With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that ...With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that provide increased safety to reduce the risk of predation,and small birds may also consider insulation when using roosting plants in winter because of cold weather.Landscaping plants thus shape the nocturnal roosting environment of urban birds,and proper planting is essential for the survival of birds at night.The use of roosting plants by urban birds should therefore be studied to provide a reference for landscaping.In the current study,we observed 1865 nocturnal roosting birds in Beijing from 2021 to 2022,with 23 species of birds from 12 families and 45 species of plants from 22 families recorded.Juniperus chinensis exhibited the highest bird rarity-weighted richness,followed by Fraxinus pennsylvanica,Phyllostachys propinqua,Pinus tabuliformis,and Ulmus pumila.The diameter at breast height,tree height,and crown width of plants used by birds was largest in summer and smallest in winter,and the perch height of birds was the highest in spring and summer and the lowest in winter.Birds used the highest proportion of deciduous plants in summer and the highest proportion of evergreen plants in winter.A significant seasonal difference in the use of evergreen and deciduous plants by small birds was noted,with a preference for deciduous plants in summer and evergreen plants in winter,while this preference was not found in large birds.These findings indicate that evergreen plants provide a vital nocturnal roosting environment for small birds in winter.To provide a better nocturnal roosting habitat for urban birds,we recommend paying attention to the combination of evergreen and deciduous plants when carrying out landscape construction.展开更多
1.Objective Unlike the North China Plate where Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks are widely distributed,Early Precambrian basement rocks in the Yangtze Block of South China are locally exposed(Fig.1a),such as...1.Objective Unlike the North China Plate where Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks are widely distributed,Early Precambrian basement rocks in the Yangtze Block of South China are locally exposed(Fig.1a),such as in the Kongling Complex,the Zhongxiang Complex,and the Douling Complex(Zhao GC and Cawood PA,2012).The Dabie Orogen is the eastward extension of the Qinling Orogen.展开更多
The stability of the subsea oil and gas production system is heavily influenced by slug flow. One successful method of managing slug flow is to use top valve control based on subsea pipeline pressure. However, the com...The stability of the subsea oil and gas production system is heavily influenced by slug flow. One successful method of managing slug flow is to use top valve control based on subsea pipeline pressure. However, the complexity of production makes it difficult to measure the pressure of subsea pipelines, and measured values are not always accessible in real-time. The research introduces a technique for integrating Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) and Wavelet Neural Network (WNN) to estimate the state of subsea pipeline pressure using historical data and a state model. The proposed method treats multiphase flow transport as a nonlinear model, with a dynamic WNN serving as the state observer. To achieve real-time state estimation, the WNN is included into the UKF algorithm to create a WNN-based UKF state equation. Integrate WNN and UKF in a novel way to predict system state accurately. The simulated results show that the approach can efficiently predict the inlet pressure and manage the slug flow in real-time using the riser's top pressure, outlet flow and valve opening. This method of estimate can significantly increase the control effect.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine(NTau)on portal hypertension(PHT)in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis(LC). METHODS:Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats(20 rats/group)were tre...AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine(NTau)on portal hypertension(PHT)in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis(LC). METHODS:Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats(20 rats/group)were treated with either oral saline or oral NTau for 6 consecutive weeks.Evaluation parameters included portal venous pressure(PVP),portal venous resistance(PVR),portal venous flow(PVF),splanchnic vascular resistance(SVR)and mean arterial pressure (MAP).Vasoactive substance levels including nitric oxide(NO),nitric oxide synthase(NOS)and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)were also measured. Histological investigation of typeⅠandⅢcollagen (COLⅠandⅢ)and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)was also performed. RESULTS:Treatment with NTau(1)significantly decreased PVP,PVR and PVF,and increased MAP and SVP;(2)markedly increased the vascular compliance and reduced the zero-stress of the portal vein;(3) markedly decreased the amount of NO and cGMP and activity of NOS;and(4)improved the pathological sta-tus of the liver tissue and reduced the expression of COLⅠ,COLⅢand TGF-β1. CONCLUSION:NTau inhibited the LC-induced PHT by improving hyperdynamic circulation,morphology of liver and biomechanical properties of the portal vein in experimentally-induced LC rats.展开更多
