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Taishan Mountain in the eastern China is a normal-fault-controlled range that formed during the Meso-Cenozoic, in response to large-scale extension and lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton. However, constraints on the timing of the polyphase extensional events which formed the Taishan edifice remain poorly resolved, hindering a detailed understanding of the landscape evolution of this prominent mountain. Here, we conducted apatite (U-Th)/He dating on sixteen samples from three profiles perpendicular in the Taishan Mountain, with a major view to control structures in Taishan Mountain and to resolve the Meso-Cenozoic landscape evolution. The newly determined apatite (U-Th)/He ages show a wide variation range of ∼113 to 30 Ma, indicating a slow and protracted cooling history. The inverse thermal history modeling results reveal two pulses of enhanced cooling at ∼80 to 60 and 55 to 50 Ma, which we interpret as exhumation related to normal fault activity. Furthermore, one-dimensional modeling indicates that the magnitude of tectonic exhumation is constrained at ≥15 m/Myr across the Yunbuqiao, Zhongtianmen, and Taishan Piedmont faults. Integrating this study and published studies, we suggest that Taishan Mountain underwent four-stage evolution since 100 Ma: (1) the whole Taishan Mountain commenced a continuous and slow exhumation under a weaker tensional environment at ∼100 to 80 Ma, (2) the joint growth and interactions within a normal fault system resulted in rapid uplift and promoted the formation of the Proto-Taishan Mountain at ∼80 to 60 Ma, (3) the Taishan Mountain underwent exhumation at ∼55 to 50 Ma, interpreted as a tectonic response to the Taishan Piedmont Fault, and (4) the last stage (∼50 to 0 Ma), the Taishan Mountain experienced protracted exhumation related to normal faulting until now. We attribute the extensive normal faulting to the subduction and slab rollback of the Izanagi-Pacific Plates, which shaped the present-day geomorphology of Taishan Mountain.

The Greater Khingan Mountains (GKMs) are a prominent orogenic zone in Northeast Asia that offers significant insights into the evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean and the Pacific Ocean during the Phanerozoic. A comprehensive study integrating a low-temperature thermochronology analysis pertaining to the Greater Khingan area and its associated basins has been conducted. Apatite fission-track (AFT) tests conducted on detrital samples from the GKMs in Northeast China have yielded central ages ranging from 260 to 62 Ma. Two-dimensional thermal history inversion modeling and three-dimensional numerical simulations were used to investigate the GKMs' thermal history, revealing at least two distinct tectonic cooling and exhumation events: one occurring between 147 and 70 Ma and another around 35 Ma. The fission-track age groups of the GKMs, Hailar-Erlian Basin, and Mohe Basin bear some resemblance (>105 Ma), but the results from the Songliao Basin are unique. This implies that the Songliao Basin and the GKMs were likely under the influence of different tectonic domains during this period, while AFT age peaks between 105 and 45 Ma, indicating the basin-mountain systems were likely influenced by a unified Paleo-Pacific plate process, which prevailed from about 105 Ma. The 147-70 Ma cooling event can be attributed to the combined effects of the compression orogeny, resulting from the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean during the Early Cretaceous and the extension orogeny triggered by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean during the early Late Cretaceous. Since approximately 35 Ma, the increase in Pacific plate subduction speed may have established a post-arc extensional tectonic environment in the GKMs that has persisted until now.

Liver fibrosis is considered a sustained wound healing response and metabolic syndrome, and its therapy is of great significance for chronic liver disease. Schizandrin C, as one lignan from hepatic protectant Schisandra chinensis , can depress the oxidative effect and lipid peroxidation, and protect against liver injury. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were used to estimate a liver fibrosis model by CCl 4 , and Schizandrin C exerted an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect, as evidenced by decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin activities in serum, lower hydroxyproline content, recuperative structure and less collagen accumulation in the liver. In addition, Schizandrin C reduced the expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin and type Ι collagen in the liver. In vitro experiments also revealed that Schizandrin C attenuated hepatic stellate cell activation in both LX-2 and HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, lipidomics and quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that Schizandrin C regulated the lipid profile and related metabolic enzymes in the liver. In addition, the mRNA levels of inflammation factors were downregulated by Schizandrin C treatment, accompanied by lower protein levels of IκB-Kinase-β, nuclear factor kappa-B p65, and phospho-nuclear factor kappa-B p65. Finally, Schizandrin C inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, which were activated in the CCl 4 fibrotic liver. Taken together, Schizandrin C can regulate lipid metabolism and inflammation to ameliorate liver fibrosis by nuclear factor kappa-B and p38/ERK MAPK signaling pathways. These findings supported Schizandrin C as a potential drug for liver fibrosis.

