Dip2a regulates stress susceptibility in the basolateral amygdala

Dysregulation of neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system contributes to mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post–traumatic stress disorder. Monoamines and amino acids are important types of neurotransmitters. Our previous results have shown that disco-interacting protein 2 homolog A(Dip2a) knockout mice exhibit brain development disorders and abnormal amino acid metabolism in serum. This suggests that DIP2A is involved in the metabolism of amino acid–associated neurotransmitters. Therefore, we performed targeted neurotransmitter metabolomics analysis and found that Dip2a deficiency caused abnormal metabolism of tryptophan and thyroxine in the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. In addition, acute restraint stress induced a decrease in 5-hydroxytryptamine in the basolateral amygdala. Additionally, Dip2a was abundantly expressed in excitatory neurons of the basolateral amygdala, and deletion of Dip2a in these neurons resulted in hopelessness-like behavior in the tail suspension test. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that DIP2A in the basolateral amygdala may be involved in the regulation of stress susceptibility. This provides critical evidence implicating a role of DIP2A in affective disorders.

Hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease via Nrf2

The pathophysiology of Huntington's disease involves high levels of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid. Quinolinic acid accumulation results in oxidative stress, which leads to neurotoxicity. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which quinolinic acid contributes to Huntington's disease pathology remain unknown. In this study, we established in vitro and in vivo models of Huntington's disease by administering quinolinic acid to the PC12 neuronal cell line and the striatum of mice, respectively. We observed a decrease in the levels of hydrogen sulfide in both PC12 cells and mouse serum, which was accompanied by down-regulation of cystathionine β-synthase, an enzyme responsible for hydrogen sulfide production. However, treatment with NaHS(a hydrogen sulfide donor) increased hydrogen sulfide levels in the neurons and in mouse serum, as well as cystathionine β-synthase expression in the neurons and the mouse striatum, while also improving oxidative imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in PC12 cells and the mouse striatum. These beneficial effects correlated with upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression. Finally, treatment with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2inhibitor ML385 reversed the beneficial impact of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on quinolinic acid-induced oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings show that hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2,suggesting that hydrogen sulfide is a novel neuroprotective drug candidate for treating patients with Huntington's disease.

富里酸和Ca^(2+)共存对嗜酸性氧化亚铁硫杆菌介导生成次生高铁矿物的影响

为揭示富里酸和Ca^(2+)共存对嗜酸性氧化亚铁硫杆菌(Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans)氧化酸性矿山废水(AMD)中的Fe^(2+)和形成次生高铁矿物的影响,分析了pH、Fe^(2+)氧化率、铁沉淀率以及次生高铁矿物矿相、基团等相关指标。结果表明,Ca^(2+)确实具有提高嗜酸性氧化亚铁硫杆菌氧化Fe^(2+)的能力。低质量浓度(0.2 g/L)的富里酸对嗜酸性氧化亚铁硫杆菌活性的提高具有促进作用,高质量浓度(0.4 g/L)的富里酸具有抑制作用,而增加Ca^(2+)反过来能够减弱高浓度富里酸对嗜酸性氧化亚铁硫杆菌的抑制作用。对形成的次生高铁矿物进行X射线衍射(XRD)和傅立叶红外光谱(FTIR)分析,结果表明高浓度富里酸促进了另一次生高铁矿物草黄铁矾的生成。

