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This study investigated the simultaneous removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ from wastewater using commercially available Japanese zeolite (JPZ) and its mixtures. A series of batch adsorption experiments were carried out to examine the simultaneous removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in binary and multi-metal solutions. Results revealed that JPZ (0.105–2.0 mm) exhibited a higher affinity for Pb2+ (>250 mg/g) over Cd2+ (<50 mg/g) in single metal solutions. However, in binary and multi-metal solutions, dominant adsorption of Pb2+ ions and hampering of Cd2+ ion adsorption were observed like in other types of low-cost adsorbents. Thus, steel slag (SS) grain, which is an industrial by-product and has a high affinity for Cd2+, was mixed with JPZ in different proportions to evaluate the potential use for simultaneous removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+. The JPZ+SS mixtures (JPZ+SS [4:1], JPZ+SS [1:1], and JPZ+SS [1:4]) were performed better than JPZ alone on simultaneous removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+. The JPZ+SS [1:1] mixture was identified as the most effective one for the simultaneous removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ from binary and multi-metal solutions. The selectivity sequence in multi-metal solution was observed as Cd2+≈Pb2+≈Cu2+≈Zn2+≈Ni2+ and 100% removal of heavy metals were observed. The Cd2+ and Pb2+ removal by JPZ+SS mixtures mainly occurred due to the Ca2+ ion-exchange reaction along with the precipitation and surface complexation. Especially, the amount of SS grain in the mixtures played a vital role in the removal process of Cd2+ and Pb2+ from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transoral robotic surgery is frequently described, driven by the desire to offer a less morbid alternative to chemoradiation. However, the objective evaluation of post-operative function has rarely been reported. Therefore, high-resolution manometry was used in this study to evaluate the impact of changes in peri-operative swallowing function on pharyngeal pressure events. Methods: Ten patients with various stages of oropharyngeal cancer underwent transoral surgery. High-resolution manometry and videofluoroscopic swallow studies were performed before surgery and two months afterwards. The following parameters were obtained: velopharyngeal and mesopharyngeal post-deglutitive upper oesophageal sphincter pressures, velo-meso-hypopharyngeal contractile integral, upper oesophageal sphincter relaxation pressure, and pharyngeal velocity. Results: There was no significant difference in pharyngeal pressure or contractile integral pre- versus post-operatively. However, pharyngeal velocity was significantly higher post-operatively than pre-operatively. Conclusion: High-resolution manometry showed that transoral surgery in patients without pre-operative dysphagia preserved pharyngeal constriction. However, transoral surgery might produce scar formation in the pharynx, which could lead to narrowing of the pharynx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Center clamp forming method has been applied to avoid wrinkles in the press forming of a rectangular cup with bottom edge trimming using a continuous woven carbon fiber-reinforced plastic plate. Trimming of a bottom edge during forming is a convenient method to obtain smooth bottom without any other successive process. But it closes the die profile that may cause fiber wrinkle. By the center clamp forming compared with free forming, it is confirmed that this is one of the methods to achieve smooth top flat surface of the cup without wrinkles. Monitoring pressure using pressure sensors elucidated pressure application process during the press forming and cooling process. Difference of the pressure holding time in the cooling process was observed between the pressure on the side plate and that on the top flat plate. Sliding descent during the cooling under constant load indicated the solidification finishing time of the thermoplastic resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a newly-developed billet flow formation method, which produces discontinuous carbon fiber thermoplastic ribbed panels by using the die cushion motion of a press. Billets of discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic were extruded into rib cavities by die cushion motion while press-forming a panel of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic. Using billet flow formation, 200 mm long, 46 mm high, 1.4 mm thick ribs comprised of 30 mm long discontinuous fibers were formed on 400 mm wide, 300 mm depth, 50 mm high panels. The rigidity of a ribbed panel was five times greater than a panel without ribs. The tensile strength of the formed ribs was approximately 250 MPa, the same strength of the material before forming. Material behavior such as fiber flow and billet deformation during formation is discussed. This study has shown that the billet flow formation can create ribs with high mechanical strength using only a press with a die cushion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy, surgeons