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In previous experiments, ginsenoside Rh2 induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which indicates a potential role for ginsenoside Rh2 in anticancer treatment. The effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on cancer is marked and ginsenoside Rh2 has been shown to inhibit pancreatic tumor migratory ability. In the present study, Transwell chambers were used in order to investigate whether ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits the migratory ability of HepG2 liver carcinoma cells. Furthermore, to analyze activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor expression following Rh2 treatment, ten plasmids encoding Renilla luciferase coupled to the transcription factors were transiently transfected into the HepG2 cells and luciferase was detected by the Luciferase Reporter Assay system reagent. The results indicated that ginsenoside Rh2 inhibited HepG2 cell migratory ability. The expression levels of AP-1 transcription factors were increased in HepG2 cells following induction by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but ginsenoside Rh2 suppressed this induced AP-1 expression. AP-1 transcription factors recruit histone deacetylase (HDAC)4 and affect its transcription, thus, the expression levels of HDAC4 were also analyzed, and these were found to be increased in the Rh2 treatment group. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), a gene downstream of AP-1, was then investigated, and the treatment group expressed reduced levels of MMP3 gene and protein. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on the migratory ability of HepG2 may be presumed to occur by the recruitment of HDAC and the resulting inhibition of AP-1 transcription factors, in order to reduce the expression levels of MMP3 gene and protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower-like Bi2O2CO3 and g-C3N4-Bi2O2CO3 microspheres with a high adsorption ability were synthesized using a facile method, and their dye-induced photosensitized degradation activity under visible light irradiation was evaluated. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, TEM (HRTEM), UV-vis DRS and nitrogen adsorption-desorption techniques. It was found that the activity of Bi2O2CO3 was significantly enhanced due to the generation of g-C3N4-Bi2O2CO3 heterostructures. The dye-sensitization and the presence of g-C3N4 are beneficial for the visible-light excited process. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the proper matching of the energy levels of the dye, Bi2O2CO3 and g-C3N4 that facilitates the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes at the heterojunctions. The results of the present study give insights that are beneficial for the design of heterostructured materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hemorrhagic fever-like illness caused by a novel Bunyavirus, Huaiyangshan virus (HYSV, also known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia virus [SFTSV] and Fever, Thrombocytopenia and Leukopenia Syndrome [FTLS]), has recently been described in China Methods. Patients with laboratory-confirmed HYSV infection who were admitted to Union Hospital or Zhongnan Hospital between April 2010 and October 2010 were included in this study. Clinical and routine laboratory data were collected and blood, throat swab, urine, or feces were obtained when possible. Viral RNA was quantified by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Blood levels of a range of cytokines, chemokines, and acute phase proteins were assayed. Results. A total of 49 patients with hemorrhagic fever caused by HYSV were included; 8 (16.3%) patients died. A fatal outcome was associated with high viral RNA load in blood at admission, as well as higher serum liver transaminase levels, more pronounced coagulation disturbances (activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time), and higher levels of acute phase proteins (phospholipase A, fibrinogen, hepcidin), cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, interferon-c), and chemokines (IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 1b). The levels of these host parameters correlated with viral RNA levels. Blood viral RNA levels gradually declined over 3- 4 weeks after illness onset, accompanied by resolution of symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. Viral RNA was also detectable in throat, urine, and fecal specimens of a substantial proportion of patients, including all fatal cases assayed. Conclusions. Viral replication and host immune responses play an important role in determining the severity and clinical outcome in patients with infection by HYSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) is an important chemical widely used in polymer production, but its availability is being restricted owing to its expensive chemical synthesis. A methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha was engineered by expression of dhaB1, dhaB2, dhaB3, dhaB and dhaB encoding glycerol dehydratase complex and dhaT encoding 1,3-PD oxidoreductase from Klebsiella pneumoniae under direction of promoter of glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The engineered recombinant yeast strain can produce 1,3-PD from glucose (2.4 g L) as well as glycerol (0.8 g L), which might lead to a safe and cost-effective method for industrial production of 1,3-PD from various biomass resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyl ionic liquid grafted onto cross-linked divinylbenzene polymer (PDVB-HEIMBr) was fabricated and evaluated as a catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides without the use of any co-catalyst and organic solvent. The catalyst shows good performance across a wide range of epoxides, giving almost quantitative yield of carbonates (140 °C, 2.0 MPa of initial CO2, and ≤4 h). The effects of reaction temperature, time and initial CO2 pressure on product yield were investigated. It is suggested that the synergetic effect between the bromide ions and the hydroxyl groups facilitates the coupling reaction. Furthermore, the PDVB-HEIMBr catalyst shows excellent stability and reusability. From the viewpoint of industrial application, the catalyst is very attractive because of its simplicity, activity, stability, and reusability. Hydroxyl ionic liquid grafted onto divinylbenzene polymer was fabricated and evaluated for the solventless synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides. The catalyst shows good activity, selectivity, stability and reusability towards the coupling reaction.