Background The adrenal glands are small retroperitoneal organs, few reference standards exist for adrenal CT measurements in clinical practice. This study aims to develop a deep learning (DL) model for automated adrenal gland segmentation on non-contrast CT images, and to conduct a preliminary large-scale study on age-related volume changes in normal adrenal glands using the model output values. Methods The model was trained and evaluated on a development dataset of annotated non-contrast CT scans of bilateral adrenal glands, utilizing nnU-Net for segmentation task. The ground truth was manually established by two experienced radiologists, and the model performance was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Additionally, five radiologists provided annotations on a subset of 20 randomly selected cases to measure inter-observer variability. Following validation, the model was applied to a large-scale normal adrenal glands dataset to segment adrenal glands. Results The DL model development dataset contained 1301 CT examinations. In the test set, the median DSC scores for the segmentation model of left and right adrenal glands were 0.899 and 0.904 respectively, and in the independent test set were 0.900 and 0.896. Inter-observer DSC for radiologist manual segmentation did not differ from automated machine segmentation ( P  = 0.541). The large-scale normal adrenal glands dataset contained 2000 CT examinations, the graph shows that adrenal gland volume increases first and then decreases with age. Conclusion The developed DL model demonstrates accurate adrenal gland segmentation, and enables a comprehensive study of age-related adrenal gland volume variations.

Mining-induced earthquakes have been very frequent in recent years due to increasing mechanized mining. Compared with natural earthquakes, even a small one may cause significant damage to the mine area and its surroundings. Source type identification is important for better understanding the physical processes and is a crucial and fundamental issue for hazard assessment and emergency rescue in the mining environment. The moment tensor (MT) theory plays a pivotal role in distinguishing different source types. In this study, we concentrated on two strong reported “mine collapse earthquakes” in Qufu (M L 3.2, July 13, 2020) and Zoucheng (M L 2.9, June 09, 2020), Shandong Province, China. Seismograms from regional seismic stations were utilized to calculate the full moment tensors through low-frequency full-waveform inversion. Our results show that the two studied events exhibit notably different source types. The DC (Double-Couple) component of both events are 5% (Qufu) and 60% (Zoucheng), respectively. The Qufu event which contains approximately 75% closing crack component, is more consistent with the theoretical models of collapse seismic source. However, the Zoucheng event, which exhibits a significant proportion of DC components, demonstrates characteristics typical of shear failure. Focusing on the Zoucheng event, which occurred at the Dongtan Coal Mine, further research was conducted on a local mining scale. Analyzed in conjunction with microseismic sensor data, geologic setting, and mining progress, we illustrated that the source type of Zoucheng event is not a collapse one. The fracture slip of a thick-hard roof due to an overlying load, characterized by a large DC component, is a plausible geomechanical interpretation. Article Highlights Distinguishing between different source types is key to understanding their physical processes and evaluating hazard. We employed the method of regional moment tensor inversion to analyze the source types and mechanisms for the Qufu and the Zoucheng events. The Zoucheng event was further researched at a local mining scale, analyzing microseismic sensor data in conjunction with the geological setting and mining progress.

Thunb. (PM) is a representative traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that exerts different effects in raw and processed forms. The hepatotoxicity of PM is markedly reduced after processing, whereas its hepatoprotective effects are enhanced. This study aimed to establish a novel comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) biochromatography system based on farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which is an important target in cholestatic liver injury (CLI), to investigate the material basis and mechanisms underlying the enhanced hepatoprotection and reduced hepatotoxicity of processed PM (P-PM). A comprehensive 2D FXR biochromatography system was established by immobilizing FXR on 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS)-modified silica gel. This system was used to identify the FXR-binding components in raw PM (R-PM) and P-PM. Molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance, and frontal affinity chromatography were used to validate the interactions. The hepatoprotective effects of emodin and physcion were assessed in α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced CLI mouse models, and an FXR antagonist (Z-guggulsterone) rescue experiment was performed. The expression of FXR signaling-related proteins, including FXR, small heterodimer partner (SHP), bile salt export pump (BSEP), Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), and inflammatory cytokines, was assessed by Western blotting, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and immunofluorescence. The comprehensive 2D FXR biochromatography system successfully identified emodin and physcion as key FXR-binding components, with significantly increased content in P-PM. These components may contribute to the enhanced hepatoprotection and reduced hepatotoxicity of P-PM. , emodin and physcion alleviated ANIT-induced CLI, as evidenced by improved histopathological features and decreased serum levels of liver function markers. Mechanistically, both components upregulated the expression of FXR, BSEP, SHP, and NTCP while suppressing inflammatory cytokine expression. Their hepatoprotective effects and FXR-related upregulation could be disrupted by FXR antagonist Z-guggulsterone. These results suggest that emodin and physcion are key components contributing to the hepatoprotective effects of P-PM, likely through activation of the FXR signaling pathway and suppression of inflammation. This study established a novel, efficient, rapid, and accurate comprehensive 2D FXR biochromatography system, which is suitable for screening targeted components in TCM, and can be extended to research on other TCMs.

