Neuroprotective effects of insulin-like growth factor-2 in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cellular and mouse models of Parkinson’s disease

Skin-derived precursor Schwann cells have been reported to play a protective role in the central nervous system. The neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells may be attributable to the release of growth factors that nourish host cells. In this study, we first established a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease using 6-hydroxydopamine. When SH-SY5 Y cells were pretreated with conditioned medium from skin-derived precursor Schwann cells, their activity was greatly increased. The addition of insulin-like growth factor-2 neutralizing antibody markedly attenuated the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells. We also found that insulin-like growth factor-2 levels in the peripheral blood were greatly increased in patients with Parkinson’s disease and in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Next, we pretreated cell models of Parkinson’s disease with insulin-like growth factor-2 and administered insulin-like growth factor-2 intranasally to a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine and found that the level of tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker of dopamine neurons, was markedly restored, α-synuclein aggregation decreased, and insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor downregulation was alleviated. Finally, in vitro experiments showed that insulin-like growth factor-2 activated the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3 K)/AKT pathway. These findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells on the central nervous system were achieved through insulinlike growth factor-2, and that insulin-like growth factor-2 may play a neuroprotective role through the insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor/PI3 K/AKT pathway. Therefore, insulin-like growth factor-2 may be an useful target for Parkinson’s disease treatment.

Effect of substrate temperature and oxygen plasma treatment on the properties of magnetron-sputtered CdS for solar cell applications

Cadmium sulfide(CdS)is an n-type semiconductor with excellent electrical conductivity that is widely used as an electron transport material(ETM)in solar cells.At present,numerous methods for preparing CdS thin films have emerged,among which magnetron sputtering(MS)is one of the most commonly used vacuum techniques.For this type of technique,the substrate temperature is one of the key deposition parameters that affects the interfacial properties between the target film and substrate,determining the specific growth habits of the films.Herein,the effect of substrate temperature on the microstructure and electrical properties of magnetron-sputtered CdS(MS-CdS)films was studied and applied for the first time in hydrothermally deposited antimony selenosulfide(Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3))solar cells.Adjusting the substrate temperature not only results in the design of the flat and dense film with enhanced crystallinity but also leads to the formation of an energy level arrangement with a Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)layer that is more favorable for electron transfer.In addition,we developed an oxygen plasma treatment for CdS,reducing the parasitic absorption of the device and resulting in an increase in the short-circuit current density of the solar cell.This study demonstrates the feasibility of MS-CdS in the fabrication of hydrothermal Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)solar cells and provides interface optimization strategies to improve device performance.

In-doping collaboratively controlling back interface and bulk defects to achieve efficient flexible CZTSSe solar cells

Focusing on the low open circuit voltage(V_(OC))and fill factor(FF)in flexible Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)solar cells,indium(In)ions are introduced into the CZTSSe absorbers near Mo foils to modify the back interface and passivate deep level defects in CZTSSe bulk concurrently for improving the performance of flexible device.The results show that In doping effectively inhibits the formation of secondary phase(Cu(S,Se)_(2))and VSndefects.Further studies demonstrate that the barrier height at the back interface is decreased and the deep level defects(Cu_(Sn)defects)in CZTSSe bulk are passivated.Moreover,the carrier concentration is increased and the V_(OC) deficit(V_(OC,def))is decreased significantly due to In doping.Finally,the flexible CZTSSe solar cell with 10.01%power conversion efficiency(PCE)has been obtained.The synergistic strategy of interface modification and bulk defects passivation through In incorporation provides a new thought for the fabrication of efficient flexible kesterite-based solar cells.

