Experimental investigation of bond performance between BFRP and different strength recycled-aggregate concrete

In recent years, there has been a large number of studies on recycled-aggregate concrete as a potential solution to the problem of a scarcity natural resources. This study investigated the bonding performance of a new reinforcement material employed in medium and high-strength recycled aggregate concrete. The pull-out test was carried out by employing basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars with different diameters (12, 14, and 20 mm) in medium and high-strength concrete with different ratios of recycled coarse aggregate replacement (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). Based on the concrete bond damage, the failure modes were identified, the corresponding bond mechanism was analyzed and the bond stress–slip characteristics were summarized. The effect of each parameter on the failure mode, bond strength, and the bond-slip curve between recycled-aggregate concrete and BFRP bars was evaluated. Results indicated that as the diameter of the BFRP bar increased, the failure mode was shifted, the uneven distribution of bond stress became more pronounced, and the bond strength showed a decreasing trend. Two distinct situations of medium to high-strength concrete with very different relative bond strengths at different replacement ratios were found. The relative bond strength of medium-strength concrete increased at first and then decreased with the increase of the replacement ratio of recycled coarse aggregate. A non-linear relationship between the bond strength of recycled concrete and its compressive strength was found. The two-stage model was proposed to describe the bonding behaviour more accurately between BFRP bar and medium to high-strength recycled aggregate concrete.</p

Study on the bond properties between basalt fiber-reinforced spontaneous combustion coal gangue concrete and BFRP bars

Microstructural characterization of spontaneous combustion coal gangue (SCCG), the hydration products and mechanism of spontaneous combustion coal gangue concrete (SCCGC) were discerned through microscopic analysis. The bond performance was assessed employing a central pull-out test on samples variably substituted with SCCG (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and augmented with basalt fiber (BF) (0%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%). The failure mode and bonding mechanism were also revealed by this test. The bond-slip curves were fitted by various bond-slip constitutive models and a suitable model was found for each section. As indicated by the results, SCCGC possessed a lower carbon content and higher Al and Si element contents. These elements would undergo secondary hydration reactions with CH, which could enhance the strength of the ITZ and the compactness of the bond interface between BFRP bars and concrete. The failure modes were splitting and pull-out. An inverse correlation was observed between bond strength and the increment in SCCG aggregate substitution, ranging from a decline of 2.6% to 23.1%. As the BF content increased, the bond strength and peak slip increased by 3.9% ∼ 19.7% and 4.0% ∼ 14.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the reinforcing effect of BF on bond strength increased from 3.9% ∼ 10.3% to 8.8% ∼ 19.7% as the SCCG replacement rate increased, which was noticeable. The Malvar model and the Continuous Curve model were the best fitting models for the ascending and descending sections of bond-slip curves, respectively, while the residual stage was well fitted by the Hao Qingduo model.</p

Additional file 1: of MicroRNA-130b promotes lung cancer progression via PPARγ/VEGF-A/BCL-2-mediated suppression of apoptosis

MiR-130b mimic enhances lung cancer cell aggressiveness via PPARγ/VEGF-A/BCL-2-mediated suppression of apoptosis. (A) Representative images of A549 cells treated with miR-130b mimic and co-labeled for PPARγ (green) and VEGF-A (red) (scale bar, 50 μm). (B) Representative images of A549 cells treated with miR-130b mimic and labeled for BCL-2 (green) (scale bar, 50 μm). (C and D) MiR-130b mimic decreased PPARγ, but increased VEGF-A and BCL-2. (E) MiR-130b mimic caused a significant decrease in the luciferase activity of wt 3'-UTR of PPARγ. (F) A faster proliferation rate in cells treated with miR-130b mimic compared with controls. (G) Increased number of invaded cells with miR-130b mimic treatment (scale bar, 100 μm). (H) Longer migrated distance in cells treated with miR-130b mimic at indicated time points. (I) Increased colonies in cells treated with miR-130b mimic at 48 hours time point. (J) Decreased apoptotic cells treated with miR-130b mimic compared with controls. (K) Decreased apoptotic rate in cells treated with miR-130b mimic (scale bar, 50 μm). NC: normal control; miR-NC: miR-130b control; miR-130bm: miR-130b mimic; TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5’-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling. Each bar represents the mean ± SD. Results are representative of three independent experiments. *p < 0.05, #p < 0.001. (DOC 2779 kb

