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DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (MTIs) have recently emerged as promising chemotherapeutic or preventive agents for cancer, despite their poorly characterized mechanisms of action. The present study shows that DNA methylation is integral to the regulation of SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1) expression, but not for regulation of suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS)1 or SOCS3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. SHP1 expression correlates with down-regulation of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK2/STAT3/STAT5) signalling, which is mediated in part by tyrosine dephosphorylation events and modulation of the proteasome pathway. Up-regulation of SHP1 expression was achieved using a DNA MTI, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dc), which also generated significant down-regulation of JAK2/STAT3/STAT5 signalling. We demonstrate that 5-aza-dc suppresses growth of CRC cells, and induces G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through regulation of downstream targets of JAK2/STAT3/STAT5 signalling including Bcl-2, p16ink4a, p21waf1/cip1 and p27kip1. Although 5-aza-dc did not significantly inhibit cell invasion, 5-aza-dc did down-regulate expression of focal adhesion kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor in CRC cells. Our results demonstrate that 5-aza-dc can induce SHP1 expression and inhibit JAK2/STAT3/STAT5 signalling. This study represents the first evidence towards establishing a mechanistic link between inhibition of JAK2/STAT3/STAT5 signalling and the anticancer action of 5-aza-dc in CRC cells that may lead to the use of MTIs as a therapeutic intervention for human colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel bimetallic ruthenium complexes with an azobenzene-containing ligand were synthesized. Their photochromic properties were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chemical Communications journal, published by The Royal Society of Chemistry, features articles on various topics such as ionomer performance, catalysis for plastic waste, and multiphase coacervates. The journal also covers research on DNA G-quadruplex targeting molecules, metal-organic cages, and sodium-ion batteries. Additionally, it includes studies on organic photonic heterostructures, spin crossover complexes, and electrochemical nitrate reduction. The articles provide insights into cutting-edge research in the field of chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

The traditional remote sensing ecological index (RSEI), based on principal component analysis (PCA) to integrate four evaluation indexes: greenness (NDVI), humidity (WET), dryness (NDBSI), and heat (LST), is insufficient to comprehensively consider the influence of each eco-environment evaluation index on eco-environment quality (EEQ). In this research, a new comprehensive remote sensing ecological index (CRSEI) based on the quaternion Copula function is proposed to comprehensively characterize EEQ responded by integrating four eco-environment evaluation indexes. Additionally, the spatiotemporal variation of EEQ in Henan Province is evaluated using monthly CRSEI data from 2001 to 2020. The results show that: (1) The applicability and monitoring accuracy of CRSEI are better than that of RSEI, which can be used to assess the EEQ. (2) The EEQ of Henan Province declined between 2001 and 2010 but significantly improved and rebounded from 2011 to 2020. During this period, CRSEI values were higher in West and South Henan and lowest in central Henan, with West Henan consistently showing the highest values across all seasons. (3) The EEQ in Henan Province exhibited a tendency of deterioration from the central cities outward, followed by improvement from the outer areas back towards the central cities. In 2010, regions with poor EEQ made up 68.3% of the total area, whereas by 2020, regions with excellent EEQ accounted for 74% of the total area. (4) The EEQ was significantly negatively correlated with human activities, while it was positively correlated with precipitation. The research provides a reference and guidance for the scientific assessment of the regional eco-environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines recent advancements in electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of organophosphate pesticides, focusing on strategies to enhance sensitivity and selectivity. The widespread use of these pesticides has necessitated the development of rapid, accurate, and field-deployable detection methods. We discuss the fundamental principles of electrochemical immunosensors and explore innovative approaches to improve their performance. These include the utilization of nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and graphene for signal amplification; enzyme-based amplification strategies; and the design of three-dimensional electrode architectures. The integration of these sensors into microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip devices has enabled miniaturization and automation, while screen-printed and disposable electrodes have facilitated on-site testing. We analyze the