sometimes have concerns about performing an adequate incision with only a narrow intra-cavital view from one direction. In order to overcome these issues, fluoroscopic radiography was used during endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy. Methods: Peri-operative fluoroscopic radiography was utilised to check the position of the diverticuloscope, and to confirm the extent of the incision during surgery. A balloon catheter was used to determine whether the cricopharyngeal muscle was sufficiently resected. Blood loss, peri-operative complications, and functional oral swallowing scale and penetration aspiration scale scores were evaluated. Results: In 12 out of 15 patients, intra-operative fluoroscopic radiography showed the diverticuloscope positioned in the post-cricoid area, and the cricopharyngeal muscle was raised and the surgery completed without adverse effect. Swallowing functions improved following surgery. Conclusion: Intra-operative fluoroscopy might improve endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy by allowing surgeons to confirm the extent of resection, and by reducing peri-operative morbidity and complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To build a processing method for textile carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) sheets, a production system to form, cut, and join the sheets by using a mechanical servo press machine was developed and examined. The system's problems were analyzed, and attempts were made to solve them through a series of processes. In press forming, the effects of sheet geometry, fiber orientation, and slide motion on the forming of the variant‐cross‐sectional‐beam, which has a narrow and wide part, were investigated. In addition, the shear‐cutting method was chosen trimming the unnecessary region of the variant‐cross‐sectional‐beam. For the joining process, a thermal welding method that uses a heating‐plate was chosen. The closed‐sectional‐beam was fabricated by thermally welding a pair of the variant‐cross‐sectional‐beams. Finally, the potential of the production system for textile CFRTP sheets using the mechanical servo press machine was discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2571–2586, 2018. © 2016 The Authors Polymer Composites published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open dumping of municipal solid waste is a common practice in many developing countries and contaminates surface and groundwater in the vicinity. In this study, long-term monitoring was conducted at an abandoned solid waste dumpsite to characterize temporal variations of perched water and groundwater qualities. The dumpsite was located at Udapalatha PS in Central Province of Sri Lanka and consisted of two sections (namely Old and New sections). The Old section was used for waste dumping for seven years from 2003 to 2010, and the New section was used for six months in 2011. Multiple wells were installed at each section and water qualities monitored for two years from May 2013 to March 2015. Water quality parameters such as pH, EC, BOD, COD, TN, TP, major cations, major anions, and heavy metals were measured monthly. Leachate pollution index (LPI) was used to quantify the leachate contamination potential of landfill site. Results showed that groundwater samples from both Old and New sections exhibited relatively low LPI during the monitoring period, whereas perched water samples from New section showed high LPI with fluctuations. At the monitoring site, perched water and groundwater seem to persist as two independent bodies for both Old and New sections. Especially, the dumped waste at lower layer at the Old section was fully washed out by rainfall and surface water after waste dumping and currently carries a low risk of groundwater contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effect of the cooling rate of the carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) sheets on the mechanical property in the press forming within 1 min cycle time. In order to pay attention only to the compression stage after the deformation stage in press forming, a flat sheet of dimensions 200 mm × 100 mm × 3 mm was produced. It was fabricated by stacking 15 CFRTP sheets of 0.2-mm-thick plain woven fabric impregnated with PA6, preheating them to 280 °C and pressing them at 5 MPa using a die cooled from near the melting temperature of PA6 with various cooling rates. Cooling rate of −26 °C/s with pressure holding time (defined in this study as the period that the pressure sensor detects high pressure) of 7 s and that of −4.4 °C/s with pressure holding time of 18 s gave a flexural strength of 536 and 733 MPa, respectively. It was found that the cooling rate during pressure holding is related to the mechanical property of press-formed CFRTP part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair is the most widely used laparoscopic technique for the treatment of inguinal hernia in Japan. Many studies have shown that in comparison with open hernia repair, laparoscopic repair results in less pain and a shorter convalescence. However, postoperative pain remains a concern. One possible cause of postoperative pain in