Serum uric acid predicts the development of atherosclerosis in women but not in men: A ten-year cohort study in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Atherosclerosis is becoming a significant health burden. Serum uric acid (SUA) is the final enzymatic product of purine metabolism and can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to explore the possible predictive value of SUA in the development of atherosclerosis in a healthy Chinese population. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, a total of 11,222 healthy subjects with no carotid plaque at baseline were enrolled and divided into sex-specific groups, and then the occurrence of carotid plaque during the follow-up time was documented. The association between carotid plaque and SUA levels was examined using Cox proportional-hazards regression models. The mean SUA level was 5.35 ± 1.41 mg/dL. A total of 2,911 individuals (25.94%) developed carotid plaque during the follow-up time, including 1,071 females and 1,840 males. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) in women for the occurrence of carotid plaque associated with SUA levels were 1.163 (1.017-1.330), but no significant correlation was found in men, as the HR was 1.050 (0.965-1.143). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that SUA levels predict the development of carotid plaque independent of traditional risk factors only in women.

Design and Experimental Study of Shape Memory Alloy and Piezoelectric Composite Power Generation Device.

In order to solve the problem of ineffective utilization of waste heat generated by energy consumption in industrial production and life, a low-frequency thermal energy conversion type piezoelectric energy trap is proposed, and relevant theoretical analysis and experimental research are conducted. The device utilizes a piezoelectric film (polyvinylidene fluoride) combined with a shape memory alloy and features a simple green structure that can supply energy to microelectronic devices. First, the structural design and working principle of the device are analyzed and the dynamics model is built. Second, COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software (Version 5.6) is used to analyze and calculate the output voltage of shape memory alloy shrinkage, piezoelectric film shape and parameters. Finally, the experimental prototype is machined and fabricated by the fine engraving machine, and the experimental platform is built for relevant performance tests. The experimental results show that when the temperature is 100 °C, the maximum strain of shape memory alloy with 1 mm diameter is 0.148 mm. When the shape of the piezoelectric film is triangular, the length of the bottom edge is equal to the height of the triangle and the thickness ratio is 0.5, the maximum output voltage is 2.12 V. The experimental results verify the feasibility of the designed device and provide new ideas for subsequent research on piezoelectric energy capture.

Taurine promotes axonal sprouting via Shh-mediated mitochondrial improvement in stroke.

PURPOSE: Motor function is restored by axonal sprouting in ischemic stroke. Mitochondria play a crucial role in axonal sprouting. Taurine (TAU) is known to protect the brain against experimental stroke, but its role in axonal sprouting and the underlying mechanism are unclear. METHODS: We evaluated the motor function of stroke mice using the rotarod test on days 7, 14, and 28. Immunocytochemistry with biotinylated dextran amine was used to detect axonal sprouting. We observed neurite outgrowth and cell apoptosis in cortical neurons under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), respectively. Furthermore, we evaluated the mitochondrial function, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PCG-1α), transcription factor A of mitochondria (TFAM), protein patched homolog 1 (PTCH1), and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-Myc). RESULTS: TAU recovered the motor function and promoted axonal sprouting in ischemic mice. TAU restored the neuritogenesis ability of cortical neurons and reduced OGD-induced cell apoptosis. TAU also reduced reactive oxygen species, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced ATP and mtDNA content, increased the levels of PGC-1α, and TFAM, and restored the impaired levels of PTCH1, and c-Myc. Furthermore, these TAU-related effects could be blocked using an Shh inhibitor (cyclopamine). CONCLUSION: Taurine promoted axonal sprouting via Shh-mediated mitochondrial improvement in ischemic stroke.

A novel energy harvester based on dual vibrating mechanisms with self-actuation.

This paper introduced a novel energy harvester with a tunnel and drop-shaped bluffbody for self-actuation and wind speed sensing. The harvester exhibits dual vibrating mechanisms of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and galloping. Theoretical and numerical analyses were conducted to study the energy conversion relationship and fluid field of the harvester, and the conclusions were verified by controlled variable experiments. The optimal design values of inlet angle I 40°, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) angle P 10°, and exit angle E 10° were demonstrated with the highest output of 10.42 Vp-p at the wind speed of 18 m/s. The output voltage of the PVDF energy harvester has a reliable relationship with the wind speed as a function of wind speed sensor, which could be applied for meteorological information collection and fluid flow rate monitoring with further study conducted underwater.

