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Objective To analyze maternal blood exposure to non-therapeutic antibiotics in late pregnancy and explore the effects of low-dose antibiotics on fetal growth and development.Methods A total of 104 pregnant women in late pregnancy (28-32 weeks) without serious pregnancy complications were enrolled,who had regular antenatal examination and delivery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital and did not use therapeutic antibiotics 2 months before pregnancy and in the whole pregnant process.The levels of antibiotics in the maternal blood were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and the pregnant women were assigned into an antibiotic exposure group (antibiotic positive) and a non-exposure group (antibiotic negative).The length,weight,placental weight,and placental volume of the newborns in the two groups were measured,and the data were statistically analyzed by

Anesthesia and psychotropic drugs in pregnant women may cause long-term effects on the brain development of unborn babies. The authors set out to investigate the neurotoxicity of S-ketamine, which possesses anesthetic and antidepressant effects and may cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)- and depression-like behaviors in offspring mice.Pregnant mice were administered with low-, medium-, and high-dose S-ketamine (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for 5 days from gestational day 14-18. At 21 days after birth, an elevated plus-maze test, fear conditioning, open field test, and forced swimming test were used to assess ADHD- and depression-like behaviors. Neuronal amount, glial activation, synaptic function indicated by ki67, and inhibitory presynaptic proteins revealed by GAD2 in the hippocampus, amygdala, habenula nucleus, and lateral hypothalamus (LHA) were determined by immunofluorescence assay.All the pregnant mice exposed to high-dose S-ketamine administration had miscarriage after the first injection. Both low-dose and medium-dose S-ketamine administration significantly increased the open-arm time and attenuated frozen time in the fear conditioning, which indicates impulsivity and memory dysfunction-like behaviors. Medium-dose S-ketamine administration reduced locomotor activity in the open field and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test, indicating depression-like behaviors. Changes in astrocytic activation, synaptic dysfunction, and decreased inhibitory presynaptic proteins were found in the hippocampus, amygdala, and habenula nucleus.These results demonstrate that S-ketamine may lead to detrimental effects, including ADHD-and depression-like behaviors in offspring mice. More studies should be promoted to determine the neurotoxicity of S-ketamine in the developing brain.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been widely used for cell labeling in preclinical and clinical studies, to improve labeling efficiency, particle conjugation and surface modifications are developed, but some modified SPIONs exert side-effect on physiological activity of cells, which cannot be served as ideal cell tracker. In this study, amine-modified silica-coated SPIO (SPIO@SiO(2)-NH(2), SPIO@S-N) nanoparticles were used to label bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), then the stem cell potentials were evaluated. It was found BM-MSCs could be efficiently labeled by SPIO@S-N nanoparticles. After labeling, the BM-MSCs viability kept well and the migration ability increased, but the osteogenesis and adipogenesis potentials were not impaired. In steroid associated osteonecrosis (SAON) bone defect model, stem cell implantation was performed by injection of SPIO@S-N labeled BM-MSCs into marrow cavity locally, it was found the SPIO positive cells homed to the periphery of defect region in control group, but were recruited to the defect region in poly lactic-coglycolic acid/tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/TCP) scaffold implantation group. In conclusion, SPIO@S-N nanoparticles promoted migration while retained proliferation and differentiation ability of BM-MSCs, implying this kind of nanoparticles could be served not only an ideal tracking marker but also an accelerator for stem cell homing during tissue repair.

Explore the feasibility and effectiveness of accepting mind mapping combined with problem-based learning (PBL) teaching method in the standardized training of emergency surgery residents in the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) model of emergency trauma. Eighty-nine doctors under training who rotated in the Department of Emergency Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and randomly divided into a group receiving mind mapping combined with PBL teaching and a group receiving traditional lecture-based learning teaching. Mini-clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX), direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), teaching adherence, and satisfaction assessments were completed at the time of discharge from the department. There were no significant differences between the observation and control group trainees in terms of gender, age, education, and entry grades. Both groups of doctors were better able to participate in their respective teaching modes and made significant progress. The participants in the observation group had significantly higher Mini-CEX, DOPS, and teaching satisfaction scores than the control group (P .05). Under the MDT model of emergency trauma, the combination of mind mapping and PBL teaching can improve the comprehensive clinical ability of the trainees more than participating in the traditional lecture-based learning teaching, which is worth promoting and implementing in the clinical standardized training.

