Influence of Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms on Adiponectin Level and Insulin Resistance Index in Response to Dietary Intervention in Overweight-Obese Patients With Impaired Fasting Glucose or Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Chung, Hye Kyung; Chae, Jey Sook; Hyun, Yae Jung; Paik, Jean Kyung; Kim, Ji Young; Jang, Yangsoo; Kwon, Hyuck Moon; Song, Young Duk; Lee, Hyun Chul; Lee, Jong Ho

2009-01-01

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of common adiponectin gene polymorphisms on dietary intervention-mediated changes in adiponectin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indexes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 363 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes followed a dietary intervention (replacement of cooked refined rice with whole grains and an increase in vegetable intake) and regular walking for 12 weeks without any medication. Adiponectin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (45, 276, and −11377) were examined in these subjects. RESULTS After this dietary intervention, fasting glucose levels decreased in all three SNP 45T>G genotype groups. Subjects with the SNP 45TT genotype showed increased adiponectin levels and decreased HOMA-IR indexes. Haplotype analysis revealed that homozygous carriers of the TG haplotype (45TT and 276GG) and heterozygous carriers of the TG haplotype (TG/X) showed a reduction in the HOMA-IR index after adjustment for baseline levels. Significant differences were observed in changes in HOMA-IR indexes and adiponectin concentrations according to the 45-276 TG haplotype in overweight-obese, but not in normal-weight subjects: the greatest decrease in HOMA-IR indexes and the greatest increase in adiponectin levels were shown in overweight-obese subjects with the TG/TG haplotype. CONCLUSIONS ADIPOQ genetic variants can affect circulating adiponectin levels and insulin resistance indexes in subjects with IFG or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in response to dietary intervention. PMID:19131459

Pretherapeutic FDG-PET total metabolic tumor volume predicts response to induction therapy in pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PubMed

Rogasch, Julian M M; Hundsdoerfer, Patrick; Hofheinz, Frank; Wedel, Florian; Schatka, Imke; Amthauer, Holger; Furth, Christian

2018-05-03

Standardized treatment in pediatric patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) follows risk stratification by tumor stage, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and tumor bulk. We aimed to identify quantitative parameters from pretherapeutic FDG-PET to assist prediction of response to induction chemotherapy. Retrospective analysis in 50 children with HL (f:18; m:32; median age, 14.8 [4-18] a) consecutively treated according to EuroNet-PHL-C1 (n = 42) or -C2 treatment protocol (n = 8). Total metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in pretherapeutic FDG-PET was defined using a semi-automated, background-adapted threshold. Metabolic (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, total lesion glycolysis [MTV*SUVmean]) and heterogeneity parameters (asphericity [ASP], entropy, contrast, local homogeneity, energy, and cumulative SUV-volume histograms) were derived. Early response assessment (ERA) was performed after 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy according to treatment protocol and verified by reference rating. Prediction of inadequate response (IR) in ERA was based on ROC analysis separated by stage I/II (1 and 26 patients) and stage III/IV disease (7 and 16 patients) or treatment group/level (TG/TL) 1 to 3. IR was seen in 28/50 patients (TG/TL 1, 6/12 patients; TG/TL 2, 10/17; TG/TL 3, 12/21). Among all PET parameters, MTV best predicted IR; ASP was the best heterogeneity parameter. AUC of MTV was 0.84 (95%-confidence interval, 0.69-0.99) in stage I/II and 0.86 (0.7-1.0) in stage III/IV. In patients of TG/TL 1, AUC of MTV was 0.92 (0.74-1.0); in TG/TL 2 0.71 (0.44-0.99), and in TG/TL 3 0.85 (0.69-1.0). Patients with high vs. low MTV had IR in 86 vs. 0% in TG/TL 1, 80 vs. 29% in TG/TL 2, and 90 vs. 27% in TG/TL 3 (cut-off, > 80 ml, > 160 ml, > 410 ml). In this explorative study, high total MTV best predicted inadequate response to induction therapy in pediatric HL of all pretherapeutic FDG-PET parameters - in both low and high stages as well as the 3 different TG/TL. Ethics committee number: EA2/151/16 (retrospectively registered).

Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Overweight and Obese Children

PubMed Central

Iwani, Nur Ahmad Kamil Zati; Jalaludin, Muhammad Yazid; Zin, Ruziana Mona Wan Mohd; Fuziah, Md Zain; Hong, Janet Yeow Hua; Abqariyah, Yahya; Mokhtar, Abdul Halim; Wan Nazaimoon, Wan Mohamud

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of triglyceride to hdl-c ratio (TG:HDL-C) as an insulin resistance (IR) marker for overweight and obese children. A total of 271 blood samples of obese and overweight children aged 9–16 years were analysed for fasting glucose, lipids and insulin. Children were divided into IR and non-insulin resistance, using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The children were then stratified by tertiles of TG: HDL-C ratio. The strength between TG:HDL-C ratio and other parameters of IR were quantified using Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Odds ratio was estimated using multiple logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, pubertal stages and IR potential risk factors. Children with IR had significantly higher TG:HDL-C ratio (2.48) (p = 0.01). TG:HDL-C ratio was significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.104, p < 0.005) and waist circumference (r = 0.134, p < 0.001). Increasing tertiles of TG:HDL-C ratio showed significant increase in mean insulin level (p = 0.03), HOMA-IR (p = 0.04) and significantly higher number of children with acanthosis nigricans and metabolic syndrome. The odds of having IR was about 2.5 times higher (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.23, 4.95; p = 0.01) for those in the highest tertiles of TG:HDL-C ratio. Hence, TG:HDL-C may be a useful tool to identify high risk individuals. PMID:28059134

The triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio as a predictor of insulin resistance but not of β cell function in a Chinese population with different glucose tolerance status.

PubMed

Zhou, Meicen; Zhu, Lixin; Cui, Xiangli; Feng, Linbo; Zhao, Xuefeng; He, Shuli; Ping, Fan; Li, Wei; Li, Yuxiu

2016-06-07

Triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio was a surrogate marker of IR; however, the relationship of TG/HDL-C with IR might vary by ethnicity. This study aims to investigate whether lipid ratios-TG/HDL-C, cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) ratio, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C)) could be potential clinical markers of insulin resistance (IR) and β cell function and further to explore the optimal cut-offs in a Chinese population with different levels of glucose tolerance. Four hundred seventy-nine subjects without a history of diabetes underwent a 75 g 2 h Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). New-onset diabetes (n = 101), pre-diabetes (n = 186), and normal glucose tolerance (n = 192) were screened. IR was defined by HOMA-IR > 2.69. Based on indices (HOMA-β, early-phase disposition index [DI30], (ΔIns30/ΔGlu30)/HOMA-IR and total-phase index [DI120]) that indicated different phases of insulin secretion, the subjects were divided into two groups, and the lower group was defined as having inadequate β cell compensation. Logistic regression models and accurate estimates of the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were obtained. In all of the subjects, TG/HDL, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TG were significantly associated with IR. The AUROCs of TG/HDL-C and TG were 0.71 (95 % CI: 0.66-0.75) and 0.71 (95 % CI: 0.65-0.75), respectively. The optimal cut-offs of TG/HDL-C and TG for IR diagnosis were 1.11 and 1.33 mmol/L, respectively. The AUROCs of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C were 0.66 and 0.65, respectively, but they were not acceptable for IR diagnosis. TG/HDL-C,LDL-C/HDL-C and TG were significantly associated with HOMA-β, but AUROCs were less than 0.50; therefore, the lipid ratios could not be predictors of basal β cell dysfunction. None of the lipid ratios was associated with early-phase insulin secretion. Only TG/HDL-C and TG were significantly correlated with total-phase insulin secretion, but they also were not acceptable predictors of total-phase insulin secretion (0.60 < AUROC < 0.70). In a Chinese population with different levels of glucose tolerance, TG/HDL-C and TG could be the predictors of IR. The lipid ratios could not be reliable makers of β cell function in the population.

Association between Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio (TG/HDL-C) and Insulin Resistance in Chinese Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Ren, Xingxing; Chen, Zeng.ai; Zheng, Shuang; Han, Tingting; Li, Yangxue; Liu, Wei; Hu, Yaomin

2016-01-01

Objectives To explore the association between the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (272 men and 288 women) were enrolled and divided into three groups according to TG/HDL-C tertiles. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Demographic information and clinical characteristics were obtained. Spearman’s correlation was used to estimate the association between TG/HDL-C and other variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were adopted to obtain probabilities of insulin resistance. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the ability of TG/HDL-C to discriminate insulin resistance. Results TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.21, P < 0.01). Patients in the higher tertiles of TG/HDL-C had significantly higher HOMA-IR values than patients in the lower tertiles [T1: 2.68(1.74–3.70); T2: 2.96(2.29–4.56); T3: 3.09(2.30–4.99)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was significantly associated with HOMA-IR, and patients in the higher TG/HDL-C tertile had a higher OR than those in the lower TG/HDL-C tertile, after adjusting for multiple covariates including indices for central obesity [T1: 1; T2: 4.02(1.86–8.71); T3: 4.30(1.99–9.29)]. Following stratification of waist circumference into quartiles, the effect of TG/HDL-C on insulin resistance remained significant irrespective of waist circumference. Conclusions TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance independent of waist circumference. Whether it could be a surrogate marker for insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus still needs to be confirmed by more researches. PMID:27115999

Distribution of CGRP and TRPV2 in Human Paranasal Sinuses.

PubMed

Sato, Tadasu; Sasahara, Nobuyuki; Kanda, Noriyuki; Sasaki, Yu; Yamaguma, Yu; Kokubun, Souichi; Yajima, Takehiro; Ichikawa, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

Immunohistochemistry for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) was performed on human paranasal sinuses. It was found that in the paranasal sinuses, mucous membranes contain PGP 9.5-immunoreactive (PGP 9.5-IR) nerve fibers. Such nerve fibers terminated around large blood vessels as fine varicosities. Isolated PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers were scattered beneath the epithelium. Glandular tissues were also innervated by PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers. These fibers were numerous in the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses, and relatively rare in the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. CGRP-IR nerve fibers were common in the maxillary sinus whereas TRPV2-IR nerve fibers were abundant in the ethmoid sinus. They were located around large blood vessels in the lamina propria. Many subepithelial nerve fibers contained TRPV2 immunoreactivity in the ethmoid sinus. CGRP- and TRPV2-IR nerve fibers were very infrequent in the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. In the human trigeminal ganglion (TG), sensory neurons contained CGRP or TRPV2 immunoreactivity. CGRP-IR TG neurons were more common than TRPV2-IR TG neurons. CGRP-IR TG neurons were of various cell body sizes, whereas TRPV2-IR TG neurons were mostly medium-to-large. In addition, human spinal and principal trigeminal sensory nuclei contained abundant CGRP- and TRPV2-IR varicosities. This study indicates that CGRP- and TRPV2-containing TG neurons probably innervate the paranasal sinus mucosae, and project into spinal and principal trigeminal sensory nuclei. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Association between triglyceride to HDL-C ratio and insulin resistance in indigenous Argentinean children.

PubMed

Hirschler, V; Maccallini, G; Sanchez, M; Gonzalez, C; Molinari, C

2015-12-01

Insulin resistance is considered one of the major risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, early identification, preferably by using simple and inexpensive diagnostic tools, is essential for preventing T2DM. Triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TG/HDL-C) has been proposed as an inexpensive tool to identify individuals at high risk of T2DM. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and TG/HDL-C in indigenous Argentinean children. A cross-sectional study of 501 (243 boys) indigenous school children aged 10.0 ± 2.4 yr were assessed for anthropometry, lipids, glucose, and insulin levels from November 2011 to November 2013. Insulin resistance was defined as the upper third quartile of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 11.4% per Centers for Disease Control. Mean levels of various characteristics were: body mass index (BMI) 17.2 ± 2.6, HDL-C 39 ± 9 mg/dL, TGs 121 ± 58 mg/dL, TG/HDL-C 2.9 ± 1.8, glucose 77 ± 8 mg/dL, HOMA-IR 1.0 ± 0.8, and insulin 44 ± 9 mUI/L. Children in the higher quartiles of TG/HDL-C had significantly higher HOMA-IR values than children in the lower quartiles. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was significantly associated with HOMA-IR (r² = 0.19) adjusted for age, gender, and BMI. Furthermore, for a 1-unit increase in log TG/HDL-C, the odds of being insulin resistant (HOMA-IR>III quartile) increased by 2.58 times [odds ratio (OR), 2.58 (1.63-4.05); p < 0.01], adjusted for age, gender, and BMI. This study suggests that TG/HDL-C may be a good marker to identify insulin resistant indigenous Argentinean children. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Plasma triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk in young adults

PubMed Central

Murguía-Romero, Miguel; Jiménez-Flores, J. Rafael; Sigrist-Flores, Santiago C.; Espinoza-Camacho, Miguel A.; Jiménez-Morales, Mayra; Piña, Enrique; Méndez-Cruz, A. René; Villalobos-Molina, Rafael; Reaven, Gerald M.

2013-01-01

Studies in mature adults suggest that the plasma concentration ratio of triglyceride (TG)/HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) provides a simple way to identify apparently healthy individuals who are insulin resistant (IR) and at increased cardiometabolic risk. This study extends these observations by examining the clinical utility of the TG/HDL-C ratio and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 2,244 healthy college students (17–24 years old) of Mexican Mestizo ancestry. The TG/HDL-C ratio separating the 25% with the highest value was used to identify IR and increased cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk factors were more adverse in men and women whose TG/HDL-C ratios exceeded 3.5 and 2.5, respectively, and approximately one third were identified as being IR. The MetS identified fewer individuals as being IR, but their risk profile was accentuated. In conclusion, both a higher TG/HDL-C ratio and a diagnosis of the MetS identify young IR individuals with an increased cardiometabolic risk profile. The TG/HDL-C ratio identified a somewhat greater number of “high risk” subjects, whereas the MetS found a group whose risk profile was somewhat magnified. These findings suggest that the TG/HDL-C ratio may serve as a simple and clinically useful approach to identify apparently healthy, young individuals who are IR and at increased cardiometabolic risk. PMID:23863983

Short-Term Repeatability of Insulin Resistance Indexes in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

PubMed

Poon, Anna K; Meyer, Michelle L; Reaven, Gerald; Knowles, Joshua W; Selvin, Elizabeth; Pankow, James S; Couper, David; Loehr, Laura; Heiss, Gerardo

2018-06-01

The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TG/HDL-C) are insulin resistance indexes routinely used in clinical and population-based studies; however, their short-term repeatability is not well characterized. To quantify the short-term repeatability of insulin resistance indexes and their analytes, consisting of fasting glucose and insulin for HOMA-IR and TG and HDL-C for TG/HDL-C. Prospective cohort study. A total of 102 adults 68 to 88 years old without diabetes attended an initial examination and repeated examination (mean, 46 days; range, 28 to 102 days). Blood samples were collected, processed, shipped, and assayed following a standardized protocol. Repeatability was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and within-person coefficient of variation (CV). Minimum detectable change (MDC95) and minimum detectable difference with 95% confidence (MDD95) were quantified. For HOMA-IR, insulin, and fasting glucose, the ICCs were 0.70, 0.68, and 0.70, respectively; their respective within-person CVs were 30.4%, 28.8%, and 5.6%. For TG/HDL-C, TG, and HDL-C, the ICCs were 0.80, 0.68, and 0.91, respectively; their respective within-person CVs were 23.0%, 20.6%, and 8.2%. The MDC95 was 2.3 for HOMA-IR and 1.4 for TG/HDL-C. The MDD95 for a sample of n = 100 was 0.8 for HOMA-IR and 0.6 for TG/HDL-C. Short-term repeatability was fair to good for HOMA-IR and excellent for TG/HDL-C according to suggested benchmarks, reflecting the short-term variability of their analytes. These measurement properties can inform the use of these indexes in clinical and population-based studies.

Phosphorylation of p38 in Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons Contributes to Tongue Heat Hypersensitivity in Mice.

PubMed

Maruno, Mitsuru; Shinoda, Masamichi; Honda, Kuniya; Ito, Reio; Urata, Kentaro; Watanabe, Masahiro; Okada, Shinji; Lee, Jun; Gionhaku, Nobuhito; Iwata, Koichi

2017-01-01

To develop a tongue pain model with no mucosal pathologic changes and to examine whether phosphorylation of p38 in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the tongue is associated with tongue heat hypersensitivity in mice. Tongue heat sensitivity in mice was assessed following application of the irritant 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) to the tongue. After TNBS application, the expressions of p38, phosphorylated p38 (pp38), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) were examined in TG neurons innervating the tongue. To further assess changes in tongue heat sensitivity and TRPV1 expression, a specific inhibitor of p38 phosphorylation (SB203580) was also administered into the TG. Student t test or two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by Sidak multiple comparison test were used for statistical analysis, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant. TNBS application to the tongue induced noninflammatory heat hypersensitivity accompanied by the enhancement of p38 phosphorylation in TG neurons innervating the tongue and by an increase in the number of TRPV1 and pp38-immunoreactive (IR) TG neurons innervating the tongue. Intra-TG administration of SB203580 suppressed the increase in the TRPV1 and pp38-IR TG neurons and alleviated the noninflammatory tongue heat hypersensitivity induced by TNBS. p38 signaling cascades are involved in tongue heat hyperalgesia in association with TRPV1 upregulation in TG neurons innervating the TNBS-treated tongue.

Sex Differences in Biomarkers Associated With Insulin Resistance in Obese Adolescents: Metabolomic Profiling and Principal Components Analysis

PubMed Central

Newbern, Dorothee; Balikcioglu, Metin; Bain, James; Muehlbauer, Michael; Stevens, Robert; Ilkayeva, Olga; Dolinsky, Diana; Armstrong, Sarah; Irizarry, Krystal; Freemark, Michael

2014-01-01

Objective: Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) predispose to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Yet only half of obese adolescents have IR and far fewer progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus. We hypothesized that amino acid and fatty acid metabolites may serve as biomarkers or determinants of IR in obese teens. Research Design and Methods: Fasting blood samples were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry in 82 obese adolescents. A principal components analysis and multiple linear regression models were used to correlate metabolic components with surrogate measures of IR: homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adiponectin, and triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio. Results: Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels and products of BCAA catabolism were higher (P < .01) in males than females with comparable body mass index (BMI) z-score. In multivariate analyses, HOMA-IR in males correlated positively with BMI z-score and a metabolic signature containing BCAA, uric acid, and long-chain acylcarnitines and negatively with byproducts of complete fatty acid oxidation (R2 = 0.659, P < .0001). In contrast, only BMI z-score correlated with HOMA-IR in females. Adiponectin correlated inversely with BCAA and uric acid (R2 = 0.268, P = .0212) in males but not females. TG to HDL ratio correlated with BMI z-score and the BCAA signature in females but not males. Conclusions: BCAA levels and byproducts of BCAA catabolism are higher in obese teenage boys than girls of comparable BMI z-score. A metabolic signature comprising BCAA and uric acid correlates positively with HOMA-IR in males and TG to HDL ratio in females and inversely with adiponectin in males but not females. Likewise, byproducts of fatty acid oxidation associate inversely with HOMA-IR in males but not females. Our findings underscore the roles of sex differences in metabolic function and outcomes in pediatric obesity. PMID:25202817

Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio Can Predict Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PubMed

Song, Do Kyeong; Lee, Hyejin; Sung, Yeon Ah; Oh, Jee Young

2016-11-01

The triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio could be related to insulin resistance (IR). We previously reported that Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had a high prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). We aimed to determine the cutoff value of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting IR and to examine whether the TG/HDL-C ratio is useful for identifying individuals at risk of IGT in young Korean women with PCOS. We recruited 450 women with PCOS (24±5 yrs) and performed a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). IR was assessed by a homeostasis model assessment index over that of the 95th percentile of regular-cycling women who served as the controls (n=450, 24±4 yrs). The cutoff value of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting IR was 2.5 in women with PCOS. Among the women with PCOS who had normal fasting glucose (NFG), the prevalence of IGT was significantly higher in the women with PCOS who had a high TG/HDL-C ratio compared with those with a low TG/HDL-C ratio (15.6% vs. 5.6%, p<0.05). The cutoff value of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting IR was 2.5 in young Korean women with PCOS, and women with NFG and a high TG/HDL-C ratio had a higher prevalence of IGT. Therefore, Korean women with PCOS with a TG/HDL-C ratio >2.5 are recommended to be administered an OGTT to detect IGT even if they have NFG.

Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio Can Predict Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Song, Do Kyeong; Lee, Hyejin; Sung, Yeon-Ah

2016-01-01

Purpose The triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio could be related to insulin resistance (IR). We previously reported that Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had a high prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). We aimed to determine the cutoff value of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting IR and to examine whether the TG/HDL-C ratio is useful for identifying individuals at risk of IGT in young Korean women with PCOS. Materials and Methods We recruited 450 women with PCOS (24±5 yrs) and performed a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). IR was assessed by a homeostasis model assessment index over that of the 95th percentile of regular-cycling women who served as the controls (n=450, 24±4 yrs). Results The cutoff value of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting IR was 2.5 in women with PCOS. Among the women with PCOS who had normal fasting glucose (NFG), the prevalence of IGT was significantly higher in the women with PCOS who had a high TG/HDL-C ratio compared with those with a low TG/HDL-C ratio (15.6% vs. 5.6%, p<0.05). Conclusion The cutoff value of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting IR was 2.5 in young Korean women with PCOS, and women with NFG and a high TG/HDL-C ratio had a higher prevalence of IGT. Therefore, Korean women with PCOS with a TG/HDL-C ratio >2.5 are recommended to be administered an OGTT to detect IGT even if they have NFG. PMID:27593868

Lipid accumulation product and triglycerides/glucose index are useful predictors of insulin resistance.

PubMed

Mazidi, Mohsen; Kengne, Andre-Pascal; Katsiki, Niki; Mikhailidis, Dimitri P; Banach, Maciej

2018-03-01

To investigate the association of triglycerides/glucose index (TyG index), anthropometrically predicted visceral adipose tissue (apVAT), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI) and triglycerides (TG):high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio with insulin resistance (IR) in adult Americans. This study was based on data from three NHANES cycles (2005 to 2010). The TyG index was calculated as ln [TG×fasting glucose/2]. VAI was calculated using gender-specific formulas: men [waist circumference (WC)/39.68+(1.88×body mass index (BMI)]×(TG/1.03)×(1.31/HDL-C); women: [WC/36.58+(1.89×BMI)]×(TG/0.81)×(1.52/HDL-C). LAP index was calculated as [WC-65]×[TG] in men, and [WC-58]×[TG] in women. Correlation and regression analyses accounted for the complex sampling of database. A total of 18,318 subjects was included in this analysis [mean age 47.6Years]; 48.7% (n=8918) men]. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) had a significant positive correlation with the TyG index (r=0.502), LAP (r=0.551), apVAT (r=0.454), TG:HDL-C ratio (r=0.441) and VAI (r=451) (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Bland-Altman plots showed no systematic errors. The optimal cut-off to predict HOMA-diagnosed IR was 0.473 (sensitivity=74.5% and specificity=72.7%) for LAP, 0.478 (75.9%, 71.9%) for TyG, 0.391 (70.4%, 67.1%) for VAI, 0.392 (77.1% and 62.0%) for TG:HDL-C ratio and 0.381 (63.8%, 74.8%) for apVAT. The LAP index is a simple, cheap and accurate although not perfect, surrogate marker of HOMA-diagnosed IR among adult Americans. Moreover, it has higher predictability than other screening tools which traditionally applied. Among the markers, apVAT had the highest specificity and the TG:HDL-C ratio had the highest sensitivity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of lipid parameters and insulin resistance with bone health in South Korean adolescents.

PubMed

Park, S-W; Nam, G-E; Jung, D-W; Yoon, S-J; Han, K; Park, Y-G; Choi, J-S; Lee, J-E; Sang, J-E; Yoon, Y-J; Kim, D-H

2016-02-01

This study investigated the association between lipid profiles and insulin resistance and bone mineral content (BMC) in Korean adolescents and found that BMC was inversely associated with triglyceride (TG) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). This association did not differ according to obesity status in either boys or girls. To prevent future osteoporosis, it is important to identify factors that affect bone health in adolescents as well as adults. This study aimed to examine the association between lipid profiles and insulin resistance and BMC in Korean adolescents. Data from 706 boys and 621 girls, who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2011, were analyzed. Lipid profiles were measured, and HOMA-IR was calculated to assess insulin resistance. BMC was measured for the total femur, femur neck, and lumbar spine by using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TG level and HOMA-IR were negatively correlated with BMC at all three sites in boys. In girls, TG level showed a negative correlation with BMC at the femur neck and lumbar spine, and HOMA-IR was negatively associated with BMC at the femur neck only. These inverse associations did not differ according to obesity status in either sex. Adjusted means of BMC at the three sites in boys tended to decrease in the higher tertile groups of TG and HOMA-IR, and the adjusted means of BMC for the total femur in girls tended to decrease in the higher tertile groups of TG and HOMA-IR. BMC was inversely associated with TG and HOMA-IR in Korean adolescents, and this association was more pronounced in boys. This association did not differ according to obesity status in either sex.

Comparison of FTIR-ATR and Raman spectroscopy in determination of VLDL triglycerides in blood serum with PLS regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oleszko, Adam; Hartwich, Jadwiga; Wójtowicz, Anna; Gąsior-Głogowska, Marlena; Huras, Hubert; Komorowska, Małgorzata

2017-08-01

Hypertriglyceridemia, related with triglyceride (TG) in plasma above 1.7 mmol/L is one of the cardiovascular risk factors. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) are the main TG carriers. Despite being time consuming, demanding well-qualified staff and expensive instrumentation, ultracentrifugation technique still remains the gold standard for the VLDL isolation. Therefore faster and simpler method of VLDL-TG determination is needed. Vibrational spectroscopy, including FT-IR and Raman, is widely used technique in lipid and protein research. The aim of this study was assessment of Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy in determination of VLDL-TG directly in serum with the isolation step omitted. TG concentration in serum and in ultracentrifugated VLDL fractions from 32 patients were measured with reference colorimetric method. FT-IR and Raman spectra of VLDL and serum samples were acquired. Partial least square (PLS) regression was used for calibration and leave-one-out cross validation. Our results confirmed possibility of reagent-free determination of VLDL-TG directly in serum with both Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. Quantitative VLDL testing by FT-IR and/or Raman spectroscopy applied directly to maternal serum seems to be promising screening test to identify women with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and patient friendly method of choice based on ease of performance, accuracy and efficiency.

The triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio as a predictor of β-cell function in African American women.

PubMed

Maturu, Amita; DeWitt, Peter; Kern, Philip A; Rasouli, Neda

2015-05-01

The TG/HDL-C ratio is used as a marker of insulin resistance (IR) in Caucasians. However, there are conflicting data on TG/HDL-C ratio as a predictor of IR in African Americans. Compared to Caucasians, African Americans have lower TG levels and increased insulin levels despite a greater risk for diabetes. We hypothesized that the TG/HDL-C ratio is predictive of IR and/or β-cell function in African American (AA) women. Non-diabetic AA women (n = 41) with a BMI > 25 kg/m(2) underwent frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). Insulin sensitivity (SI) and the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) were measured using minimal model and β-cell function was determined by disposition index (DI = S I*AIRg). IR was defined as the lowest tertile of SI (<1.8 × 10(-4)min(-1)/μU/ml) and inadequate β cell compensation was defined as the lowest tertile of DI (< 900). Data were analyzed using logistic regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). An AUC-ROC > 0.70 was defined as significant discrimination. The mean (± SD) age was 38.5 ± 11.3 years, with BMI of 33.5 ± 6.7 kg/m(2) and fasting glucose of 86.5 ± 10.5 mg/dL. The AUC-ROC for the prediction of DI < 900 was 0.74 indicating that a higher TG/HDL-C ratio was associated with decreased DI. However, the AUC-ROC for prediction of IR or low AIRg (<335 μU/ml) was not significant. This study confirmed that the TG/HDL-C ratio is a poor predictor of IR in AA women. However, we did show an inverse association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and β-cell function, suggesting that this simple tool may effectively identify AA women at risk for DM2. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Should triglycerides and the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio be used as surrogates for insulin resistance?

PubMed

Kim-Dorner, Su-Jong; Deuster, Patricia A; Zeno, Stacey A; Remaley, Alan T; Poth, Merrily

2010-02-01

The aims of the present study were to examine whether triglycerides (TG) and the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) could predict insulin resistance in healthy African Americans and whites. This cross-sectional study included 99 African American and 50 white men and women between 18 and 45 years of age with body mass indexes between 18.5 and 38.0 kg/m(2). Anthropometric measures were obtained; and overnight fasting blood was collected for TG, HDL-C, glucose, and insulin. Insulin resistance was defined by fasting insulin concentration of at least 13.13 microU/mL and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of at least 2.5. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the data. African Americans and whites had comparable demographic and anthropometric measures. Fasting insulin was higher in African Americans (12.4 +/- 7.8 microU/mL) than whites (10.2 +/- 7.5 microU/mL), but HOMA-IR did not differ significantly (African Americans, 2.9 +/- 2.0; whites, 2.4 +/- 1.9). Triglycerides and TG/HDL-C were significantly lower in African Americans (TG, 68.2 +/- 43.3 mg/dL; TG/HDL-C, 1.8 +/- 2.1) compared with whites (TG, 105.4 +/- 55.2 mg/dL; TG/HDL-C, 2.8 +/- 1.8). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that both TG and TG/HDL-C were acceptable markers of insulin resistance, as defined by fasting insulin concentration, in whites, 0.770 and 0.765, respectively, but poor predictors in African Americans, 0.633 and 0.651, respectively. Similarly, TG and TG/HDL-C were acceptable in predicting insulin resistance, as measured by HOMA-IR, in whites, 0.763 and 0.770, respectively, but poor in predicting HOMA-IR in African Americans, with areas of 0.625 and 0.639, respectively. In conclusion, the relationship between TG and TG/HDL-C with insulin resistance differs by ethnicity; and using TG and TG/HDL-C to predict insulin resistance in African Americans would not be appropriate. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Body Fat Equations and Electrical Bioimpedance Values in Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Eutrophic and Overweight Adolescents

PubMed Central

Faria, Franciane Rocha; Faria, Eliane Rodrigues; Cecon, Roberta Stofeles; Barbosa Júnior, Djalma Adão; Franceschini, Sylvia do Carmo Castro; Peluzio, Maria do Carmo Gouveia; Ribeiro, Andréia Queiroz; Lira, Pedro Israel Cabral; Cecon, Paulo Roberto; Priore, Silvia Eloiza

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyze body fat anthropometric equations and electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) in the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors in eutrophic and overweight adolescents. 210 adolescents were divided into eutrophic group (G1) and overweight group (G2). The percentage of body fat (% BF) was estimated using 10 body fat anthropometric equations and 2 BIA. We measured lipid profiles, uric acid, insulin, fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and blood pressure. We found that 76.7% of the adolescents exhibited inadequacy of at least one biochemical parameter or clinical cardiovascular risk. Higher values of triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.001), insulin, and HOMA-IR (P < 0.001) were observed in the G2 adolescents. In multivariate linear regression analysis, the % BF from equation (5) was associated with TG, diastolic blood pressure, and insulin in G1. Among the G2 adolescents, the % BF estimated by (5) and (9) was associated with LDL, TG, insulin, and the HOMA-IR. Body fat anthropometric equations were associated with cardiovascular risk factors and should be used to assess the nutritional status of adolescents. In this study, equation (5) was associated with a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors independent of the nutritional status of adolescents. PMID:23762051

Visceral adiposity index and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in hypogonadism.

PubMed

Haymana, Cem; Sonmez, Alper; Aydogdu, Aydogan; Tapan, Serkan; Basaran, Yalcin; Meric, Coskun; Baskoy, Kamil; Dinc, Mustafa; Yazici, Mahmut; Taslipinar, Abdullah; Barcin, Cem; Yilmaz, Mahmut Ilker; Bolu, Erol; Azal, Omer

2017-01-01

Cardiometabolic risk is high in patients with hypogonadism. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio are the practical markers of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance and independent predictors of cardiaovascular risk. To date, no study has evaluated VAI levels and TG/HDL-C ratio in hypogonadism. A total of 112 patients with congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH) (mean age, 21.7 ± 2.06 years) and 124 healthy subjects (mean age, 21.5 ± 1.27 years) were enrolled. The demographic parameters, VAI, TG/HDL-C ratio, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were measured for all participants. The patients had higher total cholesterol (p = 0.04), waist circumference, triglycerides, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels (p = 0.001 for all) than the healthy subjects. VAI and ADMA and TG/HDL-C levels were also higher in patients than in healthy subjects (p < 0.001 for all). VAI was weakly correlated with ADMA (r = 0.27, p = 0.015), HOMA-IR (r = 0.22, p = 0.006), hs-CRP (r = 0.19, p = 0.04), and total testosterone (r = -0.21, p = 0.009) levels, whereas TG/HDL-C ratio was weakly correlated weakly with ADMA (r = 0.30, p = 0.003), HOMA-IR (r = 0.22, p = 0.006), and total testosterone (r = -0.16, p = 0.03) levels. Neither VAI nor TG/HDL-C ratio determined ADMA, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP levels. The results of this study demonstrate that patients with hypogonadism have elevated VAI and TG/HDL-C ratio. These values are significantly correlated with the surrogate markers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, the predictive roles of VAI and TG/HDL-C ratio are not significant. Prospective follow-up studies are warranted to clarify the role of VAI and TG/HDL-C ratio in predicting cardiometabolic risk in patients with hypogonadism.

Dietary intake and cardiometabolic biomarkers in relation to insulin resistance and hypertension in a middle-aged and elderly population in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Wang, Jia; Hong, Zhongxin; Wu, Li; Ding, Bingjie; Bi, Yanxia; Gu, Zhongyi; Li, Wei

2017-08-01

This study investigated the relationships of dietary intake and cardiometabolic biomarkers with insulin resistance and hypertension in rural middle-aged and elderly people in China. One hundred and eight middle-aged and elderly adults were recruited in Zhangfang village in May 2014. We measured blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, and biochemical indexes, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), glucose, insulin, and blood lipids. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was assessed on the basis of fasting glucose and insulin. We recorded participant demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and lifestyle using questionnaires. Hypertensive participants had higher levels of triglycerides (TG), hsCRP, sICAM-1, body fat percentage (BF%), arm muscle circumference (AMC) and HOMA-IR than nonhypertensive individuals. Hypertensive participants had higher carbohydrate intake but lower intakes of protein and fat. Carbohydrate intake was positively correlated with hsCRP, sICAM-1, TG, BF%, and HOMA-IR, and was negatively correlated with AMC. Protein and fat intakes were negatively correlated with hsCRP and sICAM-1. Protein intake was also significantly negatively correlated with TG and HOMA-IR, and positively correlated with AMC. HOMA-IR was positively correlated with hsCRP, sICAM-1, TG and BF%, and negatively correlated with AMC. Multivariable linear regression indicated that TG, sICAM-1, and hsCRP were significantly associated with HOMA-IR. In conclusion, in a rural Chinese population, high intake of carbohydrate and low intake of fat and protein were associated with insulin resistance and hypertension, possibly by increasing inflammatory factors such as sICAM-1 and hsCRP, increasing BF% and increasing the level of plasma TG.

Flame retardancy and thermal behavior of intumescent flame-retardant EVA composites with an efficient triazine-based charring agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Bo; Ma, Wen; Wu, Xiao; Qian, Lijun; Jiang, Shan

2018-04-01

Intumescent flame retardant (IFR) EVA composites were prepared based on a hyperbranched triazine charring-foaming agent (HTCFA) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP). The synergistic effect of HTCFA and APP on the flame retardancy and thermal behavior of the composites were investigated through flammability tests, cone calorimeter measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) including evolved gas analysis (TG-IR) and residue analysis (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)). The flammability test results showed HTCFA/APP (1/3) system presented the best synergistic effect in flame-retardant EVA composites with the highest LOI value and UL-94 V-0 rating. As for cone calorimeter results, IFR changed the combustion behavior of EVA and resulted in remarkable decrease of flammability and smoke product. TGA results showed the synergistic effect between APP and HTCFA could strengthen the char-forming ability of composites. TG-IR results indicated the melt viscosities and gas release with increasing temperature were well-correlated for EVA/IFR composite. The residue analysis results from SEM, LRS, FT-IR and XPS revealed IFR promoted forming more compact graphitic char layer, connected by rich P–O–C and P–N structures.

