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Coal-to-liquid technology is a key technology to ensuring national energy security, with the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis process at its core. However, in actual production, Fischer–Tropsch wax residue exhibits the characteristics of spontaneous combustion due to heat accumulation, posing a fire hazard when exposed to air for extended periods. This significantly threatens the safe production operations of coal-to-liquid chemical enterprises. This study primarily focuses on the experimental investigation of the oxidative spontaneous combustion process of three typical types of wax residues produced during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to test the thermal flow curves of the three wax residue samples. Kinetic analysis was performed using the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods to calculate their apparent activation energy. This study analyzed the thermal behavior characteristics, exothermic properties, and kinetic parameters of three typical wax residue samples, exploring the ease of reaction between wax residues and oxygen and their tendency for spontaneous combustion. The results indicate that Wax Residue 1 is rich in low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, Wax Residue 2 contains relatively fewer low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, while Wax Residue 3 primarily consists of high-carbon chain alkanes and olefins. This leads to different thermal behavior characteristics among the three typical wax residue samples, with Wax Residue 1 having the lowest heat release and average apparent activation energy and Wax Residue 3 having the highest heat release and average apparent activation energy. These findings suggest that Wax Residue 1 has a higher tendency for spontaneous combustion. This research provides a scientific basis for the safety management of the coal chemical industry, and further exploration into the storage and handling methods of wax residues could reduce fire risks in the future.

Reduction process is a key step to fabricate metal zeolite catalysts, but existing reduction technologies are always energy intensive and inevitably cause the agglomeration of metallic particles or destroy zeolite structure. Here the authors find that zeolites after ion exchange of ammonium display an interesting and unexpected self-reducing feature.

In recent years, liver fibrosis has become a hot research topic in the field of liver disease. Liver fibrosis is a healing response to trauma, it is not an independent disease, any liver injury is often accompanied by fibrosis, clinically there are many causes of liver fibrosis, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver, fatty liver, autoimmune hepatitis and cholestatic hepatitis. The main pathological feature is the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to the formation of fibrous scarring. Under physiological conditions, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are in an inactive state and behave as quiescent cells, which are involved in the storage of vitamin A in the liver. When liver injury occurs, inflammatory mediators activate quiescent HSC to differentiate into myofibroblasts, which initiate tissue remodeling in the liver by secreting ECM proteins and matrix metalloproteinases. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the most important fibrogenic factor identified, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is the most effective factor in stimulating HSC proliferation, differentiation and migration. PDGF receptors and ligands are upregulated in both experimental liver fibrosis models and human liver fibrosis disease. The development of liver fibrosis is a dynamic process, and the mechanism of its occurrence is very complex. Besides being related to astrocytes and cytokines, there are some other intricate factors, and the current studies cannot fully elucidate the mechanism. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated angiogenesis plays an important role in the development of liver fibrosis, and it has been shown that several miRNA molecules can modulate these targets to regulate angiogenesis and thus liver fibrosis. In addition, TCM can be used to treat liver fibrosis by modulating miRNA molecules and thereby regulating angiogenesis. Chinese medicine has the advantages of multi-target, good efficacy, low price and high safety, and it has a very broad prospect and in-depth exploration value in the study of the effect and mechanism of action of liver fibrosis treatment.

Background/Aims: Our previous studies have shown that plumbagin effectively inhibits hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation. Thus, plumbagin-mediated anti-fibrotic effects in vivo merit further investigation. Methods: We used rat models to assess the potential benefits of plumbagin against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Results: The results showed that plumbagin lowered the serum concentrations of liver functional enzymes (ALT, AST, ALB, TBIL) in CCl4-fibrotic rats while reducing inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-a). As reflected in pathological examinations, rats that were administered plumbagin showed decreased collagen markers (HA, LN, PCIII and CIV) in liver tissues and improved hepatocellular impairments. In addition, plumbagin contributed to down-regulating NF-κB and TLR-4 mRNA in CCl4-lesioned livers. As revealed in the immunohistochemical assay, plumbagin-administered rats showed reduced levels of a-SMA and TNF-a immunoreactive cells in liver tissue. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings offer appealing evidence that plumbagin may serve as an anti-fibrotic medication through inactivating the NF-κB/TLR-4 pathway that is associated with inflammatory reactions, thereby mitigating liver fibrosis.

