Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.(EBM,Yin Yang Huo)on breast cancer using network pharmacology and in vitro validation.It also aimed to explore the novel targets and mechanis...Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.(EBM,Yin Yang Huo)on breast cancer using network pharmacology and in vitro validation.It also aimed to explore the novel targets and mechanisms of EBM in the treatment of breast cancer to facilitate the discovery of new drugs and their clinical application.Methods: Network pharmacology was used to identify and screen the components and targets of EBM for breast cancer treatment.Molecular docking was further screened the effective components and targets of EBM.Wound-healing assays and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect the ability of two compounds to intervene in the migration and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells,and their mechanism of action was further explored using western blotting experiments.Results: EBM contained 19 active components.Among them wereβ-anhydroicaritin(Anhy)and isoliquiritigenin(Iso),which were selected for in vitro experiments.Treatment resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of MDA-MB-231 cell viability,with an IC_(50) of 23.73μmol/L for Iso and 21.28μmol/L for Anhy.In the wound healing assay,cells in Anhy and Iso groups exhibited considerable inhibition of migration at 48 h.In flow cytometry analysis,treatment with Iso(20μmol/L)for 96 h resulted in significantly higher levels of both early and late apoptosis in the Iso group than that in the control group(P=.004 and P=.014,respectively).Additionally,both Iso(20μmol/L)and Anhy(10 and 20μmol/L)induced cell necrosis at 96 h.Western blotting revealed that Anhy and Iso increased the expression of Bax and TBK1/NAK.Conclusion: These findings suggested that Anhy and Iso,the two components of EBM,inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and migration of and induce their apoptosis,providing substantial support for future studies on breast cancer.展开更多
Electrical control of magnetism in van der Waals semiconductors is a promising step towards development of two-dimensional spintronic devices with ultralow power consumption for processing and storing information.Here...Electrical control of magnetism in van der Waals semiconductors is a promising step towards development of two-dimensional spintronic devices with ultralow power consumption for processing and storing information.Here, we propose a design for two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures(vdWHs) that can host ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism simultaneously under hole doping. By contacting an In Se monolayer and forming an InSe/In_(2)Se_(3) vd WH, the switchable built-in electric field from the reversible out-of-plane polarization enables robust control of the band alignment. Furthermore, switching between the two ferroelectric states(P_↑ and P_↓)of hole-doped In_(2)Se_(3) with an external electric field can interchange the ON and OFF states of the nonvolatile magnetism. More interestingly, doping concentration and strain can effectively tune the magnetic moment and polarization energy. Therefore, this provides a platform for realizing multiferroics in ferroelectric heterostructures,showing great potential for use in nonvolatile memories and ferroelectric field-effect transistors.展开更多
Background:More and more consumers are paying attention to skin rejuvenation.However,there is a lack of a non-invasive and efficient solution.Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of a trinity permeation synergism(TPS),w...Background:More and more consumers are paying attention to skin rejuvenation.However,there is a lack of a non-invasive and efficient solution.Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of a trinity permeation synergism(TPS),which consists of a firming essence,an atomizer and a photoelectric penetrator,for facial anti-aging efficacy.Material and methods:In this work,in vitro cell experiments and human efficacy study were used to evaluate the firming and anti-wrinkle effects.Cell experiments were used to verify the effect of the firming essence on the cell proliferation,migration,and anti-inflammation in keratinocytes(HaCaT),and on the gene expression levels of type I and type III collagen(Col-1 and Col-3)and type I matrix metalloproteinase(MMP-1)in human skin fibroblasts(HSF).After in vitro test,60 women aged 35–60 years were enrolled in the randomized test,of which 30 subjects were randomly selected to be the experimental group and treated with the TPS system,while the left 30 subjects were treated with the firming essence only considered as control.After 28 days,skin elasticity,skin redness value,and skin wrinkles were measured to evaluate the efficacy of the TPS system.Results:Cell experiments showed that the firming essence can significantly improve the proliferation and the migration of HaCaT cells.It also promoted the expression level of Col-1 and Col-3 gene,and inhibited the expression level of MMP-1 gene in HSF cells.After confirming the efficacy of firming essence,the efficacy benefit of the TPS was further studied.The 28-day tests show that combined use firming essence with atomizer and penetrator can significantly increase skin elasticity,reduce skin hemoglobin value and skin wrinkles on Day 28.Moreover,all the mentioned improvements are significantly better than that in the control group.Conclusion:Through efficient delivery in the whole process,TPS boosts the efficacy of active components in the firming essence.TPS offers an efficient,non-invasive,and convenient way for enhanced facial rejuvenation efficacy.展开更多
AIM: To explore the correlation between Twist-related protein (Twist)1, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2 and gastric adenocarcinoma differentiation and progression.