The difference in correlation between insulin resistance index and chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes with and without metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Pourfarzam, Morteza; Zadhoush, Fouzieh; Sadeghi, Masoumeh

2016-01-01

Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is unclear whether diabetic patients with MetS confer elevated CVD risk and outcomes beyond the impact of individual's components of MetS. The aim of this study is to highlight the central role of IR, inflammation, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in T2DM with MetS. This cross-sectional study comprised 130 men distributed into three groups, namely Controls: 40 nondiabetic healthy volunteers; Group I: 40 T2DM patients without MetS, and Group II: 50 T2DM patients with MetS. Fasting blood samples were collected for the measurement of blood lipid profile, glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). TG/HDL-C ratio, AIP, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Significant positive association was observed between HOMA-IR and hs-CRP only in Group II and between HOMA-IR and TG/HDL-C ratio in all subjects. Significant differences were seen in waist and hip circumferences, waist/hip ratio, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, TGs, HDL-C, insulin, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, TG/HDL ratio, and AIP between Controls and Group I with Group II. In T2DM with MetS, coexistence of elevated atherogenic indices, systemic inflammation, and association between HOMA-IR and TG/HDL-C ratio were seen. These factors are considered having important role in elevated CVD risk beyond MetS components in these patients.

Gelation and thermal characteristics of microwave extracted fish gelatin-natural gum composite gels.

PubMed

Binsi, P K; Nayak, Natasha; Sarkar, P C; Joshy, C G; Ninan, George; Ravishankar, C N

2017-02-01

In this study, the gelation and thermal characteristics of microwave extracted fish scale gelatin blended with natural gums such as gum arabic (AG), xanthan gum (XG), guar gum (GG), and tragacanth gum (TG) was evaluated. The nature of interaction and behavior of gelatin in presence of various gums was confirmed by particle size analysis, viscosity profile, FT-IR analysis and turbidity measurements. DSC data revealed that addition of AG, TG and GG remarkably improved the thermal stability of fish gelatin gel. The composite gels of TG, AG, and XG exhibited higher hardness and bloom strength values as compared to pure fish gelatin implying its textural synergy. Based on qualitative descriptive analysis, TG was found to be superior in improving the stability of fish gelatin gel, closely followed by AG. The results suggest that addition of these gums can reduce syneresis and retard melting of gelatin gels at ambient temperature, which are otherwise soft and thermally unstable.

Role of APN and TNF-α in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Lin, X; Zhang, Z; Chen, J M; Xu, Y Y; Ye, H R; Cui, J; Fang, Y; Jin, Y; Zhu, D R; Yuan, L

2015-04-10

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease caused by non-excessive alcohol consumption and is the most common cause of elevated levels of serum liver enzymes. We examined changes in adiponectin (APN) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by NAFLD and their relationships with insulin resistance (IR). Forty-two T2DM, 39 NAFLD, and 45 T2DM complicated with NAFLD (complicated group) patients were enrolled in this study. Body mass index, fasting blood plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, APN, TNF-α, and homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA)-IR were determined. The degree of fatty liver was graded according to liver/spleen computed tomography ratio and intrahepatic vessel manifestations. Compared with the T2DM and NAFLD groups, fasting blood plasma glucose, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, TG, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR in the complicated group were significantly increased, while APN was significantly reduced. Body mass index in the complicated group was significantly higher than in the T2DM group. The complicated group was prone to severe fatty liver compared with the NAFLD group. APN was negatively correlated with body mass index, fasting blood plasma glucose, TG, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR. TNF-α was negatively correlated with APN, but positively correlated with FPG, fasting insulin, TG, and HOMA-IR. The complicated group had clear IR. A more severe degree of fatty liver was associated with higher HOMA-IR and TNF-α and lower APN. APN was an important factor for antagonizing inflammation and mitigating IR.

The difference in correlation between insulin resistance index and chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes with and without metabolic syndrome

PubMed Central

Pourfarzam, Morteza; Zadhoush, Fouzieh; Sadeghi, Masoumeh

2016-01-01

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is unclear whether diabetic patients with MetS confer elevated CVD risk and outcomes beyond the impact of individual's components of MetS. The aim of this study is to highlight the central role of IR, inflammation, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in T2DM with MetS. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 130 men distributed into three groups, namely Controls: 40 nondiabetic healthy volunteers; Group I: 40 T2DM patients without MetS, and Group II: 50 T2DM patients with MetS. Fasting blood samples were collected for the measurement of blood lipid profile, glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). TG/HDL-C ratio, AIP, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results: Significant positive association was observed between HOMA-IR and hs-CRP only in Group II and between HOMA-IR and TG/HDL-C ratio in all subjects. Significant differences were seen in waist and hip circumferences, waist/hip ratio, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, TGs, HDL-C, insulin, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, TG/HDL ratio, and AIP between Controls and Group I with Group II. Conclusions: In T2DM with MetS, coexistence of elevated atherogenic indices, systemic inflammation, and association between HOMA-IR and TG/HDL-C ratio were seen. These factors are considered having important role in elevated CVD risk beyond MetS components in these patients. PMID:27713874

Activation of satellite glial cells in trigeminal ganglion following dental injury and inflammation.

PubMed

Liu, Haichao; Zhao, Lei; Gu, Wenzhen; Liu, Qin; Gao, Zhixiong; Zhu, Xiao; Wu, Zhi; He, Hongwen; Huang, Fang; Fan, Wenguo

2018-06-01

Satellite glial cells (SGCs), a peripheral neuroglial cell, surround neurons and form a complete envelope around individual sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglia (TG), which may be involved in modulating neurons in inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dental injury and inflammation on SGCs in the TG. Pulp exposure (PX) was performed on the first maxillary molar of 28 rats. The neurons innervating injured tooth in TG were labeled by the retrograde transport of fluoro-gold (FG). Specimens were collected at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after PX and stained immunohistochemically for glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), a marker of SGCs activation, in the TG. We observed that GFAP-immunoreactivity (IR) SGCs enclosed FG-labeled neurons increased in a time-dependent manner after PX. The neurons surrounded by GFAP-IR SGCs were mainly small and medium in size. The GFAP-IR SGCs encircled neurons increased significantly in the maxillary nerve region of the TG at 7-28 days following PX. The results show that dental injury and inflammation induced SGCs activation in the TG. It indicates that activation of SGCs might be implicated in the peripheral mechanisms of pain following dental injury and inflammation.

Involvement of transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 in intra-oral incisional pain.

PubMed

Urata, K; Shinoda, M; Ikutame, D; Iinuma, T; Iwata, K

2018-03-05

To examine whether transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) contributes to the changes in intra-oral thermal and mechanical sensitivity following the incision of buccal mucosa. Buccal mucosal pain threshold was measured after the incision. Changes in the number of TRPV2-immunoreactive (IR) trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons which innervate the whisker pad skin and buccal mucosa, changes in the number of isolectin B4-negative/isolectin B4-positive TRPV2-IR TG neurons which innervate the whisker pad skin and the buccal mucosa, and the effect of peripheral TRPV2 antagonism on the pain threshold of incisional whisker pad skin and buccal mucosa were examined after these injuries. Buccal mucosal pain hypersensitivities were induced on day 3 following the incision. The total number of TRPV2-IR TG neurons and the number of isolectin B4-negative TRPV2-IR TG neurons which innervate the whisker pad skin and buccal mucosa were increased. Buccal mucosal TRPV2 antagonism completely suppressed the heat and mechanical hypersensitivities, but not cold hypersensitivity. TRPV2 antagonist administration to the incisional whisker pad skin only partially suppressed pain hypersensitivities. The increased expression of TRPV2 in peptidergic TG neurons innervating the incisional buccal mucosa is predominantly involved in buccal mucosal heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia following buccal mucosal incision. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

Overexpression of the muscle-specific protein, melusin, protects from cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Penna, Claudia; Brancaccio, Mara; Tullio, Francesca; Rubinetto, Cristina; Perrelli, Maria-Giulia; Angotti, Carmelina; Pagliaro, Pasquale; Tarone, Guido

2014-07-01

Melusin is a muscle-specific protein which interacts with β1 integrin cytoplasmic domain and acts as chaperone protein. Its overexpression induces improved resistance to cardiac overload delaying left ventricle dilation and reducing the occurrence of heart failure. Here, we investigated possible protective effect of melusin overexpression against acute ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury with or without Postconditioning cardioprotective maneuvers. Melusin transgenic (Mel-TG) mice hearts were subjected to 30-min global ischemia followed by 60-min reperfusion. Interestingly, infarct size was reduced in Mel-TG mice hearts compared to wild-type (WT) hearts (40.3 ± 3.5 % Mel-TG vs. 59.5 ± 3.8 % WT hearts; n = 11 animals/group; P < 0.05). The melusin protective effect was also demonstrated by measuring LDH release, which was 50 % lower in Mel-TG compared to WT. Mel-TG hearts had a higher baseline level of AKT, ERK1/2 and GSK3β phosphorylation, and displayed increased phospho-kinases level after I/R compared to WT mice. Post-ischemic Mel-TG hearts displayed also increased levels of the anti-apoptotic factor phospho-BAD. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/AKT (Wortmannin) and ERK1/2 (U0126) pathways abrogated the melusin protective effect. Notably, HSP90, a chaperone known to protect heart from I/R injury, showed high levels of expression in the heart of Mel-TG mice suggesting a possible collaboration of this molecule with AKT/ERK/GSK3β pathways in the melusin-induced protection. Postconditioning, known to activate AKT/ERK/GSK3β pathways, significantly reduced IS and LDH release in WT hearts, but had no additive protective effects in Mel-TG hearts. These findings implicate melusin as an enhancer of AKT and ERK pathways and as a novel player in cardioprotection from I/R injury.

Triglycerides/glucose index is a useful surrogate marker of insulin resistance among adolescents.

PubMed

Kang, B; Yang, Y; Lee, E Y; Yang, H K; Kim, H-S; Lim, S-Y; Lee, J-H; Lee, S-S; Suh, B-K; Yoon, K-H

2017-05-01

Our aim was to investigate the association between the triglycerides/glucose index (TyG index) and the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the prediction of insulin resistance (IR) among adolescents. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 221 Korean adolescents (168 males and 53 females aged 9-13 years) from May to June 2014 in Chung-ju city. The TyG index was calculated as ln [triglycerides (mg dl -1 ) × fasting glucose (mg dl -1 )/2]. IR was defined using HOMA-IR >95th percentile for age and sex. In the IR group, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat, fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride levels and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) were significantly higher than that in the non-IR group. The TG index was significantly different between the IR group (n=22) and non-IR group (n=199), at 8.43±0.45 and 8.05±0.41, respectively (P<0.001). The TyG index was well correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.41; P<0.001) and showed a strong positive association with TG/HDL-C (r=0.84; P<0.001). The cut-off of the TyG index for diagnosis of insulin resistance was 8.18. The TyG index is a simple, cost-effective surrogate marker of insulin resistance among adolescents compared with HOMA-IR.

Cardiac mTOR rescues the detrimental effects of diet-induced obesity in the heart after ischemia-reperfusion.

PubMed

Aoyagi, Toshinori; Higa, Jason K; Aoyagi, Hiroko; Yorichika, Naaiko; Shimada, Briana K; Matsui, Takashi

2015-06-15

Diet-induced obesity deteriorates the recovery of cardiac function after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. While mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key mediator of energy metabolism, the effects of cardiac mTOR in ischemic injury under metabolic syndrome remains undefined. Using cardiac-specific transgenic mice overexpressing mTOR (mTOR-Tg mice), we studied the effect of mTOR on cardiac function in both ex vivo and in vivo models of I/R injury in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. mTOR-Tg and wild-type (WT) mice were fed a HFD (60% fat by calories) for 12 wk. Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance induced by the HFD were comparable between WT HFD-fed and mTOR-Tg HFD-fed mice. Functional recovery after I/R in the ex vivo Langendorff perfusion model was significantly lower in HFD-fed mice than normal chow diet-fed mice. mTOR-Tg mice demonstrated better cardiac function recovery and had less of the necrotic markers creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in both feeding conditions. Additionally, mTOR overexpression suppressed expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, in both feeding conditions after I/R injury. In vivo I/R models showed that at 1 wk after I/R, HFD-fed mice exhibited worse cardiac function and larger myocardial scarring along myofibers compared with normal chow diet-fed mice. In both feeding conditions, mTOR overexpression preserved cardiac function and prevented myocardial scarring. These findings suggest that cardiac mTOR overexpression is sufficient to prevent the detrimental effects of diet-induced obesity on the heart after I/R, by reducing cardiac dysfunction and myocardial scarring. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Plasma Periostin Levels Are Increased in Chinese Subjects with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and Are Positively Correlated with Glucose and Lipid Parameters.

PubMed

Luo, Yuanyuan; Qu, Hua; Wang, Hang; Wei, Huili; Wu, Jing; Duan, Yang; Liu, Dan; Deng, Huacong

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the relations among plasma periostin, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and inflammation in Chinese patients with obesity (OB), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Plasma periostin levels in the T2DM group were significantly higher than the NGT group (P < 0.01). Patients with both OB and T2DM had the highest periostin levels. Correlation analysis showed that plasma periostin levels were positively correlated with weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h postchallenge plasma glucose (2 h PG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), TNF-α, and IL-6 (P < 0.05 or 0.001) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TG, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR were independent related factors in influencing the levels of plasma periostin (P < 0.001). These results suggested that Chinese patients with obesity and T2DM had significantly higher plasma periostin levels. Plasma periostin levels were strongly associated with plasma TG, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance.

[Relationship between the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio, insulin resistance index and cardiometabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome].

PubMed

Roa Barrios, Marlene; Arata-Bellabarba, Gabriela; Valeri, Lenin; Velázquez-Maldonado, Elsy

2009-02-01

To evaluate the relationship between the triglyceride/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio, insulin resistance index and cardiometabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The present crosssectional study analyzed 62 women with PCOS and 48 healthy women (control group) aged 17- 35 years old. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure were registered. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-c were measured. TheTG/HDL-c ratio, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. Women with PCOS showed significantly higher values of the TG/HDL-c ratio and HOMA(IR), and a significantly lower QUICKI value. These differences were related to BMI and WC, with the highest values being observed in obese patients. The 50th percentile for the TG/HDL-c ratio was 3.64; the TG/cHDL ratio was positively correlated with BMI, WC and HOMA(IR) (r=0.48, p<0.001; r=0.58, p<0.001; r=0.43, p<0.001 respectively) and was negatively correlated with the QUICKI (r=-0.51; p<0.001). Women with PCOS showed a higher frequency of fasting glucose > 100 mg/dl (10% vs 3%; p<0.05), triglycerides>150 mg/dl (55% vs 20%; p<0.05) and WC>80 cm (82.3% vs 43.8%; p<0.001). Metabolic syndrome was also more frequent in women with PCOS than in controls (31% vs 10%). The independent variable with the strongest influence on TG/HDL-c was WC (p<0.001). This cross-sectional study demonstrates that women with PCOS show significantly higher values of the TG/HDL-c ratio, which is closely related to WC and insulin resistance and sensitivity indexes (HOMA(IR), QUICKI). The TG/HDL-c ratio could be considered as a useful and practical method to identify an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with PCOS.

Association between Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Young Chinese Men.

PubMed

Ying, X; Song, Zh; Zhao, Ch; Jiang, Y

2011-01-01

To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in young Chinese population and assess the association between HOMA-IR and different components of MetS in young Chinese men. Overall 5576 young Chinese subjects (age range [19-44 yr], 3636 men) were enrolled in, who visited our Health Care Center for a related health checkup from March to December 2008. The international diabetes federation (IDF) definition for MetS was used. The SPSS statistical package, version 11.5 was used for the statistical analysis. The prevalence of MetS was 21.81% in young men and 5.62% in young women. According to suffering from different numbers of MetS components, the male subjects were divided into four groups. Numbers of MetS components were more and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher. In this male population, the quartile of HOMA-IR was higher, values of triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FBG), systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and waist circumference (WC) were all significantly higher, as well as high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) value was significantly lower (P= 0.000). In Spearman's correlation analysis, HOMA-IR was positively correlated with TG, FBG, SBP, DBP and WC, and negatively correlated with HDL-C (r= 0.460, 0.464, 0.362, 0.346, 0.586, -0.357, respectively, all P value= 0.000). The prevalence of MetS in these young Chinese men was obviously high. Insulin resistance played an important role in occurrence and development of MetS. Waist circumference was the best correlation with HOMA-IR among all components of MetS.

Associations of lipid profiles with insulin resistance and β cell function in adults with normal glucose tolerance and different categories of impaired glucose regulation.

PubMed

Zheng, Shuang; Xu, Hua; Zhou, Huan; Ren, Xingxing; Han, Tingting; Chen, Yawen; Qiu, Huiying; Wu, Peihong; Zheng, Jun; Wang, Lihua; Liu, Wei; Hu, Yaomin

2017-01-01

To investigate the associations of dyslipidemia with insulin resistance and β cell function in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and different categories of impaired glucose regulation (IGR). 544 subjects (365 with dyslipidemia and/or IGR and 179 with normal lipid and glucose tolerance) were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). HOMA-IR was used to evaluate insulin sensitivity. Disposition index (DI) was used to evaluate β cell function. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess correlations among lipid profiles, insulin resistance and β cell function. Among subjects with NGT, those with dyslipidemia had higher level of HOMA-IR but lower level of DI. While among subjects with different categories of IGR, those with dyslipidemia and CGI had significantly decreased DI. No obvious differences of insulin resistance or β cell function were found in IFG or IGT subjects with or without dyslipidemia. TG and HDL-C were correlated with HOMA-IR (β = 0.79, p <0.001; β = -0.38, p = 0.027, respectively, compared with subjects in the low level groups). Moreover, TG and TC were negatively correlated with DI (β = -2.17, p = 0.013; β = -2.01, p = 0.034 respectively, compared with subjects in the low level groups) after adjusting for confounding parameters. Dyslipidemia induces insulin resistance and impaired β cell response to insulin resistance in individuals with NGT. Furthermore, dyslipidemia diminishes β cell function in subjects with CGI. TG and HDL-C were correlated with insulin resistance, and TG, TC were negatively correlated with β cell response to insulin resistance in non-diabetic individuals.

Associations of lipid profiles with insulin resistance and β cell function in adults with normal glucose tolerance and different categories of impaired glucose regulation

PubMed Central

Ren, Xingxing; Han, Tingting; Chen, Yawen; Qiu, Huiying; Wu, Peihong; Zheng, Jun; Wang, Lihua; Liu, Wei; Hu, Yaomin

2017-01-01

Aims To investigate the associations of dyslipidemia with insulin resistance and β cell function in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and different categories of impaired glucose regulation (IGR). Methods 544 subjects (365 with dyslipidemia and/or IGR and 179 with normal lipid and glucose tolerance) were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). HOMA-IR was used to evaluate insulin sensitivity. Disposition index (DI) was used to evaluate β cell function. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess correlations among lipid profiles, insulin resistance and β cell function. Results Among subjects with NGT, those with dyslipidemia had higher level of HOMA-IR but lower level of DI. While among subjects with different categories of IGR, those with dyslipidemia and CGI had significantly decreased DI. No obvious differences of insulin resistance or β cell function were found in IFG or IGT subjects with or without dyslipidemia. TG and HDL-C were correlated with HOMA-IR (β = 0.79, p <0.001; β = -0.38, p = 0.027, respectively, compared with subjects in the low level groups). Moreover, TG and TC were negatively correlated with DI (β = -2.17, p = 0.013; β = -2.01, p = 0.034 respectively, compared with subjects in the low level groups) after adjusting for confounding parameters. Conclusions Dyslipidemia induces insulin resistance and impaired β cell response to insulin resistance in individuals with NGT. Furthermore, dyslipidemia diminishes β cell function in subjects with CGI. TG and HDL-C were correlated with insulin resistance, and TG, TC were negatively correlated with β cell response to insulin resistance in non-diabetic individuals. PMID:28199386

Thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate in the presence of Al(OH)(3)·Cr(OH)(3) nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zhang, WenJing; Li, Ping; Xu, HongBin; Sun, Randi; Qing, Penghui; Zhang, Yi

2014-03-15

An Al(OH)(3)·Cr(OH)(3) nanoparticle preparation procedure and its catalytic effect and mechanism on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectroscopy (TG-MS). In the preparation procedure, TEM, SAED, and FT-IR showed that the Al(OH)(3)·Cr(OH)(3) particles were amorphous particles with dimensions in the nanometer size regime containing a large amount of surface hydroxyl under the controllable preparation conditions. When the Al(OH)(3)·Cr(OH)(3) nanoparticles were used as additives for the thermal decomposition of AP, the TG-DSC results showed that the addition of Al(OH)(3)·Cr(OH)(3) nanoparticles to AP remarkably decreased the onset temperature of AP decomposition from approximately 450°C to 245°C. The FT-IR, RS and XPS results confirmed that the surface hydroxyl content of the Al(OH)(3)·Cr(OH)(3) nanoparticles decreased from 67.94% to 63.65%, and Al(OH)3·Cr(OH)3 nanoparticles were limitedly transformed from amorphous to crystalline after used as additives for the thermal decomposition of AP. Such behavior of Al(OH)(3)·Cr(OH)(3) nanoparticles promoted the oxidation of NH3 of AP to decompose to N2O first, as indicated by the TG-MS results, accelerating the AP thermal decomposition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Legumes on Metabolic Features, Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Function Tests in Women with Central Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Alizadeh, Mohammad; Gharaaghaji, Rasool; Gargari, Bahram Pourghassem

2014-01-01

Background: The effect of high-legume hypocaloric diet on metabolic features in women is unclear. This study provided an opportunity to find effects of high-legume diet on metabolic features in women who consumed high legumes at pre-study period. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial after 2 weeks of a run-in period on an isocaloric diet, 42 premenopausal women with central obesity were randomly assigned into two groups: (1) Hypocaloric diet enriched in legumes (HDEL) and (2) hypocaloric diet without legumes (HDWL) for 6 weeks. The following variables were assessed before intervention and 3 and 6 weeks after its beginning: Waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). We used multifactor model of nested multivariate analysis of variance repeated measurements and t-test for statistical analysis. Results: HDEL and HDWL significantly reduced the WC. HDEL significantly reduced the SBP and TG. Both HDEL and HDWL significantly increased fasting concentration of insulin and HOMA-IR after 3 weeks, but their significant effects on insulin disappeared after 6 weeks and HDEL returned HOMA-IR to basal levels in the subsequent 3 weeks. In HDEL group percent of decrease in AST and ALT between 3rd and 6th weeks was significant. In HDWL group percent of increase in SBP, DBP, FBS and TG between 3rd and 6th weeks was significant. Conclusions: The study indicated beneficial effects of hypocaloric legumes on metabolic features. PMID:25013690

Insulin resistance and lipid profile during an oral glucose tolerance test in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Liang, Zx; Wu, Y; Zhu, Xy; Fang, Q; Chen, Dq

2016-01-01

We aimed to compare changes in insulin levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during pregnancy and those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Overall, 105 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation, 50 with NGT and 55 with GDM according to NDDG standard, were enrolled into the study. The levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) and the insulin levels, blood glucose levels at 1, 2 and 3 hours post oral glucose administration during an OGTT (5.8, 10.6, 9.2 and 8.1 mmol/L, respectively) were measured. Then, insulin resistance (IR) index was calculated. There was no significant difference in fasting, 3-h insulin levels and 3-h blood glucose levels between those with NGT and those with GDM (P > 0.05). However, 1-h and 2-h insulin levels, fasting and 1-h and 2-h blood glucose levels in women with GDM were significantly higher than those in the NGT group (P < 0.05). Fasting TC and TG levels in the GDM group were significantly higher than those with NGT (P = 0.031 and P = 0.025, respectively). Correlation analysis showed that TG and TC levels were positively correlated with homoeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.67 and r = 0.78, respectively; P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that insulin sensitivity in women with GDM was significantly lower than that observed in those with NGT. Reducing IR and blood lipids in women with GDM could potentially improve maternal and foetal outcomes.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Coriandrum sativum L. in Meriones shawi rats.

PubMed

Aissaoui, Abderrahmane; Zizi, Soumia; Israili, Zafar H; Lyoussi, Badiâa

2011-09-01

The use of an aqueous extract of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.; Apiaceae, Umbelliferae) seeds (CS-extract) in Moroccan traditional treatment of diabetes remains to be experimentally validated. The study aim was to investigate potential hypoglycemic (and hypolipidemic) activity of CS-extract after a single oral dose and after daily dosing for 30 days (sub-chronic study) in normal and obese-hyperglycemic-hyperlipidemic (OHH) Meriones shawi rats. After a single oral dose of CS-extract (20mg/kg; predetermined as optimum), plasma glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) were measured in normal and OHH rats (hypercaloric diet and forced limited physical activity); glibenclamide (GLB; 2.5mg/kg) was used as reference. In the sub-chronic study, the effect of CS-extract and GLB (at the above doses) on body weight (BW), plasma glucose, insulin, TC, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, urea and creatinine was determined in normal and OHH rats; insulin resistance (IR as HOMA-IR), atherosclerotic and cardioprotective indices were calculated. A single dose of CS-extract or GLB suppressed hyperglycemia in OHH rats, and normo-glycemia was achieved at 6-h post-dose; there was no effect on lipids, TG or insulin, but IR decreased significantly. The hypoglycemic effect was lower in normal rats. In the sub-chronic study in OHH rats, the test substances (CS-extract>GLB) reduced plasma glucose (normoglycemia on Day 21), insulin and IR, TC, LDL-cholesterol, and TG. Atherosclerotic index decreased while cardioprotective indices increased only by CS-extract, with no effect on BW, urea or creatinine. Sub-chronic administration of CS-extract in OHH Meriones shawi rats normalized glycemia and decreased the elevated levels of insulin, IR, TC, LDL-cholesterol and TG. Since, the CS-extract decreased several components of the metabolic syndrome and decreased atherosclerotic and increased cardioprotective indices, CS-extract may have cardiovascular protective effect. The present study validates the traditional use of coriander in diabetes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Association of Insulin Resistance and β Cell Function with Lipid Metabolism in Middle-aged and Elderly Hui and Han Populations].

PubMed

Li, Shu-ya; Jiang, Min; Yao, Tian-yu; Cheng, Yu-xuan; Fan, Ya-jie; Liu, Xu-ying; Zhang, Jin-ling; Liu, Lan; Wang, Zhi-zhong; Ma, Yu-ying; Hu, Xue-qin; Wang, Pan-pan; Yu, Jing-jing; Ma, Rong; Huang, Qi

2016-04-01

To explore the association of insulin resistance and β cell function with lipid metabolism in middle-aged and elderly Hui and Han populations. A total of 1000 subjects age over 40 years were recruited from five urban communities in Yinchuan and Wuzhong cities of Ningxia. The composition ratio between Hui and Han nationality was 1:2. A questionnaire-based survey was performed. Physical examinations were carried out to measure the height, body mass, waistline, and hipline. The levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), blood uric acid (BUA), fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured. The boby mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and secretion related index including insulin resistance index (IR), insulin sensitivity index (IAI), and beta cell function index (HBCI) were calculated. The BMI, WHR, IAI, HBCI, and the prevalence rate of diabetes in Hui nationality were significantly higher than those in Han nationality (P<0.01). The levels of BUA, fasting blood glucose, TC, and IR in Han nationality were significantly lower than those in Hui nationality (P<0.01). In Hui populations, TG, BMI, WHR, and BUA were positively correlated with IR (r=0.234, r=0.193, r=0.143, and r=0.129, respectively; P<0.01) and were negatively correlated with IAI (r=-0.234, r=-0.193, r=-0.143, r=-0.129, respectively; P<0.01), whereas TC was negatively correlated with HBCI (r=-0.169, P<0.01). In Han populations, TC, TG, BMI, WHR, and BUA were positively correlated with IR (r=0.140, r=0.257, r=0.288, r=0.163, r=0.104, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with IAI (r=-0.140, r=-0.257, r=-0.288, r=-0.163, and r=-0.104, P<0.01), whereas BMI was negatively correlated with HBCI (r=-0.111, P<0.01). After the influential factors such as gender, nationality, and age were adjusted, the TC, TG, BMI, WHR, BUA levels were positively correlated with IR (r=0.109, r=0.256, r=0.253, r=0.139, and r=0.142, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with IAI (r=-0.109, r=-0.256, r=-0.253, r=-0.139, and r=-0.142, P<0.01). TC and BMI were negatively correlated with HBCI (r=-0.113, r=-0.086, P<0.01). TG and BMI were independently associated with IR and IAI (r=0.218, r=0.182, r=-0.218, r=-0.182), while TC and BMI were independently associated with HBCI (r=-0.113, r=-0.086). The distributions of TC, TG, BMI, WHR, BUA, IR, IAI, and HBCI differ between Han and Hui populations. The development of insulin resistance is closely related with the increased levels of TC, TG, BMI, WHR, and BUA. However, the HBCI increases with the increased level of TC and BMI. TG and BMI may be related with insulin resistance. Also, TC and BMI may affect the secretion function of β cells.

Effects on structural, optical, and magnetic properties of pure and Sr-substituted MgFe2O4 nanoparticles at different calcination temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loganathan, A.; Kumar, K.

2016-06-01

In the present work, pure and Sr2+ ions substituted Mg ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) had been prepared by co-precipitation method and their structural, optical, and magnetic properties at different calcination temperatures were studied. On this purpose, thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, UV-Visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy, impedance spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer were carried out. The exo- and endothermic processes of synthesized precursors were investigated by TG-DTA measurements. The structural properties of the obtained products were examined by XRD analysis and show that the synthesized NPs are in the cubic spinel structure. The existence of two bands around 578-583 and 430-436 cm-1 in FT-IR spectrum also confirmed the formation of spinel-structured ferrite NPs. The lattice constants and particle size are estimated using XRD data and found to be strongly dependent on calcination temperatures. The optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of ferrite compositions also investigated and found to be strongly dependant on calcination temperatures.

One Step Synthesis of NiO Nanoparticles via Solid-State Thermal Decomposition at Low-Temperature of Novel Aqua(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)NiCl2 Complex

PubMed Central

Barakat, Assem; Al-Noaimi, Mousa; Suleiman, Mohammed; Aldwayyan, Abdullah S.; Hammouti, Belkheir; Ben Hadda, Taibi; Haddad, Salim F.; Boshaala, Ahmed; Warad, Ismail

2013-01-01

[NiCl2(C14H12N2)(H2O)] complex has been synthesized from nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2·6H2O) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen) as N,N-bidentate ligand. The synthesized complex was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA). The complex was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) as triclinic with space group P-1. The desired complex, subjected to thermal decomposition at low temperature of 400 ºC in an open atmosphere, revealed a novel and facile synthesis of pure NiO nanoparticles with uniform spherical particle; the structure of the NiO nanoparticles product was elucidated on the basis of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-vis spectroscopy, TG/DTA, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PMID:24351867

Serum vaspin levels and vaspin mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Mm, Wei Qian; Fan, Jianxia; Khor, Shuzin; Song, Mengfan; Hong, Wei; Dai, Xiaobei

2014-11-01

To compare serum vaspin level and mRNA and protein levels of vaspin in adipose tissue in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normal glucose tolerance (NGR), along with the correlation between serum vaspin level with fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and birth-weight. Thirty-seven women with GDM and 36 with NGR were enrolled. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), FINS and vaspin levels were measured. The mRNA and protein levels were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot. Pearson correlation analysis (PCA) was performed to reveal the correlation between serum vaspin level and FINS, HOMA-IR. Spearman correlation analysis (SCA) was conducted to examine the association between serum vaspin level and birth-weight. HDL-C level in GDM was lower than NGR group (P<0.05), and there were no statistical differences in TC, TG, LDL-C, FPG, FINS and HOMA-IR between the two groups. Serum vaspin level, mRNA and protein expression levels of vaspin in GDM were higher than NGR group (P<0.05). Serum vaspin level was not significantly correlated with FINS and HOMA-IR, but had a positive correlation with birth-weight (P=0.023). Serum vaspin level cannot serve as an independent predictor of IR. The increased serum vaspin level and increased vaspin mRNA and protein expression in adipose tissues in GDM women indicate that vaspin may be involved in the pathogenesis of GDM, but its exact mechanism needs further study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adiponectin/(FBG × FIns) as a predictor of insulin sensitivity and metabolic syndrome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaohui; Lai, Yerui; Yang, Gangyi; Yang, Mengliu; Li, Ling; Zhang, Qin; Liu, Hua; Zheng, Hongting; Zhu, Danping

2016-12-01

The euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp is not available in most clinical settings. An accessible and inexpensive measurement for identifying insulin resistance (IR) is necessary. Our aim is to assess whether the adiponectin (ADI) index (ADI/[FBG × FIns]) is a better surrogate index for the assessment of IR or metabolic syndrome (MetS).A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted including 100 healthy women and 99 polycystic ovary syndrome patients. The euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed. Circulating ADI levels were determined by ELISA.Polycystic ovary syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome plus MetS subjects had higher products of fasting triglycerides and glucose (TyG), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), increased ratios of the area under the curve for insulin/the area under the curve for glucose (AUCi/AUCg), but lower ADI index as compared with healthy subjects. Partial correlation analysis in all populations showed that the M-value was significantly negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, TyG, TG/HDL, and AUCi/AUCg, and correlated positively with the ADI index. The r value of Pearson correlation between the ADI index and M-value was greater than that of the correlation between HOMA-IR, TyG, TG/HDL-C, and AUCi/AUCg. The optimal cut-off value of the ADI index for detection of IR was 0.67, with a sensitivity of 89.4% and a specificity of 88.1%, whereas for detection of MetS, it was 0.32, with a sensitivity of 88.7% and a specificity of 71.0%.The ADI index may be a surrogate marker in detecting IR and MetS.

Adiponectin/(FBG × FIns) as a predictor of insulin sensitivity and metabolic syndrome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

PubMed Central

Xu, Xiaohui; Lai, Yerui; Yang, Gangyi; Yang, Mengliu; Li, Ling; Zhang, Qin; Liu, Hua; Zheng, Hongting; Zhu, Danping

2016-01-01

Abstract The euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp is not available in most clinical settings. An accessible and inexpensive measurement for identifying insulin resistance (IR) is necessary. Our aim is to assess whether the adiponectin (ADI) index (ADI/[FBG × FIns]) is a better surrogate index for the assessment of IR or metabolic syndrome (MetS). A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted including 100 healthy women and 99 polycystic ovary syndrome patients. The euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed. Circulating ADI levels were determined by ELISA. Polycystic ovary syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome plus MetS subjects had higher products of fasting triglycerides and glucose (TyG), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), increased ratios of the area under the curve for insulin/the area under the curve for glucose (AUCi/AUCg), but lower ADI index as compared with healthy subjects. Partial correlation analysis in all populations showed that the M-value was significantly negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, TyG, TG/HDL, and AUCi/AUCg, and correlated positively with the ADI index. The r value of Pearson correlation between the ADI index and M-value was greater than that of the correlation between HOMA-IR, TyG, TG/HDL-C, and AUCi/AUCg. The optimal cut-off value of the ADI index for detection of IR was 0.67, with a sensitivity of 89.4% and a specificity of 88.1%, whereas for detection of MetS, it was 0.32, with a sensitivity of 88.7% and a specificity of 71.0%. The ADI index may be a surrogate marker in detecting IR and MetS. PMID:27930544

Evaluation of fasting plasma insulin concentration as an estimate of insulin action in nondiabetic individuals: comparison with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

PubMed

Abbasi, Fahim; Okeke, QueenDenise; Reaven, Gerald M

2014-04-01

Insulin-mediated glucose disposal varies severalfold in apparently healthy individuals, and approximately one-third of the most insulin resistant of these individuals is at increased risk to develop various adverse clinical syndromes. Since direct measurements of insulin sensitivity are not practical in a clinical setting, several surrogate estimates of insulin action have been proposed, including fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentration and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated by a formula employing fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and FPI concentrations. The objective of this study was to compare FPI as an estimate of insulin-mediated glucose disposal with values generated by HOMA-IR in 758 apparently healthy nondiabetic individuals. Measurements were made of FPG, FPI, triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations, and insulin-mediated glucose uptake was quantified by determining steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test. FPI and HOMA-IR were highly correlated (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). The SSPG concentration also correlated to a similar degree (P < 0.001) with FPI (r = 0.60) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.64). Furthermore, the relationship between FPI and TG (r = 0.35) and HDL-C (r = -0.40) was comparable to that between HOMA-IR and TG (r = 0.39) and HDL-C (r = -0.41). In conclusion, FPI and HOMA-IR are highly correlated in nondiabetic individuals, with each estimate accounting for ~40% of the variability (variance) in a direct measure of insulin-mediated glucose disposal. Calculation of HOMA-IR does not provide a better surrogate estimate of insulin action, or of its associated dyslipidemia, than measurement of FPI.

Serum TSH levels are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese adolescents.

