Si-Ni-San alleviates intestinal and liver damage in ulcerative colitis mice by regulating cholesterol metabolism.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Si-Ni-San (SNS), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula derived from Treatise on Febrile Diseases, is considered effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases based upon thousands of years of clinical practice. However, the bioactive ingredients and underlying mechanisms are still unclear and need further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the effect, explore the bioactive ingredients and the underlying mechanisms of SNS in ameliorating ulcerative colitis (UC) and associated liver injury in dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced mouse colitis models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of SNS (1.5, 3, 6 g/kg) on 3% DSS-induced acute murine colitis was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), colon length, inflammatory cytokines, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, tight junction proteins expression, ALT, AST, and oxidative stress indicators. HPLC-ESI-IT/TOF MS was used to analyze the chemical components of SNS and the main xenobiotics in the colon of UC mice after oral administration of SNS. Network pharmacological study was then conducted based on the main xenobiotics. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of SNS on Th17 cells differentiation and the amelioration of Th17/Treg cell imbalance. LC-MS/MS, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting techniques were performed to investigate the oxysterol-Liver X receptor (LXRs) signaling activity in colon. Targeted bile acids metabolomics was conducted to reveal the change of the two major pathways of bile acid synthesis in the liver, and the expression of key metabolic enzymes of bile acids synthesis was characterized by RT-qPCR and western blotting techniques. RESULTS: SNS (1.5, 3, 6 g/kg) decreased the DAI scores, protected intestinal mucosa barrier, suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved hepatic and splenic enlargement and alleviated liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. A total of 22 components were identified in the colon of SNS (6 g/kg) treated colitis mice, and the top 10 components ranked by relative content were regarded as the potential effective chemical components of SNS, and used to conduct network pharmacology research. The efficacy of SNS was mediated by a reduction of Th17 cell differentiation, restoration of Th17/Treg cell homeostasis in the colon and spleen, and the experimental results were consistent with our hypothesis and the biological mechanism predicted by network pharmacology. Mechanistically, SNS regulated the concentration of 25-OHC and 27-OHC by up-regulated CH25H, CYP27A1 protein expression in colon, thus affected the expression and activity of LXR, ultimately impacted Th17 differentiation and Th17/Treg balance. It was also found that SNS repressed the increase of hepatic cholesterol and reversed the shift of BA synthesis to the acidic pathway in UC mice, which decreased the proportion of non-12-OH BAs in total bile acids (TBAs) and further ameliorated colitis and concomitant liver injury. CONCLUSIONS: This study set the stage for considering SNS as a multi-organ benefited anti-colitis prescription based on the significant effect of ameliorating intestinal and liver damage, and revealed that derivatives of cholesterol, namely oxysterols and bile acids, were closely involved in the mechanism of SNS anti-colitis effect.

Dramatic Enhancement Enabled by Introducing TiN into Bread-like Porous Si-Carbon Anodes for High-Performance and Safe Lithium Storage.

