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What factors affect the incidence of mosaic embryos resulting from assisted reproductive technology? A retrospective analysis of data from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies in 544 couples was conducted using data from an electronic medical record database. Of 1910 embryos studied, 127 (6.6%) were mosaic. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, mosaicism incidence increased in embryos from IVF versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (odds ratio [OR] 4.560, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.800–7.424, P < 0.001), and in embryos from abnormal versus normal semen (OR 3.496, 95% CI 2.455–4.979, P < 0.001). Embryos tested using SurePlex 24Sure had lower mosaicism percentages than those tested using MALBAC-NGS and PicoPLEX GenetiSure (OR 2.726, 95% CI 1.532–4.852, P = 0.001; OR 2.389, 95% CI 1.537–3.711, P < 0.001, respectively). Semen quality, fertilization method and detection system are independent factors associated with embryonic mosaicism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the independent and joint associations of sedentary time (ST) and physical activity (PA) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among Chinese adults. The study analyzed data from 4,865 adults aged ≥ 18 years who participated in the 2009 and 2015 China Health and Nutrition Surveys (CHNS). Four types of leisure ST and three types of PA self-reported at baseline were collected. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine the independent and joint associations of ST and PA with the odds of MetS or its components. For independent effects, higher levels of television time and total leisure ST was associated with higher MetS risk [odds ratio (OR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.6, P < 0.001; OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.8, P < 0.001, respectively]. The MetS risk in the computer time > 7 hours/week (h/w) group was higher than that in the < 7 h/w group in (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9). Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and total PA were associated with a lower MetS risk (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.9, P < 0.001; OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9, P < 0.001, respectively). For the joint effects, compared with those reporting the lowest level of total leisure ST (< 14 h/w) and the most active tertile of MVPA (≥ 61.0 MET-h/w), participants reporting the most total leisure ST (≥ 35 h/w) and the lowest level of MVPA (0 MET-h/w) had the highest odds of MetS (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4–2.7). Except for people reporting ST (14–21 h/w) within the most active tertile of MVPA, the associations in all other groups were significant. With the increase of TV time and decreased MVPA, the odds of MetS almost showed a curve acceleration. MVPA and total PA have independent preventive effects, and sedentary behavior (mainly watching TV) has an unsafe effect on MetS and its components. Strengthening the participation of MVPA and combining the LPA to replace the TV-based ST to increase the total PA may be necessary to reduce the prevalence of MetS in Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the association between three B-vitamin intakes and sociodemographic factors among adults in China. We derived our data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) among 12,241 individuals aged 18–64 years. Log binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios for factors associated with the inadequate intake of B-vitamins. Females with low incomes and living in the north had a higher prevalence of inadequate riboflavin intake than those with high incomes and living in the south. Both males and females living in a village had a higher prevalence of inadequate riboflavin intake than adults living in a city. Adults with low income, low education, and living in the north or in a village had a higher prevalence of inadequate niacin intake than adults with a high income, high education, and living in the south or in a city. We found that income, region, and area of residence were associated with riboflavin intake. Education, income, region, and area of residence were associated with niacin intake. Well-tailored strategies and policies are needed to improve nutritional status in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the association of red meat usual intake with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and explore the contribution of red meat usual intake to serum ferritin. Based on the data from the longitudinal China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), 2,797 healthy adults aged 18–75 years without hypertension, diabetes, and MetS were selected in 2009 as subjects and follow-up studies were carried out till 2015. We used the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method to estimate the usual intake of foods. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the association between red meat usual intake and the risk of MetS. Quantile regression analysis was used to study the relationship between red meat consumption and serum ferritin levels. After adjusting for potential confounders, red meat, and fresh red meat were positively associated with the risk of MetS (RR = 1.41, 95% CI : 1.05–1.90 and RR = 1.37, 95% CI : 1.02–1.85, respectively). These relationships showed increasing trend (P < 0.05). The level of serum ferritin increased significantly with the number of MetS components (P < 0.05). The quantile regression analysis showed that red meat and fresh red meat usual intake had a significant positive association with serum ferritin levels across the entire conditional serum ferritin distribution (P < 0.05). Processed red meat did not exhibit a similar association. Higher red meat usual intake was associated