Background: Alterations in hematology, especially erythroid changes, may be involved in acute mountain sickness(AMS) at high altitude. This study aimed to identify the relationship between excessive erythrocytosis and...Background: Alterations in hematology, especially erythroid changes, may be involved in acute mountain sickness(AMS) at high altitude. This study aimed to identify the relationship between excessive erythrocytosis and AMS following different durations of high-altitude exposure.Methods: A total of 692 healthy young Chinese men were recruited for the study in June and July of 2012 and were divided into the following five groups: I) the 24-h group(24 hours after arrival at Lhasa, 3,700 m, n=261); II) the 7-d group(exposed at Lhasa, 3,700 m for seven days, n=99); III) the re-exposure group(re-exposed at Yang Bajing, 4,400 m for seven days after 】1 year of acclimation at 3,700 m, n=94); IV) the acclimated group(】1 year of acclimation at 3,700 m, Lhasa, n=42); and V) the sea-level control(control group, Chengdu, n=196). Case report forms were used to record the subjects’ demographic information and AMS-related symptoms. All of the subjects underwent routine blood tests.Results: The red blood cell(RBC) count fell slightly but was not significant upon acute exposure to high altitude, whereas the hemoglobin concentration([Hb]) increased significantly. After high-altitude re-exposure, both of the [Hb] and RBC count showed significant increases. The incidence of AMS was 65.1%, 26.3% and 51.1%, respectively in the 24-h, 7-d and re-exposure groups. The [Hb](P=0.024) and hematocrit(P=0.017) were greater in the AMS+ individuals than in the AMS– individuals in 7-d group. A correlation analysis revealed that the [Hb] and hematocrit were closely related with AMS score in 7-d and re-exposure groups, while the RBC showed a correlation with AMS score only in the re-exposure group. The AMS incidence was lowest when the [Hb] was between 140 and 160 g/L in the 24-h and 7-d groups.Conclusions: AMS is associated with both [Hb] and excessive erythrocytosis. Additionally, our findings indicate the existence of an optimal [Hb] for preventing AMS.展开更多
BACKGROUND Status epilepticus in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a rare butserious condition that is refractory to antiepileptic drugs, and current treatmentplans are vague. Diagnosis may be difficult wit...BACKGROUND Status epilepticus in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a rare butserious condition that is refractory to antiepileptic drugs, and current treatmentplans are vague. Diagnosis may be difficult without a clear history of cirrhosis.Liver transplantation (LT) is effective to alleviate symptoms, however, there arefew reports about LT in the treatment of status epilepticus with HE. To ourknowledge, this is the first report of status epilepticus present as initialmanifestation of HE.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old woman with a 20-year history of heavy drinking was hospitalizedfor generalized tonic-clonic seizures. She reported no history of episodes of HE,stroke, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites or gastrointestinal bleeding.Neurological examination revealed a comatose patient, without papilledema.Laboratory examination suggested liver cirrhosis. Plasma ammonia levels uponadmission were five times normal. Brain computed tomography (CT) was normal,while abdominal CT and ultrasound revealed mild ascites, liver cirrhosis andsplenomegaly. Electroencephalography (EEG)showed diffuse slow waves rhythm,consistent with HE, and sharp waves during ictal EEG corresponding to clinicalsemiology of focal tonic seizures. The symptoms were reversed by continuousantiepileptic treatment and lactulose. She was given oral levetiracetam, and focalaware seizures occasionally affected her 10 mo after LT.CONCLUSION Status epilepticus could be an initial manifestation of HE. Antiepileptic drugs combined with lactulose are essential for treatment of status epilepticus with HE,and LT is effective to prevent the relapse.展开更多
Objective: This study aimed to express a fusion protein of diphtheria toxin and human B cell-activating factor (DT388sBAFF) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and investigate its activity in human B-lineage acute lymp...Objective: This study aimed to express a fusion protein of diphtheria toxin and human B cell-activating factor (DT388sBAFF) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and investigate its activity in human B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia 1 cells (BALL-1). Methods: A fragment of DT388sBAFF fusion gene was separated from plasmid pUC57-DT388sBAFF digested with Nde I and Xho I, and inserted into the expression vector pcold II digested with the same enzymes. Recombinants were screened by the colony polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction map. The recombinant expression vector was transformed into BL21 and its expression was induced by isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The recombinant protein was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot, and