Data_Sheet_1_Effects of Dietary Modified Bazhen on Reproductive Performance, Immunity, Breast Milk Microbes, and Metabolome Characterization of Sows.docx

Bazhen is a classic prescription used for the prevention of qi and blood deficiency. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with modified Bazhen powder (MBP) on sows during lactation. Forty pure-bred Yorkshire sows on day 100 of gestation were randomly fed a standard diet supplemented with 20 g MBP per sow per day (MBP group) or without (control group) during -14 to 7 days relative to parturition. Results showed that the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG were higher, whereas IL-10 level was lower in sows fed with MBP diet than in controls on day 7 postpartum. A significantly elevated proportion of serum CD4+ T cells and a slight increase in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells in the MBP group were also observed. Furthermore, MBP supplementation improved gastrointestinal function of postpartum sows, evidenced by increased levels of motilin, gastrin, and nitric oxide. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography combined with a quadrupole time of flight and tandem mass spectrometer identified a total of 21 absorbed milk components. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data revealed that the microbiota diversity of the colostrum and transitional milk in the MBP group was increased. At the genus level, relative abundances of Enterococcus and Anaerostipes were significantly lower in the MBP group on day 0 of lactation. Metabolomic analysis showed that 38 metabolites were upregulated, and 41 metabolites were downregulated in the transitional milk; 31 metabolites were upregulated and 8 metabolites were downregulated in the colostrum in response to MBP. Metabolic pathways, protein digestion and absorption, and biosynthesis of amino acids were enriched in the colostrum and transitional milk. Our findings provide new insights into the beneficial effects of MBP, highlighted by the changes to the microbiota and metabolomic profile of breast milk from sows fed with an MBP-supplemented diet. Thus, MBP should be considered as a potential dietary supplement for lactating sows in pork production.</p

Image_5_Case Report: Malacoplakia Due to E. coli With Cryptococcus albidus Infection of a Transplanted Kidney in a Patient With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection.TIFF

Background: Colonization of Cryptococcus rarely occurs in a graft. This study reports a case of malacoplakia and cryptococcoma caused by E. coli and Cryptococcus albidus in a transplanted kidney, with detailed pathology and metagenome sequencing analysis.Case Presentation: We presented a case of cryptococcoma and malacoplakia in the genitourinary system including the transplant kidney, bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles caused by Cryptococcus albidus and Escherichia coli in a renal-transplant recipient. Metagenome sequencing was conducted on a series of samples obtained from the patient at three different time points, which we termed Phase I (at the diagnosis of cryptococcoma), Phase II (during perioperative period of graftectomy, 3 months after the diagnosis), and Phase III (2 months after graftectomy). Sequencing study in the Phase I detected two and four sequences of C. albidus respectively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces, with resistant Escherichia coli 09-02E presented in urine and renal mass. A 3-month antibiotic treatment yielded a smaller bladder lesion but an enlarged allograft lesion, leading to a nephrectomy. In the Phase II, two sequences of C. albidus were detected in CSF, while the E. coli 09-02E continued as before. In the Phase III, the lesions were generally reduced, with one C. albidus sequence in feces only.Conclusions: The existence and clearance of Cryptococcus sequences in CSF without central nervous system symptoms may be related to the distribution of infection foci in vivo, the microbial load, and the body's immunity. Overall, this study highlights the need for enhanced vigilance against uncommon types of Cryptococcus infections in immunocompromised populations and increased concern about the potential correlation between E. coli and Cryptococcus infections.</p

Image_4_Case Report: Malacoplakia Due to E. coli With Cryptococcus albidus Infection of a Transplanted Kidney in a Patient With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection.TIFF

