Search

A survey of more than 6000 participants from four distinct non-polluted and polluted regions in China was conducted to evaluate the body burden of cadmium (Cd) on the Chinese populations using urinary Cd (UCd) as a biomarker. The findings revealed that the UCd level was 1.24 μg/g creatinine (μg/g cr) for the sample population from non-polluted Shanghai, and the UCd levels exceeded 5 μg/g cr, which is the health-based exposure limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1.1% of people. The mean UCd levels in moderately polluted (Hubei and Liaoning) and highly polluted areas (Guizhou) were 4.69 μg/g cr, 3.62 μg/g cr and 6.08 μg/g cr, respectively, and these levels were 2.9 to 4.9 times the levels observed in Shanghai. Notably, the UCd levels exceeded the recently updated human biomonitoring II values (i.e., intervention or “action level”) in 44.8%–87.9% of people from these areas compared to only 5.1%–21.4% of people in Shanghai. The corresponding prevalence of elevated UCd levels (> WHO threshold, 5 μg/g cr) was also significantly higher (30.7% to 63.8% vs. 1.1%), which indicates that elevated Cd-induced health risks to residents in these areas. Age and region were significant determinants for UCd levels in a population, whereas gender did not significantly influence UCd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed theoretical analysis and performance assessment of the capacitor voltage balancing strategies for staircase modulated modular multilevel converters (MMC) in terms of the algorithm structures, voltage balancing effect, and switching frequency. A constant-frequency redundancy selection (CFRS) method with minimal switching loss is proposed and the function realization of specific modules of the algorithm is given. This method is simple and efficient in both switching frequency and regulation capacity. Laboratory results show very good agreement with the theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background MiR-92b was upregulated in gliomas. However, the association of miR-92b with glioma cell apoptosis and survival remains unknown. Methods Proliferation capability of glioma cells upon tranfection with miR-92b mimics or inhibitors was detected by mutiple analyses, including MTT assays, colony formation assay. Apoptosis abilities of glioma cells were detected by flow cytometric analysis. The target of miR-92b was determined by luciferase reporter and western blot. The association of miR-92b with outcome was examined in twenty glioma patients. Results MiR-92b expression was significantly increased in high-grade gliomas compared with lowgrade gliomas, and positively correlated with the degree of glioma infiltration. Overexpression of miR-92b increased cell proliferation, whereas knockdown of miR-92b decreased cell proliferation via modulating the levels of the target, Target prediction analysis and a dual luciferase reporting assay confirmed that the inhibitory protein-coding Dickkopf-3 gene (DKK3) was a direct target of miR-92b. Furthermore, miR-92b could regulate the expression of downstream genes of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, such as Bcl2, cmyc and p-c-Jun, in glioma cells. Finally, the increased level of miR-92b expression in highgrade gliomas confers poorer overall survival. Conclusions The present data indicates that miR-92b directly regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting DKK3 and act as prognostic factors for glioma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow-spined bamboo locust, Ceracris kiangsu Tsai (Orthoptera: Oedipodidae), is a notorious defoliator of bamboos in China. In commercial bamboo forests, spraying insecticides to control C. kiangsu is neither convenient nor economic, therefore environmentally acceptable and cost-effective methods are needed. Ceracris kiangsu adults are known to aggregate and gnaw at human urine-contaminated materials; NaCl is a strong phagostimulant and NHHCO is an attractant/arrestant. In the present paper, we found that foam plastic containers containing a blend of 0.03% bisultap, 3% NaCl, 3% NHHCO, and 0.1% Triton X-100 (tetrad bait) had a powerful attracticidal effect and could kill a great number of especially female C. kiangsu adults, comparable to those containing a mixture of 0.03% bisultap and 5-day-incubated urine. In a field trial, the tetrad bait killed approximately 80% of females and about 9% of males in the treated plots after daily application for five consecutive days. The corrected average reduction rate was 48.2%. Moreover, the sex ratio was decreased from 1.18 before the trial to 0.25 after the experiment in the treated plots. These results indicated that there is the potential to develop a trap using NaCl as a phagostimulant and NHHCO as an attractant that can be used for C. kiangsu control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We aim to investigate whether centenarians are significantly more resilient than younger elders and whether resilience significantly contributes to exceptional longevity. Data. We use a unique dataset from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with the largest sample to date of centenarians, nonagenarians, octogenarians, and a compatible group of young old aged 65-79. Methods and Results. Logistic regressions based on the cross-sectional sample show that after controlling for various confounders, including physical health and cognitive status, centenarians are significantly more resilient than any other old-age group. Logistic regression analyses based on the longitudinal data show that nonagenarians aged 94-98 with better resilience have a 43.1% higher likelihood of becoming a centenarian compared to nonagenarians with lower resilience. Conclusions. Resilience significantly contributes to longevity at all ages, and it becomes even more profound at very advanced ages. These findings indicate that policies and programs to promote resilience would have long-term and positive effects on the well-being and longevity for senior citizens and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sodium is critical for many physiological functions in insects. Herbivorous insects should expend considerable energy to compensate for sodium deficiency due to low sodium concentration in most inland plants upon which they feed. However, sodium compensation behaviors such as mud-puddling have been observed in some species but not in others. We expect that there may be other sodium compensation strategies in insects. Here, we select a rarely mud-puddling insect species, the cotton boll worm, Helicoverpa armigera, and determine the effects of dietary sodium on performance and flight, and examine their means of sodium compensation. Results: When freshly hatched H. armigera neonates were cultured on one of three diets differing in sodium contents (diet A, B and C with a high, middle and low sodium concentrations, respectively), the larvae on diet C grew larger, had a higher mortality rate and a shorter development period than those on diet A and B. The larvae previously fed from 1st to 3rd instar on diet C consumed more subsequent diet when they were transferred to diet A or C at 4th instar, comparing to those previously fed on diet A. Moreover, any 4th-instar larvae on diet C consumed a greater amount of food than those on diet A, no matter which diet the larvae had previously ingested from 1st to 3rd instar. Moths from diet A and B flew more rapidly than those from diet C, with similar sugar and lipid utilization rates among the three test groups. When a 5th-instar cannibal from diet A, B or C and a 5th-instar victim from diet A were housed together, many more cannibals from diet C ate their victims. When a victim from diet A, B or C was provided, a cannibal from diet C was more likely to eat the victim from diet A. When newly emerged moths had been exposed to 