Search

• Hyaluronan (HA) and its role in AD pathology and HA synthases (HASs) are studied. • HAS1 is uniquely altered in the AD brain, affecting microenvironmental remodeling. • The AβPP-tau-HAS1 axis plays a crucial role in AD gene transcription. • GSK3β inhibitor blocking tau phosphorylation affects HAS1 and HA synthesis. • Transcriptomic data reveals non-ubiquitinated HAS1′s link to AD, offering new insights. As the backbone of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the perineuronal nets (PNNs), hyaluronic acid (HA) provides binding sites for proteoglycans and other ECM components. Although the pivotal of HA has been recognized in Alzheimer's disease (AD), few studies have addressed the relationship between AD pathology and HA synthases (HASs). Here, HASs in different regions of AD brains were screened in transcriptomic database and validated in AβPP/PS1 mice. We found that HAS1 was distributed along the axon and nucleus. Its transcripts were reduced in AD patients and AβPP/PS1 mice. Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) mediates AβPP-induced cytosolic-nuclear translocation of HAS1, and negatively regulated the stability, monoubiquitination, and oligomerization of HAS1, thus reduced the synthesis and release of HA. Furthermore, non-ubiquitinated HAS1 mutant lost its enzyme activity, and translocated from the cytosol into the nucleus, forming nuclear speckles (NS). Unlike the splicing-related NS, less than 1 % of the non-ubiquitinated HAS1 co-localized with SRRM2, proving the regulatory role of HAS1 in gene transcription, indirectly. Thus, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to both non-ubiquitinated HAS1 mutant and AD were screened using transcriptomic datasets. Thirty-nine DEGs were identified, with 64.1 % (25/39) showing consistent results in both datasets. Together, we unearthed an important function of the AβPP-p-tau-HAS1 axis in microenvironment remodeling and gene transcription during AD progression, involving the ubiquitin-proteasome, lysosome, and NS systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 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 MT1/2/CREB‐dependent signaling pathways. First, we found that the formation of Aβ plaques in the cortex was significantly reduced, and learning deficits were significantly improved in AβPP/PS1 transgenic mice by copper chelator tetrathiomolybdate (TM) administration. Second, TM and another copper chelator, bathocuproine sulfonate (BCS), promoted nonamyloidogenic processing of AβPP via inducing the expression of ADAM10 and the secretion of sAβPPα. Third, the inducible ADAM10 production caused by copper chelators can be blocked by a melatonin receptor (MT1/2) antagonist (luzindole) and a MT2 inhibitor (4‐P‐PDOT), suggesting that the expression of ADAM10 depends on the activation of MT1/2 signaling pathways. Fourth, three of the MT1/2‐downstream signaling pathways, Gq/PLC/MEK/ERK/CREB, Gs/cAMP/PKA/ERK/CREB and Gs/cAMP/PKA/CREB, were responsible for copper chelator‐induced ADAM10 production. Based on these results, we conclude that copper chelators regulate the balance between amyloidogenic and nonamyloidogenic processing of AβPP via promoting ADAM10 expression through MT1/2/CREB‐dependent signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial dysfunction in brain endothelial cells contributes to vasogenic cerebral edema and increased mortality after various neurological diseases. The postsynaptic density protein Homer1 plays an important role in neuronal synaptic activity and is extensively involved in neurological disorders. The present study investigated the role of Homer1 in modulating cell survival using an in vitro endothelial dysfunction model in murine brain endothelial cells (mBECs). Treatment with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced a dose-dependent toxicity in mBECs, with no effects on Homer1 expression and distribution. Knockdown of Homer1 using specific siRNA significantly alleviated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, increased cell viability, and ultimately decreased apoptosis after t-BHP treatment. Moreover, Homer1 knockdown attenuated t-BHP-induced ROS generation, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidenced by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP synthesis collapse and mitochondrial swelling. The results of Ca 2+ imaging showed that Homer1 was involved in inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP 3 R)- and ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated intracellular Ca 2+ release, and also mediated t-BHP-induced Ca 2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition, knockdown of Homer1 significantly prevented activation of ER stress markers induced by t-BHP exposure. All these results showed that Homer1 is involved in t-BHP-induced endothelial dysfunction in mBECs, and may be an ideal candidate for searching gene intervention strategy for preventing endothelial oxidative stress in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Zn(L)2] (1) and [(Ph)2Sn(L)(CH3COO)] (2), where HL = 2-benzoylpyridine N(4)-cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone, have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes show different coordination depending on their coordinating preferences. Biological studies carried outin vitroagainst human leukemia K562 cells show that the diorgantin(IV) complex,2, has significant cytotoxicity with IC50 = 3.3 ± 0.5 ?M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polyamine metabolism is an intriguing tumor therapeutic target. The present study was designed to assess the synergistic antitumor effects of NPC-16, a novel polyamine naphthalimide conjugate, with celecoxib and to elucidate the mechanism of these effects on human colorectal cancer cells. Methods: Cell proliferation was assessed by the MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and mitochondria membrane potential were evaluated by high content screening analysis. Intracellular polyamine content was detected by HPLC. Protein expression was detected by western blot analysis. Results: The co-treatment with celecoxib enhanced NPC-16-induced apoptosis in HCT116 (COX-2 no expression), HT29 (COX-2 higher expression) and Caco-2 (COX-2 higher expression) colorectal cancer cells, which was mediated by the elevated NPC-16 uptake via the effect of celecoxib on polyamine metabolism, including the up-regulated spermidine/spermine N-acetyltransferase (SSAT) activity and reduced intracellular polyamine levels. The presence of celecoxib does not result in obviously different effect on the NPC-16-triggered apoptosis in diverse COX-2 expressed colorectal cell lines, suggesting that COX-2 was not one vital factor in the apoptotic mechanism. Furthermore, this synergistic apoptosis was involved in the PKB/AKT signal pathway, Bcl-2 and caspase family members. Z-VAD-FMK, a cell permeable pan caspase inhibitor, almost completely inhibited celecoxib and NPC-16 co-induced apoptosis, indicating that this apoptosis was caspase dependent. Conclusions: Co-treatment of celecoxib and NPC-16 could induce colorectal cancer cell apoptosis via COX-2-independent and caspase-dependent mechanisms. The combination therapy with these agents might provide a novel therapeutic model for colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of acute and chronic administration of MK-801 (0.6 mg/kg), a noncompetitive NMDA-receptor antagonist on extracellular glutamate (Glu) and ascorbic acid (AA) release in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of freely moving mice using in vivo microdialysis with open-field behavior. In line with earlier studies, acute administration of MK-801 induced an increase of Glu in the PFC. We also observed single MK-801 treatment increased AA release in the PFC. In addition, our results indicated that the basal AA levels in the PFC after MK-801 administration for 7 consecutive days were significantly decreased, and basal Glu levels also had a decreased tendency. After chronic administration (0.6 mg/kg, 7 days), MK-801 (0.6 mg/kg) challenge significantly decreased dialysate levels of AA and Glu. Our study also found that both acute and chronic administration of MK-801 induced hyperactivity in mice, but the intensity of acute administration was more than that of chronic administration. Furthermore, in all acute treatment mice, individual changes in Glu dialysate concentrations and the numbers of locomotion were positively correlated. In conclusion, this study may provide new evidence that a single MK-801 administration induces increases of dialysate AA and Glu concentrations in the PFC of freely moving mice, which are opposite to those induced by repeated MK-801 administration, with an unknown mechanism. Our results suggested that redox-response might play an important role in the model of schizophrenic symptoms induced by MK-801. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Cognitive impairment is the main factor in the poor prognosis of schizophrenia, but its mechanism remains unclear. The inferior parietal lobule (IPL) is related to various clinical symptoms and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. We aimed to explore the relationship between IPL-related functions and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Methods: 136 schizophrenia patients and 146 demographically matched healthy controls were enrolled for a cross-sectional study. High-spatial-resolution structural and resting-state functional images were acquired to demonstrate the alternations of brain structure and function. At the same time, the digit span and digit symbol coding tasks of the Chinese Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test Revised (WAIS-RC) were utilized in assessing the subjects' cognitive function. Patients were divided into cognitive impairment and normal cognitive groups according to their cognitive score and then compared whether there were differences between the three groups in fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF). In addition, we did a correlation analysis between cognitive function and the fALFF for the left IPL of patients and healthy controls. Based on the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we obtained genes expressed in the left IPL, which were then intersected with the transcriptome-wide association study results and differentially expressed genes in schizophrenia. Results: Grouping of patients by the backward digit span task and the digit symbol coding task showed differences in fALFF values between healthy controls and cognitive impairment patients (P < 0.05). We found a negative correlation between the backward digit span task score and fALFF of the left IPL in healthy controls (r = − 0.388, P = 0.003), which was not seen in patients (r = 0.203, P = 0.020). In addition, none of the other analyses were statistically significant (P > 0.017). In addition, we found that diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) is differentially expressed in the left IPL and associated with schizophrenia. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the left IPL plays a vital role in cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. DGKζ may act as an essential regulator in the left IPL of schizophrenia patients with cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Naphthalimides have shown potent antitumour activity against a variety of murine and human cancer cells. However, most of them have been abandoned because of a poor therapeutic index and haematotoxicity, such as amonafide. To overcome these disadvantages, many novel naphthalimide derivatives have been designed and synthesized as antitumour agents. Methods The cytotoxicity of 6,6-(propane-1,3-diylbis(azanediyl)bis(2-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1-3(2H)-dione) (BND-12) was evaluated using multiparameter cytotoxicity 2 kit by High Content Screening (HCS). The antiproliferative ability of BND-12 was evaluated using MTT assay. BND-12-mediated cell apoptosis was evaluated using HCS. Antitumor effects and systemic toxicity of BND-12 were evaluated in vivo using Kunming male mice. Key findings After screening, we found BND-12, a novel naphthalimide derivative, exerted favourable antitumour activity in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of BND-12 was due to cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Interestingly, we demonstrated that BND-12 exerted more potent antitumour activity in subcutaneous xenograft tumour growth, survival time and lung metastasis than amonafide in vivo. Encouragingly, preliminary toxicological evaluation demonstrated that BND-12 had no obvious systemic toxicity at the therapeutic dose, especially haematotoxicity. Conclusions BND-12 exerted potent effects against HCC in vivo and in vitro, importantly, it had no obvious systemic toxicity at the therapeutic dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present work, the detailed formation process of hollow silicalite-1 microcapsules (HSMs) was investigated in the hydrothermal system of silicalite-1 pre-seeded mesoporous silica spheres (MSSs). The effects of the starting gel composition together with the hydrothermal synthesis conditions such as alkalinity, tetra-propylammonium cation (TPA+) content, and temperature on the features of microcapsules are comprehensively discussed, and a related mechanism is presented. It is found that the matching of core dissolution rate (R cd) and silicalite-1 shell inter-growth rate (R si) is crucial for the formation of perfect HSMs. The proper addition of tetraethoxy-orthosilane (TEOS) as supplemental silica source could accelerate R si whereas excess TEOS will dramatically suppress the consumption of siliceous species from the MSS cores owing to the higher activity of siliceous species in TEOS for the zeolite crystallization. The excellent HSMs with dense inter-grown shell structure as well as perfect hollow center can be fabricated by controlling the relative rates of the dissolution of silica template core and the formation of zeolitic shell. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Selective hydration of ethylene oxide (EO) was investigated with several inorganic salt systems as homogeneous catalysts. By optimizing reaction conditions, the highest monoethylene glycol (MEG) selectivity of 98% was obtained with >99% EO conversion at a water/EO molar ratio=10. The effects of pH value and anion addition–esterification on MEG selectivity were systematically studied, and a comprehensive mechanism was proposed based on the results. The conclusion should be useful in developing high performance catalysts for the manufacture of MEG by EO hydration at a low water/EO ratio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An unusually stable and regeneratable nanosized CdS-based catalyst for visible-light-induced photocatalysis was developed by combining the protection effect of polyelectrolyte and the spatial confinement of mesopores. This catalyst was fabricated by coating a layer of poly(diallyl dimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA) around nanosized CdS pre-incorporated hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) sphere, and named as CdS/HMS–PDDA. In contrast to the catalyst without PDDA-coating (CdS/HMS), which loses its activity at 3rd run, CdS/HMS–PDDA can completely degrade the organic pollutants for over 22 runs. Noticeably, CdS/HMS–PDDA can be facilely regenerated by H2S treatment, and the catalyst shows the same capability as the fresh one even after 6 regenerations (accumulatively 151 runs). No cadmium leakage is detected from CdS/HMS–PDDA during the