with an increased risk of MetS and elevated serum ferritin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of present HUVE cells and mice study was to investigate the combined effects of carnosine and asiatic acid (AA) against diabetic progression. In HUVE cells, high glucose decreased cell viability, reduced Bcl-2 mRNA expression and increased Bax mRNA expression. The co-treatment of 0.5 μM carnosine plus 0.5 μM AA led to greater cell viability and Bcl-2 mRNA expression than 1 μM carnosine or 1 μM AA treatment alone. This combination more significantly decreased the production of DNA fragmentation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nuclear factor kappa B binding activity than carnosine or AA treatment alone. In diabetic mice, the combination of 0.25% carnosine plus 0.25% AA in diet resulted in higher final body weight, and lower levels of plasma glucose and triglyceride than 0.5% carnosine or 0.5% AA treatment alone. Carnosine and AA combination caused more reduction in renal levels of leukin-6, TNF-alpha and ROS than carnosine or AA treatment alone. This combination also more significantly limited renal cyclooxygenase-2 activity and p-p38 phosphorylation than carnosine or AA treatment alone. These novel findings support that this combination is a more powerful remedy for diabetic control. Graphical abstract Effects of carnosine (Car) and/or AA upon NF-κB p50/65 binding activity (OD value/mg protein). HUVE cells were pre-treated with 1 μM Car, 1 μM AA or 0.5 μM Car+0.5 μM AA for 24 h incubation at 37 °C. Then, cells were treated with DMEM containing high glucose (33 mM), and followed by incubating for another 24 h at 37 °C. Normal group had no Car, AA, or high glucose. Control group had no Car or AA, but with high glucose. Data are mean ± SD (n = 6). Values with different alphabet among bars are significantly different at P < 0.05 as analyzed by Dunnett's t -test. Image 1 Highlights • HUVE cell line and diabetic mice were used to examine the combined effects of carnosine and asiatic acid (AA). • Co-treatment of carnosine plus AA led to grater HUVE cell viability and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. • In diabetic mice, carnosine and AA combination caused more reduction in renal IL-6, TNF-alpha and ROS generation. • This combination led to more decrease in renal cyclooxygenase-2 activity and p-p38 phosphorylation. • These findings support that this combination is a powerful remedy for diabetic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To identify the characteristics of Chinese obesogenic environments at a provincial level, infer a spatial distribution map of obesity prevalence in 31 provinces, and provide a foundation for development of policy to reduce obesity in children and adolescents. Methods After scanning obesity data on subjects aged 7-17 years from 12 provinces in the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2011 and environmental data on 31 provinces from the China Statistical Yearbook 2011 and other sources, we selected 12 predictors. We used the 12 surveyed provinces as a training sample to fit an analytical model with partial least squares regression and prioritized the 12 predictors using variable importance in projection. We also fitted a predictive model with Bayesian analysis. Results We identified characteristics of obesogenic environments. We fitted the predictive model with a deviance information criterion of 61.96 and with statistically significant (P < 0.05) parameter estimates of intercept [95% confidence interval (CI): 329.10, 963.11], log(oil) (CI : 13.11, 20.30), log(GDP) (CI : 3.05, 6.93), log(media) (CI : −234.95, −89.61), and log(washing-machine) (CI : 0.92, 5.07). The total inferred average obesity prevalence among those aged 7-17 was 9.69% in 31 Chinese provinces in 2011. We also found obvious clustering in occurrences of obesity in northern and eastern provinces in the predicted map. Conclusion Given complexity of obesity in children and adolescents, concerted efforts are needed to reduce consumption of edible oils, increase consumption of vegetables, and strengthen nutrition, health, and physical activity education in Chinese schools. The northern and eastern regions are the key areas requiring intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol was used to induce acute hepatotoxicity in mice. Effects of cinnamic acid (CA) and syringic acid (SA) post-intake for hepatic recovery from alcoholic injury was investigated. Ethanol treated mice were supplied by CA or SA at 40 or 80 mg/kg BW/day for 5 days. Results showed that ethanol stimulated protein expression of CYP2E1, p47 phox , gp91 phox , cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor kappa B in liver. CA or SA post-intake restricted hepatic expression of these molecules. Ethanol suppressed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression, and CA or SA enhanced Nrf2 expression in cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Ethanol increased the release of reactive oxygen species, oxidized glutathione, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric acid and prostaglandin E 2 . CA or SA lowered hepatic production of these oxidative and inflammatory factors. Histological data revealed that ethanol administration caused obvious foci of inflammatory cell infiltration, and CA or SA post-intake improved hepatic inflammatory infiltration. These findings support that cinnamic acid and syringic acid are potent nutraceutical agents for acute alcoholic liver disease therapy. However, potential additive or synergistic benefits of cinnamic and syringic acids against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity need to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Incubation-type planar patch clamp biosensors, first described in 2008, are expected to enable the realization of high-throughput neural network screening. Several technical challenges