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BackgroundRecently, the role of inorganic pyrophosphatase 2 (PPA2) has been remaining merely superficial in many tumors. Hence, the aim was to analyze the potential functions of PPA2 in pan-cancer, focusing on its role in breast cancer.MethodsA systematic pan-cancer analysis conducted primarily utilizing various open databases such as TCGA and GTEx. We explored the clinical value of PPA2 as well as various biological functions, including expression levels and subcellular localization, multi-dimensional immune-correlation analysis, co-expression networks, and gene heterogeneity. In addition, we not only verified the function of PPA2 through cell experiments but also analyzed PPA2 at the single-cell level and its drug sensitivity.ResultsPPA2 is abnormally expressed in various tumors, and it is mainly distributed in mitochondria. Furthermore, the indicators (OS, DSS, DFI, and PFI) of analysis hint that PPA2 exhibits significant prognostic value. At the same time, the genomic heterogeneity (including TMB, MSI, MATH, and NEO) of PPA2 in pan-cancer was analyzed. Across multiple tumors, the results showed a close correlation between PPA2 expression levels and different immune signatures (such as immune cell infiltration). All of these indicate that PPA2 could potentially be applied in the guidance of immunotherapy. We also have demonstrated that PPA2 promoted the process of breast cancer. Finally, some potential therapeutic agents (such as Fulvestrant) targeting the abnormal expression of PPA2 are revealed.ConclusionIn conclusion, the results demonstrated the great value of PPA2 in pan-cancer research, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target for breast tumors.

Abstract Background The family Toxocaridae is a group of zooparasitic nematodes of veterinary, medical and economic significance. However, the evolutionary relationship of Porrocaecum and Toxocara, both genera currently classified in Toxocaridae, and the monophyly of the Toxocaridae remain under debate. Moreover, the validity of the subgenus Laymanicaecum in the genus Porrocaecum is open to question. Due to the scarcity of an available genetic database, molecular identification of Porrocaecum nematodes is still in its infancy. Methods A number of Porrocaecum nematodes collected from the Eurasian marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus) (Falconiformes: Accipitridae) in the Czech Republic were identified using integrated morphological methods (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular techniques (sequencing and analyzing the nuclear 18S, 28S and ITS regions). The complete mitochondrial genomes of the collected nematode specimens and of Porrocaecum (Laymanicaecum) reticulatum (Linstow, 1899) were sequenced and annotated for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses of ascaridoid nematodes based on the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes of mitochondrial genomes were performed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Results A new species of Porrocaecum, named P. moraveci n. sp., is described based on the morphological and genetic evidence. The mitogenomes of P. moraveci n. sp. and P. reticulatum both contain 36 genes and are 14,517 and 14,210 bp in length, respectively. Comparative mitogenomics revealed that P. moraveci n. sp. represents the first known species with three non-coding regions and that P. reticulatum has the lowest overall A + T content in the mitogenomes of ascaridoid nematodes tested to date. Phylogenetic analyses showed the representatives of Toxocara clustered together with species of the family Ascarididae rather than with Porrocaecum and that P. moraveci n. sp. is a sister to P. reticulatum. Conclusions The characterization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of P. moraveci n. sp. and P. reticulatum is reported for the first time. Mitogenomic phylogeny analyses indicated that the family Toxocaridae is non-monophyletic and that the genera Porrocaecum and Toxocara do not have an affinity. The validity of the subgenus Laymanicaecum in Porrocaecum was also rejected. Our results suggest that: (i) Toxocaridae should be degraded to a subfamily of the Ascarididae that includes only the genus Toxocara; and (ii) the subfamily Porrocaecinae should be resurrected to include only the genus Porrocaecum. The present study enriches the database of ascaridoid mitogenomes and provides a new insight into the systematics of the superfamily Ascaridoidea. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background The infraorder Rhigonematomorpha comprises a group of obligate parasitic nematodes of millipedes (Arthropoda: Diplopoda). The current species identification of Rhigonematomorpha nematodes remains mainly based on morphological features, with molecular-based identification still in its infancy. Also, current knowledge of the phylogeny of Rhigonematomorpha is far from comprehensive. Methods The morphology of Rhigonematomorpha nematodes belonging to the genus Rhigonema, collected from the millipede Spirobolus bungii Brandt (Diplopoda: Spirobolida) in China, was studied in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy. Five different genetic markers, including the nuclear small ribosomal subunit (18S), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large ribosomal subunit (28S) regions and the mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 genes of these Rhigonematomorpha nematodes collected from China and Rhigonema naylae collected from Japan were sequenced and analyzed using Bayesian inference (BI) and Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) methods. Phylogenetic analyses that included the most comprehensive taxa sampling of Rhigonematomorpha to date were also performed based on the 18S + 28S genes using maximum likelihood (ML) and BI methods. Results The specimens of Rhigonema collected from S. bungii in China were identified as a new species, Rhigonema sinense n. sp. Striking variability in tail morphology was observed among individuals of R. sinense n. sp. ASAP analyses based on the 28S, ITS, cox1 and cox2 sequences supported the species partition of R. sinense n. sp. and R. naylae, but showed no evidence that the different morphotypes of R. sinense n. sp. represent distinct genetic lineages. BI analyses also indicated that R. sinense n. sp. represents a separated species from R. naylae based on the cox1 and cox2 genes, but showed that R. naylae nested in samples of R. sinense n. sp. based on the ITS and 28S data. Phylogenetic results showed that the representatives of Rhigonematomorpha formed two large clades. The monophyly of the families Carnoyidae and Ichthyocephalidae and the genus Rhigonema was rejected. The representatives of the family Ransomnematidae clustered together with the family Hethidae with strong support. Conclusions A new species of Rhigonematomorpha, R. sinense n. sp. is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. ASAP analyses using 28S, ITS, cox1 and cox2 data indicate the striking variability in tail morphology of R. sinense n. sp. as intraspecific variation, and also suggest that partial 28S, ITS, cox1 and cox2 markers are effective for molecular identification of Rhigonematomorpha nematodes. The phylogenetic results support the traditional classification of Rhigonematomorpha into the two superfamilies Rhigonematoidea and Ransomnematoidea, and indicate that the families Carnoyidae and Ichthyocephalidae and the genus Rhigonema are non-monophyletic. The present phylogeny strongly supports resurrection of the family Brumptaemiliidae, and also indicates that the family Ransomnematidae is sister to the family Hethidae. Graphical Abstract

Objective: To analyse the effects of premolar extraction on the upper airway in adult and adolescent orthodontic patients using CBCT. Methods: The Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Medline (via PubMed) databases were searched with no language restrictions. Longitudinal studies in which CBCT was applied to assess the effects of tooth extraction on the upper airway were included in the analysis. Two authors performed the study selection, methodological quality assessment, data extraction and data synthesis independently. Results: A total of 12 studies were included, six of which were eligible for quantitative synthesis. In the adult group, the nasopharynx and oropharynx volume showed no significant change, and the minimum cross-sectional area of the upper airway demonstrated a non-significant decrease compared to the non-extraction group. In the adolescent group, the nasopharynx volume, oropharynx volume and minimum cross-sectional area of the upper airway increased in a non-significant manner. Conclusion: The currently available evidence indicates that tooth extraction does not increase the risk of airway collapse in adult and adolescent patients. The present findings should be interpreted with caution and evaluated in further high-quality studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have realized the 4‐side micro (0.9x/0.9x/0.9x/0.9x mm) border 8k4k 120Hz LCD with Oxide thin‐film transistor (TFT) for the first time. Most of narrow border prototypes in past was 3‐side with 2‐COF process for both gate and data driving, but now, we have been developing the most cost effective 4‐side micro border LCD with only data COF. As core technology, 1G1D pixel driving and GDCIAA (Gate Driver Circuit in Active Area) with oxide TFT backplane are incorporated without any additional investment of module assembly. In practical point of view, this technology can render about 70% reduction of D‐IC cost and additional value up as a form factor of premium product compare to a‐Si TFT based LCD. Moreover, simplified 1G1D bus line structure can contribute to production yield improvement. In this report, we present the most valuable 8k4k LCD product with the latest AUOs