Objective To study the roles of AT1R, PLC-β1, CaM and other related signal molecules in the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their correlation. Methods ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expressions of target proteins in serum and liver tissue of HCC patients, and the correlation between AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM and postoperative survival status of patients was followed up and determined. CCK-8 method was used to screen the doses of Ang II and candesartan sensitive to HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. Transwell experiment was used to observe the effects of different drugs on the migration and invasion activity of HCC cells. Meanwhile, flow cytometry and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM in the cells. Then PLC-β1 siRNA was selected to transfect HCC cells, so as to further clarify the mechanism of the above signal proteins. HepG2 cells were inoculated under the hepatic capsule of mice to induce the formation of HCC in situ. Ang II and candesartan were used to stimulate HCC mice to observe the difference in liver appearance and measure the liver index. Finally, ELISA and immunofluorescence experiments were selected to analyze the levels of target proteins in mouse serum and liver tissue. Results The expression levels of target proteins in serum and liver tissue of HCC patients were significantly increased, and the postoperative survival time of patients with high expression of AT1R, PLC-β1 or CaM was obviously shortened. Ang II and candesartan could significantly promote and inhibit the motility of HCC cells, and had different effects on the levels of AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM in cells. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma cells transfected with PLC-β1 siRNA, the intervention ability of drugs was obviously weakened. Ang II could significantly promote the formation and progression of mouse HCC, while candesartan had the opposite effect. Meanwhile, medications could affect the expressions of target proteins in mouse serum and liver tissue. Conclusion AT1R, PLC-β1 and CaM may be risk factors affecting the formation and prognosis of HCC, and the PLC-β1/CaM signaling pathway mediated by AT1R is an important way to regulate the migration and invasion activity of HCC cells.

To evaluate the additional diagnostic yield of whole exome sequencing (WES) reanalysis in patients with epilepsy and intellectual disability/mental retardation, we reanalyzed raw WES data and clinical information for 76 patient trios whose initial reports returned negative results. Eight patients (10.5%, 8/76) had positive genetic diagnoses finally, including six novel mutations in five genes. The reasons for the previous false-negative reports were divided into four categories: specific gene–disease associations had not been established at the time of the initial report; the disease database of the genetic test center had not been updated in a timely manner; the patient's clinical phenotype had not been carefully or correctly collected, submitted and reviewed when applicating genetic test and analyzing the variants; and the first round of data analysis missed a synonymous variant that affected splicing. Therefore, physicians should not give up the discovery of disease-causing mutations before re-examining the WES data and clinical phenotype by themselves or by collaborating with bioinformatic experts in the genetic test centers, especially for patients with strongly suspected genetic disease whose initial WES result was “negative”. The suitable time points for reanalysis might be the 6–12 months after initial report.

This study explored the discrepancy in the detoxification effects of different exogenous selenium (Se) species in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil to provide a scientific basis for the control of Cd pollution in the soil and the safe production of crops. A pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg·kg

To investigate the killing effect of NK-92MI cells modified by chimeric antigen receptor (CD7-CAR) and specifically targeting CD7 to CD7Three types of hematological malignant tumor cells, including 5 cases of CD7The killing efficiencies of CD7-CAR-modified NK-92MI cells to CD7CD7-CAR-modified NK-92MI cells have significantly improved killing efficiency against CD7靶向CD7的嵌合抗原受体NK-92MI细胞对CD7阳性血液系统恶性肿瘤细胞的杀伤作用.探讨特异性靶向CD7分子的嵌合抗原受体（CD7-CAR）修饰的NK-92MI细胞对CD7阳性血液系统恶性肿瘤细胞的杀伤作用.分别收集5例CD7CD7-CAR修饰的NK-92MI细胞对CD7经CD7-CAR修饰的NK-92MI细胞对CD7

Two coordination complexes, constructed by 5-(benzimidazol-2-yl) isophthalic acid ligand, namely, [Eu(HL)2(NO3)]n (1) and [Tb(HL)2(NO3)]n (2) (H2L = 5-(benzimidazol-2-yl) isophthalic acid), were obtained under the same reaction conditions and characterized. Complexes 1 and 2 were isostructral, the Ln3+ cations were linked by the carboxylate groups of L ligand to form 1-D coordination chain. And these chains were connected with four adjacent ones through hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional supramolecular network structure. The fluorescence properties of complexes 1 and 2 have been studied. The emission bands are located at violent region 418 nm. The fluorescence intensity is apparently affected by different solvents and metal ions. Among which, the nitrobenzene and Cu2+ can quench the fluorescence emission efficiently; however, the addition of Cd2+ enhances the fluorescence intensity. The variable temperature susceptibility of complexes 1 and 2 were also studied.

Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy, where the gestational sac is implanted inside the myometrium instead of the endometrial and fallopian tubes. Preoperative diagnosis remains very difficult. Ultrasonic findings vary according to the anatomical location or duration of pregnancy. In this study, we summarized the ultrasonic characteristics of intramural pregnancy by assessing three cases. We also propose a set of ultrasonic characteristics to facilitate differential diagnosis between intramural pregnancy and other types of ectopic pregnancy.

Four novel coordination polymers with distinct different structures, {[CdL(H2O)]·0.5H2O}n (1), {[ZnL(H2O)]·H2O}n (2), {[CoL(H2O)2]·2H2O}n (3), and {[NiL(H2O)2]·2H2O}n (4) (L = 5-(1-H-imidazole-1-yl)isophthalate) have been synthesized by the reaction of different transition metal cations with a rigid bi-functional ligand L. 1 possesses three-dimensional (3D) network framework, in which Cd(II) center is six coordinated by four L ligands and one aqua molecule. In compound 2, Zn(II) center adopts tetrahedral geometry and coordinated by three L ligands and one aqua molecule. 2 displays a [-AB-(H2O)n-AB-(H2O)n-] fashion 3D supramolecular network, in which A and B are two types of 2D covalent coordination layers. 3 and 4 are isostructural, metal center is six coordinated by three L ligands and two aqua molecules, and the 2D coordination layers construct the 3D supramolecular network with 1D rectangular channels via O H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The structural variation depends on the nature of metal cations. Solid-state luminescent for compounds 1–2 and magnetic properties for compounds 3–4 have been investigated.

To observe the effect of moxibustion on cardiac function and the expression of autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and selective autophagy receptor signaling adaptor sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62) in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in preventing and treating CHF.Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, moxibustion, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and autophagy agonist rapamycin (RAPA) groups (After modeling, the pathological changes of myocardium (as myocardial cell swelling with vacuoles, myocardial fibre breakage, etc.) were obvious, and the HR, LVEDP, LC3-Ⅱ and LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein expression levels were significantly increased in the model group compared with the normal group (Moxibustion can improve cardiac function in CHF rats, which may be related to its effects in down-regulating the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and up-regulating the expression of p62 protein to inhibit cardiomyocyte autophagy.

The physicochemical characterization of colloids in waters is vital for the understanding of their crucial role in transportation of pollutants and biogeochemical processes of trace elements in aquatic systems. However, there are still lack of knowledge about quantitative properties of natural aquatic nanoscale particles owing to their small size and matrix complexity. In the present work, the complementary spectroscopic and microscopic methods were applied to characterize the fluorescent properties of organic colloids, morphology of complex nanoparticles and colloidal speciation of Fe and Mn in rivers, namely Pu River (PR), Xi River (XR) and Haicheng River (HCR), located in northeast of China. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) of excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra reveals ten fluorescent components occurring in colloidal organic matter fractionated by ultrafiltration process with cut off 1 kDa or 100 kDa membrane: five humic-like fluorophores (C1, C2, C3, C6 and C8) and five protein-like components (C4, C5, C7, C9 and C10). The majority of humic-like substances is present in small size colloids (1–100 kDa) in these waters and the protein-like materials are, not truly dissolved or “free”, but associated with colloidal materials. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement indicates that small near-spherical particles with height dimensions up to 6 nm are main form in the three rivers and occasionally fibrillary material. The significant shift in the size distribution of natural colloids occurs across three rivers with average particle size of 1.43 ± 1.01 nm in the XR, 1.53 ± 1.22 nm in the PR and 2.22 ± 1.31 nm in the HCR. Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) combined with ultrafiltration shows that over 73% of total dissolved Fe and 100 kDa) fractions across selected rivers.