challenges faced in real sample analysis, including matrix effects and the stability of biological recognition elements. Emerging trends such as the application of artificial intelligence for data interpretation and the development of aptamer-based sensors are highlighted. The review also considers the potential for commercialization and the hurdles that must be overcome for widespread adoption. Future research directions are identified, including the development of multi-analyte detection platforms and the integration of sensors with emerging technologies like the Internet of Things. This comprehensive overview provides insights into the current state of the field and outlines promising avenues for future development in organophosphate pesticide detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the emerging role of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) in the detection of breast cancer biomarkers. We discuss the fundamental principles and fabrication techniques of SPEs, highlighting their adaptability and cost-effectiveness. The review examines various modification strategies, including nanomaterial incorporation, polymer coatings, and biomolecule immobilization, which enhance sensor performance. We analyze the application of SPEs in detecting protein, genetic, and metabolite biomarkers associated with breast cancer, presenting recent advancements and innovative approaches. The integration of SPEs with microfluidic systems and their potential in wearable devices for continuous monitoring are explored. While emphasizing the promising aspects of SPE-based biosensors, we also address current challenges in sensitivity, specificity, and real-world applicability. The review concludes by discussing future perspectives, including the potential for early screening and therapy monitoring, and the steps required for clinical implementation. This comprehensive overview aims to stimulate further research and development in SPE-based biosensors for improved breast cancer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics is the property of Xiangya Medical Periodical Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Salinization has led to the deterioration of the ecological environment, affected the growth of plants, and hindered the development of agriculture and forestry. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, as important soil microorganisms, play significant physiological and ecological roles in promoting plant nutrient absorption and improving soil structure. Puccinellia tenuiflora (Turcz.) Scribn. et Merr. in Songnen saline-alkaline grassland was selected as the research object to observe AM fungal colonization of the roots and explore the species and diversity of AM fungi in symbiotic association with P. tenuiflora. This study showed that AM fungi colonized in P. tenuiflora roots and formed a typical Arum--type mycorrhizal structure. A significant correlation was observed between vesicular abundance and the colonization intensity of mycorrhiza. Isolation and identification revealed 40 species of AM fungi in the rhizosphere of P. tenuiflora, belonging to 14 genera, of which two species could not be identified. The richness of the genus Glomus was the highest, accounting for 30% of the total species. Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices were isolated from all the samples and were the species with the widest distribution in the rhizosphere of P. tenuiflora. Correlation analysis showed that pH only had a significant impact on the distribution of a few species, such as Glomus pustulatum, Diversispora spurca, Glomus aggregatum, Rhizophagus clarum, and Acaulospora foveata. The present study provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the resources of AM fungi in saline-alkaline soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Precious Metals / Guijinshu is the property of Precious Metals Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims: To investigate the antitumor effects of probiotics Clostridium butyricum and Bacillus subtilis on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Materials & methods: The effects of C. butyricum and B. subtilis on CRC cells were studied. Male C57BL/6 mice with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH)-induced CRC were intervened by these two probiotics and the antitumor effects were examined by comparing the tumor incidence and detecting the inflammatory and immune-related markers. Results & conclusions:  C. butyricum and B. subtilis inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells, caused cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis. In vivo, these two probiotics inhibited the development of DMH-induced CRC. The molecular mechanism involved reduced inflammation and improved immune homeostasis. This work establishes a basis for the protective role of probiotics B. subtilis and C. butyricum in intestinal tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition metal tellurides (TMTs) have attracted much attention due to their rich properties in both fundamental research and applications. By using the physical vapor transport technique, Zhe Li, Jun-Yi Ge, and co-workers have successfully grown Ni SB 3 sb Te SB 2 sb single crystals with unique hexagonal cross section and a tubular shape (see article number 2200037). [Extracted from the article]