must be overcome before this technique may be implemented. First, it is difficult to achieve a sufficiently high seal resistance (a gigaohm seal), which is an important parameter for patch clamp operation. A low seal resistance produces large baseline fluctuations corresponding to the fluctuation of the solid–liquid and liquid–liquid interface potentials. Second, the sensor cell must be positioned at a micropore over a long incubation time while maintaining the cell viability. Finally, a low-cost high-performance sensor chip suitable for high-throughput screening must be developed. These problems have been resolved to some extent in the present work. A stable electrode with a salt bridge structure was developed here to reduce the baseline fluctuations. The cell positioning technology was improved by forming a novel cell trapping pattern using hot embossing on a plastic (polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)) substrate for use in a microfluidic sensor chip. The combination of the stable electrode and the cell trapping pattern dramatically increased the device success probability from ∼2% to 60–80% using HEK293 cells as a model system. The utility of the present results was tested by characterizing rat hippocampal neuron networks. The seal resistance was found to be lower than the seal resistance obtained from the HEK293 cells. The effectiveness of the stable electrodes, however, was significantly clear and spontaneous channel currents from the neural network were successfully observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We evaluated the cytoprotective effect of myricetin on oxidative stress damaged cells by assessment of the scavenging effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Myricetin showed the scavenging effect of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals on intracellular ROS. In addition, myricetin restored the activity and protein expression of cellular antioxidant defense enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) reduced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. H2O2-induced cellular DNA and lipid damages, and myricetin was found to prevent the DNA damage shown by inhibition of DNA tail and it decreased nuclear phospho-histone H2A.X expression, which are both markers for DNA strand breakage. Membrane lipid peroxidation was also attenuated as shown by inhibition of TBARS formation and of fluorescence intensity of diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine (DPPP). These results suggest that myricetin protects cells against H2O2-induced cell damage via inhibition of ROS generation and activation of antioxidant enzymes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: To study the impact of genetic factor on pancreatic β-cell function in the Chinese population. Methods: 233 first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with no history of blood glucose abnormalities and their 190 spouses, who did not have a family history of T2D, underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Based upon the OGTT, these two groups were further divided into three subgroups, including groups with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose regulation (IGR), and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance (IR) was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment–IR (HOMA-IR), β-cell function indices of basal and first-phase were measured by DI1 (HOMA-β/HOMA-IR) and DI2 (ΔI30/ΔG30/HOMA-IR), respectively. Results: Among the first-degree relatives and their spouses, the HOMA-IR was highest in the T2D group and lowest in the NGT group. However, the HOMA-β, DI1 and DI2 declined significantly with progressive reductions in glucose tolerance (P <0.01 or 0.05). DI1 and DI2 of the NGT group of first-degree relatives (FNGT) were significantly lower than those of the spouse NGT (SNGT) group (P <0.05). DI1 and DI2 of the IGR of first-degree relatives (FIGR) group were significantly lower than those of the spouse IGR (SIGR) group. Conclusions: Defects in pancreatic β-cell function exist in the first-degree relatives, who have different glucose tolerance statuses, of T2D patients. These defects are more profound in FNGT and FIGR when compared to their spouses in corresponding glucose tolerance subgroups. However, there is no difference in IR between the corresponding glucose tolerance subgroups of the first-degree relatives and their spouses. It suggests that the genetic factor possibly aggravates β-cell lesion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Non-enzymatic antioxidant activities of aqueous extract, 50% ethanol extract and 75% ethanol extract of glossy privet fruit were examined. Aqueous and ethanol extracts contained various concentrations of phenolic acids, flavonoids, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Each extract scavenged superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide (P <0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner and the effect of 75% ethanol extract was significantly greater than other extracts (P <0.05). Each extract showed a concentration-dependent effect on chelating effect, xanthine oxidase inhibition activity and reducing power (P <0.05). Compared with controls, each extract significantly decreased malondialdehyde formation in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and 8-epi-PGF2α formation in plasma (P <0.05). Aqueous extract exerted a greater effect than ethanol extract on increasing catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in plasma (P <0.05). These data suggest that using glossy privet fruit extracts may enhance lipid stability in food systems, and provide antioxidative protection for LDL and plasma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In vivo preventive effects of Ganoderma amboinense against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in Balb/cA mice were studied. G. amboinense