3% sodium chloride solution for all scotophase period, the average weight increase (proxy for sodium solution intake) for moths from diet A was lower than those from diet B or C. Conclusion: Sodium-deficient diet resulted in rapid growth and development of H. armigera larvae, decreased larvae survival, and reduced flight speed of H. armigera adults. To compensate for sodium deficiency, H. armigera ingested a large quantity of larval food, increased larval cannibalism incidence and harvested sodium during the adult stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A preliminary study has been carried out to investigate the influence of microstructure on creep behaviour using an Fe–Ni–Cr steel alloy as a model material. Creep rupture tests and synchrotron X-ray tomography were performed on as-cast (AC) and ex-service (ES) specimens. The results indicate that the combination of larger cavity volume and lower ductility in the AC specimen was attributed to initial microstructural differences in terms of carbide size and distribution. The location, orientation and shape of the voids were also considered to be important microstructural features as voids on grain boundaries were seen to have coalesced preferentially along the plane normal to the loading axis to form ‘wedge’ shaped voids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work reviews a recent structural integrity assessment carried out on a high-pressure turbine inner casing that had suffered from temper embrittlement. The assessment was carried out to demonstrate that the casing can be safely returned to service based on revised operating conditions with particular emphasis on the control of temperature ramp rates during start-up and shutdown events. A retirement-for-cause philosophy was adopted to take into consideration that some operational flexibility will be required prior to the casing being replaced at the next planned outage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the mechanical properties of FCC aluminium at the atomic level. As the MD method involves integrating the equations of motion to obtain trajectories for all the particles in the simulation, it is very general. Dislocation–dislocation interactions are simulated to try to find the critical distance at which opposite sign dislocations will mutually annihilate. Simulations of the interaction of a dislocation with a void show that the attraction slows down the dislocation motion, leading to void strengthening. Simulations of the deformation of an aluminium polycrystal with a grain size of 8.6nm show that not just dislocation motion but also twinning plays a significant role. Twinning is possible in nanocrystalline aluminium because the material can withstand sufficient stress to force partial dislocations separation comparable to the grain size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Persistent slip bands (PSBs) are surface microstructural features that commonly arise when a polycrystalline metal experiences mechanical fatigue. As dislocations are carriers of plastic strain and PSBs are essentially strain localisation regions, the evolution of dislocations is expected to be pivotal in determining a material’s fatigue behaviour. The role of dislocations is investigated here by considering their kinematic activities namely, dislocation generation, annihilation and trapping incorporated within crystal plasticity theory. The results are consistent with experimental observations reported in the literature, indicating that PSB formation is due to the accumulation of edge dislocation dipoles caused by trapping events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A multiscale modeling approach employing crystal plasticity theory to identify microstructure-related strain localization is demonstrated in this work. The proposed methodology applies an information passing procedure where orientation-dependent single crystal stress-strain data, generated from a tested and validated dislocation mechanics-based constitutive model, is assigned to individual grains in a sample microstructure. Within a finite element framework, this approach was tested and compared with an actual deformed tensile test specimen with a quasi-two dimensional microstructure. Qualitatively, the numerical results from the simulation demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of reproducing the macroscopic shear band physically observed in the actual experiment without recourse to running full crystal plasticity simulations and at reduced computational time. The study also shows that elastic anisotropy due to the different grain orientations has a negligible effect on the initiation and development of strain localization. From a practical standpoint, such an approach will be useful in serving as an indicator for microstructure related damage, especially in material systems where the component and microstructure dimensions are comparable and plasticity is intrinsically localized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of individual grain orientation on early fatigue crack initiation in a four-point bend fatigue test was investigated numerically and experimentally. The 99.99% aluminium test sample was subjected to high cycle fatigue (HCF) and the top surface microstructure within the inner span of the sample was characterized using electron-beam backscattering diffraction (EBSD). Applying a finite-element submodelling approach, the microstructure was digitally reconstructed and refined studies carried out in regions where fatigue damage was observed. The constitutive behaviour of aluminium was described by a crystal plasticity model which considers the evolution of dislocations and accumulation of edge dislocation dipoles. Using an energy-based approach to quantify fatigue damage, the model correctly predicts regions in grains where early fatigue crack initiation was observed. The tendency for fatigue cracks to initiate in these grains appears to be strongly linked to the orientations of the grains relative to the direction of loading – grains less favourably aligned with respect to the loading direction appear more susceptible to fatigue crack initiation. The limitations of this modelling approach are also highlighted and discussed, as some grains predicted to initiate cracks did not show any visible signs of fatigue cracking in the same locations during testing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new dislocation-mechanics based crystallographic theory has been developed to model the mechanical behaviour of single-phase FCC polycrystal aggregates. In the theory, dislocations are discretised into edge and screw components with intrinsically different relative mobilities and are subject to different dynamic recovery processes. The theory has been implemented within a finite-strain and rate-dependent constitutive framework, and applied to a thin polycrystal Cu specimen to investigate the effect of intragranular lattice misorientations on deformation behaviour. These misorientations are representative of low angle grain boundaries, which are known to play an important role in the microstructural evolution of polycrystals under monotonic and cyclic deformation. This study reveals that the presence of these misorientations strengthen the material response by suppressing and re-distributing the localisation of slip within the grains, as well as inhibiting the formation of sub-grains. Through the discretisation of dislocations, the model also predicts a higher proportion of edge dislocations in the vicinities of localised slip regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Describes the preparation of chiral conjugated oligomer based on 1,1'BINOL with 3,3'-acetylene-phenylene-acetylene spacer. Chain chirality of the oligomer molecule; Improvement of the photophysical properties of chiral conjugated polymers.

