Our previous research studies have shown that Veratrilla baillonii Franch,a food supplement used by ethnic minorities in Southwest China,has multiple pharmacological activities,such as detoxification,antiinflammatory,...Our previous research studies have shown that Veratrilla baillonii Franch,a food supplement used by ethnic minorities in Southwest China,has multiple pharmacological activities,such as detoxification,antiinflammatory,antioxidant,and anti-insulin resistance.However,the detailed signal pathways for its salutary effect on damages in multiple organs due to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)remains unclear.The current study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of V.baillonii on T2DM rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms.The T2DM rat model was successfully established by a high-sugar and high-fat diet(HFD)combination with intraperitoneal injection of a small dose of streptozotocin(STZ,35 mg/kg).Biochemical analysis and histopatholgical examinations were conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of water extracts of V.baillonii(WVBF).The results showed that the WVBF treatment can improve hyperglycemia and insulin resistance,ameliorate the liver,kidney and pancreas injuries via decreasing inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α,and oxidative damages.Further investigation suggested that WVBF modulates the signal transductions of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 and AMPK pathways.These findings demonstrate potentials of WVBF in the treatment of T2DM and possible mechanisms for its hepatoprotective activities.展开更多
Male fertility is built on the proper proliferation and differentiation of germline cells within the seminiferous epithelium in the testis,which continuously produces millions of sperm per day in mammals[1].RNA modifi...Male fertility is built on the proper proliferation and differentiation of germline cells within the seminiferous epithelium in the testis,which continuously produces millions of sperm per day in mammals[1].RNA modifications are emerging as crucial epitranscriptomic regulators.展开更多
In recent decades, the migration rates of the large cities of Punjab have been risen up to a considerable level due to the lack of employment opportunities as well as lack of facilities in the rural areas of the provi...In recent decades, the migration rates of the large cities of Punjab have been risen up to a considerable level due to the lack of employment opportunities as well as lack of facilities in the rural areas of the province. It has caused an unprecedented and unplanned urbanization across the urban areas of the province. This study has been undertaken to perform fractal analysis about the sprawl in rapidly growing city. GIS and remote sensing data have been used in this study as an emerging technology which is cost effective as well as accurate at the same time. Landsat images have been taken for the study and the sprawl has been calculated with the analysis of the data of each decade for past more than 40 years. It has been observed that the built up area is 47.8 to 141.12 Sq. Km whereas the pattern of urban settlement has been classified as clustered and linear, following the roads network. The temporal population growth also seconded these results. The population growth rate and population density increase, are based on the pixel based extraction of the data from satellite imagery for the period of 2000 to 2014, which is taken as a decision support tool. In 2000, the population of the district increased from 2,071,694 (1981 census) to 2,939,907 and then in 2013, it became 4,384,191 at a rate to 2.93% upturn per annum. Moreover, the study also reveals the extent of the growth of other land uses as well which may be taken as a reference that in an agricultural country like Pakistan, the natural resources are being wasted (by urbanization of the fertile land). There must be some master planning to avoid such things in the other cities as well.展开更多
Human biometric analysis has gotten much attention due to itswidespread use in different research areas, such as security, surveillance,health, human identification, and classification. Human gait is one of the keyhum...Human biometric analysis has gotten much attention due to itswidespread use in different research areas, such as security, surveillance,health, human identification, and classification. Human gait is one of the keyhuman traits that can identify and classify humans based on their age, gender,and ethnicity. Different approaches have been proposed for the estimation ofhuman age based on gait so far. However, challenges are there, for which anefficient, low-cost technique or algorithm is needed. In this paper, we proposea three-dimensional real-time gait-based age detection system using a machinelearning approach. The proposed system consists of training and testingphases. The proposed training phase consists of gait features extraction usingthe Microsoft Kinect (MS Kinect) controller, dataset generation based onjoints’ position, pre-processing of gait features, feature selection by calculatingthe Standard error and Standard deviation of the arithmetic mean and bestmodel selection using R2 and adjusted R2 techniques. T-test and ANOVAtechniques show that nine joints (right shoulder, right elbow, right hand, leftknee, right knee, right ankle, left ankle, left, and right foot) are statisticallysignificant at a 5% level of significance for age estimation. The proposedtesting phase correctly predicts the age of a walking person using the resultsobtained from the training phase. The proposed approach is evaluated on thedata that is experimentally recorded from the user in a real-time scenario.Fifty (50) volunteers of different ages participated in the experimental study.Using the limited features, the proposed method estimates the age with 98.0%accuracy on experimental images acquired in real-time via a classical generallinear regression model.展开更多
Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the potential signaling mechanism of Aconitum tanguticum(Maxim.) Stapf(ATS) and its impact on intestinal fibrosis in vitro. Methods: Network pharmacology was used t...Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the potential signaling mechanism of Aconitum tanguticum(Maxim.) Stapf(ATS) and its impact on intestinal fibrosis in vitro. Methods: Network pharmacology was used to screen the active components of ATS and predict their potential targets in intestinal fibrosis. The protein–protein interaction network graph was constructed using drug–disease intersection targets retrieved from the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database. The network diagram was analyzed using Cytoscape 3.6.1'stopology function. The gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted using the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery platform. Intestinal fibroblast model in vitro was constructed using transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced CCD-18Co cells. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to verify the network pharmacology-predicted antifibrotic signaling pathway of ATS and the traditional antifibrotic signaling pathway. Results: Network pharmacology revealed that there were 19 active components in ATS, suggesting that ATS could be involved in the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), PIK3CA, MAPK3, and other important targets that are present in cancer pathways, including proteoglycans, infiuenza A, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(Akt) signaling pathways. The results of quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) demonstrated that 0.1–1 μg/mL ATS may suppress tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, collagen I, and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression levels. The expression of the TGF-β/suppressor of the mother against decapentaplegic(Smad) and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways was controlled by ATS. In addition, ATS inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway by reducing the expression of MAPK1, HSP90AA1, and PIK3CA. Conclusions: It has been confirmed that ATS is a multipathway and multitarget treatment for intestinal fibrosis. This study suggested that ATS might alleviate intestinal fibrosis by blocking both the TGF-β/Smad and the PI3K/Akt pathway.展开更多
This paper presents an experimental research aiming to realize an artificial hind wing that can mimic the wing unfolding motion of Allomyrina dichotoma, an insect in coleopteran order. Based on the understanding of wo...This paper presents an experimental research aiming to realize an artificial hind wing that can mimic the wing unfolding motion of Allomyrina dichotoma, an insect in coleopteran order. Based on the understanding of working principles of beetle wing folding/unfolding mechanisms, the hind wing unfolding motion is mimicked by a combination of creative ideas and state-of-art artificial muscle actuator. In this work, we devise two types of artificial wings and the successfully demonstrate that they can be unfolded by actuation of shape memory alloy wires to provide actuation force at the wing base and along the leading edge vein. The folding/unfolding mechanisms may provide an insight for portable nano/micro air vehicles with morphing wings.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81873090)Support Innovation and Development of Enterprise Technology Projects in Hubei Province (2021BLB174)the modern transmission and innovation research team of Traditional Chinese Medicine,South Central Minzu University。
文摘Our previous research studies have shown that Veratrilla baillonii Franch,a food supplement used by ethnic minorities in Southwest China,has multiple pharmacological activities,such as detoxification,antiinflammatory,antioxidant,and anti-insulin resistance.However,the detailed signal pathways for its salutary effect on damages in multiple organs due to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)remains unclear.The current study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of V.baillonii on T2DM rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms.The T2DM rat model was successfully established by a high-sugar and high-fat diet(HFD)combination with intraperitoneal injection of a small dose of streptozotocin(STZ,35 mg/kg).Biochemical analysis and histopatholgical examinations were conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of water extracts of V.baillonii(WVBF).The results showed that the WVBF treatment can improve hyperglycemia and insulin resistance,ameliorate the liver,kidney and pancreas injuries via decreasing inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α,and oxidative damages.Further investigation suggested that WVBF modulates the signal transductions of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 and AMPK pathways.These findings demonstrate potentials of WVBF in the treatment of T2DM and possible mechanisms for its hepatoprotective activities.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program ofChina(2019YFA0802600,2022YFC2702600)Research Funds of Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM"(QYPY20230032)+4 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31970793,32170856 and 32300711)the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation grant(2408085jJ016)the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA(YNXM-202211)the Hunan Provincial Grant for Innovative Province Construction(2019SK4012)the Hundred Youth Talents Program of Hunan Province.
文摘Male fertility is built on the proper proliferation and differentiation of germline cells within the seminiferous epithelium in the testis,which continuously produces millions of sperm per day in mammals[1].RNA modifications are emerging as crucial epitranscriptomic regulators.
