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Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common malignant tumor. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) enable discoveries of new therapeutic tumor targets. We aimed to study the role and potential regulatory mechanisms of the lncRNA KIF9-AS1 in HCC. Methods. CCK-8, scratch assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, respectively. Bax, Bcl-2, ERK, and pERK expression were measured by western blotting. StarBase predicted KIF9-AS1 expression in HCC and paracancerous tissues. RPISeq predicted the interaction score of KIF9-AS1 and DNMT1, and MethyPrimer revealed the CpG island distribution in the RAI2 promoter. MSP was performed to measure RAI2 methylation. RIP and ChIP were performed to examine lncRNA KIF9-AS1, DNMT1, and RAI2 interactions. Finally, the effect of KIF9-AS1 knockdown on HCC was verified with nude mice. Results. We found that KIF9-AS1 expression was increased in HCC tissues. KIF9-AS1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration, and facilitated the apoptosis of HCC cells. lncRNA KIF9-AS1-mediated RAI2 expression led to DNMT1 recruitment and regulated RAI2 DNA methylation. RAI2 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. KIF9-AS1 knockdown inhibited subcutaneous tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion. This study shows that KIF9-AS1 accelerates HCC growth by inducing DNMT1 promotion of RAI2 DNA methylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Prototethyan Ocean has been suggested as an Early Paleozoic Ocean developed at the Gondwana northern margin. However, its spatial pattern, subduction style and closure time in SW Yunnan and SE Asia still remain unknown. The Prototethyan evolution in SW Yunnan and SE Asia and its internal connection with the South China Kwangsian (Ordo-Silurian) intracontinental orogenesis are also poorly constrained. By summarizing and analyzing the Early Paleozoic geological records in the Sibumasu and Indochina blocks, the eastern South China and SW Japan, this paper proposes the existence of a giant Ordo-Silurian igneous belt along the Gondwana northern margin. A preliminary limitation has been obtained regarding the source nature and migration pattern of the igneous belt. Our data allow us to propose a model of the Early Paleozoic Andean-type active continental margin along the East Gondwana northern margin. This is the foundation to determine the southward subduction of the southern branch of the eastern Prototethyan Ocean underneath the Sibumasu and Indochina blocks along the Yunxian-Menghai (SW Yunnan)-Thailand Peninsula and the Tam Ky-Phouc Son suture in Central Vietnam, respectively, and the eastward linkage with the Early Paleozoic Osaka subduction zone in SW Japan across the peripheral Sanya area. These data synthetically indicate an easterly-diachronous and propagating Andean-type Cambrian (Furongian)-Silurian (Llandovery) orogenesis along the Gondwana northern margin from Nepal, NW India, South Tibet, Qiangtang to Central Vietnam across South Indochina and Sibumasu. This paper reconstructs the Early Paleozoic locations of the Sibumasu and Indochina fragments, as well as SW Japan and South China continent in the Gondwana northern margin, and proposes the far-field effect on the South China Kwangsian intra-continental orogenesis from the subduction of the Early Paleozoic Prototethyan southern branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montmorillonite (MMT) is widely used as the catalyst in the commercial production of dimeric fatty acids (DAs). However, the dimerization activity of MMTs from different mineral sources is usually different, leading to unstable yield of DAs. In order to obtain a high and stable yield of DAs, the relationship between the dimerization activity and characteristics of MMT should be clarified. The characteristics of seven MMTs from different mineral sources, including the acidity (the type, strength, and amount of the acid sites), composition (interlayer cations, Si/Al ratio, water content, pH), and structure (basal spacing) are determined and correlated with their dimerization activity. Additionally, the relationship between dimerization activity and characteristics of MMT is quantified by nonlinear‐regression. It is found that the dimerization activity of MMT is mainly influenced by its Brønsted acidity and basal spacing. Stable DA yield of around 70% on MMT is obtained at the amount of weak Brønsted acid sites of more than 0.20 mmol g−1 and basal spacing of larger than 1.50 nm. Additionally, it is found that acid treatment