Doping modifications and surface coatings are effective methods to slow volume dilatation and boost the conductivity in silicon (Si) anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, using low-cost ferrosilicon from industrial production as the energy storage material, a bread-like nitrogen-doped carbon shell-coated porous Si embedded with the titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticle composite (PSi/TiN@NC) was synthesized by simple ball milling, etching, and self-assembly growth processes. Remarkably, the porous Si structure formed by etching the FeSi2 phase in ferrosilicon alloys can provide buffer space for significant volume expansion during lithiation. Highly conductive and stable TiN particles can act as stress absorption sites for Si and improve the electronic conductivity of the material. Furthermore, the nitrogen-doped porous carbon shell further helps to sustain the structural stability of the electrode material and boost the migration rate of Li-ions. Benefiting from its unique synergistic effect of components, the PSi/TiN@NC anode exhibits a reversible discharge capacity up to 1324.2 mAh g-1 with a capacity retention rate of 91.5% after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g-1 (vs fourth discharge). Simultaneously, the electrode also delivers good rate performance and a stable discharge capacity of 923.6 mAh g-1 over 300 cycles. This research can offer a potential economic strategy for the development of high-performance and inexpensive Si-based anodes for LIBs.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang in mice with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common combination of comorbidities. Anti-inflammation and modulation of oxidative/antioxidative imbalance may prevent COPD-induced LC, and are also crucial to the treatment of LC combined with COPD. Modern studies have shown that Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (THSW) has vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, anti-shock, immunoregulatory, lipid-reducing, micronutrient-supplementing, and anti-allergy effects. AIM: To observe the effects of THSW on COPD and LC in mice. METHODS: A total of 100 specific pathogen-free C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: Blank control group (group A), model control group (group B), THSW group (group C), IL-6 group (group D), and THSW + IL-6 group (group E), with 20 mice in each group. A COPD mouse model was established using fumigation plus lipopolysaccharide intra-airway drip, and an LC model was replicated by in situ inoculation using the Lewis cell method. RESULTS: The blank control group exhibited a clear alveolar structure. The model control and IL-6 groups had thickened alveolar walls, with smaller alveolar lumens, interstitial edema, and several inflammatory infiltrating cells. Histopathological changes in the lungs of the THSW and THSW + IL-6 groups were less than those of the model control group. The serum IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and IL-6R, JAK, p-JAK, STAT1/3, p-STAT1/3, FOXO, p-FOXO, and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues of mice in the rest of the groups were significantly higher than those of the blank control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model control group, the IL-6 group demonstrated significantly higher levels for the abovementioned proteins in the serum and lung tissues (P < 0.01), and the THSW group had significantly higher serum IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues (P < 0.01) but significantly decreased IL-6R, JAK, p-JAK, STAT1/3, p-STAT1/3, FOXO, p-FOXO, and IL-7R levels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: THSW reduces the serum IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the mouse model with anti-inflammatory effects. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism lies in inhibiting the overactivation of the JAK/STAT1/3 signaling pathway.

Effect of AFM ordering on ThermoelectricResponses of Mg3X2 (X : C, Si, Ge) monolayers : ADFT Insight.

Two-dimensional materials have gained a lot of attention in the last few decades due to their potential applications in thermoelectric and nano-electronic devices. This study systematically presents the mechanical, electronic and thermoelectric characteristics of two-dimensional honeycomb-kagome Mg3X2 (X : C, Si, Ge) structures in the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations and by solving semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation. The geometrical stability of these structures is validated by phonon spectrum and molecular dynamics simulations. Following the elastic constants, we have inferred that all the systems are mechanically stable and brittle in nature. Lower values of Debye temperature of all structures suggest that Mg3X2 monolayers should have lower values of lattice thermal conductivity compared to graphene. Electronic structure calculations indicate that these materials are semimetallic in their nonmagnetic (NM) phase. All the structures display remarkably low lattice thermal conductivity (0.9-1.5 W/mK) due to a large scattering factor and higher anharmonicity. The presence of sharp density of states (DOS) peaks close to the Fermi level, arising from nearly flat and dispersionless band in the antiferromagnetic (AFM) arrangement, is poised to enhance the Seebeck coefficient, thereby potentially boosting the thermoelectric performance. The estimated values of thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) are around 0.78 and 0.67 for Mg3Si2 and Mg3Ge2 structure respectively in AFM phase at T = 700 K. These outcomes of our findings suggest that Mg3X2 monolayers exhibit substantial promise for thermoelectric device application.

Fast and quantitative mitophagy assessment by flow cytometry using the mito-QC reporter.

Mitochondrial quality control is finely tuned by mitophagy, the selective degradation of mitochondria through autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Removal of damaged mitochondria is essential to preserve cellular bioenergetics and prevent detrimental events such as sustained mitoROS production, pro-apoptotic cytochrome c release or mtDNA leakage. The array of tools available to study mitophagy is very limited but in constant development. Almost a decade ago, we developed a method to assess mitophagy flux using MitoTracker Deep Red in combination with lysosomal inhibitors. Now, using the novel tandem-fluorescence reporter mito-QC (mCherry-GFP-FIS1101-152) that allows to differentiate between healthy mitochondria (mCherry+GFP+) and mitolysosomes (mCherry+GFP-), we have developed a robust and quantitative method to assess mitophagy by flow cytometry. This approach has been validated in ARPE-19 cells using PINK1/Parkin-dependent (CCCP) and PINK1/Parkin-independent (DFP) positive controls and complementary techniques. Furthermore, we show that the mito-QC reporter can be multiplexed, especially if using spectral flow cytometry, to simultaneously study other cellular parameters such as viability or ROS production. Using this technique, we evaluated and characterized two prospective mitophagy inducers and further dissected their mechanism of action. Finally, using mito-QC reporter mice, we developed a protocol to measure mitophagy levels in the retina ex vivo. This novel methodology will propel mitophagy research forward and accelerate the discovery of novel mitophagy modulators.