This study evaluated the transformation of a Carrière forest into a near-natural forest after 60 years of natural development. The structure and soil characteristics of planted forest, the near-natural forest (coniferous-broadleaved mixed forest), and secondary forest ( Fisch. ex Ledeb. forest) were compared. Tree, shrub and herb species diversity of the mixed and forests was higher than that of the planted forest. Examination of soil characteristics revealed that compared to the pure pine forest, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of the mixed and forests increased in the forest floor and soil, but total carbon (C) concentration decreased in the forest floor, countered by increases in the soil. Furthermore, soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and pH in the forest increased when deciduous broadleaved species were present. Total microbial biomass and bacterial biomass in the soils were greatest in the forest, followed by the mixed, and then the forests. However, fungal biomass did not significantly differ among the three forests. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that different forest types can affect soil microbial biomass and community structure. Meanwhile, the natural development is recommended as a potential management alternative to near-natural transformation of a planted forest.Pinus tabuliformisP. tabuliformisP. tabuliformisQuercus mongolicaQ. mongolicaP. tabuliformisQ. mongolicaP. tabuliformisQ. mongolica P. tabuliformis P. tabuliformis

[Objective] The paper was to observe the effects of Guangxi Hepu pearl hydrolysate on proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatic stellate cells. [Method] The inhibition rate against the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells was determined by MTT colorimetry after co-in-cubation with pearl hydrolysate for 48 h. The percentage of early and late apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry (Annexin V-FITC/PI staining). [Result] Low, medium and high concentrations of pearl hydrolysate could inhibit the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells, and the inhibition rates at 48 h were 12.4%, 27.4% and 37.8%, respectively. The low, medium and high concentrations of pearl hydrolysate could induce the apoptosis of cells. The percentages of total apoptotic cells (early apoptotic + late apoptotic) at 48 h were 8.97%, 16.09% and 26.98%, respectively. [Conclusion] Pearl hydrolysate can inhibit the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells and induce the apoptosis of these cells, which may be the mechanism of anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of pearl hydrolysate. These effects are dose-dependent. It is also found that the above cellular effects of high dose pearl hydrolysate are stronger than those of colchicine and compound Biejiaruangan tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells are a kind of highly differentiated cells in hepatic sinusoids, which play an important role in the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells are often used in the study of liver fibrosis. In the process of culturing liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, the treatment of serum for culture and cryopreservation of cells are relatively complicated and error-prone. If the technical details of serum treatment and cell cryopreservation are not handled properly, it will have a more obvious effect on the effect of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell culture. We have gained experience in the theoretical study of liver fibrosis and the operation of cell culture experiments, and this paper summarized the details of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell culture such as the problems of serum preservation, thawing, precipitates and heat inactivation, as well as methods and precautions for cell cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell is a highly differentiated cell in hepatic sinusoid, and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. The dysfunction of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells is considered to be the key cause of a variety of liver diseases. At present, the researches on hepatic fibrosis at home and abroad are mainly focused on inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells and accelerating the hydrolysis of extracellular matrix. However, there are few studies on the important role of the structure and function of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells in hepatic fibrosis. This paper reviews the research progress on the effect of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells on hepatic fibrosis and its regulatory mechanism in recent years. This paper summarizes the results of the research on the structural characteristics of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, secretion of fibrosis-related cytokines and regulation of hepatic stellate cells activation in the development of hepatic fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] This study was conducted to evaluate the action of the aqueous extract of a medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica L. in the reversal of dime-thylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, and to province a scientific basis for the utilization of P. zeylanica in treatment of hepatic fibrosis.