BACKGROUND Studies show that the antifibrotic mechanism of taurine may involve its inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs). Since the molecular mechanism of taurine-mediated anti...BACKGROUND Studies show that the antifibrotic mechanism of taurine may involve its inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs). Since the molecular mechanism of taurine-mediated antifibrotic activity has not been fully unveiled and is little studied, it is imperative to use "omics" methods to systematically investigate the molecular mechanism by which taurine inhibits liver fibrosis.AIM To establish a network including transcriptomic and protein-protein interaction data to elucidate the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis.METHODS We used microarrays, bioinformatics, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network,and sub-modules to investigate taurine-induced changes in gene expression in human HSCs(LX-2). Subsequently, all of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were subjected to gene ontology function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the interactions of DEGs were explored in a human PPI network, and sub-modules of the DEGs interaction network were analyzed using Cytoscape software.RESULTS A total of 635 DEGs were identified in taurine-treated HSCs when compared with the controls. Of these, 304 genes were statistically significantly up-regulated, and 331 down-regulated. Most of these DEGs were mainly located on the membrane and extracellular region, and are involved in the biological processes of signal transduction, cell proliferation, positive regulation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1(ERK1) and ERK2 cascade, extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway and so on. Fifteen significantly enriched pathways with DEGs were identified, including mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor signaling pathway,estrogen signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and so on. By integrating the transcriptomics and human PPI data, nine critical genes, including MMP2, MMP9, MMP21,TIMP3, KLF10, CX3CR1, TGFB1, VEGFB, and EGF, were identified in the PPI network analysis.CONCLUSION Taurine promotes the apoptosis of HSCs via up-regulating TGFB1 and then activating the p38 MAPK-JNK-Caspase9/8/3 pathway. These findings enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis and provide references for liver disorder therapy.展开更多
BACKGROUND No guideline recommends antiviral therapy for hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels and a high hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA...BACKGROUND No guideline recommends antiviral therapy for hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels and a high hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA viral load.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a Chinese herbal formula as a therapeutic option for chronic HBV infection.METHODS In total,395 patients(30–65 years old)with confirmed HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase were randomized to receive either Chinese herbal formula or placebo for 96 wk.Endpoints to evaluate therapeutic efficacy included:(1)HBV DNA levels decreased to less than 4 log10 IU/mL at weeks 48 and 96;and(2)HBeAg clearance and seroconversion rates at weeks 48 and 96.RESULTS HBV DNA levels≤4 log10 IU/mL were 10.05%at week 48 and 18.59%at week 96 in the treatment group.The HBeAg clearance and conversion rates were 8.54%and 8.04%at week 48 and 16.08%and 14.57%at week 96,respectively.However,HBV DNA levels≤4 log10 IU/mL were 2.55%and 2.55%at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,and the HBeAg clearance rates were 3.06%and 5.61%at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,in the control group.The quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and HBeAg levels at baseline and changes during the treatment period as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at weeks 12 and 24 were strong predictors of HBeAg clearance.CONCLUSION High rates of HBV DNA reduction,HBeAg clearance and seroconversion could be achieved with Chinese herbal formula treatments,and the treatments were relatively safe for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase.The ability of the compound to modulate host immune function probably contributed to this effect.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of four different ingredients of zedoary (Curcuma aromatica oil, Curcumol,β-elemence, and Curcumin) on the gene expressions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and to explore the molecul...AIM: To investigate the effects of four different ingredients of zedoary (Curcuma aromatica oil, Curcumol,β-elemence, and Curcumin) on the gene expressions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and to explore the molecular mechanism of zedoary against hepatic fibrosis at gene network level.METHODS: We detected the mRNA sequences of 50 liver fibrosis-related genes in GenBank and designed oligonucleotide probes. We synthesized oligonucleotides with PE8909 DNA synthesizing instrument, and carried out oligonucleotide microarray with OGR-04 dropping instrument and aldehyded glass chip. Cultured HSC-T6cells were treated with different concentrations of Colchicine,Curcuma aromatica oil, Curcumol, β-elemence, and Curcumin. According to the experiment of cell toxicity,we took the appropriate concentrations of medicines that resulted in over 50% of cell survival as experiment concentrations. We collected the cells at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h, and extracted total RNA with TRIzol reagent, then labeled cDNAs with Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP. These labeled cDNAs were hybridized to an oligonucleotide microarray which was washed several times and scanned by scanner GenePix 4000B. Different gene expressions of HSC-T6 cells were analyzed by ImaGene 4.2 software.RESULTS: After HSC-T6 cells were cultured in a medium containing 6.25 μg/mL Colchicine for 12 h, expression of TIMP-1 decreased 2.2-folds. After HSC-T6 cells were cultured in a medium containing 78.125 μg/mL of Curcuma aromatica oil for 24 h, the expression of TIMP-2and IL-6 decreased 2.3- and 2.2-folds, respectively.Moreover, after HSC-T6 cells were cultured in a medium containing 1.5625 μg/mL of Curcumol for 12 h, the expression of TGFβ1 and P450a decreased 2.3- and 2.1-folds, respectively.CONCLUSION: Our results may show the possible molecular mechanism of Curcuma aromatica oil and Curcumol against hepatic fibrosis.展开更多
