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Both felsic and mafic intrusions occur in mantle peridotites of the New Caledonia ophiolite (Peridotite Nappe) and record important information regarding the magmatic evolution during subduction initiation. A systematic petrological, geochronological and geochemical study on gabbro/diorite samples from the Peridotite Nappe is performed to explore their petrogenesis. The gabbro is mainly composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene and amphibole. Most clinopyroxene have been altered to hornblende or actinolite, whereas some amphibole with high Al2O3 (>8 wt%) and low SiO2 (<46 wt%) contents are of a magmatic origin. This suggests that the gabbro crystallized from hydrous melts. The gabbro shows depleted Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions, suggesting that the parental magma of the gabbro could have been derived from the depleted MORB-type mantle (DMM) asthenosphere. The gabbro zircon have δ18O values of +4.74-+6.63‰, which are slightly higher than the mantle-like δ18O values of +5.3 ± 0.6‰, indicating the involvement of subduction-related fluids in their genesis. The diorite mainly consists of albite (An1-4) and tremolite. The felsic dikes within the New Caledonia ophiolite, including granitoids, high-Mg felsic dikes and diorites, are oceanic plagiogranites. Extremely low TiO2 contents, roughly negative correlation of Yb and SiO2 contents, REE patterns of plagiogranites and mafic rocks, and compositions of zircon suggest that the plagiogranites were not products of fractional crystallization of MORB but were generated by hydrous melting of mafic protoliths. The diorite zircon show core-rim textures. Both rims and cores yield identical U-Pb ages of 54.6 ± 0.9 Ma vs 54.6 ± 0.6 Ma, and no old inherited cores were identified based on significantly older dates. Our studies show zircon U-Pb ages of ~55 Ma for the gabbro/diorite and titanite U-Pb age of ~53 Ma for the gabbro, which are older than the New Caledonia CE-boninites (51–47 Ma). Therefore, the magmatic evolution of the New Caledonia ophiolite during subduction initiation has been reconstructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As compared with cigarette smoking, use of Swedish snus is associated with significantly fewer health risks. Nicotine pouches (NPs), a new form of oral nicotine product, are smokeless and tobacco-free, comprising a nicotine-containing cellulose matrix inside a fiber pouch. NPs are similar in appearance/use to snus, but without tobacco, have the potential to further reduce tobacco-related harm. This study aimed to evaluate toxicant levels of NPs to estimate their position on the tobacco/nicotine product continuums of toxicant delivery and risk. NPs, snus and nicotine replacement therapy products (NRTs) were analyzed for 24–26 compounds applicable to oral tobacco, and their levels were compared. Twenty of these compounds were further used to compare the toxicant profile of NPs, as well as estimated daily toxicant exposure from NP use, with that of tobacco/nicotine products spanning the risk continuum. Of the compounds measured, 22 (NPs), 22 (lozenge NRT), 20 (gum NRT), and 11 (snus) were not quantifiable. Compared with snus, NPs had lower levels of 10 HPHCs and comparable/undetectable levels of a further 13. Across the product categories, NPs and NRTs had the lowest toxicant profiles and estimations of relative toxicant exposure. Based on the present chemical analysis and estimated exposure, use of NPs appears likely to expose users to lower levels of toxic compounds than Swedish snus, which is recognized to offer reduced levels of harm than associated with tobacco smoking. We conclude that NPs should be placed close to NRTs on the tobacco/nicotine product toxicant delivery continuum, although further studies will be needed to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Illicit substance use is an increasing problem all over the world, especially in adolescents and young adults. It is a challenge to make a definitive diagnosis of a specific substance in a poisoning case without toxicology laboratory confirmation. We confirmed the presence of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) by liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) in biologic samples from two patients who presented with signs and symptoms consistent with sympathomimetic toxicity following the consumption of an herbal stew. Case: Two patients consumed an herbal stew together developed DMT poisoning from the interaction between Syrian rue seeds containing alkaloids with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) activity and Acacia tree bark containing DMT. Patients' blood and spot urine was analyzed by LC/MS/MS which revealed the presence of DMT (case 1 urine: 1206 ng/mL, serum: 25 ng/mL; case 2 urine: 478 ng/mL, serum: undetectable) and harmaline (case 1 urine: 1564 ng/mL, serum: 3.3 ng/mL; case 2 urine: 1230 ng/mL, serum: undetectable). Discussion: The diagnosis of DMT poisoning is confirmed by the presence of DMT and harmaline in patients' serum and urine. Case 1 exhibited more severe signs and symptoms (e.g., altered consciousness, rhabdomyolysis, and elevated liver