Study of the Power Generation Performance of Impact Piezoelectric Energy Capture Devices.

In order to solve the problem of conventional energy shortages, a non-resonant impact piezoelectric energy capture device using a (polyvinylidene fluoride) piezoelectric film at low frequency is proposed, and related theoretical analysis and experimental studies are conducted. The device has a simple internal structure, is green and easy to miniaturize, and is capable of harvesting energy at low frequencies to supply energy to micro and small electronic devices. First, to verify the feasibility of the device, the structure of the experimental device is modeled and dynamically analyzed. Then the modal, stress-strain, and output voltage of the piezoelectric film are simulated and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. Finally, the experimental prototype is built according to the model, and the experimental platform is constructed to test the relevant performance. The experimental results show that the output power produced by the capturer varies within a certain range when the capturer is excited externally. With an external excitation force of 30 N, a piezoelectric film bending amplitude of 60°, and a piezoelectric film size of 45 × 80 mm, the resulting output power voltage is 21.69 V, the output current is 0.07 mA, and the output power is 1.5176 mW. This experiment verifies the feasibility of the energy capturer and provides a new idea for powering electronic components.

Simulation Analysis and Performance Test of a Compressible Piezoelectric Pump Fluid Cavity.

The large load loss of piezoelectricity pumps leads to fluid energy in the fluid chamber during fluid transportation. In this paper, the output performance of a piezoelectricity pump is improved by changing the structure parameters of the fluid chamber to reduce the fluid load. The mechanism of fluid flow energy loss in the body cavity of hydraulic pumps is simulated and analyzed, and the influence of the dimensions of the inlet and outlet valves and the height of the cavity on fluid energy loss is obtained. The flow rate and pressure of inlet and outlet valves with different cavity heights and different driving frequencies are obtained. The results show that the flow rate and output pressure of the hydraulic pump are optimized when the cavity height is 3 mm, and the inlet and outlet valve diameters are 2.5 mm.

Study of a piezoelectric energy harvester in the form of vortex oscillation for fixed disturbance fluid type.

The main purpose of this paper is to study a piezoelectric energy harvester in the form of vortex oscillation for fixed disturbance fluid type. The harvester consists of a fixed cylinder, an oscillating cylinder, flexible beams, and polyvinylidene fluorides (PVDFs). The flexible beam connects the fixed cylinder to the oscillating cylinder, and the PVDF is fixed to the flexible beam by means of adhesive, thus completing the assembly of the entire energy harvester. In this paper, the diameters of the fixed cylinder and oscillating cylinder and the length of the flexible beam are studied. In different parameter states, the harvester has different output performance; so the purpose of this study is to find a set of optimum parameters that will lead to the best harvester output. When the diameters of the fixed cylinder and oscillating cylinder are 50 and 20 mm, respectively, and the length of the flexible beam is 60 mm, the whole prototype has the best electrical output performance with 5.98 µW power at 18 m/s. The whole prototype is sensitive to excitation at any wind speed and is able to convert and collect even weak streaming excitation energy from the environment. This structure offers greater reliability and durability than the disturbed fluid oscillation type piezoelectric harvester.

Gliko BMSC: A potential strategy of treatment for renal fibrosis.

Objective: There are many researches on using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI), which has certain effects, but the mechanism of action is still unclear. Previous researches show that glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli 1) can promote the proliferation and migration of cells, which can also promote renal fibrosis. Therefore, we investigate the influence of Gli-regulated BMSCs on repairing AKI and renal fibrosis induced by limb Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R). Methods: The Crispr-Cas9 technique was adopted to knock out the Gli1 gene from the mouse BMSCs according to green fluorescent tracing, and the BMSCs (BMSCs-Gliko) with Gli1 gene knocked out and the BMSCs as control group were obtained. The cell proliferation, apoptosis, cycle and SHH signal pathway gene level were tested. The mice were built to the AKI model with inducing I/R injury, then the BMSCs-Gliko and BMSCs cells were injected into the mice, and their IL-1, IL-1B, TNF-a, serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were tested; Western blot was employed to test the expression of α-SMA, SMAD2 and SMAD4 in the renal tissues of mice. Finally, flow cytometry was used to test the content of BMSCs containing green fluorescence in the blood of mice. Results: The BMSCs-Gliko containing green fluorescence and the mouse AKI model were built; both BMSCs and BMSCs-Gliko can reduce the damage level, and BMSCs-Gliko outperformed BMSCs in protecting renal tubules and anti-fibrosis. Our study also shows that BMSCs-Gliko stayed longer in the blood of mice, which might also be one of the reasons why BMSCs-Gliko outperformed BMSCs in preventing renal tubules and fibrosis. To sum it up, could be key target of using.