AIM To develop a reliable and simple method to identify important biological metabolites and relevant pathways for taurine in hepatic stellate cells(HSCs), in order to provide more data for taurine therapy.METHODS All...AIM To develop a reliable and simple method to identify important biological metabolites and relevant pathways for taurine in hepatic stellate cells(HSCs), in order to provide more data for taurine therapy.METHODS All the biological samples were analyzed by using highperformance liquid chromatography-time electrospray ionization/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to identify statistically different metabolites for taurine in HSCs, and metabolomic pathway analysis was used to do pathway analysis for taurine in HSCs. The chemical structure of the related metabolites and pathways was identified by comparing the m/z ratio and ion mode with the data obtained from free online databases.RESULTS A total of 32 significant differential endogenous metabolites were identified, which may be related to the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs. Among the seven relevant pathways identified, sphingolipid metabolism pathway, glutathione metabolism pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway were found to be the most important metabolic pathways for taurine in HSCs.CONCLUSION This study showed that there were distinct changes in biological metabolites of taurine in HSCs and three differential metabolic pathways including sphingolipid pathway, glutathione pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway might be of key importance in mediating the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs.展开更多
Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell diff...Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was identified as one of the key pathways underlying this differentiation process. The present study shows phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38 protein expression was increased after differentiation. Cellular signaling pathway blocking agents, PD98059 and SB203580, inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways respectively, mRNA and protein expression of the neuronal marker, neuron specific enolase, and neural stem cell marker, nestin, were decreased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after treatment with the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction. Experimental findings indicate that, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, induced by the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction.展开更多
Objective:Based on data mining software,applying frequent itemsets,association rules,hierarchical clustering,complex networks and other data mining methods to analyze the usage and compatibility of traditional Chinese...Objective:Based on data mining software,applying frequent itemsets,association rules,hierarchical clustering,complex networks and other data mining methods to analyze the usage and compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)patent compound for functional dyspepsia.Method:Use the Chinese patent database to search the compound for the treatment of functional dyspepsia,exclude traditional Chinese medicine extracts,single drugs,combined use of Chinese and Western medicines,etc.,screen the patented compound of TCM,establish an Excel data table,and apply data mining software to The data is subjected to frequency statistics,association rules,cluster analysis and complex network analysis.Result:A total of 238 prescriptions for functional dyspepsia were screened.The four qi of the drugs were mainly warm and calm,the five flavors were mainly sweet and spicy,and the spleen and stomach were the main meridians.The top 10 Chinese medicines with higher frequency are Shanzha、Chenpi、Gancao、Maiya、Jineijin、Fuling、Baizhu、Shenqu、Houpo、Banxia;frequent itemsets show that the drugs are mainly compatible with qi and spleen,qi and digestion;association rules The analysis shows that the common drug pairs used in the treatment of functional dyspepsia include Chenpi-Shanzha、Maiya-Shanzha、Jineijin-Shanzha,etc.;cluster analysis found that there are 4 types of drugs for functional dyspepsia,mainly including drugs for regulating qi-flowing for harmonizing stomach,drugs for soothing liver and promoting Qi,drugs for eliminating food and resolving accumulation,drugs for benefiting qi and strengthening spleen;the 22-flavor Chinese medicine in the core drug network,the core compatibility is mainly to eliminate stagnation and spleen.Conclusion:Data mining research provides a reference for the clinical treatment of functional dyspepsia and the development of TCM formulas;Clinical treatment of functional dyspepsia should grasp the basic principles of strengthening vital energy and eliminating pathogenic factors to benefit qi,strengthen the spleen,and eliminate food.It is a basic treatment method,taking into account the methods of regulating qi-flowing for harmonizing stomach,soothing the liver and relieving depression,relieving dampness and dampness,and combining the specific conditions of patients with syndrome differentiation and treatment.展开更多
