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Indirect carbonation, a technology to store CO2 and produce stable CaCO3 and MgCO3, involves elution of Ca and Mg from industrial waste and subsequent carbonation. Although substantial residual waste is generated after the elution of Ca and Mg, its recycling attributes have not been adequately scrutinized. The residual waste has lower Ca and Mg contents and higher Si and Al contents than those of the raw material (i.e., industrial waste). This study involves the hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite-P using residual waste from indirect carbonation, conducted at both 100 and 180 ℃. The properties of these zeolites are compared with those synthesized from coal fly ash (CFA). The synthesized zeolites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analyzer, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). A high zeolite conversion efficiency was achieved through a hydrothermal reaction (up to 87%), even though Si and Al were not added to the residual waste. Additionally, the cation exchange capacity and BET specific surface area of the synthesized zeolites were high (200 cmol kg−1 and 73 m2 g−1, respectively). These findings highlight the possibility of synthesizing zeolites using the residual waste from indirect carbonation as an alternative to conventional zeolite synthesis using industrial waste such as CFA. The synthesized zeolite-P is expected to be effective in wastewater treatment, detergent manufacturing, and water softening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low soybean self-sufficiency rate in South Korea has caused a high import dependence and considerable price variation between domestic and foreign soybeans, causing the false labeling of foreign soybeans as domestic. Conventional soybean origin discrimination methods prevent a single-grain analysis and rely on the presence or absence of several compounds or concentration differences. This limits the origin discrimination of mixed samples, demonstrating the need for a method that analyzes individual grains. Therefore, we developed a method for origin discrimination using genetic analysis. The whole-genome sequencing data of the Williams 82 reference cultivar and 15 soybean varieties cultivated in South Korea were analyzed to identify the dense variation blocks (dVBs) with a high single-nucleotide polymorphism density. The PCR primers were prepared and validated for the insertion–deletion (InDel) sequences of the dVBs to discriminate each soybean variety. Our method effectively discriminated domestic and foreign soybean varieties, eliminating their false labeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furfuryl alcohol, which is the hydrogenated product of furfural, has been identified as a very promising platform chemical with high potential for applications in the manufacture of key chemicals, lubricants, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals. In this work, bare SB, and x % Ru/Al‐SB (x=1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 wt. %) samples were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. Bare and most active catalysts were characterized by different techniques, such as BET, FE‐SEM, TEM, FT‐IR, and XRD, to understand their physical and chemical properties. An evaluation of the effects of various reaction parameters, such as catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and reaction time, on the catalytic performance, showed higher catalytic conversion of furfural and selectivity for the desired products. The most active RuS3 catalyst showed 100 % conversion of furfural and 99 % selectivity for furfuryl alcohol. It could be reused for five consecutive reaction cycles without significant loss of performance. In addition, Ru leaching and loss of conversion or selectivity were not noticed during the five‐run recycling test. The EDS elemental mapping analysis of the used catalyst established the preservation of the mesoporous structure, suggesting a strong interaction between the hexagonal porous silicate and the Ru nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an adapter protein that is activated when cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are present. CDNs originate from the cytosolic DNA of both pathogens and hosts. STING activation promotes efficient immune responses against viral infections; however, its impact in bacterial infections is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of Sting in bacterial infections by successfully creating a sting-deficient (sting(−/−) with a 4-bp deletion) knockout zebrafish model using CRISPR/Cas9. The transcriptional modulation of genes downstream of cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase)-Sting pathway-related genes was analyzed in seven-day-old wild-type (WT) and sting(−/−) embryos, as well as in four-day-old LPS-stimulated embryos. The expression of downstream genes was higher in sting(−/−) than in healthy WT fish. The late response was observed in sting(−/−) larvae following LPS treatment, demonstrating the importance of Sting-induced immunity during bacterial infection by activating the cGAS–STING pathway. Furthermore, adult sting(−/−) fish had a high mortality rate and significantly downregulated cGAS–STING pathway-related genes during Edwardsiella piscicida (E. piscicida) infection. In addition, we assessed NF-κB pathway genes following E. piscicida infection. Our results show fluctuating patterns of interleukin-6 (il6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnfα) expression, which is likely due to the influence of other NF-κB pathway-related immune genes. In summary, this study demonstrates the important role of Sting against bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Food insecurity in college students is associated with poor eating habits. The purpose of this project was to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables in college students using a campus food pantry. Participants: Twenty-nine college students completed the study. Methods: Participants viewed weekly food preparation videos demonstrating cost-effective recipes containing fruits and vegetables and a key take-away message. Participants were provided a recipe and food to cook at home based on the Cooking Matters Food Pantry Toolkit. A 24-h dietary recall was collected pre- and postintervention using the Automated Self-Administered 24-H Dietary Assessment. This descriptive comparative study used repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Females (n = 19) increased their fruit and vegetable consumption by 1.3 cups daily (p <.05) while males (n = 10) decreased fruit and vegetable consumption at the postintervention measurement. Conclusion: Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables in female college students using the food pantry was a modifiable behavior in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO), which catalyzes the last step of the ascorbic acid (AA) biosynthesis pathway, results in a complete lack of AA in several Osteichthyes fish species, including zebrafish. In this study, sGULO , the active GULO gene from cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame) was cloned into zebrafish using the Gateway cloning method. The resulting Tg(b-actin:sGULO:mCherry) fish were analyzed for the effects of a reestablished AA pathway. Fluorescent microscopy and PCR were used to analyze the integration of the construct into the zebrafish genome. Catalytic activity of sGULO, AA production, growth-related characteristics, and gene expression were investigated to evaluate the effects of AA production in Tg fish. The mCherry fluorescent protein indicated the proper integration and expression of the sGULO construct in zebrafish. The sGULO gene was ubiquitously expressed in all the studied tissues and the enzyme activity indicated an increased AA production in Tg fish. The growth of Tg fish was also increased, and antioxidant system analysis suggests that reactive oxygen species production was reduced in Tg fish compared with wild type. Expression of the AA transporter slc23a1 was significantly downregulated in Tg homozygous fish. These results collectively indicate the effects of reestablished AA synthesis in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, indirect carbonation was carried out by using cement kiln dust (CKD), an alkaline industrial by-product, and three chelating agents (citrate, malonate, and adipate salts) as solvents at the room temperature and atmospheric pressure. We derived the optimum conditions for eluting Ca from CKD, as well as those for storing CO2 and producing CaCO3 through carbonation. The most important factor affecting the Ca elution from CKD was the solvent concentration and that for the carbonation was the end-of-carbonation pH. Under the optimum conditions of Ca elution, the molar ratios of Ca and solvent in eluates were 1:1, 1:2, and 1:2, respectively, using citrate, malonate, and adipate solvents. Based on the results, we propose that one molecule of Ca ion and one molecule citrate that is tridentate are combined to form a complex. The bidentate malonate and adipate, on the other hand, form complexes by combining one molecule of Ca ion and two molecules of each solvent. It is essential to raise the pH while simultaneously minimizing the amount of free chelating agent in solution to produce more CaCO3 and prevent its dissolution. Besides, it is absolutely necessary to terminate the carbonation reaction at a pH of about 10.5 to improve the reuse efficiency of the chelating agent. CaCO3 produced through carbonation reaction started to dissolve at pH approximately 10.5. All of the CaCO3 produced was calcite with a purity of 98%. The efficiency of Ca elution from CKD using three solvents increased significantly with increasing stability constant of a Ca-ligand complex, but the efficiency of carbonation was the same for all solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous report revealed that Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) has protective effects against acute pancreatitis. So, we examined whether aqueous extract of GJ has anti-inflammation and antifibrotic effects even against cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis (CP). CP was induced in mice by an intraperitoneal injection of a stable cholecystokinin (CCK) analogue, cerulein, six times a day, four days per week for three weeks. GJ extract (0.1 or 1 g/kg) or saline (control group) were intraperitoneally injected 1 h before first cerulein injection. After three weeks of stimulation, the pancreas was harvested for the examination of several fibrotic parameters. In addition, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated using gradient methods to examine the antifibrogenic effects of GJ. In the cerulein-induced CP mice, the histological features of the pancreas showed severe tissue damage such as enlarged interstitial spaces, inflammatory cell infiltrate and glandular atrophy, and tissue