Ischemic stroke is a common neurological disease and a leading cause of permanent disability in many countries. Recent studies provide evidence on the role of the suppressor of the cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) gene in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. However, few studies have assessed the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on SOCS1 gene and ischemic stroke. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of SOCS1 polymorphism in ischemic stroke risk in a northern Chinese Han population. We examined 475 patients with ischemic stroke and 486 normal controls. Three SNPs (rs243327, rs243330, and rs33932899) of SOCS1 gene were determined for TaqMan genotyping assays. We also classified these case samples in depth by complications with hypertension or diabetes and by ischemic stroke subtypes. When adjusting models by multiple factor analysis by logistic regression, then calculated 10,000 permutations were performed for each model to correct the multiple test. Under additive model, the rs243327 was associated with ischemic stroke with hypertension (p = 0.047). Under heterozygous model, the rs33932899 and rs243330 were significantly associated with ischemic stroke subtypes by atherosclerosis (p = 0.038, p = 0.048, respectively). In summary, our data demonstrated for the first time that the polymorphisms of the SOCS1 gene are associated with the risk of ischemic stroke in a northern Chinese Han population, suggesting that SOCS1 gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.

An aorto-oesophageal fistula is a rare, life-threatening complication caused by sharp foreign bodies in the oesophagus. We report an aorto-oesophageal fistula in the inferior segment of thoracic oesophagus caused by a fish bone. Multiplanar reconstruction of computed tomography and computed tomography angiography demonstrated that a foreign body had pierced from the left posterior wall of the oesophagus into the descending aortic wall. These computed tomography images can help radiologists make the correct diagnosis and provide precise evidence for clinicians to perform a timely surgical intervention. In addition, a nodule in the upper lobe of the left lung was found by accident. The pathological finding after surgery revealed an invasive adenocarcinoma.

Supercritical(near) critical water oxidation is a green and efficient method developed in recent years for the treatment of organic waste, The kinetics of Mn2O3 catalytic degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Supercritical(near) critical water was studied. The reaction order, apparent activation energy and the feedback of three factors on catalytic degradation were determined. The experiment shows that under the conditions of temperature 280∼360°C, pressure 6.9∼ 20.3mpa and reaction time 5∼30min, Mn2O3 and hydrogen peroxide are used as the oxygen source without the catalyst. 4,4 ‘-dibromobiphenyl has a reaction order of 1.71, Apparent activation energy 46.56 kJ/mol; Mn2O3 catalyst was used, the reaction order of 4,4 ‘-dibromobiphenyl was 1.79, and the apparent activation energy was 37.89 kJ/mol. Therefore, Mn2O3 as a catalyst can significantly degrade the activation energy of POPs in near-critical water.

The kinetics of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) degradation has been the focus of wastewater treatment in recent years, and supercritical water oxidation is a green and efficient organic waste treatment method developed in recent years. The kinetics of degradation of POPs by catalytic oxidation of near-critical water zinc heteropolysate was studied. The reaction order, apparent activation energy and the feedback of three factors to catalytic degradation were measured. In this experiment, under the conditions of temperature 280∼360°C, pressure 6.9∼ 20.3MPa and reaction time 5∼30min, using Zn1.2PW12O40 as catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as oxygen source, the kinetics of supercritical water catalytic oxidation of 4,4 ‘-dibromobiphenyl was studied. Through MATLAB software fitting data, it was found that: Using zinc phosphotungstate Zn1.5PW12O40 catalyst, 4,4 ‘-dibromobiphenyl reaction order is 1.70, apparent activation energy is 44.04 kJ/mol, therefore, phosphotungstate as catalyst can reduce the activation energy of POPs oxidative degradation in near-critical water.

Summary Aim To reveal the pathogenesis and find the precision treatment for the childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) patients with NIPA2 mutations. Methods We performed whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings to measure the electrophysiological properties of layer V neocortical somatosensory pyramidal neurons in wild‐type (WT) and NIPA2‐knockout mice. Results We identified that layer V neocortical somatosensory pyramidal neurons isolated from the NIPA2‐knockout mice displayed higher frequency of spontaneous and evoked action potential, broader half‐width of evoked action potential, and smaller currents of BK channels than those from the WT mice. NS11021, a specific BK channel opener, reduced neuronal excitability in the NIPA2‐knockout mice. Paxilline, a selective BK channel blocker, treated WT neurons and could simulate the situation of NIPA2‐knockout group, thereby suggesting that the absence of NIPA2 enhanced the excitability of neocortical somatosensory pyramidal neurons by decreasing the currents of BK channels. Zonisamide, an anti‐epilepsy drug, reduced action potential firing in NIPA2‐knockout mice through increasing BK channel currents. Conclusion The results indicate that the absence of NIPA2 enhances neural excitability through BK channels. Zonisamide is probably a potential treatment for NIPA2 mutation‐induced epilepsy, which may provide a basis for the development of new treatment strategies for epilepsy.