the early postoperative phase is strain or cough on removal of the endotracheal tube. Use of a supraglottic airway (SGA) device helps to avoid such complaints. We evaluated postoperative pain after TAPP repair using the SGA for general anesthesia.Methods: We evaluated the postoperative pain in 146 patients with inguinal hernia repaired by TAPP in our hospital between May 2013 and May 2016. A total of 144 adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II who underwent needlescopic TAPP surgery were randomly allocated to one of two groups of 72 patients: group A (SGA), in which the patient's airway was secured with an appropriately sized I-gel, and group B (endotracheal tube), in which the airway was secured under laryngoscopy.Results: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding patient background, postoperative hospital stay, and operation time, and TAPP was performed safely in all cases. In the analysis of postoperative pain, the mean Numerical Rating Scale score of peak pain in group A was significantly less than that of group B (2.10 ± 2.05 vs 2.90 ± 2.65; p = 0.043). In group A, the percentage of patients who had an NRS score of 0 was 51.4% 30 min after surgery, 62.5% after 6 h and 68.1% at POD1, and compared to group B, the NRS scores were significantly higher at POD1 (p = 0.003), and the level of postoperative pain in group A tended to decrease earlier than that in group B.Conclusions: The results of this study are the first to show that an SGA device can reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the preliminary results of a new in-situ three-dimensional (3D) imaging system for observing plastic deformation behavior in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) as a directly relevant development of the recently reported straining-and-tomography holder [Sato K et al. (2015) Development of a novel straining holder for transmission electron microscopy compatible with single tilt-axis electron tomography. Microsc. 64: 369-375]. We designed an integrated system using the holder and newly developed straining and image-acquisition software and then developed an experimental procedure for in-situ straining and time-resolved electron tomography (ET) data acquisition. The software for image acquisition and 3D visualization was developed based on the commercially available ET software TEMographyTM. We achieved time-resolved 3D visualization of nanometer-scale plastic deformation behavior in a Pb-Sn alloy sample, thus demonstrating the capability of this system for potential applications in materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of polluted areas and municipal solid waste (MSW) sites using non-destructive geophysical methods is timely and much needed in the field of environmental monitoring and management. The objectives of this study are (i) to evaluate the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) wave responses as a result of different electrical conductivity (EC) in groundwater and (ii) to conduct MSW stratification using a controlled lysimeter and modeling approach. A GPR wave simulation was carried out using GprMax2D software, and the field test was done on two lysimeters that were filled with sand (Lysimeter-1) and MSW (Lysimeter-2). A Pulse EKKO-Pro GPR system with 200- and 500-MHz center frequency antennae was used to collect GPR field data. Amplitudes of GPR-reflected waves (sub-surface reflectors and water table) were studied under different EC levels injected to the water table. Modeling results revealed that the signal strength of the reflected wave decreases with increasing EC levels and the disappearance of the subsurface reflection and wave amplitude reaching zero at higher EC levels (when EC >0.28 S/m). Further, when the EC level was high, the plume thickness did not have a significant effect on the amplitude of the reflected wave. However, it was also found that reflected signal strength decreases with increasing plume thickness at a given EC level. 2D GPR profile images under wet conditions showed stratification of the waste layers and relative thickness, but it was difficult to resolve the waste layers under dry conditions. These results show that the GPR as a non-destructive method with a relatively larger sample volume can be used to identify highly polluted areas with inorganic contaminants in groundwater and waste stratification. The current methods of MSW dumpsite investigation are tedious, destructive, time consuming, costly, and provide only point-scale measurements. However, further research is needed to verify the results under heterogeneous aquifer conditions and complex dumpsite conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Dopamine released from the endings of descending dopaminergic nerve fibres in the spinal cord may be involved in modulating functions such as locomotion and nociception. Here, we examined the effects of dopamine on spinal synaptic transmissions in rats.Experimental Approach: Spinal reflex potentials, monosynaptic reflex potential (MSR) and slow ventral root potential (sVRP), were measured in the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat. Dopamine release was measured by HPLC.Key