Demonstrates that two chaotic systems in erbium-doped fiber dual-ring laser can be synchronized using the output of one chaotic system to modulate the parameters of the two systems. Comparison of method of mutual coupling with unidirectional driving method; Period-doubling route.

Three mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAh) specific to E2 antigen of human hepatitis G virus (HGV) were used to bio-panning of a phage displayed random peptide library of 15 amino acid residues. After 3 rounds of screening, the ratio of output to input increased to 1.1 x 10[sup -3] and the false positive rate reduced to 0.2%, which means the enrichment was effective. At the third round of screening, 15 plage clones were selected for the use in binding and competitive inhibition tests. Thirteen of them could specifically react wit the mAb M6. The inhibition rates of phage 10 clones out of 15 were over 60%. From the deduced insert sequence in the cost protein VIII, the core sequence NPLWP was found in 6 phage clones which are homologeous to the amino acids 301-305 of HCV E2. The sero from the mice immunized with the phage clone C2 containing motif sequence were found positive for anti-HGV. These indicate the possibility that NPLWP motif in the short peptide is the mimic of HCV E2 epitope that can be recognized by HV mAb M6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decades of research have established that mammalian transcription factors (TFs) bind to each gene's regulatory regions and cooperatively control tissue specificity, timing, and intensity of gene transcription. Mapping the combination of TF binding sites genome wide is critically important for understanding functional genomics. Here, we report a technique to measure TFs' binding sites on the human genome with a near single-base resolution by footprinting with deaminase (FOODIE) on a single-molecule and single-cell basis. Single-molecule sequencing reads after enzymatic deamination allow detection of the TF binding fraction on a particular footprint and the binding cooperativity of any two adjacent TFs, which can be either positive or negative. As a newcomer of single-cell genomics, single-cell FOODIE enables the detection of cell-type-specific TF footprints in a pure cell population in a heterogeneous tissue, such as the brain. We found that genes carrying out a certain biological function together in a housing-keeping correlated gene module (CGM) or a tissues-specific CGM are coordinated by shared TFs in the gene's promoters and enhancers, respectively. Scalable and cost-effective, FOODIE allows us to create an open FOODIE database for cell lines, with applicability to human tissues and clinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the wavelet-based rate scalable video compression algorithm called Scalable Adaptive Motion Compensated Wavelet. Use of motion compensation to reduce temporal redundancy; Adaptive motion compensation scheme for addressing error propagation problems; Interdependency between color components in the luminance color space.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease mediated by immunity. Our pre-clinical studies have proved that QZLX mixture can improve patients' clinical symptoms with psoriasis without noticeable adverse reactions. In a psoriasis-like mouse model induced by imiquimod, QZLX mixture has been shown to alleviate epidermal inflammation and inhibit the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. However, its related molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. To assess the mechanism of QZLX mixture against psoriasis. This study combines network pharmacology and experiments to study the mechanism of QZLX against psoriasis. First, construct the active compound-target network and PPI network. Secondly, determine possible drug targets through Molecular docking and KEGG. Thirdly, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the quality control of QZLX. Finally, use a mouse model of psoriasis to further confirm the role of QZLX. (1) Network pharmacology analysis shows that QZLX alleviates psoriasis's epidermal inflammation, and neovascularization may be achieved by inhibiting the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway. (2) QZLX improves the pathological characteristics of IMQ-induced skin damage in psoriasis-like mice. (3) QZLX inhibits the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway and reduces the expression of IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-α related to inflammation in peripheral blood, as well as the expression of S100A7 in the lesion area. QZLX is better than MTX in inhibiting neovascularization by down-regulating the expression of HIF-1 and CD31 in the lesion area. Finally, inhibition of Ki67 alleviates the excessive proliferation of keratinocytes. In sum, this study clarifies the mechanism of QZLX against psoriasis and provides evidence to support its clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic ratiometric light-emitting thermosensors have great advantages such as large-area thermal mapping, fast response and high resolution. However, thermally-quenched luminescence and interference caused by energy transfer largely diminishes their sensitivities. In this work, we have developed a heat-resistant organic yellow-emitting Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) fluorophore to be used as monochromic and ratiometric film thermometer for high-temperature sensing. This ratiometric film thermosensor exhibits higher sensing abilities with widened detection range for high-temperature sensing, with the relative sensitivity (S r) higher than 0.5 % K−1 in temperature range from 40 ∼ 160 °C to 40 ∼ 300 °C. The maximum S r of the hybrid film reaches as high as 2.5 % K−1 at 220 °C. Applications in naked-eye thermal mapping and double encryption have also been demonstrated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The states of hyperchaos appearing in degenerate optical parametric oscillators (DOPOs) can be controlled by means of a resonance created using three-wave interaction. For a given set of detuning parameters, the reduced rate of the fundamental mode damping, and the initial field amplitude, any desired periodic orbit in DOPOs can be obtained by appropriate adjustment of the control wave amplitude. The proposed approach is illustrated by the results of numerical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain vascular calcification is a prevalent age-related