川芎嗪抑制ROCK的表达降低模拟失重大鼠血管Ca^(2+)敏感性

研究失重条件下血管平滑肌收缩性、Ca^(2+)敏感性及其调控通路RhoA-ROCK蛋白表达的变化,以及川芎嗪干预对其的影响。大鼠尾部悬吊模拟失重,在机体前、后部分别选取颈总动脉和肠系膜上动脉。在模拟失重大鼠颈总动脉中,由苯肾上腺素(PHE)或KCl诱发的血管收缩性和Ca^(2+)敏感性增强,RhoA激酶2(ROCK II)的表达、肌球蛋白磷酸酶靶亚基1(MYPT1)和肌球蛋白调节轻链(MLC)的磷酸化水平均上升,血管孵育Y-27632(ROCK特异性抑制剂)后可降低以上变化。模拟失重大鼠灌饲川芎嗪亦可降低以上变化。模拟失重后,大鼠肠系膜上动脉的收缩性和Ca^(2+)敏感性、ROCK II的表达、MYPT1和MLC的磷酸化水平降低,血管孵育Y-27632对以上变化无明显作用。模拟失重大鼠灌饲川芎嗪亦对以上变化无明显作用。结果表明,由RhoA-ROCK调控的血管平滑肌Ca^(2+)敏感性的变化可能是失重条件下机体前后部血管收缩性发生区域性重塑的关键因素。川芎嗪可抑制ROCK蛋白的表达,降低血管平滑肌升高的Ca^(2+)敏感性,从而纠正失重条件下机体前部血管收缩性的增强,但对失重条件下机体后部血管收缩性的减弱无恢复作用。

外源Ca^(2+)对玉米幼苗镉胁迫的缓解效应

本试验以玉米为研究材料,对玉米幼苗进行一定浓度的镉(20mg/L)胁迫,通过对玉米幼苗施加不同浓度的Ca^(2+)(0、2、5、8mmol/L),研究Ca^(2+)对镉胁迫下玉米幼苗的叶绿素、MDA、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白、游离脯氨酸和POD活性6个生理生化指标的影响。结果表明:施加外源Ca^(2+)显著增加了镉胁迫下南瓜幼苗叶片中叶绿素含量(P<0.05),而MDA含量、可溶性糖含量、游离脯氨酸含量以及POD活性均显著降低(P<0.05),对可溶性蛋白的缓解作用不显著(P>0.05)。其中以5mmol/LCa^(2+)的缓解效果最好。

复合混凝剂中Ca^(2+)对高溶解态磷坑塘水混凝效果的影响

文章以Ca^(2+)改性后的AlCl_(3)和PACl作为混凝剂进行混凝实验,通过出水浊度、余铝、总磷、絮体粒径及有机物组成等分析改性后混凝剂的作用机理,探讨混凝剂中存在的Ca^(2+)对高磷坑塘水混凝效果的影响机制。浊度去除方面,低投加量下Ca^(2+)可明显降低出水浊度。当投加量为0.10 mmol/L时,PACl出水浊度下降了33.52 NTU,AlCl_(3)出水浊度下降了28.72 NTU。余铝去除方面,当AlCl_(3)作混凝剂时,Ca^(2+)可以通过增加混凝剂的电中和能力来降低出水余铝浓度。溶解态磷去除方面,Ca^(2+)与磷酸根反应或通过压缩双电层和吸附电中和作用来增加溶解态磷的去除率。当投加量为0.20 mmol/L时,Ca^(2+)浓度为0.9 mmol/L,PACl溶解态磷去除率较未改性前提高16.1%。絮体粒径方面,Ca^(2+)可以促进颗粒之间脱稳凝聚,增加絮体粒径和分形维数,AlCl_(3)在0.20 mmol/L投加量下絮体粒径增加79μm。并且Ca^(2+)的加入使AlCl_(3)生成的絮体抗剪切能力更强,但是絮体受到破坏后更不容易恢复,使PACl形成絮体强度因子和恢复因子变大。有机物去除方面,Ca^(2+)可以提高有机物的去除率。对于0.20 mmol/L投加量,Ca^(2+)为0.06 mmol/L投加量条件下AlCl_(3)改性后混凝剂荧光响应值由1100降至800。