The normal vector of migration direction in the solid-liquid interface of dendrites was used to describe the phase-field governing equation. By using the three angles formed by the normal vector for the migration dire...The normal vector of migration direction in the solid-liquid interface of dendrites was used to describe the phase-field governing equation. By using the three angles formed by the normal vector for the migration direction of the dendritic growth interface and the coordinate axes of the simulation region, the authors expressed the interfacial anisotropy equation, and built a phase-field model for the competitive growth of multiple grains. Taking a Al-2%mole-Cu binary alloy as an example, the competitive growth of multiple grains during isothermal solidification was simulated by applying parallel computing techniques. In addition, the phase field simulation results were verified by the experimental method. The simulation results show that the competitive growth of equiaxed dendrite is divided into two types: the first occurs during the process of competitive growth, the tips of primary dendrite on different grains taking part in the competition stop growing in their optimal growth direction; the second also occurs during competitive growth, the tips of primary dendrite which participate in the competition on different grains never stop growing in their optimal growth direction. The dendritic morphologies of the first competition growth type are divided into two types. Primary dendrites of grains taking part in the competition stop growing in their optimal growth direction and the competition plane enlarges when neither one wins the competition. However, when one wins the competition, the primary dendrites of grains with superiority go through the blocking grains and continue to grow in their optimal growth direction. The primary dendrites of inferior grains stop growing in their optimal growth direction and then instead grow in those areas without obstacles. The dendritic morphology of the second competition-growth type is shown to be the deformation of primary dendrites, which are mainly represented as the deflection and bending observed from different views. Compared with the metallographic picture, the simulation results can show the morphology of the competitive growth in all directions, so this simulation method can better characterize the competitive growth process.展开更多
In this study, the key technologies of a 6-m long bearing steel ingot produced by electroslag remelting withdrawing(ESRW) process, including bifilar mode supply, slag system development, and design of mold, were studi...In this study, the key technologies of a 6-m long bearing steel ingot produced by electroslag remelting withdrawing(ESRW) process, including bifilar mode supply, slag system development, and design of mold, were studied based on the laboratory research achievements. The 6-m long ingot of bearing steel GGr15 with a cross-section of 300 mm × 340 mm was produced using the ESRW process with a bifilar mode and a multi-taper T-mold in a plant. The testing results show that the melting rate using the ESRW bifilar mode technology is three times faster than traditional electroslag remelting(ESR), and the power consumption is only 1,320 k Wh per ton steel. Through testing for the chemical composition, macrostructure and inclusions of remelted ingot, it can be concluded that the ESRW bifilar mode technology not only retains the characteristics of traditional ESR, but also improves the production efficiency and reduces the cost compared to traditional ESR.展开更多
Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, and together with silica, they are important components of giant planets. Exploring the reactivity and state of helium and silica under high pressure is cruc...Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, and together with silica, they are important components of giant planets. Exploring the reactivity and state of helium and silica under high pressure is crucial for understanding of the evolution and internal structure of giant planets. Here, using first-principles calculations and crystal structure predictions, we identify four stable phases of a helium-silica compound with seven/eight-coordinated silicon atoms at pressure of 600–4000 GPa, corresponding to the interior condition of the outer planets in the solar system. The density of He Si O2 agrees with current structure models of the planets.This helium-silica compound exhibits a superionic-like helium diffusive state under the high-pressure and hightemperature conditions along the isentropes of Saturn, a metallic fluid state in Jupiter, and a solid state in the deep interiors of Uranus and Neptune. These results show that helium may affect the erosion of the rocky core in giant planets and may help to form a diluted core region, which not only highlight the reactivity of helium under high pressure but also provide evidence helpful for building more sophisticated interior models of giant planets.展开更多
锂金属负极和碳酸酯类电解液之间不稳定的界面是限制高比能锂金属电池循环寿命的关键挑战.本文使用含苯环的双酚A乙氧基化物二甲基丙烯酸酯(BAED)交联剂调节聚(丙烯酸六氟丁酯)(PHFBA),设计了一种弹性人造固体电解质中间相(RASEI)来解...锂金属负极和碳酸酯类电解液之间不稳定的界面是限制高比能锂金属电池循环寿命的关键挑战.本文使用含苯环的双酚A乙氧基化物二甲基丙烯酸酯(BAED)交联剂调节聚(丙烯酸六氟丁酯)(PHFBA),设计了一种弹性人造固体电解质中间相(RASEI)来解决这个问题.刚性BAED分子可以对柔性PHBA基体进行调控,实现从600%伸长率到90%压缩率的卓越回弹性,并具有超过2 MPa的高杨氏模量.RASEI可以适应锂金属较大的体积变化,并确保电池运行过程中锂金属与RASEI之间的紧密接触,促进均匀的锂沉积并减少副反应.因此,经过RASEI修饰的Li‖Li对称电池可以在1 mA cm^(-2)和1 mAh cm^(-2)下实现超过500小时的长期循环.对循环后锂金属进行测试分析表明锂枝晶的生长得到了有效的抑制.此外,搭配20 mg cm^(-2)高阴极负载的NCM811软包电池在1 C下,经过200次循环后容量保持率超过85%.展开更多
基金supported by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology(No.D171100007217002).