Rapid Synthesis of Sb2Si2Te6 under High Pressure with a Modulated Microstructure.

Over the past decades, thermoelectric materials have advanced significantly, yet materials such as Sb2Si2Te6, which are challenging to synthesize chemically, often require lengthy and complex preparation processes, hindering their development. In this work, we prepare polycrystalline Sb2Si2Te6 bulk from elemental precursors using a high-pressure synthesis (HPS) method. This method offers significant advantages in efficiency and preparation duration. The applied pressure promotes an isotropic microstructure and regulates the thermoelectric properties by controlling precipitate contents, grain size, and twinning. Although an increase in thermal conductivity, mostly due to the notable increase in electrical conductivity, leads to less favorable thermal conductivity near room temperature compared to samples prepared using conventional methods, a beneficial reversal occurs at high temperatures. The polycrystalline Sb2Si2Te6 sample synthesized at 2 GPa demonstrates a peak ZT value of 1.1 at 773 K, outperforming most pristine Sb2Si2Te6 materials. This work demonstrates an efficient strategy for optimizing Sb2Si2Te6 performance and offers a new synthesis pathway for other challenging thermoelectric materials.

Controllable Synthesis of Hollow Dodecahedral Si@C Core-Shell Structures for Ultrastable Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Silicon (Si) has attracted considerable attention as a promising alternative to graphite in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity and voltage. However, the durability and cycling stability of Si-based composites have emerged as major obstacles to their widespread adoption as LIBs anode materials. To tackle these challenges, a hollow core-shell dodecahedra structure of a Si-based composite (HD-Si@C) is developed through a novel double-layer in situ growth approach. This innovative design ensures that the nano-sized Si particles are evenly distributed within a hollow carbon shell, effectively addressing issues like Si fragmentation, volume expansion, and detachment from the carbon layer during cycles. The HD-Si@C composite demonstrates remarkable structural integrity as a LIBs anode, resulting in exceptional electrochemical performance and promising practical applications, as evidenced by tests in pouch-type full cells. Notably, the composite shows outstanding cycling stability, retaining 85% of its initial capacity (713 mAh g-1) even after 3000 cycles at a high current rate of 5000 mA g-1. Additionally, the material achieves a gravimetric energy density of 369 W h kg-1, showcasing its potential for efficient energy storage solutions. This research signifies a significant step toward realizing the practical utilization of Si-based materials in the next generation of LIBs.

Fabrication, Microstructure and Plasma Resistance Behavior of Y-Al-Si-O (YAS) Glass-Ceramics Coated on Alumina Ceramics.

This study investigates the fabrication, microstructural characteristics and plasma resistance of Y-Al-Si-O (YAS) glass-ceramics coated on alumina ceramics. YAS frits were initially prepared using a melt-quenching method, then homogenously milled and coated onto alumina ceramics. The melt-coating process was conducted at 1650 °C for 1 h. The composition and microstructure of the glass frits and coatings were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. These analyses revealed a dense microstructure with a polycrystalline structure predominantly composed of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) phase and a minor phase of Y2Si2O7. The YAS coatings on alumina revealed a dense layer with strong adhesion to the substrate. Subsequently, the coatings underwent C4F6/Ar/O2 plasma treatment for 1 h. Plasma exposure tests demonstrated that the YAS-coated alumina exhibited significantly better etching resistance compared to uncoated alumina, with minimal surface damage observed on the YAS coating, confirming its protective properties against plasma. The superior plasma resistance of YAS coatings is attributed to the predominance of its YAG phase. This research offers a more stable and cost-efficient solution for protecting ceramics in demanding plasma environments.