Ca^(2+)-ATPase参与植物耐盐性调控的研究进展

盐胁迫下细胞质Ca^(2+)浓度升高,细胞会激活Ca^(2+)调节的靶酶或者与Ca^(2+)高度亲和的受体蛋白,其中,与Ca^(2+)高度亲和的受体蛋白中,植物钙泵(Ca^(2+)-ATPase)是P型ATP酶,包含内质网Ca^(2+)-ATPases与质膜Ca^(2+)-ATPas‐es,通过主动运输将Ca^(2+)从细胞质转移到质外体或细胞器。大量研究表明,植物的耐盐性在很大程度上与其维持钙泵即Ca^(2+)-ATPase活性的能力有关。多种植物Ca^(2+)-ATPase对盐胁迫表现出敏感性,并受到外源Ca^(2+)的保护,表明外源钙处理与Ca^(2+)-ATPase活性可能在盐胁迫下的细胞内钙稳态和信号转导中起重要作用。该研究概述了植物Ca^(2+)-ATPase类型、结构与性质,亚细胞定位Ca^(2+)-ATPase及外源钙与亚细胞定位Ca^(2+)-ATPase参与植物耐盐调控研究进展,重点对质膜、液泡膜、核膜、内质网及高尔基体Ca^(2+)-ATPases参与植物耐盐调控的研究进展进行了综述,并提出展望。该研究为了解植物耐盐性生理及分子机制提供帮助,同时为作物耐盐栽培提供新思路。

Ca^(2+)/CaN/NFAT信号通路在肿瘤中的研究进展

肿瘤成为危害人类健康的主要原因,其发生发展与免疫炎症密切相关.Ca^(2+)/CaN/NFAT信号通路是目前已知的免疫炎症通路,可促进多种免疫细胞活化,介导免疫炎症因子释放,进而影响机体的免疫功能.目前,Ca^(2+)/CaN/NFAT信号通路在肿瘤中的存在和作用越来越受关注.多项研究表明与该通路与肿瘤发生发展密切相关.故本文从Ca^(2+)/CaN/NFAT信号通路概述、信号通路对肿瘤发生发展的影响、信号通路对肿瘤免疫炎症的作用及与信号通路相关药物在防治肿瘤中的作用四方面进行综述,以期为临床防治肿瘤提供新视角新靶点.

Upregulation of α-ENaC induces pancreatic β-cell dysfunction,ER stress,and SIRT2 degradation

Islet beta cells(β-cells)produce insulin in response to high blood glucose levels,which is essential for preserving glucose homeostasis.Voltage-gated ion channels inβ-cells,including Na+,K+,and Ca2+channels,aid in the release of insulin.The epithelial sodium channel alpha subunit(α-ENaC),a voltage-independent sodium ion channel,is also expressed in human pancreatic endocrine cells.However,there is no reported study on the function of ENaC in theβ-cells.In the current study,we found thatα-ENaC was expressed in human pancreatic glandule and pancreatic isletβ-cells.In the pancreas of db/db mice and high-fat diet-induced mice,and in mouse isletβ-cells(MIN6 cells)treated with palmitate,α-ENaC expression was increased.Whenα-ENaC was overexpressed in MIN6 cells,insulin content and glucose-induced insulin secretion were significantly reduced.On the other hand,palmitate injured isletβ-cells and suppressed insulin synthesis and secretion,but increasedα-ENaC expression in MIN6 cells.However,α-ENaC knockout(Scnn1a−/−)in MIN6 cells attenuatedβ-cell disorder induced by palmitate.Furthermore,α-ENaC regulated the ubiquitylation and degradation of sirtuin 2 inβ-cells.α-ENaC also modulatedβ-cell function in correlation with the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha/X-box binding protein 1(IRE1α/XBP1)and protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/C/EBP homologous protein(PERK/CHOP)endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.These results suggest thatα-ENaC may play a novel role in insulin synthesis and secretion in theβ-cells,and the upregulation ofα-ENaC promotes isletβ-cell dysfunction.In conclusion,α-ENaC may be a key regulator involved in isletβ-cell damage and a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Involvement of the ABA-and H_(2)O_(2)-Mediated Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle in the Drought Stress Responses of Wheat Roots

