Since 1990, the incidence of stroke has been rising to become the second leading cause of death in the world, posing a huge burden and challenge to society and families. Astragalus membranaceus and ...Ligusticum chuanxiong (A&L) have been used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions to treat and prevent the occurrence of ischemic stroke (IS), but their mechanism of action on the disease has not been fully elucidated. The main objective of this study was to reveal the pharmacological mechanism of A&L in the treatment of IS and to perform preliminary validation. The active ingredients of A&L were obtained from the systematic pharmacology platform of traditional Chinese medicine (TCMSP) database, whereas the genes of IS were obtained from 2 major databases, DrugBank and GeneCards. Cytoscape_v3.8.2 was used to construct the TCM-active ingredient and TCM-active ingredient-cross-target-disease relationship maps, and the MCODE plug-in was used to obtain the core genes, whereas the protein-protein interaction maps were obtained from the STRING database. The results of gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment were obtained using the Hiplot online tool, and the small molecules in the relevant signalling pathways were verified by molecular docking using AutoDock. A&L contained a total of 26 eligible active ingredients, sharing 161 common targets with IS. A total of 58 core genes with 1326 edges were obtained using the MCODE plug-in. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment results showed association with interleukin-17 signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, which mainly mediates the development of inflammatory responses. Furthermore, molecular docking was conducted and most of the components were found to have good binding to the receptors. This study demonstrates that A&L can be used to treat IS by controlling the inflammatory response through multiple targets and multiple pathways, and provides a reference for subsequent trials.
As a promising lead-free perovskite candidate, tin-based halide perovskites such as FASnI
3
have attracted extensive attention recently in photovoltaic applications. However, the relatively low ...efficiency and poor long-term stability of tin-based perovskite solar cells hinder their practical applications. Here, ammonium hypophosphite is introduced into the FASnI
3
perovskite precursor to suppress the oxidation of Sn
2+
and assist the growth of perovskite grains, leading to improved perovskite film quality and reduced defect density, and consequently, the device efficiency and open circuit voltage are substantially improved. More importantly, the solar cells exhibit pronounced enhancement of the long-term stability. This work provides a facile approach for improving the performance of tin-based perovskite solar cells by introducing ammonium hypophosphite as an antioxidant agent in the precursor solution.
Bi-functional ammonium hypophosphite (AHP) is introduced to improve the performance and long term stability of FASnI
3
solar cells.
Paleocene lavas of the Dianzhong Formation preserved in the Linzhou Basin of South Tibet provide a unique opportunity to constrain the initial geometry of the India‐Asia collision; however, earlier ...studies argued a complex magnetic signature resulting from thermal and/or chemical remagnetizations. To better characterize the remanences obtained from the Dianzhong lavas, we carried out an intraformational conglomerate test on a previously‐studied section in the Linzhou Basin. The positive conglomerate test suggests that the characteristic remanences reported from the Dianzhong Formation are primary. The updated Paleocene pole confirms a paleolatitude of 6.7° ± 4.4°N for the Lhasa terrane and positions the southern margin of Asia in the equatorial humid belt. An initial collision, between India, Asia and an intra‐oceanic arc in the equatorial humid belt, may have intensified silicate weathering and resulted in an extra consummation of carbon dioxide, which contributes to a long‐term cooling of the Earth during the Cenozoic.
Plain Language Summary
The locus of the initial India‐Asia collision can be constrained using paleomagnetic studies on the Paleocene volcanics from the Linzhou Basin, South Tibet. However, the primary nature of the magnetic signature previously reported from the Dianzhong Formation was questioned. This study carries out an intraformational conglomerate test collected from the middle part of the Dianzhong Formation. The stable remanences isolated from a layer of intercalated lava cobbles yield a random distribution in contrast to the well‐grouped directions obtained from the over‐ and underlying lava layers resulting in a positive conglomerate test. We therefore argue for a primary nature for the characteristic remanence recorded by the Dianzhong lavas from the Linzhou Basin. Our study confirms a low latitude of ∼7°N, that is, within the equatorial humid belt, for the southern margin of Asia during ∼64–60 Ma. An initial low‐latitude collision between India and Asia is critical for understanding the tectonic and climatic significance of the India‐Asia collision.