Analysis of Ni-Cu Interaction in Aluminum-Based Alloys: Hardness, Tensile and Precipitation Behavior.

The present work was aimed at quantifying the effects of Ni addition in the range of 0-4% together with 0.3%Zr on the hardness and the tensile properties, volume fraction of intermetallics, and changes in size and distribution of phase precipitation in Sr-modified Al-9%Si-2%Cu-0.6%Mg cast alloys. The study was mainly carried out using high-resolution FESEM and TEM microscopes equipped with EDS facilities. Samples were solidified at the rate of ~3 °C/s and examined at different aging conditions. The investigations are supported by thermal analysis carried out at a solidification rate of ~0.8 °C/s. The results revealed that the main compositions of the Ni-based phases are close to Al3(Ni,Cu), Al3CuNi, and Al3Ni. An Al3Ni2Cu2 phase was also detected in the 4%Ni alloy. The Cu-Ni phases were observed to precipitate, covering the surfaces of pre-existing primary Al3Zr particles. The TEM analysis indicated the magnitude of the reduction in both size and density of the precipitated Al2Cu phase particles as the Ni content reached 4%, coupled with a delay in the transition from coherent to incoherency of the Al2Cu precipitates.

Silicon Modifies Photosynthesis Efficiency and hsp Gene Expression in European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Seedlings Exposed to Drought Stress.

Background: Climate change is leading to severe and long-term droughts in European forest ecosystems. can have profound effects on various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, gene expression patterns, and nutrient uptake at the developmental stage of young trees. Objectives: Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that the application of silica (SiO2) influences photosynthetic efficiency and gene expression in 1- to 2-year-old Fagus sylvatica (L.) seedlings. Additionally, we aimed to assess whether silicon application positively influences the structural properties of leaves and roots. To determine whether the plant physiological responses are genotype-specific, seedlings of four geographically different provenances were subjected to a one-year evaluation under greenhouse conditions. Methods: We used the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Wilcoxon's test to evaluate the differences in silicon content and ANOVA followed by Tukey's test to evaluate the physiological responses of seedlings depending on treatment and provenance. Results: Our results showed a significantly higher Si content in the roots compared with the leaves, regardless of provenance and treatment. The most significant differences in photosynthetic performance were found in trees exposed to Si treatment, but the physiological responses were generally nuanced and provenance-dependent. Expression of hsp70 and hsp90 was also increased in leaf tissues of all provenances. These results provide practical insights that Si can improve the overall health and resilience of beech seedlings in nursery and forest ecosystems, with possible differences in the beneficial role of silicon application arising from the large differences in wild populations of forest tree species.

A Novel Structured Si-Based Composite with 2D Structured Graphite for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Silicon is a promising alternative to graphite anodes for achieving high-energy-density in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity (3579 mAh g-1). However, silicon anode must be developed to address its disadvantages, such as volume expansion and low electronic conductivity. Therefore, the use of silicon as composed with graphite and carbon anode materials is investigated, which requires properties such as a spherical morphology for high density and encapsulation of silicon particles in the composite. Herein, a graphite@silicon@carbon (Gr@Si@C) micro-sized spherical anode composite is synthesized by mechanofusion process. This composite comprises an outer surface, middle layer, and core pore, which are formed by the capillary force arising from 2D structured graphite and pitch properties. This structure effectively addresses the intrinsic issues associated with Si. Gr@Si@C exhibits a high capacity of 1622 mAh g-1 and capacity retention of 72.2% after 100 cycles, with a high areal capacity 4.2 mAh cm-2. When Gr@Si@C is blended with commercial graphite, the composite exhibits high capacity retention and average Coulombic efficiency after cycling. The Gr@Si@C blended electrode exhibits a high energy density of 820 Wh L-1 with ≈16% metallic Si in the electrode (40 wt.% composite), enabling the realization of practical commercial LIBs.

The improvement of modified Si-Miao granule on hepatic insulin resistance and glycogen synthesis in type 2 diabetes mellitus involves the inhibition of TNF-α/JNK1/IRS-2 pathway: network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation.

