Glycyrrhizic acid attenuates CCl_4-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in rats via a p53-mediated pathway

AIM: To investigate the effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatocyte apo-ptosis in rats via a p53-dependent mitochondrial path-way. METHODS: Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups, the control group, the CCl4 group, and the GA treatment group. To induce liver fibrosis in this model, rats were given a subcutaneous injection of a 40% solution of CCl4 in olive oil at a dose of 0.3 mL/100 g body weight biweekly for 8 wk, while controls received the same isovolumetric dose of olive oil by hypodermic injection, with an initial double-dose injection. In the GA group,rats were also treated with a 40% solution of CCl4 plus 0.2% GA solution in double distilled water by the intraperitoneal injection of 3 mL per rat three times a week from the first week following previously published methods, with modifications. Controls were given the same isovolumetric dose of double distilled water. Liver function parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were de-termined. Pathologic changes in the liver were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen fibers were evaluated by Sirius red staining. Hepatocyte apoptosis was investigated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and the cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry assay. The expression levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry or Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: After 8 wk of treatment, GA significantly re-duced serum activity of ALT (from 526.7 ± 57.2 to 342 ± 44.8, P<0.05) and AST (from 640 ± 33.7 to 462.8 ± 30.6, P<0.05), attenuated the changes in liver his-topathology and reduced the staging score (from 3.53 ± 0.74 to 3.00 ± 0.76, P<0.05) in CCl4 -treated rats. GA markedly reduced the positive area of Sirius red and the ratio of the hepatic fibrotic region (from 7.87% ± 0.66% to 3.68% ± 0.32%, P<0.05) compared with the CCl4 group. GA also decreased the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 compared to the CCl4 group. TU-NEL assay indicated that GA significantly diminished the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared with the CCl4 group (P<0.05). GA treatment clearly decreased the level of p53 (P<0.05) detected by immunohis-tochemistry and Western blotting analysis. Compared with the CCl4 group, we also found that GA reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P<0.05), the expression of cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05), cleaved caspase-9 (P<0.05), and inhibited cytochrome C and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) release from mito-chondria to cytoplasm, i.e. , GA reduced the expressionlevel of Smac, which inhibited c-IAP1 activity (P<0.05), ultimately inhibiting the activity of caspase-3, according to Western blotting analysis. As a result, GA suppressed activation of the caspase cascades and prevented he-patocyte apoptosis.

Intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Biliary cystadenoma(BCA)is a rare benign tumor,accounting for only 5%of reported cystic lesions of the liver.Given its potential for malignancy and high rate of recurrence,surgical resection is the preferred treatment.Therefore,early and accurate preoperative diagnosis is critical to the choice of treatment.We here report the first male case of BCA in our hospital,diagnosed by our team and confirmed by pathological biopsy.This article aims to improve the understanding of this disease and help make a correct diagnosis to better manage it.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old man with irregular abdominal discomfort came to our clinic and was found to have a distended abdomen during physical examination.Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging both showed a huge cystic mass in the liver.The patient underwent left hepatic lobectomy,cholecystectomy,and liver cyst fenestration,and most of the masses had decreased in size as of the 6-mo follow-up.The pathological diagnosis was consistent with BCA,and no recurrence was detected after the surgery.BCA occurred mainly in middle-aged women.To the best of our knowledge,this patient is the 11th male case of BCA reported in the literature.CONCLUSION The combination of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is of great significance for the early accurate diagnosis of the disease and the choice of surgical methods.

First principles investigation on Li or Sn codoped hexagonal tungsten bronzes as the near-infrared shielding material

The 52%energy of the solar radiation is contributed by near-infrared radiation(NIR,780-2500 nm).Therefore,the material design for the energy-saving smart window,which can effectively shield NIR and has acceptable visible transmittance,is vital to save the energy consumed on the temperature control system.It is important to find a non-toxic stable material with excellent NIR-shielding ability and acceptable visible transmittance.The systematic first-principles study on Li_(x)Sn_(y)WO_(3)(x=0,0.33,0.66,and y=0,0.33)exhibits that the chemical stability is a positive correlation with the doping concentration.After doping,the Fermi-energy upshifts into the conduction band,and the material shows metal-like characteristics.Therefore,these structures Li_(x)Sn_(y)WO_(3)(except the structure with x=0.33 and y=0)show pronounced improvement of NIR shielding ability.Our results indicate that when x=0 and y=0.33,the material exhibits the strongest NIR-shielding ability,satisfying chemical stability,wide NIR-shielding range(780-2500 nm),and acceptable visible transmittance.This work provides a good choice for experimental study on NIR shielding material for the energy-saving window.

