electrospinning route under optimal conditions, including a flow rate of 0.3 mL g-1, applied voltage of 18 kV, and spinning distance of 20 cm. Efficient characterization by various analyzes showed that the ß-CDs/Ni-based MOF fibrous nanostructures had a thermal stability at about 320 °C and homogeneous particles with a narrow size distribution. The BET analysis results showed a specific surface area of 2140 m2 g-1 for these compounds, which facilized potential conditions needed for the application of these compounds as a new substrate to improve the healing of bone fractures. The results showed the better porosity of the ß-CDs/Ni-based MOF scaffolds as an essential property, leading to higher proliferation and nutrition and oxygen delivery, resulting in more tissue regeneration. This study proposes a novel strategy for a fibrous network substrate with distinct properties for orthopedic purposes.

An analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks to investigate the effects of HDAC4 inhibition on skeletal muscle atrophy caused by peripheral nerve injury.

Background: Muscle atrophy caused by peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical disease, with no effective treatments currently available. Our previous studies have found that denervation-induced muscle atrophy can be alleviated by inhibiting histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). An increasing amount of evidence shows that microRNA (miRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are involved in the occurrence of muscle atrophy. This study aimed to find the mechanism by which HDAC4 regulates denervation-induced muscle atrophy based on lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Methods: We analyzed the influence of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of HDAC4 on lncRNAs and miRNAs after denervated muscle atrophy using RNA sequencing. A Pearson's correlation heat map and principal component analysis were employed to analyze differentially expressed miRNAs and lncRNAs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of target genes were conducted. The ceRNA network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA was constructed, and the core regulatory molecules in the ceRNA network were analyzed. Results: We found 32 miRNAs and 111 lncRNAs related to denervated muscle atrophy regulated by HDAC4. Moreover, 15 downregulated lncRNAs, 14 upregulated miRNAs, and 61 downregulated mRNAs constituted a ceRNA regulatory network, participating in the biological processes including response to denervation involved in regulation of muscle adaptation, along with the signaling pathways including autophagy, FoxO signaling pathways, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways. Additionally, 6 upregulated lncRNAs, 8 downregulated miRNAs, and 66 upregulated mRNAs constituted another ceRNA regulatory network, which was mainly involved in cell cycle-related biological processes and pathways. Finally, 3 lncRNAs, 4 miRNAs, and 12 mRNAs constituted a ceRNA sub-network, and XR_377582.2 and ENSMUST00000143649 were considered to be the key lncRNAs. Conclusions: In the ceRNA network, all nodes are directly or indirectly involved in the process by which HDAC4 regulates skeletal muscle atrophy caused by peripheral nerve injury. XR_377582.2 and ENSMUST00000143649 may be the key lncRNAs related to HDAC4 involved in the regulation of muscle atrophy.

Changes of Gene Expression Patterns of Muscle Pathophysiology-Related Transcription Factors During Denervated Muscle Atrophy.

Peripheral nerve injury is common, and can lead to skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. The transcription factors have been proved to play a key role in denervated muscle atrophy. In order to systematically analyze transcription factors and obtain more comprehensive information of the molecular regulatory mechanisms in denervated muscle atrophy, a new transcriptome survey focused on transcription factors are warranted. In the current study, we used microarray to identify and analyze differentially expressed genes encoding transcription factors in denervated muscle atrophy in a rat model of sciatic nerve dissection. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were used to explore the biological functions of differentially expressed transcription factors and their target genes related to skeletal muscle pathophysiology. We found that the differentially expressed transcription factors were mainly involved in the immune response. Based on correlation analysis and the expression trends of transcription factors, 18 differentially expressed transcription factors were identified. Stat3, Myod1, Runx1, Atf3, Junb, Runx2, Myf6, Stat5a, Tead4, Klf5, Myog, Mef2a, and Hes6 were upregulated. Ppargc1a, Nr4a1, Lhx2, Ppara, and Rxrg were downregulated. Functional network mapping revealed that these transcription factors are mainly involved in inflammation, development, aging, proteolysis, differentiation, regeneration, autophagy, oxidative stress, atrophy, and ubiquitination. These findings may help understand the regulatory mechanisms of denervated muscle atrophy and provide potential targets for future therapeutic interventions for muscle atrophy following peripheral nerve injury.