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK-MAPK) pathway is a critical intermediary for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In the human colon cancer cell line SW1116, treatment with the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) or the ERK-MAPK inhibitors PD98059 or rottlerin, or transient transfection with the MAP/ERK kinase (MEK)1/2 small interfering RNA down-regulates DNMT1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels. In this report, we found that drug treatment or small interfering RNA transfection of SW1116 cells induced promoter demethylation of the p16INK4A and p21WAF1 genes, which up-regulated their mRNA and protein expression levels. Flow cytometry revealed that rottlerin treatment induced cell cycle arrest at phase G1 (p < 0.05). Thus, the ERK-MAPK inhibitor treatment or siRNA-mediated knockdown of ERK-MAPK decreases DNA methylation via down-regulating DNMT1 expression and other unknown mediator(s) in SW1116 colon cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that gut microbiota plays a critical role in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although preliminary comparisons of the oral and gut microbiota between CRC and healthy control (HC) patients have been made, the association between microbiome abundance and host clinical factors has not been fully illustrated, especially oral health conditions. Matching samples of unstimulated saliva, cancer tissues or biopsies and stools were collected from 30 CRC and 30 HC patients from Shanghai Jiao Tong University affiliated Renji Hospital for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The diversity in salivary and mucosal microbiome, but not stool microbiome of CRC group, was significantly different from that of HC, as demonstrated by the Principal Component Analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age and higher oral hygiene index (OHI) were independent risk factors for CRC, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 1.159 (1.045‐1.284) and 4.398 (1.328‐14.567), respectively. Salivary Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio in CRC was significantly higher than that in the HC group (P <.001), while the mucosal ratio was slightly decreased in CRC (P <.05). Salivary Rothia and Streptococcus levels were positively correlated with OHI, while Alloprevotella, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptoccus and Prevotella genera levels were negatively associated with OHI. NetShift analysis revealed that salivary Peptococcus, Centipeda and mucosal Subdoligranulum genus might act as key drivers during the process of carcinogenesis. In conclusion, the current study provides insights into the potential influence of host clinical factors on oral and gut microbiome composition and can be a guide for future studies. What's new? The oral microbiota has been reported to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and may provide diagnostic biomarkers. However, oral health status, which might impact the composition of the oral microbiome, is also important to consider. Here, by integrating 16S rRNA sequencing, face‐to‐face questionnaires, and bioinformatics analysis, the authors systematically compared the oral and gut microbiota of colorectal cancer patients with healthy controls. In addition, they analysed the associations between several hosts' clinical parameters and the 50 most abundant oral and gut genera, providing potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To provide joint calibrationless parallel imaging reconstruction of highly accelerated multislice 2D MR k‐space data. Methods: Adjacent image slices in multislice MR data have similar coil sensitivity maps, spatial support, and image content. Such similarities can be utilized to improve image quality by reconstructing multiple slices jointly with low‐rank tensor completion. Specifically, the multichannel k‐space data from multiple slices are constructed into a block‐wise Hankel tensor and iteratively updated by promoting tensor low‐rankness through higher‐order SVD. This multislice block‐wise Hankel tensor completion was implemented for 2D spiral and Cartesian k‐space undersampling where sampling patterns vary between adjacent slices. The approach was evaluated with human brain MR data and compared to the traditional single‐slice simultaneous autocalibrating and k‐space estimation reconstruction. Results: The proposed multislice block‐wise Hankel tensor completion approach robustly reconstructed highly undersampled multislice 2D spiral and Cartesian data. It produced substantially lower level of artifacts compared to the traditional single‐slice simultaneous autocalibrating and k‐space estimation reconstruction. Quantitative evaluation using error maps and root mean square error demonstrated its significantly improved performance in terms of residual artifacts and root mean square error. Conclusion: Our proposed multislice block‐wise Hankel tensor completion method exploits the similar coil sensitivity and image content within multislice MR data through a tensor completion framework. It offers a new and effective approach to acquire and reconstruct highly undersampled multislice MR data in a calibrationless manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery disease (CAD) patients had a higher risk of first-ever stroke than general population even when they were on antiplatelet treatment. It was unknown whether more potent antiplatelet inhibitor ticagrelor which also provided adenosine-mediated protection would improve the primary stroke prevention for CAD. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CERNTRAL were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing efficacy and safety outcomes of over 30-day use of ticagrelor versus other antiplatelet drugs or placebo in patients with acute or chronic coronary syndrome. RCTs involving patients with any stroke history were excluded. Based on 5 RCTs with 45,843 patients, ticagrelor-involving regimens significantly reduced first-ever strokes (risk ratio [RR] 0.81; 95% confidential interval [CI] 0.71–0.94; I2 = 0%) in comparison to other antiplatelet regimens in CAD, where the benefits in reducing ischemic strokes (IS) (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.68–0.94; I2 = 0%) was not canceled out by the increase of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (RR 1.41; 95% CI 1.05–1.89; I2 = 0%). According to results of subgroup analyses, the protective effects of ticagrelor on first-ever stroke were more significant with treatment duration of more than 1 year, dosage of 60 mg twice daily, and in clinical settings of chronic coronary syndrome. In conclusion, available evidence from aggregate data supported a modest advantage of ticagrelor-involving regimens for the primary stroke prevention in CAD compared with other antiplatelet regimens after the trade-off between reducing IS and inducing ICH, where more benefits might be expected from long-term and low-dose use of ticagrelor among patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Further collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from well-designed and statistically-powered trials would be needed to generate high quality evidence on this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of Natural Rubber (NR)/Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) blends were formulated to protect metallic petrochemical storage tanks from corrosive media. Therefore, these blends tested against a 10% HCl solution for 72 hr at room temperature. Blends series were prepared with different ratios of NR/SBR; 25/75, 30/70, 35/65, 40/60, 45/55, 50/50, and 55/45. Three types of carbon black (N-330, N-660, and N-762) were added individually to the 45/55 blend. Hardness, tensile strength, modulus, and elongation properties were tested before and after immersion in the 10% HCl attack media. All these mechanical properties decreased after immersion action accept hardness property. Up to 45 phr NR content, the hardness increased linearly independent on immersion action, but HCl immersion gives higher hardness values. Tensile strength increased up to 40 phr NR content with and without immersion and the immersion action decreased tensile values. The highest elongation value obtained with 35/65 blend with and without immersion. The 45 phr NR content gives the higher modulus, while the lowest value obtained with the 30 phhr content. For 45/55 blend, the hardness increased as the carbon black particle size decreased and immersion action gives higher hardness values. The tensile strength decreased linearly with the carbon black surface area, while with the medium surface area, the highest modulus and lowest elongation obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer patients are commonly treated with taxane (e.g. docetaxel) chemotherapy, despite poor outcomes and eventual disease relapse. We previously identified the Bcl-2-associated death promoter (BAD) as a prognostic indicator of good outcome in taxane-treated breast cancer patients. We also demonstrated that BAD expression in human breast carcinoma cells generated larger tumors in mouse xenograft models. These paradoxical results suggest that BAD-expressing tumors are differentially sensitive to taxane treatment. We validated this here and show that docetaxel therapy preferentially reduced growth of BAD-expressing xenograft tumors. We next explored the cellular mechanism whereby BAD sensitizes cells to docetaxel. Taxanes are microtubule inhibiting agents that cause cell cycle arrest in mitosis whereupon the cells either die in mitosis or aberrantly exit (mitotic slippage) and survive as polyploid cells. In response to docetaxel, BAD-expressing cells had lengthened mitotic arrest with a higher proportion of cells undergoing death in mitosis with decreased mitotic slippage. Death in mitosis was non-apoptotic and not dependent on Bcl-XL interaction or caspase activation. Instead, cell death was necroptotic, and dependent on ROS. These results suggest that BAD is prognostic for favourable outcome in response to taxane chemotherapy by enhancing necroptotic cell death and inhibiting the production of potentially chemoresistant polyploid cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water lilies belong to the angiosperm order Nymphaeales. Amborellales, Nymphaeales and Austrobaileyales together form