Effects of Low Dose Radiation on Tumor Apoptosis, Cell Cycle and Apoptosis-Related Protein Bcl-2 in Tumor-Bearing Mice

To study the effects of low dose radiation (LDR) on tumor apoptosis, cellcycle progression and changes of apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 in tumor-bearing mice. Methods:Male mice of Kunming strain were implanted subcutaneously with S180 sarcoma cells in the left inguenas an in situ experimental animal model. Seven days later, the mice were subjected to 75 mGywhole-body γ-irradiation. At 24 and 48 h after the irradiation, all mice were sacrificed. The tumorsizes were measured, and tumor cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were analyzed by flowcytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 and the apoptotic rate of tumor cellswere observed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Results: Tumors grew significantlyslower after LDR (P 【 0.05). The tumor cells were arrested in G1 phrase and the expression of Bcl-2protein decreased at 24 h. Apoptotic rate of tumor cells was increased significantly at 48 h afterLDR (P 【 0.01). Conclusion: LDR could cause a G1-phase arrest and increase the apoptosis of tumorcells through the low level of apoptosis-related protein bcl-2 in the tumor-bearing mice. Theorganized immune function and anti-tumor ability are markedly increased after LDR. Our studyprovides practical evidence of clinical application to cancer treatment.

(NH_(4))_(2)S修饰SnO_(2)/钙钛矿界面对钙钛矿太阳能电池性能的影响

为了降低电子传输层(Electron transport layer,ETL)与钙钛矿层之间的界面缺陷态密度,通过旋涂法在氧化铟锡(Indium tin oxide,ITO)透明导电玻璃上制备一层SnO_(2)电子传输层,并在其上表面旋涂(NH_(4))_(2)S以修饰SnO_(2)和钙钛矿光吸收层之间的界面。通过X射线光电子能谱、扫描电子显微镜、电化学阻抗谱等表征手段分析(NH_(4))_(2)S修饰对钙钛矿太阳能电池(Perovskite solar cells,PSCs)光电性能的影响。结果表明:NH_(4)^(+)降低了SnO_(2)的表面羟基(—OH)缺陷态密度,增强了界面的疏水性,减少了钙钛矿的形核位点,增大了钙钛矿晶粒;S^(2-)填补了SnO_(2)表面的氧空位(OV),同时部分S^(2-)还与未配位Pb^(2+)连接减少界面处Pb缺陷,抑制了界面处载流子复合;经过(NH_(4))_(2)S的修饰,PSCs开路电压从1.07 V提高到1.11 V,光电转化效率达到了20.53%。(NH_(4))2S修饰后的PSCs具有更高的光电转化效率、更好的长期稳定性。该研究可为PSCs商业化提供新的思路。

严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)刺突蛋白的B细胞及T细胞抗原表位的生物信息学分析

目的使用生物信息学方法预测严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)刺突蛋白(S蛋白)的结构特点,并预测可能的B细胞和T细胞表位。方法从NCBI数据库中获取SARS-CoV-2的S蛋白氨基酸序列,通过蛋白质基本性质分析工具ProtParam分析S蛋白的理化性质;利用综合性序列工具软件Lasergene和蛋白质二级结构分析软件SOMPA分析S蛋白二级结构;蛋白质同源物/类似物Y识别引擎Phyre2和分子图像观察软件Rasmol构建并分析S蛋白三级结构;B细胞表位预测工具ABCpred、BepiPred和BcePred预测S蛋白的B细胞抗原表位;利用免疫表位数据库IEDB预测S蛋白的T细胞抗原表位。结果S蛋白由1273个氨基酸组成,理论等电点为6.24,原子组成为C_(6336)H_(9770)N_(1656)O_(1894)S_(54),属于稳定亲水性蛋白。Lasergene软件的Gramier-Robson方法预测显示:α螺旋占23.5%、β折叠占53.7%、转角区域占14.9%、无规则卷曲占8.33%;Lasergene软件的Chou-Fasman方法预测显示:α螺旋占20.9%,β折叠占35.5%,β转角占35.2%。同时,使用SOPMA在线服务工具分析S蛋白二级结构,其中α螺旋占28.59%,延长链占23.25%,β转角占3.38%,无规则卷曲占44.78%。ABCpred、BepiPred和BcePred分别预测S蛋白的潜在B细胞抗原表位数量为5个、11个、6个。IEDB预测的CD8^(+)T细胞表位和CD4^(+)T细胞表位结果中分别选择各人类白细胞抗原(HLA)基因型亲和力最好的5个表位。结论采用生物信息学方法预测SARS-CoV-2的S蛋白具有多个B细胞及T细胞抗原表位。