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of gene expression provides new insights into hindlimb unloading-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Weightlessness-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, accompanied by complex biochemical and physiological changes, has potentially damaged consequences. However, there is still an insufficient effective strategy to treat skeletal muscle atrophy. Therefore, exploring the molecular mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle atrophy and effective protection is necessary. METHODS: RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis was used to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the soleus muscle at 12, 24, 36 hours, three days, and seven days after hindlimb unloading in rats. Pearson correlation heatmaps and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to analyze DEGs' expression profiles. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used for cluster analysis of DEGs. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to analyze specific biological processes further. RESULTS: At different time points (12, 24, 36 hours, three days, seven days) after hindlimb unloading, the expression levels of 712, 1,109, 1,433, 1,162, and 1,182 genes in rat soleus muscle were upregulated, respectively, whereas the expression levels of 1,186, 1,324, 1,632, 1,446, and 1,596 genes were downregulated, respectively. PCA revealed that rat soleus muscle showed three different transcriptional phases within seven days after hindlimb unloading. KEGG and GO annotation indicated that the first transcriptional phase primarily involved the activation of stress responses, including oxidative stress, and the inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenesis; the second transcriptional phase primarily involved the activation of proteolytic systems and, to a certain degree, inflammatory responses; and the third transcriptional phase primarily involved extensive activation of the proteolytic system, significant inhibition of energy metabolism, and activation of the aging process and slow-to-fast muscle conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Different physiological processes in rat skeletal muscles were activated sequentially after unloading. From these activated biological processes, the three transcriptional phases after skeletal muscle unloading can be successively defined as the stress response phase, the atrophic initiation phase, and the atrophic phase. Our study not only helps in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying weightlessness-induced muscle atrophy but may also provide an important time window for the treatment and prevention of weightlessness-induced muscle atrophy.

Effects of interleukin-4 or interleukin-10 gene therapy on trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced murine colitis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by disturbance of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Previous studies have demonstrated the effect of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) or IL-4 on IBD, but their data were controversial. This study further investigated the effect of IL-4 (IL-4), IL-10 and their combination on treatment of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced murine colitis. METHODS: pcDNA3.0 carrying murine IL-4 or IL-10 cDNA was encapsulated with LipofectAMINE 2000 and intraperitoneally injected into mice with TNBS-induced colitis. The levels of intestinal IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA were confirmed by quantitative-RT-PCR. Inflamed tissues were assessed by histology and expression of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6. RESULTS: The data confirmed that IL-4 or IL-10 over-expression was successfully induced in murine colon tissues after intraperitoneal injection. Injections of IL-4 or IL-10 significantly inhibited TNBS-induced colon tissue damage, disease activity index (DAI) and body weight loss compared to the control mice. Furthermore, expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6 was markedly blocked by injections of IL-4 or IL-10 plasmid. However, there was less therapeutic effect in mice injected with the combination of IL-4 and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that intraperitoneal injection of IL-4 or IL-10 plasmid was a potential strategy in control of TNBS-induced murine colitis, but their combination had less effect.