Photoelectron imaging of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization and above-threshold ionization of ammonia molecules in a strong 800-nm laser pulse

In this work, we mainly investigate the NH3 molecular multiphoton ionization process by using the photoelectron velocity map imaging technique. Under the condition of femtosecond laser(wavelength at 800 nm), the photoelectron images are detected. The channel switching and above-threshold ionization(ATI) effect are also confirmed. The kinetic energy spectrum(KES) and the photoelectron angular distributions(PADs) are obtained through the anti-Abel transformation from the original images, and then three ionization channels are confirmed successfully according to the Freeman resonance effect in a relatively low laser intensity region. In the excitation process, the intermediate resonance Rydberg states are C^1 A 1(6 + 2 photons process), B^1 E(6 + 2 photons process) and C^1 A 1(7 + 2 photons process), respectively. At the same time, we also find that the photoelectron angular distributions are independent of laser intensity. In addition, the electrons produced by different processes interfere with each other and they can produce a spider-like structure. We also find ac-Stark movement according to the Stark-shift-induced resonance effect when the laser intensity is relatively high.

Imaging alignment of rotational state-selected CH_3I molecule

We experimentally and numerically investigate CH_3I molecular alignment by using a femtosecond laser and a hexapole. The hexapole provides the single |111〉rotational state condition at 4.5-kV hexapole rod voltage. Based on this single rotational state, an enhanced alignment degree of 0.73 is achieved. Our experimental results are in agreement with the simulation results. We experimentally obtain the ion velocity map images and show the influence of the initial rotational-state population. With the I+ion images and angular distributions at different pump-probe delay time, the alignment and anti-alignment phenomena are further demonstrated. The molecules will be under field-free conditions when the laser effect disappears completely at the full revival time. Our work shows that the quantum control and spatial control on CH_3I molecules can be realized and molecular coordinate frame can be obtained for further molecular experiment.

Photoelectron imaging on vibrational excitation and Rydberg intermediate states in multi-photon ionization process of NH3 molecule

The ionization processes of NH3 molecule are studied by photoelectron velocity map imaging technique in a linearly polarized 400-nm femtosecond laser field. The two-dimensional photoelectron images from ammonia molecules under different laser intensities are obtained. In the slow electron region, the values of kinetic energy of photoelectrons corresponding to peaks 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 0.27, 0.86, 1.16, and 1.6 eV, respectively. With both the kinetic energy and angular distribution of photoelectrons from NH3 molecules, we can confirm that the two-photon excited intermediate Rydberg state is A^1 A2" (v2'=3) state for photoelectron peaks 2, 3, 4, and the three peaks are marked as 1223 (2 + 2), 1123 (2 + 2), and 1023 (2 + 2) multi-photon processes, respectively. Then, peak 1 is found by adding a hexapole between the source chamber and the detection chamber to realize the rotational state selection and beam focusing. Peak 1 is labeled as the 1323 (3 + 1) multi-photon process through the intermediate Rydberg state E^1A1'. The phenomena of channel switching are found in the slow electron kinetic energy distributions. Our calculations and experimental results indicate that the stretching vibrational mode of ammonia molecules varies with channels, while the umbrella vibration does not. In addition, we consider and discuss the ac-Stark effect in a strong laser field. Peaks 5 and 6 are marked as (2 + 2 + 1) and (2 + 2 + 2) above threshold ionization processes in the fast electron region.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the prostate in a 58-year-old man:A case report

BACKGROUND Primitive neuroectodermal tumor(PNET),especially located in the prostate,is a rare tumor that mainly occurs in young men.Bladder or rectum invasion and distant metastasis are strongly associated with a poor prognosis.Combination therapy,including radical surgery,adjuvant chemotherapy,and radiotherapy,is available.We present a case of prostatic PNET and a review of 17 cases identified in the literature.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old man was admitted complaining of dysuria for 2 years.Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large cystic-solid mass in the pelvic cavity compressing the surrounding bladder and rectum.The mass was iso-to hyperintense on T1-weighted imaging(WI)and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2WI.Cystic degeneration and necrosis were seen in the tumor,and solid tissues within the mass enhanced on contrast-enhanced scan.The patient underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic pelvic tumor resection.Histologically,the presence of many small round cells that were positive for expression of CD99,vimentin,and synaptophysin established the diagnosis of PNET in the prostate after surgery.The patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy.During 34 mo of follow-up,the patient had no signs or symptoms of recurrence or residual disease.CONCLUSION We present the case of the oldest prostatic PNET patient,who has a good prognosis.This illustrates how older men with prostatic PNET may also benefit from the combination therapy,like younger adults,and achieve a long-term survival.As always,PNET should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aggressive prostatic tumors in young men.