文摘With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that provide increased safety to reduce the risk of predation,and small birds may also consider insulation when using roosting plants in winter because of cold weather.Landscaping plants thus shape the nocturnal roosting environment of urban birds,and proper planting is essential for the survival of birds at night.The use of roosting plants by urban birds should therefore be studied to provide a reference for landscaping.In the current study,we observed 1865 nocturnal roosting birds in Beijing from 2021 to 2022,with 23 species of birds from 12 families and 45 species of plants from 22 families recorded.Juniperus chinensis exhibited the highest bird rarity-weighted richness,followed by Fraxinus pennsylvanica,Phyllostachys propinqua,Pinus tabuliformis,and Ulmus pumila.The diameter at breast height,tree height,and crown width of plants used by birds was largest in summer and smallest in winter,and the perch height of birds was the highest in spring and summer and the lowest in winter.Birds used the highest proportion of deciduous plants in summer and the highest proportion of evergreen plants in winter.A significant seasonal difference in the use of evergreen and deciduous plants by small birds was noted,with a preference for deciduous plants in summer and evergreen plants in winter,while this preference was not found in large birds.These findings indicate that evergreen plants provide a vital nocturnal roosting environment for small birds in winter.To provide a better nocturnal roosting habitat for urban birds,we recommend paying attention to the combination of evergreen and deciduous plants when carrying out landscape construction.
基金financially supported by the Open Fund of the Research Center for Petrogenesis and Mineralization of Granitoid Rocks(PMGR202014)the project of the China Geological Survey(DD20190050)。
文摘1.Objective Unlike the North China Plate where Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks are widely distributed,Early Precambrian basement rocks in the Yangtze Block of South China are locally exposed(Fig.1a),such as in the Kongling Complex,the Zhongxiang Complex,and the Douling Complex(Zhao GC and Cawood PA,2012).The Dabie Orogen is the eastward extension of the Qinling Orogen.
基金supported by Development Project in Key Technical Field of Sichuan Province(2019ZDZX0030)International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Program of Sichuan Province(2021YFH0115)+1 种基金Nanchong-SWPU Science and Technology Strategic Cooperation Project(SXHZ057)Key and Core Technology Breakthrough Project of CNPC(2021ZG08).
文摘The stability of the subsea oil and gas production system is heavily influenced by slug flow. One successful method of managing slug flow is to use top valve control based on subsea pipeline pressure. However, the complexity of production makes it difficult to measure the pressure of subsea pipelines, and measured values are not always accessible in real-time. The research introduces a technique for integrating Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) and Wavelet Neural Network (WNN) to estimate the state of subsea pipeline pressure using historical data and a state model. The proposed method treats multiphase flow transport as a nonlinear model, with a dynamic WNN serving as the state observer. To achieve real-time state estimation, the WNN is included into the UKF algorithm to create a WNN-based UKF state equation. Integrate WNN and UKF in a novel way to predict system state accurately. The simulated results show that the approach can efficiently predict the inlet pressure and manage the slug flow in real-time using the riser's top pressure, outlet flow and valve opening. This method of estimate can significantly increase the control effect.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Fundation of China(21722303,21421001)the Municipal Natural Science Fund of Tianjin(18JCJQJC47400,18JCZDJC37400)111 Project(B12015,B18030)~~
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant,No.30660235Guangxi Science Foundation forYouths,Grant,No.0728080National"11th 5-year"Support Plan of China,Grant,No.2006BAI0802-07
文摘AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine(NTau)on portal hypertension(PHT)in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis(LC). METHODS:Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats(20 rats/group)were treated with either oral saline or oral NTau for 6 consecutive weeks.Evaluation parameters included portal venous pressure(PVP),portal venous resistance(PVR),portal venous flow(PVF),splanchnic vascular resistance(SVR)and mean arterial pressure (MAP).Vasoactive substance levels including nitric oxide(NO),nitric oxide synthase(NOS)and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)were also measured. Histological investigation of typeⅠandⅢcollagen (COLⅠandⅢ)and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)was also performed. RESULTS:Treatment with NTau(1)significantly decreased PVP,PVR and PVF,and increased MAP and SVP;(2)markedly increased the vascular compliance and reduced the zero-stress of the portal vein;(3) markedly decreased the amount of NO and cGMP and activity of NOS;and(4)improved the pathological sta-tus of the liver tissue and reduced the expression of COLⅠ,COLⅢand TGF-β1. CONCLUSION:NTau inhibited the LC-induced PHT by improving hyperdynamic circulation,morphology of liver and biomechanical properties of the portal vein in experimentally-induced LC rats.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81360595 and No.81860790Guangxi Natural Science Foundation Program,No.KJT13066+2 种基金the Bagui Scholars Foundation Program of Guangxithe Special-term Experts Foundation Program of Guangxithe Project of Guangxi Young Teacher Fundamental Ability Promotion,No.2017KY0298
