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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered to be a potentially curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, insufficient RFA (IRFA) can promote rapid progression of the residual tumor. The mechanisms underlying IRFA-induced tumor promotion remain poorly understood. In the present study, we have established a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model and monitored the location and extent of IRFA by dual monitoring with ultrasonography and a thermal imager. For the first time, we provide evidence of the activation of autophagic pathways in mice exposed to IRFA. We show that autophagy plays an important role in relapse and proliferation after IRFA and that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can suppress these effects. Our findings indicate that autophagy is involved in experimental IRFA and that inhibition of autophagy may be a novel approach in the treatment of local recurrences of HCC after IRFA in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Aurivillius-type Bi2VO5.5-δ series doped by magnetic cations may have a significant electronic contribution to their total conductivity and special magnetoelectric properties which extend potential applications to magnetoelectronic and spintronic fields. Bi2(V1-xMnx)O5.5-δ and (Bi2-xMnx)VO5.5-δ (x=0.10–0.30) compounds with nominal composition doped by manganese cation on the Bi- or V-site were prepared via a solid-state reaction. Results show that partial substitution of Mn on the V-site stabilizes Bi2(V1-xMnx)O5.5-δ in the high-temperature tetragonal structure of Bi2VO5.5-δ for compositions in the range 0.10≤x<0.25. The geometric magnetic frustration was observed through magnetic susceptibility analysis. The crystal structure was refined by the Rietveld method based on a four-oxygen-site model. The resulting solid-solution limit confirms the equatorial vacancy model which assumes that all vacancies are located on the equatorial oxygen sites. The possible substitution mechanism is determined which supports V↔Mn, rather than Bi↔Mn in the MnO-doped Bi2VO5.5-δ series. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that polydatin, a crystal component extracted from the root stem of the perennial herbage Polygonum Cuspidatum Sieb.et Zucc, exerts a neuroprotective effect on cerebral injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion. To investigate the possible mechanism of this action, we determined the effects of polydatin on the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) after ischemia-induced cerebral injury. Rats were treated with polydatin (i.v.) immediately after the operation of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 h. It was found that polydatin improved neurological deficits and reduced the volume of brain infarction. In addition, polydatin decreased the levels of CAMs relative to the control (MCAO alone); these included intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, L-selectin and Integrins. These results suggest that polydatin exerts protective effects likely via inhibition of the expression of various CAMs; polydatin may be a potential agent for treatment of brain injury associated with stroke. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of BaWO4 addition on the microstructures, the phase formation, 1:2 ordering and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 was investigated. Ba5Nb4O15 and BaWO4 secondary phases were found in all specimens containing BaWO4. The B-site ordering parameter (S) and the lattice constant (c/a) values increased with BaWO4 increased. Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics with BaWO4 addition can be sintered to 95% theoretical density at 1500 °C due to the liquid phase effect of BaWO4. At 0.03 mol BaWO4, the specimen shows the maximum Qf value of 82 300 GHz attributed to high density and ordering degree. The decrease of Qf value with further addition of BaWO4 is due to the increase of secondary phases BaWO4 and Ba5Nb4O15, which have lower Qf values than Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 phase. The variation of #x03B5;r and τf was also explained based on the logarithmic mixture rule and the volume mixture ruler, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]