is an effective method to adjust the Brønsted acidity and basal spacing of MMT. Practical Applications: The positive effect of Brønsted acid sites amount and basal spacing on the activity of MMT has practical value on the selection of highly efficient MMT catalyst for DA production. In addition, some MMT with poor activity can be activated by the acid treatment method mentioned in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl linolenate (C18-3) is a type of unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester with high biological activity. Membrane separation of C18-3 from tallow seed oil methyl ester by supported ionic liquids membranes (SILM) containing carrier Ag+ was successfully achieved in this study. The interaction between Ag+ and C18-3 was explored by density functional theory (DFT). High selectivity to C18-3 was mainly due to the π/inverse π complexation interactions between Ag+ and C=C bonds. The effects of ionic liquid structure, carrier Ag+ concentration, adjacent phase flow rates and membrane pore size on permeability and selectivity to C18-3 were examined. The existence of 1-hexene in the stripping phase and carrier Ag+ can facilitate C18-3 transport. Good separation performance was achieved by the 0.45 μm nylon membrane impregnated with ionic liquid [BMIm]BF 4 containing AgBF 4. C18-3 was enriched from 16.7% in the feed phase to higher than 75% in the product. Moreover, adding a hydrophobic PVDF protective membrane to form a composite membrane was an effective method to increase the SILM stability and membrane lifetime by about twice compared with a single nylon membrane. • Ag+-based supported ionic liquid membrane was used to separate methyl linolenate.. • The action mechanism between Ag+ and methyl linolenate was explored by DFT. • Ag+ preferentially coordinated with C=C bond rather than C=O bond. • Hydrophilic/hydrophobic composite membrane could improve the membrane stability. • 1-hexene in the stripping phase and Ag+ can facilitate methyl linolenate transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease whose main symptom is a heightened inflammatory response in synovial tissues. To verify the anti-arthritic activities of Achyranthes aspera and its possible therapy-related factors on the pathogenesis of RA, the saponins in A. aspera root were isolated and identified to treat the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Phytochemical analysis isolated and identified methyl caffeate, 25-S-inokosterone, 25-S-inokosterone β- d -glucopyranosyl 3-(O-β- d -glucopyranosyloxy)-oleanolate, and β- d -glucopyranosyl 3-(O-β- d -galactopyranosyl (1 → 2)(O-β- d -glucopyranosyloxy)-oleanolate as main compounds in the root of A. aspera . Proteomics was performed to determine the differentially expressed proteins in either inflamed or drug-treated synovium of CIA rats. Treatment resulted in dramatically decreased paw swelling, proliferation of inflammatory cells, and bone degradation. Fibrinogen, procollagen, protein disulfide-isomerase A3, and apolipoprotein A-I were all increased in inflamed synovial tissues and were found to decrease when administered drug therapy. Furthermore, Alpha-1-antiproteinase and manganese superoxide dismutase were both increased in drug-treated synovial tissues. The inhibition of RA progression shows that A. aspera is a promising candidate for future treatment of human arthritis. Importantly, the total saponins found within A. aspera are the active component. Finally, autoantigens such as fibrinogen and collagen could act as inducers of RA due to their aggravation of inflammation. Given this, it is possible that the vimentin and PDIA3 could be the candidate biomarkers specific to Achyranthes saponin therapy for rheumatoid arthritis in synovial membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported liquid membranes show great potential in the efficient separation of methyl linolenate from its analogues, but there still remain some critical challenges to further this technology towards larger application because of the slow transmembrane transport and poor stability of liquid membrane. Herein, 1,2-butanediol (1,2-BDO) with good solubility for AgBF 4 substitutes for ionic liquid as membrane solvent, and fabric reinforced hollow fiber composite membrane (PR-HFM) with higher mechanical strength and interfacial area replaces plate membrane as base support. A new supported liquid membrane has been prepared by coating the 1,2-BDO solution dissolving AgBF 4 on the surface of PR-HFM and embedding the solution into the micro-pores of PR-HFM by repeated pull with vacuum and push