enzyme) than case 2. This may be explained by the presence of psychoactive DMT levels in the blood of case 1 whereas DMT was undetected in the blood of case 2. Conclusions: Consumption of an herbal stew composed of Syrian rue seeds and Acacia tree bark may be equivalent to taking a combination of DMT and MAOI, which may precipitate a sympathomimetic syndrome. Physicians should be aware that unusual clinical presentations may be the result of drug-drug interactions from a mixed herbal preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of novel 7-hydroxy-4-phenylchromen-2-one (1a)–linked 1,2,4-triazoles were synthesised using a click chemistry approach. All derivatives were subjected to 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-yl)-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity screening against a panel of six different human cancer cell lines (AGS, MGC-803, HCT-116, A-549, HepG2, and HeLa) to assess their cytotoxic potential. Among the tested molecules, some of the analogues showed better cytotoxic activity than that shown by the 7-hydroxy-4-phenylchromen-2-one (1a). Of the synthesised 1,2,4-triazoles,the 7-((4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methoxy)-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-2-one (4d)showed the best activity, with an IC50of 2.63 ± 0.17 µM against AGS cells. Further flow cytometry assays demonstrated that compound4dexerts its antiproliferative effects by arresting cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and by inducing apoptosis. Collectively, our results indicate that the 1,2,4-triazole derivatives have a significantly stronger antitumour activity than 1,2,3-triazole derivatives. Most of the compounds exhibited better antitumour activity than the positive control drug 5-fluorouracil. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, a series of emulsifiers were investigated to prepare acrylic latex by seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. The cloud point of nonionic emulsifiers was introduced to explain the emulsifier effects on the emulsification ability during changeable temperature. It was found that, under the same temperature and other experiment conditions, the hybrid emulsifiers (reactive coupling with anionic) could stabilize the pre-emulsion and latex very well. What was studied in detail was the stability of emulsion polymerization, the appearance of the emulsion system and other properties of latex film by changing the adding method, and content and proportion of hybrid emulsifiers. Water absorption of latex film was determined by the gravimetric method. When 2-acrylanmido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was less than 2:1, the content of the hybrids reached about 2–3% and when the pre-emulsifying used 2/3 of them, the copolymer emulsion was found to have excellent stability and small particle size with narrow distribution and its film to have low water absorption than those of the latex prepared with SDS alone. What is more, a small amount of hybrid emulsifier could achieve the same emulsification effect compared with SDS alone. And the chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles, notable for their small size, high surface area to volume ratios, and strong adsorption capacity, have been the subject of great interest in analytical chemistry. Over the past decade, nanoparticles have been widely used as adsorbents for elemental speciation. Elemental ions or chelates may interact with nanoparticles by van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. Various types of nanoparticles used for elemental speciation, including magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, metallic oxide nanoparticles, nanostructured mixed oxides, and ion imprinted polymer nanoparticles, are reviewed. Future trends and development in this research area are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new complexes {[Pb(L1)(DMSO)2(H2O)]·DMF}n(1,L1= 2,2′-dihydroxy-l,l′-dinaphthyl-3,3′-dicarboxylate) and {[Pb(L2)(DMS O)·DMSO}n(2,L2= 2,2′-dimethoxy-l,l′-dinaphthyl-3,3′-dicarboxylate) have been synthesized under mild conditions and structurally characterized. Crystal structural analysis reveals that complex1adopts a 1D infinite chain structure which forms 2D sheet by hydrogen bonds interactions. Complex2possesses a 2D sheet structure, which was further assembled into a 3D supramolecular network through the π-π weak interactions. IR spectra indicates the carboxyl group coordinates with the Pb2+ion. TGA shows that complex2is highly thermally stable up to 120°C. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To evaluate whether exposure to mobile phone radiation (MPR) can induce DNA damage in male germ cells. Materials and methods: A mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2 cell line was exposed to a commercial mobile phone handset once every 20 min in standby, listen, dialed or dialing modes for 24 h. DNA damage was determined using an alkaline comet assay. Results: The levels of DNA damage were significantly increased following exposure to MPR in the listen, dialed and dialing modes. Moreover, there were significantly higher increases in the dialed and dialing modes than in the listen mode. Interestingly, these results were consistent with the radiation intensities of these modes. However, the DNA damage effects of MPR in the dialing mode were efficiently attenuated by melatonin pretreatment. Conclusions: These results regarding mode-dependent DNA damage have important implications for the safety of inappropriate mobile phone use by males of reproductive age and also suggest a simple preventive measure: Keeping mobile phones as far away from our body as possible, not only during conversations but during 'dialed' and 'dialing' operation modes. Since the 'dialed' mode is actually part of the standby mode, mobile phones should be kept at a safe distance from our body even during standby operation. Furthermore, the protective role of melatonin suggests that it may be a promising pharmacological candidate for preventing mobile phone use-related reproductive impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract:The relation between Raman scattering, resonance Raman scattering, and absorption is reviewed to determine to what extent quantitative analysis can be applied in resonance Raman spectroscopy. In addition, it is demonstrated experimentally that normal Raman spectra can be dramatically inhibited by absorption and resonance Raman effects. Raman spectra of toluene and heptane mixtures—with progressively increasing concentrations of heptane—were measured using 229-nm laser excitation. The results show that the characteristic band intensities are not directly proportional to the relative concentrations of the compounds and deviate due to absorption resonance effects. An approximated mathematical model is developed to demonstrate that the intensities of the normal Raman scattering bands are suppressed. An inhibition coefficientKiis introduced to describe the situation and determine the penetration depth. Most remarkably, it is shown that the intensity of the resonance Raman scattering bands can be constant even when the concentration ratios differ substantially in the sampled mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A method for patterning organic single-crystal transistor arrays via surface selective deposition is presented. Solvent-vapor annealing is applied for the formation of organic crystals under ambient conditions. The devices are fabricated with a dual-gate structure, which allows the investigation of device performances of bottom-gate/top-contact (BG/TC) and top-gate/top-contact (TG/TC) structures based on the same crystals. The resulting BG/TC devices exhibit the field-effect mobility (μFET) up to 3.5 cm2/Vs. And μ FET is influenced by the contact resistance, resulting in large variation in device performance. On the other hand, TG/TC structure exhibits better performance with smaller variation. The highest μ FET is 7.4 cm2/Vs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abnormal scars result in distressing symptoms and disfiguring blemishes; an understanding of the molecular events that cause such scars, particularly keloids, would make possible the optimisation of both wound healing and treatment. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) has a crucial role in distinct signalling pathways in different cells, but to date we know of no study on its signalling events in keloid fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to characterise the expression of tyrosine phosphorylation kinases, particularly that of ERK, in keloids at the protein level by immunoblotting analysis. Studies on phosphorylation were made on cell lysates of three cultures of five different keloid fibroblasts ( n = 5), their relatively 'normal' fibroblasts in adjacent skin (rNHDF, n = 5), and normal human dermal fibroblasts ( n = 1, standard control). The result showed that ERK signalling molecular protein was more highly phosphorylated in keloid fibroblast culture than in the other two cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of hydraulic reteneration time (HRT), and the strength of the regenerating solution on the ammonia adsorption capacity and the zeolite regeneration were studied using bench-scale packed zeolite columns. A 0.6 M NaCl solution fed at a HRT of 1 h was preferred for the regeneration process, and more than 95% of adsorbed ammonium ions were recovered alter using 7-8 bed volumes (BV) of the regenerating solution. The adsorption-regeneration time ratio was approximately 5:1. High concentration of potassium ions in the composting leachate competed with NH[SUP +,SUB 4] ions for the exchange sites, resulting in a reduction in the efficiencies of ammonia removal and zeolite column regeneration. However, Zeolite still proved to have a great potential as a medium for ammonia removal in treating composting leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bench-scale packed zeolite columns were set up and operated to investigate the continuous removal of ammonium ions from compost leachate. The effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), and particle size of the zeolite on the ammonia adsorption capacity were studied. For both the coarse particle and the powdered zeolite columns, higher ammonia removal efficiencies were achieved with longer HRT (i.e., lower influent