Simulation Analysis and Experimental Study of Piezoelectric Power Generation Device Based on Shape Memory Alloy Drive.

In order to solve the problem of waste heat collection from energy consumption, a thermal energy generation device combining shape memory alloy and piezoelectric materials has been designed. The shape memory alloy is heated and deformed to drive the drive wheel continuously, and the impact wheel is deformed against the piezoelectric cantilever beam during the rotation of the drive wheel to generate electricity. In this paper, the impact force generated by the impact wheel and the output voltage of the piezoelectric cantilever beam during the rotation process are given. Finally, the experimental test shows that the larger the radius of the drive wheel, the lower the impact force of the wheel and the lower the output voltage of the piezoelectric cantilever beam; the larger the diameter of the shape memory alloy wire, the higher the impact force of the wheel and the higher the output voltage of the piezoelectric cantilever beam; the more teeth of the drive wheel, the higher the impact frequency of the piezoelectric cantilever beam and the higher the output voltage. The maximum output voltage of the thermoelectric converter is 14.2 V, when the drive wheel radius is 13 mm, the shape memory alloy wire diameter is 1 mm and the number of impact wheel teeth is 6. The new structural design provides a new structural model for waste heat recovery and thermal energy generation technology. The new structural design provides a new approach and idea for waste heat recovery and thermal energy generation technology.

Design and Experiment Using Flexible Bumps for Piezoelectric-Driven Hydraulically Amplified Braille Dot Display.

This paper describes the design of a piezoelectric-driven hydraulically amplified Braille-flexible bump device that enables the flexible formation of Braille characters. A piezoelectric vibrator is used to excite fluid resonance in a cavity, and displacement is realized by compressing the fluid, allowing Braille character dots to be formed. First, the structural design and working principle of the device, as well as the method used to drive the fluid, are explained. Expressions for the output displacement and amplification ratio of the flexible film and piezoelectric vibrator are then obtained through kinetic analysis of the system unit. Subsequently, the structural parameters that affect the output displacement and the liquid amplification are described. Finally, experimental tests of the system are explained. The results indicate that the output displacement of the contact formed by the flexible film reaches 0.214 mm, satisfying the requirements of the touch sensitivity standard for the blind, when the fluid cavity diameter measures 31 mm and the resonance frequency is 375.4 Hz. The corresponding water discharge is 8.8 mL. This study proves that constructing a Braille bump device in this way is both feasible and effective.

Association of air pollution and greenness with carotid plaque: A prospective cohort study in China.

Previous studies indicated that exposure to air pollution was associated with the progress of atherosclerosis, but evidence is very limited in China and even in the world. This study aims to assess the associations of long-term exposures to air pollution and greenness with the occurrence of carotid plaque. Participants of this cohort study were urban residents and office workers who visited Hebei General Hospital for routine physical examination annually from September 2016 through to December 2018. Eligible participants were people diagnosed the absence of carotid plaque clinically at their first hospital visit and were followed up at their second or third hospital visit. Exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) were estimated using an inverse distance weighted (IDW) method. The level of greenness was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The associations were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Among 4,137 participants, 575 showed the occurrence of carotid plaque during the follow-up period. After controlling for potential confounders, the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of carotid plaque associated with per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5, NO2, and O3 were 1.78 (1.55, 2.03), 1.32 (1.14, 1.53) and 1.99 (1.71, 2.31), respectively. Increased EVI and NDVI were significantly associated with lower risk of carotid plaque [HR (and 95%CI): 0.84 (0.77, 0.93) and 0.87 (0.80, 0.94)]. PM2.5 significantly mediated 80.47% or 93.00% of the estimated association between EVI or NDVI and carotid plaque. In light of the significant associations between air pollution, greenness and carotid plaque in this study, continued efforts are needed to curb air pollution and plan more green space considering their effects on vascular disease.

Role of liraglutide in brain repair promotion through Sirt1-mediated mitochondrial improvement in stroke.