Results: Dopamine at lower concentrations (<1 µM) depressed sVRP, which is a C fibre-evoked polysynaptic response and believed to reflect nociceptive transmission. At higher concentrations (>1 µM), in addition to a potent sVRP depression, dopamine depolarized baseline potential and slightly depressed MSR. Depression of sVRP by dopamine was partially reversed by dopamine D(1) -like but not by D(2) -like receptor antagonists. SKF83959 and SKF81297, D(1) -like receptor agonists, and methamphetamine, an endogenous dopamine releaser, also caused the inhibition of sVRP. Methamphetamine also depressed MSR, which was inhibited by ketanserin, a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist. Methamphetamine induced the release of dopamine and 5-HT from spinal cords, indicating that the release of endogenous dopamine and 5-HT depresses sVRP and MSR respectively.Conclusion and Implications: These results suggested that dopamine at lower concentrations preferentially inhibited sVRP, which is mediated via dopamine D(1) -like and other unidentified receptors. The dopamine-evoked depression is involved in modulating the spinal functions by the descending dopaminergic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems containing effective and low-cost adsorbents for heavy metals are expected to function as in situ treatment methods for leachate from waste landfills and contaminated groundwater surrounding the landfills in developing countries. This study was conducted to characterize the adsorption of Cd and Pb onto coconut shell biochar (fine granules), a local soil from Sri Lanka (Entisol), and a biochar-mixed soil (1:1 mixture of biochar and soil) as potential adsorbents for PRB systems. Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of solution pH, contact time, initial ion concentration, and competitive ions on the Cd and Pb adsorption. Results showed that the adsorption kinetics of Cd and Pb onto all adsorbents were well described by the pseudo second order kinetics model and that adsorption isotherms followed the Langmuir model. In the range of pH ≥3, the initial solution pH had a minor effect on efficiency of metal removal and the removal of metals mostly exceeded 80 % for all adsorbents. Measured maximum adsorptions onto soil and biochar-mixed soil were 30.1 mmol/g for Cd and 44.8-46.7 mmol/g for Pb. These adsorption capacities are similar to or higher than the values of biosorbents tested for wastewater treatment in previous studies, suggesting our tested materials would be useful as adsorbents of Cd and Pb in PRB systems. Additional analysis by scanning electron microscopy linked with energy dispersive X-ray revealed that both Cd and Pb exhibited high adsorption affinity towards soil particles while adsorbing randomly to biochar granules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas and water transport in peat soil are of increasing interest because of their potentially large environmental and climatic effects under different types of land use. In this research, the water retention curve ( WRC), gas diffusion coefficient ( Dg) and air and water permeabilities ( ka and kw) of layers in peat soil from two profiles were measured under different moisture conditions. A two- region Archie's Law ( 2RAL)-type model was applied successfully to the four properties; the reference point was taken at −9.8 kPa of soil-water matric potential where volume shrinkage typically started to occur. For WRC in the very decomposed peat soil, the 2RAL saturation exponents ( n) obtained for both the wetter ( nw) and drier regions ( nd) were smaller than those for the less decomposed peat. For Dg, the saturation exponent in the wetter region was larger than that in the drier one for all layers, which indicated enhanced blocking effects of water on gas diffusion in the wetter region. For the peat layers within each soil, there was a linear relation between saturation exponents in the drier region for ka and Dg. The larger saturation exponent of the wetter region for kw in peat than in sand suggests a need for specific hydraulic functions for peat soil. The 2RAL model for Dg agreed well with measured data, and performed better than existing unimodal models. To facilitate use of the 2RAL for Dg, we developed a simple predictive expression for Dg at the reference point. The pore-network tortuosity factor and equivalent pore diameter for gas transport confirmed very different pore structure and mass transport behaviour for peat soil and uniform sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive tracheal aspergillosis (ITA) is an infection that is unique to patients who have undergone lung transplantation (LT). Although the activity of this disease often appears on imaging, we encountered a case of ITA that became exacerbated, despite few computed tomography (CT) findings, during rituximab combined chemotherapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. ITA developed during immunosuppressive therapy after LT. Because CT findings may show false-negative results, bronchoscopy is recommended for such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:SIRT4, which is localised in the mitochondria, is one