Soil Slope Instability Mechanism and Treatment Measures under Rainfall—A Case Study of a Slope in Yunda Road

The unique geological conditions in Yunnan make it likely for landslides to occur there. For the purpose of exploring the soil slope instability mechanism, this paper takes a slope in Yunda Road, Chenggong, Kunming, as case study and establishes a slope model utilizing FLAC 3D coupled with Geo-studio software. The displacement, strain and deformation rate of the slope under the condition of rainfall are simulated, and the influence of rainfall and rainfall duration on rainfall infiltration is analyzed. The results indicated the following: (1) The effective stress on and shear strength of slope soil at the foot of the slope gradually decreased under rainfall, resulting in the loosening of the slope soil and slip at the foot of the slope. This affected the stability of the upper slope which, in turn, reduced the stability of the whole slope; (2) When the duration of rainfall reached 72 h, the slope stability coefficient Fs = 0.88, indicating a failure state. The increments of principal stress and shear stress at the foot of the slope were the largest, and the strain speed was the fastest, with the maximum values of principal stress and shear stress reaching 0.412 and 0.579, respectively; (3) The maximum total displacement was 2.177 m at the foot of the slope, the maximum vertical Z-axis displacement was 1.673 m in the negative direction of the Z-axis, and the soil at the foot of the slope was 0.6 m in the positive direction of the Z-axis. Our simulation results were consistent with the actual failure of the slope. After analyzing the slope mechanism and adopting targeted treatment measures, the slope was subjected to four rainfall cycles without any sign of landslips, indicating that the effect of our interventions was favorable

An RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis revealing novel insights into fluorine absorption and transportation in the tea plant

The tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is a species with a high concentration of fluorine in its leaves, especially in the mature leaves. The physiological mechanisms for fluorine absorption and accumulation have been well studied, but the related molecular mechanisms are poorly understood in the tea plant. In this study, transcriptome analysis by RNA-Seq following exposure to 16 mg/L of fluorine for 0, 3, 6, and 24 h was performed to identify the candidate genes involved in the transmembrane transportation of fluorine. More than 1.23 billion high-quality reads were generated, and 259.84 million unigenes were assembled de novo, with 518 216 of them being annotated in the seven databases used. Meanwhile, a large number of transporters, transcription factors, and heat-shock proteins with differential expression in response to high levels of fluorine (P ≤ 0.05) were identified. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the uptake of fluorine is related to photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and glutathione metabolism. Further systematic analysis of nitrate and potassium transporter genes revealed that many of these genes regulate fluorine transportation in roots and leaves. Gene expression and fluorine content analysis in different cultivars revealed CsNRT1/PTR 3.1 and CsPT 8 as the key genes regulating the transmembrane transportation of fluorine in the tea plant.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Antioxidant Compounds from Propolis Collected in Anhui, China

The antioxidant activities of the chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extract fractions from propolis collected in Anhui, China were evaluated in this study. The ethyl acetate fraction contained the highest amount of total phenolics and total flavonoids, and showed the greatest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging capacities and Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The antioxidant activity of twenty-two compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction was also evaluated using the above-mentioned three assays. The results indicated that phenolics contributed to the antioxidant activity of propolis collected in Anhui, China. Therefore, propolis collected in Anhui, China and its phenolics might be used as a natural antioxidant

Liver metabolomics reveals potential mechanism of Jieduan-Niwan formula against acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) by improving mitochondrial damage and TCA cycle