Brain repair, especially axonal sprouting, is critical to restore motor function in disabled stroke patients. Liraglutide (LG) is a new kind of long-acting analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and has potential protective effects in stroke. The mitochondria participate in brain repair after cerebral injury. However, the mechanism of the effect of LG on brain repair and its potential influence on mitochondria in stroke remains obscure. Here, in focal cerebral cortical ischemic mice model, LG improved the motor functional recovery and promoted axonal sprouting by restoring the activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase. Moreover, LG remarkably increased the cell survival rate and revived the NeuN and GAP-43 levels in cortical neurons under hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) exposure. It was also observed that LG reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species, stabilized the mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced the levels of adenosine triphosphate, enhanced activities of mitochondrial complex-I, and decreased protein expression levels of fission-1 in H2 O2 -injured cortical neurons. Additionally, LG suppressed the expressions of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) in cortical neurons exposed to H2 O2 . Furthermore, knockdown of Sirt1 by short interfering RNA facilitated the LG-mediated mitochondrial protection in cortical neurons under H2 O2 . Collectively, this data from the present study illustrated that LG exerted a promoting influence on brain repair, after cerebral ischemic injury, through Sirt1-mediated mitochondrial improvement.

Rosuvastatin improves neurite extension in cortical neurons through the Notch 1/BDNF pathway.

Objectives: Neurite outgrowth of neurons is essential for forming functional neural circuits. It is believed that neuronal neurite outgrowth is an important mechanism of brain plasticity. Rosuvastatin (RSV) is a relatively new statin and may have neuroprotective properties. However, whether RSV exerts an effect on neurite extension and its potential mechanism in cortical neurons remains poorly documented. Methods: Immunofluorescence method was used to examine the effect of RSV on neurite outgrowth in primary cortical neuron by measuring neurite length and confirmed the promotion effect. Then, the potential mechanisms involving the Notch1 pathway were investigated. Effects of RSV on the expression of Notch 1 and Hes1were determined using qRT-PCR. In addition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was also assessed using qRT-PCR, and ELISA. Results: RSV promoted neurite outgrowth of cortical neurons, and this effect could be partially prevented by the Notch 1 pathway inhibitor, DAPT. Subsequently, we found that Jagged 1 and Notch 1 were colocalized. In addition, we observed that the levels of both Notch 1 and Hes 1 in cortical neurons were increased after RSV, but sharply decreased after DAPT treatment. Moreover, RSV increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in cortical neurons, but in the culture medium, and the effect could be partially suppressed by DAPT treatment. Discussion: These findings indicate that RSV mediates neurite outgrowth in primary cortical neurons. The RSV-induced neuritogenic effect is mediated at least partly via the Notch1/BDNF pathway.

Liraglutide Protects Neurite Outgrowth of Cortical Neurons Under Oxidative Stress though Activating the Wnt Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenesis including neurite outgrowth is important for brain plasticity under physiological conditions and in brain repair after injury. Liraglutide has been found to have neuroprotective action in the risk of central nervous system disease. However, the effect and the potential mechanism of liraglutide-induced neurite outgrowth in primary cortical neurons under oxidative stress remain poorly documented. METHODS: In the text, H2O2 was used to mimic ischemia injury in primary cortical neurons. The viability and apoptosis of cell was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Hoechst 33342. Immunofluorescence method was used to examine the effect of liraglutide on neurite outgrowth in cortical neuron under H2O2 condition. Then, the potential mechanisms involving the Wnt pathway were investigated. The expression of ß-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Liraglutide significantly increased the viability and alleviated the apoptosis rate of cortical neurons induced by H2O2. Next, liraglutide promoted neurite outgrowth, which could be partially inhibited by the Wnt pathway inhibitor Xav939. Besides, liraglutide induced an increase of ß-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 levels, which could also be blocked in the presence of Xav939. CONCLUSIONS: These results illustrate that liraglutide exerts neurotrophin-like activity in cortical neurons under oxidative stress condition, partly through activating the Wnt pathway.

Learning from Clostridium novyi-NT: How to defeat cancer.

Side effects associated with conventional anticancer therapies have prompted the new idea of solid tumor treatment strategy. One of them is using bacteria explored as potential antitumor agents over more than one century. Notably, the ideal therapy is a specifical target to tumors with limited toxicity. Here, we take "Clostridium novyi" for the search keyword in the PubMed from 2000 to 2015 and describe that C. novyi-NT spores act as "Trojan horse" for bacteriolytic therapy. This therapy is based on the fact that the live and attenuated obligate anaerobic bacteria are capable of binary fission selectively in anoxic areas of solid tumors and direct tumoricidal effects. Our succinct review mainly concentrates on the potential mechanisms of combination bacteriolytic therapy, an effective and safe tumor therapy with the help of C. novyi-NT. Importantly, C. novyi-NT spores were shown to induce solid tumor regression and exhibit the property to initiate an immune response. Therefore, C. novyi-NT spores should be an effective and safe tumor therapy.

