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Nitrogen-doped carbon materials, characterized by abundant microporous and nitrogen functionalities, exhibit significant potential for carbon dioxide capture and supercapacitors. In this study, a class of porous organic polymer (POP) were successfully synthesized by linking Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br 4 and tetraethynylpyrene (Py-T). The model benzoxazine monomers of Cr-TPA-4BZ and Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br 4 were synthesized using the traditional three-step method [involving CH═N formation, reduction by NaBH 4 , and Mannich condensation]. Subsequently, the Sonogashira coupling reaction connected the Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br 4 and Py-T monomers, forming Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP. The successful synthesis of Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br 4 and Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP was confirmed through various analytical techniques. After verifying the successful synthesis of Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP, carbonization and KOH activation procedures were conducted. These crucial steps led to the formation of poly(Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP)-800, a carbon material with a structure akin to graphite. In practical applications, poly(Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP)-800 exhibited a noteworthy CO 2 adsorption capacity of 4.4 mmol/g, along with specific capacitance values of 397.2 and 159.2 F g -1 at 0.5 A g -1 (measured in a three-electrode cell) and 1 A g -1 (measured in a symmetric coin cell), respectively. These exceptional dual capabilities stem from the optimal ratio of heteroatom doping. The outstanding performance of poly(Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP)-800 microporous carbon holds significant promise for addressing contemporary energy and environmental challenges, making substantial contributions to both sectors.

The stable calcium (Ca) isotopes offer a minimally invasive method for assessing Ca balance in the body, providing a new avenue for research and clinical applications. In this study, we measured the Ca isotopic composition of soft tissues (brain, muscle, liver, and kidney), mineralized tissue (bone), and blood (plasma) from 10 mice (5 females and 5 males) with three different genetic backgrounds and same age (3 months old). The results reveal a distinctive Ca isotopic composition in different body compartments of mice, primally controlled by each compartment's unique Ca metabolism and genetic background, independent of sex. The bones are enriched in the lighter Ca isotopes (δ 44/40 Ca bone  =  - 0.10 ± 0.55 ‰) compared to blood and other soft tissues, reflecting the preferential incorporation of lighter Ca isotopes through bone formation, while heavier Ca isotopes remain preferentially in blood. The brain and muscle are enriched in lighter Ca isotopes (δ 44/40 Ca brain  =  - 0.10 ± 0.53 ‰; δ 44/40 Ca muscle  = 0.19 ± 0.41 ‰) relative to blood and other soft tissues, making the brain the isotopically lightest soft tissues of the mouse body. In contrast, the kidney is enriched in heavier isotopes (δ 44/40 Ca kidney  = 0.86 ± 0.31 ‰) reflecting filtration and reabsorption by the kidney. This study provides important insight into the Ca isotopic composition of various body compartments and fluids., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

Potassium (K) is an essential electrolyte for cellular functions in living organisms, and disturbances in K+ homeostasis could lead to various chronic diseases (e.g. hypertension, cardiac disease, diabetes, and bone health). However, little is known about the natural distribution of stable K isotopes in mammals and their application to investigate bodily homeostasis and/or as biomarkers for diseases. Here, we measured K isotopic compositions (δ41K, per mil deviation of 41K/39K from the NIST SRM 3141a standard) of brain, liver, kidney, and red blood cells (RBCs) from 10 mice (five females and five males) with three different genetic backgrounds. Our results reveal that different organs and RBCs have distinct K isotopic signatures. Specifically, the RBCs have heavy K isotopes enrichment with δ41K ranging from 0.67 to 0.08‰, while the brains show lighter K isotopic compositions with δ41K ranging from -1.13 to -0.09‰ compared to the livers (δ41K = -0.12 ± 0.58‰) and kidneys (δ41K = -0.24 ± 0.57‰). We found that the K isotopic and concentration variability is mostly controlled by the organs, with a minor effect of the genetic background and sex. Our study suggests that the K isotopic composition could be used as a biomarker for changes in K+ homeostasis and related diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Objective: To detect the differential expressions of miR-451, ABCB1 and ABCC2 in drug-sensitive leukemia cell line K562 and drug-resistant cell line K562/A02, and explore the regulatory relationship between miR-451 and the expressions of ABCB1 and ABCC2 , and the mechanism of miR-451 involved in drug resistance in leukemia., Methods: CCK-8 assay was used to detect the drug resistance of K562/A02 and K562 cells. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the differential expressions of miR-451 in K562 and K562/A02 cells. MiR-451 mimic and negative control (miR-NC), miR-451 inhibitor and negative control (miR-inNC) were transfected into K562 and K562/A02 cells respectively, then qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of mRNA and protein of ABCB1 and ABCC2 in K562 and K562/A02 cells and the transfected groups., Results: The drug resistance of K562/A02 cells to adriamycin was 177 times higher than that of its parent cell line K562. Compared with K562 cells, the expression of miR-451 in K562/A02 cells was significantly higher ( P <0.001), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of ABCB1 and ABCC2 in K562/A02 cells were significantly higher than those in K562 cells ( P <0.001). After transfected with miR-451 inhibitor, the expression of miR-451 was significantly down-regulated in K562/A02 cells ( P <0.001), the sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs was significantly enhanced ( P <0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of ABCB1 and ABCC2 were significantly decreased ( P <0.01). After transfected with miR-451 mimic, the expression of miR-451 was significantly upregulated in K562 cells ( P <0.001), and the mRNA and protein expressions of ABCB1 and ABCC2 were significantly increased ( P <0.01)., Conclusion: There are significant differences in the expressions of miR-451, ABCB1 and ABCC2 between the drug-sensitive leukemia cell line K562 and drug-resistant cell line K562/A02, which suggests that miR-451 may affect the drug resistance of leukemia cells by regulating the expression of ABCB1 and ABCC2 .

Leeches have long been considered potential vectors for the aquatic lineage of trypanosomes, while bloodsucking insects are generally considered as the vectors for the terrestrial lineage of trypanosomes. The freshwater leech, Hirudinaria manillensis, is a widely distributed species in southern China and could potentially act as the vector for trypanosomes. Prior to this study, no trypanosomes had been reported from this leech. However, in this study, leeches were collected from three different places in Guangdong province, China, and a large number of flagellates were isolated and successfully cultured in vitro. Based on morphology, these flagellates looked like a typical trypanosome species. Analysis was carried out on the molecular sequences of the 18S rRNA gene and the glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) gene. To our surprise, these flagellates were identified as likely to be a mammalian trypanosome belonging to the clade containing Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) theileri but they are significantly different from the typical TthI and TthII stocks. Analyses of blood composition indicated that the source of the blood meal in these leeches was from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). To further test if this flagellate from the freshwater leech was indeed a mammalian trypanosome, we transferred the trypanosomes cultured at 27-37 °C and they were able to successfully adapt to this mammalian body temperature, providing further supporting evidence. Due to the significant genetic differences from other related trypanosomes in the subgenus Megatrypanum, we propose that this flagellate, isolated from H. manillensis, is a new species and have named it Trypanosoma bubalisi. Our results indicate that freshwater leeches may be a potential vector of this new mammalian trypanosome., (Copyright © 2021 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a disorder of sexual behavior and sexual sensation that appears as an abnormality or absence of sexual psychology and physiological reaction. It is a general term for many different symptoms includes several aspects, erectile dysfunction (ED), failure of sexual intercourse and loss of libido/desire. According to statistics, 52% of 40˜70 year old men suffer from varying degrees of SD. And these diseases caused by a variety of biological and psychological factors. In world about 15% of couples are affected by sexual disharmony among these 40 to 50% are because of male factors. Considering the sensitivity of male reproduction system, it is being easily affected by multiple risk factors, such as chronic diseases, environmental contaminants, drug toxicity and unhealthy lifestyle and so on. In the last few years, significant progress have been made toward understanding the various forms of male SD and the possible potential pathological