Oxide TFT backplane technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) have become the world''s most important potted flower crop. Flowers of Phalaenopsis are sensitive to ethylene, and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) pretreatment enables flowers to withstand ethylene stress. In this study, we investigated effects of 1-MCP concentration and duration of 1-MCP treatment on the protective effect in Phalaenopsis flowers. Pretreating potted Phalaenopsis amabilis with a 1-MCP concentration of as low as 0.005μLL−1 reduced the flower wilting percentage, indicating that as long as there is 1-MCP protection, the rapid wilting of flowers caused by ethylene can be delayed. However, in order to achieve absolute protection, the minimum concentration required was 0.1μLL−1. Pretreatment with 0.1μLL−1 1-MCP for 12h gave Phalaenopsis plants absolute protection such that the flowers were unaffected even when exposed to artificially high ethylene concentrations of up to 20μLL−1. The duration of 1-MCP pretreatment could substantially be reduced. A 0.5-h treatment was sufficient when the concentration of 1-MCP was increased to 0.2μLL−1. The results obtained above were then further confirmed on seven commercial cultivars, where 0.1μLL−1 1-MCP treatment for 1h was sufficient to achieve absolute protection against ethylene damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study presents the technological process for producing a lenticular array on quartz. With scanning immersion lithography used to define the 3D lenticular array structure on a quartz substrate, inductively coupled plasma-reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) is able to directly etch the structure. Based on the surface measurement, ICP-RIE can completely etch the surface structure onto the quartz substrate, and the surface roughness can reach 30 nm. Furthermore, after the optical measurement of stereoscopic images, the left and the right stereoscopic images can be successfully transmitted to the corresponding places without crosstalk and with a splitting efficiency close to 80%. As a result, this technology allows for the production of a lenticular structure with various changes on the quartz surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: QoS has been considered as a significant factor for web service marketing and selection. The interpretation of QoS value from web service consumers and providers would be very different. However, a large group of web service participants with different backgrounds may have difficulties in reaching consensus on the values of multi-dimensional web service QoS, so they may have to be clustered in multi-groups in order to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The similarity of clustered fuzzy QoS dispositions as well as their preference order over these attributes should be analyzed to form a multi-groups consensus framework. A soft multi-groups clustering approach could be adopted to prevent opinions from being excluded unintentionally. The group boundaries and similarity thresholds which are used for clustering and analyzing fuzzy QoS opinions can be moderated dynamically according to the feedback from the internal learning mechanism and the web service consumers. As a result, a model for marketing web services based on multi-group consumers'' QoS consensus, the FMG-QCMA (Fuzzy Multi-Groups based QoS Consensus Moderation Approach), is proposed to meet the above requirements. The proposed FMG-QCMA is also evaluated through a case study to demonstrate its effectiveness and efficiency in relation to an existing framework, QCMA (QoS Consensus Moderation Approach). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The esophageal carcinoma related gene 4 (ECRG4) was initially identified and cloned from human normal esophageal epithelium in our laboratory (GenBank accession no.AF325503). ECRG4 has been described as a novel tumor suppressor gene associated with prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: In this study, binding affinity assay in vitro and co-immunoprecipitation experiment in vivo were utilized to verify the physical interaction between ECRG4 and transmembrane protease, serine 11A (TMPRSS11A, also known as ECRG1, GenBank accession no. AF 071882). Then, p21 protein expression, cell cycle and cell proliferation regulations were examined after ECRG4 and ECRG1 co-transfection in ESCC cells. Results: We revealed for the first time that ECRG4 interacted directly with ECRG1 to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce cell cycle G1 phase block in ESCC. Binding affinity and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that ECRG4 interacted directly with ECRG1 in ESCC cells. Furthermore, the ECRG4 and ECRG1 co-expression remarkably upregulatd p21 protein level by Western blot (P < 0.001), induced cell cycle G1 phase block by flow cytometric analysis (P < 0.001) and suppressed cell proliferation by MTT and BrdU