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Improved understanding of trends in the proportion of individuals with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) may facilitate stratification and management of obesity and inform policy efforts. To characterize trends in the prevalence of MHO among US adults with obesity, overall and by sociodemographic subgroups. This survey study included 20 430 adult participants from 10 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018. The NHANES is a series of cross-sectional and nationally representative surveys of the US population conducted continuously in 2-year cycles. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to August 2022. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. Metabolically healthy obesity was defined as a body mass index of 30.0 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) without any metabolic disorders in blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), or triglycerides based on established cutoffs. Trends in the age-standardized prevalence of MHO were estimated using logistic regression analysis. This study included 20 430 participants. Their weighted mean (SE) age was 47.1 (0.2) years; 50.8% were women, and 68.8% self-reported their race and ethnicity as non-Hispanic White. The age-standardized prevalence (95% CI) of MHO increased from 3.2% (2.6%-3.8%) in the 1999-2002 cycles to 6.6% (5.3%-7.9%) in the 2015-2018 cycles (P < .001 for trend). There were 7386 adults with obesity. Their weighted mean (SE) age was 48.0 (0.3) years, and 53.5% were women. The age-standardized proportion (95% CI) of MHO among these 7386 adults increased from 10.6% (8.8%-12.5%) in the 1999-2002 cycles to 15.0% (12.4%-17.6%) in the 2015-2018 cycles (P = .02 for trend). Substantial increases in the proportion of MHO were observed for adults aged 60 years or older, men, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those with higher income, private insurance, or class I obesity. In addition, there were significant decreases in the age-standardized prevalence (95% CI) of elevated triglycerides (from 44.9% [40.9%-48.9%] to 29.0% [25.7%-32.4%]; P < .001 for trend) and reduced HDL-C (from 51.1% [47.6%-54.6%] to 39.6% [36.3%-43.0%]; P = .006 for trend). There was also a significant increase in elevated FPG (from 49.7% [95% CI, 46.3%-53.0%] to 58.0% [54.8%-61.3%]; P < .001 for trend) but no significant change in elevated blood pressure (from 57.3% [53.9%-60.7%] to 54.0% [50.9%-57.1%]; P = .28 for trend). The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that the age-standardized proportion of MHO increased among US adults from 1999 to 2018, but differences in trends existed across sociodemographic subgroups. Effective strategies are needed to improve metabolic health status and prevent obesity-related complications in adults with obesity.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal zinc glycine (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on mortality, zinc (Zn) concentration, and antioxidant status in a developing embryo and 1-day-old chick. Six hundred 39-week-old broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 treatments, each treatment including 5 replicates with 20 birds each. Six treatments received a basal diet (control, 24 mg Zn/kg diet) or a basal diet supplemented with ZnSO4 (80 mg Zn/kg) or Zn-Gly (20, 40, 60, or 80 mg Zn/kg), respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-experiment with a basal diet. At the last week, 100 eggs per replicate were randomly collected for incubation. Compared with the control treatment, Zn supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) embryo mortalities of the late stage and the whole period, increased (P < 0.05) liver Zn concentration in the embryo of d9, d19, and 1-day-old chick, and improved (P < 0.05) antioxidant status in the embryo of d19 and 1-day-old chick. Compared with the ZnSO4 treatment, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the late stage embryo mortality and increased (P < 0.05) liver Zn concentration in the embryo of d9, d19, and 1-day-old chick. The 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity in d19 embryo and 1-day-old chick, total superoxide dismutase activity in 1-day-old chick, and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of d9 embryo and 1-day-old chick than that in ZnSO4 treatment. The liver metallothionein concentration of the developing embryo and 1-day-old chick and its mRNA abundance of d19 embryo were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment in comparison with ZnSO4 treatment. In conclusion, maternal Zn supplementation decreased embryo mortalities of the late stage and the whole period by increasing liver Zn concentration and antioxidant status in d19 embryo and 1-day-old chick, and 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly treatment was the optimum choice.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulphate (ZnSO 4 ) on productive and reproductive performance, zinc (Zn) concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. Six hundred 39-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 groups consisting of 4 replicates with 25 birds each. Breeders were fed a basal diet (control group, 24 mg Zn/kg diet), basal diet supplemented with 80 mg Zn/kg diet from ZnSO 4 or basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg Zn/kg diet from Zn-Gly. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-test with the basal diet, respectively. Results showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of sources, improved ( P  < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio (kilogram of feed/kilogram of egg) and decreased broken egg rate, and elevated ( P  < 0.05) the qualified chick rate. Compared with the ZnSO 4 group, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly increased ( P  < 0.05) average egg weight, fertility, hatchability and qualified chick rate, whereas it decreased ( P  < 0.05) broken egg rate. The Zn concentrations in liver and muscle were significantly higher ( P  < 0.05) in 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group than that in ZnSO 4 group. Compared with ZnSO 4 group, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly elevated ( P  < 0.05) the mRNA abundances of metallothionein (MT) and copper-zinc superoxide (Cu-Zn SOD), as well as the Cu-Zn SOD activity and MT concentration in liver. Moreover, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group had higher ( P  < 0.05) serum T-SOD and Cu-Zn SOD activities than that in the ZnSO 4 group. This study indicated that supplementation of Zn in basal diet improved productive and reproductive performance, Zn concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders, and the 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly was the optimum choice for broiler breeders compared with other levels of Zn from Zn-Gly and 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO 4 .