condition often accompanying neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. The pathogenesis of large-vessel calcifications in peripheral tissue is well studied, but microvascular calcification in the brain remains poorly understood. Here, we report that elevated platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) from bone preosteoclasts contributed to cerebrovascular calcification in male mice. Aged male mice had higher serum PDGF-BB levels and a higher incidence of brain calcification compared with young mice, mainly in the thalamus. Transgenic mice with preosteoclast-specific Pdgfb overexpression exhibited elevated serum PDGF-BB levels and recapitulated age-associated thalamic calcification. Conversely, mice with preosteoclast-specific Pdgfb deletion displayed diminished age-associated thalamic calcification. In an ex vivo cerebral microvascular culture system, PDGF-BB dose-dependently promoted vascular calcification. Analysis of osteogenic gene array and single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) revealed that PDGFBB upregulated multiple osteogenic differentiation genes and the phosphate transporter Slc20a1 in cerebral microvessels. Mechanistically, PDGF-BB stimulated the phosphorylation of its receptor PDGFRβ (p-PDGFRβ) and ERK (p-ERK), leading to the activation of RUNX2. This activation, in turn, induced the transcription of osteoblast differentiation genes in PCs and upregulated Slc20a1 in astrocytes. Thus, bone-derived PDGF-BB induced brain vascular calcification by activating the p-PDGFRβ/p-ERK/RUNX2 signaling cascade in cerebrovascular cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two chiroptical spectroscopic techniques, namely, electronic and vibrational circular dichroism (ECD and VCD), as well as NMR spectroscopy have been utilized to determine the absolute configurations and geometries of two Fráter-Seebach alkylation reaction products with long hydrocarbon chains. The experimental studies have been complemented with density functional theory calculations. Strong characteristic bisignate VCD signatures in the carbonyl stretching region have been observed for both compounds in film state. Truncated models, i.e., without the long CH2 chains, have been utilized to examine different hydrogen-bonding topologies between two monomeric moieties and to simulate the corresponding IR and VCD spectra of the dimers. In addition, the exciton coupling model has also been applied to the -C=O groups of the two monomeric moieties, which can be coupled through intermolecular hydrogen-bonding. On the basis of these simplified approaches, the absolute configurations of the compounds have been unambiguously assigned using VCD and ECD spectroscopy. Spectral simulations in the IR and UV--vis regions have also been carried out with the full dimers to validate the fitness of the truncated model. The study shows that the combination of the film VCD and ECD techniques is a relatively straightforward method to determine the absolution configurations of such synthetic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylenolide I (AT-I), one of the main naturally occurring compounds of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, has remarkable anti-cancer effects on various cancers. However, its effects on the treatment of gastric cancer remain unclear. Via multiple cellular and molecular approaches, we demonstrated that AT-I could potently inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through inactivating Notch pathway. AT-I treatment led to the reduction of expressions of Notch1, Jagged1, and its downstream Hes1/ Hey1. Our results showed that AT-I inhibited the self-renewal capacity of gastric stem-like cells (GCSLCs) by suppression of their sphere formation capacity and cell viability. AT-I attenuated gastric cancer stem cell (GCSC) traits partly through inactivating Notch1, leading to reducing the expressions of its downstream target Hes1, Hey1 and CD44 in vitro. Collectively, our results suggest that AT-I might develop as a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal ( HPA) axis response involved in the pathogenesis of stress-associated alopecia areata ( AA) has been reported. A novel polymorphism −2 T> C of the adrenocorticotropin receptor ( ACTHR) can result in an insufficient HPA response to stress; therefore, the functional polymorphism may underlie a role in stress-associated AA. Objective To investigate the relationship between psychosocial factors and the risk of developing AA and to detect the association between the −2 T> C polymorphism of ACTHR and AA. Methods Stressful situations were evaluated using Holmes and Rahe's social readjustment rating scale. The ACTHR −2 T> C polymorphism was examined in 263 patients with AA and 241 controls. Results Significant elevation of psychological stress experienced by some patients with AA compared with controls ( Z = 6.628, P < 0.01). The frequency of the ACTHR C allele showed a significant difference between patients with AA and controls ( P = 0.004). Allele C is the risk allele with a dominant model as the −2 C allele occurred more often in patients with AA ( P = 0.001). There were significant differences between patients with AA with a severe stress attack versus patients with AA with no obvious stress ( P < 0.001), whereas the genotype frequencies were not correlated with the type, duration of disease, and age at onset. Notably, the C allele carrier was significantly associated with stress risk in both AA and controls ( P = 0.002, OR = 1.576, 95% CI: 1.148-2.162; P = 0.042, OR = 1.529, 95% CI: 1.022-2.288). Conclusions These findings suggest AA in some patients may be associated with stress. The ACTHR gene −2 T> C variant may be one important factor that influences stress perception of patients with AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial structure of a Bose-Einstein condensate loaded into an optical lattice potential is investigated, and spatially chaotic distributions of the condensates are revealed. By means of changing of the s-wave scattering length with a Feshbach resonance, the chaotic behavior can be well controlled to enter into periodicity. Numerical simulation shows that there are different periodic orbits according to different s-wave scattering lengths only if the maximal Lyapunov exponent of the system is negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the fluidized-bed Fenton (FBF) process was evaluated as a tertiary treatment of the second effluent