PubMed

Souza, Luciana Lopes de; Guedes, Erika Paniago; Teixeira, Patrícia Fátima Dos Santos; Moreira, Rodrigo Oliveira; Godoy-Matos, Amelio Fernando; Vaisman, Mario

2016-01-01

To investigate the relationship between serum thyrotropin (TSH), insulin resistance (IR), and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in a sample of overweight and obese Brazilian adolescents. A retrospective, longitudinal analysis of 199 overweight and obese pubescent adolescents was performed. The TSH and free T4 (fT4) levels, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory test results of these patients were analyzed. 27 individuals (13.56%) presented with TSH levels above the normal level (subclinical hypothyroidism [SCH]). Their waist circumference (WC) was significantly higher than those of euthyroid individuals. Serum TSH was positively correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Using TSH and BMI as independent variables, TSH levels were shown to be independently related to HOMA-IR (p=0.001) and TG (p=0.007). Among euthyroid subjects, individuals with TSH values <2.5mIU/mL exhibited statistically significant decreases in waist-to-hip ratio, HDL-C levels, and HOMA-IR scores and a tendency toward lower WC values. SCH in overweight and obese adolescents appears to be associated with excess weight, especially visceral weight. In euthyroid adolescents, there appears to be a direct relationship between TSH and some CRF. In conclusion, in the present sample of overweight and obese adolescents, TSH levels appear to be associated with IR and CRF. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Spectral characterization, thermal and biological activity studies of Schiff base complexes derived from 4,4‧-Methylenedianiline, ethanol amine and benzil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emam, Sanaa Moustafa

2017-04-01

Some new metal(II) complexes of asymmetric Schiff base ligand were prepared by template technique. The shaped complexes are in binuclear structures and were explained through elemental analysis, molar conductivity, various spectroscopic methods (IR, U.V-Vis, XRD, ESR), thermal (TG) and magnetic moment measurements. The IR spectra were done demonstrating that the Schiff base ligand acts as neutral tetradentate moiety in all metal complexes. The electronic absorption spectra represented octahedral geometry for all complexes, while, the ESR spectra for Cu(II) complex showed axially symmetric g-tensor parameter with g׀׀ > g⊥ > 2.0023 indicating to 2B1g ground state with (dx2-y2)1 configuration. The nature of the solid residue created from TG estimations was affirmed utilizing IR and XRD spectra. The biological activity of the prepared complexes was studied against Land Snails. Additionally, the in vitro antitumor activity of the synthesized complexes with Hepatocellular Carcinoma cell (Hep-G2) was examined. It was observed that Zn(II) complex (5), exhibits a high inhibition of growth of the cell line with IC50 of 7.09 μg/mL.

TG/HDL-C ratio and visceral adiposity index may be useful in assessment of insulin resistance in adults with type 1 diabetes in clinical practice.

PubMed

Uruska, Aleksandra; Zozulinska-Ziolkiewicz, Dorota; Niedzwiecki, Pawel; Pietrzak, Monika; Wierusz-Wysocka, Bogna

Insulin resistance (IR) is an important clinical issue in patients with type 1 diabetes due to worse metabolic control and risk of development of chronic complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate simple and easily available parameters as indirect markers of IR in adults with type 1 diabetes and correlate it with the results of hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. The study included 88 patients (62 men), aged 34.1 ± 6.5 years, with type 1 diabetes with a median disease duration of 8 (7-13) years and mean HbA1c of 7.6 ± 1.5%. Tissue sensitivity to insulin was assessed on the basis of glucose distribution rate (GDR) obtained in the course of hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. In addition, indirect markers of IR, such as estimated GDR, presence of features of metabolic syndrome, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and the triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, were evaluated. In the study group, IR defined as GDR <4 mg/kg/min was observed in 33 (37.5%) patients. Group with IR had significantly higher postprandial glycemia (9.1 ± 2.0 vs 8.4 ± 1.1 mmol/L, P = .04), serum TG level (1.11 [0.75-1.92] vs 0.85 [0.60-1.08] mmol/L, P = .001), lower HDL-C level (1.59 ± 0.38 vs 1.8 ± 0.5 mmol/L, P = .02), higher TG/HDL-C ratio (1.60 [1.00-3.13] vs 1.05 [0.62-1.53], P = .001), and higher VAI (2.61 [1.31-4.25] vs 1.56 [0.96-2.25], P = .002). Significant relationship between GDR and TG/HDL-C ratio and VAI, adjusted for age, sex, HbA1c, and duration of diabetes was revealed (respectively, odds ratio 1.90 [95% confidence interval 1.15-3.15], P = .01 and odds ratio 1.47 [95% confidence interval 1.06-2.04], P = .01). TG/HDL-C ratio and VAI appear to be clinically useful tools to assess IR in adults with type 1 diabetes. Copyright © 2018 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tropical sea snail shells: Possible exotic sources for ceramic biomaterial synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oktar, F. N.; Kiyici, I. A.; Gökçe, H.; Aǧaogulları, D.; Kayali, E. S.

2013-12-01

In this study, chemical and structural properties of sea snail shell based bioceramic materials (i.e. hydroxyapatite, whitlockite and other phases) are produced by using mechano-chemical (ultrasonic) conversion method. For this purpose, differential thermal and gravimetric analysis (DTA/TG), X-ray diffraction, infra-red (IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies are performed.

Synthesis, characterizations and anti-bacterial activities of pure and Ag doped CdO nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivakumar, S.; Venkatesan, A.; Soundhirarajan, P.; Khatiwada, Chandra Prasad

2015-02-01

In the present study, synthesized pure and Ag (1%, 2%, and 3%) doped Cadmium Oxide (CdO) nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method. Then, the synthesized products were characterized by thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Ultra violet-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) spectroscopy, and anti-bacterial activities, respectively. The transition temperatures and phase transitions of Cd(OH)2 to CdO at 400 °C was confirmed by TG-DTA analysis. The XRD patterns show the cubic shape and average particle sizes are 21, 40, 34, and 37 nm, respectively for pure and Ag doped samples. FT-IR study confirmed the presence of CdO and Ag at 677 and 459 cm-1, respectively. UV-Vis-DRS study shows the variation on direct and indirect band gaps. The surface morphologies and elemental analysis have been confirmed from SEM and with EDX. In addition, the synthesized products have been characterized by antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Further, the present investigation suggests that CdO nanoparticles have the great potential applications on various industrial and medical fields of research.

Patients With Antithyroid Antibodies Are Prone To Develop Destructive Thyroiditis by Nivolumab: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Tomoko; Iwama, Shintaro; Yasuda, Yoshinori; Okada, Norio; Tsunekawa, Taku; Onoue, Takeshi; Takagi, Hiroshi; Hagiwara, Daisuke; Ito, Yoshihiro; Morishita, Yoshiaki; Goto, Motomitsu; Suga, Hidetaka; Banno, Ryoichi; Yokota, Kenji; Hase, Tetsunari; Morise, Masahiro; Hashimoto, Naozumi; Ando, Masahiko; Kiyoi, Hitoshi; Gotoh, Momokazu; Ando, Yuichi; Akiyama, Masashi; Hasegawa, Yoshinori; Arima, Hiroshi

2018-03-01

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have become promising treatments for a variety of advanced malignancies. However, these medicines can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including endocrinopathies. This study examined the incidence of endocrine irAEs induced by nivolumab. Sixty-six patients treated with nivolumab at Nagoya University Hospital were prospectively evaluated for pituitary hormones, thyroid function, antithyroid antibodies (Abs), and glucose levels every 6 weeks after the initiation of nivolumab for 24 weeks. Four out of 66 patients developed destructive thyroiditis, and three patients developed hypothyroidism requiring levothyroxine replacement. The prevalence of positive anti-thyroglobulin Abs (TgAbs) and/or anti-thyroid peroxidase Abs (TPOAbs) at baseline was significantly higher in the group that developed destructive thyroiditis (3/4) compared with the group that did not develop thyroiditis (3/62; P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in other clinical variables between the groups. There were no endocrine irAEs other than destructive thyroiditis during the 24 weeks. The prevalence of TgAbs and/or TPOAbs at baseline was not associated with the development of other irAEs, including pneumonitis, colitis, or skin reactions. Our real-world data showed that destructive thyroiditis was an endocrine irAE that was frequently induced by nivolumab and was significantly associated with positive TgAbs and/or TPOAbs before treatment. Our findings indicate that evaluating these Abs before treatment may help identify patients with a high risk of thyroidal irAEs and may have important clinical benefit.

Antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy of antineoplastic agent capped gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Selvaraj, V; Grace, A Nirmala; Alagar, M; Hamerton, I

2010-04-01

Synthesis of thioguanine (TG)-capped Au nanoparticles (Au@TG) and their enhanced in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy against Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Hep2 cancer cell (Human epidermiod cell) have been reported. The nature of binding between 6-TG and the gold nanoparticles via complexation is investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectrum, cyclic voltammetry, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The present experimental studies suggests that Au@TG are more potential than TG towards antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Hence, gold nanoparticles have the potential to be used as effective carriers for anticancer drug.

Syntheses, structural, computational, and thermal analysis of acid-base complexes of picric acid with N-heterocyclic bases.

PubMed

Goel, Nidhi; Singh, Udai P

2013-10-10

Four new acid-base complexes using picric acid [(OH)(NO2)3C6H2] (PA) and N-heterocyclic bases (1,10-phenanthroline (phen)/2,2';6',2"-terpyridine (terpy)/hexamethylenetetramine (hmta)/2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz)) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR and X-ray crystallography. Crystal structures provide detailed information of the noncovalent interactions present in different complexes. The optimized structures of the complexes were calculated in terms of the density functional theory. The thermolysis of these complexes was investigated by TG-DSC and ignition delay measurements. The model-free isoconversional and model-fitting kinetic approaches have been applied to isothermal TG data for kinetics investigation of thermal decomposition of these complexes.

Rapid crystallization and morphological adjustment of zeolite ZSM-5 in nonionic emulsions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang Ying, E-mail: yingzh1977@163.co; Jin Chao; Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Beijing 100083

2011-01-15

Zeolite ZSM-5 was synthesized for the first time in a nonionic emulsion composed of polyoxyethylated alkylphenol, butanol, cyclohexane and tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH)-containing zeolite synthesis mixture. The crystallization kinetics in the emulsion was investigated and the ZSM-5 product was characterized in detail by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, TG, N{sub 2} adsorption and CHN analysis techniques. Compared with the conventionally hydrothermal synthesis with the same structure directing agent TEAOH, the emulsion system allows rapid crystallization of ZSM-5. The ZSM-5 product exhibits unusual agglomerated structure and possesses larger specific surface area. The FT-IR, TG results plus CHN analysis show the encapsulation of a tracemore » of emulsion components in the emulsion ZSM-5. Control experiments show the emulsion system exerts the crystallization induction and morphological adjustment effects mainly during the aging period. The effects are tentatively attributed to the confined space domains, surfactant-water interaction as well as surfactant-growing crystals interaction existing in the emulsion. -- Graphical abstract: The nonionic emulsion synthesis allows rapid crystallization and morphological adjustment of zeolite ZSM-5 compared with the conventional hydrothermal synthesis. Display Omitted« less

Syntheses, structures and luminescent properties of two novel Zn (II) coordination polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Ya-Ru; Gao, Ling-Ling; Wang, Xiao-Qing; Fan, Li-Ming; Hu, Tuo-Ping

2018-02-01

Two new coordination polymers, namely [Zn(TZMB)]n (1) and {[Zn(TZMB)](H2TZMB)]·(C2H5OH)0.5(H2O)2.5}n (2), (H2TZMB = 4,4‧-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methylene-bis(benzonic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis (EA), IR spectrum analysis (IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Single X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 is a 3D 3,6-connected net with the point symbol of (6110.84)(63)2 and complex 2 is a 2D 3-connected net with the point symbol of (63). Furthermore, luminescent properties of complexes 1 and 2 were also investigated in detail.

The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio fails to predict insulin resistance in African-American women: an analysis of Jackson Heart Study.

PubMed

Sumner, Anne E; Harman, Jane L; Buxbaum, Sarah G; Miller, Bernard V; Tambay, Anita V; Wyatt, Sharon B; Taylor, Herman A; Rotimi, Charles N; Sarpong, Daniel F

2010-12-01

Compared to whites, insulin-resistant African Americans have worse outcomes. Screening programs that could identify insulin resistance early enough for intervention to affect outcome often rely on triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Racial differences in TG and HDL-C may compromise the efficacy of these programs in African Americans. A recommendation currently exists to use the TG/HDL-C ratio ≥2.0 to predict insulin resistance in African Americans. The validity of this recommendation needs examination. Therefore, our aim was to determine the ability of TG/HDL-C ratio to predict insulin resistance in African Americans. In 1,903 African Americans [895 men, 1,008 women, age 55 ± 12 years, mean ± standard deviation (SD), range 35-80 years, body mass index (BMI) 31.0 ± 6.4 kg/m(2), range 18.5-55 kg/m(2)] participating in the Jackson Heart Study, a population-based study of African Americans, Jackson, Mississippi tricounty region, insulin resistance was defined by the upper quartile (≥4.43) of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) of >0.70 was required for prediction of insulin resistance by TG/HDL-C. The optimal test cutoff was determined by the Youden index. HOMA-IR was similar in men and women (3.40 ± 2.03 vs. 3.80 ± 2.46, P = 0.60). Women had lower TG (94 ± 49 vs. 109 ± 65 mg/dL P < 0.001) and TG/HDL-C (1.9 ± 1.4 vs. 2.7 ± 2.1, P < 0.001). For men, AUC-ROC for prediction of insulin resistance by TG/HDL-C was: 0.77 ± 0.01, mean ± standard error (SE), with an optimal cutoff of ≥2.5. For women, the AUC-ROC was 0.66 ± 0.01, rendering an optimal cutoff indefinable. When women were divided in two groups according to age, 35-50 years and 51-80 years, the results did not change. In African-American men, the recommended TG/HDL-C threshold of 2.0 should be adjusted upward to 2.5. In African-American women, TG/HDL-C cannot identify insulin resistance. The Jackson Heart Study can help determine the efficacy of screening programs in African-Americans.

Synthesize and Characterization of Hydroxypropyl-N-octanealkyl Chitosan Ramification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Fu-neng

2018-03-01

A new type of amphiphilic ramification, hydroxypropyl-N-octanealkyl chitosan was prepared from chitosan via hydrophilic group and hydrophobic group were introduced. We could protect the amino group of chitosan via the reaction of chitosan and benzaldehyde could get Schiff base structure. Structures of the products were characterized with FT-IR, elemental analysis, themogrammetry (TG) analysis and X-ray diffraction. The degree of substitution of hydrophobic group was studied by elemental analysis. The result showed this chitosan ramification was soluble, biocompatible, biodegradable and nontoxic.

Sol-gel synthesis and characterizations of crystalline NaGd(WO4)2 powder for anisotropic transparent ceramic laser application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durairajan, A.; Thangaraju, D.; Balaji, D.; Moorthy Babu, S.

2013-02-01

NaGd(WO4)2 powders were synthesized at different pH (3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5) values by conventional Pechini method. Sodium and gadolinium nitrate salts and ammonium paratungstate are used as starting precursors. Metal cations were chelated by citric acid and individual citrates were bound together with ethylene glycol. Synthesized gel was analyzed using differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermo gravimetric (TG) and FT-IR spectroscopy to understand the degradation of gel and formation of metal citrates. Calcined powders (250, 600, 700 and 800 °C) were characterized by powder XRD, FT-IR, Raman and FE-SEM analysis. The temperature dependent phase formation was examined by powder XRD. The morphological changes at different pH derived powders were observed with FE-SEM micrographs. Stepwise organic liberation with respect to temperature and presence of carbon content in the pre-fired powder were analyzed using FT-IR analysis. Raman spectrum reveals disordered tungstate vibrations in the NGW matrix.

Patients With Antithyroid Antibodies Are Prone To Develop Destructive Thyroiditis by Nivolumab: A Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Tomoko; Iwama, Shintaro; Yasuda, Yoshinori; Okada, Norio; Tsunekawa, Taku; Onoue, Takeshi; Takagi, Hiroshi; Hagiwara, Daisuke; Ito, Yoshihiro; Morishita, Yoshiaki; Goto, Motomitsu; Suga, Hidetaka; Banno, Ryoichi; Yokota, Kenji; Hase, Tetsunari; Morise, Masahiro; Hashimoto, Naozumi; Ando, Masahiko; Kiyoi, Hitoshi; Gotoh, Momokazu; Ando, Yuichi; Akiyama, Masashi; Hasegawa, Yoshinori; Arima, Hiroshi

2018-01-01

Abstract Context Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including anti–programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have become promising treatments for a variety of advanced malignancies. However, these medicines can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including endocrinopathies. Objective This study examined the incidence of endocrine irAEs induced by nivolumab. Patients and Main Outcome Measured Sixty-six patients treated with nivolumab at Nagoya University Hospital were prospectively evaluated for pituitary hormones, thyroid function, antithyroid antibodies (Abs), and glucose levels every 6 weeks after the initiation of nivolumab for 24 weeks. Results Four out of 66 patients developed destructive thyroiditis, and three patients developed hypothyroidism requiring levothyroxine replacement. The prevalence of positive anti-thyroglobulin Abs (TgAbs) and/or anti–thyroid peroxidase Abs (TPOAbs) at baseline was significantly higher in the group that developed destructive thyroiditis (3/4) compared with the group that did not develop thyroiditis (3/62; P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in other clinical variables between the groups. There were no endocrine irAEs other than destructive thyroiditis during the 24 weeks. The prevalence of TgAbs and/or TPOAbs at baseline was not associated with the development of other irAEs, including pneumonitis, colitis, or skin reactions. Conclusions Our real-world data showed that destructive thyroiditis was an endocrine irAE that was frequently induced by nivolumab and was significantly associated with positive TgAbs and/or TPOAbs before treatment. Our findings indicate that evaluating these Abs before treatment may help identify patients with a high risk of thyroidal irAEs and may have important clinical benefit. PMID:29600292

Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures, and photophysical properties of two coordination polymers with mixed ligands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Li; Liu, Chun-Ling

2017-10-01

Two novel metal-organic coordination polymers [Cd(ipdt)(m-BDC)·3H2O]n (1) and [Pb(mip)2(NTC) ·2H2O]n (2) [ipdt = 2,6-Dimethoxy-4-(1H-1,3,7,8-tetraaza-cyclopenta[l]phenanthren-2-yl)-phenol, mip = 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, m-BDC = isophthalic acid, NTC = nicotinic acid] have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, infrared spectrum (IR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that 1 exhibits two-dimensional (2D) layer architecture, and 2 shows 1D chain architecture. TG analysis shows clear courses of weight loss, which corresponds to the decomposition of different ligands. The luminescent properties for the ligand ipdt, mip and complexes 1-2 are also discussed in detail, which should be acted as potential luminescent material.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and thermal studies of the copper(II) aspartame chloride complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çakır, S.; Coşkun, E.; Naumov, P.; Biçer, E.; Bulut, İ.; İçbudak, H.; Çakır, O.

2002-08-01

Aspartame adduct of copper(II) chloride Cu(Asp) 2Cl 2·2H 2O (Asp=aspartame) is synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT IR, UV/vis, ESR spectroscopies, TG, DTG, DTA measurements and molecular mechanics calculations. Aqueous solution of the green solid absorbs strongly at 774 and 367 nm. According to the FT IR spectra, the aspartame moiety coordinates to the copper(II) ion via its carboxylate ends, whereas the ammonium terminal groups give rise to hydrogen bonding network with the water, the chloride ions or neighboring carboxylate groups. The results suggest tetragonally distorted octahedral environment of the copper ions.

Acute administration of n-3 rich triglyceride emulsions provides cardioprotection in murine models after ischemia-reperfusion.

PubMed

Zirpoli, Hylde; Abdillahi, Mariane; Quadri, Nosirudeen; Ananthakrishnan, Radha; Wang, Lingjie; Rosario, Rosa; Zhu, Zhengbin; Deckelbaum, Richard J; Ramasamy, Ravichandran

2015-01-01

Dietary n-3 fatty acids (FAs) may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. We questioned whether acute administration of n-3 rich triglyceride (TG) emulsions could preserve cardiac function and decrease injury after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult. We used two different experimental models: in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), and ex-vivo, C57BL/6 murine hearts were perfused using Langendorff technique (LT). In the LAD model, mice treated with n-3 TG emulsion (1.5 g/kg body weight), immediately after ischemia and 1 h later during reperfusion, significantly reduced infarct size and maintained cardiac function (p<0.05). In the LT model, administration of n-3 TG emulsion (300 mg TG/100 ml) during reperfusion significantly improved functional recovery (p<0.05). In both models, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, as a marker of injury, were significantly reduced by n-3 TG emulsion. To investigate the mechanisms by which n-3 FAs protects hearts from I/R injury, we investigated changes in key pathways linked to cardioprotection. In the ex-vivo model, we showed that n-3 FAs increased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β proteins (p<0.05). Acute n-3 TG emulsion treatment also increased Bcl-2 protein level and reduced an autophagy marker, Beclin-1 (p<0.05). Additionally, cardioprotection by n-3 TG emulsion was linked to changes in PPARγ protein expression (p<0.05). Rosiglitazone and p-AKT inhibitor counteracted the positive effect of n-3 TG; GSK3β inhibitor plus n-3 TG significantly inhibited LDH release. We conclude that acute n-3 TG injection during reperfusion provides cardioprotection. This may prove to be a novel acute adjunctive reperfusion therapy after treating patients with myocardial infarction.

Acute Administration of n-3 Rich Triglyceride Emulsions Provides Cardioprotection in Murine Models after Ischemia-Reperfusion

PubMed Central

Zirpoli, Hylde; Abdillahi, Mariane; Quadri, Nosirudeen; Ananthakrishnan, Radha; Wang, Lingjie; Rosario, Rosa; Zhu, Zhengbin; Deckelbaum, Richard J.; Ramasamy, Ravichandran

2015-01-01

Dietary n-3 fatty acids (FAs) may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. We questioned whether acute administration of n-3 rich triglyceride (TG) emulsions could preserve cardiac function and decrease injury after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult. We used two different experimental models: in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), and ex-vivo, C57BL/6 murine hearts were perfused using Langendorff technique (LT). In the LAD model, mice treated with n-3 TG emulsion (1.5g/kg body weight), immediately after ischemia and 1h later during reperfusion, significantly reduced infarct size and maintained cardiac function (p<0.05). In the LT model, administration of n-3 TG emulsion (300mgTG/100ml) during reperfusion significantly improved functional recovery (p<0.05). In both models, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, as a marker of injury, were significantly reduced by n-3 TG emulsion. To investigate the mechanisms by which n-3 FAs protects hearts from I/R injury, we investigated changes in key pathways linked to cardioprotection. In the ex-vivo model, we showed that n-3 FAs increased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β proteins (p<0.05). Acute n-3 TG emulsion treatment also increased Bcl-2 protein level and reduced an autophagy marker, Beclin-1 (p<0.05). Additionally, cardioprotection by n-3 TG emulsion was linked to changes in PPARγ protein expression (p<0.05). Rosiglitazone and p-AKT inhibitor counteracted the positive effect of n-3 TG; GSK3β inhibitor plus n-3 TG significantly inhibited LDH release. We conclude that acute n-3 TG injection during reperfusion provides cardioprotection. This may prove to be a novel acute adjunctive reperfusion therapy after treating patients with myocardial infarction. PMID:25559887

Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and carotid intima-medial thickness in Chinese adolescents with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Deng, You-Ping; Yang, Miao; Wu, Yu-Wen; Sun, Su-Xin; Sun, Jia-Zhong

2016-03-01

To investigate the relationship between triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and carotid intima-medial thickness (CIMT) in Chinese youth and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-eight subjects aged 10-24 yr with newly-diagnosed T2DM had general inflammation, anthropometric, laboratory and CIMT data collected, and were divided into three groups based on TG/HDL-C tertiles. There were no significant differences in gender, age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and carotid arterial diameter (CAD) among the groups based on TG/HDL-C tertiles. Across TG/HDL-C tertiles, there was a significant progressive increase in body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and CIMT (all P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), while HDL-C was decreased significantly across the groups (P < 0.01). In general linear regression model, TG/HDL-C was an independent determinant of CIMT even after adjusting for BMI, SBP, DBP, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. TG/HDL-C ratio, the marker of small dense LDL particles, is an independent determinant of CIMT in Chinese youth and adolescents with newly diagnosed T2DM, and may be a simple and helpful tool in predicting the increased CIMT in such patients. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Effect of jiaotai pill on pancreatic fat accumulation and islet cell apoptosis in rats with type 2 diabetes].

PubMed

Zou, Xin; Liu, De-Liang; Lu, Fu-Er; Dong, Hui; Xu, Li-Jun; Luo, Yun-Huan; Wang, Kai-Fu

2014-06-01

In this study, the rat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model was established through tail vein injection with low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) and high fat diet for 8 weeks, and then treated with Jiaotai Pill. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting serum insulin (FINS), free fatty acid(FFA) levels and blood lipid were assayed. HOMA-IR was calculated. Pancreatic pathology was performed. And pancreatic triglyceride (TG) content was examined by the lipid extraction method. Pancreatic islet cell apoptosis were detected by terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). According to the results, the model group showed abnormal OGTT, increased FINS, HOMA-IR, FFA, lipid disorder, obvious fat accumulation and significantly increased TG content in pancreatic tissues, and enhanced pancreatic islet cell apoptosis. Compared with the model group, the Jiaotai Pill group displayed improved OGTT, reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, FFA, recovered lipid disorder, decreased fat accumulation and significantly declined TG content in pancreatic tissues, and lowered pancreatic islet cell apoptosis. In summary, Jiaotai pill could effectively treat type 2 diabetes in rats. Its mechanism may be related to the reduction in pancreatic fat accumulation and islet cell apoptosis.

Thermal, structural, functional, optical and magnetic studies of pure and Ba doped CdO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sivakumar, S; Venkatesan, A; Soundhirarajan, P; Khatiwada, Chandra Prasad

2015-12-05

In this research, a chemical precipitation method was used to synthesize undoped and doped cadmium oxide nanoparticles and studied by TG-DTA, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, with EDX and antibacterial activities, respectively. The melting points, thermal stability and the kinetic parameters like entropy (ΔS), enthalpy (ΔH), Gibb's energy (ΔG), activation energy (E), frequency factor (A) were evaluated from TG-DTA measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) brought out the information about the synthesized products exist in spherical in shape with cubic structure. The functional groups and band area of the samples were established by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The direct and indirect band gap energy of pure and doped samples were determined by UV-Vis-DRS. The surface morphological, elemental compositions and particles sizes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, antibacterial activities indicated the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are more active in transporter, dehydrogenize and periplasmic enzymatic activities of pure and doped samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adsorption behavior and mechanism of acidic blue 25 dye onto cucurbit[8]uril: A spectral and DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Hanhan; Huang, Xiangyu; Luo, Yuhan; Li, Zhuang; Li, Lan; Gao, Chao; Xiong, Jinyan; Li, Wei

2018-03-01

The acidic blue 25 (AB25) dye was efficiently adsorbed by CB [8]; the saturated adsorption capacity (qexp) reached 434.8 mg/g and was far higher than those of previous reported adsorbents. The Langmuir and Freundich isotherms were used to fit the equilibrium data, and the results showed that the Freundlich isotherm seemed to agree better with the AB25 adsorption. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. Calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of AB25 onto CB [8] was a spontaneous and enthalpy-driven process. The adsorption mechanism was explored by N2 adsorption-desorption, TG, FT-IR, UV-vis as well as MD simulation and DFT calculations. TG analysis revealed that a new inclusion complex was produced, and FT-IR,UV-vis spectrum and DFT calculations verify its structure. In this inclusion complex, the AB25 dye molecule inserted into cavities of CB [8] from portal, and the sulfonate and phenyl groups stayed in the hydrophobic cavity. TDDFT calculations indicated that all excitation arisen from π → π* transition.

Research on surface modification of nano-zirconia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wen; Zhang, Cun-Lin; Yang, Xiao-Yi

2005-02-01

The mechanisms about the aggregation and dispersibility of nano-zirconia were analyzed in detail. And nano-zirconia powders which were surface-modified with silane coupling reagent WD70 were prepared in order to disperse homogeneously in ethanol in this investigation. The grain size and grain phase of nano-zirconia were obtained by XRD. Research and characterization on the structure and surface characteristic of surface-modified nano-zirconia were achieved by XPS, TG-DSC, TEM and FT-IR. The results given by FT-IR and XPS showed WD70 was jointed on the surface of nano-zirconia through both physical adsorption and chemical binding after the de-methanol reaction between the methoxyl groups of WD70 and the hydroxy groups on the surface of nano-zirconia. And the corresponding model of surface-modified nano-zirconia was given. The images provided by TEM presented intuitionistic effect of surface modification on the dispersibility of nano-zirconia in ethanol. And TG-DSC analysis ascertained the amount of WD70 that was jointed on the surface of nano-zirconia and the amount was about 6.21 percent.

Clinical and Biochemical Profiles according to Homeostasis Model Assessment-insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in Korean Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PubMed

Lee, Da Eun; Park, Soo Yeon; Park, So Yun; Lee, Sa Ra; Chung, Hye Won; Jeong, Kyungah

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical profiles according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in Korean polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. In 458 PCOS patients diagnosed by the Rotterdam European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) criteria, measurements of somatometry, blood test of hormones, glucose metabolic and lipid profiles, and transvaginal or transrectal ultrasonogram were carried out. HOMA-IR was then calculated and compared with the clinical and biochemical profiles related to PCOS. The patients were divided into 4 groups by quartiles of HOMA-IR. The mean level of HOMA-IR was 2.18 ± 1.73. Among the four groups separated according to HOMA-IR, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, lipid accumulation product (LAP) index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Apoprotein B, free testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were found to be significantly different. TG, LAP index, glucose metabolic profiles, and hs-CRP were positively correlated with HOMA-IR after adjustment for BMI. Our results suggest that the clinical and biochemical profiles which are applicable as cardiovascular risk factors are highly correlated with HOMA-IR in Korean women with PCOS.

Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes.

PubMed

Tumurbaatar, Batbayar; Poole, Aaron T; Olson, Gayle; Makhlouf, Michel; Sallam, Hanaa S; Thukuntla, Shwetha; Kankanala, Sucharitha; Ekhaese, Obos; Gomez, Guillermo; Chandalia, Manisha; Abate, Nicola

2017-03-01

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and altered glucose-lipid metabolism. We propose that ectonucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1), a protein known to induce adipocyte IR, is a determinant of GDM. Our objective was to study ENPP1 expression in adipose tissue (AT) of obese pregnant women with or without GDM, as well as glucose tolerance in pregnant transgenic (Tg) mice with AT-specific overexpression of human ENPP1. AT biopsies and blood were collected from body mass index-matched obese pregnant women non-GDM (n = 6), GDM (n = 7), and nonpregnant controls (n = 6) undergoing cesarian section or elective surgeries, respectively. We measured the following: (1) Expression of key molecules involved in insulin signaling and glucose-lipid metabolism in AT; (2) Plasma glucose and insulin levels and calculation of homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR); (3) Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test in AtENPP1 Tg pregnant mice. We found that: (1) Obese GDM patients have higher AT ENPP1 expression than obese non-GDM patients, or controls (P = 0.01-ANOVA). (2) ENPP1 expression level correlated negatively with glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and positively with insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) serine phosphorylation, and to other adipocyte functional proteins involved in glucose and lipid metabolism (P < 0.05 each), (3) AT ENPP1 expression levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR (P = 0.01-ANOVA). (4) Pregnant AT ENPP1 Tg mice showed higher plasma glucose than wild type animals (P = 0.046-t test on area under curve [AUC] glucose ). Our results provide evidence of a causative link between ENPP1 and alterations in insulin signaling, glucose uptake, and lipid metabolism in subcutaneous abdominal AT of GDM, which may mediate IR and hyperglycemia in GDM.

Cinnamon extract inhibits the postprandial overproduction of apolipoprotein B48-containing lipoproteins in fructose-fed animals.

PubMed

Qin, Bolin; Polansky, Marilyn M; Sato, Yuzo; Adeli, Khosrow; Anderson, Richard A

2009-11-01

We have reported previously that a cinnamon extract (CE), high in type A polyphenols, prevents fructose feeding-induced decreases in insulin sensitivity and suggested that improvements of insulin sensitivity by CE were attributable, in part, to enhanced insulin signaling. In this study, we examined the effects of CE on postprandial apolipoprotein (apo) B-48 increase in fructose-fed rats, and the secretion of apoB48 in freshly isolated intestinal enterocytes of fructose-fed hamsters. In an olive oil loading study, a water-soluble CE (Cinnulin PF, 50 mg/kg body weight, orally) decreased serum triglyceride (TG) levels and the over production of total- and TG-rich lipoprotein-apoB48. In ex vivo (35)S labeling study, significant decreases were also observed in apoB48 secretion into the media in enterocytes isolated from fructose-fed hamsters. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms of the effects of CE on the expression of genes of the insulin signaling pathway [insulin receptor (IR), IR substrate (IRS)1, IRS2 and Akt1], and lipoprotein metabolism [microsomal TG transfer protein (MTP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP1c) in isolated primary enterocytes of fructose-fed hamsters, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The CE reversed the expression of the impaired IR, IRS1, IRS2 and Akt1 mRNA levels and inhibited the overexpression of MTP and SREBP1c mRNA levels of enterocytes. Taken together, our data suggest that the postprandial hypertriglycerides and the overproduction of apoB48 can be acutely inhibited by a CE by a mechanism involving improvements of insulin sensitivity of intestinal enterocytes and regulation of MTP and SREBP1c levels. We present both in vivo and ex vivo evidence that a CE improves the postprandial overproduction of intestinal apoB48-containing lipoproteins by ameliorating intestinal insulin resistance and may be beneficial in the control of lipid metabolism.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Yan; Pan, Cheng-Ling; Xiao, Li-Na

Three new supramolecular compounds based on triethylenediamine and different polyoxometalates [W{sup VI}{sub 3}V{sup V}{sub 3}O{sub 19}H]{l_brace}[Cu(HDABCO)]{sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){r_brace} (1), [P{sub 2}Mo{sup VI}{sub 18}O{sub 62}][HDABCO]{sub 2}[H{sub 2}DABCO]{sub 2}.12 H{sub 2}O (2) and [Mo{sup VI}{sub 7.5}W{sup VI}{sub 0.5}O{sub 27}][Cu(HDABCO)]{sub 2}.2 H{sub 3}O.2 H{sub 2}O (3) (DABCO=triethylenediamine) have been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by IR, TG, XPS and X-ray diffraction analyses. Crystal structure analyses reveal that compound 1 exhibits a face-centered cubic packing motif, compound 2 displays a supramolecular structure constructed form the 'chains' arranged hexagonally, compound 3 contains [Mo{sub 7.5}W{sub 0.5}O{sub 27}]{sub {infinity}} chain decorated by [Cu(HDABCO)]{sup 2+} cations, which was thenmore » packed into a layer structure. These results show that the same organonitrogen combining with the different POMs will yield different supramolecular networks. -- Graphical abstract: Three new supramolecular compounds based on triethylenediamine and different polyoxometalates have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR, XPS, TG, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis.« less

Novel Nano Boehmite prepared by Solvothermal reaction of aluminum hydroxide gel in Monoethanolamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Yasuhiro; Hayakawa, Tomokatsu; Inomata, Tomohiko; Ozawa, Tomohiro; Masuda, Hideki

2017-07-01

Solvothermal reaction of aluminum hydroxide gel (AHG) in monoethanolamine (MEA) was studied at several temperatures (100, 120, 150, and 200 °C) in several reaction times (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 13 h). The reaction product prepared at a low temperature of 120 °C in the reaction time more than 6 h gave a blue photoluminescence nanoboehmite intercalated with monoethanolamine derivatives (BM-MEA) in the colloidal solution, which showed a photoluminescence emission centered at 420 nm with an excitation of 360 nm. The powdery samples recovered from the reaction products were characterized by using elemental analysis, XRD analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG)-DTA, 13C and 27Al CP/MAS NMR spectroscopies, N2 gas adsorption/desorption isotherm, SEM and TEM images, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction revealed that the basal space in BM-MEA was expanded from 0.61 to 1.2 nm by intercalation of MEA derivatives to boehmite, and the IR and 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra determined that the intercalated MEA derivatives are protonated- and carbamate-substituted MEAs, which are formed in the layers through a covalent bond with Al-OH groups on boehmite surface. The empirical formula of BM-MEA was estimated to be AlO(OH)0.82(OCH2CH2NH3 +)0.05(OCH2CH2NHCOO-)0.13 on the basis of the elemental TG-DTA and IR spectral analyses. We discuss the reaction mechanism of a unique blue photoluminescence BM-MEA formed by proceeding in CO2-H2O-alkanolamine system.