In the process of architectural design, sectional shape is used instead of original shape. Shear isolation design combined with reinforced blockade, make up for the lack of original wall bearing capacity, stiffness and ductility, energy, lack of hysteresis characteristics. In order to determine the effectiveness of shear isolation design under reinforced blockade. Building shear cracking damage experiment is performed. The results show that cross-sectional shape and reinforced shear wall buildings blockade isolation performance was significantly better than the original shape of the shear wall design, reinforced blockade is significantly enhanced, strength and ductility effect are dramatically improved.

The fitting of a parameterized distribution model to site investigation data is commonly adopted in geotechnical site characterization, but this exercise may require subjective interpretations from engineers. In the literature, many strategies, such as the Bayesian method, are proposed to facilitate objective selections of distribution model(s). In this paper, a novel distribution model, fractional moments-based maximum entropy distribution (MaxEnt-FM), is proposed to characterize site investigation data. Using two sets of simulated site investigation data that are of different characteristics, the MaxEnt-FM model is illustrated and compared with classic distribution models and the results obtained using the Bayesian model selection technique. A slope reliability analysis that utilizes the fitted distributions as inputs is then carried out to further compare the MaxEnt-FM model against other methods. The effects of the distribution model and the amount and variability of site investigation data on slope reliability are also discussed. The results indicate that the Bayesian method may provide biased model selections, which may result in inaccurate slope reliability calculations. In contrast, the MaxEnt-FM model not only reasonably characterizes the site investigation data, but also offers a method that is sufficiently generalizable and requires minimum interventions from engineers to handle site investigation data that is of different quantity and quality. Finally, the effectiveness of the MaxEnt-FM model is illustrated by applying to real site investigation data.

Muscle genetic defects can lead to impaired movement, respiratory failure, and other severe symptoms. The development of curative therapies is challenging due to the need for the delivery of gene-editing tools into skeletal muscle cells throughout the body. Here, we use muscular fusogens (Myomaker and Myomerger) to engineer muscle-specific virus-like particles (MuVLPs) for the systemic delivery of gene-editing tools. We demonstrate that MuVLPs can be loaded with diverse payloads, including EGFP, Cre and Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins (Cas9 RNPs), and can be delivered into skeletal muscle cells via targeted membrane fusion. Systemic administration of MuVLPs carrying Cas9 RNPs enables skeletal muscle-specific gene editing, which excised the exon containing a premature terminator codon mutation in a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This treatment restores dystrophin expression in various skeletal muscle tissues, including the diaphragm, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and triceps. As a result, the treated mice exhibit a significantly increased capacity for exercise and endurance. This study established a platform for precise gene editing in skeletal muscle tissues. Genetic muscle diseases are difficult to treat due to challenges in delivering gene editors to muscles throughout the body. Here, authors engineer muscle-specific virus-like particles that fuse with skeletal muscle cells to deliver CRISPR tools and restore dystrophin in a DMD model.

A three-dimensional representation of the random distribution of fractures in rock masses, known as the discrete fracture network (DFN), is widely used to analyze the stability of jointed rock slopes. In this paper, a new framework for constructing three-dimensional DFN models in rock masses has been proposed to overcome the limitations of conventional circular or polygon-based models. The framework utilizes the universal elliptical disc (UED) model and integrates it with the discrete element method in 3DEC for the stability evaluation of jointed rock slopes. This paper starts by introducing the basic principles of the UED model. The procedures for constructing a three-dimensional DFN using the UED model is then outlined. In the present study, a case study of a rock slope in Zhejiang Province, China is used to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed framework. A comprehensive comparative study is conducted to investigate the impacts of several UED model parameters, including the ratio of major axis to minor axis and rotation angle, and discontinuity density, on the stability of rock slopes and compared to the conventional Baecher disc model. The results show that the framework can effectively integrate the UED model into 3DEC and provide a realistic representation of the three-dimensional DFN, leading to improved accuracy and efficiency in the stability evaluation of jointed rock slopes. The framework also shed light on the interactive effects of the UED model parameters and discontinuity density on the rock slope stability, providing a strong reference for using the UED model in constructing DFN models for rock slopes.HighlightsThree-dimensional discrete fracture networks (DFNs) of rock masses are successfully constructed using the universal elliptical disc (UED) model.Python subroutines are developed in 3DEC to construct 3D DFNs using the UED model for improved discrete element analyses of jointed rock slopes.The effects of several characteristic parameters of the UED model on the stability of jointed rock slopes are investigated.Based on a key block model, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between jointed rock slope stability and fracture discontinuity are rigorously explained.The advantages of the UED model over the conventional Baecher disc model are comprehensively discussed based on a rock slope case study.