assay (both P < 0.01) in ESCC cells. Conclusions: ECRG4 interacts directly with ECRG1 to upregulate p21 protein expression, induce cell cycle G1 phase block and inhibit cancer cells proliferation in ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses the sample with 539 individual stocks in Taiwan stock market from July 2002 to December 2007 for discussing and comparing the performances among these portfolios of institutional net buys/sells, Jegadeesh and Titman (JT) momentum strategy and George and Hwang (GH) momentum strategy. The empirical findings are as follows. First, this study examines short-term momentum with no waiting period; the findings indicate that the institutional portfolio is significantly more profitable than the others. Next, this study examines medium term momentum with 1-year waiting period; the results show institutional portfolio and JT strategies in strategy (6, ∼12, 6) begin appearing a reversal phenomenon. Although GH strategy earns positive return, the momentum phenomenon is not significant. Finally, this study examines long-term momentum with 2-year waiting periods; the results indicate GH momentum portfolio yields positive return significantly in strategy (6, ∼24, 12). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enthalpies of dilution of matrine (MAT) in pure water and aqueous sodium chloride solutions were determined by isothermal titration microcalorimetry at 298.15 K, and the corresponding homogeneous enthalpic interaction coefficients were calculated according to the modified McMillan–Mayer model. The values of enthalpic pair-wise interaction coefficients, h2, are all positive and become more positive with increasing concentration of sodium chloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Porcine circovirus type 2 possesses a circular, single-stranded DNA genome that requires the replication protein (Rep) for virus replication. To characterize the DNA binding potential and the significant region that confers the nuclear localization of the Rep protein, the defined coding regions of rep gene were cloned and expressed. All of the recombinant proteins except for the N-terminal 110 residues deletion mutant could bind to the double-stranded minimal binding site of replication origin (ori). In addition, the N-terminal deletion mutant lacking 110 residues exhibited mainly cytoplasmic staining in the transfected cells in contrast to the others, which localized dominantly in the nucleus, suggesting that this N-terminal domain is essential for nuclear localization. Furthermore, a series of green fluorescence proteins (GFP) containing potential nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences were tested for their cellular distribution. The ability of the utmost 20 residues of the N-terminal region to target the GFP to the nucleus confirmed its role as a functional NLS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  The concentration effect on the dilution enthalpies (Δdil H m) of colchicine (COL) in aqueous NaCl solutions has been investigated by isothermal titration microcalorimetry at 298.15 K. The corresponding homogeneous enthalpic interaction coefficients have been calculated according to the excess enthalpy concept. The results show that the dilution enthalpies of COL in aqueous NaCl solutions at different mass fractions are positive. The overall trend is that enthalpies of dilution become more positive with the increase of the salt mass fraction. The values of enthalpic pair-wise interaction coefficients, h 2, have been obtained by fitting the data of the enthalpies of dilution with a viral expansion. The results can be interpreted from the view of solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions involved in the solvent effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver disorders are a major health concern. Saikosaponin-d (SSd) is an effective active ingredient extracted from Bupleurum falcatum, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its hepatoprotective properties and underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of SSd treatment for thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury and high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in male C57BL/6 mice. The SSd group showed significantly higher food intake, body weight, and hepatic antioxidative enzymes (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and lower hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) compared with controls, as well as reduced expression of inflammation-related genes (nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)) messenger RNA (mRNA). In NAFLD mice, SSd reduced serum ALT, AST, triglycerides, fatty acid–binding protein 4 (FABP4) and sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1 (SREBP1) mRNA, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-related proteins (phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α subunit (p-eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). SSd