Critical Assessment of Analytical Techniques in the Search for Biomarkers on Mars: A Mummified Microbial Mat from Antarctica as a Best-Case Scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanco, Yolanda; Gallardo-Carreño, Ignacio; Ruiz-Bermejo, Marta; Puente-Sánchez, Fernando; Cavalcante-Silva, Erika; Quesada, Antonio; Prieto-Ballesteros, Olga; Parro, Víctor

2017-10-01

The search for biomarkers of present or past life is one of the major challenges for in situ planetary exploration. Multiple constraints limit the performance and sensitivity of remote in situ instrumentation. In addition, the structure, chemical, and mineralogical composition of the sample may complicate the analysis and interpretation of the results. The aim of this work is to highlight the main constraints, performance, and complementarity of several techniques that have already been implemented or are planned to be implemented on Mars for detection of organic and molecular biomarkers on a best-case sample scenario. We analyzed a 1000-year-old desiccated and mummified microbial mat from Antarctica by Raman and IR (infrared) spectroscopies (near- and mid-IR), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis, mass spectrometry (MS), and immunological detection with a life detector chip. In spite of the high organic content (ca. 20% wt/wt) of the sample, the Raman spectra only showed the characteristic spectral peaks of the remaining beta-carotene biomarker and faint peaks of phyllosilicates over a strong fluorescence background. IR spectra complemented the mineralogical information from Raman spectra and showed the main molecular vibrations of the humic acid functional groups. The TG-MS system showed the release of several volatile compounds attributed to biopolymers. An antibody microarray for detecting cyanobacteria (CYANOCHIP) detected biomarkers from Chroococcales, Nostocales, and Oscillatoriales orders. The results highlight limitations of each technique and suggest the necessity of complementary approaches in the search for biomarkers because some analytical techniques might be impaired by sample composition, presentation, or processing.

Nivolumab-induced thyroid dysfunction lacking antithyroid antibody is frequently evoked in Japanese patients with malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Yano, Seiichi; Ashida, Kenji; Nagata, Hiromi; Ohe, Kenji; Wada, Naoko; Takeichi, Yukina; Hanada, Yuki; Ibayashi, Yuta; Wang, Lixiang; Sakamoto, Shohei; Sakamoto, Ryuichi; Uchi, Hiroshi; Shiratsuchi, Motoaki; Furue, Masutaka; Nomura, Masatoshi; Ogawa, Yoshihiro

2018-06-08

Nivolumab, an anti-programmed cell death-1 monoclonal antibody, has improved the survival of patients with malignant melanoma. Despite its efficacy, nivolumab inconsistently induces thyroid dysfunction as an immune-related adverse event (irAE). This study aimed to evaluate nivolumab-induced thyroid dysfunction to determine the risks and mechanisms of thyroid irAEs. After excluding 10 patients, data of 24 patients with malignant melanoma (aged 17-85 years; 54% female) were retrospectively analyzed. Thyroid irAEs were observed in seven patients (29%). Three patients had hypothyroidism after preceding transient thyrotoxicosis, and the other four patients had hypothyroidism without thyrotoxicosis. Levothyroxine-Na replacement was required in three patients. Antithyroid antibody (ATA) titer was elevated in one of four assessable patients. The average (±SD) time to onset of thyroid irAE was 33.6 (±21.9) weeks. The administration period of nivolumab was longer in patients with thyroid irAEs than in those without thyroid irAEs (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between patients with and without thyroid irAEs regarding age, sex, tumor stage, response to nivolumab therapy, baseline thyroid function, antithyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab) and antithyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg Ab). Thyroid dysfunction was a common irAE of nivolumab in malignant melanoma. Neither anti-TPO Ab nor anti-Tg Ab was associated with the risk for nivolumab-induced thyroid dysfunction. A conventional ATA-independent mechanism might be involved in thyroid irAEs. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanism and identify the predictive factors of thyroid irAEs.

A generic high-dose rate {sup 192}Ir brachytherapy source for evaluation of model-based dose calculations beyond the TG-43 formalism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ballester, Facundo, E-mail: Facundo.Ballester@uv.es; Carlsson Tedgren, Åsa; Granero, Domingo

Purpose: In order to facilitate a smooth transition for brachytherapy dose calculations from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group No. 43 (TG-43) formalism to model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs), treatment planning systems (TPSs) using a MBDCA require a set of well-defined test case plans characterized by Monte Carlo (MC) methods. This also permits direct dose comparison to TG-43 reference data. Such test case plans should be made available for use in the software commissioning process performed by clinical end users. To this end, a hypothetical, generic high-dose rate (HDR) {sup 192}Ir source and a virtual watermore » phantom were designed, which can be imported into a TPS. Methods: A hypothetical, generic HDR {sup 192}Ir source was designed based on commercially available sources as well as a virtual, cubic water phantom that can be imported into any TPS in DICOM format. The dose distribution of the generic {sup 192}Ir source when placed at the center of the cubic phantom, and away from the center under altered scatter conditions, was evaluated using two commercial MBDCAs [Oncentra{sup ®} Brachy with advanced collapsed-cone engine (ACE) and BrachyVision ACUROS{sup TM}]. Dose comparisons were performed using state-of-the-art MC codes for radiation transport, including ALGEBRA, BrachyDose, GEANT4, MCNP5, MCNP6, and PENELOPE2008. The methodologies adhered to recommendations in the AAPM TG-229 report on high-energy brachytherapy source dosimetry. TG-43 dosimetry parameters, an along-away dose-rate table, and primary and scatter separated (PSS) data were obtained. The virtual water phantom of (201){sup 3} voxels (1 mm sides) was used to evaluate the calculated dose distributions. Two test case plans involving a single position of the generic HDR {sup 192}Ir source in this phantom were prepared: (i) source centered in the phantom and (ii) source displaced 7 cm laterally from the center. Datasets were independently produced by different investigators. MC results were then compared against dose calculated using TG-43 and MBDCA methods. Results: TG-43 and PSS datasets were generated for the generic source, the PSS data for use with the ACE algorithm. The dose-rate constant values obtained from seven MC simulations, performed independently using different codes, were in excellent agreement, yielding an average of 1.1109 ± 0.0004 cGy/(h U) (k = 1, Type A uncertainty). MC calculated dose-rate distributions for the two plans were also found to be in excellent agreement, with differences within type A uncertainties. Differences between commercial MBDCA and MC results were test, position, and calculation parameter dependent. On average, however, these differences were within 1% for ACUROS and 2% for ACE at clinically relevant distances. Conclusions: A hypothetical, generic HDR {sup 192}Ir source was designed and implemented in two commercially available TPSs employing different MBDCAs. Reference dose distributions for this source were benchmarked and used for the evaluation of MBDCA calculations employing a virtual, cubic water phantom in the form of a CT DICOM image series. The implementation of a generic source of identical design in all TPSs using MBDCAs is an important step toward supporting univocal commissioning procedures and direct comparisons between TPSs.« less

Sodium alginate/graphene oxide composite films with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.

PubMed

Ionita, Mariana; Pandele, Madalina Andreea; Iovu, Horia

2013-04-15

Sodium alginate/graphene oxide (Al/GO) nanocomposite films with different loading levels of graphene oxide were prepared by casting from a suspension of the two components. The structure, morphologies and properties of Al/GO films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis, and tensile tests. The results revealed that hydrogen bonding and high interfacial adhesion between GO filler and Al matrix significantly changed thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films. The tensile strength (σ) and Young's modulus (E) of Al films containing 6 wt% GO increased from 71 MPa and 0.85 GPa to 113 MPa and 4.18 GPa, respectively. In addition, TG analysis showed that the thermal stability of Al/GO composite films was better than that of neat Al film. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inclusion complexes of cypermethrin and permethrin with monochlorotriazinyl-beta-cyclodextrin: A combined spectroscopy, TG/DSC and DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Qi; You, Bin; Zhou, Shuli; Chen, Meng; Wang, Yujiao; Li, Wei

2014-01-01

The suitable size hydrophobic cavity and monochlorotriazinyl group as a reactive anchor make MCT-β-CD to be widely used in fabric finishing. In this paper, the inclusion complexes of monochlorotriazinyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCT-β-CD) with cypermethrin (CYPERM) and permethrin (PERM) are synthesized and analyzed by TG/DSC, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. TG/DSC reveals that the decomposed temperatures of inclusion complexes are lower by 25-30 °C than that of physical mixtures. DFT calculations in conjunction with FT-IR and Raman spectral analyses are used to study the structures of MCT-β-CD and their inclusion complexes. Four isomers of trisubstituted MCT-β-CD are designed and DFT calculations reveal that 1,3,5-trisubstituted MCT-β-CD has the lowest energy and can be considered as main component of MCT-β-CD. The ground-state geometries, vibrational wavenumbers, IR and Raman intensities of MCT-β-CD and their inclusion complexes were calculated at B3LYP/6-31G (d) level of theory. Upon examining the optimized geometry of inclusion complex, we find that the CYPERM and PERM are inserted into the toroid of MCT-β-CD from the larger opening. The band at 1646 cm-1 in IR and at 1668 cm-1 in Raman spectrum reveals that monochloroazinyl group of MCT-β-CD exists in ketone form but not in anion form. The noticeable IR and Raman shift of phenyl reveals that these two benzene rings of CYPERM and PERM stays inside the cavity of MCT-β-CD and has weak interaction with MCT-β-CD. This spectroscopy conclusion is consistent with theoretical predicted structure.

Transglutaminase from newly isolated Streptomyces sp. CBMAI 1617: Production optimization, characterization and evaluation in wheat protein and dough systems.

PubMed

Ceresino, Elaine B; de Melo, Ricardo R; Kuktaite, Ramune; Hedenqvist, Mikael S; Zucchi, Tiago D; Johansson, Eva; Sato, Helia H

2018-02-15

The popularity of transglutaminase (TG) by the food industry and the variation in functionality of this enzyme from different origins, prompted us to isolate and evaluate a high-yielding TG strain. Through the statistical approaches, Plackett-Burman and response surface methodology, a low cost fermentation media was obtained to produce 6.074±0.019UmL -1 of TG from a novel source; Streptomyces sp. CBMAI 1617 (SB6). Its potential exploitation was compared to commonly used TG, from Streptomyces mobaraensis. Biochemical and FT-IR studies indicated differences between SB6 and commercial TG (Biobond™ TG-M). Additions of TG to wheat protein and flour based doughs revealed that the dough stretching depended on the wheat protein fraction, TG amount and its origin. A higher degree of cross-linking of glutenins and of inclusion of gliadin in the polymers was seen for SB6 as compared to commercial TG. Thus, our results support the potential of SB6 to tailor wheat protein properties within various food applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Theoretical Investigation of Device Aspects of Semiconductor Superlattices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

n-i-p-i devices include bulk field effect transistors, ultrasensitive or ultrafast IR photodetectors , tunable light-emitting devices, and ultrafast...transistor4 ultrasensitive or ultrafast IR photodetectors , tunable light-emitt tg devices, and ultrafast optical modulators. Particularlylppealing...differential conductivity ( NDC ) ......................... 19 3.2.2. Spontaneous and stimulated FIR emission from interlayer transitions

Optimal cutoff of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol  ratio to detect cardiovascular risk factors among Han adults in Xinjiang.

PubMed

Li, Hua-Yin; Chen, Bang-Dang; Ma, Yi-Tong; Yang, Yi-Ning; Ma, Xiang; Liu, Fen; Fu, Zhen-Yan; Xie, Xiang; Li, Xiao-Mei; Pan, Shuo; He, Chun-Hui; Zheng, Ying-Ying; Wu, Yun; Tao, Jing; Dong, Chun-Lan; Wu, Ting-Ting

2016-09-01

To determine whether TG/HDL-C ratio, which has been shown to be an indicator of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance (IR), can predict cardiovascular risk factors in the Chinese Han population in Xinjiang. The cardiovascular risk survey (CRS) was conducted from October 2007 to March 2010. A total of 14,618 representative participants were selected using a four-stage stratified sampling method. A total of 5757 Han participants were included in the study. The present statistical analysis was restricted to the 5595 Han subjects who had complete anthropometric data. The sensitivity, specificity, and distance on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in each TG/HDL level were calculated. The shortest distance in the ROC curves was used to determine the optimal cutoff of the TG/HDL-C ratio for detecting cardiovascular risk factors. The prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia was higher with higher TG/HDL-C ratio for both men and women. The TG/HDL-C ratio was positively associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and serum concentrations of total cholesterol. The optimal TG/HDL-C ratio cutoffs for predicting hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and ≥2 of these risk factors for Han adults in Xinjiang were 1.3, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.4 in men and 0.9, 1.0, 1.0, and 1.1 in women, respectively. The evaluation of TG/HDL-C ratio should be considered for one of cardiovascular risk factor predictors among Han adults in Xinjiang.

β-Amyloid Oligomers Induce Phosphorylation of Tau and Inactivation of Insulin Receptor Substrate via c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Signaling: Suppression by Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Curcumin

PubMed Central

Ma, Qiu-Lan; Yang, Fusheng; Rosario, Emily R.; Ubeda, Oliver J.; Beech, Walter; Gant, Dana J.; Chen, Ping Ping; Hudspeth, Beverly; Chen, Cory; Zhao, Yongle; Vinters, Harry V.; Frautschy, Sally A.

2009-01-01

Both insulin resistance (type II diabetes) and β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we investigate the role of Aβ oligomer-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation leading to phosphorylation and degradation of the adaptor protein insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). IRS-1 couples insulin and other trophic factor receptors to downstream kinases and neuroprotective signaling. Increased phospho-IRS-1 is found in AD brain and insulin-resistant tissues from diabetics. Here, we report Aβ oligomers significantly increased active JNK and phosphorylation of IRS-1 (Ser616) and tau (Ser422) in cultured hippocampal neurons, whereas JNK inhibition blocked these responses. The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) similarly inhibited JNK and the phosphorylation of IRS-1 and tau in cultured hippocampal neurons. Feeding 3xTg-AD transgenic mice a diet high in saturated and omega-6 fat increased active JNK and phosphorylated IRS-1 and tau. Treatment of the 3xTg-AD mice on high-fat diet with fish oil or curcumin or a combination of both for 4 months reduced phosphorylated JNK, IRS-1, and tau and prevented the degradation of total IRS-1. This was accompanied by improvement in Y-maze performance. Mice fed with fish oil and curcumin for 1 month had more significant effects on Y-maze, and the combination showed more significant inhibition of JNK, IRS-1, and tau phosphorylation. These data indicate JNK mediates Aβ oligomer inactivation of IRS-1 and phospho-tau pathology and that dietary treatment with fish oil/DHA, curcumin, or a combination of both has the potential to improve insulin/trophic signaling and cognitive deficits in AD. PMID:19605645

Compensation of the AKT signaling by ERK signaling in transgenic mice hearts overexpressing TRIM72

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ham, Young-Mi, E-mail: youngmi_ham@hms.harvard.edu; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115; Mahoney, Sarah Jane

The AKT and ERK signaling pathways are known to be involved in cell hypertrophy, proliferation, survival and differentiation. Although there is evidence for crosstalk between these two signaling pathways in cellulo, there is less evidence for cross talk in vivo. Here, we show that crosstalk between AKT and ERK signaling in the hearts of TRIM72-overexpressing transgenic mice (TRIM72-Tg) with alpha-MHC promoter regulates and maintains their heart size. TRIM72, a heart- and skeletal muscle-specific protein, downregulates AKT-mTOR signaling via IRS-1 degradation and reduces the size of rat cardiomyocytes and the size of postnatal TRIM72-Tg hearts. TRIM72 expression was upregulated by hypertrophicmore » inducers in cardiomyocytes, while IRS-1 was downregulated by IGF-1. TRIM72 specifically regulated IGF-1-dependent AKT-mTOR signaling, resulting in a reduction of the size of cardiomyocytes. Postnatal TRIM72-Tg hearts were smaller than control-treated hearts with inhibition of AKT-mTOR signaling. However, adult TRIM72-Tg hearts were larger than of control despite the suppression of AKT-mTOR signaling. Activation of ERK, PKC-α, and JNK were observed to be elevated in adult TRIM72-Tg, and these signals were mediated by ET-1 via the ET receptors A and B. Altogether, these results suggest that AKT signaling regulates cardiac hypertrophy in physiological conditions, and ERK signaling compensates for the absence of AKT signaling during TRIM72 overexpression, leading to pathological hypertrophy. -- Highlights: • TRIM72 inhibits AKT signaling through ubiquitination of IRS-1 in cardiac cells. • TRIM72 regulates the size of cardiac cells. • TRIM72 regulates size of postnatal TRIM72-overexpressing transgenic mice hearts. • Adult TRIM72-overexpressing transgenic mice hearts showed cardiac dysfunction. • Adult TRIM72 transgenic mice hearts showed higher expression of endothelin receptors.« less

Critical Assessment of Analytical Techniques in the Search for Biomarkers on Mars: A Mummified Microbial Mat from Antarctica as a Best-Case Scenario

PubMed Central

Blanco, Yolanda; Gallardo-Carreño, Ignacio; Ruiz-Bermejo, Marta; Puente-Sánchez, Fernando; Cavalcante-Silva, Erika; Quesada, Antonio; Prieto-Ballesteros, Olga

2017-01-01

Abstract The search for biomarkers of present or past life is one of the major challenges for in situ planetary exploration. Multiple constraints limit the performance and sensitivity of remote in situ instrumentation. In addition, the structure, chemical, and mineralogical composition of the sample may complicate the analysis and interpretation of the results. The aim of this work is to highlight the main constraints, performance, and complementarity of several techniques that have already been implemented or are planned to be implemented on Mars for detection of organic and molecular biomarkers on a best-case sample scenario. We analyzed a 1000-year-old desiccated and mummified microbial mat from Antarctica by Raman and IR (infrared) spectroscopies (near- and mid-IR), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis, mass spectrometry (MS), and immunological detection with a life detector chip. In spite of the high organic content (ca. 20% wt/wt) of the sample, the Raman spectra only showed the characteristic spectral peaks of the remaining beta-carotene biomarker and faint peaks of phyllosilicates over a strong fluorescence background. IR spectra complemented the mineralogical information from Raman spectra and showed the main molecular vibrations of the humic acid functional groups. The TG-MS system showed the release of several volatile compounds attributed to biopolymers. An antibody microarray for detecting cyanobacteria (CYANOCHIP) detected biomarkers from Chroococcales, Nostocales, and Oscillatoriales orders. The results highlight limitations of each technique and suggest the necessity of complementary approaches in the search for biomarkers because some analytical techniques might be impaired by sample composition, presentation, or processing. Key Words: Planetary exploration—Life detection—Microbial mat—Life detector chip—Thermogravimetry—Raman spectroscopy—NIR—DRIFTS. Astrobiology 17, 984–996. PMID:29016195

Critical Assessment of Analytical Techniques in the Search for Biomarkers on Mars: A Mummified Microbial Mat from Antarctica as a Best-Case Scenario.

PubMed

Blanco, Yolanda; Gallardo-Carreño, Ignacio; Ruiz-Bermejo, Marta; Puente-Sánchez, Fernando; Cavalcante-Silva, Erika; Quesada, Antonio; Prieto-Ballesteros, Olga; Parro, Víctor

2017-10-01

The search for biomarkers of present or past life is one of the major challenges for in situ planetary exploration. Multiple constraints limit the performance and sensitivity of remote in situ instrumentation. In addition, the structure, chemical, and mineralogical composition of the sample may complicate the analysis and interpretation of the results. The aim of this work is to highlight the main constraints, performance, and complementarity of several techniques that have already been implemented or are planned to be implemented on Mars for detection of organic and molecular biomarkers on a best-case sample scenario. We analyzed a 1000-year-old desiccated and mummified microbial mat from Antarctica by Raman and IR (infrared) spectroscopies (near- and mid-IR), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis, mass spectrometry (MS), and immunological detection with a life detector chip. In spite of the high organic content (ca. 20% wt/wt) of the sample, the Raman spectra only showed the characteristic spectral peaks of the remaining beta-carotene biomarker and faint peaks of phyllosilicates over a strong fluorescence background. IR spectra complemented the mineralogical information from Raman spectra and showed the main molecular vibrations of the humic acid functional groups. The TG-MS system showed the release of several volatile compounds attributed to biopolymers. An antibody microarray for detecting cyanobacteria (CYANOCHIP) detected biomarkers from Chroococcales, Nostocales, and Oscillatoriales orders. The results highlight limitations of each technique and suggest the necessity of complementary approaches in the search for biomarkers because some analytical techniques might be impaired by sample composition, presentation, or processing. Key Words: Planetary exploration-Life detection-Microbial mat-Life detector chip-Thermogravimetry-Raman spectroscopy-NIR-DRIFTS. Astrobiology 17, 984-996.

Infrared Spectroscopy as a Chemical Fingerprinting Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Timothy L.

2003-01-01

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool in the chemical fingerprinting of materials. Any sample material that will interact with infrared light produces a spectrum and, although normally associated with organic materials, inorganic compounds may also be infrared active. The technique is rapid, reproducible and usually non-invasive to the sample. That it is non-invasive allows for additional characterization of the original material using other analytical techniques including thermal analysis and RAMAN spectroscopic techniques. With the appropriate accessories, the technique can be used to examine samples in liquid, solid or gas phase. Both aqueous and non-aqueous free-flowing solutions can be analyzed, as can viscous liquids such as heavy oils and greases. Solid samples of varying sizes and shapes may also be examined and with the addition of microscopic IR (microspectroscopy) capabilities, minute materials such as single fibers and threads may be analyzed. With the addition of appropriate software, microspectroscopy can be used for automated discrete point or compositional surface area mapping, with the latter providing a means to record changes in the chemical composition of a material surface over a defined area. Due to the ability to characterize gaseous samples, IR spectroscopy can also be coupled with thermal processes such as thermogravimetric (TG) analyses to provide both thermal and chemical data in a single run. In this configuration, solids (or liquids) heated in a TG analyzer undergo decomposition, with the evolving gases directed into the IR spectrometer. Thus, information is provided on the thermal properties of a material and the order in which its chemical constituents are broken down during incremental heating. Specific examples of these varied applications will be cited, with data interpretation and method limitations further discussed.

Electrical conductivity studies on Ammonium bromide incorporated with Zwitterionic polymer blend electrolyte for battery application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parameswaran, V.; Nallamuthu, N.; Devendran, P.; Nagarajan, E. R.; Manikandan, A.

2017-06-01

Solid polymer blend electrolytes are widely studied due to their extensive applications particularly in electrochemical devices. Blending polymer makes the thermal stability, higher mechanical strength and inorganic salt provide ionic charge carrier to enhance the conductivity. In these studies, 50% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 50% poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and 2.5% L-Asparagine mixed with different ratio of the Ammonium bromide (NH4Br), have been synthesized using solution casting technique. The prepared PVA/PVP/L-Asparagine/doped-NH4Br polymer blend electrolyte films have been characterized by various analytical methods such as FT-IR, XRD, impedance spectroscopy, TG-DSC and scanning electron microscopy. FT-IR, XRD and TG/DSC analysis revealed the structural and thermal behavior of the complex formation between PVA/PVP/L-Asparagine/doped-NH4Br. The ionic conductivity and the dielectric properties of PVA/PVP/L-Asparagine/doped-NH4Br polymer blend electrolyte films were examined using impedance analysis. The highest ionic conductivity was found to be 2.34×10-4 S cm-1 for the m.wt. composition of 50%PVA:50%PVP:2.5%L-Asparagine:doped 0.15 g NH4Br at ambient temperature. Solid state proton battery is fabricated and the observed open circuit voltage is 1.1 V and its performance has been studied.

Preparation, characterization and thermolysis of phenylenediammonium dinitrate salts.

PubMed

Kapoor, Inder Pal Singh; Srivastava, Pratibha; Singh, Gurdip

2008-02-11

Four phenylenediammonium dinitrate salts were prepared and characterized by elemental, Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV) and gravimetric methods. These dinitrates find application in propellant, explosives and pyrotechnics. Their thermal decomposition has been studied using thermogravimetry (TG) and simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). Kinetics parameters were evaluated by model fitting and isoconversional methods. Their thermolytic pathways have also been suggested, which involves decomposition followed by ignition.

WE-DE-201-07: Measurement of Real-Time Dose for Tandem and Ovoid Brachytherapy Procedures Using a High Precision Optical Fiber Radiation Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belley, MD; Current Address Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI; Faught, A

Purpose: Development of a novel on-line dosimetry tool is needed to move toward patient-specific quality assurance measurements for Ir-192 HDR brachytherapy to verify accurate dose delivery to the intended location. This work describes the development and use of a nano-crystalline yttrium oxide inorganic scintillator based optical-fiber detector capable of acquiring real-time high-precision dose measurements during tandem and ovoid (T&O) gynecological (GYN) applicator Ir-192 HDR brachytherapy procedures. Methods: An optical-fiber detector was calibrated by acquiring light output measurements in liquid water at 3, 5, 7, and 9cm radial source-detector-distances from an Ir-192 HDR source. A regression model was fit to themore » data to describe the relative light output per unit dose (TG-43 derived) as a function of source-detector-distance. Next, the optical-fiber detector was attached to a vaginal balloon fixed to a Varian Fletcher-Suit-Delclos-style applicator (to mimic clinical setup), and localized by acquiring high-resolution computed tomography (CT) images. To compare the physical point dose to the TPS calculated values (TG-43 and Acuros-BV), a phantom measurement was performed, by submerging the T&O applicator in a liquid water bath and delivering a treatment template representative of a clinical T&O procedure. The fiber detector collected scintillation signal as a function of time, and the calibration data was applied to calculate both real-time dose rate, and cumulative dose. Results: Fiber cumulative dose values were 100.0cGy, 94.3cGy, and 348.9cGy from the tandem, left ovoid, and right ovoid dwells, respectively (total of 443.2cGy). A plot of real time dose rate during the treatment was also acquired. The TPS values at the fiber location were 458.4cGy using TG-43, and 437.6cGy using Acuros-BV calculated as Dm,m (per TG-186). Conclusion: The fiber measured dose value agreement was 3% vs TG-43 and −1% vs Acuros-BV. This fiber detector opens up new possibilities for performing patient-specific quality assurance for Ir-192 HDR GYN procedures. Funding from Coulter Foundation, Duke Bio-medical Engineering. Company is being created around the detector technology. Duke holds patents on the technology.« less

[Triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratio: in adolescents without cardiovascular risk factors].

PubMed

Soutelo, Jimena; Graffigna, Mabel; Honfi, Margarita; Migliano, Marta; Aranguren, Marcela; Proietti, Adrian; Musso, Carla; Berg, Gabriela

2012-06-01

Triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL) is an easy resource determination and it has good correlation with the HOMA index in adults. Due to physiological insulin resistance (IR) in adolescence it is necessary to find markers of IR independent of age, sex and pubertal stage. The objective was to identify reference values of TG/HDL ratio in a population of adolescents without cardiovascular risk factors. We evaluated 943 adolescents, 429 females and 514 males between 11 and 14. Anthropometric measures were determined and body mass index was calculated (BMI). Blood was extracted after 12 hours of fasting to determine glucose, triglycerides, HDL. The metabolic syndrome (MS) was diagnosed according to criteria of NCEP/ATP III modified by Cook. We excluded adolescents with MS or any component of it. We evaluated 562 adolescents (289 women and 273 men) with a weight of 48.91 +/- 6.51kg, BMI: 18.95 +/- 1.78, systolic blood pressure of 108.12 +/- 13.60 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure: 63.82 +/- 9.43 and waist circumference: 65.09 +/- 4.54 cm. TG/HDL ratio was 1.25 +/- 0.43, with a 95 percentile of 2.05. In adults, TG/HDL ratio greater than 3 is a marker of insulin resistance. We believe that a higher value to 2.05 might be a good index of insulin resistance in adolescence. TG/HDL ratio has the advantage of being methodologically simpler, more economical and independent of pubertal stage.

Vibrational spectra, powder X-ray diffractions and physical properties of cyanide complexes with 1-ethylimidazole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kürkçüoğlu, Güneş Süheyla; Kiraz, Fulya Çetinkaya; Sayın, Elvan

2015-10-01

The heteronuclear tetracyanonickelate(II) complexes of the type [M(etim)Ni(CN)4]n (hereafter, abbreviated as M-Ni-etim, M = Mn(II), Fe(II) or Co(II); etim = 1-ethylimidazole, C5H8N2) were prepared in powder form and characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermal (TG; DTG and DTA), and elemental analysis techniques. The structures of these complexes were elucidated using vibrational spectra and powder X-ray diffraction patterns with the peak assignment to provide a better understanding of the structures. It is shown that the spectra are consistent with a proposed crystal structure for these compounds derived from powder X-ray diffraction measurements. Vibrational spectra of the complexes were presented and discussed with respect to the internal modes of both the etim and the cyanide ligands. The C, H and N analyses were carried out for all the complexes. Thermal behaviors of these complexes were followed using TG, DTG and DTA curves in the temperature range 30-700 °C in the static air atmosphere. The FT-IR, Raman spectra, thermal and powder X-ray analyses revealed no significant differences between the single crystal and powder forms. Additionally, electrical and magnetic properties of the complexes were investigated. The FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, PXRD, thermal and elemental analyses results propose that these complexes are similar in structure to the Hofmann-type complexes.

Bcl-2 protects tubular epithelial cells from ischemia reperfusion injury by inhibiting apoptosis.

PubMed

Suzuki, Chigure; Isaka, Yoshitaka; Shimizu, Shigeomi; Tsujimoto, Yoshihide; Takabatake, Yoshitsugu; Ito, Takahito; Takahara, Shiro; Imai, Enyu

2008-01-01

Ischemia followed by reperfusion leads to severe organ injury and dysfunction. Inflammation is considered to be the most important cause of graft dysfunction in kidney transplantation subjected to ischemia. The mechanism that triggers inflammation and renal injury after ischemia remains to be elucidated; however, cellular stress may induce apoptosis during the first hours and days after transplantation, which might play a crucial role in early graft dysfunction. Bcl-2 is known to inhibit apoptosis induced by the etiological factors promoting ischemia and reperfusion injury. Accordingly, we hypothesized that an augmentation of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 may thus protect tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting apoptosis, thereby ameliorating the subsequent tubulointerstitial injury. We examined the effects of Bcl-2 overexpression on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury using Bcl-2 transgenic mice (Bcl-2 TG) and their wild-type littermates (WT). To investigate the effects of I/R injury, the left renal artery and vein were clamped for 45 min, followed by reperfusion for 0-96 h. Bcl-2 TG exhibited decreased active caspase protein in the tubular cells, which led to a reduction in TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells. Consequently, interstitial fibrosis and phenotypic changes were ameliorated in Bcl-2 TG. In conclusion, Bcl-2 augmentation protected renal tubular epithelial cells from I/R, and subsequent interstitial injury by inhibiting tubular apoptosis.

Dosimetric and radiobiological comparison of TG-43 and Monte Carlo calculations in 192Ir breast brachytherapy applications.

PubMed

Peppa, V; Pappas, E P; Karaiskos, P; Major, T; Polgár, C; Papagiannis, P

2016-10-01

To investigate the clinical significance of introducing model based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs) as an alternative to TG-43 in 192 Ir interstitial breast brachytherapy. A 57 patient cohort was used in a retrospective comparison between TG-43 based dosimetry data exported from a treatment planning system and Monte Carlo (MC) dosimetry performed using MCNP v. 6.1 with plan and anatomy information in DICOM-RT format. Comparison was performed for the target, ipsilateral lung, heart, skin, breast and ribs, using dose distributions, dose-volume histograms (DVH) and plan quality indices clinically used for plan evaluation, as well as radiobiological parameters. TG-43 overestimation of target DVH parameters is statistically significant but small (less than 2% for the target coverage indices and 4% for homogeneity indices, on average). Significant dose differences (>5%) were observed close to the skin and at relatively large distances from the implant leading to a TG-43 dose overestimation for the organs at risk. These differences correspond to low dose regions (<50% of the prescribed dose), being less than 2% of the prescribed dose. Detected dosimetric differences did not induce clinically significant differences in calculated tumor control probabilities (mean absolute difference <0.2%) and normal tissue complication probabilities. While TG-43 shows a statistically significant overestimation of most indices used for plan evaluation, differences are small and therefore not clinically significant. Improved MBDCA dosimetry could be important for re-irradiation, technique inter-comparison and/or the assessment of secondary cancer induction risk, where accurate dosimetry in the whole patient anatomy is of the essence. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biopolymers for Medical Applications: Polyglycerol Sebacate (PGS) doped Hydroxyapatite (HA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teruel, Maria; Kuthirummal, Narayanan; Levi, Nicole; Wake College Team

2011-04-01

In the investigation to engineer the ideal scaffolding device for cleft palate repair, polyglycerol sebacate (PGS) doped with hydroxyapatite (HA) were chosen for their elastomeric and biodegradable properties, as well as their cost-effective synthesis. Hydroxyapatite was integrated into the PGS to form a composite with high porosity and improved mechanical properties yielding a good substrate for cell attachment during the repair process. FT-IR scans were performed to characterize the composite polymer. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was utilized to identify an acceptable glass transition temperature (Tg), between -18 and - 21°C. At this Tg, it was determined that the material was sufficiently polymerized to a point where it was durable yet pliable enough to use for cleft palate devices. In the synthesis of PGS 3% and 5% HA, a Tg of - 20.10°C and - 21.72°C, respectively, was achieved and further analytical tests were then performed on the polymers. Methods of analysis included X-Ray Diffraction and Tensile Strength Testing. Acknowledgements to the Research Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University and College of Charleston.

Effect of different polyol-based plasticizers on thermal properties of polyvinyl alcohol:starch blends.

PubMed

Aydın, Ahmet Alper; Ilberg, Vladimir

2016-01-20

A series of gelatinized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA):starch blends were prepared with various polyol-based plasticizers in 5 wt%, 15 wt% and 25 wt% ratios via solution casting method. The obtained films were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Remarkable changes have been observed in glass-transition temperature (Tg) and thermal stability of the samples containing varying concentrations of different plasticizers and they have been discussed in detail with respect to the conducted thermal and chemical analyses. The observed order of Tg point depression of the samples containing 15 wt% plasticizer is 1,4-butanediol - 1,2,6-hexanetriol--pentaerythriyol--xylitol--mannitol, which is similar to the sequence of the thermal stability changes of the samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Triglycerides/High density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as a cardiometabolic risk marker in children and adolescents from Mérida city, Venezuela.

PubMed

Aguirre, Miguel; Briceño, Yajaira; Gómez-Pérez, Roald; Zerpa, Yajaira; Camacho, Nolis; Paoli, Mariela

2018-02-01

To determine the behavior of the triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL) as a cardiometabolic risk marker in children and adolescents from Mérida, Venezuela. A total of 1292 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years who attended educational institutions in the Libertador Municipality were enrolled into this study. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure values were recorded. Fasting blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels were measured. The TG/HDL ratio, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI indexes were calculated. Subjects were categorized as with and without cardiometabolic risk based on the presence or absence of 2or more risk factors. Cut-off points for the TG/HDL ratio were determined by constructing ROC curves. Significantly higher mean TG/HDL ratios were found in pubertal (2.2 ± 1.7) as compared to prepubertal subjects (1.8 ± 1.5; P=.001), with no sex differences. Two or more risk factors were found in 14.7% (n=192) of the participants, in whom TG/HDL ratios were significantly higher as compared to those with no risk (3.5±2.9 versus 1.6±0.8 in prepubertal and 4.1 ± 3.5 versus 1.8 ± 0.9 in pubertal subjects; P=.0001). According to cardiometabolic risk, cut-off points for the TG/HDL ratio of 1.8 and 2.5 were found for prepubertal and pubertal children respectively. These cut-off points showed risks (odds ratio) higher than 2.5 for conditions such as metabolic syndrome, elevated non-HDL-C, abdominal obesity, and elevated HOMA-IR. In this sample of children and adolescents, an elevated TG/HDLc ratio was found to be a good marker for predicting cardiometabolic risk. Copyright © 2017 SEEN y SED. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

LXRalpha activation perturbs hepatic insulin signaling and stimulates production of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins.