Introduction: Xerostomia, commonly caused by Sjogren disease (SjD) or head and neck radiotherapy, significantly impairs patients' quality of life, yet effective treatments remain limited. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers promising alternatives due to its favourable efficacy and low toxicity. Shatai Heji (STHJ), a compound TCM formulation designed to nourish yin and invigorate qi, shows therapeutic potential for xerostomia. This study aimed to establish quality control standards for STHJ and evaluate its pharmacodynamics, safety, and mechanisms of action in models of xerostomia. Methods: A qualitative identification method was developed for the twelve herbal components of STHJ, with quantification of active constituents, focusing on quality markers for Astragalus and Rehmannia. Xerostomia was induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using a muscarinic receptor antagonist, and in BALB/c mice with SjD. Histological examination of major organs and salivary glands was performed, and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) expression in submandibular glands was assessed via Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Therapeutic effects were evaluated through salivary secretion, glandular weight, and biochemical markers. In SjD mice, submandibular gland immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to assess inflammatory cytokines (TNF-[alpha], TNF-[beta], IFN-[gamma], IL-6) and autoantibodies (anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La). Western blotting was used to analyse NF-[kappa]B and MAPK p38 pathway activation. Acute toxicity was assessed in SD rats. Results: STHJ significantly improved xerostomia symptoms, increased salivary output, upregulated AQP5, and preserved glandular morphology. It reduced fibrosis, suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression, and inhibited immune cell infiltration. Mechanistically, STHJ attenuated activation of NF-[kappa]B and MAPK p38 pathways. No acute toxicity was observed. Conclusion: This is the first study to establish quality control standards for STHJ and to demonstrate its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in xerostomia models. The findings suggest that STHJ may serve as a safe and effective therapeutic option for xerostomia associated with SjD and other conditions. Keywords: shatai heji, STHJ, xerostomia, sjogren disease, SjD, submandibular glands, anti-inflammatory, AQP5

Xerostomia, commonly caused by Sjögren disease (SjD) or head and neck radiotherapy, significantly impairs patients' quality of life, yet effective treatments remain limited. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers promising alternatives due to its favourable efficacy and low toxicity. Shatai Heji (STHJ), a compound TCM formulation designed to nourish yin and invigorate qi, shows therapeutic potential for xerostomia. This study aimed to establish quality control standards for STHJ and evaluate its pharmacodynamics, safety, and mechanisms of action in models of xerostomia. A qualitative identification method was developed for the twelve herbal components of STHJ, with quantification of active constituents, focusing on quality markers for Astragalus and Rehmannia. Xerostomia was induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using a muscarinic receptor antagonist, and in BALB/c mice with SjD. Histological examination of major organs and salivary glands was performed, and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) expression in submandibular glands was assessed via Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Therapeutic effects were evaluated through salivary secretion, glandular weight, and biochemical markers. In SjD mice, submandibular gland immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to assess inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TNF-β, IFN-γ, IL-6) and autoantibodies (anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La). Western blotting was used to analyse NF-κB and MAPK p38 pathway activation. Acute toxicity was assessed in SD rats. STHJ significantly improved xerostomia symptoms, increased salivary output, upregulated AQP5, and preserved glandular morphology. It reduced fibrosis, suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression, and inhibited immune cell infiltration. Mechanistically, STHJ attenuated activation of NF-κB and MAPK p38 pathways. No acute toxicity was observed. This is the first study to establish quality control standards for STHJ and to demonstrate its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in xerostomia models. The findings suggest that STHJ may serve as a safe and effective therapeutic option for xerostomia associated with SjD and other conditions.

On July 22, 2013, an Ms6.6 earthquake occurred in Minxian-Zhangxian, Gansu Province, China, which caused serious damages. Based on Okada's elastic half-space model, we used thrust, strike-slip and thrust-strike as receiver faults respectively to calculate Coulomb stress changes (ΔCFS) of three moderate-strong earthquakes. The results show that the thrust and thrust-strike models are better. More than 90% of aftershocks located in NWW and SEE ,the stress increased areas, which is consistent with strike of Lintan-Tanchang fault (LTF). Therefore, Dieterich’s rate-friction law is used to simulate ΔCFS caused by the activity of the temporal evolution. It shows the seismicity of Minxian and adjacent area is the most frequent and that the distribution of earthquakes is perpendicular to the strike of LTF. The activity degrees vary for the LTF. Tanchang is the strongest, followed by the middle and western, and Minxian is the weakest. Except Minxian, the activities of all areas are above the background seismicity during 300 years and it will be up to the background for 400 years.

The economic benefits of insect-resistant genetically modified （GM） crops have been well documented, but the impact of such crops and the consequent reduction in pesticide use on farmers＇ health remains largely unknown. Through the analysis of the data collected from the physical examination from farmers in China, we show that GM rice significantly reduces pesticide use and the resultant not only visible but also invisible adverse effects on farmers＇ neurological, hematological, and electrolyte system. Hence, the commercialization of GM rice is expected to improve the health of farmers in developing countries, where pesticide application is necessary to mitigate crop loss.