mechanisms. However, for the time being, the exact cause of SD is not fully understood from the literature. What is also significant about there are quite limited treatments in reproductive medicine being directed against these lesions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current findings of pathogenic factors of SD in clinical or animal studies, to elaborate the underlying mechanisms of these diseases from studies in vivo and in vitro, to analyses the risk factors, and to describe the management strategies traditionally recommended of male sexual dysfunction. The review findings elucidate a systematic strategies for effectively preventing these diseases., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine whether the cannabinoid agonist WIN55212-2 could attenuate ischemic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats through inhibition of GAPDH/Siah1 signaling., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed randomly into 5 groups: (1) sham group that received no aortic occlusion and injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with vehicle control after reperfusion; (2) control group that received a 12-minute aortic occlusion and injected i.p. with vehicle control after reperfusion; (3) WIN55212-2 group (WIN) that received the aortic occlusion and injected i.p. with 1 mg/kg of WIN55212-2 after reperfusion; and (4) WIN55212-2 plus AM251 group and (5) WIN55212-2 plus AM630 group that received the same surgical operation as the WIN group, except that 1 mg/kg of AM251 or AM630 was injected i.p. 30 min before each dose of WIN55212-2 injection, respectively. Neurologic function was assessed 48 hours after reperfusion. Histopathologic examination was performed to determine the number of normal neurons in anterior spinal cord. Protein expression of active caspase-3, total caspase-3, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), Siah1, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 1β were determined with Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; coimmunoprecipitation assays were also used to determine GAPDH/Siah1 complexing. Finally, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining was used to determine neuronal apoptosis in the lumbar spinal cord., Results: The nuclear translocation of GAPDH and Siah1 in the spinal cord was initiated after ischemic spinal cord injury (SCI) along with the increased formation of GAPDH/Siah1 complexes. However, the activation of GAPDH/Siah1 was blocked by WIN. In addition, the treatment of WIN55212-2 promoted neuronal survival in the spinal cord, reduced apoptosis and inflammation, and improved neurologic scores. Furthermore, these beneficial effects of WIN55212-2 were abolished by the combined treatment of the CB2 antagonist AM630, but not the CB1 antagonist AM251., Conclusions: Our findings reveal GAPDH/Siah1 signaling cascades as a novel therapeutic target for ischemic SCI and identify WIN55212-2 with the potential to treat ischemic SCI by targeting this pathway., (Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To better understand the mechanism of Mg isotopic variation in magma systems, here we report high precision Mg isotopic data of 17 bulk rock samples including dunite, clinopyroxenite, hornblendite and gabbro and 10 pairs of dunite-hosted olivine and chromite separates from the well-characterized Alaskan-type Xiadong intrusion in NW China, which formed by continuous and high degree of lithological differentiation from mafic magmas. Chromite separates have highly variable δ 26 Mg values from -0.10‰ to 0.40‰, and are consistently heavier than coexisting olivine separates (-0.39‰ to -0.15‰). Both mineral δ 26 Mg values and the degrees of inter-mineral fractionation are well correlated with geochemical indicators of magma differentiation, indicating that these inter-sample and inter-mineral Mg isotope fractionations are caused by magma evolution. The δ 26 Mg values range from -0.20‰ to -0.02‰ in the dunite, -0.43‰ in the clinopyroxenite, -0.43‰ to -0.28‰ in the hornblendite, 0.18‰ in the chromite-bearing hornblendite, and -0.56‰ to -0.16‰ in the gabbro. The Mg isotopic variations in different types of rocks are closely related to fractional crystallization and accumulation of different proportions of oxides vs. silicates. Chromite crystallization and accumulation is the most important factor in controlling Mg isotope fractionation during the formation of the Xiadong intrusion. Compared to basaltic and granitic magmas, differentiation of the Alaskan-type intrusions occurs at a relatively high oxygen fugacity, which favors chromite crystallization and consequently significant Mg isotope fractionations at both mineral and whole-rock scales. Therefore, Mg isotope systematics can be used to trace the degree of magma differentiation and related-mineralization., (Copyright © 2017 Science China Press. All rights reserved.)