PubMed

Basciano, Heather; Miller, Abigale; Baker, Chris; Naples, Mark; Adeli, Khosrow

2009-08-01

Liver X receptor-alpha (LXRalpha) is considered a master regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism; however, little is known about the link between LXR activation, hepatic insulin signaling, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-apolipoprotein B (apoB) assembly and secretion. Here, we examined the effect of LXRalpha activation on hepatic insulin signaling and apoB-lipoprotein production. In vivo activation of LXRalpha for 7 days using a synthetic LXR agonist, TO901317, in hamsters led to increased plasma triglyceride (TG; 3.6-fold compared with vehicle-treated controls, P = 0.006), apoB (54%, P < 0.0001), and VLDL-TG (eightfold increase compared with vehicle). As expected, LXR stimulation activated maturation of sterol response element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) as well as the SREBP-1c target genes steroyl CoA desaturase (SCD) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Metabolic pulse-chase labeling experiments in primary hamster hepatocytes showed increased stability and secretion of newly synthesized apoB following LXR activation. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) mRNA and protein were unchanged, however, likely because of the relatively short period of treatment and long half-life of MTP mRNA. Examination of hepatic insulin-signaling molecules revealed LXR-mediated reductions in insulin receptor (IR)beta subunit mass (39%, P = 0.014) and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 tyrosine phosphorylation (24%, P = 0.023), as well as increases in protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)1B (29%, P < 0.001) protein mass. In contrast to IRS-1, a twofold increase in IRS-2 mass (228%, P = 0.0037) and a threefold increase in IRS-2 tyrosine phosphorylation (321%, P = 0.012) were observed. In conclusion, LXR activation dysregulates hepatic insulin signaling and leads to a considerable increase in the number of circulating TG-rich VLDL-apoB particles, likely due to enhanced hepatic assembly and secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel bio-based resin from maleated soybean oil polyols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. T.; Yang, L. T.; Zhang, H.

2017-02-01

In this paper, a novel bio-based resin was prepared by the radical copolymerization of maleated soybean oil polyols (MSBOP) and styrene (ST). Structure of the product was studied by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), and the result was found to be consistent with that of theoretical structure. Swelling experiments indicated that the crosslinking degree increased with the increase of hydroxyl value. Thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG) revealed that glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer increased with increasing hydroxyl values, and that its thermal stability showed a good correlation with the hydroxyl value. The tensile strength and impact strength were significantly affected by the hydroxyl value of soybean oil polyols. With increasing hydroxyl value, the tensile strength presented an increasing trend, while the impact strength showed a decreasing one. Moreover, the property of the polymer from elastomer to plastic character also depended on the functionality of the hydroxyl value of soybean oil polyols.

Free androgen index and Irisin in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Li, H; Xu, X; Wang, X; Liao, X; Li, L; Yang, G; Gao, L

2016-05-01

PCOS is associated with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance (IR). Recent studies have shown that circulating Irisin levels increase in PCOS women. However, no report has demonstrated a relationship between Irisin and hyperandrogenism in PCOS women. The purpose of the study was to compare interrelationship between Irisin or androgen excess with IR in PCOS and normal subjects. 166 PCOS and 103 control women were prospectively studied. Euglycemic- hyperinsulinemic clamps were preformed to assess their insulin sensitivity, which was expressed as M value. Circulating Irisin was determined by ELISA kit. Circulating androgens were measured using ultrasensitive assays. PCOS women with high FAI had significantly higher BMI, FAT%, TC, DHEA-S and HOMA-IR, and significantly lower levels of M values and SHBG than PCOS women with low FAI or the controls. Pearson correlations showed that in the entire population, FAI correlated positively with BMI, WHR, FAT%, blood pressure, TG, DHEA-S, LH/FSH, AUCinsulin, HOMA-IR and Irisin, and negatively with M values. In multiple stepwise regression analysis, only FAT%, DHEA-S and LH/FSH were independent related factors with FAI. The elevated Irisin levels in PCOS women were associated with androgen excess. Circulating Irisin is a primary predictor of hyperandrogenism, MetS and IR in PCOS women.

Infrared Spectroscopy as a Chemical Fingerprinting Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Tim; Munafo, Paul M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool in the chemical fingerprinting of materials. The technique is rapid, reproducible and usually non-invasive. With the appropriate accessories, the technique can be used to examine samples in either a solid, liquid or gas phase. Solid samples of varying sizes and shapes may be used, and with the addition of microscopic IR (microspectroscopy) capabilities, minute materials such as single fibers and threads may be examined. With the addition of appropriate software, microspectroscopy can be used for automated discrete point or compositional surface area mapping, with the latter providing a means to record changes in the chemical composition of a material surface over a defined area. Both aqueous and non-aqueous free-flowing solutions can be analyzed using appropriate IR techniques, as can viscous liquids such as heavy oils and greases. Due to the ability to characterize gaseous samples, IR spectroscopy can also be coupled with thermal processes such as thermogravimetric (TG) analyses to provide both thermal and chemical data in a single run. In this configuration, solids (or liquids) heated in a TG analyzer undergo decomposition, with the evolving gases directed into the IR spectrometer. Thus, information is provided on the thermal properties of a material and the order in which its chemical constituents are broken down during incremental heating. Specific examples of these varied applications will be cited, with data interpretation and method limitations further discussed.

Intercalation of IR absorber into layered double hydroxides: Preparation, thermal stability and selective IR absorption

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Haifeng; Tang, Pinggui; Feng, Yongjun, E-mail: yjfeng@mail.buct.edu.cn

2012-03-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PMIDA anions were intercalated into Mg{sub 2}Al-NO{sub 3} LDH by anion-exchange method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The prepared material has highly selective IR absorption property in 9-11 {mu}m. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The obtained material has practical applications as heat-retaining additive. -- Abstract: N-phosphonomethyl aminodiacetic acid (PMIDA) was intercalated into the interlayer spacing of layered double hydroxides (LDH) by an anion-exchange method. The intercalated LDHs were characterized by various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and simultaneous thermogravimetric and mass spectrometry (TG-MS) in details. The results show the formation of Mg{sub 2}Al-PMIDA LDH based on the expansion of d-spacingmore » from 0.89 nm to 1.22 nm and the disappearance of the characteristic IR absorption band at 1384 cm{sup -1} for NO{sub 3}{sup -} anions. The incorporation of Mg{sub 2}Al-PMIDA LDH into the low density polyethylene (LDPE) as an additive enhances the selectivity of IR absorption in the main wavelength region 9-11 {mu}m for radiant heat loss at night. Mg{sub 2}Al-PMIDA LDH as a heat-retaining additive has practical application in agricultural plastic films.« less

Synthesis and properties of a novel bio-based polymer from modified soybean oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. T.; Yang, L. T.; Zhang, H.; Tang, Z. J.

2017-02-01

Maleated acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (MAESO) was prepared by acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) and maleic anhydride. AESO were obtained by the reaction of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) with acrylic acid as the ring-opening reagent. The polymer was prepared by MAESO react with styrene. The structures of the products were studied by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), and were consistent with the theoretical structures. Swelling experiment indicated that the crosslinking degree increased with increasing epoxy value of ESO. Thermal properties was tested by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC), indicating that glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer increased with increasing epoxy value of ESO, and thermal stability of polymer have a good correlation with the crosslinking degree. Mechanical properties analysis presented that tensile strength and impact strength affected by epoxy value of ESO. With the increase of epoxy value, the tensile strength increase, while the impact strength decrease. The property of the polymer ranged from elastomer to plastic character depended on the functionality of the ESO.

Fire hazard reduction of hollow glass microspheres in thermoplastic polyurethane composites.

PubMed

Jiao, Chuanmei; Wang, Hongzhi; Li, Shaoxiang; Chen, Xilei

2017-06-15

Nowadays, reducing the fire hazard of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is an important research direction in the fields of fire safety materials. In this article, hollow glass microsphere (HGM) was used to reduce the fire hazard of TPU in combustion process. The fire characteristics including smoke and heat production of TPU composites were evaluated using smoke density test (SDT) and cone calorimeter test (CCT). And the thermal decomposition and flammable properties were further studied using thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) and limiting oxygen index (LOI), etc. The SDT results showed that the luminous flux (LF) of TPU4 containing 2.00wt% HGM was up to 24% at the end of test without flame, which is much higher than that of TPU0 (5%). And, the CCT results indicated that 2.00wt% HGM could make the total smoke release (TSR) decrease from 1019m 2 /m 2 (TPU0) to 757m 2 /m 2 (TPU4), reduced by 26%. The TG-IR results confirmed that HGM could improve the thermal stability of composites and reduce the production of some toxic gases. The above results illustrated HGM had a good prospect in reducing the fire hazard for TPU. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) extract and their antimicrobial, antioxidant activities.

PubMed

Niraimathi, K L; Sudha, V; Lavanya, R; Brindha, P

2013-02-01

The present work focuses the use of the aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis Linn. (Amaranthaceae) in producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate aqueous. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloid, tannins, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates and proteins and they serve as effective reducing and capping agents for converting silver nitrate into nanoparticles. The synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were also tested for proteins and ascorbic acid. Its pH was also determined (5.63). The AgNPs obtained was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, Zeta sizer and TG-DSC. SEM images which revealed the presence of various shapes and sizes. FT-IR spectrum showed the AgNPs having a coating of proteins indicating a dual role of bio-molecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the silver nanoparticles. Presence of impurities and melting point profile were screened by TG-DSC analyzer. AgNPs were synthesized from the silver nitrate through the reducing power of ascorbic acid present in A. sessilis leaves. In this study, we also investigated antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of green synthesized AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity is investigated by Bauer et al.'s method. Antioxidant activity was done by DPPH method. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In Situ FTIR Microspectroscopy of Brain Tissue from a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rak,M.; Del Bigio, M.; Mai, S.

2007-01-01

Plaques composed of the A{beta} peptide are the main pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease. Dense-core plaques are fibrillar deposits of A{beta}, showing all the classical properties of amyloid including {beta}-sheet secondary structure, while diffuse plaques are amorphous deposits. We studied both plaque types, using synchrotron infrared (IR) microspectroscopy, a technique that allows the chemical composition and average protein secondary structure to be investigated in situ. We examined plaques in hippocampal, cortical and caudal tissue from 5- to 21-month-old TgCRND8 mice, a transgenic model expressing doubly mutant amyloid precursor protein, and displaying impaired hippocampal function and robust pathology from an earlymore » age. Spectral analysis confirmed that the congophilic plaque cores were composed of protein in a {beta}-sheet conformation. The amide I maximum of plaque cores was at 1623 cm-1, and unlike for in vitro A{beta} fibrils, the high-frequency (1680-1690 cm-1) component attributed to antiparallel {beta}-sheet was not observed. A significant elevation in phospholipids was found around dense-core plaques in TgCRND8 mice ranging in age from 5 to 21 months. In contrast, diffuse plaques were not associated with IR detectable changes in protein secondary structure or relative concentrations of any other tissue components.« less

Spectral, thermal, kinetic, molecular modeling and eukaryotic DNA degradation studies for a new series of albendazole (HABZ) complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Metwaly, Nashwa M.; Refat, Moamen S.

2011-01-01

This work represents the elaborated investigation for the ligational behavior of the albendazole ligand through its coordination with, Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cr(III) ions. Elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment, spectral studies (IR, UV-Vis and ESR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG and DTG) have been used to characterize the isolated complexes. A deliberate comparison for the IR spectra reveals that the ligand coordinated with all mentioned metal ions by the same manner as a neutral bidentate through carbonyl of ester moiety and NH groups. The proposed chelation form for such complexes is expected through out the preparation conditions in a relatively acidic medium. The powder XRD study reflects the amorphous nature for the investigated complexes except Mn(II). The conductivity measurements reflect the non-electrolytic feature for all complexes. In comparing with the constants for the magnetic measurements as well as the electronic spectral data, the octahedral structure was proposed strongly for Cr(III) and Ni(II), the tetrahedral for Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes but the square-pyramidal for the Cu(II) one. The thermogravimetric analysis confirms the presence or absence of water molecules by any type of attachments. Also, the kinetic parameters are estimated from DTG and TG curves. ESR spectrum data for Cu(II) solid complex confirms the square-pyramidal state is the most fitted one for the coordinated structure. The albendazole ligand and its complexes are biologically investigated against two bacteria as well as their effective effect on degradation of calf thymus DNA.

Effects of pre-germinated brown rice treatment high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice.

PubMed

Yen, Hsueh-Wei; Lin, Hui-Li; Hao, Chi-Long; Chen, Fu-Chih; Chen, Chun-Yun; Chen, Jia-Hao; Shen, Kuo-Ping

2017-05-01

To investigate using pre-germinated brown rice (PGBR) to treat metabolic syndrome, we fed one group of mice standard-regular-diet (SRD) for 20 weeks and another group of mice high-fat-diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. We subdivided them into HFD group and HFD + PGBR group whose dietary carbohydrate was replaced with PGBR for 4 weeks. The HFD group gained more weight, had higher blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose and lipids, liver levels of TG, feces TG and bile acid, lower adipose levels of adipocytokine, lower skeletal muscle IR, IRS-1, IRS-2, PI3 K, Akt/PKB, GLUT-1, GLUT-4, GCK and PPAR-γ; higher liver SREBP-1, SCD-1, FAS, HMGCR, LDLR, CYP7α1 and PPAR-α, and higher adipose SREBP-1, SCD-1, FAS, and lower adipose PPAR-α and adiponectin. The HFD + PGBR group had clearly improved blood pressure, biochemical parameters and above proteins expressions. PGBR successful treatment of metabolic syndrome was achieved through improvements in glucose and lipid synthesis and metabolism.

Synthesis, spectral, thermal and structural characterization of two complexes containing [N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediamine] with carboxylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aycan, Tuǧba; Paşaoǧlu, Hümeyra

2018-02-01

Compounds based on the [Zn(hydet-en)2].(tpht).(H2O) (1) (tpht=dianion of terephthalic acid, hydet-en=N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine) has been synthesized which is characterized by single crystal X-ray determination, IR and thermal analysis. In 1, the Zinc(II) ion is six-coordinated that sandwiched by two hydet-en ligands which lies each hydeten ligand adopts a tripodal conformation and acts as tridentate ligand, carboxylate is uncoordinated. The coordination monomer is connected by C(13) chains and linear chains are connected by O-H...O H-bonds formed by DA:AD type 4 organization of aqua ligands and tpa2- ions resulting in R44(12 ) synthons to 3D structure. The FT-IR investigation of the complex were performed within the mid-IR region, mainly focusing on the characteristic vibrations of its free state and ligand behaviour in the case of complex formation. Thermal behaviours of 1 were followed using TG, DTA and DTG techniques.

Association between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance in Korean adolescents: a nationwide population-based study.

PubMed

Park, Jae-Min; Lee, Jee-Yon; Dong, Jae June; Lee, Duk-Chul; Lee, Yong-Jae

2016-11-01

Studies have suggested the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. However, few studies have examined the association between TG/HDL-C and insulin resistance in the general adolescent population. This study aimed to examine the association between TG/HDL-C and insulin resistance in a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents. A total of 2649 participants aged 12-18 years were selected from the 2007 to 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Insulin resistance was defined as the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values greater than the 80th percentile. The mean values of most cardiometabolic variables increased proportionally with TG/HDL-C quartiles. Compared to individuals in the lowest TG/HDL-C quartile, the odds ratio for insulin resistance for individuals in the highest quartile was 2.91 in boys and 2.38 in girls after adjusting for confounding variables. This study suggests that TG/HDL-C could be a convenient marker for identifying Korean adolescents with insulin resistance.

Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in nonobese adults.

PubMed

Qi, Jia-Chao; Huang, Jian-Chai; Lin, Qi-Chang; Zhao, Jian-Ming; Lin, Xin; Chen, Li-Da; Huang, Jie-Feng; Chen, Xiao

2016-05-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is closely related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), though the mechanism is not conclusive as obesity is a confounder. The objective of this observational study was to investigate the correlation between these disorders in nonobese subjects. We consecutively enrolled nonobese individuals undergoing polysomnography and abdominal ultrasonography and analyzed differences in NAFLD patients grouped by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and in OSA patients according to the presence or absence of NAFLD. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent risks of NAFLD in OSA patients. A total of 175 participants were included. The 106 ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD patients were classified into four groups by AHI. There were no significant differences in triglycerides (TG), serum aminotransferase levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with worsening OSA. In both OSA patients with NAFLD and those without NAFLD, body mass index (BMI), the lowest oxygen saturation (LaSO2), HOMA-IR, and TG were significantly associated. Additionally, BMI, LaSO2, and TG independently predicted the development of NAFLD after adjustments (odds ratio [OR] = 1.562, p = 0.003; OR = 0.960, p = 0.03; OR = 3.410, p < 0.001, respectively). In nonobese subjects, OSA itself does not appear to induce significant changes in liver enzymes. With reference to lipid metabolism, weight control and OSA-related hypoxemia are key factors in reducing the risk of NAFLD in OSA patients. Additional large-scale, prospective studies are warranted to investigate the impact of OSA on liver injury in nonobese adults.

Experimental and DFT simulation study of a novel felodipine cocrystal: Characterization, dissolving properties and thermal decomposition kinetics.

PubMed

Yang, Caiqin; Guo, Wei; Lin, Yulong; Lin, Qianqian; Wang, Jiaojiao; Wang, Jing; Zeng, Yanli

2018-05-30

In this study, a new cocrystal of felodipine (Fel) and glutaric acid (Glu) with a high dissolution rate was developed using the solvent ultrasonic method. The prepared cocrystal was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. To provide basic information about the optimization of pharmaceutical preparations of Fel-based cocrystals, this work investigated the thermal decomposition kinetics of the Fel-Glu cocrystal through non-isothermal thermogravimetry. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were also performed on the Fel monomer and the trimolecular cocrystal compound for exploring the mechanisms underlying hydrogen bonding formation and thermal decomposition. Combined results of IR spectroscopy and DFT simulation verified that the Fel-Glu cocrystal formed via the NH⋯OC and CO⋯HO hydrogen bonds between Fel and Glu at the ratio of 1:2. The TG/derivative TG curves indicated that the thermal decomposition of the Fel-Glu cocrystal underwent a two-step process. The apparent activation energy (E a ) and pre-exponential factor (A) of the thermal decomposition for the first stage were 84.90 kJ mol -1 and 7.03 × 10 7  min -1 , respectively. The mechanism underlying thermal decomposition possibly involved nucleation and growth, with the integral mechanism function G(α) of α 3/2 . DFT calculation revealed that the hydrogen bonding between Fel and Glu weakened the terminal methoxyl, methyl, and ethyl groups in the Fel molecule. As a result, these groups were lost along with the Glu molecule in the first thermal decomposition. In conclusion, the formed cocrystal exhibited different thermal decomposition kinetics and showed different E a , A, and shelf life from the intact active pharmaceutical ingredient. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Final Report: Identification and Manipulation of Novel Topological Phases

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-09

ps at TG and then exhibits a marked change in temperature dependence below TG [Fig. 4(d)]. A sharp rise in relaxation time at TN typically signifies...description, which predicts sharp first-order MITs like in V2O3.28 Although our measurements do not rule out gaps beginning to form in microscopically...Sr2IrO4 defies a strictMott-Hubbard description.We rule out the possibility of a disorder broadened TMIT in our samples based on their sharp magnetic

Validation of the Oncentra Brachy Advanced Collapsed cone Engine for a commercial (192)Ir source using heterogeneous geometries.

PubMed

Ma, Yunzhi; Lacroix, Fréderic; Lavallée, Marie-Claude; Beaulieu, Luc

2015-01-01

To validate the Advanced Collapsed cone Engine (ACE) dose calculation engine of Oncentra Brachy (OcB) treatment planning system using an (192)Ir source. Two levels of validation were performed, conformant to the model-based dose calculation algorithm commissioning guidelines of American Association of Physicists in Medicine TG-186 report. Level 1 uses all-water phantoms, and the validation is against TG-43 methodology. Level 2 uses real-patient cases, and the validation is against Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. For each case, the ACE and TG-43 calculations were performed in the OcB treatment planning system. ALGEBRA MC system was used to perform MC simulations. In Level 1, the ray effect depends on both accuracy mode and the number of dwell positions. The volume fraction with dose error ≥2% quickly reduces from 23% (13%) for a single dwell to 3% (2%) for eight dwell positions in the standard (high) accuracy mode. In Level 2, the 10% and higher isodose lines were observed overlapping between ACE (both standard and high-resolution modes) and MC. Major clinical indices (V100, V150, V200, D90, D50, and D2cc) were investigated and validated by MC. For example, among the Level 2 cases, the maximum deviation in V100 of ACE from MC is 2.75% but up to ~10% for TG-43. Similarly, the maximum deviation in D90 is 0.14 Gy between ACE and MC but up to 0.24 Gy for TG-43. ACE demonstrated good agreement with MC in most clinically relevant regions in the cases tested. Departure from MC is significant for specific situations but limited to low-dose (<10% isodose) regions. Copyright © 2015 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SU-E-T-580: On the Significance of Model Based Dosimetry for Breast and Head and Neck 192Ir HDR Brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peppa, V; Pappas, E; Pantelis, E

2015-06-15

Purpose: To assess the dosimetric and radiobiological differences between TG43-based and model-based dosimetry in the treatment planning of {sup 192}Ir HDR brachytherapy for breast and head and neck cancer. Methods: Two cohorts of 57 Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) and 22 head and neck (H&N) patients with oral cavity carcinoma were studied. Dosimetry for the treatment plans was performed using the TG43 algorithm of the Oncentra Brachy v4.4 treatment planning system (TPS). Corresponding Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed using MCNP6 with input files automatically prepared by the BrachyGuide software tool from DICOM RT plan data. TG43 and MC datamore » were compared in terms of % dose differences, Dose Volume Histograms (DVHs) and related indices of clinical interest for the Planning Target Volume (PTV) and the Organs-At-Risk (OARs). A radiobiological analysis was also performed using the Equivalent Uniform Dose (EUD), mean survival fraction (S) and Tumor Control Probability (TCP) for the PTV, and the Normal Tissue Control Probability (N TCP) and the generalized EUD (gEUD) for the OARs. Significance testing of the observed differences performed using the Wilcoxon paired sample test. Results: Differences between TG43 and MC DVH indices, associated with the increased corresponding local % dose differences observed, were statistically significant. This is mainly attributed to their consistency however, since TG43 agrees closely with MC for the majority of DVH and radiobiological parameters in both patient cohorts. Differences varied considerably among patients only for the ipsilateral lung and ribs in the APBI cohort, with a strong correlation to target location. Conclusion: While the consistency and magnitude of differences in the majority of clinically relevant DVH indices imply that no change is needed in the treatment planning practice, individualized dosimetry improves accuracy and addresses instances of inter-patient variability observed. Research co-financed by the ESF and Greek funds through the Operational Program Education and Lifelong Learning Investing in Knowledge Society of the NSRF. Research Funding Program Aristeia. Nucletron, an Elekta company (Veenendaal, The Netherlands) is gratefully acknowledged for providing Oncentra Brachy v4.4 for research purposes.« less

Bcl-2 protects tubular epithelial cells from ischemia/reperfusion injury by dual mechanisms.

PubMed

Isaka, Y; Suzuki, C; Abe, T; Okumi, M; Ichimaru, N; Imamura, R; Kakuta, Y; Matsui, I; Takabatake, Y; Rakugi, H; Shimizu, S; Takahara, S

2009-01-01

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which induces extensive loss of tubular epithelial cells, is associated with delayed graft function following kidney transplantation. Recent reports have suggested that cell death by I/R injury occurs by autophagy, a cellular degradation process responsible for the turnover of unnecessary or dysfunctional organelles and cytoplasmic proteins, as well as by apoptosis. Recently, we demonstrated that overexpression of the anti-apoptotic factor, Bcl-2, inhibited tubular apoptosis and subsequent tubulointerstitial damage after I/R injury. Autophagy is also observed in cells undergoing cell death in several diseases. Therefore, we hypothesized that increased Bcl-2 protein may protect tubular epithelial cells by suppressing autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis. In the present study, a transgenic mouse model (LC3-GFP TG) in which autophagosomes are labeled with LC3-GFP and Bcl-2/LC3-GFP double transgenic mice (Bcl-2/LC3-GFP TG) were used to examine the effect of Bcl-2 on I/R-induced autophagy. I/R injury, which is associated with marked disruption of normal tubular morphology, promoted the formation of LC3-GFP dots, representing extensively induced autophagosomes. On electron microscopy, the autophagosomes contained mitochondria in I/R-injured tubular epithelial cells. In contrast, Bcl-2 augmentation suppressed the formation of autophagosomes and there was less tubular damage. In conclusion, Bcl-2 augmentation protected renal tubular epithelial cells from I/R injury by suppressing autophagosomal degradation and inhibiting tubular apoptosis.

Structure and thermal decomposition of sulfated β-cyclodextrin intercalated in a layered double hydroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ji; Wei, Min; Rao, Guoying; Evans, David G.; Duan, Xue

2004-01-01

The sodium salt of hexasulfated β-cyclodextrin has been synthesized and intercalated into a magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide by ion exchange. The structure, composition and thermal decomposition behavior of the intercalated material have been studied by variable temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP), and thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and a model for the structure has been proposed. The thermal stability of the intercalated sulfated β-cyclodextrin is significantly enhanced compared with the pure form before intercalation.

Hemin, a heme oxygenase-1 inducer, improves aortic endothelial dysfunction in insulin resistant rats.

PubMed

Chen, Yong-song; Zhu, Xu-xin; Zhao, Xiao-yun; Xing, Han-ying; Li, Yu-guang

2008-02-05

Under an insulin resistance (IR) state, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be playing a major role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Recently, increasing attention has been drawn to the beneficial effects of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HO-1 on vascular function of thoracic aorta in IR rats and demonstrate the probable mechanisms of HO-1 against endothelial dysfunction in IR states. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats fed with high-fat diet for 6 weeks and the IR models were validated with hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp test. Then the IR rat models (n = 44) were further randomized into 3 subgroups, namely, the IR control group (n = 26, in which 12 were sacrificed immediately and evaluated for all study measures), a hemin treated IR group (n = 10) and a zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPP-IX) treated IR group (n = 8) that were fed with a high-fat diet. Rats with standardized chow diet were used as the normal control group (n = 12). The rats in IR control group, hemin treated IR group and ZnPP-IX treated IR group were subsequently treated every other day with an intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, hemin (inducer of HO-1, 30 micromol/kg) or ZnPP-IX (inhibitor of HO-1, 10 micromol/kg) for 4 weeks. Rats in the normal control group remained on a standardized chow diet and were treated with intraperitoneal injections of normal saline every other day for 4 weeks. Systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) was measured by tail-cuffed microphotoelectric plethysmography. The blood carbon monoxide (CO) was measured by blood gas analysis. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), blood glucose (BG), insulin, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in serum, and the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the aorta were measured. The expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein in aortal tissue were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. The vasoreactive tensometry was performed with thoracic aortic rings (TARs). Compared with the normal control group, the levels of SABP, BG, insulin, TC, TG, NO, iNOS and MDA were higher, while the levels of CO, TAOC, SOD and eNOS were lower in IR control rats. After treatment of IR rats for 4 weeks a more intensive expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein were observed in hemin treated IR group compared with the normal control group. And compared with 4-week IR control rats, the levels of CO, TAOC, SOD and eNOS were increased, while the levels of SABP and iNOS activity were lower in the hemin treated IR group. Administration of hemin in IR rats appeared to improve the disordered vasorelaxation of TARs to acetylcholine (ACh). Alternatively, the reverse results of SABP, CO, TAOC, SOD, iNOS and vasorelaxation responses to ACh were observed in IR rats with administration of ZnPP-IX. The endothelial dysfunction in the aorta is present in the IR state. The protective effects of HO-1 against aortic endothelial dysfunction may be due to its antioxidation and regulative effect of vasoactive substances. It is proposed that hemin, inducer of HO-1, could be a potential therapeutic option for vascular dysfunction in IR states.

Synthesis, crystal growth, structural, thermal and optical properties of naphthalene picrate an organic NLO material.

PubMed

Chandramohan, A; Bharathikannan, R; Kandavelu, V; Chandrasekaran, J; Kandhaswamy, M A

2008-12-01

Crystalline substance of naphthalene picrate (NP) was synthesized and single crystals were grown using slow evaporation solution growth technique. The solubility of the naphthalene picrate complex was estimated using different solvents such as chloroform and benzene. The material was characterized by elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) techniques. The electronic absorption was studied through UV-vis spectrophotometer. Thermal behavior and stability of the crystal were studied using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. The second harmonic generation (SHG) of the material was confirmed using Nd:YAG laser.

Hydroxyapatite-phosphonoformic acid hybrid compounds prepared by hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turki, Thouraya; Othmani, Masseoud; Bantignies, Jean-Louis; Bouzouita, Khaled

2014-01-01

Hydroxyapatites were prepared in the presence of different amounts of phosphonoformic acid (PFA) via the hydrothermal method. The obtained powders were characterized through chemical analysis, XRD, IR, 31P MAS-NMR, TEM, and TG-TDA. The XRD showed that the PFA did not affect the apatite composition. Indeed, only a reduction of the crystallite size was noted. After grafting of PFA, the IR spectroscopy revealed the appearance of new bands belonging to HPO42- and carboxylate groups of the apatite and organic moiety, respectively. Moreover, the 31P MAS-NMR spectra exhibited a peak with a low intensity assigned to the terminal phosphonate group of the organic moiety in addition to that of the apatite. Based on these results, a reaction mechanism involving the surface hydroxyl groups (tbnd Casbnd OH) of the apatite and the carboxyl group of the acid was proposed.

[The correlation between serum uric acid level and early-phase insulin secretion in subjects with normal glucose regulation].

PubMed

Lu, L; Zheng, F P; Li, H

2016-05-01

To investigate the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) level and early-phase insulin secretion in subjects with normal glucose regulation (NGR). Totally 367 community NGR residents confirmed by a 75g oral glucose tolerance test were enrolled. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the early-phase insulin secretion index after a glucose load (ΔI30/ΔG30) were used to estimate the insulin sensitivity and the early-phase insulin secretion, respectively. The subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the SUA level quartiles. Differences in early-phase insulin levels, ΔI30/ΔG30, and HOMA-IR were compared among the 4 groups. Age, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin (FINS), 30 minutes postprandial insulin(30 minINS), 2 hours postprandial insulin(2hINS), HOMA-IR and TG levels increased across the rising categories of SUA levels, while the HDL-C was decreased across the SUA groups (P<0.01). The SUA level was positively correlated with age(r=0.157, P<0.01), BMI(r=0.262, P<0.01), waist circumference(r=0.372, P<0.01), systolic blood pressure(r=0.200, P<0.01), diastolic blood pressure(r=0.254, P<0.01), 30 minutes postprandial plasma glucose(r=0.118, P=0.023), FINS(r=0.249, P<0.01), 30minINS(r=0.189, P<0.01), 2hINS(r=0.206, P<0.01), glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c, r=0.106, P=0.042), HOMA-IR(r=0.244, P<0.01), TG(r=0.350, P<0.01), ΔI30/ΔG30(r=0.144, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with HDL-C level(r=-0.321, P<0.01). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that SUA(β=0.292, P<0.01) and HOMA-IR(β=29.821, P<0.01) were positively associated with ΔI30/ΔG30. SUA level is closely related with the early-phase insulin secretion in NGR subjects.

Is Xanthine oxidase activity in polycystic ovary syndrome associated with inflammatory and cardiovascular risk factors?

PubMed

Isık, Hatice; Aynıoglu, Oner; Tımur, Hakan; Sahbaz, Ahmet; Harma, Muge; Can, Murat; Guven, Berrak; Alptekin, Husnu; Kokturk, Furuzan

2016-08-01

The aim of this study is to examine women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to determine the relationship between xanthine oxidase (XO) and oxidative stress, inflammatory status, and various clinical and biochemical parameters. In this cross-sectional study a total of 83 women including 45 PCOS patients and 38 healthy women were enrolled. We collected blood samples for XO and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, hormone levels, cholesterol values, and inflammatory markers. Body mass index (BMI) , waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and blood pressure were assessed. Blood samples were taken for hormonal levels, cholesterol levels, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell and neutrophil counts, XO and SOD activities. The basal hormone levels, triglyceride (TG) levels, TG/HDL-C (high density lipoprotein-cholesterol) ratios FPG, FPI and HOMA-IR levels were higher in PCOS patients compared to controls (p<0.05). Platelet and plateletcrit (PCT) values, CRP, and XO activity were significantly increased, however SOD activity was decreased in PCOS patients (p<0.001). XO activity was positively correlated with LH/FSH and TG/HDL ratios, CRP, PCT, FPG, FPI, and HOMA-IR, and negatively correlated with QUICKI levels. In conclusion, XO is a useful marker to assess oxidative stress in PCOS patients. Positive correlations between XO and inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease risk factors suggest that XO plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS and its metabolic complications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The IPEM code of practice for determination of the reference air kerma rate for HDR 192Ir brachytherapy sources based on the NPL air kerma standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bidmead, A. M.; Sander, T.; Locks, S. M.; Lee, C. D.; Aird, E. G. A.; Nutbrown, R. F.; Flynn, A.

2010-06-01

This paper contains the recommendations of the high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy working party of the UK Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). The recommendations consist of a Code of Practice (COP) for the UK for measuring the reference air kerma rate (RAKR) of HDR 192Ir brachytherapy sources. In 2004, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) commissioned a primary standard for the realization of RAKR of HDR 192Ir brachytherapy sources. This has meant that it is now possible to calibrate ionization chambers directly traceable to an air kerma standard using an 192Ir source (Sander and Nutbrown 2006 NPL Report DQL-RD 004 (Teddington: NPL) http://publications.npl.co.uk). In order to use the source specification in terms of either RAKR, \\dot K_R (ICRU 1985 ICRU Report No 38 (Washington, DC: ICRU); ICRU 1997 ICRU Report No 58 (Bethesda, MD: ICRU)), or air kerma strength, SK (Nath et al 1995 Med. Phys. 22 209-34), it has been necessary to develop algorithms that can calculate the dose at any point around brachytherapy sources within the patient tissues. The AAPM TG-43 protocol (Nath et al 1995 Med. Phys. 22 209-34) and the 2004 update TG-43U1 (Rivard et al 2004 Med. Phys. 31 633-74) have been developed more fully than any other protocol and are widely used in commercial treatment planning systems. Since the TG-43 formalism uses the quantity air kerma strength, whereas this COP uses RAKR, a unit conversion from RAKR to air kerma strength was included in the appendix to this COP. It is recommended that the measured RAKR determined with a calibrated well chamber traceable to the NPL 192Ir primary standard is used in the treatment planning system. The measurement uncertainty in the source calibration based on the system described in this COP has been reduced considerably compared to other methods based on interpolation techniques.

Synthesis, spectral, thermal and antimicrobial studies of transition metal complexes of 14-membered tetraaza[N4] macrocyclic ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shankarwar, Sunil G.; Nagolkar, Bhagwat B.; Shelke, Vinod A.; Chondhekar, Trimbak K.

2015-06-01

A series of metal complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), have been synthesized with newly synthesized biologically active macrocyclic ligand. The ligand was synthesized by condensation of β-diketone 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione and o-phenylene diamine. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, IR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. From the analytical data, stoichiometry of the complexes was found to be 1:2 (metal:ligand). Thermal behavior (TG/DTA) and kinetic parameters suggest more ordered activated state in complex formation. All the complexes are of high spin type and six coordinated. On the basis of IR, electronic spectral studies and magnetic behavior, an octahedral geometry has been assigned to these complexes. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the ligand and its metal complexes, has been screened in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma respectively.

Interaction between transition metals and phenylalanine: a combined experimental and computational study.

PubMed

Elius Hossain, Md; Mahmudul Hasan, Md; Halim, M E; Ehsan, M Q; Halim, Mohammad A

2015-03-05

Some transition metal complexes of phenylalanine of general formula [M(C9H10NO2)2]; where M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) are prepared in aqueous medium and characterized by spectroscopic, thermo-gravimetric (TG) and magnetic susceptibility analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) has been employed calculating the equilibrium geometries and vibrational frequencies of those complexes at B3LYP level of theory using 6-31G(d) and SDD basis sets. In addition, frontier molecular orbital and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations are performed with CAM-B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) and B3LYP/SDD level of theories. Thermo-gravimetric analysis confirms the composition of the complexes by comparing the experimental and calculated data for C, H, N and metals. Experimental and computed IR results predict a significant change in vibrational frequencies of metal-phenylalanine complexes compared to free ligand. DFT calculation confirms that Mn, Co, Ni and Cu complexes form square planar structure whereas Zn adopts distorted tetrahedral geometry. The metal-oxygen bonds in the optimized geometry of all complexes are shorter compared to the metal-nitrogen bonds which is consistent with a previous study. Cation-binding energy, enthalpy and Gibbs free energy indicates that these complexes are thermodynamically stable. UV-vis and TD-DFT studies reveal that these complexes demonstrate representative metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and d-d transitions bands. TG analysis and IR spectra of the metal complexes strongly support the absence of water in crystallization. Magnetic susceptibility data of the complexes exhibits that all except Zn(II) complex are high spin paramagnetic. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of position, time in the season, and playing surface on Achilles tendon ruptures in NFL games: a 2009-10 to 2016-17 review.