then purified by Ni2+-NTA affinity chromatography. The expression level of B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) on BALL-1 cells was assessed by real-time PCR. The receptor binding capacity of recombinant protein was determined by cell fluorescent assay. The specific cytotoxicity of recombinant protein on BALL-1 cells was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: The expression level of recombinant protein was 50% of total bacterial proteins in E. coli, and the recombinant protein could bind to BAFF-R-positive BALL-1 cells and thereby produce a cytotoxic effect on the cells. Conclusion: The fusion protein expression vector DT388sBAFF was successfully constructed and the recombinant protein with selective cytotoxicity against BALL-1 cells was obtained, providing foundation for further study of the therapy of human B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia.展开更多
Next generation power system needs dielectrics with increased dielectric energy density.However,the low energy density of dielectrics limits their development.Here,an asymmetric trilayered nanocomposite,with a transit...Next generation power system needs dielectrics with increased dielectric energy density.However,the low energy density of dielectrics limits their development.Here,an asymmetric trilayered nanocomposite,with a transition layer(TL),an insulation layer(IL),and a polarization layer(PL),is designed based on poly(vinylidene fluoride)-polymethyl methacrylate(PVDF-PMMA)matrix using KNbO_(3)(KN)and TiO_(2)(TO)as the nanofillers.The morphology and defect control of the two-dimensional nano KN and nano TO fillers are realized via a hydrothermal method to increase the composite breakdown strength(E_(b))and the composite energy density(U_(e)).The asymmetric trilayered structure leads to a gradient electric field distribution,and the KN and TO nanosheets block charges transfer along z direction.As a result,the development path of the electrical trees is greatly curved,and E_(b) is effectively improved.And the Ue value of the nanocomposites reaches 17.79 J·cm^(-3) at 523 MV·m^(-1).On the basis,the composite Ue is further improved by defect control in TO nanosheets.The nanocomposite KN/TO/PVDF-PMMA containing TO with less oxygen vacancy concentration(calcined at oxygen atmosphere)acquires a high Ue of 21.61 J·cm^(-3) at 548 MV·m^(-1).This study provides an idea for improving the energy storage performance by combining the design of the composite dielectric structure and the control of nanofillers’defect and morphology.展开更多
Dissolved oxygen(DO)concentration is regarded as one of the crucial factors to influence partial nitrification process.However,achieving and keeping stable partial nitrification under different DO concentrations were ...Dissolved oxygen(DO)concentration is regarded as one of the crucial factors to influence partial nitrification process.However,achieving and keeping stable partial nitrification under different DO concentrations were widely reported.The mechanism of DO concentration influencing partial nitrification is still unclear.Therefore,in this study two same sequencing batch reactors(SBRs)cultivated same seeding sludge were built up with realtime control strategy.Different DO concentrations were controlled in SBRs to explore the effect of DO concentration on the long-term stability of partial nitrification process at room temperature.It was discovered that ammonium oxidation rate(AOR)was inhibited when DO concentration decreased from 2.5 to 0.5 mg/L.The abundance of Nitrospira increased from 1011.5 to 1013.7 copies/g DNA,and its relative percentage increased from 0.056%to 3.2%during 190 operational cycles,causing partial nitrification gradually turning into complete nitrification process.However,when DO was 2.5 mg/L the abundance of Nitrospira was stable and AOB was always kept at 1010.7 copies/g DNA.High AOR was maintained,and stable partial nitrification process was kept.Ammonia oxidizing bacteria(AOB)activity was significantly higher than nitrite oxidizing bacteria(NOB)activity at DO of 2.5 mg/L,which was crucial to maintain excellent nitrite accumulation performance.展开更多
Single-crystalline silicon materials with large dimensions have been widely used as assemblies in plasma silicon etching machines.However,information about large-diameter low-cost preparation technology has not been s...Single-crystalline silicon materials with large dimensions have been widely used as assemblies in plasma silicon etching machines.However,information about large-diameter low-cost preparation technology has not been sufficiently reported.In this paper,it was focused on the preparation of 400-mm silicon(100) crystal lightly doped with boron from 28-in.hot zones.Resistivity uniformity and oxygen concentration of the silicon crystal were investigated by direct-current(DC) four-point probes method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),respectively.The global heat transfer,melt flow and oxygen distribution were calculated by finite element method(FEM).The results show that 28-in.hot zones can replace conventional 32 in.ones to grow 400-mm-diameter silicon single crystals.The change in crucible diameter can save energy,reduce cost and improve efficiency.The trend of oxygen distribution obtained in calculations is in good agreement with experimental values.The present model can well predict the 400-mm-diameter silicon crystal growth and is essential for the optimization of furnace design and process condition.展开更多