文摘In recent decades, the migration rates of the large cities of Punjab have been risen up to a considerable level due to the lack of employment opportunities as well as lack of facilities in the rural areas of the province. It has caused an unprecedented and unplanned urbanization across the urban areas of the province. This study has been undertaken to perform fractal analysis about the sprawl in rapidly growing city. GIS and remote sensing data have been used in this study as an emerging technology which is cost effective as well as accurate at the same time. Landsat images have been taken for the study and the sprawl has been calculated with the analysis of the data of each decade for past more than 40 years. It has been observed that the built up area is 47.8 to 141.12 Sq. Km whereas the pattern of urban settlement has been classified as clustered and linear, following the roads network. The temporal population growth also seconded these results. The population growth rate and population density increase, are based on the pixel based extraction of the data from satellite imagery for the period of 2000 to 2014, which is taken as a decision support tool. In 2000, the population of the district increased from 2,071,694 (1981 census) to 2,939,907 and then in 2013, it became 4,384,191 at a rate to 2.93% upturn per annum. Moreover, the study also reveals the extent of the growth of other land uses as well which may be taken as a reference that in an agricultural country like Pakistan, the natural resources are being wasted (by urbanization of the fertile land). There must be some master planning to avoid such things in the other cities as well.
基金The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Groups RGP.2/212/1443.
文摘Human biometric analysis has gotten much attention due to itswidespread use in different research areas, such as security, surveillance,health, human identification, and classification. Human gait is one of the keyhuman traits that can identify and classify humans based on their age, gender,and ethnicity. Different approaches have been proposed for the estimation ofhuman age based on gait so far. However, challenges are there, for which anefficient, low-cost technique or algorithm is needed. In this paper, we proposea three-dimensional real-time gait-based age detection system using a machinelearning approach. The proposed system consists of training and testingphases. The proposed training phase consists of gait features extraction usingthe Microsoft Kinect (MS Kinect) controller, dataset generation based onjoints’ position, pre-processing of gait features, feature selection by calculatingthe Standard error and Standard deviation of the arithmetic mean and bestmodel selection using R2 and adjusted R2 techniques. T-test and ANOVAtechniques show that nine joints (right shoulder, right elbow, right hand, leftknee, right knee, right ankle, left ankle, left, and right foot) are statisticallysignificant at a 5% level of significance for age estimation. The proposedtesting phase correctly predicts the age of a walking person using the resultsobtained from the training phase. The proposed approach is evaluated on thedata that is experimentally recorded from the user in a real-time scenario.Fifty (50) volunteers of different ages participated in the experimental study.Using the limited features, the proposed method estimates the age with 98.0%accuracy on experimental images acquired in real-time via a classical generallinear regression model.
基金supported by grants provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81873090)funding from the Research on Identification and Support Innovation and Development of Enterprise Technology Projects in Hubei Province (2021BLB174)the Modern Transmission and Innovation Research Team of Traditional Chinese Medicine at South Central Minzu University
文摘Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the potential signaling mechanism of Aconitum tanguticum(Maxim.) Stapf(ATS) and its impact on intestinal fibrosis in vitro. Methods: Network pharmacology was used to screen the active components of ATS and predict their potential targets in intestinal fibrosis. The protein–protein interaction network graph was constructed using drug–disease intersection targets retrieved from the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database. The network diagram was analyzed using Cytoscape 3.6.1'stopology function. The gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted using the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery platform. Intestinal fibroblast model in vitro was constructed using transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced CCD-18Co cells. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to verify the network pharmacology-predicted antifibrotic signaling pathway of ATS and the traditional antifibrotic signaling pathway. Results: Network pharmacology revealed that there were 19 active components in ATS, suggesting that ATS could be involved in the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), PIK3CA, MAPK3, and other important targets that are present in cancer pathways, including proteoglycans, infiuenza A, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(Akt) signaling pathways. The results of quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) demonstrated that 0.1–1 μg/mL ATS may suppress tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, collagen I, and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression levels. The expression of the TGF-β/suppressor of the mother against decapentaplegic(Smad) and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways was controlled by ATS. In addition, ATS inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway by reducing the expression of MAPK1, HSP90AA1, and PIK3CA. Conclusions: It has been confirmed that ATS is a multipathway and multitarget treatment for intestinal fibrosis. This study suggested that ATS might alleviate intestinal fibrosis by blocking both the TGF-β/Smad and the PI3K/Akt pathway.
基金Supported by the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation Grant (R0A-2007-000-200012-0)Korea Research Foundation (KRF-2006-005-J03301)
文摘This paper presents an experimental research aiming to realize an artificial hind wing that can mimic the wing unfolding motion of Allomyrina dichotoma, an insect in coleopteran order. Based on the understanding of working principles of beetle wing folding/unfolding mechanisms, the hind wing unfolding motion is mimicked by a combination of creative ideas and state-of-art artificial muscle actuator. In this work, we devise two types of artificial wings and the successfully demonstrate that they can be unfolded by actuation of shape memory alloy wires to provide actuation force at the wing base and along the leading edge vein. The folding/unfolding mechanisms may provide an insight for portable nano/micro air vehicles with morphing wings.
