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[Display omitted] • JAK2-STAT3 pathway was found based on the integrative analysis of omics. • The potential target of AAG was identified as GP130. • AAG suppressed tumor growth through JAK2-STAT3 pathway by targeting GP130 in vivo. Acovenosigenin A β -glucoside (AAG) is a cardiac glycoside derived from Streptocaulon juventas (Lour.) Merr, which exhibited the potential in treating lung cancer in our previous research. However, the action mechanism remains unclear. In this research, JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway was predicted to be the critical regulation pathway based on the integrative analysis of transcriptome and proteome. Western blotting and qPCR assays were performed to identify that AAG can regulate JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway and its downstream genes, such as c-Myc, Survivin, Cyclin B1, CDK1, Bcl-2. And this action of AAG depended on the suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation through the experiments of Immunofluorescence, transient transfection and cryptotanshinone treatment. Additionally, AAG was discovered to mediate the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in IL-6-driven A549 and H460 cells, which in turn inhibited cell proliferation, promoted mitochondria-related apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle progression. By molecular docking analysis, CETSA and SIP experiments, the protein of GP130 was identified as the specific target of AAG in A549 and H460 cells. Further studies suggested that AAG inhibited JAK2-STAT3 pathway and its downstream genes by targeting GP130 in nude mice xenograft model in vivo. This research presented that AAG exhibits the promising potential in the treatment of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an article published in Advanced Energy Materials, researchers Feng Dang, Gang Lian, and their team propose a strategy to improve the lifespan of Li-O2 batteries. They suggest using a durable NC/Co3Ru-NDs catalyst to enhance the cathode reaction kinetics and constructing a protective LiF/Sn/Li5Sn2-PFDTMS hybrid layer on the anode to prevent corrosion of the Li metal. This approach aims to address the challenges of cycle stability and improve the overall performance of Li-O2 batteries. [Extracted from the article]

In this work, aero-optical imaging deviation is investigated for a blunt-headed front-window aircraft, and the deflection angle is introduced to calculate the imaging deviation. This work mainly analyzes the influence of optical sensor position and line of sight (LOS) angle changes on imaging deviation. The results show that the imaging deviation monotonically increases with the increase of LOS angle when the sensor position is in front, and the value of imaging deviation is large. When the sensor position is at the back, the imaging deviation increases with the increase of LOS angle, then decreases, and then increases in the reverse direction, and the value of the imaging deviation is small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND This study focused on the development of a self‐nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to improve, potentially, the solubility and oral bioavailability of liquiritin (LQ). METHODS: The solubility of LQ in different types of excipient, namely oils (OLs), emulsifiers (EMs), and co‐emulsifiers (CO‐EMs), was evaluated, and a pseudo‐ternary phase diagram (PTPD) and the formulation optimization were established. The prepared self‐nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of liquiritin (LQ‐SNEDDS) was assessed using droplet size (DS), zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), droplet morphology, drug release in vitro, and oral bioavailability. RESULTS: After the dilution of the LQ‐SNEDDS, a transparent nanoemulsion was obtained with an acceptable DS (24.70 ± 0.73 nm), ZP (−18.69 ± 1.44 mV), and PDI (0.122 ± 0.006). The LQ‐SNEDDS that was developed had a better release rate in vitro than the free LQ suspension. Pharmacokinetic evaluation showed that the relative oral bioavailability of LQ‐SNEDDS was increased by 5.53 times, and LQ‐SNEDDS exhibited a delayed half life and longer retention time in comparison with those of free LQ. Similarly, LQ‐SNEDDS had a better urate lowering effect and provided better organ protection than free LQ at the same dose (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of LQ into SNEDDS could serve as a promising approach to improve the solubility, oral bioavailability, and anti‐hyperuricemic effect of LQ. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to fabricate a novel drug delivery system using Soluplus® (polyvinyl caprolactam–polyvinyl acetate–polyethylene glycol graft copolymer) and glycyrrhizic acid to improve solubility, bioavailability, and anti-hyperuricemic activity of aloe emodin (AE). The AE-loaded mixed micelles (AE-M) were prepared by thin-film hydration method. The optimal AE-M contained small-sized (30.13 ± 1.34 nm) particles with high encapsulation efficiency (m/m, %) of 90.3 ± 1.08%. The release rate of AE increased in the micellar formulation than that of free AE in the four media (DDW, pH 7.0; phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.4; phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.8; and hydrochloric acid aqueous solution, pH 1.2). In comparison to free AE, the pharmacokinetic study of AE-M showed that its relative oral bioavailability increased by 3.09 times, indicating that mixed micelles may promote gastrointestinal absorption. More importantly, AE-M effectively reduced uric acid level by inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in model rats. The degree of ankle swelling, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6-related inflammatory factors levels all decreased in the gouty arthritis model established via monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Taken together, the AE-M demonstrated the potential to improve the bioavailability, anti-hyperuricemic activity, and anti-inflammation of AE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the performance of epoxy microcomposites, nanocomposites, and micro–nano hybrid composites as the packaging material of the power modules. The experiments consist of thermal conductivity, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), space charge, dc electrical conductivity, thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC), and dielectric spectroscopy measurements. Moreover, the ac stationary electric field simulation and the dc transient electric field simulation are performed to analyze the electrical performance of the epoxy composites as the packaging materials in the power module structure under ac voltage and dc voltage, respectively. The ac field simulation uses dielectric spectroscopy data to obtain the electric field and power loss of the epoxy composites at different temperatures and frequencies under the ac voltage. On the other side, the dc electrical conductivity and TSDC experiment data are used for the dc transient electric field simulation to obtain the electric field considering the space charge under the dc voltage. The results show that the optimal addition of the filler content (20 wt% micro-AlN and 5 wt% nano-AlN) in the epoxy micro–nano hybrid composites can reduce the power loss and electric field at 150 °C and 1 MHz, under the ac condition. Furthermore, considering the space charge under the dc voltage, the electric field can also be reduced in epoxy micro–nano hybrid composites compared to pure epoxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liposome of Licochalcone A (LCA‐Liposomes) was purposively prepared to ameliorate the low in vivo availability and efficacy of LCA. Physical characterization of LCA‐Liposomes was carried out mainly by determining particle size, morphology, zeta potential (Z‐potential), and efficiency of LCA encapsulation (EE) via appropriate techniques. Also, the rate of LCA release in vitro and distribution in vivo (plasma and tissues) was evaluated. Evaluation of the antirenal activity of LCA‐liposomes was carried out by establishing chronic renal failure (CRF) model in mice through intragastric administration of adenine (200 mg/kg) and subsequent determination of biochemical parameters and examination of tissue sections. Respectively, the mean size of liposomal particles, Z‐potential and EE of LCA‐Liposomes were 71.78 ± 0.99 nm, −38.49 ± 0.06 mV, and 97.67 ± 1.72%. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies showed that LCA‐Liposomes could improve the availability of LCA in the blood and tissues, whereas during pharmacodynamics studies, the liposome effectively improved the therapeutic effect of LCA on CRF mice by potentially protecting the renal tissues while exhibiting antioxidant activity. In conclusion, LCA‐Liposomes could effectively improve the bioavailability of LCA and provide platform for the development of LCA‐related functional products. Practical applications: As a traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. LCA is a small molecule flavonoid extracted from the root of licorice. In this study, LCA was loaded on liposome carriers, which significantly improved the water solubility and oral bioavailability, and proved that LCA‐Liposomes have certain therapeutic effects on chronic renal failure, thereby providing a basis for the development of LCA into drugs or functional food in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]