fibrosis. However, treatment of GJ reduced the severity of CP such as pancreatic edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, treatment of GJ increased pancreatic acinar cell survival, and reduced pancreatic fibrosis and activation of PSC in vivo and in vitro. In addition, GJ treatment inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in the PSCs. These results suggest that GJ attenuated the severity of CP and the pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting JNK and ERK activation during CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the pretreatment processing for Cd isotope analysis of environmental samples, acid extractions and total digestions were examined with various environmental certified reference materials. Four certified reference material samples, including fly ash, polluted soil, domestic sludge, and industrial sludge, were digested by six different acid extraction and total digestion methods, and then Cd was separated to remove other matrix by anion-exchange column. The Cd recovery rates of the acid extraction methods were 2.6–89.1%, while those of the total digestion methods were 21.6–88.7%. In these results, the Cd recovery rates were dependent on the sample type. More than 80% of the Cd in the polluted soil and domestic sludge samples could be recovered regardless of the decomposition method, except one method. On the other hand, the Cd recovery rate from fly ash was low when total digestion was performed using a HF mixture, and the recovery rate by total digestion methods for industrial sludge was higher than that by acid extraction. In our results, Cd isotope ratios tended to be more positive by increasing the Cd recovery rates, suggesting that the light isotope of Cd was decomposed preferentially during the decomposition procedures. However, when more than 80% of the Cd in the samples was recovered, the Cd isotope ratios were determined to be similar. This indicated that at least 80% of the Cd should be recovered from environmental samples to accurately measure the Cd isotopic ratio of environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major role of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells is to maintain water and sodium homeostasis. In addition to the major role, it also participates in the protection of renal and systemic inflammation. Although IMCD cells could take part in renal and systemic inflammation, investigations on renal inflammation in IMCD cells have rarely been reported. Although berberine (BBR) has been reported to show diverse pharmacological effects, its anti-inflammatory and protective effects on IMCD cells have not been studied. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of BBR in mouse IMCD-3 (mIMCD-3) cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS). An MTT assay was carried out to investigate the toxicity of BBR on mIMCD-3 cells. Reverse transcription quantitative-PCR and western blotting were performed to analysis pro-inflammatory molecules and cytokines. Mechanisms of BBR were examined by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. According to previous studies, pro-inflammatory molecules, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α are increased in LPS-exposed mIMCD-3 cells. However, the production of these pro-inflammatory molecules is significantly inhibited by treatment with BBR. In addition, BBR inhibited translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 from the cytosol to the nucleus, and degradation of inhibitory κ-Bα in LPS-exposed mIMCD-3 cells. In conclusion, BBR could inhibit renal inflammatory responses via inhibition of NF-κB signaling and ultimately contribute to amelioration of renal injury during systemic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used three processes to synthesize magnesium sulfate from seawater. First, alkaline industrial wastes, cement kiln dust and paper sludge ash, were injected to the seawater to precipitate magnesium in the form of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). Then, magnesium was eluted with a small amount of H2SO4 to make a high concentration magnesium solution. Finally, an organic solvent was added to precipitate magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Over 90% of magnesium was recovered through the three processes. It is expected that 11.3 kg of magnesium sulfate (based on MgSO4 · 6H2O) can be synthesized from 1 ton of seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by recurrent pancreatic injury, resulting in inflammation and fibrosis. Currently, there are no drugs for the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis associated with CP. Piperine, a natural alkaloid found in black pepper, has been reported to show anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antitumor activities. Although piperine exhibits numerous properties in regards to the regulation of diverse diseases, the effects of piperine on CP have not been established. To investigate the effects of piperine on CP in vivo, we induced CP in mice through the repetitive administration of cerulein (50 µg/kg) six times at 1-h intervals, 5 times per week, for a total of 3 weeks. In the pre-treatment groups, piperine (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg) or corn oil were administrated orally at 1 h before the first cerulein injection, once a day, 5 times a week, for a total of 3 weeks. In the post-treatment groups, piperine (10 mg/kg) or corn oil was administered orally at 1 or 2 week after the