of the least characterised members of the sirtuin family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent enzymes that play key roles in multiple cellular processes such as metabolism, stress response and longevity. There are only a few studies that have characterised its function and assessed its clinical significance in human cancers.Methods:We established colorectal cancer cell lines (SW480, HCT116, and HT29) overexpressing SIRT4 and investigated their effects on proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as E-cadherin expression, that negatively regulates tumour invasion and metastases. The associations between SIRT4 expression in colorectal cancer specimens and clinicopathological features including prognosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry.Results:SIRT4 upregulated E-cadherin expression and suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion through inhibition of glutamine metabolism in colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, SIRT4 expression in colorectal cancer decreased with the progression of invasion and metastasis, and a low expression level of SIRT4 was correlated with a worse prognosis.Conclusions:SIRT4 has a tumour-suppressive function and may serve as a novel therapeutic target in colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the combined effect of temperature and single-species salt solutions on geotechnical properties (swell index and liquid limit) and hydraulic conductivity of bentonite applying different cation types, concentrations, and temperatures. Results showed that both the swell index and the liquid limit decreased with an increase in salt concentration irrespective of the type of cation. Monovalent cations showed higher values of the swell index and the liquid limit compared to divalent cations. In general, the swell index of bentonite increased whereas the liquid limit decreased with increasing temperature for all cation types and concentrations. Significant and high correlations were found between swell index and liquid limit of bentonite at all three temperatures. Hydraulic conductivity of bentonite was found to increase with increasing temperature. No significant change in hydraulic conductivity with time was observed for all concentrations and cation types, and, overall, concentration and valance of cations had little effect on the hydraulic conductivity of bentonite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis because of its high refractoriness to chemotherapy and tumour recurrence, and these properties have been attributed to cancer stem cells (CSCs). MicroRNA (miRNA) regulates various molecular mechanisms of cancer progression associated with CSCs. This study aimed to identify the candidate miRNA and to characterise the clinical significance.Methods:We established gemcitabine-resistant Panc1 cells, and induced CSC-like properties through sphere formation. Candidate miRNAs were selected through microarray analysis. The overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed by evaluating the in vitro cell growth and in vivo tumourigenicity. The expression was studied in 24 pancreatic cancer samples after laser captured microdissection and by immunohistochemical staining.Results:The in vitro drug sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells was altered according to the miR-1246 expression via CCNG2. In vivo, we found that miR-1246 could increase tumour-initiating potential and induced drug resistance. A high expression level of miR-1246 was correlated with a worse prognosis and CCNG2 expression was significantly lower in those patients.Conclusions:miR-1246 expression was associated with chemoresistance and CSC-like properties via CCNG2, and could predict worse prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil water repellency ( SWR) is known to lead to preferential flow and to degrade the soil's filtering efficiency. However, no method is available to quantify directly how SWR affects the transport of reactive solutes. We propose a new method for conducting solute transport experiments in water-repellent soils. It involves sequentially applying two liquids, one water, the other a reference fully wetting liquid, namely aqueous ethanol, to the same intact soil core with air-drying between liquids. We applied this approach to quantify the impact of SWR on the filtering of the herbicide 2,4- Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4- D) in two Andosols. In batch experiments conducted prior to the transport experiments, 2,4- D sorption was not influenced by aqueous ethanol for one soil. However, sorption in the second soil followed the co-solvency theory, which predicts decreasing sorption with increasing solvent fractions. Thus, sorption experiments are necessary to complement our new method. Breakthrough curves were characterized by preferential flow with large initial concentrations, tailing and a long prevalence of solutes remaining in the soil. In the soil in which 2,4- D sorption was unaffected by aqueous ethanol, SWR increased 2,4- D losses by four and 50 times in the first 5-mm outflow compared with the 2,4- D losses with water. After 50-mm outflow, the 2,4- D