with N 2. The as-prepared liquid membranes exhibit good separation performance and stability. It can be safely and steadily used to treat the feed with fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) concentration lower than 150 mg/mL at the velocity of less than 0.22 m/s. Within 24 h continuous operation, methyl linolenate (C18-3) can pass steadily through the liquid membrane at the mean permeability larger than 3.13 × 10−7 m/s, the C18-3 product with the purity larger than 82% and the selectivity of C18-3 over C18-2 (S C18-3/C18-2) larger than 6.63 can be obtained steadily. [Display omitted] • A new supported liquid membrane was used to purify successfully methyl linolenate. • The as-prepared liquid membrane has good permeability rate and stability. • 1,2-butanediol was used as membrane solvent to improve the permeability rate. • Fabric reinforced hollow membrane was chosen as support to improve the stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported liquid membranes show great potential in the efficient separation of methyl linolenate from its analogues, but there still remain some critical challenges to further this technology towards larger application because of the slow transmembrane transport and poor stability of liquid membrane. Herein, 1,2-butanediol (1,2-BDO) with good solubility for AgBF 4 substitutes for ionic liquid as membrane solvent, and fabric reinforced hollow fiber composite membrane (PR-HFM) with higher mechanical strength and interfacial area replaces plate membrane as base support. A new supported liquid membrane has been prepared by coating the 1,2-BDO solution dissolving AgBF 4 on the surface of PR-HFM and embedding the solution into the micro-pores of PR-HFM by repeated pull with vacuum and push with N 2. The as-prepared liquid membranes exhibit good separation performance and stability. It can be safely and steadily used to treat the feed with fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) concentration lower than 150 mg/mL at the velocity of less than 0.22 m/s. Within 24 h continuous operation, methyl linolenate (C18-3) can pass steadily through the liquid membrane at the mean permeability larger than 3.13 × 10−7 m/s, the C18-3 product with the purity larger than 82% and the selectivity of C18-3 over C18-2 (S C18-3/C18-2) larger than 6.63 can be obtained steadily. [Display omitted] • A new supported liquid membrane was used to purify successfully methyl linolenate. • The as-prepared liquid membrane has good permeability rate and stability. • 1,2-butanediol was used as membrane solvent to improve the permeability rate. • Fabric reinforced hollow membrane was chosen as support to improve the stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What Is Known and Objective. CYP2C19 is an important influencing factor for voriconazole trough plasma concentration (Cmin); however, it is not verified in Child–Pugh C (CP-C) cirrhosis patients, and no voriconazole dosage regimen is recommended for these patients in the package insert. This retrospective study identified CYP2C19 and other factors influencing voriconazole Cmin for CP-C cirrhosis, and obtained an appropriate method of application of voriconazole for them. Methods. A total of 66 patients with CP-C cirrhosis who accepted voriconazole therapy were involved. The voriconazole Cmin, clinical characteristics, CYP2C19 genotype, and adverse effects (AEs) were recorded and analyzed. Results. Unlike other research studies, voriconazole Cmin was not different among normal metabolizers (NMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), and poor metabolizers (PMs) of the CYP2C19 enzyme in CP-C cirrhosis (P > 0.05). The maintenance dose regimen for voriconazole was the only independent influencing factor for Cmin (P = 0.045; OR = 3.753; 95% CI, 1.029–13.694). At about 1/3 of the recommended maintenance dose, only 16.7% (8/48) had Cmin >5.5 μg/mL, 4.5% (3/48) had Cmin <1 μg/mL, and only one AE happened. There were four voriconazole-related AEs that happened in this study, and three AEs occurred (3/4, 75%) when the maintenance dose was not adjusted with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). What Is New and Conclusion. Voriconazole Cmin did not significantly vary according to CYP2C19 enzyme metabolization status (being an NM, IM, or PM) in CP-C cirrhosis. Reducing the maintenance dose of voriconazole to approximately 1/3 the standard maintenance dose and administering in combination with TDM in patients with CP-C cirrhosis are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraspeckle protein 1 (PSPC1) was first identified as a