The 2050 carbon-neutral vision spawns a novel energy structure revolution,and the construction of the future energy structure is based on equipment innovation.Insulating material,as the core of electrical power equipm...The 2050 carbon-neutral vision spawns a novel energy structure revolution,and the construction of the future energy structure is based on equipment innovation.Insulating material,as the core of electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset,faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities.The goal of carbon neutral and the urgent need for innovation in electric power equipment and electrification assets are first discussed.The engineering challenges constrained by the insulation system in future electric power equipment/devices and electrified transportation assets are investigated.Insulating materials,including intelligent insulating material,high thermal conductivity insulating material,high energy storage density insulating material,extreme environment resistant insulating material,and environmental-friendly insulating material,are cat-egorised with their scientific issues,opportunities and challenges under the goal of carbon neutrality being discussed.In the context of carbon neutrality,not only improves the understanding of the insulation problems from a macro level,that is,electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset,but also offers opportunities,remaining issues and challenges from the insulating material level.It is hoped that this paper en-visions the challenges regarding design and reliability of insulations in electrical equipment and electric vehicles in the context of policies towards carbon neutrality rules.The authors also hope that this paper can be helpful in future development and research of novel insulating materials,which promote the realisation of the carbon-neutral vision.展开更多
Numerical analysis is an effective tool to research the industrial Czochralski (CZ) crystal growth aiming to improve crystal quality and reduce manufactur- ing costs. In this study, a set of global simulations were ...Numerical analysis is an effective tool to research the industrial Czochralski (CZ) crystal growth aiming to improve crystal quality and reduce manufactur- ing costs. In this study, a set of global simulations were carried out to investigate the effect of crystal-crucible rotation and pulling rate on melt convection and solid- liquid (SL) interface shape. Through analyses of the sim- ulation data, it is found that the interface deformation and inherent stress increase during the crystal growth process. The interface deflection increases from 7.4 to 51.3 mm with an increase in crystal size from 150 to 400 mm. In addition, the SL interface shape and flow pattern are sen- sitive to pulling rate and rotation rate. Reducing pulling rate can flat SL interface shape and add energy-consuming. Interface with low deflection can be achieved by adopting certain combination of crystal and crucible rotation rates. The effect of crystal rotation on SL interface shape is less significant at higher crucible rotation rates.展开更多
The smooth transportation of substances through the brain extracellular space(ECS)is crucial to maintaining brain function;however,the way this occurs under simulated microgravity remains unclear.In this study,tracer-...The smooth transportation of substances through the brain extracellular space(ECS)is crucial to maintaining brain function;however,the way this occurs under simulated microgravity remains unclear.In this study,tracer-based magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and DECS-mapping techniques were used to image the drainage of brain interstitial fluid(ISF)from the ECS of the hippocampus in a tail-suspended hindlimb-unloading rat model at day 3(HU-3)and 7(HU-7).The results indicated that drainage of the ISF was accelerated in the HU-3 group but slowed markedly in the HU-7 group.The tortuosity of the ECS decreased in the HU-3 group but increased in the HU-7 group,while the volume fraction of the ECS increased in both groups.The diffusion rate within the ECS increased in the HU-3 group and decreased in the HU-7 group.The alterations to ISF drainage and diffusion in the ECS were recoverable in the HU-3 group,but neither parameter was restored in the HU-7 group.Our findings suggest that early changes to the hippocampal ECS and ISF drainage under simulated microgravity can be detected by tracer-based MRI,providing a new perspective for studying microgravity-induced nano-scale structure abnormities and developing neuroprotective approaches involving the brain ECS.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81774319).