[ Methods ] Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of DMN. The rats were then given the aqueous extract of P, zeylanica at high, medium or low concentration by savage for five weeks. Serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-release assay, anil serum level of aspartate transaminase (AST) was measured by UV-malate dehydrogenase (MDH) assay. Serum levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and indirect bilirubin (TBIL) were measured by vanadate oxidation assay. Four indices of hepatic fibrosis (hyaluronic acid, laminin. procollagen type 111 and collagen type IV) were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) assay. Morphological damage of liver lissue was observed by hematoxylineosin staining (H&E staining), lmmunohistochemieal staining was performed to delennine the location and area of deposited collagen type 1. collagen type III and α-smooth muscle act in (α-SMA) in liver tissue. [Results] Compared with the negative control (rats with diseased liver and unlreated with P. zeyianica aqueous extract) . the serum levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, DBIL and TBIL were significantly decreased by P. zeylanica aqueous extract; the levels of ihe four serum indices of hepalic fibrosis were also obviously reduced. H&E staining showed that hepatic fibrosis in rats was obviously inhibiled or even reversed by P. zeylanica aqueous extract. lmmunohisto-chemical staining proved that the aqueous extract of P, zeylanica significantly reduced the area and coloration of collagen type I. collagen type III and α-SMA in rat liver. [Conclusions ] The aqueous extract of P. zeyianica has a definite effect in reversal of DMN-indueed hepatic fibrosis in rat by promoting the recovery of liver function. reversal of histopatltological changes ami reducing fibrotic collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To systematically review the combination effects of entecavir and Compound Biejiaruangan Tablet on serum hepatic fibrosis markers of chronic hepatitis B. [Methods] Computer retrieval of CNKI, VIP, WANFANG DATA and CBM was carried out as well as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Retrieval time was from database foundation to January 2015. Literatures were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After further extracting and analyzing the literatures, Meta analysis was carried out by RevMan 5.3 software provided by Co-chrane collaboration network. [Results] Seven clinical randomized controlled trials were included. Among the 539 patients, 272 cases were observation group and 267 cases were control group. The four indicators of serum hepatic fibrosis in treatment group reduced significantly compared with that in entecavir group ( P < 0. 05 ), which were hyaluronic acid ( HA), laminin ( LN ), procollagen III, collagen IV (IV-C). [Conclusions] Combination of entecavir and Compound Biejiaruangan Tablet significantly reduced the serum hepatic fibrosis markers of chronic hepatitis B. However, further verification test was still needed due to the poor research quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To observe the effects of volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE on the activity and secretion of hepatic stellate cells. [Methods] HSC-LX2 of hepatic fibrosis was incubated by the volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE for 48 h. The proliferation inhibition rate of cells was detected by Methylthiazol Tetraztlium (MTT) Colorimetry; DNA content ad cell apoptosis at different cell cycles were detected by flow cytometry ( PI staining) . The impacts on secretion functions of collagens type I ad III, MMP-1 ad MMP-13 were observed by immunohistochemistry. [Results] Volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE at low, middle and high dosage could all restrict the proliferation of HSC-LX2 cells. The inhibitory rates on 48 h were 15.4%, 49.1% and 58.3%, respectively. The IC50 on 48 h was 45 µmol/L. HSC-LX2 cells were blocked to enter the DNA synthesis and proliferation cycle; and the early and late apoptosis of HSC-LX2 cells was induced. Percentages of total cell numbers at S stage + G2/M stage were 70.1%, 63.6% ad 50.2% on 48 h, respectively. The apoptosis rates were 13.9%, 18.9% ad 23.5%, respectvely. The volatile oils at different concentrations could restrict the HSC-LX2 cells to secrete coHaens type I and III, and enhance the secretion of MMP-1 and MMP-13. [Conclusions] Volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE restricted the proliferation of HSC-LX2 cells, blocked the cells to enter the DNA synthesis and proliferation cycle, induced the cell apoptosis, reduced the secretion of fibrosis protein in HSC-LX2 cells, enhanced the degradation of fibrosis protein, and interfered the hepatic fibrosis. All these showed a dose-dependant maner. And the abilities mentioned above in middle- and high-dosage groups were stronger than those in colchicine group and Compound Biejiaruangan Tablet group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems in human bodies do not work independently when conducting physiological activities and making reaction to external environment, a their functions wiil be regulated by the multidimensional network structure composed by nerve, endocrine, and immunity system. The three systems each performs their own functions and realizes joint control so that the functions of each cell, organ and system can be normally achieved and thus forms the theory of nerve-endocrine-immunity system. This theory combines nerve, endocrine, and immunity system in an organic way, integrating the relationship of mutual regulation among the three functional systems of human bodies. It informs people of how the three systems of nerve, endocrine, and immunity influence, coordinate and restrict each other to together regulate functional activities of the human body and maintain the stability of internal environment. The generation and development of this theory maifests that modern science also gradually starts exploring regulation of the whole body at the same time of emphasizing in-depth local microexamination, providing a new meaningful research model for understanding the general function of bodies from the level of molecules. In this paper, the author concludes relevant conditions for the realization of the regulation function of this network as composed of three pats: structure foundation, neural master control, and micro-substance foundation, and elaborates on them respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for maintaining calcium balance, lipid biosynthesis, and protein folding. Disruptions in ER homeostasis, often due to the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins, lead to ER stress, which plays a significant role in various diseases, especially cancer. Urological cancers, which account for high male mortality worldwide, pose a persistent challenge due to their incurability and tendency to develop drug resistance. Among the numerous dysregulated biological mechanisms, ER stress is a key factor in the progression and