the so-called ANA-grade of angiosperms, which are extant representatives of lineages that diverged the earliest from the lineage leading to the extant mesangiosperms1–3. Here we report the 409-megabase genome sequence of the blue-petal water lily (Nymphaea colorata). Our phylogenomic analyses support Amborellales and Nymphaeales as successive sister lineages to all other extant angiosperms. The N. colorata genome and 19 other water lily transcriptomes reveal a Nymphaealean whole-genome duplication event, which is shared by Nymphaeaceae and possibly Cabombaceae. Among the genes retained from this whole-genome duplication are homologues of genes that regulate flowering transition and flower development. The broad expression of homologues of floral ABCE genes in N. colorata might support a similarly broadly active ancestral ABCE model of floral organ determination in early angiosperms. Water lilies have evolved attractive floral scents and colours, which are features shared with mesangiosperms, and we identified their putative biosynthetic genes in N. colorata. The chemical compounds and biosynthetic genes behind floral scents suggest that they have evolved in parallel to those in mesangiosperms. Because of its unique phylogenetic position, the N. colorata genome sheds light on the early evolution of angiosperms. The genome of the tropical blue-petal water lily Nymphaea colorata and the transcriptomes from 19 other Nymphaeales species provide insights into the early evolution of angiosperms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitochondrial genomes of flowering plants (angiosperms) are highly dynamic in genome structure. The mitogenome of the earliest angiosperm Amborella is remarkable in carrying rampant foreign DNAs, in contrast to Liriodendron, the other only known early angiosperm mitogenome that is described as ‘fossilized’. The distinctive features observed in the two early flowering plant mitogenomes add to the current confusions of what early flowering plants look like. Expanded sampling would provide more details in understanding the mitogenomic evolution of early angiosperms. Here we report the complete mitochondrial genome of water lily Nymphaea colorata from Nymphaeales, one of the three orders of the earliest angiosperms. Results: Assembly of data from Pac-Bio long-read sequencing yielded a circular mitochondria chromosome of 617,195 bp with an average depth of 601×. The genome encoded 41 protein coding genes, 20 tRNA and three rRNA genes with 25 group II introns disrupting 10 protein coding genes. Nearly half of the genome is composed of repeated sequences, which contributed substantially to the intron size expansion, making the gross intron length of the Nymphaea mitochondrial genome one of the longest among angiosperms, including an 11.4-Kb intron in cox2, which is the longest organellar intron reported to date in plants. Nevertheless, repeat mediated homologous recombination is unexpectedly low in Nymphaea evidenced by 74 recombined reads detected from ten recombinationally active repeat pairs among 886,982 repeat pairs examined. Extensive gene order changes were detected in the three early angiosperm mitogenomes, i.e. 38 or 44 events of inversions and translocations are needed to reconcile the mitogenome of Nymphaea with Amborella or Liriodendron, respectively. In contrast to Amborella with six genome equivalents of foreign mitochondrial DNA, not a single horizontal gene transfer event was observed in the Nymphaea mitogenome. Conclusions: The Nymphaea mitogenome resembles the other available early angiosperm mitogenomes by a similarly rich 64-coding gene set, and many conserved gene clusters, whereas stands out by its highly repetitive nature and resultant remarkable intron expansions. The low recombination level in Nymphaea provides evidence for the predominant master conformation in vivo with a highly substoichiometric set of rearranged molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important for humanoid-like mobile robots to learn the complex motion sequences in human–robot environment such that the robots can adapt such motions. This paper describes a reinforcement learning (RL) strategy for manipulation and grasping of a mobile manipulator, which reduces the complexity of the visual feedback and handle varying manipulation dynamics and uncertain external perturbations. Two hierarchies plannings have been considered in the proposed strategy: 1) high-level online redundancy resolution based on the neural-dynamic optimization algorithm in operational space; and 2) low-level RL in joint space. At this level, the dynamic movement primitives have been considered to model and learn the joint trajectories, and then the RL is employed to learn the trajectories with uncertainties. Experimental results on the developed humanoidlike mobile robot demonstrate that the presented approach can suppress the uncertain external perturbations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A review of articles related to nanocoating for biomolecule delivery, ciprofloxacin, and silica particles is presented, and a list of people on the editorial board and advisory board of the journal including Ruth Norris, Laura Suggs and Christine Schmidt are highlighted.