文摘Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.(EBM,Yin Yang Huo)on breast cancer using network pharmacology and in vitro validation.It also aimed to explore the novel targets and mechanisms of EBM in the treatment of breast cancer to facilitate the discovery of new drugs and their clinical application.Methods: Network pharmacology was used to identify and screen the components and targets of EBM for breast cancer treatment.Molecular docking was further screened the effective components and targets of EBM.Wound-healing assays and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect the ability of two compounds to intervene in the migration and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells,and their mechanism of action was further explored using western blotting experiments.Results: EBM contained 19 active components.Among them wereβ-anhydroicaritin(Anhy)and isoliquiritigenin(Iso),which were selected for in vitro experiments.Treatment resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of MDA-MB-231 cell viability,with an IC_(50) of 23.73μmol/L for Iso and 21.28μmol/L for Anhy.In the wound healing assay,cells in Anhy and Iso groups exhibited considerable inhibition of migration at 48 h.In flow cytometry analysis,treatment with Iso(20μmol/L)for 96 h resulted in significantly higher levels of both early and late apoptosis in the Iso group than that in the control group(P=.004 and P=.014,respectively).Additionally,both Iso(20μmol/L)and Anhy(10 and 20μmol/L)induced cell necrosis at 96 h.Western blotting revealed that Anhy and Iso increased the expression of Bax and TBK1/NAK.Conclusion: These findings suggested that Anhy and Iso,the two components of EBM,inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and migration of and induce their apoptosis,providing substantial support for future studies on breast cancer.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Grant Nos. ZR2020MA068, ZR2022MA083, and ZR2023MA018)the Major Basic Research Project of Shandong Province (Grant No. ZR2020ZD28)。
文摘Electrical control of magnetism in van der Waals semiconductors is a promising step towards development of two-dimensional spintronic devices with ultralow power consumption for processing and storing information.Here, we propose a design for two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures(vdWHs) that can host ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism simultaneously under hole doping. By contacting an In Se monolayer and forming an InSe/In_(2)Se_(3) vd WH, the switchable built-in electric field from the reversible out-of-plane polarization enables robust control of the band alignment. Furthermore, switching between the two ferroelectric states(P_↑ and P_↓)of hole-doped In_(2)Se_(3) with an external electric field can interchange the ON and OFF states of the nonvolatile magnetism. More interestingly, doping concentration and strain can effectively tune the magnetic moment and polarization energy. Therefore, this provides a platform for realizing multiferroics in ferroelectric heterostructures,showing great potential for use in nonvolatile memories and ferroelectric field-effect transistors.
文摘Background:More and more consumers are paying attention to skin rejuvenation.However,there is a lack of a non-invasive and efficient solution.Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of a trinity permeation synergism(TPS),which consists of a firming essence,an atomizer and a photoelectric penetrator,for facial anti-aging efficacy.Material and methods:In this work,in vitro cell experiments and human efficacy study were used to evaluate the firming and anti-wrinkle effects.Cell experiments were used to verify the effect of the firming essence on the cell proliferation,migration,and anti-inflammation in keratinocytes(HaCaT),and on the gene expression levels of type I and type III collagen(Col-1 and Col-3)and type I matrix metalloproteinase(MMP-1)in human skin fibroblasts(HSF).After in vitro test,60 women aged 35–60 years were enrolled in the randomized test,of which 30 subjects were randomly selected to be the experimental group and treated with the TPS system,while the left 30 subjects were treated with the firming essence only considered as control.After 28 days,skin elasticity,skin redness value,and skin wrinkles were measured to evaluate the efficacy of the TPS system.Results:Cell experiments showed that the firming essence can significantly improve the proliferation and the migration of HaCaT cells.It also promoted the expression level of Col-1 and Col-3 gene,and inhibited the expression level of MMP-1 gene in HSF cells.After confirming the efficacy of firming essence,the efficacy benefit of the TPS was further studied.The 28-day tests show that combined use firming essence with atomizer and penetrator can significantly increase skin elasticity,reduce skin hemoglobin value and skin wrinkles on Day 28.Moreover,all the mentioned improvements are significantly better than that in the control group.Conclusion:Through efficient delivery in the whole process,TPS boosts the efficacy of active components in the firming essence.TPS offers an efficient,non-invasive,and convenient way for enhanced facial rejuvenation efficacy.