powder at 1% and 2% was mixed with standard diet and supplied to mice for 6 weeks, and followed by acetaminophen (350mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneal injection. In normal mice (without acetaminophen treatment), the consumption of G. amboinense significantly increased hepatic glutathione (GSH) level. Acetaminophen treatment significantly elevated both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities; however, the pre-intake of G. amboinense significantly and dose-dependently protected liver against the subsequent acetaminophen-induced elevation of ALT and AST activities. Acetaminophen treatment also caused significant GSH depletion, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase, and activity reduction of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase. However, the pre-intake of G. amboinense significantly diminished the subsequent acetaminophen-induced GSH depletion, MDA and ROS increase, and retarded the loss of catalase and GPX activities, in which the effect of G. amboinense on GPX activity, and formation of MDA and ROS was dose-dependent. These results support that G. amboinense may be considered as a preventive agent for acute liver injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reported oxidation reaction observed by BML-IRRAS spectra on the silicon surface system, 2H+H2O/Si(100), has been studied by an ab initio molecular orbital method. The highest transition state is found at ≈+25kJ/mol from the reactant energy level, and the oxidation occurs easily under the experimental condition. The present study also accounts for the reactivity deduced from the absorption bands in the IR spectra. It is noted that the quenching of the reaction by thermal relaxation is impossible because the surface is not trapped into the metastable states located much lower in energy than the reactant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy that used buried metal layer substrates (BML-IRRAS) and density functional cluster calculations were employed to investigate the water related oxidation reactions of 2H+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1), 2D+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1), and H2O+H/Si(100)-(2×1). In addition to the oxygen inserted coupled monohydrides, which were previously reported in the former reaction system, we report several other oxidized Si hydride species in our BML-IRRAS experiments. Three new pairs of vibrational bands are identified between 900 and 1000cm−1. These vibrational frequencies were calculated using Si9 and Si10 cluster models that included all possible structures from zero to five oxygen insertions into the top layer silicon atoms using a B3LYP gradient corrected density functional method with a polarized 6-31G** basis set for all atoms. The three pairs of vibrational modes are assigned to the scissoring modes of adjacent and isolated SiH2 with zero, one, and two oxygen atoms inserted into the Si back bonds. All the other newly observed vibrational peaks related to Si oxidation are also assigned in this study. The Si–O stretching bands observed in the reaction 2D+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1) show an isotope effect, which suggests that in the system 2H+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1) also, hydrogen atom tunneling plays an important role for the insertion of oxygen atoms into Si back bonds that form oxidized adjacent dihydrides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The water adsorption on the bare and H-terminated Si(100) surfaces has been studied by the BML-IRRAS technique. It is found that H-terminated surfaces are much less reactive compared to the bare silicon surfaces. The (1×1)-H and (3×1)-H surfaces show similar and less reactivity pattern compared to the (2×1)-H surface. At higher exposures, the water reaction with coupled monohydride species provides an effective channel for oxygen insertion into the back bonds of dihydride species. It is not attributed to the H–Si–Si–H+H2O→H–S–Si–OH+H2, which could give rise to the characteristic Si–H and Si–OH modes, respectively at 2081 and 921 cm−1. A more suitable reaction mechanism involving a metastable species, H–Si–Si–H+H2O→H2Si⋯HO–Si–H (metastable) explains well the bending modes of oxygen inserted silicon dihydride species which are observed relatively strongly in the reaction of water with H-terminated Si(100) surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reaction between bis(dibromophenylstannyl)methane, [CH2(SnPhBr2)2], with bis(pyrazol-1-yl)alkanes, [(CH2)nPz2] (n=1 or 2; Pz=substituted pyrazole) in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio yields only 1:1 adducts of PhBr2[(CH2)nPz2]SnCH2SnPhBr2, which have been confirmed by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The electronic and steric characteristics of substituents on the pyrazole rings markedly influence the donating ability of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)alkanes to the bidentate organotin Lewis acid acceptor. The investigations on the reaction of the adducts with DMSO and NMR spectra of the adducts show the weak interactions between ligands and the bidentate organotin Lewis acid acceptor. X-Ray analysis of PhBr2(CH2(4-ClPz)2)SnCH2SnPhBr2 showed that bis(4-chloropyrazol-1-yl)methane acts as a chelating bidentate ligand to only one tin atom. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous studies have suggested that urokinase plasminogen activator is required for blister formation in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Other studies, however, have shown that downregulation of plasminogen activator does not inhibit blisters induced by pemphigus immunoglobulin G. To eliminate the possibility that small amounts of urokinase plasminogen activator might be sufficient for blister formation, we passively transferred pemphigus immunoglobulin G to urokinase plasminogen activator knockout neonatal mice. Pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin G caused gross blisters and acantholysis in the superficial and suprabasal epidermis, respectively, to the same degree in knockout and control mice, demonstrating that urokinase plasminogen activator is not absolutely required for antibody-induced blisters. Some studies have shown elevated tissue-type plasminogen activator in pemphigus lesions. Tissue-type plasminogen activator, however, is not necessary for blister formation, because pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin G caused blisters to the same degree in tissue-type plasminogen activator knockout and control mice. To rule out that one plasminogen activator might compensate for the other in the knockout mice, we bred urokinase plasminogen activator, tissue-type plasminogen activator double knockouts. After passive transfer of pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin G these mice blistered to the same degree as the single knockout and control mice, and histology indicated blisters at the expected level of the epidermis. These data definitively demonstrate that plasminogen activator is not necessary for pemphigus immunoglobulin G to induce acantholysis in the neonatal mouse model of pemphigus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique, new palaeotaxodont (Protobranchia) genus and species, Yuexiconcha duplicata Zhang, Niu and Johnston, is proposed and described. It is characterized by: a medium-sized, transversely elongated, sub-elliptical shell; heterotaxodont dentition; and posterior tooth row consisting of crowded gradidentate dentition, partially and dorsally overlapped by an additional tooth row that emanates from the beak to form a bitaxodont dentition (new term). Most significantly, a prominent resilifer separates the anterior and posterior tooth rows and shows slight to moderate excavation into the hinge-plate. While a resilifer indicates phylogenetic proximity with Nuculoidea , Yuexiconcha nov. gen. is readily distinguished by its bitaxodont posterior dentition and a more elongate posterior shell lobe and so is provisionally placed in the Family Nuculidae, Order Nuculida. The hinge of Yuexiconcha nov. gen. indicates that a resilifer in palaeotaxodonts first developed in the Ordovician, rather than in the Silurian (Wenlock) as thought previously. Specimens described herein were collected from a fine-grained siliciclastic rock unit in the upper part of the Dongchong Formation in western Guangdong, South China. Other components of the biota occurring with the bivalves are uncommon and include trilobites and brachiopods that indicate a late Middle–early Late Ordovician (late Darriwilian–early Sandbian) age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of PCSK9 antibodies. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant studies. Results A total of 11 studies including 38,235 participants who were treated for at least 48 weeks were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that PCSK9 antibody treatment significantly decreased LDL-C levels (mean difference, −50.23% [95% confidence interval {CI}, −56.65% to −43.82%]) compared with no PCSK9 antibody treatment and also decreased other atherogenic lipid fractions. PCSK9 antibody treatment also elicited a significant reduction in cardiovascular event rates compared with no antibody treatment (relative risk [RR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.81–0.92]). This reduction consisted of separate significant reductions in the rates of myocardial infarction (RR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.65–0.82]), coronary revascularization (RR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.73–0.87]), and stroke (RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68–0.96]). There were no clear differences in the incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious TEAEs, or TEAEs of interest between the 2 groups; moreover, no differences between the 2 groups were found for other laboratory parameters. Conclusion PCSK9 antibodies have significant effects on reducing LDL-C levels and improve cardiovascular outcomes. These antibodies have a satisfactory safety profile, which suggests that they are suitable for use as a long-term treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and convenient one-pot synthesis of 3-acyl, methylene and epoxy isoindolinone derivatives via the reaction of o -lithiated aromatic imines with carbon monoxide followed with acyl chlorides or PhCO(CH 2 ) n Br (n = 1 or 3) under mild reaction conditions has been developed. Preliminary in vitro tests for fungicidal activity of these isoindolinone derivatives indicated that most of them exhibit good fungicidal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co 3 O 4 nanorods are prepared by a facile calcinations of the Co-composites, which is synthesized with the precursors of CoCl 2 , 1,3,5-Benzenetri carboxylic acid (H 3 BTC) and phenanthroline (PHEN). The Co-composites nonorods are about 1 um long and 50 nm wide. After calcinations, the Co 3 O 4 nanorods are composed of nanoparticles of 20–40 nm in queue and possesses a surface area of 23 m 2 g −1 owning to the release of the organic molecules. The electrochemical properties are examined by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic charge-discharge tests. The results show that the Co 3 O 4 have the highest specific capacity of 262 F g −1 at 5 mV s −1 in the range of 0.2–0.7 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and have a good cycle life with nearly no decrease after 500 cycles at 50 mV s −1 . The asymmetrical Co 3 O 4 //AC button cell is also tested by two-electrode system with a large potential testing window of 1.5 V and the results show the high energy density with a value of 42.81 Wh kg −1 at the discharge current of 1.5 A g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]