treatment response of these cancers. This review highlights the dual role of aberrant ER stress activation in urologic cancers, affecting both tumor growth and therapeutic outcomes. While ER stress can support tumor growth through pro‐survival autophagy, it primarily inhibits cancer progression via apoptosis and pro‐death autophagy. Interestingly, ER stress can paradoxically aid cancer progression through mechanisms such as exosome‐mediated immune evasion. Additionally, the review examines how pharmacological interventions, particularly with phytochemicals, can stimulate ER stress‐mediated tumor suppression. Key regulators, including PERK, IRE1α, and ATF6, are discussed for their roles in upregulating CHOP levels and triggering apoptosis. In conclusion, a deeper understanding of ER stress in urological cancers not only clarifies the complex interactions between cellular stress and cancer progression but also provides new opportunities for innovative therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal-to-liquid technology is a key technology to ensuring national energy security, with the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis process at its core. However, in actual production, Fischer–Tropsch wax residue exhibits the characteristics of spontaneous combustion due to heat accumulation, posing a fire hazard when exposed to air for extended periods. This significantly threatens the safe production operations of coal-to-liquid chemical enterprises. This study primarily focuses on the experimental investigation of the oxidative spontaneous combustion process of three typical types of wax residues produced during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to test the thermal flow curves of the three wax residue samples. Kinetic analysis was performed using the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods to calculate their apparent activation energy. This study analyzed the thermal behavior characteristics, exothermic properties, and kinetic parameters of three typical wax residue samples, exploring the ease of reaction between wax residues and oxygen and their tendency for spontaneous combustion. The results indicate that Wax Residue 1 is rich in low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, Wax Residue 2 contains relatively fewer low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, while Wax Residue 3 primarily consists of high-carbon chain alkanes and olefins. This leads to different thermal behavior characteristics among the three typical wax residue samples, with Wax Residue 1 having the lowest heat release and average apparent activation energy and Wax Residue 3 having the highest heat release and average apparent activation energy. These findings suggest that Wax Residue 1 has a higher tendency for spontaneous combustion. This research provides a scientific basis for the safety management of the coal chemical industry, and further exploration into the storage and handling methods of wax residues could reduce fire risks in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study investigates the effect of near-naturalization of plantations on soil physicochemical and bacterial features and the difference between soil layers in Baxianshan National Nature Reserve. Four stands were involved, including two forest types: near-naturalized and natural secondary forests, with the former classified into three stages. Soil physicochemical and bacterial properties were determined and analyzed. TC, TN contents and C/N ratio of the surface soil were higher than the corresponding lower layer. TC, TN contents decreased first and then increased with near-naturalization, lower than the natural secondary forests, while the C/N ratio was the opposite; total and endemic OTUs quantity was more in the surface layer than the lower and both increased with near-naturalization; the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and verrucomicrobia, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased with near-naturalization while that of other dominant phyla decreased; the α-diversity increased on the whole during near-naturalization and was lower than the natural secondary forests except for Simpson and Shannon index; environmental factors significantly explained the bacterial α-diversity and community structure of natural secondary forests but not near-naturalized forests. This study helps fully understand the change characteristics and response mechanisms of soil bacterial community structure to the restoration of the plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction process is a key step to fabricate metal-zeolite catalysts in catalytic synthesis. However, because of the strong interaction force, metal oxides in zeolites are very difficult to be reduced. Existing reduction technologies are always energy-intensive, and inevitably cause the agglomeration of metallic particles in metal-zeolite catalysts or destroy zeolite structure in severe cases. Herein, we disclose that zeolites after ion exchange of ammonium have an interesting and unexpected self-reducing feature. It can accurately control the reduction of metal-zeolite catalysts, via in situ ammonia production from 'ammonia pools', meanwhile, restrains the growth of the size of metals. Such new and reliable ammonia pool effect is not influenced by topological structures of zeolites, and works well on reducible metals. The ammonia pool effect is ultimately attributed to an atmosphere-confined self-regulation mechanism. This methodology will significantly promote the fabrication for metal-zeolite catalysts, and further facilitate design and development of low-cost and high-activity catalysts. Reduction process is a key step to fabricate metal zeolite catalysts, but existing reduction technologies are always energy intensive and inevitably cause the agglomeration of metallic particles or destroy zeolite structure. Here the authors find that zeolites after ion exchange of ammonium display an interesting and unexpected self-reducing feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested strong antifibrotic activity of curcumol in the liver; the underlying mechanisms of which, however, remain largely unknown. Aiming to investigate the role of curcumol in regulating early and advanced liver fibrosis, we designed a rat model with advanced liver fibrosis and cell model with an initial fibrotic stage. Model rats induced by CCl4 and alcohol presented advanced liver fibrosis with complete fibrous septa. The administration of curcumol (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) resulted in reversal of liver fibrosis. Leptin-administrated liver sinusoidal endothelial cells presented defenestration and basement membrane components deposition, including laminin (LN) and type IV collagen (Col IV), the characteristics of capillarization by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence assays. After treatment with curcumol (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/L), defenestration was restored and the levels of LN and Col IV were decreased, consistent with the rat model. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot results revealed that increased levels of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)/ uPA receptor (uPAR) were observed both in vivo and in vitro, curcumol significantly reduced uPA/uPAR at both the mRNA and protein levels. Reduction of uPA/uPAR may be synergistic with matrix metallopeptidase 13 to reverse liver fibrogenesis. In conclusion, curcumol protects liver from phenotypic changes in the early and advanced fibrogenesis, possibly through uPA/uPAR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Improving the selectivity of light olefins remains a longstanding challenge in Fischer-Tropsch to light olefins reaction (FTO). Toward this objective, we designed and prepared a newly catalyst with core-shell-like structure by using a simple and facile method named physically adhesive method. This core-shell-like catalyst Fe@SAPO-34 was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, N2 sorption and NH3-TPD respectively. The characterization results indicated that the SAPO-34 zeolite shell was comparatively uniform, homogeneous and defect-free, and it encapsulated the Fe catalyst entirely. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction of syngas to light olefins was selected to test the catalytic performance of the zeolite capsule catalyst. In comparison with the simple mixture catalyst Fe/SAPO-34 and bare Fe catalyst, the newly Fe@SAPO-34 catalyst has demonstrated ability of the highest selectivity of light olefins 52.6% and O/P ratio 6.4. The SAPO-34 zeolite shell acted an important role for the improvement of light olefins selectivity.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus tabulaeformis has been widely planted in order to conserve soil and water and improve the ecological environment in China. This study aimed to unravel how soil aggregates and soil carbon (C) stock stability of a P. tabulaeformis plantation change after 60 years of natural development and was performed in Vitex negundo var. heterophylla and Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa shrub (shrub), a P. tabulaeformis forest (pine), and a coniferous broadleaf P. tabulaeformis mixed forest (pine-oak). Afforestation increased the stability of soil aggregates in the 0-10 cm soil layer but resulted in a decrease in the 10-20 cm soil layer. However, the presence of deciduous broadleaf species in the pine plantation improved the stability of soil aggregates. The total soil C stock was increased by afforestation, especially in the pine-oak forest, where it reached a significant level. The mineral soil C stock in the shrub stand was higher than that in pine and lower than that in pine-oak forests, but the C fractions had a different change. Afforestation increased the C fraction of macroaggregates in the 0-10 cm soil layer but decreased it in the 10-20 cm soil layer. This result suggested that afforestation could improve soil C stabilization in deeper soil. However, the pine-oak forest had a higher C fraction of macroaggregates than the pine forest in the 10-20 cm soil layer, indicating that soil C stabilization of the P. tabulaeformis plantation decreased when deciduous broadleaf species were present and thus formed the coniferous broadleaf mixed forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Our previous studies have shown that plumbagin effectively inhibits hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation. Thus, plumbagin-mediated anti-fibrotic effects in vivo merit further investigation. Methods: We used rat models to assess the potential benefits of plumbagin against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Results: The results showed that plumbagin lowered the serum concentrations of liver functional enzymes (ALT, AST, ALB, TBIL) in CCl4-fibrotic rats while reducing inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α). As reflected in pathological examinations, rats that were administered plumbagin showed decreased collagen markers (HA, LN, PCIII and CIV) in liver tissues and improved hepatocellular impairments. In addition, plumbagin contributed to down-regulating NF-κB and TLR-4 mRNA in CCl4-lesioned livers. As revealed in the immunohistochemical assay, plumbagin-administered rats showed reduced levels of α-SMA and TNF-α immunoreactive cells in liver tissue. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings offer appealing evidence that plumbagin may serve as an anti-fibrotic medication through inactivating the NF-κB/TLR-4 pathway that is associated with inflammatory reactions, thereby mitigating liver fibrosis. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species and new record of gracillariid moths from China are reported: Conopomorpha flueggella Li, sp. n. and Epicephala relictella Kuznetzov, 1979. Specimens were collected on flowers or leaves of Flueggea suff ruticosa (Pall.) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) at night, and reared from fruits in captivity. Larvae of both species feed on the seeds of F. suff ruticosa, but they can be diff erentiated externally by the position of the red pattern on the thorax and abdomen. Morphology of the eggs, larvae, pupae and the life history of the two species are described and compared. Images of the life history and figures of the genital structures are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]