基金Supported by Medicine and Sanitation Development Project of Shandong Province,No.2014WS0323
文摘AIM: To explore the correlation between Twist-related protein (Twist)1, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2 and gastric adenocarcinoma differentiation and progression.
基金supported by grants from the Special Health Research Project,Ministry of Health of China(201002012)
文摘Background: Alterations in hematology, especially erythroid changes, may be involved in acute mountain sickness(AMS) at high altitude. This study aimed to identify the relationship between excessive erythrocytosis and AMS following different durations of high-altitude exposure.Methods: A total of 692 healthy young Chinese men were recruited for the study in June and July of 2012 and were divided into the following five groups: I) the 24-h group(24 hours after arrival at Lhasa, 3,700 m, n=261); II) the 7-d group(exposed at Lhasa, 3,700 m for seven days, n=99); III) the re-exposure group(re-exposed at Yang Bajing, 4,400 m for seven days after 】1 year of acclimation at 3,700 m, n=94); IV) the acclimated group(】1 year of acclimation at 3,700 m, Lhasa, n=42); and V) the sea-level control(control group, Chengdu, n=196). Case report forms were used to record the subjects’ demographic information and AMS-related symptoms. All of the subjects underwent routine blood tests.Results: The red blood cell(RBC) count fell slightly but was not significant upon acute exposure to high altitude, whereas the hemoglobin concentration([Hb]) increased significantly. After high-altitude re-exposure, both of the [Hb] and RBC count showed significant increases. The incidence of AMS was 65.1%, 26.3% and 51.1%, respectively in the 24-h, 7-d and re-exposure groups. The [Hb](P=0.024) and hematocrit(P=0.017) were greater in the AMS+ individuals than in the AMS– individuals in 7-d group. A correlation analysis revealed that the [Hb] and hematocrit were closely related with AMS score in 7-d and re-exposure groups, while the RBC showed a correlation with AMS score only in the re-exposure group. The AMS incidence was lowest when the [Hb] was between 140 and 160 g/L in the 24-h and 7-d groups.Conclusions: AMS is associated with both [Hb] and excessive erythrocytosis. Additionally, our findings indicate the existence of an optimal [Hb] for preventing AMS.
基金Supported by Beijing MunicipalScience & TechnologyCommission, No.Z181100001718220.
文摘BACKGROUND Status epilepticus in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a rare butserious condition that is refractory to antiepileptic drugs, and current treatmentplans are vague. Diagnosis may be difficult without a clear history of cirrhosis.Liver transplantation (LT) is effective to alleviate symptoms, however, there arefew reports about LT in the treatment of status epilepticus with HE. To ourknowledge, this is the first report of status epilepticus present as initialmanifestation of HE.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old woman with a 20-year history of heavy drinking was hospitalizedfor generalized tonic-clonic seizures. She reported no history of episodes of HE,stroke, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites or gastrointestinal bleeding.Neurological examination revealed a comatose patient, without papilledema.Laboratory examination suggested liver cirrhosis. Plasma ammonia levels uponadmission were five times normal. Brain computed tomography (CT) was normal,while abdominal CT and ultrasound revealed mild ascites, liver cirrhosis andsplenomegaly. Electroencephalography (EEG)showed diffuse slow waves rhythm,consistent with HE, and sharp waves during ictal EEG corresponding to clinicalsemiology of focal tonic seizures. The symptoms were reversed by continuousantiepileptic treatment and lactulose. She was given oral levetiracetam, and focalaware seizures occasionally affected her 10 mo after LT.CONCLUSION Status epilepticus could be an initial manifestation of HE. Antiepileptic drugs combined with lactulose are essential for treatment of status epilepticus with HE,and LT is effective to prevent the relapse.