Abstract Background Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a refractory disease with high mortality, which is characterized by a pathophysiological process of inflammation-related dysfunction of energy metabolism. Jieduan-Niwan formula (JDNWF) is a eutherapeutic Chinese medicine formula for ACLF. However, the intrinsic mechanism of its anti-ACLF effect still need to be studied systematically. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of JDNWF against ACLF based on altered substance metabolic profile in ACLF the expression levels of related molecules. Materials and methods The chemical characteristics of JDNWF were characterized using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Wistar rats subjected to a long-term CCL4 stimulation followed by a combination of an acute attack with LPS/D-GalN were used to establish the ACLF model. Liver metabolites were analyzed by LC–MS/MS and multivariate analysis. Liver function, coagulation function, histopathology, mitochondrial metabolic enzyme activity and mitochondrial damage markers were evaluated. The protein expression of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) was investigated by western blot. Results Liver function, coagulation function, inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial enzyme activity were significantly improved by JDNWF. 108 metabolites are considered as biomarkers of JDNWF in treating ACLF, which were closely related to TCA cycle. It was further suggested that JDNWF alleviated mitochondrial damage and MQC may be potential mechanism of JDNWF improving mitochondrial function. Conclusions Metabolomics revealed that TCA cycle was impaired in ACLF rats, and JDNWF had a regulatory effect on it. The potential mechanism may be improving the mitochondrial function through MQC pathway, thus restoring energy metabolism

The association between hypertension and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): literature evidence and systems biology analysis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major public health issue as its progression increases risks of multisystem morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence indicates a more complex relationship between hypertension and NAFLD than previously thought. In this study, a comprehensive literature search was used to gather information supporting the comorbidity phenomenon of hypertension and NAFLD. Then, systems biology approach was applied to identify the potential genes and mechanisms simultaneously associated with hypertension and NAFLD. With the help of protein-protein interaction network-based algorithm, we found that the distance between hypertension and NAFLD was much less than random ones. Sixty-four shared genes of hypertension and NAFLD modules were identified as core genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that some inflammatory, metabolic and endocrine signals were related to the potential biological functions of core genes. More importantly, drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory diseases and depression could be potential therapeutics against hypertension-NAFLD co-occurrence. After analyzing public OMICs data, ALDH1A1 was identified as a potential therapeutic target, without being affected by reverse causality. These findings give a clue for the potential mechanisms of comorbidity of hypertension and NAFLD and highlight the multiple target-therapeutic strategy of NAFLD for future clinical research

Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Molecular Biological Mechanism of Action for Qingdu Decoction against Chronic Liver Injury

Background. Qingdu Decoction (QDD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating chronic liver injury (CLI). Materials and methods. A network pharmacology combining experimental validation was used to investigate potential mechanisms of QDD against CLI. We firstly screened the bioactive compounds with pharmacology analysis platform of the Chinese medicine system (TCMSP) and gathered the targets of QDD and CLI. Then, we constructed a compound-target network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and enriched core targets in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways. At last, we used a CLI rat model to confirm the effect and mechanism of QDD against CLI. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot (WB), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used. Results. 48 bioactive compounds of QDD passed the virtual screening criteria, and 53 overlapping targets were identified as core targets of QDD against CLI. A compound-CLI related target network containing 94 nodes and 263 edges was constructed. KEGG enrichment of core targets contained some pathways related to CLI, such as hepatitis B, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, apoptosis, hepatitis C, interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 signaling pathway. Three PPI clusters were identified and enriched in hepatitis B and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, apoptosis and hepatitis B pathway, and peroxisome pathway, respectively. Animal experiment indicated that QDD decreased serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), endotoxin (ET), and IL-17 and increased prothrombin time activity (PTA) level. WB and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that, compared with the model group, the expression of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-9 (caspase-9) protein, caspase-3 protein, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein (Bax) mRNA, and cytochrome c (Cyt c) mRNA was inhibited and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA was enhanced in the QDD group. Conclusions. QDD has protective effect against CLI, which may be related to the regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis. This study provides novel insights into exploring potential biological basis and mechanisms of clinically effective formula systematically

Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Potential Mechanisms of Jieduan-Niwan Formula Treating Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Background. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome with acute jaundice and coagulation dysfunction caused by various inducements on the basis of chronic liver disease. Western medical treatment is limited. Previous studies have confirmed that Jieduan-Niwan Formula (JDNW Formula), an empirical prescription for the treatment of ACLF, can inhibit inflammation and resist hepatocyte apoptosis. However, potential targets and mechanisms still need to be explored. Methods. In this study, network pharmacological analysis was performed to investigate the key components and potential mechanisms of JDNW Formula treating ACLF. Firstly, we predicted the potential active ingredients of JDNW Formula and the corresponding potential targets through TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM platform, and literature supplement. Then, the ACLF targets database was built using OMIM, DisGeNET, and GeneCard database. Based on the matching targets between JDNW Formula and ACLF, the PPI network was constructed for MCODE analysis and common targets were enriched by Metascape. Furthermore, the ACLF rat model was used to verify the potential mechanism of JDNW Formula in treating ACLF. Results. 132 potential bioactive components of JDNW Formula and 168 common targets were obtained in this study. The enrichment analysis shows that the AMPK signaling pathway was associated with the treating effects of JDNW Formula. Quercetin was hypothesized to be the key bioactive ingredient in JDNW Formula and has a good binding affinity to AMPK based on molecular docking verification. JDNW Formula and quercetin were verified to treat ACLF by regulating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway as a prediction. Conclusion. The study predicted potential mechanisms of JDNW Formula in the treatment of ACLF, involving downregulation of inflammatory factor expression, antioxidant stress, and inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis. JDNW Formula may improve mitochondrial quality in ACLF via the AMPK signaling pathway, which serves as a guide for further study

Easily recyclable lithium‐ion batteries: Recycling‐oriented cathode design using highly soluble LiFeMnPO4 with a water‐soluble binder

Abstract Recycling lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is fundamental for resource recovery, reducing energy consumption, decreasing emissions, and minimizing environmental risks. The inherited properties of materials and design are not commonly attributed to the complexity of recycling LIBs and their effects on the recycling process. The state‐of‐the‐art battery recycling methodology consequently suffers from poor recycling efficiency and high consumption from issues with the cathode and the binder material. As a feasibility study, high‐energy‐density cathode material LiFeMnPO4 with a water‐soluble polyacrylic acid (PAA) binder is extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid at room temperature under oxidant‐free conditions. The cathode is wholly leached with high purity and is suitable for reuse. The cathode is easily separated from its constituent materials and reduces material and energy consumption during recycling by 20% and 7%, respectively. This strategy is utilized to fabricate recyclable‐oriented LiFeMnPO4/graphite LIBs with a PAA binder and carbon paper current collector. Finally, the limitation of the solubility of the binder is discussed in terms of recycling. This research hopefully provides guidance for recycling‐oriented design for the circular economy of the LIB industry

Room-temperature direct regeneration of spent LiFePO4 cathode using the external short circuit strategy

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP), widely used as power sources, are forecasted to reach the terawatt-hour scale, inevitably leading to battery waste and expediating the urgency for effective recycling processes for LFP. The modern recycling methodologies based on material recovery face significant economic, environmental, and energy consumption challenges. This research attempts to resolve these challenges by providing direct cathode regeneration based on the principles of an external short-circuit to replenish lithium lost in the spent cathode with lithiated materials (LiC6, Li metal). Given that most active lithium loss in the cathode is caused by the growth of the solid electrolyte interphase rather than structural damage, restoring the lost lithium can revitalize a spent cathode battery’s electrochemical performance to a near-original state. The lithium loss in LFP cathodes ranging from 20% to 80% was renewed by supplementing lithium. Relithiation of 10Ah commercial LFP spent cathode showed revitalized electrochemical performance. Compared to the modern recycling methods, direct cathode regeneration improves the economic benefits of recycling by 33%, decreases energy consumption by 48%, and reduces carbon emissions by 62%. Direct cathode regeneration provides a scaffold for the next generation of recycling methods to improve recycling efficiency while reducing their environmental footprint