The essential role of GAPDH/Siah1 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of various injurious conditions such as traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has been gradually recognized. However, the drugs targeting this signaling pathway are still lacking. The endocannabinoid system, including its receptors (CB1 and CB2), act as neuroprotective and immunomodulatory modulators in SCI. WIN55212-2, an agonist for CB1 and CB2 receptors, has been demonstrated with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in multiple neurological diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether WIN55212-2 could promote functional recovery after traumatic SCI via inhibition of the GAPDH/Siah1 signaling. The traumatic SCI was induced by dropping a 10-g impactor from 25mm on the dorsal surface of T9 and T10. Our results showed that WIN55212-2 alleviated the activation of GAPDH/Siah1 signaling pathway after SCI, as indicated by the reduction in GAPDH nuclear expression, GAPDH-Siah1 complex formation and iNOS protein expression. Furthermore, WIN55212-2 reduced apoptosis, production of IL-1β and TNF-α and activation of NF-κB signaling in the spinal cord after SCI. The behavioral tests showed that WIN55212-2 improved the functional recovery after traumatic SCI as indicated by sustained increase in the locomotor scores. However, these neuroprotective effects of WIN55212-2 were blocked in the presence of the combined treatment of AM630 (an antagonist of CB2) rather than AM251 (an antagonist of CB1). In conclusion, our study indicates that, WIN55212-2 improves the functional recovery after SCI via inhibition of GAPDH/Siah1 cascades in a CB2 receptor dependent manner, indicative of its therapeutic potential for traumatic SCI or other traumatic conditions., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Paraplegia caused by spinal cord ischemia is a severe complication following surgeries in the thoracic aneurysm. HMGB1 has been recognized as a key mediator in spinal inflammatory response after spinal cord injury. Electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment could provide neuroprotection against cerebral ischemic injury through inhibition of HMGB1 release. Therefore, the present study aims to test the hypothesis that EA pretreatment protects against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury via inhibition of HMGB1 release. Animals were pre-treated with EA stimulations 30min daily for 4 successive days, followed by 20-min spinal cord ischemia induced by using a balloon catheter placed into the aorta. We found that spinal I/R significantly increased mRNA and cytosolic protein levels of HMGB1 after reperfusion in the spinal cord. The EA-pretreated animals displayed better motor performance after reperfusion along with the decrease of apoptosis, HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-1β expressions in the spinal cord, whereas these effects by EA pretreatment was reversed by rHMGB1 administration. Furthermore, EA pretreatment attenuated the down-regulation of LXA 4 receptor (ALX) expression induced by I/R injury, while the decrease of HMGB1 release in EA-pretreated rats was reversed by the combined BOC-2 (an inhibitor of LXA 4 receptor) treatment. In conclusion, EA pretreatment may promote spinal I/R injury through the inhibition of HMGB1 release in a LXA 4 receptor-dependent manner. Our data may represent a new therapeutic technique for treating spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Trehalose, a non-permeating cryoprotective agent (CPA), has been documented as less toxic and highly efficient at cryopreserving different kinds of cells or organisms. In the present study, trehalose was evaluated for its application in cryopreservation of both Trypanosoma brucei procyclic and bloodstream form cells. The cryopreservation efficiency was determined by the motility of trypanosomes after thawing, as well as a subsequent recovery and infectivity assessment. The viability of