基金supported by grants from the National "973" Basic Research Program of China (No.2012CB944703)the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of China (No.2011BAI17B00)the Shandong Provincial Science and Technology Development Projects (No.2009GG10002008 and No.2011GSF12103)
文摘Objective: This study aimed to express a fusion protein of diphtheria toxin and human B cell-activating factor (DT388sBAFF) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and investigate its activity in human B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia 1 cells (BALL-1). Methods: A fragment of DT388sBAFF fusion gene was separated from plasmid pUC57-DT388sBAFF digested with Nde I and Xho I, and inserted into the expression vector pcold II digested with the same enzymes. Recombinants were screened by the colony polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction map. The recombinant expression vector was transformed into BL21 and its expression was induced by isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The recombinant protein was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot, and then purified by Ni2+-NTA affinity chromatography. The expression level of B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) on BALL-1 cells was assessed by real-time PCR. The receptor binding capacity of recombinant protein was determined by cell fluorescent assay. The specific cytotoxicity of recombinant protein on BALL-1 cells was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: The expression level of recombinant protein was 50% of total bacterial proteins in E. coli, and the recombinant protein could bind to BAFF-R-positive BALL-1 cells and thereby produce a cytotoxic effect on the cells. Conclusion: The fusion protein expression vector DT388sBAFF was successfully constructed and the recombinant protein with selective cytotoxicity against BALL-1 cells was obtained, providing foundation for further study of the therapy of human B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21071115)the Shaanxi Province Natural Science Foundation Research Project(Nos.2020JZ–44 and 2021JZ–44)+1 种基金the Key Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shaanxi Province(No.2019TD–007)Northwest University 2023 college students innovation and entrepreneurship training program project(No.2023354).
文摘Next generation power system needs dielectrics with increased dielectric energy density.However,the low energy density of dielectrics limits their development.Here,an asymmetric trilayered nanocomposite,with a transition layer(TL),an insulation layer(IL),and a polarization layer(PL),is designed based on poly(vinylidene fluoride)-polymethyl methacrylate(PVDF-PMMA)matrix using KNbO_(3)(KN)and TiO_(2)(TO)as the nanofillers.The morphology and defect control of the two-dimensional nano KN and nano TO fillers are realized via a hydrothermal method to increase the composite breakdown strength(E_(b))and the composite energy density(U_(e)).The asymmetric trilayered structure leads to a gradient electric field distribution,and the KN and TO nanosheets block charges transfer along z direction.As a result,the development path of the electrical trees is greatly curved,and E_(b) is effectively improved.And the Ue value of the nanocomposites reaches 17.79 J·cm^(-3) at 523 MV·m^(-1).On the basis,the composite Ue is further improved by defect control in TO nanosheets.The nanocomposite KN/TO/PVDF-PMMA containing TO with less oxygen vacancy concentration(calcined at oxygen atmosphere)acquires a high Ue of 21.61 J·cm^(-3) at 548 MV·m^(-1).This study provides an idea for improving the energy storage performance by combining the design of the composite dielectric structure and the control of nanofillers’defect and morphology.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51878011)
文摘Dissolved oxygen(DO)concentration is regarded as one of the crucial factors to influence partial nitrification process.However,achieving and keeping stable partial nitrification under different DO concentrations were widely reported.The mechanism of DO concentration influencing partial nitrification is still unclear.Therefore,in this study two same sequencing batch reactors(SBRs)cultivated same seeding sludge were built up with realtime control strategy.Different DO concentrations were controlled in SBRs to explore the effect of DO concentration on the long-term stability of partial nitrification process at room temperature.It was discovered that ammonium oxidation rate(AOR)was inhibited when DO concentration decreased from 2.5 to 0.5 mg/L.The abundance of Nitrospira increased from 1011.5 to 1013.7 copies/g DNA,and its relative percentage increased from 0.056%to 3.2%during 190 operational cycles,causing partial nitrification gradually turning into complete nitrification process.However,when DO was 2.5 mg/L the abundance of Nitrospira was stable and AOB was always kept at 1010.7 copies/g DNA.High AOR was maintained,and stable partial nitrification process was kept.Ammonia oxidizing bacteria(AOB)activity was significantly higher than nitrite oxidizing bacteria(NOB)activity at DO of 2.5 mg/L,which was crucial to maintain excellent nitrite accumulation performance.