PubMed

Krill, Michael K; Borchers, James R; Hoffman, Joshua T; Krill, Matthew L; Hewett, Timothy E

2017-09-01

Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures are a potentially career-altering and ending injury. Achilles tendon ruptures have a below average return-to-play rate compared to other common orthopaedic procedures for National Football League (NFL) players. The objective of this study was to monitor the incidence and injury rates (IR) of AT ruptures that occurred during the regular season in order to evaluate the influence of player position, time of injury, and playing surface on rupture rates. A thorough online review was completed to identify published injury reports and public information regarding AT ruptures sustained during regular season and post-season games in the National Football League (NFL) during the 2009-10 to 2016-17 seasons. Team schedules, player position details and stadium information was used to determine period of the season of injury and playing surface. IRs were calculated per 100 team games (TG). Injury rate ratios (IRR) were utilized to compare IRs. During eight monitored seasons, there were 44 AT ruptures in NFL games. A majority of AT ruptures were sustained in the first eight games of the regular season (n = 32, 72.7%). There was a significant rate difference for the first and second four-game segments of the regular season compared to the last two four-game segments of the regular season. Defensive players suffered a majority of AT ruptures (n = 32, 72.7%). The IR on grass was 1.00 per 100 TG compared to 1.08 per 100 TG on artificial turf (IRR: 0.93, p = .80). A significant increase in AT ruptures occurred in the first and second four game segments of the regular season compared to the last two-four game segments of the regular season. Defensive players suffered a majority of AT ruptures compared to offensive or specialist players. There was no difference between AT rupture rates and playing surface in games.

Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) as Markers of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Associated Disturbances in Young Argentine Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PubMed

Abruzzese, Giselle A; Cerrrone, Gloria E; Gamez, Juan M; Graffigna, Mabel N; Belli, Susana; Lioy, Gustavo; Mormandi, Eduardo; Otero, Patricia; Levalle, Oscar A; Motta, Alicia B

2017-01-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder. PCOS women are at high risk of developing insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disorders since young age. We aimed to study the reliability of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) as markers of metabolic disturbances (MD) associated with IR in young reproductive aged PCOS patients. We also evaluated the association between LAP and VAI and the presence of hyperandrogenism. In a cross-sectional study, 110 PCOS patients and 88 control women (18-35 years old) were recruited. PCOS patients were divided into 2 groups, as hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic considering the signs of hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical). Anthropometric measurements were taken and blood samples collected. Metabolic and anthropometric characteristics and their association with IR and associated MD were evaluated and LAP and VAI were calculated. LAP and VAI were compared with TC/HDL-c and TG/HDL-c to define the best markers of MD in this population. Independently of the phenotype, young PCOS patients showed high IR and dyslipidemia. Both LAP and VAI showed to be more effective markers to assess MD and IR in these young women than TG/HDL-c or TC/HDL-c [cut-off values: LAP: 18.24 (sensitivity: 81.43% specificity: 73.49%), positive predictive value (PPV): 75.0%, negative predictive value (NPV): 77.27%, VAI: 2.19 (sensitivity: 81.16% specificity: 72.15% PPV: 74.65% NPV: 72.22%)]. LAP and VAI are representative markers to assess MD associated with IR in young PCOS patients. All PCOS patients, independently of their androgenic condition, showed high metabolic risk. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Targeting cholesterol at different levels in the mevalonate pathway protects fatty liver against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Llacuna, Laura; Fernández, Anna; Montfort, Claudia Von; Matías, Núria; Martínez, Laura; Caballero, Francisco; Rimola, Antoni; Elena, Montserrat; Morales, Albert; Fernández-Checa, José C; García-Ruiz, Carmen

2011-05-01

Liver steatosis enhances ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and is considered a primary factor in graft failure after liver transplantation. Although previous reports have shown a role for qualitative steatosis (macrovesicular vs. microvesicular) in hepatic I/R injury, no studies have compared side by side the specific contribution of individual lipids accumulating in fatty liver to I/R damage. We used nutritional and genetic models of micro and macrovesicular fatty livers exhibiting specific lipid profiles to assess their susceptibility to normothermic I/R injury. Unlike choline-deficient (CD) diet-fed mice, characterized by predominant liver triglycerides/free fatty acids (TG/FFA) accumulation, mice fed a cholesterol-enriched (HC) diet, which exhibited enhanced hepatic cholesterol loading in mitochondria, were highly sensitive to I/R-induced liver injury. In vivo two-photon confocal imaging revealed enhanced mitochondrial depolarization and generation of reactive oxygen species following hepatic I/R in HC-fed but not in CD-fed mice, consistent with decreased mitochondrial GSH (mGSH) observed in HC-fed mice. Moreover, ob/ob mice, characterized by increased hepatic TG, FFA, and cholesterol levels, were as sensitive to I/R-mediated liver injury as mice fed the HC diet. Livers from ob/ob mice displayed increased StAR expression and mitochondrial cholesterol accumulation, resulting in mGSH depletion. Interestingly, atorvastatin therapy or squalene synthase inhibition in vivo attenuated StAR overexpression, mitochondrial cholesterol loading, and mGSH depletion, protecting ob/ob mice from I/R-mediated liver injury. Cholesterol accumulation, particularly in mitochondria, sensitizes to hepatic I/R injury, and thus represents a novel target to prevent the enhanced damage of steatotic livers to I/R-mediated damage. Copyright © 2010 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Layered chalcogenide glass structures for IR lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibson, Daniel; Bayya, Shyam; Sanghera, Jas; Nguyen, Vinh; Scribner, Dean; Maksimovic, Velimir; Gill, John; Yi, Allen; Deegan, John; Unger, Blair

2014-07-01

A technique for fabricating novel infrared (IR) lenses can enable a reduction in the size and weight of IR imaging optics through the use of layered glass structures. These structures can range from having a few thick glass layers, mimicking cemented doublets and triplets, to having many thin glass layers approximating graded index (GRIN) lenses. The effectiveness of these structures relies on having materials with diversity in refractive index (large Δn) and dispersion and similar thermo-viscous behavior (common glass transition temperature, ΔTg = 10°C). A library of 13 chalcogenide glasses with broad IR transmission (NIR through LWIR bands) was developed to satisfy these criteria. The lens fabrication methodology, including glass design and synthesis, sheet fabrication, preform making, lens molding and surface finishing are presented.

[Metabolic profile in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea. A comparison between patients with insulin resistance and with insulin sensitivity].

PubMed

Dumitrache-Rujinski, Stefan; Dinu, Ioana; Călcăianu, George; Erhan, Ionela; Cocieru, Alexandru; Zaharia, Dragoş; Toma, Claudia Lucia; Bogdan, Miron Alexandru

2014-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may induce metabolic abnormalities through intermittent hypoxemia and simpathetic activation. It is difficult to demonstrate an independent role of OSAS in the occurrence of metabolic abnormalities, as obesity represents an important risk factor for both OSAS and metabolic abnormalities. to assess the relations between insulin resistance (IR), insulin sensitivity (IS), OSAS severity and nocturnal oxyhaemoglobin levels in obese, nondiabetic patients with daytime sleepiness. We evaluated 99 consecutive, obese, nondiabetic patients (fasting glycemia < 126 mg/dL, no hypoglycemic or hypolipemiant medication) diagnosed with OSAS (AHI > 5/hour and daytime sleepiness) by an ambulatory six channel cardio-respiratory polygraphy. Hight, weight serum triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were evaluated. Correlations between Apneea Hypopnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), average and lowest oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SaO), body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance or sensitivity were assesed. IR was defined as a TG/ HDL-Cratio > 3, and insulin sensitivity (IS) as a TG/HDL-C ratio < 2. 64 patients (out of 99) had lR and 18 IS. In the IR group (44 men and 20 women), the mean age was 52 +/- 10.6 years, mean BMI: 38.54 +/- 6.67 Kg/m2 (30-60), TG/HDL-C:5, 27 +/- 2.03 (3.02-11.1), mean AHI: 49.65 +/- 25.55/hour (7-110), mean ODI: 4769 +/- 24.95/hour (4-98), mean average SaO2 89.42 +/- 4.6 and mean lowest SaO2 68.4% +/- 13.8% (32-88%). 48 patients had severe, 7 moderate and 9 mild OSAS. In the IS group (10 men and 8 women), the mean age was 58.4 +/- 8.2years, mean BMI: 35.4 +/- 4.29 Kg/m2 (30-46), TG/ HDL-C: 1.64 +/- 0.29 (1.13-1.95), mean AHI: 45.8 +/- 30.3/hour (9-131), mean ODI: 39.9 +/- 32.2/hour (2-133), mean average SaO2 90.8 +/- 8.2 (81-95) and mean lowest SaO2: 74% +/- 10.8% (52-87%). 12 patients had severe, 3 moderate and 3 mild OSAS. Insulin sensitivity positively correlated with mean average SaO2 (r: 0.49; p: 0.037) and negatively with ODI (r: - 0,56; p: 0.014). Insulin resistance negatively correlated with mean lowest SaO2 (r: -0,25; p: 0.045). Mean lowest SaO2 values were significant lower in patients with IR than in those with IS (p: 0.042). No statistically significant difference was found for BMI, AHI or ODI between IR and IS patients. nocturnal oxyhaemoglobin levels rather than OSAS severity (expressed as AHI or ODI) may be involved in the occurrence of metabolic abnormalities in obese nondiabetic patients. Preserving insulin sensitivity is more likely when oxyhaemoglobin levels are higher and ODI is lower. Mean lowest nocturnal SaO2 levels seems to be independently involved in the development of insulin resistance as no statistically significant differences were found for BMI between the two groups.

In situ surface treatment of nanocrystalline MFe2O4 (M = Co, Mg, Mn, Ni) spinel ferrites using linseed oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gherca, Daniel; Cornei, Nicoleta; Mentré, Olivier; Kabbour, Houria; Daviero-Minaud, Sylvie; Pui, Aurel

2013-12-01

This paper reports the synthesis by coprecipitation method of MFe2O4 nanoparticles using linseed oil as the in-situ surfactant. The decomposition process of the precursors and the formation process of MFe2O4 were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The crystal structure and surface morphology were examined by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results demonstrate that the surface of MFe2O4 with a diameter in the range 5-13 nm, is activated with hydrophilic groups of the surfactant which coat them and enhance the stability. Magnetic properties are discussed.

Two Keggin-type heteropolytungstates with transition metal as a central atom: Crystal structure and magnetic study with 2D-IR correlation spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chai, Feng; Chen, YiPing, E-mail: ypchen007@sina.com; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002

2013-06-01

Two Keggin-type heteropolytungstates, [Co(phen)₃]₃[CoW₁₂O₄₀]·9H₂O 1 (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) and [Fe(phen)₃]₂[FeW₁₂O₄₀]·H₃O·H₂O 2, have been synthesized via the hydrothermal technique and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, IR, XPS, TG analysis, UV–DRS, XRD, thermal-dependent and magnetic-dependent 2D-COS IR (two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy). Crystal structure analysis reveals that the polyanions in compound 1 are linked into 3D supramolecule through hydrogen bonding interactions between lattice water molecules and terminal oxygen atoms of polyanion units, and [Co(phen)₃]²⁺ cations distributed in the polyanion framework with many hydrogen bonding interactions. The XPS spectra indicate that all the Co atoms in 1 are +2 oxidation state, the Fe atomsmore » in 2 existing with +2 and +3 mixed oxidation states. - Graphical abstract: The magnetic-dependent synchronous 2D correlation IR spectra of 1 (a), 2 (b) over 0–50 mT in the range of 600–1000 cm⁻¹, the obvious response indicate two Keggin polyanions skeleton susceptible to applied magnetic field. Highlights: • Two Keggin-type heteropolytungstates with transition metal as a central atom has been obtained. • Compound 1 forms into 3D supramolecular architecture through hydrogen bonding between water molecules and polyanions. • Magnetic-dependent 2D-IR correlation spectroscopy was introduced to discuss the magnetism of polyoxometalate.« less

Synthesis, Spectral and Photophysical Properties of Anthracene Substituted Phthalocyanines; A Study as Polyurethane Electrospun Nanofibers.

PubMed

Ku, Kyo-Sun; Kumar, Rangaraju Satish; Son, Young-A

2018-03-01

We have designed and synthesized novel symmetrical anthracene substituted zinc(II), copper(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) phthalocyanines (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) in this work. For this synthesis, we started from base-catalysed aromatic displacement reaction of 4-nitrophthalonitrile with 9-hydroxyanthracene. The resulting four phthalocyanines (PCs) have been fully characterized by a series of spectroscopic methods including electronic absorption, elemental analysis, MALDI-TOF mass, and IR spectroscopy. The aggregation behavior of these PCs was investigated in different concentrations of chloroform solution. Further thermal stability also investigated by TG analysis. Finally we successfully made phthalocyanine (PC1) blended polyurethane electrospun (ES) nanofibers.

Growth, structural, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of ammonium pentaborate single crystal.

PubMed

Balakrishnan, T; Bhagavannarayana, G; Ramamurthi, K

2008-11-15

Nonlinear optical single crystals of ammonium pentaborate (APB) were grown by the slow cooling method from aqueous solution. Grown crystal was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and FT-IR spectral analysis. Perfection of the grown crystal was evaluated by high-resolution X-ray diffractometry (HRXRD). The effect of nylon threading on the perfection of the grown bigger crystal was also studied by HRXRD. The range and percentage of optical transmission was ascertained by recording UV-vis-NIR spectrum. Thermal properties were investigated by TG-DTA and DSC analyses. Its mechanical hardness was estimated by Vickers microhardness tester.

Utilization of fish bone as adsorbent of Fe3+ ion by controllable removal of its carbonaceous component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurhadi, M.; Kusumawardani, R.; Widiyowati, I. I.; Wirhanuddin; Nur, H.

2018-05-01

The performance of fish bone to adsorb Fe3+ ion in solution was studied. Powdered fish bone and carbonized fish bone were used as adsorbent. All absorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TG analysis. Powdered fish bone and carbonized fish bone were effective as adsorbent for removing Fe3+ ion in solution. The metal adsorptions of Fe3+ ion were 94 and 98% for powdered fish bone and fish bone which carbonized at 400 and 500 °C.

Preparation and drug release behavior of temperature-responsive mesoporous carbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiufang; Liu, Ping; Tian, Yong

2011-06-01

A temperature-responsive composite based on poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) has been successfully prepared by a simple wetness impregnation technique. The structures and properties of the composite were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 sorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the inclusion of PNIPAAm had not greatly changed the basic ordered pore structure of the OMCs. Ibuprofen (IBU) was selected as model drug, and in vitro test of IBU release exhibited a temperature-responsive controlled release delivery.

Satellite-based constraints on explosive SO2 release from Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carn, Simon A.; Prata, Fred J.

2010-09-01

Numerous episodes of explosive degassing have punctuated the 1995-2009 eruption of Soufrière Hills volcano (SHV), Montserrat, often following major lava dome collapses. We use ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) satellite measurements to quantify sulfur dioxide (SO2) released by explosive degassing, which is not captured by routine ground-based and airborne gas monitoring. We find a total explosive SO2 release of ˜0.5 Tg, which represents ˜6% of total SO2 emissions from SHV since July 1995. The majority of this SO2 (˜0.4 Tg) was vented following the most voluminous SHV dome collapses in July 2003 and May 2006. Based on our analysis, we suggest that the SO2 burden measured following explosive disruption of lava domes depends on several factors, including the instantaneous lava effusion rate, dome height above the conduit, and the vertical component of directed explosions. Space-based SO2 measurements merit inclusion in routine gas monitoring at SHV and other dome-forming volcanoes.

A Study of influence on sulfonated TiO2-Poly (Vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) nano composite membranes for PEM Fuel cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

kumar, K. Selva; Rajendran, S.; Prabhu, M. Ramesh

2017-10-01

The present work describes the sulfonated Titania directly blended with Poly (Vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) as a host polymer by solvent casting technique for PEM fuel cell application. Characterization studies such as FT-IR, SEM, EDX, AFM, Proton conductivity, contact angle measurement, IEC, TG, water uptake, tensile strength were performed by for synthesized proton conducting polymer electrolytes. The maximum proton conductivity value was found to be 3.6 × 10-3S/cm for 25 wt% sulfonated Titania based system at 80 °C. The temperature dependent proton conductivity of the polymer electrolyte follows an Arrhenius relationship. Surface morphology of the composite membranes was investigated by tapping mode. Thermal stability of the system was studied by TG analysis. The fabricated composite membranes with high proton conductivity, good water uptake and IEC parameters exhibited a maximum fuel cell power density of 85 Mw/cm2for PEM fuel cell application.

A dosimetric comparison of {sup 169}Yb versus {sup 192}Ir for HDR prostate brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lymperopoulou, G.; Papagiannis, P.; Sakelliou, L.

2005-12-15

For the purpose of evaluating the use of {sup 169}Yb for prostate High Dose Rate brachytherapy (HDR), a hypothetical {sup 169}Yb source is assumed with the exact same design of the new microSelectron source replacing the {sup 192}Ir active core by pure {sup 169}Yb metal. Monte Carlo simulation is employed for the full dosimetric characterization of both sources and results are compared following the AAPM TG-43 dosimetric formalism. Monte Carlo calculated dosimetry results are incorporated in a commercially available treatment planning system (SWIFT{sup TM}), which features an inverse treatment planning option based on a multiobjective dose optimization engine. The qualitymore » of prostate HDR brachytherapy using the real {sup 192}Ir and hypothetical {sup 169}Yb source is compared in a comprehensive analysis of different prostate implants in terms of the multiobjective dose optimization solutions as well as treatment quality indices such as Dose Volume Histograms (DVH) and the Conformal Index (COIN). Given that scattering overcompensates for absorption in intermediate photon energies and distances in the range of interest to prostate HDR brachytherapy, {sup 169}Yb proves at least equivalent to {sup 192}Ir irrespective of prostate volume. This has to be evaluated in view of the shielding requirements for the {sup 169}Yb energies that are minimal relative to that for {sup 192}Ir.« less

Attractive S⋯π and π-π interactions in the pyrazine-2-thiocarboxamide structure: Experimental and computational studies in the context of crystal engineering and microbiological properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chylewska, Agnieszka; Sikorski, Artur; Ogryzek, Małgorzata; Makowski, Mariusz

2016-02-01

Pyrazine-2-thiocarboxamide (PTCA) was obtained after recrystallization and was characterised by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Five dimers of PTCA were found in X-ray diffraction studies. These results were then compared with the known structures of a popular drug, i.e. pyrazine-2-carboxamide (PZA). S⋯π and π-π interactions were observed in the PTCA crystal structure as a novelty in X-ray measurements and our attention was focused on their role in stabilizing the PCTA structure. The geometry, energy and IR spectra for two conformers (E, Z) of PTCA and five dimers (D1-D5) were calculated for the gas phase with the DFT method at 6-311 + G(d,p) basis set. The results of calculations showed that D1 is the most stable dimer among five dimers of PTCA which were found experimentally. Thermal decomposition of PTCA was examined with the use of the TG/IR analysis (20-1000 °C) and the results were discussed. To test the antimicrobial activity of PTCA a biological assay was performed to determine its potentially pharmaceutical applications. The minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal (fungicidal) concentrations (MBC) for PTCA were determined against six microorganisms.

Hepatic insulin resistance both in prediabetic and diabetic patients determines postprandial lipoprotein metabolism: from the CORDIOPREV study.

PubMed

Leon-Acuña, A; Alcala-Diaz, J F; Delgado-Lista, J; Torres-Peña, J D; Lopez-Moreno, J; Camargo, A; Garcia-Rios, A; Marin, C; Gomez-Delgado, F; Caballero, J; Van-Ommen, B; Malagon, M M; Perez-Martinez, P; Lopez-Miranda, J

2016-04-19

Previous evidences have shown the presence of a prolonged and exaggerated postprandial response in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its relation with an increase of cardiovascular risk. However, the response in prediabetes population has not been established. The objective was to analyze the degree of postprandial lipemia response in the CORDIOPREV clinical trial (NCT00924937) according to the diabetic status. 1002 patients were submitted to an oral fat load test meal (OFTT) with 0.7 g fat/kg body weight [12 % saturated fatty acids (SFA), 10 % polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 43 % monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 10 % protein and 25 % carbohydrates]. Serial blood test analyzing lipid fractions were drawn at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h during postprandial state. Postprandial triglycerides (TG) concentration at any point >2.5 mmol/L (220 mg/dL) has been established as undesirable response. We explored the dynamic response in 57 non-diabetic, 364 prediabetic and 581 type 2 diabetic patients. Additionally, the postprandial response was evaluated according to basal insulin resistance subgroups in patients non-diabetic and diabetic without pharmacological treatment (N = 642). Prevalence of undesirable postprandial TG was 35 % in non-diabetic, 48 % in prediabetic and 59 % in diabetic subgroup, respectively (p < 0.001). Interestingly, prediabetic patients displayed higher plasma TG and large triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TRLs-TG) postprandial response compared with those non-diabetic patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003 respectively). Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of TG and AUC of TRLs-TG was greater in the prediabetic group compared with non-diabetic patients (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005 respectively). Patients with liver insulin resistance (liver-IR) showed higher postprandial response of TG compared with those patients with muscle-IR or without any insulin-resistance respectively (p < 0.001). Our findings demonstrate that prediabetic patients show a lower phenotypic flexibility after external aggression, such as OFTT compared with nondiabetic patients. The postprandial response increases progressively according to non-diabetic, prediabetic and type 2 diabetic state and it is higher in patients with liver insulin-resistance. To identify this subgroup of patients is important to treat more intensively in order to avoid future cardiometabolic complications.

Prediction and interpretation of infrared intensities of polymethylene chain molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jona, P.; Gussoni, M.; Zerbi, G.

1986-03-01

We have calculated the IR intensities of some polymethylene chain molecules containing conformational defects or polar heads. Calculations provide spectroscopic markers of end-TG, GTG', GTG, GG and GGTGG defects. Further, a spectroscopical study of interactions between polar heads and alkyl chain is allowed.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of Schiff bases based on chitosan and arylpyrazole moiety.

PubMed

Salama, Hend E; Saad, Gamal R; Sabaa, Magdy W

2015-08-01

The Schiff bases of chitosan were synthesized by the reaction of chitosan with 3-(4-substituted-phenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde. The structure of the prepared chitosan derivatives was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction studies and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results show that the specific properties of Schiff bases of chitosan can be altered by modifying the molecular structures with proper substituent groups.TG results reveal that the thermal stability of the prepared chitosan Schiff bases was lower than chitosan. The activation energy of decomposition was calculated using Coats-Redfern model. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan and Schiff bases of chitosan were investigated against Streptococcus pneumonia, Bacillis subtilis, Escherichia coli (as examples of bacteria) and Aspergillus fumigatus, Geotricum candidum and Syncephalastrum recemosum (as examples of fungi). The results indicated that the antimicrobial activity of the Schiff bases was stronger than that of chitosan and was dependent on the substituent group. The activity of un-substituted arylpyrazole chitosan derivative toward the investigated bacteria and fungi species was better than the other derivatives. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decreased Serum Levels of Ghrelin and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Premenopausal Women With Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Jabbari, Masoumeh; Kheirouri, Sorayya; Alizadeh, Mohammad

2018-03-21

We aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of ghrelin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with MetS and its components in premenopausal women. 43 patients with MetS and 43 healthy controls participated in this study. Participants' body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, BDNF and ghrelin determined. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. Participants in MetS group had higher waist-to-hip ratios, elevated SBP and DBP, and higher serum levels of TG, FBS and insulin when compared with the control group. Serum ghrelin and BDNF levels were significantly lower in participants with MetS than in the healthier control subjects. There was a strong, positive correlation between serum ghrelin and BDNF levels. Both proteins negatively correlated with TG, FBS, HOMA-IR and positively with HDL-C. Furthermore, serum BDNF levels negatively associated with insulin levels. The findings indicate that variations occur in the circulating level of ghrelin and BDNF proteins in MetS patients. A strong correlation between serum ghrelin and BDNF suggests that production, release or practice of these 2 proteins might be related mechanically.

Deposition of GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles on silica nanospheres by a simple sol gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guixia; Hong, Guangyan; Wang, Jinxian; Dong, Xiangting

2006-07-01

The deposition and coating of GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles on spherical silica was carried out using a simple sol-gel method at low temperature. The GdVO4:Eu3+-coated silica composites obtained were characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectra, and kinetic decay. It is found that the ~5 nm GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles coating the silica spheres are crystal in the as-prepared samples and the crystallinity increases with increasing annealing temperature. The composites obtained are spherical in shape with an average size of 100 nm. The GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles are linked with silica cores by a chemical bond. The photoluminescence spectra of the obtained GdVO4:Eu3+-coated silica composites are similar to those of the bulk GdVO4:Eu3+ phosphors. The strongest peak is near 617 nm, which indicates that Eu3+ is located in the low symmetry site with non-inversion centre.

Zinc-coordinated MOFs complexes regulated by hydrogen bonds: Synthesis, structure and luminescence study toward broadband white-light emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Hui; Dan, Wenyan; Fang, Xiangdong

2018-04-01

Two new compounds, namely {[Zn(apc)2]·H2O}n (1) and [Zn(apc)2(H2O)2] (2), have been designed and synthesized with a multi-functional ligand 2-aminopyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid (Hapc). Both compounds were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (SC-XRD), elemental analysis (EA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). In solid-state structures, 1 features a two-fold interpenetrating pillared-layer 3D framework with point symbol {83}2{86}, referring to tfa topology; while 2 exhibits a 3D framework based on super unit of Zn(apc)2(H2O)2 interconnected via hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of 1 and 2 were discussed.

Gender Specific Association of Serum Leptin and Insulinemic Indices with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Prediabetic Subjects

PubMed Central

Akter, Salima; Rahman, Mohammad Khalilur

2015-01-01

Adipose tissue-derived hormone leptin plays a functional role in glucose tolerance through its effects on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity which also represent the risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study explored the gender specific association of serum leptin and insulinemic indices with NAFLD in Bangladeshi prediabetic subjects. Under a cross-sectional analytical design a total of 110 ultrasound examined prediabetic subjects, aged 25–68 years consisting of 57.3% male (55.6% non NAFLD and 44.4% NAFLD) and 42.7% female (57.4% non NAFLD and 42.6% NAFLD), were investigated. Insulin secretory function (HOMA%B) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) were calculated from homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Serum leptin showed significant positive correlation with fasting insulin (r = 0.530, P = 0.004), postprandial insulin (r = 0.384, P = 0.042) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.541, P = 0.003) as well as significant negative correlation with HOMA%S (r = -0.388, P = 0.046) and HOMA%B (r = -0.356, P = 0.039) in male prediabetic subjects with NAFLD. In multiple linear regression analysis, log transformed leptin showed significant positive association with HOMA-IR (β = 0.706, P <0.001) after adjusting the effects of body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG) and HOMA%B in male subjects with NAFLD. In binary logistic regression analysis, only log leptin [OR 1.29 95% (C.I) (1.11–1.51), P = 0.001] in male subjects as well as HOMA%B [OR 0.94 95% (C.I) (0.89–0.98), P = 0.012], HOMA-IR [OR 3.30 95% (C.I) (0.99–10.95), P = 0.049] and log leptin [OR 1.10 95% (C.I) (1.01–1.20), P = 0.026] in female subjects were found to be independent determinants of NAFLD after adjusting the BMI and TG. Serum leptin seems to have an association with NAFLD both in male and female prediabetic subjects and this association in turn, is mediated by insulin secretory dysfunction and insulin resistance among these subjects. PMID:26569494

Assimilation of NH₄Br in Polyvinyl Alcohol/Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) Polymer Blend-Based Electrolyte and Its Effect on Ionic Conductivity.

PubMed

Parameswaran, V; Nallamuthu, N; Devendran, P; Manikandan, A; Nagarajan, E R

2018-06-01

Biodegradable polymer blend electrolyte based on ammonium based salt in variation composition consisting of PVA:PVP were prepared by using solution casting technique. The obtained films have been analyzed by various technical methods like as XRD, FT-IR, TG-DSC, SEM analysis and impedance spectroscopy. The XRD and FT-IR analysis exposed the amorphous nature and structural properties of the complex formation between PVA/PVP/NH4Br. Impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed the ionic conductivity and the dielectric properties of PVA/PVP/NH4Br polymer blend electrolyte films. The maximum ionic conductivity was determined to be 6.14 × 10-5 Scm-1 for the composition of 50%PVA: 50%PVP: 10% NH4Br with low activation energy 0.3457 eV at room temperature. Solid state battery is fabricated using highest ionic conducting polymer blend as electrolyte with the configuration Zn/ZnSO4 · 7H2O (anode) ∥ 50%PVA: 50%PVP: 10% NH4Br ∥ Mn2O3 (cathode). The observed open circuit voltage is 1.2 V and its performance has been studied.

Pretreatment and integrated analysis of spectral data reveal seaweed similarities based on chemical diversity.

PubMed

Wei, Feifei; Ito, Kengo; Sakata, Kenji; Date, Yasuhiro; Kikuchi, Jun

2015-03-03

Extracting useful information from high dimensionality and large data sets is a major challenge for data-driven approaches. The present study was aimed at developing novel integrated analytical strategies for comprehensively characterizing seaweed similarities based on chemical diversity. The chemical compositions of 107 seaweed and 2 seagrass samples were analyzed using multiple techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and solid- and solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), CHNS/O total elemental analysis, and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IR-MS). The spectral data were preprocessed using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and NMF combined with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS) methods in order to separate individual component information from the overlapping and/or broad spectral peaks. Integrated analysis of the preprocessed chemical data demonstrated distinct discrimination of differential seaweed species. Further network analysis revealed a close correlation between the heavy metal elements and characteristic components of brown algae, such as cellulose, alginic acid, and sulfated mucopolysaccharides, providing a componential basis for its metal-sorbing potential. These results suggest that this integrated analytical strategy is useful for extracting and identifying the chemical characteristics of diverse seaweeds based on large chemical data sets, particularly complicated overlapping spectral data.

Preparation and characterization of a siloxane containing bismaleimide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maudgal, S.; St. Clair, T. L.

1984-01-01

A novel siloxane containing bismaleimide has been prepared by reacting maleic anhydride, benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride and bis(gamma-aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane. Characterization of this monomer was done by comparing its nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (NMR) to those of model compounds. Solubility of the prepolymer was tested in amide, chlorinated and ether solvents. Films were cast from solution as well as by melt processing and a cure cycle was determined. Infrared spectrum (IR) of the resulting film was obtained. Thermal polymerization was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal properties of the cured resin were followed by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), torsional braid analysis (TBA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) was used to study the effect of postcure on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin. Adhesive strength of the resin was obtained at ambient temperature.

Lipid accumulation product and insulin resistance in Iranian PCOS prevalence study.

PubMed

Hosseinpanah, Farhad; Barzin, Maryam; Erfani, Hadi; Serahati, Sara; Ramezani Tehrani, Fahimeh; Azizi, Fereidoun

2014-07-01

To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of lipid accumulation product (LAP) index as a marker of insulin resistance in a community-based population with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), compared with healthy women. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, LAP index and insulin resistance (IR) were compared in 134 PCOS subjects and 414 healthy women recruited from 1126 reproductive aged women (18-45 years), participants of the Iranian PCOS Prevalence Study. LAP was defined as [WC (cm)-58] ×TG (mmol/l)]. PCOS was diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, and IR was defined using the homeostatic model assessment IR. LAP, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were compared using the two-tailed Spearman rank correlation test and analysing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for IR. Among the PCOS subjects, the mean ± SD age, BMI, WC and WHR were 32·2 ± 7·7 years, 26·8 ± 5·8 kg/m(2) , 85·2 ± 13·2 cm and 0·80 ± 0·06, respectively, and the median (IQ25-75) of LAP index was 34·03 (17·8-66·3). There was significant correlation between HOMA-IR index and LAP in patients with PCOS (r = 0·41; P < 0·001). Also, ROC curves analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value for LAP to define the presence of IR was 34·1 (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 58%). LAP showed the highest area under curve (AUC) (P < 0·001). Among PCOS subjects, LAP index has the strongest diagnostic accuracy for detection of IR in comparison with BMI, WC and WHR. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Serum phospholipid omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Lou, Da-Jun; Zhu, Qi-Qian; Si, Xu-Wei; Guan, Li-Li; You, Qiao-Ying; Yu, Zhong-Ming; Zhang, Ai-Zhen

2014-01-01

To investigate the relationship between serum phospholipid omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and insulin resistance (IR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 51 patients with T2DM and NAFLD (T2DM+NAFLD group), 50 with T2DM alone (T2DM group), 45 with NAFLD alone (NAFLD group), and 42 healthy control subjects (NC group) were studied. Serum ω-3 PUFA profiles were analyzed by gas chromatography, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and serum lipid concentrations were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR). HOMA-IR levels were higher in the T2DM+NAFLD group than in the T2DM, NAFLD and NC groups (p<0.05), as were ALT, AST, GGT, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations (p<0.05). Conversely, serum ω-3 PUFA levels were significantly lower in the T2DM+NAFLD group than in the other groups (p<0.05). The ω-3 PUFA level was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, TC, LDL-C and TG. Serum phospholipid ω-3 PUFA levels were significantly decreased in patients with T2DM and NAFLD, and were negatively related with insulin resistance. Thus, reduced ω-3 PUFAs may play an important role in the development of T2DM and NAFLD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The GCKR rs780094 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility of type 2 diabetes, reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, increased triglycerides levels and lower HOMA-IR in Japanese population.

PubMed

Onuma, Hiroshi; Tabara, Yasuharu; Kawamoto, Ryuichi; Shimizu, Ikki; Kawamura, Ryoichi; Takata, Yasunori; Nishida, Wataru; Ohashi, Jun; Miki, Tetsuro; Kohara, Katsuhiko; Makino, Hideichi; Osawa, Haruhiko

2010-09-01

It was recently reported that GCKR rs780094 was associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and triglyceride (TG) levels in various ethnic populations (A allele for low FPG and high TG). An association between GCKR rs780094 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (A allele for low risk) has also been reported. We examined the association between GCKR rs780094 and T2DM in Japanese subjects by analyzing 488 cases and 398 controls. A meta-analysis was performed involving two previous association studies. We also analyzed the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism and clinical parameters in the general Japanese population (n=1854). In the case-control study, the A allele of GCKR rs780094 was associated with a reduced risk of T2DM (odds ratio=0.711 (95% confidence interval=0.589-0.859), P=4.2 × 10(-4)). A meta-analysis confirmed the association of GCKR rs780094 with T2DM susceptibility. In the general Japanese population, subjects with the A/A genotype had lower levels of FPG, fasting plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance than those with the G/G genotype. Conversely, subjects with the A/A genotype had higher levels of TG than those with the G/G genotype. We replicated GCKR rs780094 as a marker of T2DM susceptibility in Japanese subjects. This suggests that GCKR rs780094 is a common variant for T2DM susceptibility in various ethnic groups.

Preparation and investigation of [GeSe4]100-xIx glasses as promising materials for infrared fiber sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velmuzhov, A. P.; Sukhanov, M. V.; Shiryaev, V. S.; Plekhovich, A. D.; Kotereva, T. V.; Snopatin, G. E.; Gerasimenko, V. V.; Pushkin, A. A.

2016-10-01

The glasses of [GeSe4]100-xIx (x = 1, 3, 5, 8, 10) compositions are prepared; their thermal properties, transparency in the mid-IR range and stability against crystallization are investigated. The glass transition temperature (Tg) in this system decreases monotonically with increasing iodine content from the value of Tg = 176 °C at x = 1 to Tg = 129 °C at x = 10. It has been determined by X-ray diffraction method that the addition of iodine reduces the volume fraction of the crystalline phase in glasses after annealing at 350 °C. Using a single crucible technique, the rod of [GeSe4]95I5 glass was drawn into a single-index fiber of 300 μm diameter and 10 m length. The optical losses were 2-3 dB/m in the spectral range 2.5-8 μm; the minimum optical losses were 1.7 dB/m at a wavelength of 5.5 μm. The content of impurity hydrogen in the form of Se-H in the fiber was about 3.6 ppm(wt), impurity oxygen in the form of Ge-O is 1 ppm(wt). The possibility of use of such [GeSe4]95I5 glass single-index fiber for infrared analysis of liquids by example of crude oil and water solutions of acetone has been demonstrated.

Spectroscopic and thermal properties of Sm3+ doped iron lead bismuthate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narwal, P.; Yadav, A.; Dahiya, M. S.; Vishal, Rohit, Agarwal, A.; Khasa, S.

2018-05-01

The results of the structural, physical, thermal and electrical properties of the glass compositions xFe2O3•(100-x)(3Bi2O3•PbO)• Sm2O3(1 mol%) where x=0, 1, 5, 10, 12, 15 mol% prepared via melt quench technique were studied. The synthesized compositions were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The IR study reveals that present system is build up with lead in tetrahedral coordination and bismuth in trigonal as well as octahedral coordination. Density and molar volume have been calculated using Archimedes principle, and the variation in their values has been correlated with structural changes in the glass matrix based on the IR study. The variation in the characteristic temperatures (glass transition temperature Tg, crystallization temperature Tp and melting temperature Tm) with different heating rate and change in the composition of iron oxide were analyzed and reported in the present study.