Abscisic acid(ABA),hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)) and ascorbate(AsA)–glutathione(GSH)cycle are widely known for their participation in various stresses.However,the relationship between ABA and H_(2)O_(2) levels and the AsA–GSH cycle under drought stress in wheat has not been studied.In this study,a hydroponic experiment was conducted in wheat seedlings subjected to 15%polyethylene glycol(PEG)6000–induced dehydration.Drought stress caused the rapid accumulation of endogenous ABA and H_(2)O_(2) and significantly decreased the number of root tips compared with the control.The application of ABA significantly increased the number of root tips,whereas the application of H_(2)O_(2) markedly reduced the number of root tips,compared with that under 15%PEG-6000.In addition,drought stress markedly increased the DHA,GSH and GSSG levels,but decreased the AsA levels,AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG ratios compared with those in the control.The activities of the four enzymes in the AsA–GSH cycle were also markedly increased under drought stress,including glutathione reductase(GR),ascorbate peroxidase(APX),monodehydroascorbate reductase(MDHAR)and dehydroascorbate reductase(DHAR),compared with those in the control.However,the application of an ABA inhibitor significantly inhibited GR,DHAR and APX activities,whereas the application of an H_(2)O_(2) inhibitor significantly inhibited DHAR and MDHAR activities.Furthermore,the application of ABA inhibitor significantly promoted the increases of H_(2)O_(2) and the application of H_(2)O_(2) inhibitor significantly blocked the increases of ABA,compared with those under 15% PEG-6000.Taken together,the results indicated that ABA and H_(2)O_(2) probably interact under drought stress in wheat;and both of them can mediate drought stress by modulating the enzymes in AsA–GSH cycle,where ABA acts as the main regulator of GR,DHAR,and APX activities,and H_(2)O_(2) acts as the main regulator of DHAR and MDHAR activities.

Duodenal-jejunal bypass improves hypothalamic oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic rats via glucagon-like peptide 1-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is often accompanied by impaired glucose utilization in the brain,leading to oxidative stress,neuronal cell injury and inflammation.Previous studies have shown that duodenal jejunal bypass(DJB)surgery significantly improves brain glucose metabolism in T2DM rats,the role and the metabolism of DJB in improving brain oxidative stress and inflammation condition in T2DM rats remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and metabolism of DJB in improving hypothalamic oxidative stress and inflammation condition in T2DM rats.METHODS A T2DM rat model was induced via a high-glucose and high-fat diet,combined with a low-dose streptozotocin injection.T2DM rats were divided into DJB operation and Sham operation groups.DJB surgical intervention was carried out on T2DM rats.The differential expression of hypothalamic proteins was analyzed using quantitative proteomics analysis.Proteins related to oxidative stress,inflammation,and neuronal injury in the hypothalamus of T2DM rats were analyzed by flow cytometry,quantitative real-time PCR,Western blotting,and immunofluorescence.RESULTS Quantitative proteomics analysis showed significant differences in proteins related to oxidative stress,inflammation,and neuronal injury in the hypothalamus of rats with T2DM-DJB after DJB surgery,compared to the T2DM-Sham groups of rats.Oxidative stress-related proteins(glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor,Nrf2,and HO-1)were significantly increased(P<0.05)in the hypothalamus of rats with T2DM after DJB surgery.DJB surgery significantly reduced(P<0.05)hypothalamic inflammation in T2DM rats by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and decreasing the expression of interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-6.DJB surgery significantly reduced(P<0.05)the expression of factors related to neuronal injury(glial fibrillary acidic protein and Caspase-3)in the hypothalamus of T2DM rats and upregulated(P<0.05)the expression of neuroprotective factors(C-fos,Ki67,Bcl-2,and BDNF),thereby reducing hypothalamic injury in T2DM rats.CONCLUSION DJB surgery improve oxidative stress and inflammation in the hypothalamus of T2DM rats and reduce neuronal cell injury by activating the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