基金financially supported by the Major National Science and Technology Projects(No.2008ZX02401)
文摘Single-crystalline silicon materials with large dimensions have been widely used as assemblies in plasma silicon etching machines.However,information about large-diameter low-cost preparation technology has not been sufficiently reported.In this paper,it was focused on the preparation of 400-mm silicon(100) crystal lightly doped with boron from 28-in.hot zones.Resistivity uniformity and oxygen concentration of the silicon crystal were investigated by direct-current(DC) four-point probes method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),respectively.The global heat transfer,melt flow and oxygen distribution were calculated by finite element method(FEM).The results show that 28-in.hot zones can replace conventional 32 in.ones to grow 400-mm-diameter silicon single crystals.The change in crucible diameter can save energy,reduce cost and improve efficiency.The trend of oxygen distribution obtained in calculations is in good agreement with experimental values.The present model can well predict the 400-mm-diameter silicon crystal growth and is essential for the optimization of furnace design and process condition.
文摘The 2050 carbon-neutral vision spawns a novel energy structure revolution,and the construction of the future energy structure is based on equipment innovation.Insulating material,as the core of electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset,faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities.The goal of carbon neutral and the urgent need for innovation in electric power equipment and electrification assets are first discussed.The engineering challenges constrained by the insulation system in future electric power equipment/devices and electrified transportation assets are investigated.Insulating materials,including intelligent insulating material,high thermal conductivity insulating material,high energy storage density insulating material,extreme environment resistant insulating material,and environmental-friendly insulating material,are cat-egorised with their scientific issues,opportunities and challenges under the goal of carbon neutrality being discussed.In the context of carbon neutrality,not only improves the understanding of the insulation problems from a macro level,that is,electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset,but also offers opportunities,remaining issues and challenges from the insulating material level.It is hoped that this paper en-visions the challenges regarding design and reliability of insulations in electrical equipment and electric vehicles in the context of policies towards carbon neutrality rules.The authors also hope that this paper can be helpful in future development and research of novel insulating materials,which promote the realisation of the carbon-neutral vision.
基金financially supported by the Major National Science and Technology Projects (No. 2009ZX02011)
文摘Numerical analysis is an effective tool to research the industrial Czochralski (CZ) crystal growth aiming to improve crystal quality and reduce manufactur- ing costs. In this study, a set of global simulations were carried out to investigate the effect of crystal-crucible rotation and pulling rate on melt convection and solid- liquid (SL) interface shape. Through analyses of the sim- ulation data, it is found that the interface deformation and inherent stress increase during the crystal growth process. The interface deflection increases from 7.4 to 51.3 mm with an increase in crystal size from 150 to 400 mm. In addition, the SL interface shape and flow pattern are sen- sitive to pulling rate and rotation rate. Reducing pulling rate can flat SL interface shape and add energy-consuming. Interface with low deflection can be achieved by adopting certain combination of crystal and crucible rotation rates. The effect of crystal rotation on SL interface shape is less significant at higher crucible rotation rates.
基金supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(61625102)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61971011)。
文摘The smooth transportation of substances through the brain extracellular space(ECS)is crucial to maintaining brain function;however,the way this occurs under simulated microgravity remains unclear.In this study,tracer-based magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and DECS-mapping techniques were used to image the drainage of brain interstitial fluid(ISF)from the ECS of the hippocampus in a tail-suspended hindlimb-unloading rat model at day 3(HU-3)and 7(HU-7).The results indicated that drainage of the ISF was accelerated in the HU-3 group but slowed markedly in the HU-7 group.The tortuosity of the ECS decreased in the HU-3 group but increased in the HU-7 group,while the volume fraction of the ECS increased in both groups.The diffusion rate within the ECS increased in the HU-3 group and decreased in the HU-7 group.The alterations to ISF drainage and diffusion in the ECS were recoverable in the HU-3 group,but neither parameter was restored in the HU-7 group.Our findings suggest that early changes to the hippocampal ECS and ISF drainage under simulated microgravity can be detected by tracer-based MRI,providing a new perspective for studying microgravity-induced nano-scale structure abnormities and developing neuroprotective approaches involving the brain ECS.