has a hepatoprotective effect in liver injury by suppressing inflammatory responses and acting as an antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Taiwan, freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminea) and hard clams (Meretrix lusoria) are the most frequently raised shellfish in land-based pond aquaculture, but research on the accumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in these shellfish is limited. We detected the levels of 14 OCPs in 62 shellfish from Taiwanese aquafarms by performing gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. OCP residues were detected in 4.84% of the samples including readings of 0.04 mg/kg chlordane (in a freshwater clam), 0.03 mg/g p,p ′-DDE (in a freshwater clam), and 0.02 mg/g p,p ′-DDE (in a hard clam). However, the associated estimated daily intake values were less than the acceptable daily intake levels of chlordane and p,p ′-DDE Therefore, the consumption of these shellfish presents no immediate health risks. Our findings contribute to food safety and serve as a reference for OCP screenings for aquatic shellfish. • Organochlorine pesticides residues were detected in 62 shellfishes by using GC–MS/MS. • Samples contained chlordane residues at 0.04 mg/kg, and p,p ′-DDE at 0.02–0.03 mg/g. • For Taiwanese men and women, the EDI is less than 0.1% of the ADI for OCP residues. • Collectively, no immediate health risk for shellfish consumption in Taiwan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There exist many web services which exhibit similar functional characteristics. It is imperative to provide service consumers with facilities for selecting required web services according to their non-functional characteristics or quality of service (QoS). However, the selection process is greatly complicated by the distinct views of service providers and consumers on the services QoS. For instance, they may have distinct views of the service reliability—wherein a consumer considers that a service is reliable if its success rate is higher than 99%, while a provider may consider its service as reliable if its success rate is higher than 90%. The aim of this paper is to resolve such conflicts and to ensure consensus on the QoS characteristics in the selection of web services. It proposes a QoS Consensus Moderation Approach (QCMA) in order to perform QoS consensus and to alleviate the differences on QoS characteristics in the selection of web services. The proposed approach is implemented as a prototype tool and is tested on a case study of a hotel booking web service. Experimental results show that the proposed approach greatly improves the service selection process in a dynamic and uncertain environment of web services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Zotarolimus is a semi-synthetic derivative of rapamycin and an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Currently, zotarolimus is used to prolong the survival time of organ grafts, but it is also a novel immunosuppressive agent with potent anti-proliferative activity. Here, we examine the anti-tumor effect of zotarolimus, alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil, on HCT-116 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells implanted in BALB/c nude mice. Compared with the control mice, mice treated with zotarolimus or zotarolimus combined with 5-FU showed retarded tumor growth; increased tumor apoptosis through the enhanced expression of cleaved caspase 3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation; reduced inflammation-related factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein; and inhibited metastasis-related factors such as CD44, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Notably, mice treated with a combination of zotarolimus and 5-FU showed significantly retarded tumor growth, reduced tumor size, and increased tumor inhibition compared with mice treated with 5-FU or zotarolimus alone, indicating a strong synergistic effect. This in vivo study confirms that zotarolimus or zotarolimus combined with 5-FU can be used to retard colorectal adenocarcinoma growth and inhibit tumorigenesis. Our results suggest that zotarolimus may increase the chemo-sensitization of tumor cells. Therefore, zotarolimus alone and zotarolimus combined with 5-FU may be potential anti-tumor agents in the treatment of human colon adenocarcinoma. Future research on zotarolimus may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity-associated hyperglycemia underlies insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and related metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, renal damage, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Turmeric root is commonly used in Asia, and curcumin, one of its pharmacological components, can play a role in preventing and treating certain chronic physiological disorders. Accordingly, this study examined how