[CD133(+) Colo205 colorectal cancer cells express high levels of ALDH1 in serum-free culture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression pattern of CD133 and ALDH1 in colorectal cancer cells line Colo205 cultured in serum-free medium (SFM) containing recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). METHODS: Colo205 cells were cultured in serum-free medium (SFM) containing human recombinant EGF and bFGF or in serum-supplemented medium (SSM). The expression of CD133 was analyzed in both groups, and CD133(+) and CD133(-) cells sorted from the SFM group using flow cytometry and observed microscopically for their growth status. The expression of CD133 and ALDH1 in CD133(+) cells and CD133(-) cells was detected by immunofluorescence assay. CD133(+) cells and CD133(-) cells were then injected subcutaneously into NOD/SCID mice and the expression of ALDH1 in the tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The cells in SFM group showed a significantly higher percentage of CD133(+) cells than those in SSM group (P<0.05). In SFM, CD133(+) cells were capable of forming tumor spheres while CD133(-) cells could not; CD133(+)cells strongly expressed CD133 and ALDH1 and CD133(-) cells did not. In mice, tumors generated by CD133(+) cells, but not by CD133(-) cells, positively expressed ALDH1. CONCLUSIONS: CD133(+) Colo205 colorectal cancer cells in SFM containing human recombinant EGF and bFGF can form tumor spheres and strongly express ALDH1. ALDH1 may be one of the candidate markers of colorectal cancer stem cells.

[Clinical analysis of 39 cases of multiple primary colorectal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of multiple primary colorectal carcinoma (MPCC). METHODS: Among the 1462 patients with colorectal cancer admitted in our department from January 2000 to December 2007, 39 patients with MPCC were identified based on the Warran and Gates MPC diagnosis criteria. The age of onset, 5-year survival rate, lesion location and therapies were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The incidence of MPCC was 2.67% (39/1462). Eighteen of the patients had synchronous carcinomas and 21 were diagnosed to have metachronous carcinomas. Most of the tumors were located in the left colon and rectum. The average age of onset was (61.02∓13.94) in these patients who had an overall 5-year survival rate of 61.76%. The patients with metachronous carcinomas had a better prognosis than those with synchronous carcinomas. The 5-year survival rate of 3 early-stage cases (TNM stage I) was 100% after radical surgery. Thirty advanced cases underwent radical surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy, and their 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 93.33%, 83.33%, and 73.33%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival rates of 3 advanced cases undergoing palliative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were 66.67% and 0, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival rates of another 3 advanced cases with palliative chemotherapy were 66.67% and 0, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and effective treatment can help prolong the survival of MPC patients. Surgical intervention and chemotherapy can improve the survival and prognosis of patients with advanced MPCC.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy plus balloon dilation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) alone and EST combined with balloon dilation (ESBD) are important endoscopic techniques for stone extraction. We were to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of ESBD and EST. METHODS: Meta-analysis was performed respectively on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies comparing the efficacy and safety of ESBD and EST. RESULTS: The results of three RCTs showed that stone removal in first session (relative risk [RR] 1.01, 0.92-1.11, P=0.85) and the utility of endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy (EML) (RR 0.78, 0.49-1.23, P=0.29) were equivalent between ESBD and EST. ESBD has equivalent complications (RR 0.61, 0.17-2.25, P=0.46) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (Peto odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 0.37-3.35, P=0.86), but less bleeding (Peto OR 0.10, 0.03-0.30, P<0.0001). The analysis of six retrospective studies suggested higher initial success in stone removal (RR 1.11, 1.02-1.20, P=0.01) and less EML (RR 0.32, 0.22-0.46, P<0.00001) in ESBD group. Less complications (RR 0.60, 0.44-0.83, P=0.02) happened in ESBD group, but equivalent post-ERCP pancreatitis (Peto OR 0.65, 0.37-1.15, P=0.14) and bleeding (Peto OR 0.60, 0.29-1.26, P=0.18). For patients with stones ≥ 15 mm, ESBD required less EML (RR 0.35, 0.24-0.51, P<0.00001) and caused fewer complications (RR 0.67, 0.38-0.92, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: ESBD is feasible for the treatment of choledocholithiasis without increased risk of complications, causing less bleeding. However, it warrants more clinical trials to compare the efficacy and safety of ESBD and EST.