trypanosomes from cultivation that were frozen in a serial concentrations of trehalose showed similar results to classical CPAs of glycerol and DMSO. Nevertheless, trypanosomes cryopreserved in 0.2M trehalose showed the best growth characteristic during subsequent cultivation. In addition, CPA cocktails with trehalose and permeating CPA glycerol or DMSO were developed and evaluated. Interestingly, trypanosomes in host (mouse) blood cryopreserved in 0.4M trehalose plus 5% glycerol showed higher infectivity than those preserved in trehalose/DMSO cocktails as well as individually. Further investigations showed that, in comparison with slow freezing at -80°C, flash freezing in liquid nitrogen provided better cryopreservation for bloodstream form cells than slow freezing. In conclusion, trehalose is an easy, safe and efficient CPA for cryopreservation of T. brucei and potentially for other protozoan species and cells., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)/Siah1 signaling pathway has been recognized as a sensor of nitric oxide (NO). It is associated with a variety of injurious conditions, suggesting its therapeutic potential for spinal cord injury (SCI). Sivelestat sodium (SIV), a neutrophil elastase (NE) inhibitor initially used to treat acute lung injury, has been known to protect against compression-induced and ischemic SCI. However, little is known about the relationship between the GAPDH/Siah1 cascade and SIV. Thus, we aimed to assess the role of GAPDH/Siah1 cascade in traumatic SCI and its possible link with SIV. Rats were assigned to four groups: sham group, SCI group, 5-mg/kg SIV group, and 10-mg/kg SIV. The traumatic SCI was induced by dropping a 10-g impactor from a height of 25mm on the dorsal surface of T9 and T10. SIV was injected intraperitoneally immediately after surgery. Our results showed that the nuclear translocation of GAPDH was induced together with the nuclear translocation of Siah1 and the formation of the GAPDH/Siah1 complex in the spinal cord after traumatic SCI. However, the activation of the GAPDH/Siah1 cascade was attenuated by treatment with SIV. We also found that SIV suppressed apoptosis, NE and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expressions, the number of NE and iNOS immunostained cells, the production of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the activation of nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling in the spinal cord. The behavioral tests showed that SIV promoted functional recovery after traumatic SCI as reflected in the sustained increase in the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores throughout the observation period. In conclusion, our results reveal GAPDH/Siah1 as a novel signaling pathway during the progression of SCI, which can be blocked by SIV., (Copyright © 2016 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report Li isotopic compositions of olivine from the mantle sequence of the Luobusa ophiolite, southern Tibet. The olivine in the Luobusa ophiolite has Li concentrations from ~0.1 to 0.9 ppm and a broad range of δ(7)Li (+14 to -20‰). An inverse correlation of Li concentration and δ(7)Li in olivine from harzburgite suggests recent diffusive ingress of Li into the rock. Olivine from dunite enveloping podiform chromitites shows positive δ(7)Li values higher than those of MORB, whereas olivine from the chromitite has negative δ(7)Li values. Such variations are difficult to reconcile by diffusive fractionation and are thought to record the nature of the magma sources. Our results clearly indicate that the Luobusa chromitites formed from magmas with light Li isotopic compositions and that the dunites are products of melt-rock interaction. The isotopically light magmas originated by partial melting of a subducted slab after high degrees of dehydration and then penetrated the overlying mantle wedge. This study provides evidence for Li isotope heterogeneity in the mantle that resulted from subduction of a recycled oceanic component.