first cerulein injection. Pancreases were collected for histological analysis. In addition, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated to examine the anti-fibrogenic effects and regulatory mechanisms of piperine. Piperine treatment significantly inhibited histological damage in the pancreas, increased the pancreatic acinar cell survival, reduced collagen deposition and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, piperine treatment reduced the expression of fibrotic mediators, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, and fibronectin 1 in the pancreas and PSCs. Moreover, piperine treatment reduced the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the pancreas and PSCs. Furthermore, piperine treatment inhibited TGF-β-induced pSMAD2/3 activation but not pSMAD1/5 in the PSCs. These findings suggest that piperine treatment ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling during CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to find the optimum conditions, including the type and concentration of solvent, and the solid/liquid ratio, for the extraction of calcium from Paper Sludge Ash (PSA). Solvents with different properties are divided into the following three groups to conduct the calcium extraction experiments: acid (acetic acid and hydrochloric acid), ammonium salt (ammonium chloride and ammonium acetate), and other (sodium citrate and water). The maximum efficiency of calcium extraction using acid is 54% at a concentration of 0.7 M and solid/liquid ratio of 1:25, while ammonium salt and sodium citrate extract calcium up to 30% and 28%, respectively, at a concentration of 0.3 M and solid/liquid ratio of 1:50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to maximise the amount of CO2 storage by indirect carbonation using paper sludge ash (PSA), which is an alkaline industrial waste. The properties of the following three types of solvents were considered: acids (acetic acid and hydrochloric acid), ammonium salts (ammonium chloride and ammonium acetate) and others (sodium citrate and water). When carbon dioxide was injected into calcium leachates prepared from PSA using acids, carbonation did not occur, and using ammonium salts as solvent, the carbonation efficiency was low. However, after pH swing of the leachates using sodium hydroxide and ammonia solution for acid and ammonium salt solvents, up to 324 kg CO2/(ton PSA) and 175 kg CO2/(ton PSA) were stored, respectively. When carbon dioxide was injected into calcium leachates prepared from PSA using sodium citrate or water, solid was initially generated which later dissolved. In order to solve this problem, CO2 injection was stopped just before the pH of the solution reached 10.5 for sodium citrate and 8.3 for water, resulting in the storage of 136 kg CO2/(ton PSA) and 29 kg CO2/(ton PSA), respectively. Solids obtained through carbonation were pure calcium carbonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accessory breasts are usually located in the axilla. Symptoms associated with an axillary accessory breast (AAB) may newly develop or worsen after pregnancy. After childbirth, AAB engorgement and hyperplasia may occur due to milk formation. We evaluated the optimal time for AAB excision and assessed variations in clinical presentations and surgical outcomes associated with pregnancy.Methods: In total, 540 women whose symptoms began from puberty and underwent AAB excision were retrospectively analyzed. Group 1 comprised 416 patients who underwent operations before pregnancy, and Group 2 comprised 124 patients who underwent operations after childbirth. AABs were classified according to the Damsoyu-Lee (DL) classification. Satisfaction was measured by pain and cosmesis 3 months postoperatively.Results: Group 2 had more patients with severe symptoms [DL class II (n = 8, 6.5%) and III (n = 15, 12.1%)] than Group 1 (p = 0.049). The specimen weight and liposuction volume were greater in Group 2. The reoperation rate was also higher in Group 2 [loosening skin excision (n = 4, 3.2%) and remnant gland excision (n = 3, 2.4%)] (p = 0.032). In Group 2, 31 (25%) patients had AAB engorgement after childbirth and 7 (5.6%) had milk secretion from the accessory nipple after childbirth. The overall satisfaction score was lower in Group 2 than 1.Conclusions: Pregnancy may cause accessory breast gland hyperplasia. After childbirth, symptoms such as AAB engorgement and milk secretion from the accessory nipple may occur. The optimal timing for operation for AAB appears to be before the onset of pregnancy because of lower reoperation rates and greater patient satisfaction.Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asymmetric bilateral gynecomastia (ABGM) is uncommon, and reports on its characteristics are rare. In the present study, we investigated the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of ABGM.