flow rate) tests. At the same HRT, ammonia removal efficiencies from tests with powdered zeolite were generally 20% higher than tests with the coarse particle zeolite. A HRT of 6 hours was found appropriate for efficient ammonia removal, and an operating capacity of 1.31 mg N/g zeolite was obtained. Over 98% of the ammonia input from the influent was consistently removed for over 5 bed volumes (BV) of compost leachate flowing through the zeolite column. Zeolite proved to have a great potential as a medium for ammonia removal in treating composting leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to establish a nomogram model by combining traditional clinical parameters with immunohistochemical markers to predict the recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma (NMIBUC) after resection. In total, 504 patients were included in this study. Of these patients, 353 underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in the Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and were identified as a training cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors associated with recurrence in the training cohort and to establish a nomogram model. A total of 151 patients who were hospitalized in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (validation cohort) were used for further validation. The calibration curve was generated for internal and external model validation. The clinical practicability of this model was further verified by comparing the consistency index (C-index) among various models. The mean follow-up time of the training cohort was 45.6 months (range 4–90). In total, 146 patients relapsed in training cohort. After univariate analysis, multivariate analysis further confirmed tumor grade (p=.034), immediate postoperative instillation therapy (p=.025), Ki67 (p=.047), P53 (p=.038) and CK20 (p=.049) as independent risk factors for recurrence, and these factors were included in the nomogram model. The model more accurately predicted recurrence compared with other models based on the highest C-index of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78–0.86) in the training cohort and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.77–0.83) in the validation cohort. This proposed nomogram model based on traditional clinical parameters and immunohistochemical markers can more accurately predict postoperative recurrence in patients with NMIBUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary nonresponse to infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is common. However, there are currently no effective biomarkers for this prediction. This study aimed to identify potential predictors for precision anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment in patients with UC. Four GPL570 datasets (GSE14580, GSE12251, GSE23597, and GSE16879) were included in this study. Sixty-nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, while 67 were up-regulated and two were down-regulated by comparing the gene expression in response samples with the nonresponse samples. Gene Ontology analysis showed that DEGs were mostly enriched in neutrophil-mediated immunity, neutrophil activation, neutrophil activation involved in the immune response, neutrophil degranulation, and leukocyte migration. Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that these DEGs were mostly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and interleukin (IL)-17 signalling pathways. After protein-protein interaction network analysis, verification by test set, and confirmation of clinical UC samples, S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8), S100A9, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), IL1B, and formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) were identified as the hub genes. We found that the immune cell composition in the intestinal tissues of UC patients with primary nonresponse included naïve CD4+ T cells, memory resting CD4+ T cells, resting natural killer cells, resting dendritic cells, activating dendritic cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Among these, neutrophils showed the most significant differences. In addition, all six potential predictors were significantly associated with the neutrophil count. Our study identified six potential biomarkers, namely S100A8, S100A9, TREM1, TLR2, IL1B, and FPR1, and one type of immune cell, neutrophils, between UC patients with response and primary nonresponse to infliximab. We speculated that changes in the expression of these six potential biomarkers combined with changes in the activity or local quantity of neutrophils might help predict primary nonresponse to infliximab in patients with UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A self-administered questionnaire for screening cigarette dependence was developed based on a set of 6335 Chinese adult smokers (termed the China Cigarette Dependence Test, CCDT). Both a 20-item version (CCDT-20) and a 7-item of the questionnaire (CCDT-7) were developed following 2-round of tests on their construct validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency, covering seven dimensions (cigarettes per day, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, craving, loss