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Bromopropane (1-BP) is an alternative for ozone depleting and other solvents; it is used in aerosol products, adhesives, and cleaning solvents. There is concern that 1-BP may be a reproductive and neurological toxicant. Mercapturic acid conjugates are excreted in urine from 1-BP metabolism involving debromination. The main objectives were to evaluate urinary bromide [Br(−)] and N-acetyl- S-( n-propyl)- l-cysteine (AcPrCys) for assessing 1-BP exposure in workers with low exposure. Workers’ 1-BP exposures were measured in their breathing zones with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection via NIOSH 1025. Urine specimens were obtained over a 48-h period at five facilities using vapor degreasers and one adhesive manufacturer. All of the workers’ urine was collected into composite samples and analyzed separately representing daily time intervals: at work, after work but before bedtime, and upon awakening. Urinary metabolites were analyzed using intra-coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy for Br(−), and high-performance liquid chromatography and electro-spray ionization mass spectroscopy for AcPrCys. Time-weighted average (TWA) geometric mean (GM) breathing zone concentrations of 1-BP at vapor degreasing facilities were 2.6 and 0.31 ppm, respectively, for workers near degreasers and those remote from degreasers. Urine metabolites showed the same trend as TWA exposures: higher levels were observed for workers near degreasers (48-h GM Br(−) = 8.9 vs. 3.7; 48-h GM AcPrCys = 1.3 vs. 0.12, respectively). Associations of Br(−) and AcPrCys concentrations with 1-BP TWA were statistically significant near degreasers ( p < 0.01). This study shows that urinary Br(−) and AcPrCys are useful biomarkers of workers’ 1-BP exposures using analyses sensitive enough to measure low exposure jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Zn-Al composite oxides that were modified with alkaline earth metals, Zn- M-Al-O ( M = Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) were fabricated via calcination of the corresponding hydrotalcite precursors, and evaluated as catalysts for the synthesis of propylene carbonate (PC) from CO2 and propylene oxide. Among the Zn- M-Al-O catalysts, Zn- Mg-Al-O (Zn/Mg = 4.0, pH = 10, without hydrothermal treatment) is the best in performance, showing PC selectivity of 99.2% and yield of 88.8% (140 °C, 12 h). Furthermore, the Zn- Mg-Al-O catalyst can be readily reused and recycled without any loss of activity in a test of five cycles. Through detailed studies of the basic nature of the Zn- M-Al-O catalysts, it was found that a moderate basicity (6.1 ≤ H0 < 8.9) is beneficial to the cycloaddition reaction. The NH3- and CO2-TPD results also indicate that the Zn- Mg-Al-O catalyst has acid–base bifunctional properties, and a reaction mechanism is proposed. Zn-Mg-Al composite oxides were prepared via calcination of the corresponding hydrotalcite precursors, and used as catalysts for the synthesis of propylene carbonate from CO2 and propylene oxide. We achieved high catalytic efficiency under mild conditions, easy separation of catalyst from the product, and good recyclability of the catalyst. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed for the catalytic action.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-(2-hydroxyl-ethyl)-1-propylimidazolium bromide (HEPIMBr) was immobilized onto SBA-15, Al-SBA-15 mesoporous molecular sieves and SiO2 by chemical grafting method. The materials were characterized and used as catalysts for solvent-free synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides under relatively mild conditions. Among them, the HEPIMBr immobilized on SBA-15 performs the best, showing carbonate selectivity and yield of ca. 100% (120 °C, 2.0 MPa, 2 h). The catalyst is thermally stable and shows good reusability. Based on the experimental results, a plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed for the catalytic reaction. 3-(2-hydroxyl-ethyl)-1-propylimidazolium bromide (HEPIMBr) was immobilized on SBA-15 mesoporous molecular sieve by chemical grafting method. It was found the material shows high catalytic efficiency and good stability towards the cyclic carbonates synthesis via. Cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides. Moreover, the catalyst can be easily separated from the product. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed for the catalytic action. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A problem in joint ventures between U.S. and Asian firms is that cultural differences impede the smooth resolution of conflicts between managers. In a survey of young managers in the U.S., China, Philippines, and India we find support for two hypotheses about cultural differences in conflict style and the cultural values that account for these differences: Chinese managers rely more on an avoiding style because of their relatively high value on conformity and tradition. U.S. managers rely more on a competing style because of their relatively high value on individual achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Recognition method of CT images based on color, morphology, and texture is inaccurate and unreliable recently. Therefore, a medical image recognition method based on data mining is proposed with a multi‐feature fusion in this paper. First, image acquisition method is determined by analyzing the environment of CT image recognition. Then, acquired CT image is standardized and whitened to reduce redundant information. Moreover, based on feature of the color, texture, and height in preprocessed CT images, a deep neural network is trained by using a large amount of image data in normal scene. The deep learning classifier is fine‐tuned by using the marked multi‐feature CT image data. Finally, output recognition result is obtained according to the classification decision threshold. Experimental results show that the correct recognition rate of the proposed method can reach more than 98%. The accuracy rate is higher and the stability of proposed method is better by comparing with traditional CT image recognition methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective In this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed heat shock protein (HSP) profiles in the villi and decidua from patients with early missed abortion (EMA). Methods By using high-throughput and high-precision parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)-based targeted proteomics techniques, this study examined the abundance of HSPs in the villi and decidua of 10 patients with EMA and 10 controls. Moreover, the abundance of 3 HSPs in the villi of another 22 patients with EMA and 22 controls was verified with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results There were potential differences in the abundance of 16 HSPs and 42 polypeptides in human villi and decidua compared with those of the control group. Among them, HSP90AB1, HSPD1 and HSPA13 were downregulated in abundance in villi of patients with EMA, with a statistically significant difference, which was consistent with the verification results of Western blots and IHC. Conclusion Using a PRM-based targeted proteomics technique, this study is the first to screen and quantitatively analyze the expression profile of HSPs in the villi and decidua of patients with EMA. The significant downregulation of HSP90AB1, HSPD1 and HSPA13 was found to have a potentially intimate association with the occurrence of EMA. The findings in our study may provide novel potential research targets related to HSPs for the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of EMA.

ABSTRACTEmerging zoonoses of wildlife origin caused by previously unknown agents are one of the most important challenges for human health. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau represents a unique ecological niche with diverse wildlife that harbours several human pathogens and numerous previously uncharacterized pathogens. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel arenavirus (namely, plateau pika virus, PPV) from plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by virome analysis. Isolated PPV strains could replicate in several mammalian cells. We further investigated PPV pathogenesis using animal models. PPV administered via an intraventricular route caused trembling and sudden death in IFNαβR-/- mice, and pathological inflammatory lesions in brain tissue were observed. According to a retrospective serological survey in the geographical region where PPV was isolated, PPV-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 8 (2.4%) of 335 outpatients with available sera. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that this virus was clearly separated from previously reported New and Old World mammarenaviruses. Under the co-speciation framework, the estimated divergence time of PPV was 77–88 million years ago (MYA), earlier than that of OW and NW mammarenaviruses (26-34 MYA).

Highlights: [•] Polymer grafted with asymmetrical dication ionic liquid (PDIL) was synthesized. [•] The PDIL shows high catalytic activity and selectivity for cycloaddition reactions. [•] The PDIL shows good stability and reusability. [•] A plausible mechanism for cycloaddition reaction over PDIL is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A series of novel FGBILs was synthsized by a simple method. [•] The FGBILs was firstly used as catalysts for the cycloaddition reaction. [•] The FGBILs show high catalytic activity and selectivity under mild conditions. [•] Effects of the structure on the catalytic activity of FGBILs were investigated. [•] A plausible mechanism for cycloaddition reaction over FGBILs was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesized Cu2O/BiVO4 composites by growing Cu2O nanoparticles on BiVO4 under mild condition. The optimized composite shows high photocatalytic efficiency in the simultaneous oxidation of organic dyes and reduction of Cr(VI) in neutral media. The XPS results confirm that the Cr(VI) adsorbed on Cu2O/BiVO4 was completely reduced to Cr(III). The photocatalyst can be used for the degradation of cationic or anionic dyes as well as a mixture of them under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the composite can be ascribed to the heterojunctions between Cu2O and BiVO4, which facilitate the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. The work demonstrates that the as-synthesized Cu2O/BiVO4 composite is a promising photocatalyst for the treatment of wastewater that contains organic dyes and Cr(VI) ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]