Key Points
Characteristic remanences reported from the Dianzhong lavas in the Linzhou Basin are primary in origin
The updated Paleocene pole confirms a low latitude of ∼7°N for the Lhasa terrane
An initial collision between India, Asia and an oceanic arc in the equatorial humid belt may contribute to the Cenozoic cooling of the Earth
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Since the 20th century, mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases has increased, posing a substantial economic burden on society. Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease that requires ...urgent and careful attention. This study was conducted to predict and validate the potential molecular targets and pathways of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis (A&A) in the treatment of atherosclerosis using network pharmacology. The active ingredients of A&A were obtained using the TCMSP database, while the target genes of atherosclerosis were acquired using 2 databases, namely GeneCards and DrugBank. The disease-target-component model map and the core network were obtained using Cytoscape 3.8.2 and MCODE plug-in, respectively. The core network was then imported into the STRING database to obtain the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network diagram. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the HIPLOT online website. Finally, the small molecules related to key signaling pathways were molecularly docked and visualized. Under the screening conditions of oral bioavailability ≥ 30% and drug-likeness ≥ 0.18, 22 active ingredients were identified from A&A, and 174 relevant targets were obtained. Additionally, 54 active ingredients were found in the extracted core network. Interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway were selected as the main subjects through KEGG enrichment analysis. Core targets (RELA, IKBKB, CHUK, and MMP3) and active ingredients (kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin) were selected and validated using molecular docking. This study identified multiple molecular targets and pathways for A&A in the treatment of atherosclerosis. A&A has the potential to treat atherosclerosis through an antiinflammatory approach.
A major uncertainty in the paleogeography of Pangea is the position of the East Asian blocks (EABs). Climate models developed for Pangea with the EAB's in an isolated position aided in the ...development of the mega-monsoon hypothesis. We report paleomagnetic and geochronological data from late Triassic dykes and sills in North China aiming to refine the paleogeography of Pangea. The high-quality late Triassic paleomagnetic pole (33.5° N, 136.1° E with A=956.8°) positions the EABs at 75.6° ± 6.8° N at ∼220 Ma using Beijing as a reference site. This is ∼50° further north than previously suggested. Along with robust geological evidence, our study reveals a full amalgamation between the EABs and Pangea by ∼220 Ma. The updated paleogeography of Pangea based on our new reconstruction is compatible with a zonal climate model, which obviates the need for the Pangean mega-monsoon hypothesis.
•A new paleomagnetic pole of ∼220 Ma was reported from the sills and dykes in North China.•The Eastern Asian blocks (EAB) was located at 75.6° ±6.8° N at ∼220 Ma using Beijing as a reference site.•A full amalgamation between the EABs and Pangea was established by ∼220 Ma.•The updated late Triassic paleogeography suggests a zonal climate for Pangea.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Among cardiovascular diseases, myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a major pathological change underlying heart failure and is associated with a high mortality rate. However, the molecular mechanism ...underlying MF has remained elusive. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for cardiovascular diseases, exhibits good anti-inflammatory and blood-activating properties. In the present study, we studied the MF inhibitory effect of BYHWD using network pharmacology and experimental validation. We used several databases to collect information on MF and related drugs and finally obtained cross-targets for BYHWD and MF. After that we got protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to obtain key signaling pathways for further study. After screening, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were selected for in vitro experiments, which included cell cycle studies, cell migration rate, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blotting (WB). Finally, molecular docking was performed to validate the results. We found 299 common targets between BYHWD and MF. In total, 75 core targets of the PPI core network were selected for enrichment analysis, and the IL-17 signaling pathway, which is intricately linked to inflammation, was speculated to be involved. Accordingly, in vitro experiments were performed. Altogether, our findings indicated that BYHWD can affect the function of cardiac fibroblasts and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in rats. In summary, BYHWD can inhibit MF by reducing the expression of inflammatory factors and affecting the IL-17 signaling pathway.