of control, regularity, and stereotypy). The results showed that the CCDT-20 and CCDT-7 scores were higher in daily smokers than in occasional smokers, and both were associated with self-rated nicotine dependence, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), saliva cotinine, and DSM-V. The CCDT-20 and CCDT-7 scales were found to be easier to use by smokers in China and provided a more reliable measure of their cigarette dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of ammonium concentrations, contact time, and zeolite particle sizes on the ammonium adsorption capacities of a Canadian zeolite were studied using batch experiments. Both the rates and capacities of ammonium adsorption increased with increased concentrations of ammonium in solution. Ammonium adsorption increased significantly with decreasing zeolite particle size for all tests and the adsorption capacities ranged from 14.35-17.81 mg N/g. Also, ammonia adsorption increased with contact time, and it occurred rapidly at the beginning of contact, and then gradually decreased as time progressed. Langmuir isotherm best describes the equilibrium of ammonia adsorption on zeolite. Particle diffusion was the rate-controlling mechanism for the first 4 h of contact. In spite of competition potassium ions, zeolite has shown a great potential for ammonia removal from composting leachates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel metal-organic framework Co(bnbc)(C5H5N)3(complex1) (H2bnbc = 2,2′-dibenzyl-1,1′-binaphthyl- 3,3′-dicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized under mild conditions and structurally characterized. IR spectra indicates that the coordination mode of carboxyl group of complex1is chelating bidentate with the Co2+ion. Crystal structural analysis reveals that complex1adopts a one-dimensional (1D) infinite line structure, and the distance between two carbon atoms of the pair carboxyl groups is 8.226 Å which is longer than other analogs. The complex1is further assembled into a 2D supramolecular network through the hydrogen bonds. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that complex1is highly thermally stable up to 150°C. X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) of complex1shows that single crystalline structure is as the same as the huge mass small crystalline structure confirming its purity of phase. Meanwhile, the photoluminescent property of the complex1is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel metal-organic framework Co(bnbc)(C5H5N)3(complex1) (H2bnbc = 2,2′-dibenzyl-1,1′-binaphthyl- 3,3′-dicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized under mild conditions and structurally characterized. IR spectra indicates that the coordination mode of carboxyl group of complex1is chelating bidentate with the Co2+ion. Crystal structural analysis reveals that complex1adopts a one-dimensional (1D) infinite line structure, and the distance between two carbon atoms of the pair carboxyl groups is 8.226 Å which is longer than other analogs. The complex1is further assembled into a 2D supramolecular network through the hydrogen bonds. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that complex1is highly thermally stable up to 150°C. X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) of complex1shows that single crystalline structure is as the same as the huge mass small crystalline structure confirming its purity of phase. Meanwhile, the photoluminescent property of the complex1is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is important for advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LHC). Aims/objectives: To determine the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of docetaxel, nedaplatin, and 5-fluorouracil in induction treatment of advanced LHC. Material and methods: A total of 157 cancer patients were included. The primary endpoints of this study were overall response rate, pathological complete response rate, the safety of induction treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: After two-cycle induction treatment, 17(10.8%) patients experienced complete remission, 76 (48.4%) experienced partial remission, 47 (30.0%) had stable disease, and 17 (10.8%) had progressive disease. The TNM stage decreased by two or more in 17 cases, decreased by one in 71 cases, increased in 15 cases, and did not change in 54 cases after induction treatment. Most of the adverse chemotherapy responses were alleviated by symptomatic management. After the induction treatment, 29 patients continued receiving chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, and 112 underwent surgical management depending on tumor site followed by radiotherapy. The median PFS was 13.00 ± 2.10 months and the median OS was 14.20 ± 0.29 months. Conclusions and significance: Combination of docetaxel, nedaplatin, and 5-fluorouracil plays an important role in the comprehensive treatment of advanced LHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive study on the self-organised mesomorphism and charge-transport properties of three n-type liquid crystalline (LC) dibenzocoronene tetracarboxdiimide derivatives (Dibenzo-CDI 1, 2, 3) bearing branched alkyl chains with varied