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 1159 patients with gynecomastia who underwent subcutaneous mastectomy with liposuction at Damsoyu Hospital from January 2014 to February 2016. We then analyzed differences in the characteristics and operative results between two groups of patients: those with asymmetric and symmetric gynecomastia. Asymmetric gynecomastia was defined as gynecomastia meeting both of the following criteria: (1) upon physical examination, the size of the palpable mass below the nipple-areolar complex was twice as large as the smaller one, and (2) upon ultrasonography, the depth of the glandular tissue under the nipple-areolar complex was twice as large as the smaller one.Results: Fifty-four patients were diagnosed with asymmetric gynecomastia. Among them, 51 had ABGM and three had unilateral gynecomastia. In the asymmetric group, more patients had a larger left than right breast (33 patients, 64.7%). The incidence of true-type (entirely glandular) breasts was significantly higher in the asymmetric group (84.3%) than in the symmetric group (p < 0.001). The asymmetry ratios in the asymmetric and symmetric groups were 1.87 ± 2.07 and 0.20 ± 0.16, respectively (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Bilateral mastectomy provided an acceptable and symmetric cosmetic outcome in patients with ABGM.Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent mobile applications have required high data rate. In metropolitan areas where data traffic is higher than other areas, heterogeneous networks (HetNet) are used to meet the traffic demand (Hoadley and Maveddat in IEEE Commun Mag 19(2):4-5, 2012). The HetNet has several low power base stations or remote radio heads in a macro cell coverage and sometimes coordinates the low power transmission points forming virtual multiple-input and multiple-output system. In this paper, inter-relay interference (IRI) cancellation for two-path relay system is considered. In existing schemes, IRI cancellation is performed at a destination node but proposed method performs the cancellation at relay nodes to reduce the complexity of detection algorithm for the destination node. Simulation results also show that the method of this paper achieves better BER performance than the existing schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new improved wireless transmission scheme is proposed for a wireless communication network. When the terminal is located in the edge of cell coverage, the transmitted signal is distorted by the interference and power reduction. In the proposed scheme, the terminal receives the signals through the multiple paths and pre-coded signal by the cooperative communication and the pre-coding scheme. Therefore, it reduces the problems of terminal in the edge of cell coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement Kiln Dust (CKD), a by-product of the cement industry, was used as the raw material to determine the optimum conditions of Ca extraction, which could ultimately be used for indirect mineral carbonation. CKD was a suitable raw material for mineral carbonation due to its high CaO content (42.7%) and fine particle size (23.08 μm), not requiring a pretreatment such as grinding and pH adjustment. Extractions were conducted by varying the factors such as the solvent type, reaction time, temperature, solid-liquid ratio, solvent concentration, and stirring speed, which could affect the Ca extraction. The solvents used (hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, ammonium chloride, ammonium acetate, and sodium citrate) resulted in high Ca extraction efficiencies, and the resultant Ca extract (except for hydrochloric acid) had sufficiently high pH for the carbonation reaction. The optimum conditions set for extracting Ca from the CKD were: 30 min reaction time, 25°C reaction temperature, 1:10 solid-liquid ratio, 1.74 M solvent concentration, and 250 rpm stirring speed. Under these conditions, Ca extraction efficiencies were very high and depended on the solvent used: hydrochloric acid (94.3%), acetic acid (93.7%), ammonium chloride (86.9%), ammonium acetate (85.3%), and sodium citrate (70%). Calcium carbonate was produced by reacting CO with Ca extracted with ammonium chloride and ammonium acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring viremia of carp (SVC) is listed as a notifiable viral disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). In 2016, the first official SVC outbreak was detected in the city of Gyeongsan, Korea. The present study reports the first complete genome analysis of SVC virus (SVCV, ADC-SVC2016-5) isolated from leather carp (Cyprinus carpio nudus). The results revealed that ADC-SVC2016-5 has a 11,029-bp genome containing five genes: N, P, M, G, and L. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that ADC-SVC2016-5 (accession number MG663512), isolated from leather carp, was closely related to genogroup Ia isolates of the Asian clade. This report provides additional information for studying the molecular epidemiology and evolution of spring viremia of carp virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the optimal conditions for efficient recovery of boron from seawater using boron selective resins (BSRs). A commercialized BSR named CRB05 was adopted and prepared in two particle sizes: A fine-particulate BSR (effective particle size of 105 μm) and a coarse-particulate BSR (effective particle size of 445 μm). The performance of the two BSRs was compared in terms of boron adsorption, boron desorption, and BSR regeneration and reusability. During boron adsorption, for fine BSR, optimal reaction time, stirring speed and the amount of BSR needed for the adsorption of boron were 30 min, 150 rpm and 1 g-BSR/L respectively, whereas for coarse BSR, values of the above parameters were 300 min, 150 rpm and 3 g-BSR/L. It indicates that the fine BSR can adsorb boron about threetimes more than the coarse BSR. It also shows that the reaction rate of the fine BSR is almost ten-times higher than that of the coarse BSR. During the boron desorption, no significant difference was found between the efficiencies