Background: Colonization of Cryptococcus rarely occurs in a graft. This study reports a case of malacoplakia and cryptococcoma caused by E. coli and Cryptococcus albidus in a transplanted kidney, with detailed pathology and metagenome sequencing analysis.Case Presentation: We presented a case of cryptococcoma and malacoplakia in the genitourinary system including the transplant kidney, bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles caused by Cryptococcus albidus and Escherichia coli in a renal-transplant recipient. Metagenome sequencing was conducted on a series of samples obtained from the patient at three different time points, which we termed Phase I (at the diagnosis of cryptococcoma), Phase II (during perioperative period of graftectomy, 3 months after the diagnosis), and Phase III (2 months after graftectomy). Sequencing study in the Phase I detected two and four sequences of C. albidus respectively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces, with resistant Escherichia coli 09-02E presented in urine and renal mass. A 3-month antibiotic treatment yielded a smaller bladder lesion but an enlarged allograft lesion, leading to a nephrectomy. In the Phase II, two sequences of C. albidus were detected in CSF, while the E. coli 09-02E continued as before. In the Phase III, the lesions were generally reduced, with one C. albidus sequence in feces only.Conclusions: The existence and clearance of Cryptococcus sequences in CSF without central nervous system symptoms may be related to the distribution of infection foci in vivo, the microbial load, and the body's immunity. Overall, this study highlights the need for enhanced vigilance against uncommon types of Cryptococcus infections in immunocompromised populations and increased concern about the potential correlation between E. coli and Cryptococcus infections.</p

Image_1_Case Report: Malacoplakia Due to E. coli With Cryptococcus albidus Infection of a Transplanted Kidney in a Patient With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection.TIFF

Background: Colonization of Cryptococcus rarely occurs in a graft. This study reports a case of malacoplakia and cryptococcoma caused by E. coli and Cryptococcus albidus in a transplanted kidney, with detailed pathology and metagenome sequencing analysis.Case Presentation: We presented a case of cryptococcoma and malacoplakia in the genitourinary system including the transplant kidney, bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles caused by Cryptococcus albidus and Escherichia coli in a renal-transplant recipient. Metagenome sequencing was conducted on a series of samples obtained from the patient at three different time points, which we termed Phase I (at the diagnosis of cryptococcoma), Phase II (during perioperative period of graftectomy, 3 months after the diagnosis), and Phase III (2 months after graftectomy). Sequencing study in the Phase I detected two and four sequences of C. albidus respectively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces, with resistant Escherichia coli 09-02E presented in urine and renal mass. A 3-month antibiotic treatment yielded a smaller bladder lesion but an enlarged allograft lesion, leading to a nephrectomy. In the Phase II, two sequences of C. albidus were detected in CSF, while the E. coli 09-02E continued as before. In the Phase III, the lesions were generally reduced, with one C. albidus sequence in feces only.Conclusions: The existence and clearance of Cryptococcus sequences in CSF without central nervous system symptoms may be related to the distribution of infection foci in vivo, the microbial load, and the body's immunity. Overall, this study highlights the need for enhanced vigilance against uncommon types of Cryptococcus infections in immunocompromised populations and increased concern about the potential correlation between E. coli and Cryptococcus infections.</p

Image_2_Case Report: Malacoplakia Due to E. coli With Cryptococcus albidus Infection of a Transplanted Kidney in a Patient With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection.TIFF

Background: Colonization of Cryptococcus rarely occurs in a graft. This study reports a case of malacoplakia and cryptococcoma caused by E. coli and Cryptococcus albidus in a transplanted kidney, with detailed pathology and metagenome sequencing analysis.Case Presentation: We presented a case of cryptococcoma and malacoplakia in the genitourinary system including the transplant kidney, bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles caused by Cryptococcus albidus and Escherichia coli in a renal-transplant recipient. Metagenome sequencing was conducted on a series of samples obtained from the patient at three different time points, which we termed Phase I (at the diagnosis of cryptococcoma), Phase II (during perioperative period of graftectomy, 3 months after the diagnosis), and Phase III (2 months after graftectomy). Sequencing study in the Phase I detected two and four sequences of C. albidus respectively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces, with resistant Escherichia coli 09-02E presented in urine and renal mass. A 3-month antibiotic treatment yielded a smaller bladder lesion but an enlarged allograft lesion, leading to a nephrectomy. In the Phase II, two sequences of C. albidus were detected in CSF, while the E. coli 09-02E continued as before. In the Phase III, the lesions were generally reduced, with one C. albidus sequence in feces only.Conclusions: The existence and clearance of Cryptococcus sequences in CSF without central nervous system symptoms may be related to the distribution of infection foci in vivo, the microbial load, and the body's immunity. Overall, this study highlights the need for enhanced vigilance against uncommon types of Cryptococcus infections in immunocompromised populations and increased concern about the potential correlation between E. coli and Cryptococcus infections.</p