Ferroptosis mechanism and Alzheimer's disease

Regulated cell death is a genetically determined form of programmed cell death that commonly occurs during the development of living organisms.This process plays a crucial role in modulating homeostasis and is evolutionarily conserved across a diverse range of living organisms.Ferroptosis is a classic regulatory mode of cell death.Extensive studies of regulatory cell death in Alzheimer’s disease have yielded increasing evidence that fe rroptosis is closely related to the occurrence,development,and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease.This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and recent research advances in the role of ferro ptosis in Alzheimer’s disease.Our findings are expected to serve as a theoretical and experimental foundation for clinical research and targeted therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

Effects of hypoxia,hyperoxia on the regulation of expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To study the effects of hypoxia, hyperoxia on the regulation of expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). METHODS: The expressions of MMP-2, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and membrane type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) in cultured rat HSC were detected by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). The contents of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in culture supernatant were detected with ELISA and the activity of MMP-2 in supernatant was revealed by zymography. RESULTS: In the situation of hypoxia for 12h, the expression of MMP-2 protein was enhanced (hypoxia group positive indexes: 5.7 +/- 2.0, n=10; control: 3.2 +/- 1.0, n = 7; P【0.05), while TIMP-2 protein was decreased in HSC (hypoxia group positive indexes: 2.5 +/- 0.7, n = 10; control: 3.6 +/- 1.0, n = 7; P 【 0.05), and the activity (total A) of MMP-2 in supernatant declined obviously (hypoxia group: 7.334 +/- 1.922, n = 9; control: 17.277 +/- 7.424, n = 11; P 【 0.01). Compared the varied duration of hypoxia, the changes of expressions including mRNA and protein level as well as activity of MMP-2 were most notable in 6h group. The highest value(A(hypoxia)-A(control)) of the protein and the most intense signal of mRNA were in the period of hypoxia for 6h, along with the lowest activity of MMP-2. In the situation of hyperoxia for 12h, the contents (A(450)) of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in supernatant were both higher than those in the control, especially the TIMP-2 (hyperoxia group: 0.0499 +/- 0.0144, n = 16; control: 0.0219 +/- 0.0098, n = 14; P 【 0.01), and so was the activity of MMP-2 (hyperoxia group: 5.252 +/- 0.771, n = 14; control: 4.304 +/- 1.083, n = 12; P 【 0.05), and the expression of MT1-MMP was increased. CONCLUSION: HSC is sensitive to the oxygen, hypoxia enhances the expression of MMP-2 and the effect is more marked at the early stage; hyperoxia mainly raises the activity of MMP-2.

基于多通光声池的SF_(6)分解产物H_(2)S的高灵敏度检测技术

针对H_(2)S气体在近红外波段的吸收系数低导致检测灵敏度难以提高的难题,提出了基于共振式多通光声池的SF_(6)分解产物H_(2)S气体检测技术。对赫里奥特型多通光声池进行优化设计,激光光束反射次数达到20次。近红外激光经功率放大后入射到多通光声池,通过多次光学反射大幅度提升了光声信号的激发效率,结合声学共振放大技术、光纤放大技术和波长调制-二次谐波检测技术,搭建了一套光声光谱气体检测系统,实现了SF_(6)背景下微量H_(2)S气体的高灵敏度检测。实验结果表明,归一化噪声等效吸收系数为2.23×10^(-9)cm^(-1)·W·Hz^(-1/2),在平均时间为100 s时,该检测系统对H_(2)S气体的检测极限达到2.7×10^(-8)。

Changes of NF-kB,p53,Bcl-2 and caspase in apoptosis induced by JTE-522 in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS cells:role of reactive oxygen species

AIM: To identify whether JTE-522 can induce apoptosis in AGS cells and ROS also involved in the process, and to investigate the changes in NF-kB, p53, bcl-2 and caspase in the apoptosis process. METHODS: Cell culture, MTT, Electromicroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, lucigenin, Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis were employed to investigate the effect of JTE-522 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in AGS cells and related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: JTE-522 inhibited the growth of AGS cells and induced the apoptosis. Lucigenin assay showed the generation of ROS in cells under incubation with JTE-522. The increased ROS generation might contribute to the induction of AGS cells to apoptosis. EMSA and Western blot revealed that NF-kB activity was almost completely inhibited by preventing the degradation of IkBalpha. Additionally, by using Western blot we confirmed that the level of bcl-2 was decreased, whereas p53 showed a great increase following JTE-522 treatment. Their changes were in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that reactive oxygen species, NF-kB, p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 may play an important role in the induction of apoptosis in AGS cells after treatment with JTE-522.