BACKGROUND: Modified Si-Miao granule (mSMG), a traditional Chinese medicine, is beneficial for T2DM and insulin resistance (IR), but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. METHODS: Using network pharmacology, we screened the compounds of mSMG and identified its targets and pathway on hepatic IR in T2DM. Using molecular docking, we identified the affinity between the compounds and hub target TNF-α. Then these were verified in KK-Ay mice and HepG2 cells. RESULTS: 50 compounds and 170 targets of mSMG against IR in T2DM were screened, and 9 hub targets such as TNF and MAPK8 were identified. 170 targets were mainly enriched in insulin resistance and TNF pathway, so we speculated that mSMG might act on TNF-α, JNK1 and then regulate insulin signaling to mitigate IR. Experimental validation proved that mSMG ameliorated hyperglycemia, IR, and TNF-α, enhanced glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis, relieved the phosphorylation of JNK1 and IRS-2 (Ser388), and elevated the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and GSK-3ß (Ser9) and GLUT2 expression in KK-Ay mice. Molecular docking further showed berberine from mSMG had excellent binding capacity with TNF-α. Then, in vitro validation experiments, we found that 20% mSMG-MS or 50 µM berberine had little effect in IR-HepG2 cell viability, but significantly increased glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis and regulated TNF-α/JNK1/IRS-2 pathway. CONCLUSION: Network pharmacology and molecular docking help us predict potential mechanism of mSMG and further guide experimental validation. mSMG and its representative compound berberine improve hepatic IR and glycogen synthesis, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TNF-α/JNK1/IRS-2 pathway.

Bladder Compliance Dynamics of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women Undergoing Robotic-assisted Sacrocolpopexy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Although mean/static compliance of bladder filling can be readily assayed via cystometry, a protocol measuring compliance dynamics at a specific stage of bladder filling has not been established in human patients. For patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), the objective benefits of robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) surgical intervention for restoring bladder functions, primarily urine storage, have yet to be established. Also, bladder compliance is a viscoelastic parameter that crucially defines the storage function. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of RSCP on bladder compliance of POP patients using a pressure-volume analysis (PVA), which graphically illustrates bladder compliance. DESIGN: A retrospective pre and postoperative study. SETTING: Multiple hospitals in Taiwan. PATIENTS: Twenty seven female POP patients (stage ≥ II). INTERVENTION: RSCP for POP repair. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed the pre- and postoperative PVAs for women with POP who underwent RSCP. The mean compliance of the entire (Cm), the early half (C1/2), and the late half (C2/2) of bladder filling were analyzed as primary outcomes. Changes in intravesical volume (ΔVive) and detrusor pressure (ΔPdet) of bladder filling, ΔPdet in the early (ΔPdet1/2) and late (ΔPdet2/2) filling, and postvoiding residual volume (Vres) were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Compared with the preoperative control, RSCP increased Cm (p = .010, N = 27) and C2/2 (p <.001, N = 27) but negligibly affected C1/2 (p = .457, N = 27). Mechanistically, RSCP decreased ΔPdet (p = .0001, N = 27) without significantly affecting ΔVive (p = .863, N = 27). Furthermore, RSCP decreased the ΔPdet2/2 (p <.001, N = 27) but not ΔPdet1/2 (p = .295, N = 27). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on applying PVA in assaying dynamics of bladder compliance in patients with POP. Our results suggest that RSCP improved bladder storage in women with POP since it increased bladder compliance, particularly in the late filling, possibly by restoring the anatomical location and geometric conformation for bladder expansion.

Si/Graphite@C Composite Fabricated by Electrostatic Self-Assembly and Following Thermal Treatment as an Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery.

