[Xihuang Pills and its main components inhibit PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways and promote the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells in PC-3 tumor-bearing mice].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Xihuang Pills (XHP) and its main components on PI3K, AKT and mTOR signaling pathways and cell apoptosis of castration-resistant human PCa PC-3 cell subcutaneously transplanted tumors in nude mice. METHODS: We assigned 36 PC-3 tumor-bearing model mice to six groups of equal numbers to be treated with XHP, musk, calculus bovis (CB), musk + CB and docetaxel, respectively. After 14 days of intervention, we calculated the tumor-inhibition rate in different groups, observed the morphology of the tumor cells by HE staining, determined the levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR mRNA by RT-qPCR, and determined the expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR signaling pathways and caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins by Western blot. RESULTS: After 14 days of medication, the tumor-inhibition rates in the XHP, musk, CB, musk + CB and docetaxel groups were 29.67%, 5.52%, 7.26%, 12.88% and 6.26%, respectively. HE staining showed the formation of apoptotic bodies in the tumor tissues after intervention, especially in the XHP and musk + CB groups. The mRNA and phosphorylated protein expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.01), and so were the expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins in the XHP and musk + CB groups in comparison with the control (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Xihuang Pills, musk and calculus bovis can inhibit the growth of castration-resistant human PCa PC-3 cell subcutaneously transplanted tumors, which is associated with their effects of suppressing the abnormally activated PI3K, Akt and mTOR signaling pathways and promoting the apoptosis of PCa PC3 cells.

[Multi-Spectrum CT Imaging Method Based on Spectrum Matching Priors].

In the process of X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, the traditional single-energy X-ray CT imaging technology is only applicable to structural analysis but can't meet the needs of functioning for substance distinction and identification because of the multispectral hardening artifacts and inconsistency between the projection acquisition process and reconstruction assumption. A multispectral CT imaging method based on the spectrum matching priors is presented. First, energy spectrum filtering matching model is built and range spectrum parameters are set according to the material composition; then multi-spectrum projection sequence is acquired by filtering. Second, the different reference energy is selected according to the material composition, befor using the improved Algebraic Reconstruction Techniques (ART) to achieve a multi-spectral CT imaging. Simulation result shows that we improved the contrast of the reconstructed image effectively, while meeting the needs of substance distinction. The actual data collection process is achieved by reconstructing in different spectrum and different corresponding reference energy.

Two birds, one stone: Enhancement of flame retardancy and antibacterial property of viscose fabric using an aminoazole-based cyclotriphosphazene.

Enhancing the fire-retardant and antibacterial properties of viscose fabric through a simple strategy is crucial and urgent. In this study, an aminoazole-based cyclotriphosphazene (HATA) was designed and synthesized through nucleophilic substitution between hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. The application of a rapid dipping strategy and the use of 10 wt% HATA aqueous solution significantly increased the limiting oxygen index of the viscose fabric from 19.3 % to 28.4 %. In addition, the HATA-treated fabric exhibited self-extinguishing properties in vertical flame testing. The peak heat release rate of HATA-treated fabric, according to pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry, significantly decreased by over 83 %. The scanning electron microscope images revealed the original woven fabric structure after burning. The thermogravimetric infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed that the introduction HATA in viscose hindered the release of combustible gas and facilitated the formation of a protective char layer. In addition, 10 % HATA-viscose exhibited remarkable antimicrobial properties, achieving 99.96 % and 99.84 % antibacterial rates against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Furthermore, HATA-treated viscose fabric exhibited favorable mechanical performance, whiteness, and air permeability. This research provides a simple and effective flame-retardant and antibacterial treatment strategy for viscose fabric.