High expression of ErbB2 contributes to cholangiocarcinoma cell invasion and proliferation through AKT/p70S6K

AIM:To compare the impact of ErbB2 on cell invasion and proliferation in cholangiocarcinoma(CCA) cell lines.METHODS:Level of endogenous ErbB2 expression in three CCA cell lines,namely HuCCA-1,KKU-100 and KKU-M213,was determined by real-time reversetranscriptase polymerase chain reaction.Two ErbB2 inhibitory methods,a small molecule ErbB2 kinase inhibitor(AG825) and siRNA,were used to disrupt ErbB2 function in the cell lines.CCA cell invasion,motility and proliferation under ErbB2-disrupted conditions were detected using Transwell and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays.In addition,ErbB2 downstream effectors were investigated by Western blotting analysis.RESULTS:Suppression of ErbB2 activity,using a specific kinase inhibitor(AG825),reduced invasion,motility and proliferation of all three CCA cell lines.The ability of this drug to inhibit neoplastic properties(invasion,motility and proliferation) increased concomitantly with the level of ErbB2 expression.Similarly,knockdown of ErbB2 level by siRNA inhibited cell invasion and proliferation of KKU-M213,a high-ErbB2-expressing cell,better than those of the lower-ErbB2-expressing cells,HuCCA-1 and KKU-100.Thus,both inhibitory methods indicated that there is more ErbB2-dependency for malignancy of the high-ErbB2-expressing cell,KKU-M213,than for that of low-ErbB2-expressing ones.In addition,interrupting ErbB2 activity decreased phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6K,but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2,in the high-ErbB2-expressing CCA cell line.CONCLUSION:Our data indicated that high ErbB2 expression enhances CCA invasion,motility and proliferation via the AKT/p70S6K pathway,which suggests the possibility of targeting these molecules for CCA therapy.

Effect of H_2S Flow Rate and Concentration on Performance of H_2S/Air Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

A solid state H2S/air electrochemical cell having the configuration of H2S, (MoS2+NiS+Ag)/YSZ/Pt, air has been examined with different H2S flow rates and concentrations at atmospheric pressure and 750-850 ℃. Performance of the fuel cell was dependent on anode compartment H2S flow rate and concentration. The cell open-circuit voltage increased with increasing H2S flow rate. It was found that increasing both H2S flow rate and H2S concentration improved current-voltage and power density performance. This is resulted from improved gas diffusion in anode and increased concentration of anodic electroactive species. Operation at elevated H2S concentration improved the cell performance at a given gas flow rate. However, as low as 5% H2S in gas mixture can also be utilized as fuel feed to cells. Highest current and power densities, 17500mA·cm-2 and 200mW·cm-2, are obtained with pure H2S flow rate of 50ml·min-1 and air flow rate of 100ml·min-1 at 850℃.

Bcl-2 over-expression and activation of protein kinase C suppress the Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells

Trail, a tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, is a novel potent endogenous activator of the cell death pathway through the activation of cell surface death receptors Trail-R1 and Trail-R2. Its role, like FasL in activation-induced cell death (AICD), has been demonstrated in immune system. However the mechanism of Trail induced apoptosis remains unclear. In this report, the recombinant Trail protein was expressed and purified. The apoptosis-inducing activity and the regulation mechanism of recombinant Trail on Jurkat T cells were explored in vitro. Trypan blue exclusion assay demonstrated that the recombinant Trail protein actively killed Jurkat T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells were remarkably reduced by Bcl-2 over expression in Bcl-2 gene transfected cells. Treatment with PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate), a PKC activator, suppressed Trail-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells. The inhibition of apoptosis by PMA was abolished by pretreatment with Bis, a PKC inhibitor. Taken together, it was suggested that Bcl-2 over-expression and PMA activated PKC actively down-regulated the Trail-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat T cell.