Organic‐inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerging new generation cost‐effective photovoltaic technology. However, the public concern about the toxic lead contained in state‐of‐art ...PSCs has cast a shadow on their prospect for commercialization. Therefore, increasing attention has been paid to lead‐free tin‐based perovskites, which have the potential to achieve comparable photovoltaic performance to their lead‐based counterparts. However, the development of high‐performance tin‐based PSCs is seriously undermined by the intrinsic poor stability of divalent tin in the perovskites. With the efforts to overcome the stability issue, encouraging ~10% efficiencies have been currently achieved. In this review, we summarize the recent advances toward efficient and stable tin‐based PSCs and offer a perspective for future study.
Increasing attention has been paid to tin‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to the potential to achieve high photovoltaic performance without including toxic lead. However, the device performance is seriously undermined by the poor stability of divalent tin in the perovskites. Here, we summarize the recent advances toward efficient and stable tin‐based PSCs and offer a perspective for future study.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Given the threat of environmental degradation and land deterioration to conventional agriculture, modern greenhouse cultivation has attracted increasing attention as an effective alternative. ...However, the high energy consumption of greenhouse systems is concerning given the need to limit the environmental impact of human activities. The solar integration to agricultural greenhouse in the form of modern solar greenhouse has the potential to simultaneously respond to the declining availability of suitable land and the imperative for minimum emissions. In this review, an overview of China's progress towards the development of modern solar greenhouses, as well as the attempts to mitigate the effects of heat loss, shadowing, and poor light condition is presented. A promising prospect is shown by China's modern solar greenhouses at present levels of performances and costs exemplified by the photovoltaic (PV) greenhouses with a practicable payback period of less than 9 years. Additionally, application of advanced solar technology for better thermal storage, PV power generating and light utilization balance has been proved effective to further promote solar energy utilization in modern solar greenhouses.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
The carrier lifetime and the doping property of the lead halide perovskites are essential factors determining their application in solar cells. Hence, these two factors of the perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) ...film were managed by postannealing, and the underlying mechanisms governing their effects on the photovoltaic performance of the solar cells were investigated. The short carrier lifetime from electron-hole bimolecular recombination, corresponding to the fast decay of photoluminescence, is achieved in perovskite films annealed at high temperatures. The doping property of the perovskite varies from p-type, intrinsic to n-type with increasing annealing temperature. The short carrier lifetime and the intrinsic feature of the perovskite benefit for high open circuit voltage of the corresponding solar cells, whereas the n-type doped perovskite leads to the high photocurrent and efficiency. Through the management of the carrier lifetime and the doping property, highly efficient perovskite solar cells with conversion efficiency over 17% were prepared. These results provide new insights into the underlying relations between the perovskite properties and the device performance.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Children exposed to common aeroallergens may develop asthma that progresses into adulthood. Inflammation regulated by T helper 2 (Th2) cells, a specific subpopulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes, is ...involved in asthmatic injury. Herein, our microarray data indicated that microRNA-451a-5p (miRNA-451a) expression decreased by 4.6-fold and ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ETS1) increased by 2.2-fold in the peripheral blood lymphocytes isolated from asthmatic children (n = 4) as compared to control individuals (n = 4). The negative correlation between miRNA-451a and ETS1 was further validated in 40 CD4+ T cell samples (10 healthy vs. 30 asthmatic samples). In vitro, naïve CD4+ T cells isolated from control individuals were cultured under Th2 cell polarizing condition. miRNA-451a expression decreased while ETS1 increased in CD4+ T cells in the setting of Th2 cell polarization. Moreover, miRNA-451a knockdown enhanced Th2 cell polarization – cells positive for both GATA3 (GATA binding protein 3, a Th2-transcription factor) and CD4 increased, and the generation of Th2 cell cytokines, interleukin (IL)5 and IL13, increased. In contrast, miRNA-451a overexpression inhibited Th2 cell differentiation. Interestingly, dual-Luciferase assay proved ETS1 as a novel target of miRNA-451a. Moreover, enforced expression of ETS1 partially restored miRNA-451a-induced inhibition of IL5 and IL13, and increased the GATA3+CD4+ cell population. Collectively, our work demonstrates that downregulation of miRNA-451a upregulates ETS1 expression in CD4+ T cells, which may contribute to Th2 cell differentiation in pediatric asthma.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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