from a nitro-aromatic industrial wastewater treatment plant. The soluble iron removal performances of four carriers, including quartz sand, construction sand, activated carbon, and zeolite, were examined. For the carriers, the results showed that a large surface area was available for the iron removal due to the heterogeneous nucleation, while a smooth surface contained less mesoporous seemed favorable for the consecutive iron removal because of the brittle iron oxide thickness and wash off effect. The essential variables for analysis include the initial pH and the molar ratio of [Fe2+]/[H 2 O 2 ]. The results showed that the COD and SUVA 254 removal efficiencies, including the utilization ratio of H 2 O 2 on COD removal, had little difference with the increase of initial pH, suggesting that the adaptive pH range of FBF can extend from 2.5 to 7.4. However, high pH caused iron removal via homogeneous nucleation not by heterogeneous nucleation, resulting in the reduction. Under the sufficient H 2 O 2 addition, the removal performances improved when the molar ratio of [Fe2+]/[H 2 O 2 ] increased to 0.625, but a high iron addition led to a negative effect on iron removal due to the resolvable phenomenon by excess H 2 O 2. An actual engineering project illustrated that FBF progress was a useful and cost-effective method for tertiary treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the reference level of urinary cadmium (UCd) of two Cd-polluted areas and one non-polluted area in China by applying the updated hybrid approach. UrinaryN-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and β-2-microglobulin (β2MG) were considered as indicators of early renal dysfunction. UCd was regarded as an indicator of the total internal Cd exposure. We recruited 3285 inhabitants for this investigation. Among them, 2106 were from polluted areas, while the other 1179 were from non-polluted areas. BMDL10(the lower 95% confidence limit of the benchmark dose (BMD)) of UCd for NAG was 1.55 μg/g creatine in men and 1.59 μg/g creatine in women. Using β2MG as the renal effect marker, BMDL10of UCd was 1.58 μg/g and 1.53 μg/g in men and women, respectively. Our BMDL estimates accounting for age were lower than those reported in previous studies, suggesting that policies to control Cd exposure are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the Shaker K+ channel AKT1 conducts K+ uptake in root cells, and its activity is regulated by CBL1/9-CIPK23 complexes as well as by the AtKC1 channel subunit. CIPK23 and AtKC1 are both involved in the AKT1-mediated low-K+ (LK) response; however, the relationship between them remains unclear. In this study, we screened suppressors of low-K+ sensitive [lks1 (cipk23)] and isolated the suppressor of lks1 (sls1) mutant, which suppressed the leaf chlorosis phenotype of lks1 under LK conditions. Map-based cloning revealed a point mutation in AtKC1 of sls1 that led to an amino acid substitution (G322D) in the S6 region of AtKC1. The G322D substitution generated a gain-of-function mutation, AtKC1D, that enhanced K+ uptake capacity and LK tolerance in Arabidopsis. Structural prediction suggested that glycine-322 is highly conserved in K+ channels and may function as the gating hinge of plant Shaker K+ channels. Electrophysiological analyses revealed that, compared with wild-type AtKC1, AtKC1D showed enhanced inhibition of AKT1 activity and strongly reduced K+ leakage through AKT1 under LK conditions. In addition, phenotype analysis revealed distinct phenotypes of lks1 and atkc1 mutants in different LK assays, but the lks1 atkc1 double mutant always showed a LK-sensitive phenotype similar to that of akt1. This study revealed a link between CIPK-mediated activation and AtKC1-mediated modification in AKT1 regulation. CIPK23 and AtKC1 exhibit distinct effects; however, they act synergistically and balance K+ uptake/leakage to modulate AKT1-mediated LK responses in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Alzheimer's disease ( AD) is a multifactor disease that has been reported to have a close association with type 2 diabetes (T2D) where the v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 ( AKT1) plays an important role in the protein synthesis pathways and cell apoptosis processes. Evidence has been shown that AKT1 protein may be related to AD risk among patients with T2D. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of AKT1 promoter and the risk of AD among patients with T2D. Methods The association between AKT1 polymorphisms and AD risk in patients with T2D was assessed among 574 consecutive unrelated subjects including 112 AD patients with T2D, 231 patients with AD, and 231 healthy controls in a case-control study. The cognitive function of all subjects was assessed using MMSE. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms with minor allele frequency >0.2 (rs2498786, rs74090038, rs2494750, rs2494751, rs5811155, and rs2494752) in AKT1 promoter were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction ( PCR), and the concentration of AKT1 protein in serum was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA). Results Overall, there was statistically significant difference in AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism. The CC frequency of AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism in AD with T2D group and AD control group was significantly higher than that in healthy control group ( PAD+T2D vs. health < 0.0001, PAD vs. health < 0.0001). However, the difference was not found between AD with T2D group and AD control group. Compared with healthy control group, the plasma levels of AKT1 protein in AD with T2D group ( PAD+T2D vs. health < 0.0001) and AD control group ( PAD vs. health = 0.0003) decreased significantly. Among genotypes of AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism, the AKT1 protein level in GG genotype was significantly higher than that in GC genotype ( PGG vs. GC < 0.0001) and CC genotype ( PGG vs. CC < 0.0001). Conclusion The study suggests that AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism in insulin signaling pathway may be associated with AD risk and different genotypes may affects levels of protein expression. However, the polymorphism is not shown to be exclusive in AD patients with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association and large cohort studies have consistently linked several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene cluster to smoking behaviors and nicotine dependence. Smoking is one of the well-established environmental risk factors for psoriasis and also associated with severity of the disease. Then we conduct the study to examine whether the genetic variations related to smoking behavior located in the CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene cluster also predict the risk of psoriasis vulgaris (PV). The investigations may help explain the mechanisms of the smoking-PV relationship. This is a hospital base case-control study including 634 subjects (329 PV patients and 305 controls), all Chinese Han population. 