文摘BACKGROUND Studies show that the antifibrotic mechanism of taurine may involve its inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs). Since the molecular mechanism of taurine-mediated antifibrotic activity has not been fully unveiled and is little studied, it is imperative to use "omics" methods to systematically investigate the molecular mechanism by which taurine inhibits liver fibrosis.AIM To establish a network including transcriptomic and protein-protein interaction data to elucidate the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis.METHODS We used microarrays, bioinformatics, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network,and sub-modules to investigate taurine-induced changes in gene expression in human HSCs(LX-2). Subsequently, all of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were subjected to gene ontology function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the interactions of DEGs were explored in a human PPI network, and sub-modules of the DEGs interaction network were analyzed using Cytoscape software.RESULTS A total of 635 DEGs were identified in taurine-treated HSCs when compared with the controls. Of these, 304 genes were statistically significantly up-regulated, and 331 down-regulated. Most of these DEGs were mainly located on the membrane and extracellular region, and are involved in the biological processes of signal transduction, cell proliferation, positive regulation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1(ERK1) and ERK2 cascade, extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway and so on. Fifteen significantly enriched pathways with DEGs were identified, including mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor signaling pathway,estrogen signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and so on. By integrating the transcriptomics and human PPI data, nine critical genes, including MMP2, MMP9, MMP21,TIMP3, KLF10, CX3CR1, TGFB1, VEGFB, and EGF, were identified in the PPI network analysis.CONCLUSION Taurine promotes the apoptosis of HSCs via up-regulating TGFB1 and then activating the p38 MAPK-JNK-Caspase9/8/3 pathway. These findings enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis and provide references for liver disorder therapy.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81174263National Science and Technology Major Project during the 12th Five-year Plan Period,No.2012ZX1005006+1 种基金Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen,Guangdong Province,China,No.SZSM201612074and Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province,China,No.2017A020213016.
文摘BACKGROUND No guideline recommends antiviral therapy for hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels and a high hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA viral load.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a Chinese herbal formula as a therapeutic option for chronic HBV infection.METHODS In total,395 patients(30–65 years old)with confirmed HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase were randomized to receive either Chinese herbal formula or placebo for 96 wk.Endpoints to evaluate therapeutic efficacy included:(1)HBV DNA levels decreased to less than 4 log10 IU/mL at weeks 48 and 96;and(2)HBeAg clearance and seroconversion rates at weeks 48 and 96.RESULTS HBV DNA levels≤4 log10 IU/mL were 10.05%at week 48 and 18.59%at week 96 in the treatment group.The HBeAg clearance and conversion rates were 8.54%and 8.04%at week 48 and 16.08%and 14.57%at week 96,respectively.However,HBV DNA levels≤4 log10 IU/mL were 2.55%and 2.55%at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,and the HBeAg clearance rates were 3.06%and 5.61%at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,in the control group.The quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and HBeAg levels at baseline and changes during the treatment period as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at weeks 12 and 24 were strong predictors of HBeAg clearance.CONCLUSION High rates of HBV DNA reduction,HBeAg clearance and seroconversion could be achieved with Chinese herbal formula treatments,and the treatments were relatively safe for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase.The ability of the compound to modulate host immune function probably contributed to this effect.
基金Supported by Guandong Traditional Chinese Medicine Bureau No.102135 and Shenzhen Technology Bureau No.200204187,
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of four different ingredients of zedoary (Curcuma aromatica oil, Curcumol,β-elemence, and Curcumin) on the gene expressions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and to explore the molecular mechanism of zedoary against hepatic fibrosis at gene network level.METHODS: We detected the mRNA sequences of 50 liver fibrosis-related genes in GenBank and designed oligonucleotide probes. We synthesized oligonucleotides with PE8909 DNA synthesizing instrument, and carried out oligonucleotide microarray with OGR-04 dropping instrument and aldehyded glass chip. Cultured HSC-T6cells were treated with different concentrations of Colchicine,Curcuma aromatica oil, Curcumol, β-elemence, and Curcumin. According to the experiment of cell toxicity,we took the appropriate concentrations of medicines that resulted in over 50% of cell survival as experiment concentrations. We collected the cells at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h, and extracted total RNA with TRIzol reagent, then labeled cDNAs with Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP. These labeled cDNAs were hybridized to an oligonucleotide microarray which was washed several times and scanned by scanner GenePix 4000B. Different gene expressions of HSC-T6 cells were analyzed by ImaGene 4.2 software.RESULTS: After HSC-T6 cells were cultured in a medium containing 6.25 μg/mL Colchicine for 12 h, expression of TIMP-1 decreased 2.2-folds. After HSC-T6 cells were cultured in a medium containing 78.125 μg/mL of Curcuma aromatica oil for 24 h, the expression of TIMP-2and IL-6 decreased 2.3- and 2.2-folds, respectively.Moreover, after HSC-T6 cells were cultured in a medium containing 1.5625 μg/mL of Curcumol for 12 h, the expression of TGFβ1 and P450a decreased 2.3- and 2.1-folds, respectively.CONCLUSION: Our results may show the possible molecular mechanism of Curcuma aromatica oil and Curcumol against hepatic fibrosis.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81360595 and No.81360532Guangxi Natural Science Foundation Program,No.2014GXNSFDA118027+1 种基金Bagui Scholars Foundation Program of GuangxiSpecial-term Experts Foundation Program of Guangxi
