Huanglian decoction suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by reducing CCNB1 expression

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most prevalent cancers in human populations worldwide.Huanglian decoction is one of the most important Chinese medicine formulas,with the potential to treat cancer.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of Huanglian decoction on HCC cells.METHODS To identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),we downloaded gene expression profile data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Gene Expression Omnibus(GSE45436)databases.We obtained phytochemicals of the four herbs of Huanglian decoction from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform.We also established a regulatory network of DEGs and drug target genes and subsequently analyzed key genes using bioinformatics approaches.Furthermore,we conducted in vitro experiments to explore the effect of Huanglian decoction and to verify the predictions.In particular,the CCNB1 gene was knocked down to verify the primary target of this decoction.Through the identification of the expression levels of key proteins,we determined the primary mechanism of Huanglian decoction in HCC.RESULTS Based on the results of the network pharmacological analysis,we revealed 5 bioactive compounds in Huanglian decoction that act on HCC.In addition,a protein-protein interaction network analysis of the target genes of these five compounds as well as expression and prognosis analyses were performed in tumors.CCNB1 was confirmed to be the primary gene that may be highly expressed in tumors and was significantly associated with a worse prognosis.We also noted that CCNB1 may serve as an independent prognostic indicator in HCC.Moreover,in vitro experiments demonstrated that Huanglian decoction significantly inhibited the growth,migration,and invasiveness of HCC cells and induced cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest.Further analysis showed that the decoction may inhibit the growth of HCC cells by downregulating the CCNB1 expression level.After Huanglian decoction treatment,the expression levels of Bax,caspase 3,caspase 9,p21 and p53 in HCC cells were increased,while the expression of CDK1 and CCNB1 was significantly decreased.The p53 signaling pathway was also found to play an important role in this process.CONCLUSION Huanglian decoction has a significant inhibitory effect on HCC cells.CCNB1 is a potential therapeutic target in HCC.Further analysis showed that Huanglian decoction can inhibit HCC cell growth by downregulating the expression of CCNB1 to activate the p53 signaling pathway.

一类分数阶多智能体系统的协调跟踪控制

针对分数阶多智能体系统的协调跟踪控制问题,首先,引入Caputo分数阶概念及证明方法,采用领导跟随多智能体系统的一致性控制算法,并通过线性矩阵不等式(Linear Matrix Inequality,LMI)来求解控制算法中的待设计参数,以保证所有智能体状态最终能够收敛到预期目标值;然后,借助Lyapunov稳定性理论、代数图论等方法得到分数阶多智能体系统实现领导跟随一致性的充分条件;最后,通过数值仿真验证理论结果的有效性。

CH4/N2 separation on methane molecules grade diameter channel molecular sieves with a CHA-type structure

Samples of methane molecules grade diameter channel CHA-type molecular sieves(Chabazite-K, SAPO-34 and SSZ-13) were investigated using the adsorption separation of CH4/N2 mixtures. The isotherms recorded for CH4 and N2 follow a typical type-Ι behavior, which were fitted well with the Sips model(R2>0.999) and the selectivity was calculated using IAST theory. The results reveal that Chabazite-K has the highest selectivity(SCH4/N= 5.5).2 SSZ-13 has the largest capacity, which can adsorb up to a maximum of 30.957 cm3·g-1(STP) of CH4, due to it having the largest pore volume and surface area, but the lowest selectivity(SCH4/N2= 2.5). From the breakthrough test, we can conclude that SSZ-13 may be a suitable candidate for the recovery of CH4 from low concentration methane(CH4<20%) based on its larger pore volume and higher CH4 capacity. Chabazite-K is more suited to the separation of high concentration methane(CH4>50%) due to its higher selectivity.

Nitrogen rejection from low quality natural gas by pressure swing adsorption experiments and simulation using dynamic adsorption isotherms

In order to remove N_(2) from low quality natural gas,a mathematical model has been established by Aspen adsorption,using the CH_(4)-selective sorbent silicalite-1 pellets.The dynamic adsorption isotherm was first simulated by breakthrough simulation of a CH_(4)/N_(2) mixture at different adsorption pressures and feed flow rates based on breakthrough experiments.The resulting simulated CH_(4) dynamic adsorption amounts were very close to the experimental data at three different adsorption pressures(100,200,and 300 kPa).Moreover,a single-bed,three-step pressure swing adsorption(PSA)experiment was performed,and the results were in good agreement with the simulated data,further corroborating the accuracy of the gas dynamic adsorption isotherm obtained by the simulation method.Finally,based on the simulated dynamic adsorption isotherm of CH_(4) and N_(2),a four-bed,eight-step PSA process has been designed,which enriched 75%(vol)CH_(4) and 80%(vol)CH_(4) to 95%(vol)and 99%(vol),and provided 99%(vol)recovery.

Experiment and analysis on flow rate and temperature of liquid PbBi in PREKY

Flow rate and temperature are important parameters for design and operation of liquid lead–bismuth(Pb Bi) experimental loop. The PREKY facility was designed to study test technique of flow rate and local temperature of Pb Bi loop. In this work, flow rate monitoring of molten Pb Bi was performed, and temperatures of the Pb Bi and pipe surface were measured. The results show that the flow rate of the venturi-nozzle flow meter had an uncertainty of ±5 % in the range of 0.6–2.0 m/s, and the maximum temperature difference between the Pb Bi and pipe surface was about 8 ℃.