structural protein of the subnuclear structure termed paraspeckle. However, the exact physiological functions of PSPC1 are still largely unknown. Previously, using a proteomic approach, we have shown that exposure to cisplatin can induce PSPC1 expression in HeLa cells, indicating the possible involvement for PSPC1 in the DNA damage response (DDR). In the current study, the role of PSPC1 in DDR was examined. First, it was found that cisplatin treatment could indeed induce the expression of PSPC1 protein. Abolishing PSPC1 expression by siRNA significantly inhibited cell growth, caused spontaneous cell death, and increased DNA damage. However, PSPC1 did not co-localize with γH2AX, 53BP1, or Rad51, indicating no direct involvement in DNA repair pathways mediated by these molecules. Interestingly, knockdown of PSPC1 disrupted the normal cell cycle distribution, with more cells entering the G2/M phase. Furthermore, while cisplatin induced G1/S arrest in HeLa cells, knockdown of PSPC1 caused cells to escape the G1/S checkpoint and enter mitosis, and resulted in more cell death. Taken together, these observations indicate a new role for PSPC1 in maintaining genome integrity during the DDR, particularly in the G1/S checkpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using a proteomic approach, we have previously shown that exposure to different concentrations of cisplatin during a 12-h period can lead to changes in nuclear protein expression and alternative splicing in HeLa cells. To further shed light on the DNA damage response (DDR) induced by cisplatin, we examined the nuclear proteome profiles of HeLa cells treated with 5μM cisplatin for different times (2, 12, and 24h). Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) identified 98 differentially expressed proteins in cisplatin-treated cells as compared to control cells. Among them, 54 spots (55%) were down-regulated and 44 spots (45%) were up-regulated. 51 spots were subjected to Matrix-assisted-laser-desorption-ionization Time-of-flight/time-of-flight Mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) identification, and 40 spots were identified. Among these, 22 proteins were located in nucleus. These proteins were involved in stress response, cell cycle and division, apoptosis, mRNA processing, transport, splicing and microRNA (miRNA) maturation. The changed expression of Annexin A1 and Lamin B1 were confirmed by Western blot. The role of Annexin A1 in the response to cisplatin-induced DNA damage was further analyzed, and it was shown that after Annexin A1 knockdown, cisplatin-induced DNA damage was significantly increased. In addition, the changed expression of several miRNAs was also observed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Taken together, these data indicate that cisplatin-induced DDR is a complex process, and that those proteins identified by proteomics can lead to new directions for a better understanding of this process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The creation of a catalytic method that possesses high activity and effective reusability for the oxidative cleavage of vegetable oils and their derivatives to prepare bio-based oxo-chemicals is a challenge. This work introduces a “release and capture” catalytic system consisting of H2O2, WO3 and mesoporous SnO2. This system was intended to promote catalyst reusability in the oxidative cleavage of methyl 9,10-epoxystearate (ME) to the corresponding aldehydes. No organic solvent was used in the reaction. The reaction temperature, molar ratio of ME/WO3/H2O2, and reaction time were optimized to 70 °C, 1/0.017/1.3, and 20 min, respectively. Under these conditions, complete ME conversion and 80% aldehyde yield were obtained. The hot filtration experiment and ICP-MS analysis confirmed the leaching of tungsten. Mesoporous SnO2 did not affect the ME conversion and aldehyde yield, but effectively adsorbed the leached tungsten. The catalyst in this system showed no significant decrease in activity after being reused ten times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the utilization of grease has attracted more and more attention. This article presents a simple method that efficiently cleaves methyl oleate‐derived methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate (a) to give high yields of methyl 9‐oxononanoate (d) with nonanal (c) as co‐product. A WO3/MCM‐41 catalyst is prepared via direct mixed‐gel synthesis. The catalyst is tested in the oxidative cleavage of a to produce d which can be used as a polymer precursor or an important feedstock. The effects of WO3 loading, temperature, time, H2O2/a