8 SNPs were selected based on findings from recent studies on smoking and nicotine dependence, all located in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene cluster. The variants were typed by SNaPshot Multiplex Kit (Applied Biosystems Co., USA). We confirmed that smoking, alcohol consumption and higher body mass index (BMI ≥25) were risk factors for PV. However, none of the selected SNPs was associated with PV risk in the overall analysis and stratification analysis. And we found no association between the selected SNPs in CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene cluster and the clinical features of PV in case-only analysis. This exploratory study does not provide a relationship between these smoking-related SNPs in the CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene cluster and PV in Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Many factors associated with causing psoriasis have been reported, such as the genetic and environmental factors. Smoking is one of the well-established environmental risk factors for psoriasis and also associated with the disease severity. In addition, several studies of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have documented gene–environment interactions involving smoking behavior. Although gene polymorphisms on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits CHRNB3–CHRNA6 region gene have been found to correlate with smoking behavior and lung cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han population, the combined effect between the smoking-related genetic variants and smoking behavior on psoriasis vulgaris (PV) has been unreported. Objective: To evaluate the combined effect of the smoking-related (rs6474412-C/T) polymorphism on CHRNB3–CHRNA6 region gene and smoking behavior on PV risk and clinic traits in Chinese Han population. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study including 672 subjects (355 PV cases and 317 controls) was conducted. The variant of rs6474412 was typed by SNaPshot Multiplex Kit (Applied Biosystems Co., USA). Results: The higher body mass index (BMI≥25), smoking behavior and alcohol consumption were risk factors for PV, and the estimated ORs were 1.55 (95% CI, 1.09–2.29), 1.74 (95% CI, 1.22–2.49) and 1.81 (95% CI, 1.25–2.62) respectively. The smoking patients had more severe conditions than non-smokers (OR=1.71, 95% CI, 1.08–2.70, P =0.020). The alleles and genotypes of rs6474412 were not associated with risk of PV, but the combined effect of rs6474412 genotype (TT) and smoking behavior increased severity of PV (OR=5.95; 95% CI, 1.39–25.31; P <0.05; adjusted OR=2.20; 95% CI, 1.55–3.14; P <0.001). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the combined effect of rs6474412-C/T polymorphism in smoking-related CHRNB3–CHRNA6 region gene and smoking behavior may not confer risk to PV, but may have impact on PV severity in Chinese Han population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of artemisinin on the proliferation and apoptosis of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Method Primary rat VSMCs were treated with various doses of artemisinin. Cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and the messenger RNA and protein expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen were determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V and propidium iodide double staining evaluated by flow cytometry. Protein expression of Bax, Bcl2, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 was determined by Western blot. Results After 72 h of treatment, artemisinin significantly inhibited VSMC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 1 mM artemisinin for 72 h significantly reduced the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen messenger RNA. On the other hand, the same treatment increased the apoptosis of VSMCs, the activation of caspase-3, the Bax protein expression, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Conclusion The results suggest that artemisinin can effectively inhibit VSMC proliferation and induce VSMC apoptosis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Dysregulation of the activity of the disintegrin/metalloproteinase ADAM10 could contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Although a number of genetic studies have focused on the association of ADAM10 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to diseases, no genetic association studies of ADAM10 gene variability with atherosclerotic cerebral infarction ( ACI) have been conducted. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association between ADAM10 promoter polymorphisms and ACI. Methods The associations between rs653765 and rs514049 polymorphisms of the ADAM10 promoter and the possible risk of ACI were assessed among 347 patients with ACI and 299 matched healthy individuals in a case-control study. Results Overall, there was a significant difference in the genotypes frequencies of rs653765 ( P = 0.04) between the ACI and control subjects. In addition, the rs653765 mutated allele of ADAM10 was significantly associated with increased ADAM10 expression in patients with ACI ( P = 0.032). In contrast, the allele frequency of rs514049 was not statistically associated with ACI, and the rs514049 variant A > C did not affect the expression of ADAM10 either. Conclusion Our findings indicate a positive association between the rs653765 polymorphism of ADAM10 and ACI, as well as a negative result for rs514049. In addition, a significant increase in ADAM10 expression was observed in patients with ACI carrying the rs653765 C > T mutation. This new knowledge about ADAM10 might be clinically important and confirm a role for ADAM10 in the pathophysiology of ACI, with potentially important therapeutic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Conclusions on the association between polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) gene promoter and risk of Alzheimer's disease ( AD) are ambiguous, and sufficient evaluation of the association is lacking. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to explore the association between polymorphisms in the VEGF gene promoter and AD risk. Methods Bibliographical searches were performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure ( CNKI) databases without any language limitations. Three investigators independently assessed abstracts for relevant studies and independently reviewed all eligible studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed- or random-effects model. Odds ratios ( ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11.0 software. Results The meta-analysis of 2787 AD cases and 2841 controls from eight published case-control studies on the -2578C/A polymorphism and 1422 AD cases and 1063 controls from four studies on the -1154G/A polymorphism did not show any significant associations. However, in a subgroup analysis stratified by the presence of APOE є4, associations were observed with APOE ε4 (-) for -2578C/A (A vs. C: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04-1.43, P = 0.014; A/A vs. C/C: OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.11-2.27, P = 0.011 and A/A vs. A/C + C/C: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.08-1.99, P = 0.015) and -1154G/A (A vs. G: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62-0.89, P = 0.001; A/A vs. G/G: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37-0.87, P = 0.009; A/G vs. G/G: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53-0.89, P = 0.004 and A/A + A/G vs. G/G: OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52-0.85, P = 0.001). Conclusion This meta-analysis showed the risk role of the -2578 polymorphism and the protective role of the -1154 polymorphism when the APOE є4 status was negative, suggesting that the two polymorphisms in the VEGF promoter may have opposing effects on AD risk in an APOE є4-independent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Alzheimer's disease ( AD) is a multifactor disease that has been reported to have a close association with endoplasmic reticulum ( ER) stress response. In the response, the regulator factor human X-box-binding protein 1 ( XBP1) has been shown to facilitate the refolding and degradation of misfolded proteins, prevent neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta ( Aβ) and tau, and play an important role in the survival of neurons. The aim in the study was to analyze the potential association between the −116 C/ G polymorphism of XBP1 and the risk of AD. Methods The association between −116 C/ G polymorphism of XBP1 promoter and possible risk of AD was assessed among 276 patients with AD and 254 matched healthy individuals in a case-control study. Results Overall, there was a significantly statistical difference in genotype ( P = 0.0354) and allele frequencies ( P = 0.0150, OR = 1.3642, 95% CI = 1.0618-1.7528) between the AD subjects and control subjects, showing that the −116 C/ G polymorphism of XBP1 might lead to increased susceptibility for AD in a Chinese Han population. In addition, the −116 CG and −116 GG genotypes were significantly associated with increased AD risk in female ( P = 0.0217) and in subjects with APOE є4 (−) ( P = 0.0070) in stratified analyses, and the −116 CC genotype was significantly associated with fast cognitive deterioration in the AD patients ( P = 0.0270). Conclusion The study supports a role for the −116C/G polymorphism of XBP1 gene in the pathogenesis of AD, and further studies with a larger sample size and detailed data should be performed in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During growth, C. botulinum is always exposed to different environmental changes, such as temperature increase, nutrient deprivation, and pH change; however, its corresponding global transcriptional profile is uncharacterized. This study is the first description of the genome-wide gene expression profile of C. botulinum in response to heat shock stress. Under heat stress (temperature shift from 37°C to 45°C over a period of 15 min), 176 C. botulinum ATCC 3502 genes were differentially expressed. The response included overexpression of heat shock protein genes (dnaK operon, groESL, hsp20, and htpG) and downregulation of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes (valS, queA, tyrR, and gatAB) and ribosomal and cell division protein genes (ftsZ and ftsH). In parallel, several transcriptional regulators (marR, merR, and ompR families) were induced, suggesting their involvement in reshuffling of the gene expression profile. In addition, many ABC transporters (oligopeptide transport system), energy production and conversion related genes (glpA and hupL), cell wall and membrane biogenesis related genes (fabZ, fabF, and fabG), flagellaassociated genes (flhA, flhM, flhJ, flhS, and motAB), and hypothetical genes also showed changed expression patterns, indicating that they may play important roles in survival under high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and hyperuricemia has been investigated in several studies. Although these epidemiological studies have shown that genetic factors are determinants of serum uric acid levels, the power of the association is weak due to the small sample size. Methods: To study whether the MTHFR C677T polymorphism has an effect on hyperuricemia, we carried out a meta-analysis of case-control studies from PubMed, EMBASE and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases mainly in English and Chinese. We used the odds ratio (OR) as main effect size; explored potential sources of heterogeneity; performed subgroup analyses by race and performed sensitivity analyses of studies meeting the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Results: Six studies with 1,470 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Tests for heterogeneity showed the difference in OR among studies was not statistically significant (p = 0.63, I2 = 0). When excluding the study of Caucasians not in HWE, the association remained robust (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.52-2.17) in the East Asian subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Although the mechanism of the relationship between the C677T polymorphism and uric acid still remains unclear, these original articles showed that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism may be an independent risk factor for hyperuri-cemia. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling has become a growing environmental concern, and toxic heavy metals released from e-waste activities may continue to threaten the health of local people. To study the impact of heavy metals in people around e-waste sites, 349 people from e-waste recycling sites (exposure group) and 118 people from a green plantation (control group) were surveyed, and their urinary levels of lead (UPb), cadmium (UCd), manganese (UMn), copper (UCu), and Zinc (UZn) were assayed. Questionnaire surveys for risk factors were also performed and analyzed by using the Pearson correlation analysis. Results indicated that the levels of urinary Cd in both occupational dismantling people {GM(GSD) 0.72(0.71) ug/L} and non-occupational dismantling people {GM(GSD) 0.50(0.79) ug/L} were higher than the control group {GM(GSD) 0.27(0.85) ug/L}. Further analyses of correlations between urinary heavy metal levels and exposure factors in the exposed group revealed positive relationship between the duration of dismantling and the level of UPb (p<0.05). Meanwhile, rice sources from local village have a positive correlation with the level of UPb and UCd (p<0.01). Other factors, however, may also have influences on heavy metal burden, and not all urinary heavy metal levels can be contributed to e-waste dismantling exposure levels. Primitive e-waste recycling activities may contribute to the changes of urinary heavy metal levels and increase the health risk for those chronically working on e-waste dismantling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To examine the relations between the burden of blood copper (B-Cu), blood ferrous (B-Fe), and the oxidative stress in people around electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites, this study measured and analyzed the level of urinary 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) of these people. Exposed groups, consisted of female groups (directly exposed group n =100, indirectly exposed group n =54) and male groups (directly exposed group n =98, indirectly exposed group n =34), were chosen from e-waste recycling sites. Control group (female n =59, male=32) was selected from a green plantation. Questionnaire surveys for risk factors were also performed. Results indicated the male directly exposed group (lg8-OHDG nmol/mol creatinine, mean±SD, 3.55±0.49) showed a lower 8-OHDG level than the male control group (lg8-OHDG nmol/mol creatinine, mean±SD, 3.89±0.29) (p <0.01), Meanwhile, an elevated B-Fe in male directly exposed group (lgB-Fe ug/L 3.11±0.25) were observed compared with the male control group (lgB-Fe ug/L 2.83±0.22) (p <0.01). The levels of urinary 8-OHDG were negatively associated with blood ferrous, as confirmed by linear regression model (unstandardized regression coefficient, beta=−0.215, p <0.05). The present study suggests that the exposure to e-waste might cause the elevation of B-Fe and result in the changes of urinary 8-OHDG levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, there have been numerous papers emphasizing the relationship between Glutathione S-transferases polymorphisms and bladder cancer risk, but the findings have not reached a consensus. The relationship between glutathione S-transferase T 1 null genotype and bladder cancer susceptibility is now even more disputable. Therefore, we present a meta-analysis of (nested) case–controlled, genotype-based studies (including 37 studies, 6,986 cases and 9,166 controls) examining this association. Using a fixed-effect model, statistically significant increase was observed between glutathione S-transferase T 1 deletion and bladder cancer risk for the overall studies (OR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.21; P = 0.004 for Z test; I2 = 47.43 for heterogeneity). After adjusting the result using trim-and-fill method, the outcome still had significant difference with little downgrade (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02–1.18). Three potential sources of heterogeneity including ethnicity, source of control and smoking status were also assessed. Minor increased correlation was found only in population-based studies (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03–1.30; I2 = 47.16). Our analysis suggests that glutathione S-transferase T 1 null status is associated with a modest increase in the risk of bladder cancer and the difference exiting in source of control has been confirmed. Due to limited sample size, various confounding variables as well as discrepancy in study design, a valid conclusion still cannot be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the catalytic asymmetric Roskamp reaction of α-alkyl-α-diazoesters with aromatic aldehydes. It notes that the Roskamp reaction, the interaction of alkyl diazoacetates with aldehydes in the presence of Lewis acids, is one of the most powerful and efficient methods for the synthesis of β-keto esters. The study has achieved the first catalytic enantioselective Roskamp reaction of α-alkyl-α-diazoesters with aromatic aldhehydes.

During growth, C. botulinum is always exposed to different environmental changes, such as temperature increase, nutrient deprivation, and pH change; however, its corresponding global transcriptional profile is uncharacterized. This study is the first description of the genome-wide gene expression profile of C. botulinum in response to heat shock stress. Under heat stress (temperature shift from 37°C to 45°C over a period of 15 min), 176 C. botulinum ATCC 3502 genes were differentially expressed. The response included overexpression of heat shock protein genes (dnaK operon, groESL, hsp20, and htpG) and downregulation of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes (valS, queA, tyrR, and gatAB) and ribosomal and cell division protein genes (ftsZ and ftsH). In parallel, several transcriptional regulators (marR, merR, and ompR families) were induced, suggesting their involvement in reshuffling of the gene expression profile. In addition, many ABC transporters (oligopeptide transport system), energy production and conversion related genes (glpA and hupL), cell wall and membrane biogenesis related genes (fabZ, fabF, and fabG), flagellaassociated genes (flhA, flhM, flhJ, flhS, and motAB), and hypothetical genes also showed changed expression patterns, indicating that they may play important roles in survival under high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]