文摘AIM To develop a reliable and simple method to identify important biological metabolites and relevant pathways for taurine in hepatic stellate cells(HSCs), in order to provide more data for taurine therapy.METHODS All the biological samples were analyzed by using highperformance liquid chromatography-time electrospray ionization/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to identify statistically different metabolites for taurine in HSCs, and metabolomic pathway analysis was used to do pathway analysis for taurine in HSCs. The chemical structure of the related metabolites and pathways was identified by comparing the m/z ratio and ion mode with the data obtained from free online databases.RESULTS A total of 32 significant differential endogenous metabolites were identified, which may be related to the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs. Among the seven relevant pathways identified, sphingolipid metabolism pathway, glutathione metabolism pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway were found to be the most important metabolic pathways for taurine in HSCs.CONCLUSION This study showed that there were distinct changes in biological metabolites of taurine in HSCs and three differential metabolic pathways including sphingolipid pathway, glutathione pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway might be of key importance in mediating the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs.
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81102595the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi,No.2012GXNSFAA053113
文摘Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was identified as one of the key pathways underlying this differentiation process. The present study shows phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38 protein expression was increased after differentiation. Cellular signaling pathway blocking agents, PD98059 and SB203580, inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways respectively, mRNA and protein expression of the neuronal marker, neuron specific enolase, and neural stem cell marker, nestin, were decreased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after treatment with the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction. Experimental findings indicate that, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, induced by the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction.
基金Capital project for application and promotion of clinical researches(No.Z171100001017123)Capital specialized scientific research proect of health development for young excellent talents(No.2018-4-4078)。
文摘Objective:Based on data mining software,applying frequent itemsets,association rules,hierarchical clustering,complex networks and other data mining methods to analyze the usage and compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)patent compound for functional dyspepsia.Method:Use the Chinese patent database to search the compound for the treatment of functional dyspepsia,exclude traditional Chinese medicine extracts,single drugs,combined use of Chinese and Western medicines,etc.,screen the patented compound of TCM,establish an Excel data table,and apply data mining software to The data is subjected to frequency statistics,association rules,cluster analysis and complex network analysis.Result:A total of 238 prescriptions for functional dyspepsia were screened.The four qi of the drugs were mainly warm and calm,the five flavors were mainly sweet and spicy,and the spleen and stomach were the main meridians.The top 10 Chinese medicines with higher frequency are Shanzha、Chenpi、Gancao、Maiya、Jineijin、Fuling、Baizhu、Shenqu、Houpo、Banxia;frequent itemsets show that the drugs are mainly compatible with qi and spleen,qi and digestion;association rules The analysis shows that the common drug pairs used in the treatment of functional dyspepsia include Chenpi-Shanzha、Maiya-Shanzha、Jineijin-Shanzha,etc.;cluster analysis found that there are 4 types of drugs for functional dyspepsia,mainly including drugs for regulating qi-flowing for harmonizing stomach,drugs for soothing liver and promoting Qi,drugs for eliminating food and resolving accumulation,drugs for benefiting qi and strengthening spleen;the 22-flavor Chinese medicine in the core drug network,the core compatibility is mainly to eliminate stagnation and spleen.Conclusion:Data mining research provides a reference for the clinical treatment of functional dyspepsia and the development of TCM formulas;Clinical treatment of functional dyspepsia should grasp the basic principles of strengthening vital energy and eliminating pathogenic factors to benefit qi,strengthen the spleen,and eliminate food.It is a basic treatment method,taking into account the methods of regulating qi-flowing for harmonizing stomach,soothing the liver and relieving depression,relieving dampness and dampness,and combining the specific conditions of patients with syndrome differentiation and treatment.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Numbers:11504149,11364024,51661020)