β-细辛醚通过抑制TRPV4的表达缓解谷氨酸诱导的Ca^(2+)超载

谷氨酸处理会导致Ca^(2+)超载,瞬时受体电位香草素受体4(transient receptor potential vanilloid 4,TRPV4)在其中的作用及可能机制尚不清楚。β-细辛醚能快速透过血脑屏障,对兴奋性毒性具有较强的神经保护作用。文章以高分化的PC12细胞为研究对象,探究β-细辛醚(15、30、60μmol/L)预处理4 h,40 mmol/L谷氨酸处理实时记录对PC12细胞Ca^(2+)浓度的影响,采用钙成像技术检测Ca^(2+)浓度的变化;采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)、Western Blot及免疫荧光技术检测TRPV4的mRNA和蛋白的表达;采用Lipofectiamine 2000脂质体实验转染TRPV4-siRNA和pEX-3-TRPV4,观察沉默和过表达TRPV4对谷氨酸引起Ca^(2+)超载的影响。结果表明:与正常对照组相比,谷氨酸处理5 min可诱导Ca^(2+)超载,显著提高TRPV4的mRNA和蛋白的表达;与模型组相比,β-细辛醚能够剂量依赖性地降低谷氨酸诱导的Ca^(2+)超载和TRPV4的表达;沉默TRPV4抑制细胞Ca^(2+)超载;过表达TRPV4则部分逆转β-细辛醚抑制谷氨酸诱导的Ca^(2+)超载。该研究证明,谷氨酸处理PC12细胞5 min通过上调TRPV4的表达诱导Ca^(2+)超载,β-细辛醚作为TRPV4的拮抗剂,是一种潜在的抑制兴奋性毒性的药物。

活血益肾法联合西药对踝关节骨折术后血清Ca^(2+)、ALP及踝关节功能的影响

目的探讨活血益肾法联合西药对踝关节骨折术后血清Ca^(2+)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)及踝关节功能的影响。方法选取踝关节骨折术后患者105例,随机分为试验组(n=53)和对照组(n=52)。对照组给予地塞米松治疗,试验组在对照组的基础上加用活血益肾法治疗。比较两组临床疗效、血清Ca^(2+)、ALP、踝关节功能水平变化情况、临床症状改善情况及不良反应发生情况。结果治疗后,试验组踝关节功能恢复优良率显著高于对照组;治疗后,试验组血清Ca^(2+)、ALP水平高于对照组;治疗后,两组肌力背伸、跖屈和背伸关节主动活动度、跖屈关节主动活动度水平均升高,且试验组高于对照组;治疗后,试验组临床各症状改善时间均显著低于对照组;以上组间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗期间,两组不良反应比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论踝关节骨折术后应用活血益肾法联合西药效果显著,可有效改善患者血清Ca^(2+)、ALP及踝关节功能水平。