exhibited by the fine and the coarse BSRs. The best desorption performance can be attained with 11.9 mL/mg-B of 0.05 M HSO and 15.9mL/mg-B of 0.25M HCl, regardless of the particle size of the BSR. Finally, the boron adsorption efficiency can be maintained at a stable level even after reusing the BSRs over ten times. The present study shows a possibility to recover boron with better efficiency from seawater in short time using the fine BSR, rather than the coarse BSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guggulsterone (GS) is a phytosterol that has been used to treat inflammatory diseases such as colitis, obesity, and thrombosis. Although many previous studies have examined activities of GS, the effect of GS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in mouse inner medullary collecting duct-3 (mIMCD-3) cells have not been examined. Therefore, here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory action of GS on mIMCD-3 cells exposed to LPS. LPS treatment on mIMCD-3 cells produced pro-inflammatory molecules such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) significantly; however, GS treatment significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. In addition, GS inhibited the degradation of Iκ-Bα and translocation of NF-κB on mIMCD-3 cells. These results suggest that GS could inhibit inflammatory responses in collecting duct cells which could contribute to kidney injury during systemic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyrifos (CHL) is an organophosphate compound that is widely used as an insecticide. Due to its repeated use and high environmental residual property, CHL is frequently passed into aquatic environments by runoff. Consequently, there may be an adverse effect on aquatic vertebrate animals, including fish. Therefore, in this study, we assessed how CHL affected Japanese medaka ( Oryzias latipes). The acute toxicity of CHL in adult fish after 96 h of exposure was determined to be 212.50, 266.79, and 412.28 μg L (LC, LC, and LC, respectively). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and carboxylesterase (CE) activities were obtained from the livers of dead or surviving fish, and the results showed 4.8-fold lower, 4.5-fold higher, and 18.6-fold lower activities for the AChE, GST, and CE, respectively, for 64-h exposure at a concentration of 400 μg L of CHL. In the embryo toxicity test, curved spines were observed in embryos that were exposed to CHL for 48 h in a concentration-dependent manner. With identification of biomarkers for CHL in the fish, two protein peaks, 5550.86 and 5639.79 m/ z, were found to be upregulated. These two proteins can be used as protein biomarkers for CHL contamination in aquatic systems. A phosphatidyl choline with an m/ z ratio of 556.32 dramatically decreased after CHL exposure in the fish; thus, it may be considered as a lipid biomarker for CHL. It is assumed as the first report to identify a phospholipid biomarker using a lipidomics approach in fish toxicology. Taken together, these results demonstrated the adverse effects of CHL on Japanese medaka and reveal several candidate biomarkers that can be used as diagnostic tools for determining CHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Poor sleep among college students is a major, growing problem associated with lower academic performance, higher rates of health and emotional problems, and development of chronic sleep disorders.Purpose:Though previous studies have focused on individual colleges, our study purpose was to reveal the association of behaviors and function to sleep quality in a large sample of students from across the United States.Methods:We analyzed data from the Fall 2009 American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment–II survey using descriptive statistics, independent samplettests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to find a representative, matched sample of 14 870 college students, both with and without a sleep problem, measured by daytime sleepiness.Results:Our correlational analysis revealed that sleep quality decreased with increasing levels of stress or alcohol/cigarette use and with decreasing levels of general health (allPs < .001).Discussion:College interventions should include efforts to address sleep quality to improve students' academic performance and long-term quality of life, especially for students experiencing substantial stress or poor general health.Translation to Health Education Practice:Educators, advisors, and leaders should incorporate sleep quality improvements into their services and programs for all students, especially students in at-risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lupeol is a triterpenoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables and is known to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antiinflammatory and anti-cancer effects. However, the effects of lupeol on acute pancreatitis specifically have not been well characterized. Here, we investigated the effects of lupeol on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice. Acute pancreatitis was induced via an intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (50 µg/kg). In the lupeol treatment group, lupeol was administered intraperitoneally (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg) 1 h before the first cerulein injection. Blood samples were taken to determine serum cytokine and amylase levels. The pancreas was rapidly removed for morphological examination and used in the