文摘The normal vector of migration direction in the solid-liquid interface of dendrites was used to describe the phase-field governing equation. By using the three angles formed by the normal vector for the migration direction of the dendritic growth interface and the coordinate axes of the simulation region, the authors expressed the interfacial anisotropy equation, and built a phase-field model for the competitive growth of multiple grains. Taking a Al-2%mole-Cu binary alloy as an example, the competitive growth of multiple grains during isothermal solidification was simulated by applying parallel computing techniques. In addition, the phase field simulation results were verified by the experimental method. The simulation results show that the competitive growth of equiaxed dendrite is divided into two types: the first occurs during the process of competitive growth, the tips of primary dendrite on different grains taking part in the competition stop growing in their optimal growth direction; the second also occurs during competitive growth, the tips of primary dendrite which participate in the competition on different grains never stop growing in their optimal growth direction. The dendritic morphologies of the first competition growth type are divided into two types. Primary dendrites of grains taking part in the competition stop growing in their optimal growth direction and the competition plane enlarges when neither one wins the competition. However, when one wins the competition, the primary dendrites of grains with superiority go through the blocking grains and continue to grow in their optimal growth direction. The primary dendrites of inferior grains stop growing in their optimal growth direction and then instead grow in those areas without obstacles. The dendritic morphology of the second competition-growth type is shown to be the deformation of primary dendrites, which are mainly represented as the deflection and bending observed from different views. Compared with the metallographic picture, the simulation results can show the morphology of the competitive growth in all directions, so this simulation method can better characterize the competitive growth process.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China grants(No.81773893)National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project for“Significant New Drugs Development”(No.2017ZX09301060001)+2 种基金Hubei Province Key R&D Programme(No.2020BED017 and 2020BGB004)Jiangxi Province“Thousand Talents Plan”of Scientific and Technological Innovation(No.JXSQ2019201105)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities“South-Central University for Nationalities”(No.CZP20025 and No.CZP20047)
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51474126)the Science and Technology Commission of Liaoning,China(No.L2013125)
文摘In this study, the key technologies of a 6-m long bearing steel ingot produced by electroslag remelting withdrawing(ESRW) process, including bifilar mode supply, slag system development, and design of mold, were studied based on the laboratory research achievements. The 6-m long ingot of bearing steel GGr15 with a cross-section of 300 mm × 340 mm was produced using the ESRW process with a bifilar mode and a multi-taper T-mold in a plant. The testing results show that the melting rate using the ESRW bifilar mode technology is three times faster than traditional electroslag remelting(ESR), and the power consumption is only 1,320 k Wh per ton steel. Through testing for the chemical composition, macrostructure and inclusions of remelted ingot, it can be concluded that the ESRW bifilar mode technology not only retains the characteristics of traditional ESR, but also improves the production efficiency and reduces the cost compared to traditional ESR.
基金the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12125404, 11974162, and 11834006)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities。
文摘Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, and together with silica, they are important components of giant planets. Exploring the reactivity and state of helium and silica under high pressure is crucial for understanding of the evolution and internal structure of giant planets. Here, using first-principles calculations and crystal structure predictions, we identify four stable phases of a helium-silica compound with seven/eight-coordinated silicon atoms at pressure of 600–4000 GPa, corresponding to the interior condition of the outer planets in the solar system. The density of He Si O2 agrees with current structure models of the planets.This helium-silica compound exhibits a superionic-like helium diffusive state under the high-pressure and hightemperature conditions along the isentropes of Saturn, a metallic fluid state in Jupiter, and a solid state in the deep interiors of Uranus and Neptune. These results show that helium may affect the erosion of the rocky core in giant planets and may help to form a diluted core region, which not only highlight the reactivity of helium under high pressure but also provide evidence helpful for building more sophisticated interior models of giant planets.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFB2503801)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52302253,and 5202780089)+2 种基金the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52231009)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(HUST:2172020kfyXJJS089)Key R&D Program of Hubei Province(2023BAB028)。
文摘锂金属负极和碳酸酯类电解液之间不稳定的界面是限制高比能锂金属电池循环寿命的关键挑战.本文使用含苯环的双酚A乙氧基化物二甲基丙烯酸酯(BAED)交联剂调节聚(丙烯酸六氟丁酯)(PHFBA),设计了一种弹性人造固体电解质中间相(RASEI)来解决这个问题.刚性BAED分子可以对柔性PHBA基体进行调控,实现从600%伸长率到90%压缩率的卓越回弹性,并具有超过2 MPa的高杨氏模量.RASEI可以适应锂金属较大的体积变化,并确保电池运行过程中锂金属与RASEI之间的紧密接触,促进均匀的锂沉积并减少副反应.因此,经过RASEI修饰的Li‖Li对称电池可以在1 mA cm^(-2)和1 mAh cm^(-2)下实现超过500小时的长期循环.对循环后锂金属进行测试分析表明锂枝晶的生长得到了有效的抑制.此外,搭配20 mg cm^(-2)高阴极负载的NCM811软包电池在1 C下,经过200次循环后容量保持率超过85%.