Infrared signatures of the peptide dynamical transition: A molecular dynamics simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobus, Maja; Nguyen, Phuong H.; Stock, Gerhard

2010-07-01

Recent two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) experiments on a short peptide 310-helix in chloroform solvent [E. H. G. Backus et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 113, 13405 (2009)] revealed an intriguing temperature dependence of the homogeneous line width, which was interpreted in terms of a dynamical transition of the peptide. To explain these findings, extensive molecular dynamics simulations at various temperatures were performed in order to construct the free energy landscape of the system. The study recovers the familiar picture of a glass-forming system, which below the glass transition temperature Tg is trapped in various energy basins, while it diffuses freely between these basins above Tg. In fact, one finds at Tg≈270 K a sharp rise of the fluctuations of the backbone dihedral angles, which reflects conformational transitions of the peptide. The corresponding CO frequency fluctuations are found to be a sensitive probe of the peptide conformational dynamics from femtosecond to nanosecond time scales and lead to 2D-IR spectra that qualitatively match the experiment. The calculated homogeneous line width, however, does not show the biphasic temperature dependence observed in experiment.

Abdominal adipose tissue: early metabolic dysfunction associated to insulin resistance and oxidative stress induced by an unbalanced diet.

PubMed

Rebolledo, O R; Marra, C A; Raschia, A; Rodriguez, S; Gagliardino, J J

2008-11-01

The possible contribution of early changes in lipid composition, function, and antioxidant status of abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) induced by a fructose-rich diet (FRD) to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and oxidative stress (OS) was studied. Wistar rats were fed with a commercial diet with (FRD) or without 10% fructose in the drinking water for 3 weeks. The glucose (G), triglyceride (TG), and insulin (I) plasma levels, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, lyposoluble antioxidants, total glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation as TBARS, fatty acid (FA) composition of AAT-TG as well as their release by incubated pieces of AAT were measured. Rats fed with a FRD have significantly higher plasma levels of G, TG, and I. Their AAT showed a marked increase in content and ratios of saturated to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAs, TBARS, and catalase, GSH-transferase and GSH-reductase, together with a decrease in superoxide dismutase and GSH-peroxidase activity, and total GSH, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene content. Incubated AAT from FRD released in vitro higher amount of free fatty acids (FFAs) with higher ratios of saturated to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAs. Our data suggest that FRD induced an early prooxidative state and metabolic dysfunction in AAT that would favor the overall development of IR and OS and further development of pancreatic beta-cell failure; therefore, its early control would represent an appropriate strategy to prevent alterations such as the development of type 2 diabetes.

Monte Carlo Determination of Dosimetric Parameters of a New (125)I Brachytherapy Source According to AAPM TG-43 (U1) Protocol.

PubMed

Baghani, Hamid Reza; Lohrabian, Vahid; Aghamiri, Mahmoud Reza; Robatjazi, Mostafa

2016-03-01

(125)I is one of the important sources frequently used in brachytherapy. Up to now, several different commercial models of this source type have been introduced to the clinical radiation oncology applications. Recently, a new source model, IrSeed-125, has been added to this list. The aim of the present study is to determine the dosimetric parameters of this new source model based on the recommendations of TG-43 (U1) protocol using Monte Carlo simulation. The dosimetric characteristics of Ir-125 including dose rate constant, radial dose function, 2D anisotropy function and 1D anisotropy function were determined inside liquid water using MCNPX code and compared to those of other commercially available iodine sources. The dose rate constant of this new source was found to be 0.983+0.015 cGyh-1U-1 that was in good agreement with the TLD measured data (0.965 cGyh-1U-1). The 1D anisotropy function at 3, 5, and 7 cm radial distances were obtained as 0.954, 0.953 and 0.959, respectively. The results of this study showed that the dosimetric characteristics of this new brachytherapy source are comparable with those of other commercially available sources. Furthermore, the simulated parameters were in accordance with the previously measured ones. Therefore, the Monte Carlo calculated dosimetric parameters could be employed to obtain the dose distribution around this new brachytherapy source based on TG-43 (U1) protocol.

Effects of ferulic acid and γ-oryzanol on high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats.

PubMed

Wang, Ou; Liu, Jia; Cheng, Qian; Guo, Xiaoxuan; Wang, Yong; Zhao, Liang; Zhou, Feng; Ji, Baoping

2015-01-01

The high morbidity of metabolic dysfunction diseases has heightened interest in seeking natural and safe compounds to maintain optimal health. γ-Oryzanol (OZ), the ferulic acid (FA) ester with phytosterols, mainly present in rice bran has been shown to improve markers of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the effects of FA and OZ on alleviating high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced metabolic syndrome parameters. Male SD rats were fed with a regular rodent diet, HFFD, or HFFD supplemented with 0.05% FA or 0.16% OZ (equimolar concentrations) for 13 weeks. Food intake, organ indices, serum lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, insulin resistance (IR) index and cytokine levels were analyzed. The mechanisms were further investigated in oleic acid-stimulated HepG2 cells by analyzing triglyceride (TG) content and lipogenesis-related gene expressions. In the in vivo study, FA and OZ exhibited similar effects in alleviating HFFD-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and IR. However, only OZ treatment significantly decreased liver index and hepatic TG content, lowered serum levels of C-reactive protein and IL-6, and increased serum concentration of adiponectin. In the in vitro assay, only OZ administration significantly inhibited intracellular TG accumulation and down-regulated expression of stearoyl coenzyme-A desaturase-1, which might facilitate OZ to enhance its hepatoprotective effect. OZ is more effective than FA in inhibiting hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation. Thus, FA and OZ could be used as dietary supplements to alleviate the deleterious effects of HFFD.

SU-F-19A-10: Recalculation and Reporting Clinical HDR 192-Ir Head and Neck Dose Distributions Using Model Based Dose Calculation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlsson Tedgren, A; Persson, M; Nilsson, J

Purpose: To retrospectively re-calculate dose distributions for selected head and neck cancer patients, earlier treated with HDR 192Ir brachytherapy, using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and compare results to distributions from the planning system derived using TG43 formalism. To study differences between dose to medium (as obtained with the MC code) and dose to water in medium as obtained through (1) ratios of stopping powers and (2) ratios of mass energy absorption coefficients between water and medium. Methods: The MC code Algebra was used to calculate dose distributions according to earlier actual treatment plans using anonymized plan data and CT imagesmore » in DICOM format. Ratios of stopping power and mass energy absorption coefficients for water with various media obtained from 192-Ir spectra were used in toggling between dose to water and dose to media. Results: Differences between initial planned TG43 dose distributions and the doses to media calculated by MC are insignificant in the target volume. Differences are moderate (within 4–5 % at distances of 3–4 cm) but increase with distance and are most notable in bone and at the patient surface. Differences between dose to water and dose to medium are within 1-2% when using mass energy absorption coefficients to toggle between the two quantities but increase to above 10% for bone using stopping power ratios. Conclusion: MC predicts target doses for head and neck cancer patients in close agreement with TG43. MC yields improved dose estimations outside the target where a larger fraction of dose is from scattered photons. It is important with awareness and a clear reporting of absorbed dose values in using model based algorithms. Differences in bone media can exceed 10% depending on how dose to water in medium is defined.« less

Global Metabolic Profiling of Plasma Shows that Three-Year Mild-Caloric Restriction Lessens an Age-Related Increase in Sphingomyelin and Reduces L-leucine and L-phenylalanine in Overweight and Obese Subjects.

PubMed

Kim, Minjoo; Lee, Sang-Hyun; Lee, Jong Ho

2016-12-01

The effect of weight loss from long-term, mild-calorie diets (MCD) on plasma metabolites is unknown. This study was to examine whether MCD-induced weight reduction caused changes in the extended plasma metabolites. Overweight and obese subjects aged 40-59 years consumed a MCD (approximately 100 kcal/day deficit, n =47) or a weight-maintenance diet (control, n =47) in a randomized, controlled design with a three-year clinical intervention period and plasma samples were analyzed by using UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The three-year MCD intervention resulted in weight loss (-8.87%) and significant decreases in HOMA-IR and TG. The three-year follow-up of the MCD group showed reductions in the following 13 metabolites: L-leucine; L-phenylalanine; 9 lysoPCs; PC (18:0/20:4); and SM (d18:0/16:1). The three-year MCD group follow-up identified increases in palmitic amide, oleamide, and PC (18:2/18:2). Considering the age-related alterations in the identified metabolites, the MCD group showed a greater decrease in L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, and SM (d18:0/16:1) compared with those of the control group. Overall, the change (Δ) in BMI positively correlated with the ΔTG, ΔHOMA-IR, ΔL-leucine, and ΔSM (d18:0/16:1). The ΔHOMA-IR positively correlated with ΔTG, ΔL-leucine, ΔL-phenylalanine, and ΔSM (d18:0/16:1). The weight loss resulting from three-year mild-caloric restriction lessens the age-related increase in SM and reduces L-leucine and L-phenylalanine in overweight and obese subjects. These changes were coupled with improved insulin resistance (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02081898).

Modification and Validation of the Triglyceride-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio as a Surrogate of Insulin Sensitivity in White Juveniles and Adults without Diabetes Mellitus: The Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE).

PubMed

Paulmichl, Katharina; Hatunic, Mensud; Højlund, Kurt; Jotic, Aleksandra; Krebs, Michael; Mitrakou, Asimina; Porcellati, Francesca; Tura, Andrea; Bergsten, Peter; Forslund, Anders; Manell, Hannes; Widhalm, Kurt; Weghuber, Daniel; Anderwald, Christian-Heinz

2016-09-01

The triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio was introduced as a tool to estimate insulin resistance, because circulating lipid measurements are available in routine settings. Insulin, C-peptide, and free fatty acids are components of other insulin-sensitivity indices but their measurement is expensive. Easier and more affordable tools are of interest for both pediatric and adult patients. Study participants from the Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease [43.9 (8.3) years, n = 1260] as well as the Beta-Cell Function in Juvenile Diabetes and Obesity study cohorts [15 (1.9) years, n = 29] underwent oral-glucose-tolerance tests and euglycemic clamp tests for estimation of whole-body insulin sensitivity and calculation of insulin sensitivity indices. To refine the TG/HDL ratio, mathematical modeling was applied including body mass index (BMI), fasting TG, and HDL cholesterol and compared to the clamp-derived M-value as an estimate of insulin sensitivity. Each modeling result was scored by identifying insulin resistance and correlation coefficient. The Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) was compared to traditional insulin sensitivity indices using area under the ROC curve (aROC) analysis and χ(2) test. The novel formula for SPISE was computed as follows: SPISE = 600 × HDL-C(0.185)/(TG(0.2) × BMI(1.338)), with fasting HDL-C (mg/dL), fasting TG concentrations (mg/dL), and BMI (kg/m(2)). A cutoff value of 6.61 corresponds to an M-value smaller than 4.7 mg · kg(-1) · min(-1) (aROC, M:0.797). SPISE showed a significantly better aROC than the TG/HDL-C ratio. SPISE aROC was comparable to the Matsuda ISI (insulin sensitivity index) and equal to the QUICKI (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index) and HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance) when calculated with M-values. The SPISE seems well suited to surrogate whole-body insulin sensitivity from inexpensive fasting single-point blood draw and BMI in white adolescents and adults. © 2016 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

[Obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors during pregnancy].

PubMed

Callegari, Sandra Beatriz Mangucci; de Resende, Elisabete Aparecida Mantovani Rodrigues; Barbosa Neto, Octávio; Rodrigues, Virmondes; de Oliveira, Eduardo Mangucci; Borges, Maria de Fátima

2014-10-01

To assess cardiometabolic risk factors during normal pregnancy and the influence of maternal obesity on them. This study included 25 healthy pregnant women with a single pregnancy and a gestational age of less than twenty weeks. Longitudinal analysis of blood pressure, body weight, body mass index (BMI), serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, cortisol, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, uric acid, fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, HOMA-IR and insulin/glucose ratio was performed each trimester during pregnancy. In order to evaluate the impact of obesity, pregnant women were divided into two groups based on BMI for the first quarter of pregnancy: Gpn for pregnant women with BMI<25 kg/m2 and Gso for BMI≥25 kg/m2. One-Way ANOVA for repeated measurements or Friedman test and Student-t or Mann-Whitney tests for statistical comparisons and Pearson correlations test were used for statistical analysis. The mean values for the first quarter of pregnancy for the following parameters were: age: 22 years; weight: 66.3 kg and BMI 26.4 kg/m2, with 20.2 and 30.7 kg/m2 for the Gpn and Gso groups, respectively. Mean weight gain during pregnancy was ±12.7 kg with 10.3 kg for the Gso group and 15.2 kg for the Gpn group. Regarding plasma determinations, cortisol, uric acid and lipid profile increased during all trimesters of pregnancy, except for HDL-cholesterol, which did not change. Blood pressure, insulin and HOMA-IR only increased in the third quarter of pregnancy. The Gso group tended to gain more weight and to show higher concentrations of leptin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, TG, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, besides lower HDL-cholesterol and greater diastolic blood pressure in the 3rd quarter of pregnancy. Three pregnant women developed gestational hypertension, presented prepregnancy obesity, excessive weight gain, hyperleptinemia and an insulin/glucose ratio greater than two. Weight and BMI were positively correlated with total cholesterol and its LDL fraction, TG, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR; and were negatively correlated with adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol. Leptin level was positively correlated with blood pressure. The metabolic changes in pregnancy are more significant in obese women, suggesting, as expected, an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications. During their first visit for prenatal care, obese women should be informed about these risks, have their BMI and insulin/glucose ratio calculated along with their lipid profile to identify pregnant women at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

[Obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors during pregnancy.

PubMed

Callegari, Sandra Beatriz Mangucci; Resende, Elisabete Aparecida Mantovani Rodrigues de; Barbosa Neto, Octávio; Rodrigues Junior, Virmondes; Oliveira, Eduardo Mangucci de; Borges, Maria de Fátima

2014-10-03

To assess cardiometabolic risk factors during normal pregnancy and the influence of maternal obesity on them. This study included 25 healthy pregnant women with a single pregnancy and a gestational age of less than twenty weeks. Longitudinal analysis of blood pressure, body weight, body mass index (BMI), serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, cortisol, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, uric acid, fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, HOMA-IR and insulin/glucose ratio was performed each trimester during pregnancy. In order to evaluate the impact of obesity, pregnant women were divided into two groups based on BMI for the first quarter of pregnancy: Gpn for pregnant women with BMI<25 kg/m2 and Gso for BMI≥25 kg/m2. One-Way ANOVA for repeated measurements or Friedman test and Student-t or Mann-Whitney tests for statistical comparisons and Pearson correlations test were used for statistical analysis. The mean values for the first quarter of pregnancy for the following parameters were: age: 22 years; weight: 66.3 kg and BMI 26.4 kg/m2, with 20.2 and 30.7 kg/m2 for the Gpn and Gso groups, respectively. Mean weight gain during pregnancy was ±12.7 kg with 10.3 kg for the Gso group and 15.2 kg for the Gpn group. Regarding plasma determinations, cortisol, uric acid and lipid profile increased during all trimesters of pregnancy, except for HDL-cholesterol, which did not change. Blood pressure, insulin and HOMA-IR only increased in the third quarter of pregnancy. The Gso group tended to gain more weight and to show higher concentrations of leptin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, TG, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, besides lower HDL-cholesterol and greater diastolic blood pressure in the 3rd quarter of pregnancy. Three pregnant women developed gestational hypertension, presented prepregnancy obesity, excessive weight gain, hyperleptinemia and an insulin/glucose ratio greater than two. Weight and BMI were positively correlated with total cholesterol and its LDL fraction, TG, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR; and were negatively correlated with adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol. Leptin level was positively correlated with blood pressure. The metabolic changes in pregnancy are more significant in obese women, suggesting, as expected, an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications. During their first visit for prenatal care, obese women should be informed about these risks, have their BMI and insulin/glucose ratio calculated along with their lipid profile to identify pregnant women at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Physico-chemical characteristics and functional properties of chitin and chitosan produced by Mucor circinelloides using yam bean as substrate.

PubMed

Fai, Ana Elizabeth C; Stamford, Thayza C M; Stamford-Arnaud, Thatiana M; Santa-Cruz, Petrus D'Amorim; da Silva, Marta C Freitas; Campos-Takaki, Galba M; Stamford, Tânia L M

2011-08-23

Microbiological processes were used for chitin and chitosan production by Mucor circinelloides (UCP 050) grown in yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L. Urban) medium. The polysaccharides were extracted by alkali-acid treatment and structural investigations by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR analysis, viscosity and thermal analysis by TG, DTG, and DTA were done. The highest biomass yield (20.7 g/L) was obtained at 96 hours. The highest levels of chitosan (64 mg/g) and chitin (500 mg/g) were produced at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. It was demonstrated that yam bean shows great potential as an economic medium and it is possible to achieve a good yield of chitosan with chemical properties that enable its use in biotechnological applications.

New anion-templated 3D heterobimetallic open frameworks based on lanthanide-carboxylate layers and copper pillars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yun-Wu; Wang, Yong-Hui; Li, Yang-Guang; Wang, En-Bo

2008-06-01

A series of new three-dimensional (3D) lanthanide-transition metal (4 f-3 d) heterobimetallic open frameworks, [ Ln2(1,2-bdc) 2(H 2O) 2 Cu(inic) 2](ClO 4) ( Ln=Eu (1), Tb (2), Nd (3) and Sm (4); 1,2-bdc=1,2-benzenedicarboxylate; Hinic=isonicotinic acid) have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1-4 are isostructural. They possess a new anion-templated 3D heterobimetallic open framework, which is observed for the first time in the { Ln/ TM/bdc/inic} ( TM=transition metal) system. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit the characteristic fluorescent properties of Eu(III) and Tb(III), respectively.

Correlation of adiposity indices with cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy adults of Singapore: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Bi, Xinyan; Tey, Siew Ling; Leong, Claudia; Quek, Rina; Loo, Yi Ting; Henry, Christiani Jeyakumar

2016-01-01

Obesity has long been highlighted for its association with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nonetheless, the best adiposity indices to evaluate the CVD risk factors remain contentious and few studies have been performed in Asian populations. In the present study, we compared the association strength of percent body fat (PBF) to indirect anthropometric measures of general adiposity (body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity index (BAI)) and central adiposity (waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) for the prediction of CVD risk factors in healthy men and women living in Singapore. A total of 125 individuals (63 men and 62 women) took part in this study. PBF was measured by using three different techniques, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), BOD POD, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Anthropometric measurements (WC, hip circumference (HC), height, and weight), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin (FSI), and lipid profiles were determined according to standard protocols. Correlations of anthropometric measurements and PBF with CVD risk factors were compared. Irrespective of the measuring techniques, PBF showed strong positive correlations with FSI, HOMA-IR, TC/HDL, TG/HDL, and LDL/HDL in both genders. While PBF was highly correlated with FBG, SBP, and DBP in females, no significant relationships were observed in males. Amongst the five anthropometric measures of adiposity, BAI was the best predictor for CVD risk factors in female participants (r = 0.593 for HOMA-IR, r = 0.542 for TG/HDL, r = 0.474 for SBP, and r = 0.448 for DBP). For males, the combination of WC (r = 0.629 for HOMA-IR, and r = 0.446 for TG/HDL) and WHR (r = 0.352 for SBP, and r = 0.366 for DBP) had the best correlation with CVD risk factors. Measurement of PBF does not outperform the simple anthropometric measurements of obesity, i.e. BAI, WC, and WHR, in the prediction of CVD risk factors in healthy Asian adults. While measures of central adiposity (WC and WHR) tend to show stronger associations with CVD risk factors in males, measures of general adiposity (BAI) seems to be the best predictor in females. The gender differences in the association between adiposity indices and CVD risk factors may relate to different body fat distribution in males and females living in Singapore. These results may find further clinical utility to identify patients with CVD risk factors in a more efficient way.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical performance of pasted β-nickel hydroxide electrode in alkaline electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shruthi, B.; Bheema Raju, V.; Madhu, B. J.

2015-01-01

β-Nickel hydroxide (β-Ni(OH)2) was successfully synthesized using precipitation method. The structure and property of the β-Ni(OH)2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infra-red (FT-IR), Raman spectra and thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The results of the FTIR spectroscopy and TG-DTA studies indicate that the β-Ni(OH)2 contains water molecules and anions. The microstructural and composition studies have been performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. A pasted-type electrode is prepared using β-Ni(OH)2 powder as the active material on a nickel sheet as a current collector. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies were performed to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the β-Ni(OH)2 electrode in 6 M KOH electrolyte. CV curves showed a pair of strong redox peaks as a result of the Faradaic redox reactions of β-Ni(OH)2. The proton diffusion coefficient (D) for the present β-Ni(OH)2 electrode material is found to be 1.44 × 10-12 cm2 s-1. Further, electrochemical impedance studies confirmed that the β-Ni(OH)2 electrode reaction processes are diffusion controlled.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical performance of pasted β-nickel hydroxide electrode in alkaline electrolyte.

PubMed

Shruthi, B; Bheema Raju, V; Madhu, B J

2015-01-25

β-Nickel hydroxide (β-Ni(OH)2) was successfully synthesized using precipitation method. The structure and property of the β-Ni(OH)2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infra-red (FT-IR), Raman spectra and thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The results of the FTIR spectroscopy and TG-DTA studies indicate that the β-Ni(OH)2 contains water molecules and anions. The microstructural and composition studies have been performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. A pasted-type electrode is prepared using β-Ni(OH)2 powder as the active material on a nickel sheet as a current collector. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies were performed to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the β-Ni(OH)2 electrode in 6M KOH electrolyte. CV curves showed a pair of strong redox peaks as a result of the Faradaic redox reactions of β-Ni(OH)2. The proton diffusion coefficient (D) for the present β-Ni(OH)2 electrode material is found to be 1.44×10(-12) cm(2) s(-1). Further, electrochemical impedance studies confirmed that the β-Ni(OH)2 electrode reaction processes are diffusion controlled. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of bis-(2-cyano-1-methyl-3-{2- {{(5-methylimidazol-4-yl)methyl}thio}ethyl)guanidine copper(II) sulfate tetrahydrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahardjo, Sentot B.; Endah Saraswati, Teguh; Pramono, Edy; Fitriana, Nur

2016-02-01

Complex of copper(II) with 2-cyano-1-methyl-3-{2-{{(5-methylimidazol-4- yl)methyl}thio}ethyl)guanidin(xepamet) had been synthesized in 1 : 4 mole ratio of metal to the ligand in methanol. The complex was characterized by metal analysis, thermal gravimetry/differential thermal analyzer (TG/DTA), molar conductivity meter, (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility balance. The molar conductivity measurement shows that the complex was 2: 1 for electrolyte and SO42- which was acting as a counter ion. The thermal analysis by Thermogravimetric (TG) indicates that the complex contained four molecules of H2O. The Infrared spectral data indicates that functional groups of (C=N) imidazole and (C-S) are coordinated to the center ion Cu2+. Magnetic moment measurement shows that the complex is paramagnetic with peff = 1.78 ± 0.01 BM. Electronic spectra of the complex show a broad band at 608 nm (16447.23 cm-1) are due to Eg→T2g transition. Based on those of characteristics, The complex formula was estimated as [Cu(xepamet)2]SO4.4H2O. The structure of [Cu(xepamet)2]SO4.4H2O complex is probably square planar.

Crystal Structures and Thermal Properties of Two Transition-Metal Compounds {[Ni(DNI)2(H2O)3][Ni(DNI)2 (H2O)4]}·6H2O and Pb(DNI)2(H2O)4 (DNI = 2,4-Dinitroimidazolate)

PubMed Central

Zhang, Guo-Fang; Cai, Mei-Yu; Jing, Ping; He, Chong; Li, Ping; Zhao, Feng-Qi; Li, Ji-Zhen; Fan, Xue-Zhong; Ng, Seik Weng

2010-01-01

Two transition-metal compounds derived from 2,4-dinitroimidazole, {[Ni(DNI)2(H2O)3][Ni(DNI)2 (H2O)4]}·6H2O, 1, and Pb(DNI)2(H2O)4, 2, were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, TG-DSC and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 26.826(3), b = 7.7199(10), c = 18.579(2) Å, β = 111.241(2)° and Z = 4; 2: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 6.5347(6), b = 17.1727(17), c = 14.1011(14) Å, β = 97.7248(10) and Z = 4. Compound 1 contains two isolated nickel centers in its structure, one being six-coordinate and another five-coordinate. The structure of 2 contains a lead (II) center surrounded by two chelating DNI ligands and four water molecules in distorted square-antiprism geometry. The abundant hydrogen bonds in two compounds link the molecules into three-dimensional network and stabilize the molecules. The TG-DSC analysis reveals that the first step is the loss of water molecules and the final residue is the corresponding metal oxides and carbon. PMID:20526419

Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal and nonlinear optical properties of new metal-organic single crystal: Tetrabromo (piperazinium) zincate (II) (TBPZ)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boopathi, K.; Babu, S. Moorthy; Ramasamy, P.

2018-04-01

Tetrabromo (piperazinium) zincate, a new metal-organic crystal has been synthesized and its single crystal grown by slow evaporation method. The grown crystal has characterized by structural, spectral, thermal, linear and nonlinear optical properties. Single crystal X-ray diffractions study reveals that grown crystal belongs to orthorhombic crystal system with space group P212121. The presence of functional groups is identified by FT-IR spectral analysis. Thermal stability of the crystal was ascertained by TG-DTA measurement. The second order harmonic generation efficiency was measured using Kurtz and Perry technique and it was found to be 1.5 times that of KDP.

Synthesis and Adsorption Properties of 4-Vinylpyridine and Styrene Copolymer In Situ Immobilized on Silica Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanovska, E. S.; Vretik, L. O.; Nikolaeva, O. A.; Polonska, Y.; Sternik, D.; Kichkiruk, O. Yu.

2017-03-01

Copolymer of 4-vinylpyridine with styrene was in situ immobilized on silica gel surface via the heterogeneous radical polymerization. Anchorage of the copolymer on the surface layer was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The quantity of copolymer on the silica gel surface was evaluated as 25.73 wt.% by TG and DSC-MS analysis. "Islet" location of polymer layer on the silica surface was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy. A high adsorption activity of silica gel with immobilized copolymer towards microquantitatives of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Fe(III), and Ni(II) ions in steady state conditions as well as of Ni(II) ions in dynamic regime was found.

Synthesis and Adsorption Properties of 4-Vinylpyridine and Styrene Copolymer In Situ Immobilized on Silica Surface.

PubMed

Yanovska, E S; Vretik, L O; Nikolaeva, O A; Polonska, Y; Sternik, D; Kichkiruk, O Yu

2017-12-01

Copolymer of 4-vinylpyridine with styrene was in situ immobilized on silica gel surface via the heterogeneous radical polymerization. Anchorage of the copolymer on the surface layer was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The quantity of copolymer on the silica gel surface was evaluated as 25.73 wt.% by TG and DSC-MS analysis. "Islet" location of polymer layer on the silica surface was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy. A high adsorption activity of silica gel with immobilized copolymer towards microquantitatives of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Fe(III), and Ni(II) ions in steady state conditions as well as of Ni(II) ions in dynamic regime was found.

Leu72Met and Other Intronic Polymorphisms in the GHRL and GHSR Genes Are Not Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Resistance, or Serum Ghrelin Levels in a Saudi Population

PubMed Central

Joatar, Faris Elbahi; Al Qarni, Ali Ahmed; Ali, Muhalab E.; Al Masaud, Abdulaziz; Shire, Abdirashid M.; Das, Nagalla; Gumaa, Khalid

2017-01-01

Background Ghrelin (GHRL), a gastric peptide encoded by the GHRL gene, is known to be involved in energy homeostasis via its G protein receptor, encoded by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) gene. Some studies have shown associations between plasma GHRL levels and GHRL single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely the Leu72Met polymorphism (rs696217 TG), with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR), while others have not. The controversies in these associations raise the issue of ‘which SNPs in which populations.’ The aim of this study was to investigate whether SNPs in GHRL and/or GHSR genes were associated with T2DM, IR, or plasma GHRL levels among Arab Saudis. Methods Blood was collected from 208 Saudi subjects with (n=107) and without (n=101) T2DM. DNA samples from these subjects were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction to genotype five intronic SNPs in the GHRL (rs696217 TG, rs27647 CT, rs2075356 CT, and rs4684677 AT) and GHSR (rs509030 GC) genes. In addition, plasma GHRL levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay. Results None of the SNPs were associated with T2DM, IR, or plasma GHRL levels. The frequencies of the alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of the five SNPs were comparable between the T2DM patients and the non-diabetic subjects. A large number of the GHRL haplotypes indicates the molecular heterogeneity of the preproghrelin gene in this region. Conclusion Neither the Leu72Met polymorphism nor the other intronic GHRL and GHSR SNPs were associated with T2DM, IR, or GHRL levels. Further investigations should be carried out to explain the molecular basis of the association of the GHRL peptide with T2DM and IR. PMID:28956366

Leu72Met and Other Intronic Polymorphisms in the GHRL and GHSR Genes Are Not Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Resistance, or Serum Ghrelin Levels in a Saudi Population.

PubMed

Joatar, Faris Elbahi; Al Qarni, Ali Ahmed; Ali, Muhalab E; Al Masaud, Abdulaziz; Shire, Abdirashid M; Das, Nagalla; Gumaa, Khalid; Giha, Hayder A

2017-09-01

Ghrelin (GHRL), a gastric peptide encoded by the GHRL gene, is known to be involved in energy homeostasis via its G protein receptor, encoded by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) gene. Some studies have shown associations between plasma GHRL levels and GHRL single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely the Leu72Met polymorphism (rs696217 TG), with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR), while others have not. The controversies in these associations raise the issue of 'which SNPs in which populations.' The aim of this study was to investigate whether SNPs in GHRL and/or GHSR genes were associated with T2DM, IR, or plasma GHRL levels among Arab Saudis. Blood was collected from 208 Saudi subjects with (n=107) and without (n=101) T2DM. DNA samples from these subjects were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction to genotype five intronic SNPs in the GHRL (rs696217 TG, rs27647 CT, rs2075356 CT, and rs4684677 AT) and GHSR (rs509030 GC) genes. In addition, plasma GHRL levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay. None of the SNPs were associated with T2DM, IR, or plasma GHRL levels. The frequencies of the alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of the five SNPs were comparable between the T2DM patients and the non-diabetic subjects. A large number of the GHRL haplotypes indicates the molecular heterogeneity of the preproghrelin gene in this region. Neither the Leu72Met polymorphism nor the other intronic GHRL and GHSR SNPs were associated with T2DM, IR, or GHRL levels. Further investigations should be carried out to explain the molecular basis of the association of the GHRL peptide with T2DM and IR. Copyright © 2017 Korean Endocrine Society

Photo-degradation of CT-DNA with a series of carbothioamide ruthenium (II) complexes - Synthesis and structural analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muthuraj, V.; Umadevi, M.

2018-04-01

The present research article is related with the method of preparation, structure and spectroscopic properties of a series of carbothioamide ruthenium (II) complexes with N and S donor ligands namely, 2-((6-chloro-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylene) hydrazine carbothioamide (ClChrTs)/2-((6-methoxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylene)hydrazine carbothioamide (MeOChrTS). The synthesized complexes were characterized by several techniques using analytical methods as well as by spectral techniques such as FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, ESI mass and thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The IR spectra shows that the ligand acts as a neutral bidentate with N and S donor atoms. The biological activity of the prepared compounds and metal complexes were tested against cell line of calf-thymus DNA via an intercalation mechanism (MCF-7). In addition, the interaction of Ru(II) complexes and its free ligands with CT-DNA were also investigated by titration with UV-Vis spectra, fluorescence spectra, and Circular dichroism studies. Results suggest that both of the two Ru(II) complexes can bind with calf-thymus DNA via an intercalation mechanism.

Synthetic aspects, spectral, thermal studies and antimicrobial screening on bis(N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamato-S,S‧)antimony(III) complexes with oxo or thio donor ligands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, H. P. S.; Carpenter, Jaswant; Joshi, Sapana

2014-09-01

The bis(N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamato-S,S‧)antimony(III) complexes have been obtained by the reaction of chloro bis(N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamato-S,S‧)antimony(III) with corresponding oxo or thio donor ligands such as sodium benzoate 1, sodium thioglycolate 2, phenol 3, sodium 1-propanethiolate 4, potassium thioacetate 5, sodium salicylate 6, ethane-1,2-dithiolate 7 and disodium oxalate 8. These complexes have been characterized by the physicochemical [melting point, molecular weight determination and elemental analysis (C, H, N, S and Sb)], spectral [UV-Visible, FT-IR, far IR, NMR (1H and 13C)], thermogravimetric (TG & DTA) analysis, ESI-Mass and powder X-ray diffraction studies. Thermogravimetric analysis of the complexes confirmed the final decomposition product as highly pure antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) and powder X-ray diffraction studies show that the complexes are in lower symmetry with monoclinic crystal lattice and nano-ranged particle size (11.51-20.82 nm). The complexes have also been screened against some bacterial and fungal strains for their antibacterial and antifungal activities and compared with standard drugs. These show that the complexes have greater activities against some human pathogenic bacteria and fungi than the activities of standard drugs.

Novel High Temperature and Radiation Resistant Infrared Glasses and Optical Fibers for Sensing in Advanced Small Modular Reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ballato, John

One binary and three series of ternary non-oxide pure sulfide glasses compositions were investigated with the goal of synthesizing new glasses that exhibit high glass transition (Tg) and crystallization (Tc) temperatures, infrared transparency, and reliable glass formability. The binary glass series consisted of Ges 2 and La 2S 3 and the three glass series in the x(nBaS + mLa2S3) + (1-2x)GeS2 ternary system have BaS:La2S3 modifier ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 with . With these glasses, new insights were realized as to how ionic glasses form and how glass modifiers affect both structure and glass formability. All synthesized compositionsmore » were characterized by Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to better understand the fundamental structure, optical, and thermal characteristics of the glasses. After a range of these glasses were synthesized, optimal compositions were formed into glass disks and subjected to gamma irradiation. Glass disks were characterized both before and after irradiation by microscope imaging, measuring the refractive index, density, and UV-VIS-IR transmission spectra. The final total dose the samples were subjected to was ~2.5 MGy. Ternary samples showed a less than 0.4% change in density and refractive index and minimal change in transmission window. The glasses also resisted cracking as seen in microscope images. Overall, many glass compositions were developed that possess operating temperatures above 500 °C, where conventional chalcogenide glasses such as As2S3 and have T gs from ~200-300 °C, and these glasses have a greater than Tc – Tg values larger than 100 °C and this shows that these glasses have good thermal stability of Tg such that they can be fabricated into optical fibers and as such can be considered candidates for high temperature infrared fiber optics. Initial fiber fabrication efforts showed that selected glasses could be drawn but larger samples would be needed for further development and optimization« less

The association between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents: The CHAMPS-study DK

PubMed Central

Tarp, Jakob; Andersen, Lars Bo; Gejl, Anne Kær; Huang, Tao; Peijs, Lone; Bugge, Anna

2017-01-01

Background and objective Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes pose a global health burden. Therefore, clarifying the pathology of these risk factors is essential. Previous studies have found positive and negative associations between one or more cardiovascular risk factors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) probably due to diverse methodological approaches when analysing peripheral BDNF levels. Moreover, only a few studies have been performed in youth populations. Consequently, the main objective of this study was to examine the association between serum BDNF and a composite z-score consisting of six cardiovascular risk factors. A secondary aim was to examine the associations between serum BDNF and each of the six risk factors. Methods Four hundred and forty-seven apparently healthy adolescents between 11–17 years of age participated in this cross-sectional study. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), anthropometrics, pubertal status, blood pressure (BP), serum BDNF, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), blood glucose and insulin were measured. Information about alcohol consumption and socio-economic status was collected via questionnaires. Associations were modelled using linear regression analysis. Results Serum BDNF was positively associated with the composite z-score in the total study sample (standardized beta coefficient (std.β) = 0.10, P = 0.037). In males, serum BDNF was positively associated with the composite z-score (Std. β = 0.14, P = 0.034) and HOMA-IR (Std. β = 0.19, P = 0.004), and negatively associated with CRF (Std. β = -0.15, P = 0.026). In females, BDNF was positively associated with TG (Std. β = 0.14, P = 0.030) and negatively associated with waist circumference (WC) (Std. β = -0.16, P = 0.012). Conclusion Serum BDNF was positively associated with a composite z-score of cardiovascular risk factors. This association seems to be mainly driven by the association between TG, HOMA-IR and serum BDNF, and particularly for males. Further longitudinal research is warranted to determine the temporal relationship between BDNF and cardiovascular risk factors. PMID:29028824

Sex steroid levels and AD-like pathology in 3xTgAD mice

PubMed Central

Ma, Chunqi; Taves, Matthew D.; Soma, Kiran K.; Mufson, Elliott J.