losses were similar for one core, but in the other core they were still about four times greater with water than with aqueous ethanol. This method to quantify the reduction of the soil's filtering efficiency by SWR is needed for assessing the increased risk of groundwater contamination by solutes exogenously applied to water-repellent soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine structures of the whole bodies and the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori during metamorphosis from larvae to pupae in the cocoon were preserved virtually without damage when frozen sections were prepared using an adhesive plastic film. We used frozen sections for histochemical and enzyme histochemistry to characterize the metamorphosis of the posterior silk glands. Frozen sections were stained with DAPI to observe nuclear changes, examined using the TUNEL method to detect DNA fragments, and investigated using in situ hybridization to detect B. mori caspase expression. Both DNA fragments and expression of B. mori caspase increased with progressing metamorphosis. The degeneration of the posterior silk gland during metamorphosis appears to be an apoptotic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined use of curved scissors and the soft coagulation system in robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer - a video vignette I Dear Editor i , Lateral lymph node metastasis occurs in approximately 14.6%-20.1% of patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer; its prognosis is generally poor [1-3]. Combined use of curved scissors and the soft coagulation system in robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Cu2ZnSnSe4 ingot was synthesized and then used as a precursor for selenization process in order to fabricate Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films. The thin films were prepared at each point A-F in our selenization process and their properties were investigated. Cu2ZnSnSe4 ingot and thin films had a kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4 structure. From EPMA analysis and XRD studies, the mechanism of Cu2ZnSnSe4 formation was discussed. Cu-Se phases were related to Cu2ZnSnSe4 formation. Cu2ZnSnSe4 may decompose to Sn-Se compound during the annealing process at 550 oC. Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film solar cells demonstrated Voc=300 mV, Isc=7.25 mA/cm2. The band gap energy of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film determined from the QE spectra estimated to be approximately 1.04 eV. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is an important gene regulator in glucose and lipid metabolism. Unfortunately, PPARγ-activating drugs of the thiazolidinedione class provoke adverse side effects. As recently shown, amorfrutin A1 is a natural glucose-lowering compound that selectively modulates PPARγ. In this study we aimed to characterise, in vitro, a large spectrum of the amorfrutins and similar molecules, which we isolated from various plants. We further studied in vivo the glucose-lowering effects of the so far undescribed amorfrutin B, which featured the most striking PPARγ-binding and pharmacological properties of this family of plant metabolites. Methods: Amorfrutins were investigated in vitro by binding and cofactor recruitment assays and by transcriptional activation assays in primary human adipocytes and murine preosteoblasts, as well as in vivo using insulin-resistant high-fat-diet-fed C57BL/6 mice treated for 27 days with 100 mg kg day amorfrutin B. Results: Amorfrutin B showed low nanomolar binding affinity to PPARγ, and micromolar binding to the isotypes PPARα and PPARβ/δ. Amorfrutin B selectively modulated PPARγ activity at low nanomolar concentrations. In insulin-resistant mice, amorfrutin B considerably improved insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and blood lipid variables after several days of treatment. Amorfrutin B treatment did not induce weight gain and furthermore showed liver-protecting properties. Additionally, amorfrutins had no adverse effects on osteoblastogenesis and fluid retention. Conclusions/interpretation: The application of plant-derived amorfrutins or synthetic analogues thereof constitutes a promising approach to prevent or treat complex metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, the issue of resistance remains unresolved. The aim of this study was to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that govern the resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer.Methods:miRNA microarray analysis using gemcitabine-resistant clones of MiaPaCa2 (MiaPaCa2-RGs), PSN1 (PSN1-RGs), and their parental cells (MiaPaCa2-P, PSN1-P) was conducted. Changes in the anti-cancer effects of gemcitabine were studied after gain/loss-of-function analysis of the candidate miRNA. Further assessment of the putative target gene was performed in vitro and in 66 pancreatic cancer clinical samples.Results:miR-320c expression was significantly higher in MiaPaCa2-RGs and PSN1-RGs than in their parental cells. miR-320c induced resistance to gemcitabine in MiaPaCa2. Further experiments showed that miR-320c-related resistance to gemcitabine