molar ratio, catalyst/a weight ratio, and t‐BuOH/a weight ratio on the a conversion and d yield are examined using single‐factor experiments. The optimal reaction conditions are determined by orthogonal experiments. The optimal WO3 loading, temperature, time, H2O2/a molar ratio, catalyst/a weight ratio, and t‐BuOH/a weight ratio are 35%, 80 °C, 20 min, 1.3, 0.04, and 0.5, respectively. Under these conditions, the a conversion and d yield reach 99.4 and 78.4%, respectively. In addition, the catalyst shows no significant decrease in activity after being reused three times. Moreover, the reaction mechanism is studied based on the product distribution over time. Practical Applications: Few studies on methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate used as the raw material to give methyl 9‐oxononanoate and nonanal are found. Because the ethylene oxide bond is more unstable than the carbon–carbon double bond, the oxidative cleavage of methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate is easier than cleavage of methyl oleate that allows the oxidative cleavage to be done under milder conditions. Methyl 9‐oxononanoate can be converted to a monomer of high‐value polymers and is also an important feedstock in the production of chemicals. The co‐product nonanal is a natural spice which can be used in the fragrance industry. The results show that the reaction time is short and methyl 9‐oxononanoate yield is high under mild reaction conditions. The method in this study can also be widely used in other oxidative cleavage reactions of epoxides. Methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate is used as the raw material to produce methyl 9‐oxononanoate with nonanal as co‐product using WO3/MCM‐41 as catalyst and H2O2 as oxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrolysis of dealkaline lignin to phenols was performed in a rotary kiln reactor using grinding beads as filler. The effects of pyrolysis temperature and the amount and material of grinding beads on the liquid yield and composition were investigated. The results showed that the use of the rotary kiln reactor loaded with grinding beads could improve the efficiency of lignin pyrolysis. Temperature had a considerable influence on the pyrolysis process. The maximum liquid yield of 52.10 % was obtained at 500 °C and carrier gas flow rate of 300 mL min−1. Compared with other grinding beads, γ-alumina spheres could result in higher liquid yield and selectivity for guaiacols and alkylphenols. The liquid yield increased significantly with the use of grinding beads and increased with the increase in the number of grinding beads. However, both liquid yield and selectivity for guaiacol decreased when the volume ratio of grinding beads to reaction chamber increased from 1:2–2:3. The present study confirms the facilitative effect of grinding beads on the pyrolysis reaction, with the maximum increase of 86.87 % liquid yield and 12.58 % selectivity for guaiacol and alkyl phenols. • Dealkalline lignin was pyrolysed in a rotary kiln reactor with added grinding beads. • Addition of appropriate grinding beads as filler improved pyrolysis efficiency. • The temperature, bead material and amount, carrier gas flow rate were optimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adakites identified in the Bantimala Complex formed at ∼ 87 Ma. • The adakites were derived from Neotethyan slab-derived melt. • They are generated at the end of subduction in response to the slab break-off. The Bantimala Complex in SW Sulawesi is an important part of the Central Indonesian Accretionary Complex in SE Asia, which records the interaction of the Eurasian, Indian-Australian, and Pacific-Philippine plates. Igneous rocks in the complex have recorded important information about the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of SE Asia. This paper documents the Late Cretaceous adakites newly discovered in the Bantimala Complex at Barru. The adakites formed at ∼ 87 Ma, and have SiO 2 = 64.38–69.14 wt%, Al 2 O 3 = 16.16–17.37 wt%, MgO = 4.17–5.82 wt%, K 2 O = 0.61–1.88 wt%, Y = 3.09–8.21 ppm, Sr = 320–823 ppm and Sr/Y = 46–179. They show arc-like elemental pattern with Nb-Ta-Ti negative anomalies. The diagnostic elemental and isotopic compositions, including (87Sr/86Sr) i = 0.70391–0.70423, ε Nd (t) = +5.11∼+5.68, (206Pb/204Pb) i = 18.31–18.54, (207Pb/204Pb) i = 15.58–15.58, (208Pb/204Pb) i = 38.22–38.38, ɛ Hf (t)= +13.3 ∼+16.6 and mantle-like δ18O = 5.44–6.02 ‰, suggest the slab-derived high-Si melt of the Barru adakites. These data argue for the Tethyan affinity of the Central