Rosuvastatin Improves Neurite Outgrowth of Cortical Neurons against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation via Notch1-mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Functional Improvement.

Neurogenesis, especially neurite outgrowth is an essential element of neuroplasticity after cerebral ischemic injury. Mitochondria may supply ATP to power fundamental developmental processes including neuroplasticity. Although rosuvastatin (RSV) displays a potential protective effect against cerebral ischemia, it remains unknown whether it modulates mitochondrial biogenesis and function during neurite outgrowth. Here, the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was used to induce ischemic injury. We demonstrate that RSV treatment significantly increases neurite outgrowth in cortical neurons after OGD-induced damage. Moreover, we show that RSV reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protects mitochondrial function, and elevates the ATP levels in cortical neurons injured by OGD. In addition, we found that, under these conditions, RSV treatment increases the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and the mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1). Furthermore, blocking Notch1, which is expressed in primary cortical neurons, reverses the RSV-dependent induction of mitochondrial biogenesis and function under OGD conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that RSV could restore neurite outgrowth in cortical neurons damaged by OGD in vitro, by preserving mitochondrial function and improving mitochondrial biogenesis, possibly through the Notch1 pathway.

Dl-3-n-butylphthalide protects the heart against ischemic injury and H9c2 cardiomyoblasts against oxidative stress: involvement of mitochondrial function and biogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is an acute and fatal condition that threatens human health. Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) has been used for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Mitochondria may play a protective role in MI injury. However, there are few reports on the cardioprotective effect of NBP or the potential mitochondrial mechanism for the NBP-induced protection against cardiac ischemia injury. We investigated the therapeutic effects of NBP in an in vivo MI model and an in vitro oxidative stress model, as well as the potential mitochondrial mechanism. METHODS: This study comprised two different experiments. The aim of experiment 1 was to determine the protective effects of NBP on MI and the underlying mechanisms in vivo. In part 1, myocardial infarct size was measured by staining with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC). Myocardial enzymes and mitochondrial enzymes were assayed. The aim of experiment 2 was to investigate the role of NBP in H2O2-induced myocardial ischemic injury in H9c2 cells and to determine the potential mechanism. In part 2, H9c2 cell viability was evaluated. ROS levels, mitochondrial morphology, and mitochondrial membrane potential of H9c2 cells were measured. ATP levels were evaluated using an assay kit; mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the expressions of NRF-1 and TFAM, and mitochondrial biogenesis factors were determined. RESULTS: NBP treatment significantly reduced the infarct ratio, as observed by TTC staining, decreased serum myocardial enzymes in MI, and restored heart mitochondrial enzymes (isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (a-KGDH) activities after MI. Moreover, in in vitro studies, NBP significantly increased the viability of H9c2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, reduced cell apoptosis, protected mitochondrial functions, elevated the cellular ATP levels, and promoted H2O2-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the results from both the in vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that NBP exerted a cardioprotective effect on cardiac ischemic injury via the regulation of mitochondrial function and biogenesis.

Effects of TAZ on human dental pulp stem cell proliferation and migration.

Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ­binding motif (TAZ) acts as the key downstream regulatory target in the Hippo signaling pathway. TAZ overexpression has been reported to promote cellular proliferation and induce epithelial­mesenchymal transition in human mammary epithelial cells. However, the effects of TAZ in the regulation of human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) proliferation and migration, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying its actions, remain to be elucidated. The present study demonstrated that TAZ was expressed in hDPSCs. TAZ silencing, following hDPSC transfection with TAZ­specific small interfering (si)RNA (siTAZ), inhibited cellular proliferation and migration in vitro. These effects appeared to be associated with the downregulation of connecting tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cysteine­rich angiogenic inducer (Cyr) 61 expression. Further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the actions of TAZ in hDPSCs revealed that TAZ silencing suppressed CTGF and Cyr61 expression by interfering with transforming growth factor (TGF)­ß signaling pathways. The present results suggested that TAZ may be implicated in the proliferation and migration of hDPSCs, through the modulation of CTGF and Cyr61 expression via a TGF­ß­dependent signaling pathway.