To observe the effect of moxibustion on cardiac function and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X (Bax), Fas, Fas ligand (FasL) in cardiomyocytes of chronic heart failure (CHF) rats, so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in preventing and treating CHF.SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, moxibustion, Captopril and moxibustion ＋ Captopril (M＋C) groups (After modeling, the pathological changes of myocardium (as myocardial cell swelling with vacuoles, myocardial fibre breakage, etc.) were obvious, the LVMI, RVMI, serum BNP and NT-pro BNP concentrations, and myocardial Bax, Fas and FasL protein expression levels were significantly increased in the model group compared with the normal group (Moxibustion can reduce myocardial injury and improve cardiac function in CHF rats, which may be related to its effects in down-regulating the expression of myocardial Bax, Fas and FasL proteins, and up-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 protein to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Copper is essential for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are induced by amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation; thus, the homeostasis of copper is believed to be a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although clinical trials of copper chelators show promise when applied in AD, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we reported that copper chelators promoted nonamyloidogenic processing of AβPP through MT

In order to develop genomic-SSR markers for species of Saxifraga genus, a mixed plant genomic DNA sample was sequenced based on high-throughput Illumina MiSeq platform. According to genomic sequencing data, SSR loci were identified with MISA software, and then primers were designed with Primer 3 software. A total of 120 pairs of primers were randomly synthesized and amplified in genomic DNA of a few plant samples. Those primers who have yielded polymorphic bands and were considered easy to amplify were identified. After that, transferability of these primers was evaluated, and phylogenetic relationship of 25 species of Saxifraga genus was analyzed with UPGMA (unweighted pair group method analysis). In our results, 587 256 sequences containing SSRs were identified from a total of 1 881 979 combined read pairs obtained in genomic sequencing. Primers were designated to amplify SSRs containing two to six nucleotide repeat units, screened in a small portion of species. Finally, 17 pairs of primers which have produced abundant of polymorphic bands with little problem were amplified in 25 species of Saxifraga genus. A total of 2 687 polymorphic bands were obtained, the average polymorphic rate was 158 bands per pairs of primers. The transferability rate was ranging from 88.0% to 100% across 25 species of Saxifraga. In phylogenetic analysis, the clustering of 25 species based on 17 pairs of SSR primers was different from morphological classification. Our analysis has provided molecular data for genetic relationship of Saxifraga genus, and the transferable and polymorphic SSRs have provided information for genetic diversity research.

With the rapid development of computer hardware, parallel computing cluster is becoming more and more powerful. It becomes focus of attention that how to make full use of the parallel abilities in computing cluster for grid service faster and more agility in the analysis of power system simulation. This paper introduces the optimization and implementation of power system parallel computing management platform based on online and offline power system research. It improves the computing resource utilization, enhances the general platform, standardizes management of computing interface at the same time and realizes the application process can be configured for the customs. At present, the optimization and implementation of power system parallel computing management platform has been successfully applied to online warning research and auxiliary decision in the power system, and it is also applied to offline study prediction, collaborative system for power grid operation mode calculation and so on.

The quaternary ammonium fibers which could remove Cr(VI) ions rapidly were prepared by radiation-induced grafting of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) onto polypropylene (PP) fibers (PP-g-DMAEMA) and modifying with 1-bromoalkanes. The FTIR, FESEM, XPS and TG-DTG spectra manifested that the quaternary ammonium group was introduced onto the surface of PP fibers. The main factors influencing the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions including contact time, pH of the aqueous solution and adsorption dosage were investigated. The removal rate could reach 97% within 4 min and the kinetics study indicated that adsorption process was surface reaction controlled. Maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) ions at 25 °C were 105.8 mg/g based on the Langmuir isotherms. These results suggested that the quaternary ammonium fibers have potential application for the removal of hazardous metal pollutants from wastewater highly and rapidly.