was mediated through SMARCC1, a core subunit of the switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. In addition, clinical examination revealed that only SMARCC1-positive patients benefited from gemcitabine therapy with regard to survival after recurrence (P=0.0463).Conclusion:The results indicate that miR-320c regulates the resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine through SMARCC1, suggesting that miR-320c/SMARCC1 could be suitable for prediction of the clinical response and potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer patients on gemcitabine-based therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeance properties of a nanoporous silica membrane were first evaluated in a laboratory-scale porous silica membrane reactor (MR). The results indicated that CO, CO2, and N2 inhibited H2 permeation. Increased H2 permeability and selectivity were obtained when gas was transferred from the lumen side to the shell side. This was therefore selected as a suitable permeation direction. On this basis, upgrading of simulated syngas was experimentally investigated as a function of temperature (150 - 300 °C), feed pressure (up to 0.4 MPa), and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), by using a nanoporous silica MR in the presence of a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst. The CO conversion obtained with the MR was significantly higher than that with a packed-bed reactor (PBR) and broke the thermodynamic equilibrium of a PBR at 275 - 300 °C and a GHSV of 2665 h-1. The use of a low GHSV and high feed pressure improved the CO conversion and led to the recovery of more H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dopamine released from the endings of descending dopaminergic nerve fibres in the spinal cord may be involved in modulating functions such as locomotion and nociception. Here, we examined the effects of dopamine on spinal synaptic transmissions in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Spinal reflex potentials, monosynaptic reflex potential (MSR) and slow ventral root potential (sVRP), were measured in the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat. Dopamine release was measured by HPLC. KEY RESULTS Dopamine at lower concentrations (<1 µM) depressed sVRP, which is a C fibre-evoked polysynaptic response and believed to reflect nociceptive transmission. At higher concentrations (>1 µM), in addition to a potent sVRP depression, dopamine depolarized baseline potential and slightly depressed MSR. Depression of sVRP by dopamine was partially reversed by dopamine D1-like but not by D2-like receptor antagonists. SKF83959 and SKF81297, D1-like receptor agonists, and methamphetamine, an endogenous dopamine releaser, also caused the inhibition of sVRP. Methamphetamine also depressed MSR, which was inhibited by ketanserin, a 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist. Methamphetamine induced the release of dopamine and 5-HT from spinal cords, indicating that the release of endogenous dopamine and 5-HT depresses sVRP and MSR respectively. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggested that dopamine at lower concentrations preferentially inhibited sVRP, which is mediated via dopamine D1-like and other unidentified receptors. The dopamine-evoked depression is involved in modulating the spinal functions by the descending dopaminergic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computerised modelling methods have become highly useful for generating electronic representations of anatomical structures. These methods rely on cross-sectional tissue slices in databases such as the Visible Human Male and Female, the Visible Korean Human, and the Visible Chinese Human. However, these databases are time consuming to generate and require labour-intensive manual digitisation while the number of specimens is very limited. Plastinated anatomical material could provide a possible alternative to data collection, requiring less time to prepare and enabling the use of virtually any anatomical or pathological structure routinely obtained in a gross anatomy laboratory. The purpose of this study was to establish an approach utilising plastinated anatomical material, specifically human hearts, for the purpose computerised 3-D modelling. Human hearts were collected following gross anatomical dissection and subjected to routine plastination procedures including dehydration (-25°C), defatting, forced impregnation, and curing at room temperature. A graphics pipeline was established comprising data collection with a hand-held scanner, 3-D modelling, model polishing, file conversion, and final rendering. Representative models were viewed and qualitatively assessed for accuracy and detail. The results showed that the heart model provided detailed surface information necessary for gross anatomical instructional purposes. Rendering tools facilitated optional model manipulation for further structural clarification if selected by the user. The use of plastinated material for generating 3-D computerised models has distinct advantages compared to cross-sectional tissue images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]