Effect of heparin on apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE2 cells

In order to study the mechanism of the effect of heparin on apoptosis in carcinoma cells, the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2 was used to identify the effect of heparin on apoptosis associated with the expression of c-myc, bax, bcl-2 proteins by use of Hoechst 33258 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry, as well as Western blot analysis. The results showed that heparin induced apoptosis of CNE2 cells including the morphologic changes such as reduction in the volume, and the nuclear chromatin condensation, as well as the 'ladder pattern' revealed by agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA in a concentration-dependent manner. The number of TUNEL-positive cells was dramatically increased to 33.6+/-1.2% from 2.8+/-0.3% by treatment with heparin in different concentrations (10 to approximately 40 kU/L). The apoptotic index was increased to 32.5% from 3.5% by detecting SubG1 peaks on flow cytometry. Western blot analysis showed that levels of bcl-2, bax and c-myc were significantly overexpressed by treatment with the increase of heparin concentrations. These results suggest that heparin induces apoptosis of CNE2 cells, which may be regulated by differential expression of apoptosis-related genes.

Transepithelial transport of putrescine across monolayers of the human intestinal epithelial cell line, Caco-2

AIM: To study the transepithelial transport characteristics of the polyamine putrescine in human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers to elucidate the mechanisms of the putrescine intestinal absorption. METHODS: The transepithelial transport and the cellular accumulation of putrescine was measured using Caco-2 cell monolayers grown on permeable filters. RESULTS: Transepithelial transport of putrescine in physiological concentrations (】 0.5 mM) from the apical to basolateral side was linear. Intracellular accumulation of putrescine was higher in confluent than in fully differentiated Caco-2 cells, but still negligible (less than 0.5%) of the overall transport across the monolayers in apical to basolateral direction.EGF enhanced putrescine accumulation in Caco-2 cells by four fold, as well as putrescine conversion to spermidine and spermine by enhancing the activity of S adenosylmethionine decarboxylase. However, EGF did not have any significant influence on putrescine flux across the Caco-2 cell monolayers. Excretion of putrescine from Caco-2 cells into the basolateral medium did not exceed 50 picomoles, while putrescine passive flux from the apical to the basolateral chamber, contributed hundreds of micromoles polyamines to the basolateral chamber. CONCLUSION :Transepithelial transport of putrescine across Caco2 cell monolayers occurs in passive diffusion, and is not influenced when epithelial cells are stimulated to proliferate by a potent mitogen such as EGF.

Curtailing Carbon Usage with Addition of Functionalized NiFe2O4 Quantum Dots:Toward More Practical S Cathodes for Li-S Cells

Smartcombination of manifold carbonaceous materials with admirable functionalities(like full of pores/functional groups,high specific surface area) is still a mainstream/preferential way to address knotty issues of polysulfides dissolution/shuttling and poor electrical conductivity for S-based cathodes.However,extensive use of conductive carbon fillers in cell designs/technology would induce electrolytic overconsumption and thereby shelve high-energy-density promise of Li-S cells.To cut down carbon usage,we propose the incorporation of multi-functionalized NiFe2O4 quantum dots(QDs) as affordable additive substitutes.The total carbon content can be greatly curtailed from 26%(in traditional S/C cathodes) to a low/commercial mass ratio(~5%).Particularly,note that NiFe2O4 QDs additives own superb chemisorption interactions with soluble Li2Sn molecules and proper catalytic features facilitating polysulfide phase conversions and can also strengthen charge-transfer capability/redox kinetics of overall cathode systems.Benefiting from these intrinsic properties,such hybrid cathodes demonstrate prominent rate behaviors(decent capacity retention with ~526 mAh g^-1 even at 5 A g^-1) and stable cyclic performance in LiNO3-free electrolytes(only ~0.08% capacity decay per cycle in 500 cycles at 0.2 A g^-1).This work may arouse tremendous research interest in seeking other alternative QDs and offer an economical/more applicable methodology to construct low-carbon-content electrodes for practical usage.