side-chain length and branching point (α or β site) has been carried out. All three Dibenzo-CDI compounds possessed high solubility in common organic solvents and low-lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels below −4.0 eV indicating their air-stable electron-transport capacity under ambient conditions. It is discovered that the side-chain length has a moderate influence on the molecular arrangement and thus leads to only limited variation of electron-transport properties. In contrast, the branching position plays a critical role on tuning molecular packing and orientation in the bulk mesophases, thereby resulting in dramatic differences in electron mobilities. Remarkably, Dibenzo-CDI 3 demonstrates good photoconductivity by time-of-flight method with high electron mobility up to 0.075 cm2/Vs, close to the highest value reported in certain n-type LC derivatives. All these results reveal that LC Dibenzo-CDI derivatives are potential candidates for high-performance solution-processable electronics, such as air-stable n-type organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the risk factors for the development of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). CAC is a type of colorectal cancer (CRC), the third leading cause of cancer death. Ziziphus jujuba (ZJ) fruit contains bioactive components such as polysaccharides, triterpenoid acid, and flavonoids, and it has shown anti-inflammatory property. The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effect of dietary ZJ on colitis-associated colorectal tumorigenesis in mice. Mice (n = 42, two sets) were injected with azoxymethane (AOM) followed by three cycles of 2% (w/v) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water to induce CAC. Simultaneously, those mice were fed with ZJ diet for 70 days (5% or 10% w/w). Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by LSD Bonferroni test. Dietary ZJ decreased fecal blood, diarrhea, disease activity index (DAI), spleen weight (P < 0.001), and the number of tumors (P < 0.001). In addition, dietary ZJ increased colon length (P < 0.001) and suppressed the activation of NF-кB/IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, we suggest that dietary ZJ attenuates inflammation by interfering NF-κB/IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby inhibits AOM/DSS-induced colon tumorigenesis in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify anticancer agents with higher potency and lower toxicity, a series of oridonin derivatives with substituted benzene moieties at the C17 position were designed, synthesised, and evaluated for their antiproliferative properties. Most of the derivatives exhibited antiproliferative effects against AGS, MGC803, Bel7402, HCT116, A549, and HeLa cells. Compound 2p (IC50 = 1.05 µM) exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity against HCT116 cells; it was more potent than oridonin (IC50 = 6.84 µM) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (IC50 = 24.80 µM). The IC50 value of 2p in L02 cells was 6.5-fold higher than that in HCT116 cells. Overall, it exhibited better selective antiproliferative activity and specificity than oridonin and 5-FU. Furthermore, compound 2p arrested HCT116 cells at the G2 phase of the cell cycle and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells to a greater extent than oridonin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monodisperse silica microspheres have drawn much attention for having important applications in many areas. In this paper, a series of monodisperse silica (SiO2) microspheres was synthesized successfully using a modified Stöber method in which tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was continuously supplied into the reaction system by a syringe pump. By changing the supply rate of TEOS, the diameters of the obtained SiO2microspheres were controlled very well from 1 μm to 3 μm. Detailed characterization of the silica particles was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate if serum and ascites VEGF-C concentration could be used as prognostic markers in ovarian cancer.Materials and Methods: Serum and ascites VEGF-C were measured in 118 patients with ovarian cancer and 24 patients with benign gynaecological disease. ELISA method was employed to evaluate VEGF-C concentration.Results: Serum and ascites in ovarian cancer patients were higher than those in benign gynaecological disease (P < 0.0001). Serum VEGF-C and ascites VEGF-C were both correlated with FIGO stage, tumor grade, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that FIGO stage (P < 0.0001), tumor grade (P < 0.0001), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001), serum VEGF-C concentration (P = 0.0001), and ascites VEGF-C concentration (P < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with overall survival. Including these variables in a multivariate analysis revealed that VEGF-C concentrations in serum and ascites were independent predictors of shorter overall survival.Conclusion: Elevated VEGF-C concentrations in serum and ascites can be seen as the novel, widely available independent predictors of shorter overall survival in ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]