The oriental liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis, a pathogen causing clonorchiasis, is of major socio-economic importance in East Asia, including China, Korea and Vietnam. This parasite is now recognized as a biocarcinogen strongly linked to cholangiocarcinoma in humans. Here, we describe the status of clonorchiasis in China, where it has been estimated that more than 15 million patients are affected. This paper also summarizes the major advances in the field of clonorchiasis research during last decade, including diagnosis techniques, pathogenesis and genome/transcriptome/proteome studies in the last years. We strongly hope that our work can stimulate the governments of the countries or regions where clonorchiasis is endemic to pay more attention to this disease and establish related guidelines to prevent and control it., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

A novel multi-cereal-based fermented beverage with suitable aroma, flavor, and pH fermented by lactic acid bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was developed. Twenty-seven lactobacilli strains were screened for acid production (pH and titratable acidity) in a mixture of malt, rice, and maize substrates. It was found that Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS1.9204 had the greatest acid production among 27 lactobacilli tested. The fermentation performance of L. helveticus KLDS1.9204 was also assayed and the fermentation parameters were optimized using Plackett-Burman design and steepest ascent method. L. helveticus KLDS1.9204 showed good proteolytic capability, however, the strain could not utilize starch. The optimum substrate consisted of 50% malt (25 g/100 mL), 25% rice (20 g/100 mL), and 25% maize (30 g/100 mL). The inoculum was 5% with a ratio of S. cerevisiae to L. helveticus KLDS1.9204 of 2.5:1. The optimum temperature was 37 °C and the time was 22 h. Lastly, the quality of the multi-cereal-based fermented beverage was evaluated. This beverage was light yellow, transparent, and it tasted well with a pleasant acid and a unique flavor of cereals. The beverage was rich in free amino acids and organic acids. The pH and titratable acidity of the beverage were 3.5 and 29.86 °T, respectively. The soluble solids content of the beverage was 6.5 °Brix, and the alcohol content was 0.67%., (© 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®)

The predicted toxicity of mixtures of imidazolium and pyridinium ionic liquids (ILs) in the ratios of their EC50, EC10, and NOEC (no observed effect concentration) were compared to the observed toxicity of these mixtures on luciferase. The toxicities of EC50 ratio mixture can be effectively predicted by two-stage prediction (TSP) method, but were overestimated by the concentration addition (CA) model and underestimated by the independent action (IA) model. The toxicities of EC10 ratio mixtures can be basically predicted by TSP and CA, but were underestimated by IA. The toxicities of NOEC ratio mixtures can be predicted by TSP and CA in a certain concentration range, but were underestimated by IA. Our results support the use of TSP as a default approach for predicting the combined effect of different types of ILs at the molecular level. In addition, mixtures of ILs mixed at NOEC and EC10 could cause significant effects of 64.1% and 97.7%, respectively. Therefore, we should pay high attention to the combined effects in mixture risk assessment.

Results from three mathematical approaches to predict the toxicity of uniform design mixtures of four heavy metals (HMs) including Cd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) and six ionic liquids (ILs) were compared to the observed toxicity of these mixtures on Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67. Single toxicity analysis indicated that the ILs had greater toxicity than the HMs. Combined toxicities of HMs and ILs were found to be synergistic. The combined toxicities were underestimated by concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models. However, the mixture toxicities were effectively predicted by the integrated CA with IA based on multiple linear regression model (ICIM). We propose that ICIM model can serve as a useful tool for predicting the toxicity of interactive mixtures., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Lithium elemental and isotopic compositions of olivines in peridotite xenoliths from Hebi in the North China Craton provide direct evidence for the highly variable δ(7)Li in Archean lithospheric mantle. The δ(7)Li in the cores of olivines from the Hebi high-Mg# peridotites (Fo > 91) show extreme variation from -27 to +21, in marked deviation from the δ(7)Li range of fresh MORB (+1.6 to +5.6) although the Li abundances of the olivines are within the range of normal mantle (1-2 ppm). The Li abundances and δ(7)Li characteristics of the Hebi olivines could not have been produced by recent diffusive-driven isotopic fractionation of Li and therefore the δ(7)Li in the cores of these olivines record the isotopic signature of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Our data demonstrate that abnormal δ(7)Li may be preserved in the ancient lithospheric mantle as observed in our study from the central North China Craton, which suggest that the subcontinental lithospheric mantle has experienced modification of fluid/melt derived from recycled oceanic crust.