photocatalytic processes, promising its environmental compatibility. A series of characterization experiments reveal that the polyelectrolyte layer effectively prevents the cadmium species from leakage, and further delays the photocorrosion of CdS via a back reaction occurred by use of photogenerated electrons remaining in CdS, endowing the catalyst with high stability and regeneratability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new strategy of heterogenizing homogeneous catalysts by encaging the quasi-homogeneous catalytic reaction into a zeolitic microcapsular reactor has been proposed. As an example toward achieving such goal, a highly stable, nanopalladium-entrapped zeolitic microcapsular reactor (Pd@S1) was successfully fabricated and evaluated for Heck coupling reaction. The Pd@S1 not only exhibits excellent reactivity at low Pd adoption during the reaction, but also can be reused for more than 10 runs with negligible loss of activity, in contrast to rapid decay of activity of conventional Pd/C catalysts. Such reusability can be explained by the encapsulation of the “quasi-homogeneous” reaction mechanism of Heck coupling within the micrometer-sized hollow cavities of Pd@S1, which successfully avoids the Pd leaching during the reaction. The strategy may be helpful in the design of reusable, highly efficient catalysts with advantages deriving from both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we ascertained the chest CT data of 60 patients admitted to 3 hospitals in Chongqing with confirmed COVID-19. We conducted anatomical and pathological analyses to elucidate the possible reasons for the distribution, morphology, and characteristics of COVID-19 in chest CT. We also shared a semiquantitative scoring of affected lung segments, which was recommended by our local medical association. This scoring system was applied to quantify the severity of the disease. The most frequent imaging findings of COVID-19 were subpleural ground glass opacities and consolidation; there was a significant difference in semiquantitative scores between the early, progressive, and severe stages of the disease. We conclude that the chest CT findings of COVID-19 showed certain characteristics because of the anatomical features of the human body and pathological changes caused by the virus. Therefore, chest CT is a valuable tool for facilitating the diagnosis of COVID-19 and semiquantitative scoring of affected lung segments may further elucidate diagnosis and assessment of disease severity. This will assist healthcare workers in diagnosing COVID-19 and assessing disease severity, facilitate the selection of appropriate treatment options, which is important for reducing the spread of the virus, saving lives, and controlling the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Molecular mechanism of 1 inducing apoptosis against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells has been discussed in detail. Biological research illustrated that 1 exhibited higher activity against HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity experiments involving with mitochondria indicated that 1 restrained cells growth in a dose-dependent manner. Protein analysis revealed that 1 restrained Bcl-2 expression and accelerated Bax expression, inducing caspase-3 activation. Abstract In this paper, three bismuth(III) and diorganotin(IV) complexes based on bis(2-acetylpyridine) thiocarbonohydrazone (H 2 L) have been fully designed. The tests of the complexes on inhibiting human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells growth in vitro revealed that the complexes have higher activity against HepG2 cells but much less toxicity toward normal hepatocyte QSG7701 cells. Particularly, 1 exhibited higher activity with a lower IC 50 value (compound concentration that produces 50% of cell death, 3.42 ± 0.25 µM). Moreover, cytotoxicity experiments involving with mitochondria confirmed that 1 restrained cells growth in a dose-dependent manner. Protein analysis indicated that 1 restrained Bcl-2 expression and accelerated Bax expression, inducing caspase-3 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screw dislocation structures in crystals are an origin of symmetry breaking in a wide range of dense-phase crystals. Preparation of such analogous structures in framework-phase crystals is of great importance in zeolites but is still a challenge. On the basis of crystal-structure solving and model building, it was found that the two specific intergrowths in MTW zeolite produce this complex fractal and spiral structure. With the structurally determined parameters (spiral pitch h, screw angle θ, and spatial angle ψ) of Burgers circuit, the screw dislocation structure can be constructed by two different dimensional intergrowth sections. Thus the reported complexity of various dimensions in diverse crystals can be unified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screw dislocation structures in crystals are an origin of symmetry breaking in a wide range of dense-phase crystals. Preparation of such analogous structures in framework-phase crystals is of great importance in zeolites but is still a challenge. On the basis of crystal-structure solving and