We demonstrated that TMVI is possible in rheumatic MS without MAC, given that mitral leaflets are rigid and have sufficient calcification for prosthesis anchoring. The possibility of transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) was evaluated with CTA, which showed no mitral annular calcification (MAC) but extensively thickened mitral leaflets with severe bicommissural calcification extending to A1-P1 and A3-P3 segments (see Supplementary material online, I Video S2 i ). [Extracted from the article]

Vulcanization and reinforcement are two important factors contributing to the properties of vulcanized rubber. In order to investigate the influence of carbon black (CB) on chemical crosslinking, three groups of samples with different crosslink densities were prepared. In each group with the same crosslink density, different amounts of CB were introduced. Data fitting showed that delta torque (ΔM = M H–M L, the difference between the highest and lowest torques during curing) in the cure curves of each group had a good linear relationship with CB load and extrapolation of the fitting lines almost intercepted the x coordinate at the same value, which indicated that CB had no influence on the chemical crosslinking of the rubber. To verify the above result, a series of nonfilled natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates with different crosslink densities were studied using equilibrium swelling and the swelling ratios were compared with those of corresponding CB filled rubbers with the same sulfur and accelerator amount. The results of both the equilibrium swelling and NMR relaxation parameter measurements showed that CB filled vulcanizates had higher apparent crosslink densities than those of unfilled ones due to the strong interaction between rubber molecules and the surface of the CB particles. The swelling ratios of filled rubbers had a parallel relationship with those of the unfilled ones which indicated that CB had little influence on chemical crosslink density introduced by chemical vulcanization. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: There is accumulating evidence that coffee consumption may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, a known risk factor for Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. Coffee consumption is also associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's dementias. However, preventive and therapeutic development of coffee is complicated by the cardiovascular side effects of caffeine intake. As coffee is also a rich source of chlorogenic acids and many bioactive compounds other than caffeine, we hypothesized that decaffeinated coffee drinks may exert beneficial effects on the brain. Methods: We have investigated whether dietary supplementation with a standardized decaffeinated green coffee preparation, Svetol®, might modulate diet-induced insulin resistance and brain energy metabolism dysfunction in a high-fat diet mouse model. Results: As expected, dietary supplementation with Svetol® significantly attenuated the development of high-fat diet-induced deficits in glucose-tolerance response. We have also found that Svetol® treatment improved brain mitochondrial energy metabolism as determined by oxygen consumption rate. Consistent with this evidence, follow-up gene expression profiling with Agilent whole-genome microarray revealed that the decaffeinated coffee treatment modulated a number of genes in the brain that are implicated in cellular energy metabolism. Discussion: Our evidence is the first demonstration that dietary supplementation with a decaffeinated green coffee preparation may beneficially influence the brain, in particular promoting brain energy metabolic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents abstracts of studies related to gastroenterology published in the October 2005 issue of the "Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology." "Endoscopic Treatments for the Elderly Patients Over 80 Years Old With Choledocholithiasis," by Takahiko Mimura, Yoshinori Igarashi, Tomihiro Miura, Naoki Okano, Ken Ito, Takuya Suzuki, Kazumasa Miki; "Gallstones in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis," by Oyuntsetseg Batkhuu, Sarantuya Tserenchimed, Enkhdolgor Gotov, Delgermaa Vaanchig; "Diagnostic Yield of Brushing Cytology in Malignant Biliary Stricture Can Vary Depending on the Brushing Methods," by Jeong-Hoon Lee, Ji Kon Ryu, Yong-Tae Kim, Yong Bum Yoon; "Colonoscope With Disposable Cartridges," by Sergey Matasov and Anda Borisova.

ABSTRACT This paper presents the history of Belgrade numerical weather prediction models as 'assemblages' shaped by the cognitive, social and material circumstances of Tito's Yugoslavia. It looks at how local researchers customized their model to suit the Balkan weather, IBM computers and socialist science policy, and how they managed to 'export' the product internationally. Accommodating the lack of computing power and mountainous topography, the model at first attracted the users with similar concerns. When it was later tested at the US National Meteorological Center, it showed a skill and potential for rapid improvement that led to its implementation in the USA and other national weather services. The success of the Eta model illustrates the ways in which a regional research travels into an `alien' institutional and cognitive territory and how it bears upon the issues of the production and circulation of technoscientific knowledge. It is argued that the difference between the perceptions of international 'frontier' technoscience and the local `backwater' adaptation is that the former implies a representational notion in which what matters is a black-boxed `fund' of knowledge, while the latter implies an agenda in which what matters is exactly that - what matters locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]