Comparative Study on the Infrared Radiance Field of Building Surface under Sunshine Conditions and Rainfall Conditions

The Monte Carlo method and the region method are combined in this paper,where a high-rise building in Harbin were taken for example to investigate the infrared radiation field of building surface.The calculation models of temperature field and radiation transfer coefficient on the exterior surface were established.Through the self-built Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function(BRDF)experimental device,the BRDFs of moorstone,aluminum plate,coated glass and Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer(EPDM)on the surfaces under dry and wet conditions were measured at different incidence angles with respective laser wavelengths of0.6328μm and 1.34μm.For the two wavelengths,the reflection ratios of the material surfaces under dry and wet conditions were calculated respectively.Based on some proper simplifications of the background condition,the simulation analysis of the radiation field of building surface was carried out according to the wetness theory and the measured data.Taking the situation at 9:00 a.m.on the day of summer solstice as an example,this paper made relevant quantitative calculation for the solar radiation,the self radiation of the surface units,the radiating projection between the surface units,and the general infrared radiation of the building surface.Comparisons on infrared radiance field of the building surface were obtained under cloud-free sunshine conditions and rainfall conditions respectively,and the rationality of the results was discussed.

Intrinsically asymmetric atomic character regulates piezoelectricity in two-dimensional materials

Decreasing of layer thickness causes the decrease of polarization until it disappears due to the existence of depolarization field.Therefore,the search for strong piezoelectric materials is highly desirable for multifunctional ultra-thin piezoelectric devices.Herein,we propose a common strategy for achieving strong piezoelectric materials through the electronic asymmetry induced by the intrinsically asymmetric atomic character of different chalcogen atoms.Accordingly,in the tetrahedral lattice structures,for example,M4X3Y3(M=Pd/Ni,X/Y=S,Se or Te,X≠Y)monolayers are proved to display excellent out-of-plane piezoelectricity.Ni4Se3Te3 possesses the largest piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 61.57 pm/V,which is much larger than that of most 2D materials.Enhancing the electronic asymmetry further increases the out-of-plane piezoelectricity of Janus M4X3Y3 materials.Correspondingly,the out-of-plane piezoelectricity is positively correlated with the ratio of electronegativity difference(Red)and the electric dipole moment(P).This work provides alternative materials for energy harvesting nano-devices or self-energized wearable devices,and supplies a valuable guideline for predicting 2D materials with strong out-of-plane piezoelectricity.

The key role of inoculated sludge in fast start-up of sequencing batch reactor for the domestication of aerobic granular sludge

Two types of inoculated sludges, granular sludge that had been stored at-20°C and activated sludge, were investigated for the domestication of aerobic granular sludges(AGSs in sequencing batch reactors(SBRs). The results showed that using the stored granular sludge as inoculation sludge could effectively shorten the domestication time of AGS and yielded mature granular sludge after 22 days of operation. The AGS domesticated by stored granular sludge had better biomass and sedimentation properties; its MLSS and SVI reached8.55 g/L and 35.27 mL/g, respectively. The removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand(COD), ammonium nitrogen(NH_4^+-N) and total phosphorus(TP) reached 90.76%, 97.39% and 96.40%, respectively. By contrast, 54 days were needed to obtain mature granules using activated sludge. The microbial community structure was probed by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the diversity of the microbial community in mature granules was reduced when stored granular sludge rather than activated sludge was employed as inoculation sludge, and the dominant microbes were changed. The dominant species in mature granules domesticated using stored granular sludge were Zoogloea, Acidovorax and Tolumonas at the genus classification level, while the dominant species were Zoogloea and TM7-genera in granules developed from activated sludge.

A practical community-based response strategy to interrupt Ebola transmission in sierra Leone, 2014–2015

Background:The Ebola virus disease spread rapidly in West Africa in 2014,leading to the loss of thousands of lives.Community engagement was one of the key strategies to interrupt Ebola transmission,and practical community level measures needed to be explored in the field and tailored to the specific context of communities.Methods:First,community-level education on Ebola virus disease(EVD)prevention was launched for the community’s social mobilizers in six districts in Sierra Leone beginning in November 2014.Then,from January to May of 2015,in three pilot communities,local trained community members were organized to engage in implementation of EVD prevention and transmission interruption measures,by involving them in alert case report,contact tracing,and social mobilization.The epidemiological indicators of transmission interruption in three study communities were evaluated.Results:A total of 6016 community social mobilizers from 185 wards were trained by holding 279 workshops in the six districts,and EVD message reached an estimated 631680 residents.In three pilot communities,72 EVD alert cases were reported,with 70.8%of them detected by trained local community members,and 14 EVD cases were finally identified.Contact tracing detected 64.3%of EVD cases.The median duration of community infectivity for the cases was 1 day.The secondary attack rate was 4.2%,and no third generation of infection was triggered.No health worker was infected,and no unsafe burial and noncompliance to EVD control measures were recorded.The community-based measures were modeled to reduce 77 EVD cases,and the EVD-free goal was achieved four months earlier in study communities than whole country of Sierra Leone.Conclusions: The community-based strategy of social mobilization and community engagement was effective in casedetection and reducing the extent of Ebola transmission in a country with weak health system. The successfullypractical experience to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission in the community with poor resources would potentiallybe helpful for the global community to fight against the EVD and the other diseases in the future.