Inhalational anesthetic preconditioning can induce neuroprotective effects, and the notch signaling pathway plays an important role in neural progenitor cell differentiation and the inflammatory response after central nervous system injury. This study evaluated whether the neuroprotective effect of isoflurane preconditioning is mediated by the activation of the notch signaling pathway. Mice were divided into two groups consisting of those that did or did not receive preconditioning with isoflurane. The expression levels of notch-1, notch intracellular domain (NICD), and hairy and enhancer of split (HES-1) were measured in mice subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The notch signaling inhibitor DAPT and conditional notch-RBP-J knockout mice were used to investigate the mechanisms of isoflurane preconditioning-induced neuroprotection. Immunohistochemical staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, and Western blotting were performed. Isoflurane preconditioning induced neuroprotection against global cerebral ischemia. Preconditioning up-regulated the expression of notch-1, HES-1, and NICD after ischemic-reperfusion. However, these molecules were down-regulated at 72 h after ischemic-reperfusion. The inhibition of notch signaling activity by DAPT significantly attenuated the isoflurane preconditioning-induced neuroprotection, and similar results were obtained using notch knockout mice. Our results demonstrate that the neuroprotective effects of isoflurane preconditioning are mediated by the pre-activation of the notch signaling pathway.

A new microplate luminometry for the toxicity bioassay of chemicals on firefly luciferase, was developed using the multifunctional microplate reader (SpectraMax M5) to measure the luminous intensity of luciferase. Efects of luciferase concentration, luciferin concentration, ATP concentration, pH, temperature, and reaction time on the luminescence were systematically investigated. It was found that ATP exerted a biphasic response on the luciferase luminescence and the maximum relative light units (RLU) occurred at an ATP concentration of 1.1 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1). The method was successfully employed in the toxic effect test of NaF, NaCl, KBr and NaBF4 on luciferase. Using nonlinear least square technique, the dose-response curves (DRC) of the 4 chemicals were accurately fitted with the coefficient of determination (R2) between the fitted and observed responses being greater than 0.99. The median effective concentration (EC50) of the 4 chemicals were accurately measured from the DRC models. Compared with some literatures, the bioassay is a fast easy-operate and cost-effective method with high accuracy.

Objective: To investigate the role of the hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene hoinolog 1 (GLI-1) in EGF-regulated enhancement of the invasiveness of the prostate cancer ARCaP(E) cell line in vitro., Methods: The expressions of EGFR and GLI-1 in prostate cancer ARCaP(E) cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. ARCaP(E) cells were treated with EGF at 100 ng/ml, followed by detection of the changes in cell morphology and invasiveness, as well as in the expressions of p-ERK, ERK and GLI-1. Migration transwell assay was used to determine the effects of 100 ng/ml EGF and GLI-1 antagonist GANT61 on the invasiveness of the ARCaP(E) cells., Results: Both EGFR and GLI-1 were expressed in the ARCaP(E) cells. EGF induced morphological transition of epithelial-like ARCaP(E) cells to mesenchymal-like cells, increased their in vitro invasiveness, and significantly upregulated the expressions of p-ERK and GLI-1 in the ARCaP(E) cells (P<0.05). GANT61 significantly inhibited the in vitro invasiveness of the ARCaP(E) cells and reduced the enhancing effect of EGF on their invasiveness (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The results from ARCaP(E) cells shed light on the cross-talk of the HH pathway with the EGF/ERK signaling pathway. GLI-1 might be responsible for EGF-regulated enhancement of the invasiveness of ARCaP(E) cells in vitro.

The brain acetone powders of the sea snakes Hydrophis cyanocinctus and Lapemis hardwickii were extracted with a mixture of acetone:water:hydrochloric acid (40:21:1 by volume) and the extracts were then added to a copious volume of acetone, in accordance with the method of C. H. Li (1952, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 74, 2134) for preparing adrenocorticotropin and beta-endorphin from mammalian pituitaries. The resultant precipitate, designated acid acetone powder, possessed adrenocorticotropic activity as evidenced in its ability to stimulate corticosterone production in isolated rat adrenal decapsular cells and lipolysis in isolated hamster adipocytes, and in its cross-reactivity in an ACTH radioimmunoassay. The presence of opioid molecules was indicated by activity in opiate radioreceptor assay using either 3H-D-Ala2-D-Leu5 enkephalin or [3H]naloxone as ligand and rat brain membranes. The brain acetone powders possessed neither "lactogenic" nor "somatogenic" activity as evidenced by their inability to displace the primary ligand in the rat hepatic prolactin receptor- and growth hormone receptor-binding assays, respectively.