Commercial graphite anode has advantages such as low potential platform, high electronic conductivity, and abundant reserves. However, its theoretical capacity is only 372 mA h g-1. High-energy lithium-ion batteries have been a research hotspot. The Si anode has an extremely high specific capacity, but its application is hindered by defects such as large volume changes, poor electronic conductivity, and a small lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. Here, the Si/thermally reduced graphite oxide@carbon (Si/RGtO@C) composite was fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly followed by thermal treatment. The RGtO synergistic carbon coating layer can effectively compensate for the low electronic conductivity and buffer the volume expansion effect of the Si nanoparticles during charge/discharge cycles. The Si/RGtO@C anode demonstrated a significantly increased capacity compared to the RGtO. After 300 cycles, Si/RGtO@C kept a discharged capacity of 367.6 mA h g-1 at a high current density of 1.0 A g-1. The Si/RGtO@C anode shows an application potential for commercial high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

Corrigendum: Modified Si Miao powder granules alleviates osteoarthritis progression by regulating M1/M2 polarization of macrophage through NF-κB signaling pathway.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1361561.].

Optimization of Non-Alloyed Backside Ohmic Contacts to N-Face GaN for Fully Vertical GaN-on-Silicon-Based Power Devices.

In the framework of fully vertical GaN-on-Silicon device technology development, we report on the optimization of non-alloyed ohmic contacts on the N-polar n+-doped GaN face backside layer. This evaluation is made possible by using patterned TLMs (Transmission Line Model) through direct laser writing lithography after locally removing the substrate and buffer layers in order to access the n+-doped backside layer. As deposited non-alloyed metal stack on top of N-polar orientation GaN layer after buffer layers removal results in poor ohmic contact quality. To significantly reduce the related specific contact resistance, an HCl treatment is applied prior to metallization under various time and temperature conditions. A 3 min HCl treatment at 70 °C is found to be the optimum condition to achieve thermally stable high ohmic contact quality. To further understand the impact of the wet treatment, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) analyses were performed. XPS revealed a decrease in Ga-O concentration after applying the treatment, reflecting the higher oxidation susceptibility of the N-polar face compared to the Ga-polar face, which was used as a reference. SEM images of the treated samples show the formation of pyramids on the N-face after HCl treatment, suggesting specific wet etching planes of the GaN crystal from the N-face. The size of the pyramids is time-dependent; thus, increasing the treatment duration results in larger pyramids, which explains the degradation of ohmic contact quality after prolonged high-temperature HCl treatment.

Is Microporous Carbon Confined Nano Si Composite the Best Anode Choice for High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Microporous carbon confined nano silicon composites (Si/m-C) are considered to be the best anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries compared with the other Si-based materials such as SiO, due to high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and capacity, as well as good cycling stability. However, there is a lack of multilevel comprehensive evaluation of Si/m-C, which poses potential risks to the commercial application. Herein, combined with quantitative titration, mechanical characterization, and bulk/interface evolution analysis, a systematic evolution of commercialized Si/m-C from the particle level to the cylindrical cell level is conducted, revealing the decay mechanism and proposing corresponding solutions. Among them, it is well demonstrated that the Si/m-C still withstands huge volume expansion of over 200% with poor mechanical strength, causing the electrical contact loss of active LixSi and severe interfacial side reactions. Moreover, even blending more than 90% graphite cannot completely suppress its volumetric strain, and the combination of highly flexible single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) is necessary. In response to this, the 32700-type cylindrical cell with a designed capacity of 9.5 Ah is assembled by mixing Si/m-C with 90% graphite and SWCNT as anode, achieving a long-term cycling stability over 300 cycles at 0.5 C with a capacity retention of 94.8%.

Integrating network analysis and experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of si-jun-zi decoction in the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Treating kidney diseases from the perspective of spleen is an important clinical method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for anti-renal fibrosis (RF). Si-jun-zi decoction (SJZD), a classic formula for qi-invigorating and spleen-invigorating, has been reported to alleviate RF. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanism by which SJZD attenuates RF. The results demonstrated notable improvements in renal function levels, inflammation and fibrosis indices in UUO-mice following SJZD intervention. The main active ingredients identified were Quercetin, Kaempferol, Naringenin and 7-Methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone. Furthermore, STAT3, MAPK3, MYC were confirmed as key targets. Additionally, GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that SJZD delayed RF primarily by regulating oxidative stress and other biological mechanisms. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of pathways such as Lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and other pathways in the reno-protective effects of SJZD. The molecular docking results revealed that the active ingredients of SJZD were well-bound and stable to the core targets. The experiments results revealed that Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Naringenin not only improved the morphology of TGF-ß-induced HK-2 cells but also reversed the expression of α-SMA, COL1A1 and MAPK, thereby delaying the progression of RF. The anti-RF effects of SJZD were exerted through multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways.