high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are reduced by curcumin through changes in fatty liver scores, chromium distribution, and renal injury in mice. Relative to the control group, also fed an HFD, the curcumin group weighed less and had smaller adipocytes; it also had lower daily food efficiency, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, serum and hepatic triglyceride levels, and hepatic lipid regulation marker expression. The curcumin-treated obese group exhibited significantly lower fasting blood glucose, was less glucose intolerant, had higher Akt phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression, and had greater serum insulin levels. Moreover, the group showed renal damage with lower TNF-α expression along with more numerous renal antioxidative enzymes that included superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. The liver histology of the curcumin-treated obese mice showed superior lipid infiltration and fewer FASN and PNPLA3 proteins in comparison with the control mice. Curcumin contributed to creating a positive chromium balance by decreasing the amount of chromium lost through urine, leading to the chromium mobilization needed to mitigate hyperglycemia. Thus, the results suggest that curcumin prevents HFD-induced glucose intolerance, kidney injury, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clozapine is widely employed in the treatment of schizophrenia. Compared with that of atypical first-generation antipsychotics, atypical second-generation antipsychotics such as clozapine have less severe side effects and may positively affect obesity and blood glucose level. However, no systematic study of clozapine's adverse metabolic effects—such as changes in kidney and liver function, body weight, glucose and triglyceride levels, and retinopathy—was conducted. This research investigated how clozapine affects weight, the bodily distribution of chromium, liver damage, fatty liver scores, glucose homeostasis, renal impairment, and retinopathy in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD). We discovered that obese mice treated with clozapine gained more weight and had greater kidney, liver, and retroperitoneal and epididymal fat pad masses; higher daily food efficiency; higher serum or hepatic triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels; and higher hepatic lipid regulation marker expression than did the HFD-fed control mice. Furthermore, the clozapine group mice exhibited insulin resistance, poorer insulin sensitivity, greater glucose intolerance, and less Akt phosphorylation; their GLUT4 expression was lower, they had renal damage, more reactive oxygen species, and IL-1 expression, and, finally, their levels of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) were lower. Moreover, clozapine reduced the thickness of retinal cell layers and increased iNOS and NF-κB expression; a net negative chromium balance occurred because more chromium was excreted through urine, and this influenced chromium mobilization, which did not help overcome the hyperglycemia. Our clozapine group had considerably higher fatty liver scores, which was supported by the findings of lowered adiponectin protein levels and increased FASN protein, PNPLA3 protein, FABP4 mRNA, and SREBP1 mRNA levels. We conclude that clozapine can worsen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, and kidney and retinal injury. Therefore, long-term administration of clozapine warrants higher attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver disorders have been recognized as one major health concern. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the brown seaweed Fucus serratus, has previously been reported as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, the discovery and validation of its hepatoprotective properties and elucidation of its mechanisms of action are still unknown. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect and possible modes of action of a treatment of fucoidan against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury in male C57BL/6 mice by serum biochemical and histological analyses. The mouse model for liver damage was developed by the administration of TAA thrice a week for six weeks. The mice with TAA-induced liver injury were orally administered fucoidan once a day for 42 days. The treated mice showed significantly higher body weights; food intakes; hepatic antioxidative enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)); and a lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Additionally, a reduced hepatic IL-6 level and a decreased expression of inflammatory-related genes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA was observed. These results demonstrated that fucoidan had a hepatoprotective effect on liver injury through the suppression of the inflammatory responses and acting as an antioxidant. In addition, here, we validated the use of fucoidan against liver disorders with