model building, it was found that the two specific intergrowths in MTW zeolite produce this complex fractal and spiral structure. With the structurally determined parameters (spiral pitch h, screw angle θ, and spatial angle ψ) of Burgers circuit, the screw dislocation structure can be constructed by two different dimensional intergrowth sections. Thus the reported complexity of various dimensions in diverse crystals can be unified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two metal complexes [(Me) 2 Sn(L)(OAc)] ( 1 ), and [Pd(L)Cl] ( 2 ) based on 2-benzoylpyridine N (4)-cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone have been synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray crystallography reveals that in title compounds, each thiosemicarbazone adopts tridentate NNS manner to coordinate with the metal center, and the metal coordination geometry can be described as a distorted pentagonal bipyramid in 1 and a contorted square-planar in 2 , respectively. Growth inhibition assays have indicated that two compounds can effectively inhibit the growth of HepG2 cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations. In addition, apoptosis mechanisms of 2 on HepG2 cells were further investigated. The results show that 2 can promote the apoptosis of HepG2 cells and the apoptosis is associated with the activation of caspase-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ziprasidone (ZIP) is often used with olanzapine (OLZ) in ‘switch’ and combination therapy but empirical evidence to support these strategies is limited. Objective This study was therefore designed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of switching from OLZ to ZIP, the combination of both medications, and OLZ and ZIP monotherapy, in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Methods In this 12 week open-label, assessor-blinded randomized trial, 148 patients with SSD who had not used antipsychotics for at least 3 months were assigned to ZIP (n = 49) or OLZ monotherapy (n = 31); OLZ for 4 weeks then a switch to ZIP (OLZ/ZIP, n = 35); or combination therapy (OLZ + ZIP, n = 33). The severity of psychosis and abnormal involuntary movements was evaluated at baseline, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks using standard instruments. Baseline-to-endpoint changes in weight gain and metabolic measures were compared. Results The efficacy of both OLZ/ZIP and OLZ + ZIP was comparable OLZ monotherapy and better than ZIP monotherapy in reducing overall psychotic and negative symptoms at most 8 and 12 week measurement points. Changes in weight gain, glucose, and lipid measures did not differ between OLZ/ZIP and OLZ + ZIP, but were markedly higher following OLZ monotherapy. The OLZ + ZIP group had the lowest overall incidence of adverse events and extrapyramidal symptoms of all the treatment regimens. Conclusions We conclude that combining ZIP and OLZ at the outset of treatment is superior to switching from OLZ to ZIP in terms of improving psychotic symptoms and limiting movement side effects without increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti–6Al–4V (TC4) alloy was treated by wet shot peening (WP) using ceramic beads compared with dry shot peening (SP). The effects of shot peening on surface integrity, microstructural evolution, fatigue crack initiation behavior and tensile-tensile fatigue performance were investigated applying multiple characterization techniques. The result exhibited that the surface plastic deformation caused by WP and SP treatment resulted in microstructure changes near the surface. Surface morphology was distinctly changed by shot peening treatment. The roughness value increased from 0.596 μm (Ra) to 1.594 μm (Ra). Microhardness gradients and compressive residual stress (CRS) distributions along the depth were induced by shot peening. The maximum hardness reached 373.5 HV, 407.8 HV and 445.3 HV. The maximum value of CRS reached 884 MPa, 1038 MPa and 1207 MPa with the corresponding depth at 21 μm, 25 μm and 40 μm. The fatigue life was significantly improved by shot peening treatment. Cracks tended to initiate at the subsurface layer instead of the treated surface after shot peening. The reason for crack initiation position altering was tentatively explained by the CRS stable zone. The competition mechanism between the surface stress concentration and local strengthening factors were discussed based on the analysis of stress concentration factor, K t. [Display omitted] • Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy was treated by wet shot peening (WP) and dry shot peening (SP). • Effect of shot peening on microstructure evolution and surface integrity were analyzed. • Fatigue property of specimens was significantly improved by shot peening treatment. • Fatigue cracks tend to initiate at subsurface instead of the treated surface after shot peening. • Competition mechanism between surface stress concentration and local strengthening factors was concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of meso/microporous zeolite Y composites with adjustable hierarchy factors (HF) from 0.04 to 0.16, are prepared from commercial NaY zeolite (Si/Al = 2.5) by the two-step method with first lactic