Holliday junction recognition protein (HJURP) is involved in the regulation of mortality in various cell types, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. The specific mechanisms by which HJURP regulates RCC cell apoptosis and the cell cycle have not been previously investigated, to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, the expression of HJURP in RCC tissues and adjacent paracancerous renal tissue, as well as in RCC cell lines, was analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. The A498 RCC cells were transfected with an HJURP overexpression vector, which resulted in reduced proliferation, as demonstrated using immunofluorescence staining, a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and a colony formation assay. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling assays were used to determine the effect of HJURP on the cell cycle and apoptosis of RCC cells. Proteins associated with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) status were analyzed using western blot analysis. The expression of HJURP was lower in RCC tissues and cells compared with that in the adjacent paracancerous renal tissues and control cells. Furthermore, overexpression of HJURP resulted in a decrease in cell viability and proliferation in vitro. Overexpression of HJURP resulted in cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, cell apoptosis and an increase in ROS stress. In addition, the phosphorylated/total sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein ratio was decreased, whereas the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ was increased in the HJURP-overexpressing RCC cells. In clinical practice, decreased HJURP expression may be associated with poor prognosis in patients with RCC. These results suggest that HJURP may regulate cell apoptosis and proliferation in RCC cells and this may be mediated by PPARγ/SIRT1. Thus, HJURP may be used as a predictor of prognosis in patients with RCC.

Al-6.5Si-42Zn and Al-6.5Si-42Zn-0.09Sr filler metals were used for brazing 6061 aluminum alloy. Air cooling and water cooling were applied after brazing. Si phase morphologies in the brazing alloy and the brazed joints were investigated. It was found that zinc in the Al-Si filler metals could reduce the formation of eutectic Al-Si phase and lower the brazing temperature at about 520℃. Adding 0.09wt% Sr element into the Al-6.5Si-42Zn alloy caused a-Al phase refinement and transformed acicular Si phase into the finely fiber-like. After water cooling, Zn element dissolved into the Al-Si eutectic area, and η-Zn phase disappeared in the brazed joints. Tensile strength testing results showed that the Sr-modified filler metal could enhance the strength of the brazed joints by 13% than Al-12Si, while water-cooling further improved the strength at 144 MPa.

The hosts of OH megamaser (OHM) are luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs), in fact 1/3 of them are ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs), which imply that OHM phenomena should be related to the infrared radiation field. In this paper, we investigate the far infrared (FIR) properties of OHM host galaxies, through detailed infrared data covering broad bands. All known OHM sources and one control sample of (U)LIRGs without maser detections (non-OHM sources) are cross-identified with AKARI and Herschel photometric catalogs. Comparative analysis on the spectral energy distribution (SED) with broad coverage from J to 350 μ m (taken from 2MASS, WISE, Spitzer, and AKARI and Herschel archive data) shows that the OHM sources tend to have higher FIR luminosities than those of the non-OHM sources, which are more pronounced in the SED range covered by the AKARI. These are consistent with our statistical results of the FIR luminosities distribution of both the samples, which show that the OHM sources tend to have higher FIR luminosities, especially, at short FIR wavelength (i.e., the 65 and 90 μ m). However, the non-OHM sources tend to have much stronger emission than those of OHM sources at both the near infrared (NIR) and middle infrared (MIR) bands. The statistic analysis of the color–color properties at MIR and FIR bands shows that the OHM sources have much cooler MIR and warmer FIR colors than non-OHM sources. These clues could help us to choose OHM candidates for future OHM surveys with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), where the OHM detection rate may exceed 40%. Further, one significant correlation of L OH ∝ L T FIR 1.18 ± 0.11 can be found between the maser luminosity and total FIR luminosity of OHM LIRGs. Combined with previous studies, we suggest that the OHM is dominantly pumped by the FIR, instead of NIR and MIR radiation fields.