miR-361介导PI3K/Akt/Ca^(2+)通路对大鼠肥大细胞增殖情况及组胺与IL-4表达水平的影响

目的:探讨miR-361介导PI3K/AKt/Ca^(2+)通路对活化大鼠肥大细胞增殖情况及组胺与白细胞介素-4(IL-4)表达水平的影响。方法:将大鼠肥大细胞(RBL-2H3细胞)分为miR-361过表达组、miR-361抑制组、miR-361对照组和正常对照组,miR-361过表达组、miR-361抑制组、miR-361对照组细胞分别转染miR-361过表达、miR-361抑制及miR-361无义序列寡核苷酸片段,测定并比较各组细胞miR-361 mRNA、组胺、IL-4及PI3K/AKt/Ca^(2+)通路相关蛋白水平。结果:miR-361过表达组细胞miR-361 mRNA相对表达水平高于miR-361抑制组、miR-361对照组及正常对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。CCK-8法检测结果显示,miR-361过表达组24、48、72 h细胞增值率均低于miR-361抑制组、miR-361对照组及正常对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ELISA法检测结果显示,miR-361过表达组细胞组胺和IL-4水平的表达水平低于miR-361抑制组、miR-361对照组及正常对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Western印迹法检测结果显示,miR-361过表达组细胞p-AKT、AKT、p-PI3K、PI3K蛋白表达水平均高于miR-361抑制组、miR-361对照组及正常对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:miR-361过表达可抑制大鼠肥大细胞的增殖,降低组胺与IL-4的表达水平,其作用机制可能与其能够提高PI3K/AKt/Ca^(2+)通路活性有关。

STIM1和Orai1/TRPCs在右心衰竭Ca^(2+)重塑中的作用

本文总结右心衰竭心肌细胞动作电位变化、心肌细胞内T管和内质网的改变,详细阐述了钙调神经磷酸酶(Calcineurin)-活化细胞活因子(NFAT)通路对心肌收缩力的作用。重点描述基质相互作用因子1(STIM1)和钙释放激活钙通道蛋白1(Orai1)/瞬时受体电位通道(TRPCs)通路在右心室心肌细胞兴奋收缩耦联、肥大及右心室成纤维细胞迁移增强方面的机制。

Ca^(2+)对茅苍术丛生芽诱导及生理特征的影响

为提高茅苍术组培苗品质,以信阳野生茅苍术种子获取的初代无菌试管苗为试材,采用植物组织培养试验方法,研究不同浓度Ca^(2+)对茅苍术丛生芽诱导及生理特征的影响。结果表明:Ca^(2+)浓度为1.50 mmol/L时茅苍术丛生芽增殖数最高,为16.36个;Ca^(2+)浓度为3.00 mmol/L时丛生芽总干重最高,为0.37 g;Ca^(2+)浓度为6.00 mmol/L时丛生芽总鲜重、单芽平均叶片数最高,分别为3.19 g、5.44个;Ca^(2+)浓度为12.00 mmol/L时茅苍术丛生芽的株高最高,为493.95 mm;Ca^(2+)浓度为24.00 mmol/L时叶绿素a含量、叶绿素b含量、类胡萝卜素含量、叶绿素总量和丛生芽SOD总活性最高,分别为1.54 mg/g、0.40 mg/g、0.36 mg/g、1.94 mg/g和329.36 U/g。在茅苍术组织培养过程中可根据不同需求选择相应的Ca^(2+)浓度。

Synergistic strengthening mechanism of Ca^(2+)-sodium silicate to selective separation of feldspar and quartz

Inhibitors are important for flotation separation of quartz and feldspar.In this study,a novel combined inhibitor was used to separate quartz and feldspar in near-neutral pulp.Selective inhibition of the combined inhibitor was assessed by micro-flotation experiments.And a series of detection methods were used to detect differences in the surface properties of feldspars and quartz after flotation reagents and put forward the synergistic strengthening mechanism.The outcomes were pointed out that pre-mixing combined inhibitors were more effective than the addition of Ca^(2+)and SS in sequence under the optimal proportion of 1:5.A concentrate from artificial mixed minerals that was characterized by a high quartz grade and a high recovery was acquired,and was found to be 90.70wt% and 83.70%,respectively.It was demonstrated that the combined inhibitor selectively prevented the action of the collector and feldspar from Fourier-transform infrared(FT-IR)and adsorption capacity tests.The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)indicated that Ca^(2+)directly interacts with the surface of quartz to increase the adsorption of collectors.In contrast,the chemistry property of Al on the feldspar surface was altered by combined inhibitor due to Na^(+)and Ca^(2+)taking the place of K^(+),resulting in the composite inhibitor forms a hydrophilic structure,which prevents the adsorption of the collector on the surface of feldspar by interacting with the Al active site.The combination of Ca^(2+)and SS synergically strengthens the difference of collecting property between quartz and feldspar by collector,thus achieving the effect of efficient separation.A new strategy for flotation to separate quartz from feldspar in near-neutral pulp was provided.