supporting molecular data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For glasses and crystals the optical absorption near the infrared is much lower than that in the visible. While the previous noncontact resonant photoacoustic (PA) measurement is several orders of magnitude more sensitive than that of conventional PA in the visible for a piezoelectric sample, it was further developed to apply to nonpiezoelectric materials in the near infrared. The noncontact interdigital capacitor transducers were replaced by lithium niobate disks and PVDF films. By supporting the sample between transducers only at its corners, the quality factor has been improved and is comparable to that of a noncontact system, while the separate supports and the precise positioning of the sample are avoided. An optical absorption coefficient on the order of 10-7 cm-1 at 1.06 μm has been measured with a 20 signal-to-noise ratio. Recent results on single crystals of quartz and calcium fluoride, using different piezoelectric transducers, will be discussed. [Work supported by NSF Grant No. DMR-9000549 and by the Office of Naval Research.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoacoustic effect is one of the most sensitive methods for measurements of the low optical absorption in glasses and crystals. Previously, a new photoacoustic technique has been developed, where a cw laser modulated at the acoustic resonant frequency of the sample generates an acoustic signal amplified by the quality factor of the resonance. With typical quality factors in the order of 105, this technique is several orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional pulsed-laser techniques. However, previous applications using noncontact capactive transducers required precise postitioning of the sample, transducers, and seperate sample supports. Recently, this difficulty has been reduced through the use of 9-μm-thick piezoelectric (PVDF) film transducers. By supporting the sample at the corners between the film transducers, the need for separate supports is eliminated, with only a small reduction in the quality factor of the resonance. In addition, a large improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio is observed. Recent measurements on large single crystals of calcium floride and quartz will be discussed. [Work supported by NSF Grant No. DMR-9000549 and by the Office of Naval Research.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of diorganotin(IV) and triorganotin(IV) compounds of the type [R2Sn(pca)2ClSnR3]2 (R＝PhCH21, 2-ClC6H4CH22, 2-FC6H4CH23, 4-FC6H4CH24, 4-CNC6H4CH25, 4-ClC6H4CH26, 2,4-Cl2C6H3CH27; Hpca＝2-methylpyrazine-5-acid), [(nBu)3Sn(pca)]∞8, [(CH3)2Cl2Sn(pca)Sn(CH3)2(pca)]∞9, {[(nBu)2Sn(pca)]2O}210 and {[Ph2Sn(pca)]3O2[Ph2Sn(OCH3)]} 11 have been obtained by reactions of 2-methylpyrazine-5-acid with triorganotin(IV) chloride, diorganotin(IV) dichloride, and diorganotin(IV) oxide. All compounds were characterized by elemental, IR, and NMR spectra analyses. The crystal structure of compounds 1, 8–11 were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction, which revealed that compound 1 was tetranuclear macrocyclic structures with seven-coordinate and five-coordinate tin atoms, compounds 8 and 9 were polymeric chain structures with five-coordinate and seven-coordinate tin atoms, compounds 10 and 11 were monomeric structures with six-coordinate and five-coordinate tin atoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present two years (January 2007–December 2008) of atmospheric SO2, NO2 and NH3 measurements from ten background or rural sites in nine provinces in China. The measurements were made on a monthly basis using passive samplers under careful quality control. The results show large geographical and seasonal variations in the concentrations of these gases. The mean SO2 concentration varied from 0.7±0.4ppb at Waliguan on Qinghai Plateau to 67.3±31.1ppb at Kaili in Guizhou province. The mean NO2 concentration ranged from 0.6±0.4ppb at Waliguan to 23.9±6.9ppb at Houma in southern Shanxi. The mean NH3 concentration ranged from 2.8±3.0ppb at Shangdianzi in northeastern Beijing to 13.7±8.4ppb at Houma. At most sites, SO2 and NO2 peaked in winter and reached minima in summer, while NH3 showed maximum values in summer and lower values in cold seasons. On the whole, the geographical distributions of the observed gas concentrations are consistent with those of emissions. The ground measurements of SO2 and NO2 are contrasted to the SCIAMACHY SO2 and OMI NO2 tropospheric columns, respectively. Although the satellite data can capture the main features of emissions and concentrations of SO2, they do not reflect the variations of SO2 in the surface layer. The situation is better for the case of NO2. The OMI NO2 columns capture the geographical differences in the ground NO2 and correlate fairly well with the ground levels of NO2 at six of the ten sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]