acid leaching and then CTAB-assisted ammonia treatment. The essential effect of lactic acid on the formation of diverse mesoporous domains in microporous crystals are systematically investigated. A possible scheme is proposed. The lactic acid leaching process is found to be very crucial to controllably remove the framework aluminum and regulate the amount/size of intra-crystal amorphous silicon-rich domains, which then evolve to mesostructures within the microporous crystals via structural re-arrangement/dissolution-reassembly process during the CTAB-assisted ammonia treatment. Varying the lactic acid concentrations would result in different crystallinity preservations and diverse proportions/dispersity of mesoporous regions, and thus well tune the HF values of the final composites. The zeolite Y composites with moderate mesoporosities allow much better performances in the acetalization reactions of cyclohexanone with pentaerythritol due to the improved diffusion ability of large sized guest molecules, whereas accompanying loss of acidity would depress reactivities of the treated samples for dehydration of small isopropanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been employed for decades as a non-pharmacologic treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although a link has been suggested between PTSD and impaired sensorimotor gating (SG), studies assessing the effects of rTMS against PTSD or PTSD with impaired SG are scarce. Aim: To assess the benefit of rTMS in a rat model of PTSD. Methods: Using a modified single prolonged stress (SPS&S) rat model of PTSD, behavioral parameters were acquired using open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), and prepulse inhibition trial (PPI), with or without 7 days of high frequency (10Hz) rTMS treatment of SPS&S rats. Results: Anxiety-like behavior, impaired SG and increased plasma level of cortisol were observed in SPS&S animals after stress for a prolonged time. Interestingly, rTMS administered immediately after stress prevented those impairment. Conclusion: Stress-induced anxiety-like behavior, increased plasma level of cortisol and impaired PPI occur after stress and high-frequency rTMS has the potential to ameliorate this behavior, suggesting that high frequency rTMS should be further evaluated for its use as a method for preventing PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a primary constituent of a Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown to have some therapeutic effects in an animal model of depression, but its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 21 days, and received RA for 14 days from the last week of CUS, then the behavioral changes, hippocampal pERK1/2 and BDNF levels were observed. Rats were further treated with U0126 (an ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibitor) 30 min before RA treatment to assess the effects of RA and ERK1/2 signaling in depressive-like behavior and hippocampal BDNF levels. In addition, brains of newly born Sprague-Dawley rats were used to harvest and expand hippocampal astrocytes. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of RA (sham, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL) or U0126 (2 μM as a final concentration) + RA (sham, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL) for 48 h, and the pERK1/2 and BDNF levels were assessed by western and ELISA assays. RA administration (10 mg/kg daily) reversed depressive-like behaviors in rats exposed to a chronic unpredictable stress paradigm and restored pERK1/2 protein expression and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, in vitro experiments revealed that 20 μg/mL RA increased pERK1/2 and BDNF levels in cultured astrocytes. Interestingly, the effects of RA were inhibited by U0126. RA might be a useful treatment for depression and the changes in ERK1/2 signaling and BDNF levels may play a critical role in the pharmacological action of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Layered niobic acids (H x K1− x Nb3O8, x =0–1) are reported as new solid acid catalysts for the selective hydration of ethylene oxide (EO). They are prepared by simply calcinating Nb2O5–K2CO3 mixture followed by an ion-exchange process in HNO3 solution of different concentrations. The highest selectivity for monoethylene glycol (MEG) is achieved over 95% with EO conversion of >99% at x of 0.7 under H2O/EO ratio of 8. Combined with the results of first-principles density functional theory calculations and Hammett indicator method, it is revealed that the suitable acid strength is more crucial for MEG selectivity than acid amount. Furthermore, a self-exfoliation of layered HNb3O8 is also found during EO hydration, which proves to be another important factor for its good catalytic performance by exposing the abundant acid sites among the nanosheets. The thermal stability investigation of HNb3O8 also indicates a careful selection of characterization and application way for this layered niobic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A method based on seed surface crystallization (SSC) mechanism has been proposed for facile, rapid, controllable and low-cost synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolite with submicron-size and interesting core–shell structure. The crystallization process of the ZSM-5 zeolite with all sizes can be accomplished within 2.5h. The morphology and size of zeolite ZSM-5 products can both be facilely adjustable in the domain of 270–1100nm depending upon the characters of silicalite-1 seeds, while the thickness of aluminum-containing zeolite ZSM-5 shells can be well tuned by changing the amount of silicalite-1 seed. More interestingly, the siliceous silicalite-1 seeds within the obtained zeolite crystals could be selectively removed by alkaline treatment. By systematically tracking the crystallization process combined with mathematical analysis, the crystallization of ZSM-5 zeolites in the reaction system is revealed as SSC mechanism with a size-independent, linear growth process. Their crystal growth rate is calculated as c.a. 0.15μmh−1 regardless of the seed size and amount. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hollow zeolitically microcapsulized (HZMC) catalysts with encapsulated noble metal nanoparticles, such as Pt and Ag, have been successfully fabricated through a hydrothermal transformation process. A series of catalytic oxidation reactions of alcohols were performed both on HZMC catalysts and on commercial catalysts, such as Pt/SiO2 and Pt/Al2O3. The HZMC catalysts exhibit good reactant selectivity due to the existence of a zeolitic shell. More interestingly, the HZMC catalysts retained most of their reactivity even in the presence of a significant amount of poison contaminants (>5 vol%), whereas the reactivity on commercial catalysts was quickly quenched under the same conditions. Furthermore, the HZMC catalysts could be recycled for at least 6 runs without losing their activity, whereas the commercial catalysts deactivated rapidly with the recycling. The unique reactant-selectivity, poison-resistance, and reusability of the HZMC catalysts demonstrate that the strategy of zeolitic encapsulation for noble metal catalysts is effective and applicable in practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chinese herbal medicines possess the therapeutic potential for mood disorders. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of the herbal medicine called Free and Easy Wanderer Plus (FEWP) as an adjunct to carbamazepine (CBZ) in patients with bipolar disorders. One hundred and twenty-four bipolar depressed and 111 manic patients were randomized to treatment with CBZ alone, CBZ plus FEWP, or equivalent placebo for 12 weeks. CBZ was initiated at 300mg/day and FEWP was given at a fixed dose of 36g/day. Efficacy measures included the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale , Young Mania Rating Scale, Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S). CBZ monotherapy produced significantly greater improvement on manic measures at week 2 through endpoint and CGI-S of depression at endpoint compared to placebo. CBZ monotherapy also yielded significantly higher clinical response rates than placebo on bipolar depression (63.8% vs. 34.8%, p =0.044) and mania (87.8% vs. 57.1%, p =0.012). Compared to CBZ monotherapy, adjunctive FEWP with CBZ resulted in significantly better outcomes on the three measures of depression at week 4 and week 8 and significantly greater clinical response rate in depressed subjects (84.8% vs. 63.8%, p =0.032), but failed to produce significantly greater improvement on manic measures and the response rate in manic subjects. There was a lesser incidence of dizziness and fatigue in the combination therapy compared to CBZ monotherapy. These results suggest that adjunctive FEWP has additive beneficial effects in bipolar patients, particularly for those in depressive phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The majority of the previous studies of thyroid abnormalities in bipolar patients was conducted in populations containing various proportions of lithium-treated subjects. In the present study, we sought to determine whether there exist differences in hypothyroid profile between lithium-free and -treated bipolar patients. Bipolar patients never treated with lithium and carbamazepine (n =78) and those currently in lithium therapy (n =53) were included in this study. Serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were compared between lithium-free and -treated patients. The rate of hypothyroidism in lithium-free patients was significantly lower than those treated with lithium (6.3%–10.8% vs. 28.0%–32.1%). Significant changes in the three thyroid indices indicative of hypothyroidism were consistently associated with longer illness duration in lithium-free manic patients, but with greater severity of mania and more mood episodes in their lithium-treated counterparts. In lithium-free depressed patients, more episodes were associated with lower T4 levels; whereas in their lithium-treated counterparts, longer illness duration was associated with higher TSH levels and females with lower T3 levels. These results suggest that bipolar patients with and without lithium exposure differ in prevalence and association of hypothyroidism and may have different response to thyroid hormone therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]