Image_3_Case Report: Malacoplakia Due to E. coli With Cryptococcus albidus Infection of a Transplanted Kidney in a Patient With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection.TIFF

Background: Colonization of Cryptococcus rarely occurs in a graft. This study reports a case of malacoplakia and cryptococcoma caused by E. coli and Cryptococcus albidus in a transplanted kidney, with detailed pathology and metagenome sequencing analysis.Case Presentation: We presented a case of cryptococcoma and malacoplakia in the genitourinary system including the transplant kidney, bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles caused by Cryptococcus albidus and Escherichia coli in a renal-transplant recipient. Metagenome sequencing was conducted on a series of samples obtained from the patient at three different time points, which we termed Phase I (at the diagnosis of cryptococcoma), Phase II (during perioperative period of graftectomy, 3 months after the diagnosis), and Phase III (2 months after graftectomy). Sequencing study in the Phase I detected two and four sequences of C. albidus respectively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces, with resistant Escherichia coli 09-02E presented in urine and renal mass. A 3-month antibiotic treatment yielded a smaller bladder lesion but an enlarged allograft lesion, leading to a nephrectomy. In the Phase II, two sequences of C. albidus were detected in CSF, while the E. coli 09-02E continued as before. In the Phase III, the lesions were generally reduced, with one C. albidus sequence in feces only.Conclusions: The existence and clearance of Cryptococcus sequences in CSF without central nervous system symptoms may be related to the distribution of infection foci in vivo, the microbial load, and the body's immunity. Overall, this study highlights the need for enhanced vigilance against uncommon types of Cryptococcus infections in immunocompromised populations and increased concern about the potential correlation between E. coli and Cryptococcus infections.</p

Additional file 1: of Dysregulation of miR-6868-5p/FOXM1 circuit contributes to colorectal cancer angiogenesis

Figure S1. (A) qRT-PCR analysis of the expression of indicated miRNAs in HCT8 and HCT116 cells. (B & C) Transfection efficiency was measured by qRT-PCR. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01. Figure S2. (A) Western blot analysis of FOXM1 expression in HCT116 cells transfected with empty control vector or FOXM1 expressing plasmid. (B) HUVECswere treatedwith the CM from indicated cells, and subjected to wound healing assay. Scale bar = 20 μm. (C) Xenografted tumors were excised at week 3 post the inoculation, and the tumor weight from different groups was compared. (D) Western blot analysis of FOXM1 expression in HCT116 cells transfected with shNC, sh1 and sh2 against FOXM1. (E) HUVECs were treated with the CM from HCT116 cells transfected with indicated vectors. Cell viability of HUVECs was measured by CCK8 assay. (F) HUVECs were co-cultured with HCT116 cells transfected with indicated vectors in transwell apparatus. Migrated HUVECs were quantified after co-culture for 24 h. Scale bar = 20 μm. (G) HUVECs were treated with the CM from indicated cells, and subjected to tube formation assay. Scale bar = 20 μm. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01. Figure S3. The bivariate relation between the mRNA levels of FOXM1 and IL-8 in CRC samples from GEO dataset was assessed by Pearson’s correlation test. Figure S4. (A) qRT-PCR analysis of pre-miR-6868 expression in HCT116 cells with FOXM1 overexpression. (B) HCT8 and HCT116 cells were treated with 5-Azd (10 μM). The miR-6868-5p levels were examined by qRT-PCR after 48 h. miR-375 was used as positive control. (C) Western blot analysis of H3K27me3 expression in HCT116 cells upon GSK126 treatment. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01. Figure S5. (A) The bivariate relation between the EXOC7 mRNA levels and miR-6868-5p levels in CRC samples was assessed by Pearson’s correlation test. (B) qRT-PCR analysis of pre-miR-6868 and miR-6868-5p expression in cells transfected with siNC or siDrosha. (C) qRT-PCR analysis of EXOC7 expression in HCT116 cells with FOXM1 overexpression. Table S1. Number of predicted binding sites in FOXM1 3’-UTR. Table S2. Sequences of primers used for qRT-PCR in this study. Table S3. Sequences of primers used for ChIP-qPCR in this study. Table S4. Correlation between miR-6868-5p expression and TNM stage in CRC samples. (DOCX 12322 kb