6-OHDA Induces Cycle Reentry and Apoptosis of PC12 Cells through Activation of ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

This study investigated the effect and mechanism of cell cycle reentry induced by 6-hydrodopamine （6-OHDA） in PC12 cells. By using neural differentiated PC12 cells treated with 6-OHDA, the apoptosis model of dopaminergic neurons was established. Cell viability was measured by MTT. Cell apoptosis and the distribution of cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the activation of extracellular regulator kinasel/2 （ERK1/2） pathway and the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein （RB）. Our results showed that after PC12 cells were treated wtih 6-OHDA, the viability of PC12 cells was declined in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytornetry revealed that 6-OHDA could increase the apoptosis ratio of PC12 cells in a time-dependent manner. The percentage of ceils in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle was decreased and that in S phase and G2/M phase increased. Simultaneously, ERK1/2 pathway was activated and phosphorylated RB increased. It was concluded that 6-OHDA could induce cell cycle reentry of dopaminergic neurons through the activation of ERK1/2 pathway and RB phosphorylation. The aberrant cell cycle reentry contributes to the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons.

Surface defect ordered Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4) solar cells with efficiency over 12% via manipulating local substitution

The environmentally friendly Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe) compounds are promising direct bandgap materials for application in thin film solar cells, but the spontaneous surface defects disordering would lead to large open-circuit voltage deficit(V_(oc,deficit)) and significantly limit kesterite photovoltaics performance,primarily arising from the generated more recombination centers and insufficient p to n conversion at p-n junction. Herein, we establish a surface defects ordering structure in CZTSSe system via local substitution of Cu by Ag to suppress disordered Cu_(Zn) defects and generate benign n-type Zn_(Ag) donors. Taking advantage of the decreased annealing temperature of Ag F post deposition treatment(PDT), the high concentration of Ag incorporated into surface absorber facilitates the formation of surface ordered defect environment similar to that of efficient CIGS PV. The manipulation of highly doped surface structure could effectively reduce recombination centers, increase depletion region width and enlarge the band bending near p-n junction. As a result, the Ag F-PDT device finally achieves maximum efficiency of 12.34% with enhanced V_(oc) of 0.496 V. These results offer a new solution route in surface defects and energy-level engineering, and open the way to build up high quality p-n junction for future development of kesterite technology.

Humulus japonicus extract alleviates oxidative stress and apoptosis in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PC12 cells

Objective:To explore the possible neuroprotective activities of Humulus japonicus extract against Parkinson's disease(PD)in a cellular model.Methods:PD was modeled in PC12 cells using 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA).The cell activity,intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects,and other related indicators and related signaling pathways were evaluated to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of Humulus japonicus extract.Results:Humulus japonicus extract exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects in 6-OHDA-stimulated PC12 cells.It also reduced oxidative stress-induced ROS accumulation;upregulated antioxidant enzymes,such as glutathione,catalase,heme oxidase-1,and 8-oxguanine glycosylase 1;promoted cell survival by decreasing BAX and increasing Bcl-2 and sirtuin 1 expression via the MAPK and/or Nrf2 signaling pathways.Conclusions:Humulus japonicus extract has antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects and could be developed as a promising candidate for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Cr应力缓释层对柔性Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)薄膜太阳电池性能的影响

柔性Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)薄膜太阳电池中的应力是阻碍其发展的一大瓶颈。采用磁控溅射法在柔性Ti衬底和Mo背电极之间引入不同厚度的Cr缓释层,研究其对CZTSSe薄膜应力的影响。结果表明,当Cr应力缓释层厚度为80 nm时,薄膜的结晶质量最好,电池具有最佳的光电性能,相比没有Cr应力缓释层存在的情况,薄膜的残余应力从-7.15 GPa降低至-3.61 GPa,电池的光电转换效率(PCE)从2.89%提高至4.65%,增加了60.9%。Cr应力缓释层的引入不会影响CZTSSe薄膜的晶体结构,相反可有效提高薄膜的结晶质量,降低薄膜的残余应力,最终提高电池的光电性能。