A polyphenol oxidase (PPO), located in the bud of Lonicera confusa, was extracted, purified and characterized. Ammonium sulfate precipitation and diethyl-aminoethanol-cellulose were used to purify the PPO 20.27-fold. The molecular mass of PPO was 28.8 kDa, as determined by size exclusion chromatography combined with multiangle laser light scattering and refractive index. The optimum pH value and temperature for PPO activity in the presence of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) as a substrate were 8.5 and 15C, respectively. The enzyme was stable after 60 min at 10 and 20C, and the PPO activity remained above 90%. The Km for l-DOPA was determined to be 2.26 mM. The PPO exhibited both diphenolase and triphenolase activities. Using Vmax/Km as a specificity constant, pyrocatechol was the better substrate for PPO. Moreover, ascorbic acid was a strong inhibitor that inhibited more than 78% of PPO activity at 1 mM. Practical Applications Lonicera confusa is often used in the fields of medicine and drink production. L. confusa quickly turns brown during drying and storage. Our results may facilitate the characterization of the mechanism involved in this browning process and thus provide a strategy for controlling the browning reaction as this reaction is a serious limitation in the food industry.

Five new analogs 4-8 of rubiyunnanin B (1), mainly modified on the tetrapeptide subunit, were synthesized. These agents 4-8 were substituted D-Ala-L-Ala-L-Tyr(OMe)-L-Ala, D-Ala-L-Ala-L-Phe-L-Ala, D-Ala-L-Ala-L-Tyr-L-Ala, D-Ala-L-Ala-L-Pro-L-Ala, and D-Ala-L-Ala-L-Ala for the D-Ala-L-Ala-c-N-Me-Tyr(OMe)-L-Ala tetrapeptide subunit. Unlike the natural product, the synthetic agents 4-8 adopt only a single solution conformation, and the central peptide bond in the cyclodityrosine subunit of compounds 4-8 adopt trans stereochemistry. Cytotoxic activities of analogs 4-8 against three human cancer cell lines including A549, BGC-823, and HeLa were evaluated and all the five synthesized peptides exhibited no effects against the test cell lines. These compounds were also evaluated for their antiinsulin resistance and insulin sensitizing activities and none of them showed activity in these assays. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A series of novel bergenin derivatives based on alcoholic hydroxyl group(s) modifications have been designed, synthesized and their cytotoxic activities against two human cancer cell lines including K562 and HL60 were evaluated. Over half of the tested derivatives, mainly with nitrogen containing moieties, displayed strong activities against K562 and HL60 cell lines.

A simple and sensitive method was developed for the determination of Cr(VI) and As(V) using a microcolumn packed with quaternary ammonium ion exchange fiber for the preconcentration of trace amount of Cr(VI) and As(V) prior to their determination by UV–vis spectrophotometer. It was found that Cr(VI) and As(V) could be almost completely retained on ion-exchange fiber in the pH range of 5.0–6.5 and 3.5–5.0, respectively. With a mixture eluent of 5% (w/v) NH4Cl and 10% (v/v) NH3/H2O solution, they could be almost quantitatively eluted. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits were 0.2 μg L−1 for Cr(VI) and 0.8 μg L−1 for As(V) with enrichment factors of 96.5 and 95.3, respectively. The relative standard deviations for nine replicate determinations at 5 and 10 μg L−1 for Cr(VI) and As(V) were 2.2 and 3.4%, respectively. These results proved that the proposed method had a potential in the analysis of trace metal ions with good accuracy in real samples.

The purification and partial enzymology characteristics of polyphenol oxidase from Lonicera japonica (LjPPO) were studied in this paper. The crude enzyme solution was purified in turn by ammonium sulfate, dialysis, and DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography after preliminary treatments. Purification resulted in 31-fold enrichment and its molecular weight was estimated to be ~49 kDa exhibited on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The pH for optimal conditions of LjPPO was 7.5, and the temperature was 25 °C, in addition, the inhibitive effects of inhibitors were enhanced positively with increasing of the concentration. Moreover, crude enzyme solution showed diphenolase activity toward catechol, l-dopa and chlorogenic acid rather than monophenolase and triphenolase activity, and the best substrate was catechol because of the highest V(max)/K(m) value. However, the oxidation of diphenol related to browning significantly, so the data obtained in this research provided theoretical basis for the prevention of enzymatic browning of L. japonica during processing.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed clinically because of diagnostic difficulties caused by lack of laboratory-specific serological markers. In this study, we comprehensively assessed the clinical characteristics, laboratory indices, hepatotoxic drugs, risk factors and outcomes concerning DILI, and explored the similarities in mechanisms between Chinese and Western drug-induced DILI. Patients with a first diagnosis of DILI and a Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score >3 points were enrolled for systematic retrospective study. Their clinical characteristics, clinical classification, risk factors, laboratory indices, hepatotoxic drugs and outcomes were analyzed. Cholestatic patients had the highest alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and prothrombin time activity (PTA) levels (P