myeloperoxidase assay, trypsin activity assay, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, we isolated pancreatic acinar cells using a collagenase method to examine the acinar cell viability. Lupeol administration significantly attenuated the severity of pancreatitis, as was shown by reduced pancreatic edema, and neutrophil infiltration. In addition, lupeol inhibited elevation of digestive enzymes and cytokine levels, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and interleukin (IL)-6. Furthermore, lupeol inhibited the cerulein-induced acinar cell death. In conclusion, these results suggest that lupeol exhibits protective effects on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the adsorption of selenite [Se(IV)] and selenate [Se(VI)] onto synthesized hematite is investigated under various conditions of reaction time, initial concentration, pH, and ionic strength. The adsorption of 50 µM Se(IV) and Se(VI) reaches steady-state within 5 h and 5 min, respectively, for the condition of 0.8 g/L hematite, 0.01 M NaCl and pH 5.5 ± 0.2. It is found that the parabolic diffusion model is the best to represent the adsorption kinetics of the two Se species onto hematite. On the contrary to the kinetic results, more Se(IV) is adsorbed than Se(VI) at equilibrium by approximately three times under the same physicochemical condition. The maximum adsorption capacities of Se(IV) and Se(VI) onto hematite are 4.04 × 10 and 1.15 × 10 mol/m, respectively, for 10-400 µM initial Se species concentration, 0.8 g/L hematite, 0.01 M NaCl, and pH 5.5 ± 0.2. The Langmuir model is the best to describe the isotherm data of both Se(IV) and Se(VI) adsorption. The adsorption of both Se(IV) and Se(VI) is maximum at acidic pH, showing considerable gap of adsorption capacity between the two Se species. As pH increases, the gap decreases and at pH higher than 10 it becomes negligible. The adsorption envelope of the Se(IV) is insensitive to ionic strength but that of the Se(VI) decreases with increasing ionic strength, indicating the formation of inner-sphere complex and outer-sphere complex for Se(IV) and for Se(VI), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of fatty acid biosynthesis and fatty acid oxidation throughout the body. Piperlongumine (PL) isolated fromPiper longum(L.) was shown to potently upregulate activation of AMPK via phosphorylation and inactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylases in cultured HepG2 cells, presumably enhancing the transfer of fatty acids into mitochondrial cells by inhibiting malonyl-CoA production. PL showed cytotoxicity on HepG2 cell growth at the concentration of 5 μM of PL, while more than 80% of HepG2 cells were survived at the concentration of 2 μM of PL. Overall, the results of this study indicate that PL activates AMPK phosphorylation and possesses cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The adsorption of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) with similar chemical properties is examined onto three soil samples: one is alkaline and the others are acidic. The distribution coefficient ( K) and the Freundlich constant ( K) for Zn are slightly higher than those for Cd, implying that the adsorption affinity of Zn is a little greater and less mobile. However, Cd and Zn usually show comparable results in the kinetic, isotherm, and envelope experiments. The adsorption of the heavy metals is relatively rapid and the reaction is almost completed within 15 min. The kinetics for both Cd and Zn are very well explained by the parabolic diffusion model. The maximum adsorption of the heavy metals is obtained at high pH, high temperature, and low ionic strength. The adsorption capacity on the alkaline soil is more significantly affected by the temperature as compared to the acidic soil. It is found that the adsorption affinity of the two heavy metals is mainly affected by the soil properties, such as pH, pH, organic matter, and total carbon. It is also confirmed that the chemical properties of the heavy metals are important factors in their adsorption onto soil. The adsorption isotherms of Cd and Zn are well described in both Freundlich and Langmuir models at the usual pH (soil pH). Under acidic and alkaline pHs, however, only the Freundlich model describes the adsorption of both heavy metals satisfactorily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-spin iron(III) iodosylarene complexes bearing an N-methylated cyclam ligand are synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic methods. The nonheme high-spin iron(III) iodosylarene intermediates are highly reactive oxidants capable of activating strong CH bonds of alkanes; the reactivity of the iron(III) iodosylarene intermediates is much greater than that of the corresponding iron(IV) oxo complex. The electrophilic character of the iron(III) iodosylarene complexes is demonstrated in sulfoxidation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-spin iron(III) iodosylarene complexes bearing an N-methylated cyclam ligand are synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic methods. The nonheme high-spin iron(III) iodosylarene intermediates are highly reactive oxidants capable of activating strong CH bonds of alkanes; the reactivity of the iron(III) iodosylarene intermediates is much greater than that of the corresponding iron(IV) oxo complex. The electrophilic character of the iron(III) iodosylarene complexes is demonstrated in sulfoxidation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]