Indonesian Accretionary Complex. They evidenced the development of Late Cretaceous tectonic reconstruction of SW Sulawesi, and the cease of Neotethyan subduction slab at ∼ 87 Ma beneath the Argoland. The slab-derived Barru adakite was generated in response to Neotethyan slab break-off beneath the Central Indonesian Accretionary Complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel amphiphilic derivative of chitosan, namely, a linoleic acid-g-quaternary chitosan (LA-g-QC), was designed and synthesized as low toxic material for biomedical applications in this study. The chemical structure of LA-g-QC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and elemental analysis. LA-g-QC could form nanosized micelles with self-assembly, which was confirmed by the results of critical micelle concentration (CMC) via fluorescence spectroscopy. The average size of LA-g-QC was 140 nm and its zeta potential was approximately +35.50 mV. CMC value was 31.00 mg/mL. Furthermore, LA-g-QC micelles, at final concentrations between 0.94 μg/mL and 30 μg/mL, did not inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 or SMMC 7721 cell lines. Taken together, LA-g-QC has low cytotoxicity and high potential for the preparation of novel drug-delivery micelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fluorescence detection method for phosphoproteins in 1-D and 2-D SDS-PAGE by using purpurin is developed in this study. Phosphoproteins as low as 4–8 ng could be specifically detected by purpurin within 60 min, and the detection limit is similar to or better than that of Pro-Q Diamond staining. Only 2 steps (staining and destaining) are needed for purpurin staining without requiring excessive fixing and washing steps, and for single use, $0.8 is enough for purpurin staining. By comprehensively comparing with Pro-Q Diamond staining, it is concluded that purpurin staining is a simple, rapid and low-cost staining method for a broad application to the research of phosphoproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Granites from the Early Miocene Gorontalo pluton were derived from a juvenile crust. • Diorite enclaves originated from mixing of depleted mantle- and juvenile crust-derived magmas. • Sub-normal mantle δ18O values suggest the involvement of recycled altered oceanic crust. • Early Miocene crust-mantle interaction occurred in the North Sulawesi Arc. Zircon Hf-O isotopes, combined with whole-rock Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes, can provide unambiguous evidence for crustal recycling and crust-mantle interaction processes. The North Sulawesi Arc (Indonesian) was traditionally regarded as an intra-oceanic arc, and the diorite enclaves and host granites of the Gorontalo pluton provide excellent opportunities for evaluating these issues, based on our zircon U-Pb geochronological and Hf-O isotopic, and whole-rock geochemical analyses. This study firstly reports the zircon U-Pb ages of ∼20.1–22.4 Ma for the host granites and ∼19.5–20.4 Ma for the diorite enclaves. The host granites have high SiO 2 , and low 10000*Ga/Al, A/CNK and Rb/Sr, classified as unfractionated I-type granites. They are characterized by high εNd (t) (from +4.8 to +5.7), high zircon εHf (t) (from +11.1 to +16.4), sub-normal mantle zircon δ18O (4.6–5.4‰), moderate (206Pb/204Pb) i (18.29–18.45), and young two-stage Hf model ages (52–394 Ma), deriving from partial melting of a juvenile mafic crust. The diorite enclaves show typical magmatic textures and contain abundant acicular apatite and plagioclase megacrysts with an obvious rim-core texture. They also have high εNd (t) (from +4.8 to +5.1), high zircon εHf (t) (from +10.7 to +15.2), sub-normal mantle zircon δ18O (4.1–5.1‰) and moderate (206Pb/204Pb) i (18.3), interpreted as the products of mixing of magmas derived from a depleted mantle and a juvenile crust. The diorite enclaves have sub-normal mantle δ18O values, positive εNd (t) and zircon εHf (t) , suggesting recycled altered oceanic crust into depleted mantle prior to magma generation. The presence of the host granites and diorite enclaves provides robust evidence for early Miocene (or prior to early Miocene) crust-mantle interaction in the North Sulawesi Arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces multiple virulence factors that have been associated with quorum sensing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of drug resistant profiles and quorum sensing related virulence factors. Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from different patients hospitalized in China, the isolates were tested for their susceptibility to different common antimicrobial drugs and detected QS-related virulence factors. We identified 170 isolates displaying impaired phenotypic activity, approximately 80 % of the isolates were found to exhibit the QS-dependent phenotypes, among them, 12 isolates were defective in AHLs production, and therefore considered QS-deficient strains. Resistance was most often observed to Cefazolin (81.2 %), followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (73.5 %), ceftriaxone (62.4 %) and Cefotaxime, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin (58.8 %), and to a lesser extent Meropenem (20.0 %), Cefepime (18.8 %), and Cefoperazone/sulbactam (2.4 %) The QS-deficient isolates that were negative for virulence factor production were generally less susceptible to the antimicrobials. The results showed a high incidences of antibiotic resistance and virulence properties in P. aeruginosa, and indicate that the clinical use of QS-inhibitory drugs that appear superior to conventional antimicrobials by not exerting any selective pressure on resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cisplatin has been widely accepted as one of the most efficient anticancer drugs for decades. However, the mechanisms for the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin are still not fully understood. Cisplatin primarily targets DNA, resulting in the formation of DNA double strand breaks and eventually causing cell death. In this study, we applied two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with LC–MS/MS to analyze the nuclear proteome of HeLa cells treated with cisplatin, in an effort to uncover new mechanistic clues regarding the cellular response to cisplatin. A total of 19 proteins were successfully identified, and these proteins are involved in a variety of basal metabolic and biological processes in cells, including biosynthesis, cell cycle, glycolysis and apoptosis. Six were related to the regulation of mRNA splicing, and we therefore asked whether the Fas gene might undergo alternative splicing following cisplatin treatment. This proved to be the case, as the splicing forms of Fas were modified in cisplatin-treated HeLa cells. This work provides novel information, from the perspective of the nuclear response, for understanding the cytotoxicity caused by cisplatin-induced DNA damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The deoxygenation effects of five different modified Al-MCM-41 were compared in the catalytic cracking of oleic acid. • The hydrocarbons content and physiochemical properties of biofuels could be effectively improved by these modified catalysts. • P/Al-MCM-41 showed the best deoxygenation performance due to its high Brönsted acidity. • The modified Al-MCM-41 favored the decarbonylation pathway and the production of green diesel. Oleaginous biomass conversion to liquid hydrocarbon biofuels has emerged as an effective solution to the energy crisis and environmental problems. In this process, the removal of oxygenated compounds will directly affect the effectiveness of subsequent biofuel applications. Herein, deoxygenation of oleic acid by catalytic cracking was conducted using five various elements (La, Ni, P, Zr and Ce) modified Al-MCM-41. The related characterizations were carried out for these catalysts, including N 2 physisorption, XRD, XPS, pyridine-FTIR and NH 3 -TPD techniques. The results showed the mesoporous structure of Al-MCM-41 was maintained after different modifications, and these catalysts greatly improved the hydrocarbons content and physiochemical properties of biofuels. The modified catalysts tended to facilitate the decarbonylation pathway and showed high selectivity to alkane and aromatic hydrocarbons. Besides, La/Al-MCM-41 presented excellent anti-coking activity. Ni/Al-MCM-41 showed both high dehydrogenation and deoxygenation activities. The Zr modification and Ce modification had a promotion effect in the deoxidizing activity of the catalyst, owing to the formation of oxophilic metal oxides. Noteworthily, P/Al-MCM-41 displayed the best deoxidizing performance due to its high Brönsted acidity, which caused the highest hydrocarbons content (82.30 %) and the lowest fatty acids content (around 0 %) of the biofuel. Moreover, the resulting biofuel had not only low oxygen content (3.88 wt.%) and acid value (5.47 mgKOH g−1) but also a high calorific value (44.50 MJ kg−1), which could be processed into green diesel. Hence, the catalytic cracking of fatty acid over P/Al-MCM-41 has excellent potential to produce high-quality renewable fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]