Matairesinol blunts adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure induced by pressure overload by regulating Prdx1 and PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling.

BACKGROUND: Pathological cardiac remodeling is a critical process leading to heart failure, characterized primarily by inflammation and apoptosis. Matairesinol (Mat), a key chemical component of Podocarpus macrophyllus resin, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-hydatid, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate whether Matairesinol alleviate cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling caused by pressure overload and to elucidate its mechanism of action. METHODS: An in vitro pressure loading model was established using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes treated with angiotensin Ⅱ, while an in vivo model was created using C57 mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). To activate the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway, Ys-49 was employed. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were utilized to silence Prdx1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Various techniques, including echocardiography, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining, HE staining, PSR staining, and Masson trichrome staining, were used to assess cardiac function, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, and fibrosis levels in rats. Apoptosis in myocardial tissue and in vitro was detected by TUNEL assay, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in tissues and cells was measured using DHE staining. Furthermore, the affinity of Prdx1 with Mat and PI3K was analyzed using computer-simulated molecular docking. Western blotting and RT-PCR were utilized to evaluate Prdx1 levels and proteins related to apoptosis and oxidative stress, as well as the mRNA levels of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis-related indicators. RESULTS: Mat significantly alleviated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by TAC, preserved cardiac function, and markedly reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative damage. In vitro, mat attenuated ang Ⅱ - induced hypertrophy of nrvms and activation of neonatal rat fibroblasts. Notably, activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway and downregulation of Prdx1 expression were observed in TAC mice; however, these effects were reversed by Mat treatment. Furthermore, Prdx1 knockdown activated the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway, leading to exacerbation of the disease. Molecular docking indicated that Molecular docking indicated that Mat upregulated Prdx1 expression by binding to it, thereby inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway and protecting the heart by restoring Prdx1 expression levels. CONCLUSION: Matairesinol alleviates pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling both in vivo and in vitro by upregulating Prdx1 expression and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Matairesinol in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, providing a promising avenue for future research and clinical application.

Jing-Si Herbal Tea Suppresses H2O2-Instigated Inflammation and Apoptosis by Inhibiting Bax and Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Release in HIG-82 Synoviocytes.

Inflammation is an intrinsic protective mechanism against various forms of cellular injuries in humans; however, its undesired activation results in tissue damage and cell death. The onset of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the key characteristics of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for which an effective treatment is yet to be developed. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of a novel herbal preparation, Jing-Si herbal tea (JS), against H2O2-induced inflammation and cellular damage in HIG-82 synoviocytes. We found that JS did not show any significant alterations in cell viability at <188 µg/mL; however, a cytotoxic effect was observed at 188-1883 µg/mL concentrations tested. We found that expressions of inflammation associated extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteases MMP-13, ADAMTS-2, -8, and -17 were abnormally enhanced under H2O2-induced pathological oxidative stress (ROS) in HIG-82 cells. Interestingly, JS treatment not only reduced the ROS levels but also significantly repressed the protein expressions of collagen degrading proteases in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with JS showed enhanced cell viability against H2O2-induced toxic ROS levels. The expressions of cell protective aggrecan, Collagen II, and Bcl-2 were increased, whereas MMP-13, ADAMTS-2, Cytochrome C, and cleaved Caspase 3 were decreased by JS under inflammatory agents H2O2, MIA, LPS, and TNF-α treatment, respectively, in HIG-82 cells. Interestingly, the cytoprotective effect of JS treatment was attributed to a decreased mitochondrial localization of Bax and a reduction of Cytochrome C release into the cytoplasm of H2O2-treated HIG-82 cells. Collectively, our results suggest a novel protective mechanism of JS for RA treatment, which could be potentially applied as a complementary treatment or as an alternative therapeutic approach to mitigate inflammatory diseases.