Quantitative assessment of physiological cerebrospinal fluid flow in the cervical spinal canal with 3.0T phase-contrast cine MRI

A total of 50 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 54 years underwent phase-contrast cine MR to assess cerebrospinal fluid flow characteristics in different regions of the vertebral canal. The results revealed that the cerebrospinal fluid peak flow velocity and peak flow rate in the systolic phase were significantly greater than those in the diastolic phase at the same level in the subarachnoid space of the cervical spinal canal. The ventral peak flow velocity and peak flow rate were significantly greater than the post-lateral peak flow velocity and flow rate, while there were no differences between left and right post-lateral subarachnoid peak velocity and flow rate. Moreover, there were no significant differences in peak flow velocity and peak flow rate between the systolic and diastolic phases, ventral, right post-lateral or left post-lateral peak flow velocity and peak flow rate at the same level in the subarachnoid space of the cervical spinal canal among different age groups （18 24, 25 34, 35-44, ≥45 years）.

Quantitative analysis of intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid flow in normal adults

The present study quantitatively analyzed intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid flow patterns in 19 normal adults using fast cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Results showed increased downward flow velocity and volume compared with upward flow, and the average downward flow volume of intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid decreased from top to bottom at different intervertebral disc levels. Upward and downward cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity reached a peak at the thoracic intraspinal anterior region, and velocity reached a minimum at the posterior region. Overall measurements revealed that mean upward and downward flow volume positively correlated with the subarachnoid area. Upward peak flow velocity and volume positively correlated with spinal anteroposterior diameter. However, downward peak flow velocity and volume exhibited a negative correlation with spinal anteroposterior diameter. Further flow measurements showed that flow velocity in upward and downward directions was associated with subarachnoid anteroposterior diameter, respectively. The present experimental results showed that cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity and volume varied at different intraspinal regions and were affected by subarachnoid space area and anteroposterior diameter size.

基于低浓度甲烷富集的变压吸附工艺流程优化模拟

甲烷富集是开发利用低浓度煤层气的必要措施,变压吸附技术以其低能耗、低成本成为研究热点。基于Aspen adsorption流程模拟软件研究了氮气选择性吸附剂MIL-100(Cr)和甲烷选择性吸附剂Silicalite-1在常规双塔六步真空变压吸附(VPSA)工艺和增加缓冲罐优化的VPSA工艺下富集低浓度甲烷的过程。模拟结果表明增加缓冲罐优化的VPSA工艺可以有效提升甲烷回收率,在MIL-100(Cr)上甲烷回收率提升表现优于Silicalite-1。采用单次循环效率综合指标定量分析了吸附剂类型和工艺对甲烷富集效果的影响,增加缓冲罐优化的VPSA工艺在MIL-100(Cr)吸附剂上的单次循环效率提升超过30个百分点,Silicalite-1吸附剂单次循环效率降低1个百分点。综合分析表明Silicalite-1吸附剂适用于常规VPSA工艺富集低浓度甲烷,而MIL-100(Cr)吸附剂更适合增加缓冲罐优化的VPSA工艺富集低浓度甲烷。

Reconsidering the efficiency of grazing exclusion using fences on the Tibetan Plateau

Grazing exclusion using fences is a key policy being applied by the Chinese government to rehabilitate degraded grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau(TP)and elsewhere.However,there is a limited understanding of the effects of grazing exclusion on alpine ecosystem functions and services and its impacts on herders’livelihoods.Our meta-analyses and questionnaire-based surveys revealed that grazing exclusion with fences was effective in promoting aboveground vegetation growth for up to four years in degraded alpine meadows and for up to eight years in the alpine steppes of the TP.Longer-term fencing did not bring any ecological and economic benefits.We also found that fencing hindered wildlife movement,increased grazing pressure in unfenced areas,lowered the satisfaction of herders,and rendered substantial financial costs to both regional and national governments.We recommend that traditional free grazing should be encouraged if applicable,short-term fencing(for 4-8 years)should be adopted in severely degraded grasslands,and fencing should be avoided in key wildlife habitat areas,especially the protected large mammal species.

Nanobiochar for the remediation of contaminated soil and water:challenges and opportunities

Although research on biochar has received increasing attention for environmental and agricultural applications,the significance of nanobiochar for environmental pollutant remediation is poorly understood.In contrast to bulk biochar,nanobiochar has superior physicochemical properties such as high catalytic activity,unique nanostructure,large specific surface area and high mobility in the soil environment.These unique characteristics make nanobiochar an ideal candidate for pollution remediation.Thus far,the research on nanobiochar is still in its infancy and most of the previous studies have only been conducted for exploring its properties and environmental functions.The lack of in-depth summary of nanobiochar’s research direction makes it a challenge for scientists and researchers globally.Hence in this review,we established some key fabrication methods for nanobiochar with a focus on its performance for the removal of pollutants from the environment.We also provided up-to-date information on nanobiochar’s role in environmental remediation and insights into different mechanisms involved in the pollutant removal.Although,nanobiochar application is increasing,the associated drawbacks to the soil ecosystem have not received enough research attention.Therefore,further research is warranted to evaluate the potential environmental risks of nanobiochar before large scale application.

Electronic Data Preservation and Storage of Evidence by Blockchain

In the face of the era of big data,how to ensure the authenticity of electronic data has become an important practical issue.Online preservation methods based on hash operation,time stamp,and blockchain technology can effectively guarantee the authenticity and security of electronic data.Blockchains are inherently traceable,de‑centralized,and difficult to tamper with,which can be enough served as the basic technology of electronic data certification.Preservation by blockchain mainly includes the following links:platform registration and identity authentication,generation and transmission of electronic data,and storage of electronic data.Preservation by blockchain has higher security than centralized online security because of distributed storage.However,it should be acknowledged that the preservation by blockchain is not without risk.The court should adhere to the principle of individual review of each case and review the electronic data from its generation,transmission,reception,storage,and collection.