Interfacial stress engineering toward enhancement of ferroelectricity in Al doped HfO_(2) thin films

Ferroelectric HfO_(2)has attracted much attention owing to its superior ferroelectricity at an ultra-thin thickness and good compatibility with Si-based complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor(CMOS)technology.However,the crystallization of polar orthorhombic phase(o-phase)HfO_(2)is less competitive,which greatly limits the ferroelectricity of the as-obtained ferroelectric HfO_(2)thin films.Fortunately,the crystallization of o-phase HfO_(2)can be thermodynamically modulated via interfacial stress engineering.In this paper,the growth of improved ferroelectric Al doped HfO_(2)(HfO_(2):Al)thin films on(111)-oriented Si substrate has been reported.Structural analysis has suggested that nonpolar monoclinic HfO_(2):Al grown on(111)-oriented Si substrate suffered from a strong compressive strain,which promoted the crystallization of(111)-oriented o-phase HfO_(2)in the as-grown HfO_(2):Al thin films.In addition,the in-plane lattice of(111)-oriented Si substrate matches well with that of(111)-oriented o-phase HfO_(2),which further thermally stabilizes the o-phase HfO_(2).Accordingly,an improved ferroelectricity with a remnant polarization(2P_(r))of 26.7C/cm^(2) has been obtained.The results shown in this work provide a simple way toward the preparation of improved ferroelectric HfO_(2)thin films.

Changes of cytosolic [Ca^(2+)]i in neutrophils in pancreatic microcirculation of rats with caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis under fluid shear stress

AIM: To investigate the fluid shear stress induced changes of [Ca^2+]i in neutrophils in pancreatic microcirculation of experimental acute pancreatitis (AP).METHODS: Wistar rats (n = 36) were randomized into three groups. A model of AP was established by subcutaneous injection of caerulein. Low-shear 30 viscometer was used to provide steady fluid shear stress on separated neutrophils. The mean fluorescent intensity tested by flow cytometry was used as the indication of [Ca2+]i quantity.RESULTS: Under steady shear, cytosolic [Ca^2+]i showed biphasic changes. The shear rate changed from low to high, [Ca^2+]i in different groups decreased slightly and then increased gradually to a high level (P<0.05). A close correlation was observed between the cytosolic [Ca^2+]i level and the alteration of fluid shear stress in regional microcirculation of AP. CONCLUSION: The increase of [Ca^2+]i is highly related to the activation of neutrophils, which contributes to neutrophil adhesion to endothelium in the early phase of AP. The effect of fluid shear stress on [Ca^2+]i may play a crucial role in pancreatic microcirculatory failure of AP.

Hesperidin ameliorates H_(2)O_(2)-induced bovine mammary epithelial cell oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Background Hesperidin is a citrus flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, its protective effects on bovine mammary epithelial cells(b MECs) exposed to oxidative stress have not been elucidated.Results In this study, we investigated the effects of hesperidin on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative stress in b MECs and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that hesperidin attenuated H_(2)O_(2)-induced cell damage by reducing reactive oxygen species(ROS) and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels, increasing catalase(CAT) activity, and improving cell proliferation and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, hesperidin activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway by inducing the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of its downstream genes NQO1 and HO-1, which are antioxidant enzymes involved in ROS scavenging and cellular redox balance. The protective effects of hesperidin were blocked by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, indicating that they were Nrf2 dependent.Conclusions Our results suggest that hesperidin could protect b MECs from oxidative stress injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that hesperidin as a natural antioxidant has positive potential as a feed additive or plant drug to promote the health benefits of bovine mammary.