2014-01-01

Decreases in testosterone (T) and 17β-oestradiol (E2) are associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has been attributed to an increase in beta amyloid (Aβ) and tau pathologic lesions. While recent studies have used transgenic animal models to test the effects of sex steroid manipulations on AD-like pathology, virtually none have systematically characterised the associations between AD lesions and sex steroid levels in the blood or brain in any mutant model. The present study evaluated age-related changes in T and E2 concentrations, as well as androgen receptor (AR) and oestrogen receptor (ER) α and β expression, in brain regions displaying AD pathology in intact male and female 3xTgAD and non-transgenic (ntg) mice. We report for the first time that circulating and brain T levels significantly increase in male 3xTgAD mice with age, but without changes in AR-immunoreactive (ir) cell number in either the hippocampal CA1 or medial amygdala. The age-related increase in hippocampal T levels correlated positively with increases in the conformational tau isoform, Alz50. These data suggest that the over-expression of human tau may up regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in these mice. Although circulating and brain E2 levels remained stable with age in both male and female 3xTgAD and ntg mice, ER-ir cell number in the hippocampus and medial amygdala decreased with age in female transgenic mice. Further, E2 levels were significantly higher in the hippocampus than in serum, suggesting local production of E2. Although triple transgenic mice mimic AD-like pathology, they do not fully replicate changes in human sex steroid levels, and may not be the best model for studying the effects of sex steroids on AD lesions. PMID:22889357

Thermal behaviour of procaine and benzocaine Part II: compatibility study with some pharmaceutical excipients used in solid dosage forms

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The compatibility study of active substances with excipients finds an important role in the domain of pharmaceutical research, being known the fact that final formulation is the one administered to the patient. In order to evaluate the compatibility between active substance and excipients, different analytical techniques can be used, based on their accuracy, reproducibility and fastness. Results Compatibility study of two well-known active substances, procaine and benzocaine, with four commonly used excipients, was carried out employing thermal analysis (TG/DTG/HF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (UATR-FT-IR). The selected excipients were microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and talc. Equal proportion of active substance and excipients (w/w) was utilized in the interaction study. The absolute value of the difference between the melting point peak of active substances and the one corresponding for the active substances in the analysed mixture, as well the absolute value of the difference between the enthalpy of the pure active ingredient melting peak and that of its melting peak in the different analysed mixtures were chosen as indexes of the drug-excipient interaction degree. All the results obtained through thermal analysis were also sustained by FT-IR spectroscopy. Conclusions The corroboration of data obtained by thermal analysis with the ones from FT-IR spectroscopy indicated that no interaction occurs between procaine and benzocaine, with microcrystalline cellulose and talc, as well for the benzocaine-lactose mixture. Interactions were confirmed between procaine and benzocaine respectively and magnesium stearate, and for procaine and lactose. PMID:23962059

Swim Training Improves HOMA-IR in Type 2 Diabetes Induced by High Fat Diet and Low Dose of Streptozotocin in Male Rats.

PubMed

Ghiasi, Rafigheh; Ghadiri Soufi, Farhad; Somi, Mohammad Hossein; Mohaddes, Gisou; Mirzaie Bavil, Fariba; Naderi, Roya; Alipour, Mohammad Reza

2015-09-01

Insulin resistance plays a key role in the onset and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications. In this study, we evaluated the effect of swim training on insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): sedentary control (Con), sedentary diabetic (Dia), swim trained control (Exe) and swim trained diabetic (Dia+Exe) rats. Diabetes was induced by high fat diet (HFD) and a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p). In trained groups, one week after the induction of diabetes, animals were subjected to swimming (60 min/5 days a week) for 10 weeks. At the end of training, fasting blood sugar (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting/basal insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, insulin resistance index, homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TG,) total cholesterol (TCh), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in blood were measured. Swimming significantly improved OGTT (P<0.01) and HOMA-IR (P<0.01). Swim training also significantly decreased FBS (p<0.01), fasting/basal insulin (P<0.01), HbA1C (p<0.01), TG (P<0.05), and TCh (P<0.05) levels. It also significantly increased HDL (p<0.05) level. Our findings indicate that swim training improved glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes caused by high fat diet in male rats.

Effects of Ferulic Acid and γ-Oryzanol on High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

PubMed Central

Wang, Ou; Liu, Jia; Cheng, Qian; Guo, Xiaoxuan; Wang, Yong; Zhao, Liang; Zhou, Feng; Ji, Baoping

2015-01-01

Background The high morbidity of metabolic dysfunction diseases has heightened interest in seeking natural and safe compounds to maintain optimal health. γ-Oryzanol (OZ), the ferulic acid (FA) ester with phytosterols, mainly present in rice bran has been shown to improve markers of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the effects of FA and OZ on alleviating high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced metabolic syndrome parameters. Methods Male SD rats were fed with a regular rodent diet, HFFD, or HFFD supplemented with 0.05% FA or 0.16% OZ (equimolar concentrations) for 13 weeks. Food intake, organ indices, serum lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, insulin resistance (IR) index and cytokine levels were analyzed. The mechanisms were further investigated in oleic acid-stimulated HepG2 cells by analyzing triglyceride (TG) content and lipogenesis-related gene expressions. Results In the in vivo study, FA and OZ exhibited similar effects in alleviating HFFD-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and IR. However, only OZ treatment significantly decreased liver index and hepatic TG content, lowered serum levels of C-reactive protein and IL-6, and increased serum concentration of adiponectin. In the in vitro assay, only OZ administration significantly inhibited intracellular TG accumulation and down-regulated expression of stearoyl coenzyme-A desaturase-1, which might facilitate OZ to enhance its hepatoprotective effect. Conclusion OZ is more effective than FA in inhibiting hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation. Thus, FA and OZ could be used as dietary supplements to alleviate the deleterious effects of HFFD. PMID:25646799

Increased plasma levels of FABP4 and PTEN is associated with more severe insulin resistance in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Li, Yuan-yuan; Xiao, Rui; Li, Cai-ping; Huangfu, Jian; Mao, Jiang-feng

2015-02-08

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Plasma FABP4 and PTEN were determined by ELISA in GDM patients (GDM group, n=30) and in euglycemic pregnant women (control group, n=30). The clinical features, body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profiles were compared between the 2 groups. The influence of risk factors on insulin resistance, including BMI, lipid profiles, FABP4, and PTEN, were further investigated by multiple-factor stepwise regression analysis. Higher levels of BMI, ΔBMI, triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, FABP4, PTEN, and lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found in the GDM patients than in the controls (all P<0.005). The plasma FABP4 was 1.47±0.25 vs. 0.20±0.07 ng/ml in the GDM and control group, respectively (P<0.0001). Plasma PTEN was 6.46±1.57 vs. 4.72±0.82 ng/ml in the GDM and control group, respectively (P<0.0001). There was a positive relation between plasma FABP4 and PTEN when all blood samples, including GDM and control groups, were analyzed (P<0.05). The multiple-factor regression analysis revealed that plasma FABP4, TG, and PTEN were independent risk factors for increased insulin resistance. GDM patients have more severe insulin resistance compared to euglycemic pregnant women. Higher levels of plasma FABP4 and PTEN are associated with increased insulin resistance and may participate in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance during gestation.

Determination of the Sensibility Factors for TLD-100 Powder on the Energy of X-Ray of 50, 250 kVp; 192Ir, 137Cs and 60Co

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Loaiza, Sandra P.; Alvarez, Jose T.

2006-09-08

TLD-100 powder is calibrated in terms of absorbed dose to water Dw, using the protocols AAPM TG61, AAPM TG43 and IAEA-TRS 398, for the energy of RX 50, 250 kVp, 137Cs and 60Co respectively. The calibration curves, TLD Response R versus Dw, are fitted by weighted least square by a quadratic polynomials; which are validated with the lack of fit and the Anderson-Darling normality test. The slope of these curves corresponds to the sensibility factor: Fs R/DW, [Fs] = nC Gy-1. The expanded uncertainties U's for these factors are obtained from the ANOVA tables. Later, the Fs' values are interpolatedmore » using the effective energy hvefec for the 192Ir. The SSDL sent a set of capsules with powder TLD-100 for two Hospitals. These irradiated them a nominal dose of Dw = 2 Gy. The results determined at SSDL are: for the Hospital A the Dw is overestimated in order to 4.8% and the Hospital B underestimates it in the range from -1.4% to -17.5%.« less

Synthesis, X-ray crystallography, thermal studies, spectroscopic and electrochemistry investigations of uranyl Schiff base complexes.

PubMed

Asadi, Zahra; Shorkaei, Mohammad Ranjkesh

2013-03-15

Some tetradentate salen type Schiff bases and their uranyl complexes were synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, NMR, IR, TG, C.H.N. and X-ray crystallographic studies. From these investigations it is confirmed that a solvent molecule occupied the fifth position of the equatorial plane of the distorted pentagonal bipyramidal structure. Also, the kinetics of complex decomposition by using thermo gravimetric methods (TG) was studied. The thermal decomposition reactions are first order for the studied complexes. To examine the properties of uranyl complexes according to the substitutional groups, we have carried out the electrochemical studies. The electrochemical reactions of uranyl Schiff base complexes in acetonitrile were reversible. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of functional sympathetic nervous system impairment of the liver and abdominal visceral adipose tissue on circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

PubMed Central

Cirnigliaro, Christopher M.; Kirshblum, Steven C.; McKenna, Cristin

2017-01-01

Background Interruption of sympathetic innervation to the liver and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in animal models has been reported to reduce VAT lipolysis and hepatic secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and concentrations of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles. Whether functional impairment of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) innervation to tissues of the abdominal cavity reduce circulating concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and VLDL particles (VLDL-P) was tested in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods One hundred-three non-ambulatory men with SCI [55 subjects with neurologic injury at or proximal to the 4th thoracic vertebrae (↑T4); 48 subjects with SCI at or distal to the 5th thoracic vertebrae (↓T5)] and 53 able-bodied (AB) subjects were studied. Fasting blood samples were obtained for determination of TG, VLDL-P concentration by NMR spectroscopy, serum glucose by autoanalyzer, and plasma insulin by radioimmunoassay. VAT volume was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry imaging with calculation by a validated proprietary software package. Results Significant group main effects for TG and VLDL-P were present; post-hoc tests revealed that serum TG concentrations were significantly higher in ↓T5 group compared to AB and ↑T4 groups [150±9 vs. 101±8 (p<0.01) and 112±8 mg/dl (p<0.05), respectively]. VLDL-P concentration was significantly elevated in ↓T5 group compared to AB and ↑T4 groups [74±4 vs. 58±4 (p<0.05) and 55±4 μmol/l (p<0.05)]. VAT volume was significantly higher in both SCI groups than in the AB group, and HOMA-IR was higher and approached significance in the SCI groups compared to the AB group. A linear relationship between triglyceride rich lipoproteins (i.e., TG or Large VLDL-P) and VAT volume or HOMA-IR was significant only in the ↓T5 group. Conclusions Despite a similar VAT volume and insulin resistance in both SCI groups, the ↓T5 group had significantly higher serum TG and VLDL-P values than that observed in the ↑T4 and the AB control groups. Thus, level of injury is an important determinate of the concentration of circulating triglyceride rich lipoproteins, which may play a role in the genesis of cardiometabolic dysfunction. PMID:28346471

SU-F-T-22: Clinical Implications When Using TG-186 (ACE) Heterogeneity Software

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Likhacheva, A; Grade, E; Sadeghi, A

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare dosimetric calculations using traditional TG-43 formalism and Oncentra Brachy Advanced Collapsed cone Engine (ACE) TG-186 calculation algorithm in clinical setting. Methods: We analyzed dosimetry of four patients treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation using a multi-channel intracavitary device (SAVI). All patients were treated to 34 Gy in 10 fractions using a high-dose-rate (192) Ir source. The plans were designed and treated using the TG-43 model. ACE was used to assess the effect heterogeneity correction on various dosimetric parameters. Mass density was estimated using Hounsfield units. Results: Compared to TG-43 formalism, ACEmore » estimated lower doses to targets and organs at risk. The mean difference was 19.8% (range 15.3–24.1%) for PTV-eval V200, 12.0% (range 9.7–17.7%) for PTV-eval V150, 4.3% (range 3.3–6.5%) for PTV-eval D95, 3.3% (range 1.4–5.4%) for PTV-eval D90, 5.4% (range 2.9–9.9%) for maximum rib dose, and 5.7% (2.4–7.4%) for maximum skin dose. There was no correlation between the magnitude of the difference and the PTV-eval volume, air volume, or tissue-applicator conformance. Conclusion: Based on our preliminary study, the TG-43 algorithm appears to overestimate the dose to targets and organs at risk when compared to the ACE TG-186 software. We hypothesize that air adjacent to the SAVI struts contributes to lack of scatter thereby contributing a significant difference in dose calculation when using ACE. We believe that ACE calculation provides a more realistic isodose distribution than TG-43. We plan to further investigate the impact of heterogeneity correction on brachytherapy planning for a wide variety of clinical scenarios, include skin, cervix/uterus, prostate, and lung.« less

Variability in HOMA-IR, lipoprotein profile and selected hormones in young active men.

PubMed

Keska, Anna; Lutoslawska, Grazyna; Czajkowska, Anna; Tkaczyk, Joanna; Mazurek, Krzysztof

2013-01-01

Resistance to insulin actions is contributing to many metabolic disturbances. Such factors as age, sex, nutrition, body fat, and physical activity determine body insulin resistance. Present study attempted to asses insulin resistance and its metabolic effects with respect to energy intake in young, lean, and active men. A total of 87 men aged 18-23 participated in the study. Plasma levels of glucose, insulin, lipoproteins, cortisol, and TSH were determined. Insulin resistance was expressed as Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and calculated using homeostatic model. The median value of HOMA-IR (1.344) was used to divide subjects into two groups. Men did not differ in anthropometric parameters, daily physical activity, and plasma TSH and cortisol levels. However, in men with higher HOMA-IR significantly lower daily energy intake was observed concomitantly with higher TG, TC, and HDL-C concentrations in plasma versus their counterparts with lower HOMA-IR. Exclusively in subjects with higher HOMA-IR significant and positive correlation was noted between HOMA-IR and TC and LDL-C. We concluded that despite a normal body weight and physical activity, a subset of young men displayed unfavorable changes in insulin sensitivity and lipid profile, probably due to insufficient energy intake.

Structure investigation of three hydrazones Schiff's bases by spectroscopic, thermal and molecular orbital calculations and their biological activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belal, Arafa A. M.; Zayed, M. A.; El-Desawy, M.; Rakha, Sh. M. A. H.

2015-03-01

Three Schiff's bases AI (2(1-hydrazonoethyl)phenol), AII (2, 4-dibromo 6-(hydrazonomethyl)phenol) and AIII (2(hydrazonomethyl)phenol) were prepared as new hydrazone compounds via condensation reactions with molar ratio (1:1) of reactants. Firstly by reaction of 2-hydroxy acetophenone solution and hydrazine hydrate; it gives AI. Secondly condensation between 3,5-dibromo-salicylaldehyde and hydrazine hydrate gives AII. Thirdly condensation between salicylaldehyde and hydrazine hydrate gives AIII. The structures of AI-AIII were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), mass (MS), FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra, and thermal analyses (TG, DTG, and DTA). The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as, ΔE∗, ΔH∗, ΔS∗ and ΔG∗ were calculated from the TG curves using Coats-Redfern method. It is important to investigate their molecular structures to know the active groups and weak bond responsible for their biological activities. Consequently in the present work, the obtained thermal (TA) and mass (MS) practical results are confirmed by semi-empirical MO-calculations (MOCS) using PM3 procedure. Their biological activities have been tested in vitro against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillissubtilies and Staphylococcus aurous bacteria in order to assess their anti-microbial potential.

Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of non-traditional tellurite-selenite glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachvarova-Nedelcheva, A.; Iordanova, R.; Kostov, K. L.; Ganev, V.; Yordanov, St.

2014-06-01

This study continues our investigations on non-traditional tellurite-selenite amorphous materials. Two glasses containing TeO2, SeO2, MoO3 and V2O5 were obtained at high oxygen pressure (P = 36 MPa) using pure oxides as precursors. The real bulk chemical composition of both glasses was verified by LA-ICP-MS method. The glasses were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), UV-Vis, XPS, IR and EPR spectroscopy. According to DTA the glass transition temperature (Tg) is below 300 °C. Both glasses were subjected to heat treatment (300 °C - 12 h) and as a result no crystallization was observed. The main building units (TeO3, TeO4, Mo2O8, and SеО3) were determined by IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the existence of mixed bridging bonds only, which build up the amorphous network. It was established by UV-Vis that the obtained glasses are transparent above 550 nm and they were red colored.

Isolation, Characterization and Antitumour Propirties of the 1,2-Popylenediaminetetraacetate trans-Diaqua-Copper (II)

PubMed Central

Kamah, S.; Vilaplana, R.; Moreno, J.; Akdi, K.; García-Herdugo, G.

2000-01-01

A trans-diaquacomplex formed by copper(II) sulphate and the sequestering polyamminopolycarboxylic ligand 1,2-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA) has been isolated and characterized by chemical analysis, titrimetry, FT-IR and electronic spectroscopy, Potentiometric and electronic measurements identified the ligand as tetradentate, two nitrogen and two oxygen atoms being bonded to the Cu(II) in planar positions. This octahedral monomeric soluble compound, is an unusual example of a copper (II) substance showing significant in vitro antitumour activity against the human ovarian tumour cells TG (ID50 = 2.29 μM at 48 h) and important in vivo antitumour activity against solid Sarcoma 180 with complete regression of the tumour at a dose of 12.5 mg/Kg body weight. PMID:18475948

Preparation and characterization of biomimetic silk fibroin/chitosan composite nanofibers by electrospinning for osteoblasts culture.

PubMed

Chen, Jyh-Ping; Chen, Shih-Hsien; Lai, Guo-Jyun

2012-03-06

In this study, we have successfully fabricated electrospun bead-free silk fibroin [SF]/chitosan [CS] composite nanofibers [NFs] covering the whole range of CS content (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). SF/CS spinning solutions were prepared in a mixed solvent system of trifluoroacetic acid [TFA] and dichloromethane. The morphology of the NFs was observed by scanning electron microscope, and the average fiber diameter ranges from 215 to 478 nm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirms the uniform distribution of SF and CS within the composite NFs. To increase biocompatibility and preserve nanostructure when seeded with cells in culture medium, NFs were treated with an ethanol/ammonia aqueous solution to remove residual TFA and to change SF protein conformation. After the chemical treatment, SF/CS NFs could maintain the original structure for up to 54 days in culture medium. Properties of pristine and chemically treated SF/CS NFs were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FT-IR], X-ray diffraction [XRD], and thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry [TG/DSC]. Shift of absorption peaks in FT-IR spectra confirms the conformation change of SF from random coil to β-sheet by the action of ethanol, which is also consistent with the SF crystalline diffraction patterns measured by XRD. From TG/DSC analysis, the decomposition temperature peaks due to salt formation from TFA and protonated amines disappeared after chemical treatment, indicating complete removal of TFA by binding with ammonium ions during the treatment. This was also confirmed with the disappearance of F1s peak in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra and disappearance of TFA salt peaks in FT-IR spectra. The composite NFs could support the growth and osteogenic differentiation of human fetal osteoblastic [hFOB] cells, but each component in the composite NF shows distinct effect on cell behavior. SF promotes hFOB proliferation while CS enhances hFOB differentiation. The composite SF/CS NFs will be suitable for bone tissue engineering applications by choosing a suitable blend composition.PACS: 87.85.jf; 87.85.Rs; 68.37.Hk.

Behavior of sulfur during coal pyrolysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shao, D.; Hutchinson, E.J.; Heidbrink, J.; Pan, W.-P.; Chou, C.-L.

1994-01-01

The behavior of sulfur in Illinois coals during pyrolysis was evaluated by thermogravimetry/ Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (TG/FT-IR) techniques. SO2, COS, and H2S were major gaseous sulfur-containing products observed during coal pyrolysis. The release rates of the gaseous sulfur species showed several peaks within the temperature ranges, which were due to the emission of different forms of sulfur in coal. ?? 1994.

[BO's abdominal acupuncture for obese type-2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Yang, Yuan; Liu, Yunxia

2015-04-01

To observe the clinical efficacy of BO's abdominal acupuncture for obese type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sixty patients of obese T2DM were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 30 cases in each one. Patients in the medication group were treated with basic treatment combined with oral administration of regular antidiabetics, three weeks as one session. Patients in the acupuncture group, based on the medication group, were treated with abdominal acupuncture at Yinqiguiyuan [Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Qihai (CV 6), Guanguan (CV 4)], Fusiguan [Huaroumen (ST 24), Wailing (TE 5)], Tianshu (ST 25), Daheng (SP 15), Qixue (KI 13), etc.; the treatment was given three times per week, 3 weeks as one session. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, body mass index (BI) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), 2-hours postprandial blood glucose by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), HOMA-IR of insulin resistance index were calculated and adverge events were recorded. Compared before the treatment, SBP, WC, body weight, BMI, FPG, OG-TT2hBG, FINS, GTT2h insulin, HOMA-IR, TC and LDL-C in the acupuncture group were all significantly reduced (all P <0. 05), while FPG, OGTT2H insulin and TG were increased in the medication group (all P<0. 05)'. The differences of reducing SBP, WC, FPG, OGTT2H insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG and LDL-C were statistically significant between the two groups (all P<0. 05). The total effective rate was 93. 3% (28/30) in the acupuncture group, which was significantly superior to 23. 3% (7/30) in the medication group (P<0. 01). BO's abdominal acupuncture has obvious clinical efficacy for obese type-2 diabetes mellitus, featuring in lowering blood pressure, reducing weight, decreasing blood glucose, im- proving insulin resistance and lowering lipid, which has no adverse effects and is worthy of clinical popularization and application.

[Regulative effects of the acupuncture on glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in the patients of metabolic syndrome].

PubMed

Chen, Jie; Xing, Haijiao; Li, Qing; Li, Mei; Wang, Shaojin

2017-04-12

To observe the regulative effects of the acupuncture on glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in the patients of metabolic syndrome. Seventy-six patients of metabolic syndrome were rando-mized into an acupuncture plus western medicine group (37 cases) and a western medicine group (39 cases). In the western medicine group, the conventional western medication was used for 40 days. In the acupuncture plus western medicine group, the acupuncture was combined on the basis of the treatment as the western medicine group, the acupoints were Danzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), etc. Ten treatments were as one session. There were 3 to 5 days of intervals between the sessions and totally 30 treatments were required. The body mass index (BMI), blood lipid, blood glucose, and comprehensive therapeutic effects were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the differences were all significant in BMI, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), plasma glucose of 2 hours post glucose-load (2 hPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (all P <0.05) in the acupuncture plus western medicine group, and the results after treatment were superior to those before treatment; the difference was not significant in BMI ( P >0.05) and those were all significant statistically in TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBG, 2 hPG, FINS, HOMA-IR (all P <0.05) in the western medicine group, and the results after treatment were superior to those before treatment. After treatment, in comparison of the two groups, the results in the acupuncture plus western medicine group were better than those in the western medicine group. The differences were all signif-icant sta-tistically in BMI, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBG, 2 hPG, FINS, HOMA-IR (all P <0.05). On the basis of the conventional western medicine, the acupuncture relieves apparently the clinical symptoms and rectifies glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in the patients of metabolic syndrome.

Synthesis, characterization, thermal and explosive properties of potassium salts of trinitrophloroglucinol.

PubMed

Wang, Liqiong; Chen, Hongyan; Zhang, Tonglai; Zhang, Jianguo; Yang, Li

2007-08-17

Three different substituted potassium salts of trinitrophloroglucinol (H(3)TNPG) were prepared and characterized. The salts are all hydrates, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and elemental analysis confirmed that these salts contain crystal H2O and that the amount crystal H2O in potassium salts of H3TNPG is 1.0 hydrate for mono-substituted potassium salts of H3TNPG [K(H2TNPG)] and di-substituted potassium salt of H3TNPG [K2(HTNPG)], and 2.0 hydrate for tri-substituted potassium salt of H3TNPG [K3(TNPG)]. Their thermal decomposition mechanisms and kinetic parameters from 50 to 500 degrees C were studied under a linear heating rate by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Their thermal decomposition mechanisms undergo dehydration stage and intensive exothermic decomposition stage. FT-IR and TG studies verify that their final residua of decomposition are potassium cyanide or potassium carbonate. According to the onset temperature of the first exothermic decomposition process of dehydrated salts, the order of the thermal stability from low to high is from K(H2TNPG) and K2(HTNPG) to K3(TNPG), which is conform to the results of apparent activation energy calculated by Kissinger's and Ozawa-Doyle's method. Sensitivity test results showed that potassium salts of H3TNPG demonstrated higher sensitivity properties and had greater explosive probabilities.

Limitations of current dosimetry for intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation with high dose rate iridium-192 and electronic brachytherapy sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raffi, Julie A.

Intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is a method of treating early stage breast cancer using a high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy source positioned within the lumpectomy cavity. An expandable applicator stretches the surrounding tissue into a roughly spherical or elliptical shape and the dose is prescribed to 1 cm beyond the edge of the cavity. Currently, dosimetry for these treatments is most often performed using the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group No. 43 (TG-43) formalism. The TG-43 dose-rate equation determines the dose delivered to a homogeneous water medium by scaling the measured source strength with standardized parameters that describe the radial and angular features of the dose distribution. Since TG-43 parameters for each source model are measured or calculated in a homogeneous water medium, the dosimetric effects of the patient's dimensions and composition are not accounted for. Therefore, the accuracy of TG-43 calculations for intracavitary APBI is limited by the presence of inhomogeneities in and around the target volume. Specifically, the breast is smaller than the phantoms used to determine TG-43 parameters and is surrounded by air, ribs, and lung tissue. Also, the composition of the breast tissue itself can affect the dose distribution. This dissertation is focused on investigating the limitations of TG-43 dosimetry for intracavitary APBI for two HDR brachytherapy sources: the VariSource TM VS2000 192Ir source and the AxxentRTM miniature x-ray source. The dose for various conditions was determined using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and Monte Carlo (MC) calculations. Accurate measurements and calculations were achieved through the implementation of new measurement and simulation techniques and a novel breast phantom was developed to enable anthropomorphic phantom measurements. Measured and calculated doses for phantom and patient geometries were compared with TG-43 calculated doses to illustrate the limitations of TG-43 dosimetry for intracavitary APBI. TG-43 dose calculations overestimate the dose for regions approaching the lung and breast surface and underestimate the dose for regions in and beyond less-attenuating media such as lung tissue, and for lower energies, breast tissue as well.

Controlled Cre/loxP Site-Specific Recombination in the Developing Brain in Medaka Fish, Oryzias latipes

PubMed Central

Okuyama, Teruhiro; Isoe, Yasuko; Hoki, Masahito; Suehiro, Yuji; Yamagishi, Genki; Naruse, Kiyoshi; Kinoshita, Masato; Kamei, Yasuhiro; Shimizu, Atushi; Kubo, Takeo; Takeuchi, Hideaki

2013-01-01

Background Genetic mosaic techniques have been used to visualize and/or genetically modify a neuronal subpopulation within complex neural circuits in various animals. Neural populations available for mosaic analysis, however, are limited in the vertebrate brain. Methodology/Principal Findings To establish methodology to genetically manipulate neural circuits in medaka, we first created two transgenic (Tg) medaka lines, Tg (HSP:Cre) and Tg (HuC:loxP-DsRed-loxP-GFP). We confirmed medaka HuC promoter-derived expression of the reporter gene in juvenile medaka whole brain, and in neuronal precursor cells in the adult brain. We then demonstrated that stochastic recombination can be induced by micro-injection of Cre mRNA into Tg (HuC:loxP-DsRed-loxP-GFP) embryos at the 1-cell stage, which allowed us to visualize some subpopulations of GFP-positive cells in compartmentalized regions of the telencephalon in the adult medaka brain. This finding suggested that the distribution of clonally-related cells derived from single or a few progenitor cells was restricted to a compartmentalized region. Heat treatment of Tg(HSP:Cre x HuC:loxP-DsRed-loxP-GFP) embryos (0–1 day post fertilization [dpf]) in a thermalcycler (39°C) led to Cre/loxP recombination in the whole brain. The recombination efficiency was notably low when using 2–3 dpf embyos compared with 0–1 dpf embryos, indicating the possibility of stage-dependent sensitivity of heat-inducible recombination. Finally, using an infrared laser-evoked gene operator (IR-LEGO) system, heat shock induced in a micro area in the developing brains led to visualization of clonally-related cells in both juvenile and adult medaka fish. Conclusions/Significance We established a noninvasive method to control Cre/loxP site-specific recombination in the developing nervous system in medaka fish. This method will broaden the neural population available for mosaic analyses and allow for lineage tracing of the vertebrate nervous system in both juvenile and adult stages. PMID:23825546

[Correlation of retinol binding protein 4 with 
metabolic indexes of glucose and 
lipid, bile cholesterol saturation index].

PubMed

Wang, Wen; Li, Nianfeng

2015-06-01

To measure retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels in serum and bile and to analyze their relationship with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia or cholesterol saturation index (CSI).
 A total of 60 patients with gallstone were divided into a diabetes group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The concentrations of RBP4 in serum and bile were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Enzyme colorimetric method was used to measure the concentration of biliary cholesterol, bile acid and phospholipid. Biliary CSI was calculated by Carey table. Partial correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between the RBP4 levels in serum or bile and the above indexes.
 The RBP4 concentrations in serum and bile in the diabetes group were significantly elevated compared with those in the control group (both P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the serum total bile acid (TBA), serum triglyceride (TG), serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), bile TBA, bile total cholesterol (TC) , bile phospholipids and bile CSI between the 2 groups (all P>0.05); but the serum TC, low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the diabetes group were significantly increased compared to those in the control group (all P<0.05). The partial correlation analysis, which was adjusted by age, showed that the bile RBP4 was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), FINS, FBG, TC, LDL and HOMA-IR (r=0.283, 0.405, 0.685, 0.667, 0.553, 0.424 and 0.735, respectively), and the serum RBP4 was also positively correlated with the WC, FINS, FBG, TC, LDL and HOMA-IR (r=0.317, 0.734, 0.609, 0.528, 0.386 and 0.751, respectively). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis suggested that the HOMA-IR, BMI and WC were independently correlated with the level of bile RBP4 (multiple regression equation: Ybile RBP4=2.372XHOMA-IR+0.420XBMI+0.178XWC-26.813), and the serum RBP4 level was correlated with the HOMA-IR and WC independently (multiple regression equation: Yserum RBP4=2.832XHOMA-IR +0.235XWC-20.128). Multiple regression equations showed that HOMA-IR was the strongest correlation factor with RBP4.
 RBP4 concentrations in serum and bile in the diabetes group are significantly higher than those in the control group. HOMA-IR, BMI and WC are independently correlated with the level of bile RBP4. HOMA-IR and WC are independently correlated with the serum RBP4 level. HOMA-IR is the strongest correlation factor with RBP4. RBP4 might play an important role in the course of gallstone formation in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

TG-FTIR analysis on pyrolysis and combustion of marine sediment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oudghiri, Fatiha; Allali, Nabil; Quiroga, José María; Rodríguez-Barroso, María Rocío

2016-09-01

In this paper, the pyrolysis and combustion of sediment have been compared using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR) analysis. The TG results showed that both the pyrolysis and combustion of sediment presented four weight loss stages, each. The evolving gaseous products during pyrolysis were H2O, CO2 and hydrocarbons, while combustion yielded considerable amounts of CO2, in addition to H2O, CO, Cdbnd C, Cdbnd O and NH3. Comparing the pyrolysis and combustion TG-FTIR curves, it is possible to evaluate the effect of oxygen presence in the temperature range of 200-600 °C, which increases the volatilisation rate of organic matter in sediment. For the better detection of organic and inorganic matter in sediment by TG-FTIR analysis it is recommended to work in combustion mode of sediment.

Cu-based metal-organic framework/activated carbon composites for sulfur compounds removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Hui-Ling; Shi, Rui-Hua; Zhang, Zhen-Rong; Zhen, Tian; Shangguan, Ju; Mi, Jie

2017-02-01

MOF-199 was modified by incorporating activated carbon (AC) during its synthesis under hydrothermal conditions to improve its performance in the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3). A variety of different characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), pyridine adsorption infrared spectroscopy (Py-IR), thermogravimetric- mass spectroscopy (TG-MS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyze the fresh and exhausted composites. It was found that the composites, which have an amount of AC of less than 2%, had the same morphology as those of pristine MOF-199, but exhibited a more ordered crystallinity structure as well as higher surface area. The composite with 2% AC incorporation showed highest sulfur capacity of 8.46 and 8.53% for H2S and CH3SCH3, respectively, which increased by 51 and 41% compared to that of MOF-199. This improvement was attributed to the formation of more micropores and especially the increased number of unsaturated copper metal sites, as revealed by Py-IR. It is suggested the chemical reaction was apparent during adsorption of H2S, which resulted in the formation of CuS and the collapse of the MOF structure. Whereas reversible chemisorption was found for CH3SCH3 adsorption, as testified by TG-MS and fixed-bed regeneration. Exhausted MAC-2 can be almost totally regenerated by high temperature 180 °C nitrogen purge, indicating a promising adsorbent for CH3SCH3 removal.

Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of a New Polysaccharide Obtained from the Fresh Fruits of Abelmoschus Esculentus

PubMed Central

Emeje, Martins; Isimi, Christiana; Byrn, Stephen; Fortunak, Joseph; Kunle, Olobayo; Ofoefule, Sabinus

2011-01-01

This paper is the first multi-scale characterization of the fluidize-dried gum extracted from the fresh fruits of the plant Abelmoschus esculentus. It describes the physical, thermal, sorptional and functional properties of this natural gum. Elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XPRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transmittance infra red (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the gum sample. Abelmoschus Esculentus Gum (AEG) had a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 70°C and no melting peak. It showed a 14.91% loss in weight at 195°C. X-ray diffractogram showed numerous broad halos for AEG. Elemental analysis showed that AEG contains 39.5, 7.3, 51.8, and 1.4% carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen respectively. The results obtained in this study established the fundamental characteristics of AEG and suggests its potential application in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. PMID:24250349

Cardiometabolic risk in US Army recruits and the effects of basic combat training.

PubMed

Pasiakos, Stefan M; Karl, J Philip; Lutz, Laura J; Murphy, Nancy E; Margolis, Lee M; Rood, Jennifer C; Cable, Sonya J; Williams, Kelly W; Young, Andrew J; McClung, James P

2012-01-01

Cardiometabolic disease risk in US military recruits and the effects of military training have not been determined. This study examined lifestyle factors and biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic risk in US Army recruits (209; 118 male, 91 female, 23 ± 5 yr) before, during, and after basic combat training (BCT). Anthropometrics; fasting total (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; triglycerides (TG); glucose; and insulin were measured at baseline and every 3 wks during the 10 wk BCT course. At baseline, 14% of recruits were obese (BMI>30 kg/m(2)), 27% were cigarette smokers, 37% were sedentary, and 34% reported a family history of cardiometabolic disease. TC was above recommended levels in 8%, LDL in 39%, TG in 5%, and glucose in 8% of recruits, and HDL was below recommended levels in 33% of recruits at baseline. By week 9, TC decreased 8%, LDL 10%, TG 13%, glucose 6% and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) 40% in men (P<0.05). In women, TC, LDL, glucose and HOMA-IR were decreased from baseline at weeks 3 and 6 (P<0.05), but were not different from baseline levels at week 9. During BCT, body weight declined in men but not women, while body fat percentage declined in both men and women (P<0.05). At the start of military service, the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk in US military recruits is comparable to that reported in similar, college-aged populations. Military training appears to be an effective strategy that may mitigate risk in young people through improvements in lipid profiles and glycemic control.

Changes on degree of conversion of dual-cure luting light-cured with blue LED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandéca, M. C.; El-Mowafy, O.; Saade, E. G.; Rastelli, A. N. S.; Bagnato, V. S.; Porto-Neto, S. T.

2009-05-01

The indirect adhesive procedures constitute recently a substantial portion of contemporary esthetic restorative treatments. The resin cements have been used to bond tooth substrate and restorative materials. Due to recently introduction of the self-bonding resin luting cement based on a new monomer, filler and initiation technology has become important to study the degree of conversion of these new materials. In the present work the polymerization reaction and the filler content of dual-cured dental resin cements were studied by means of infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetry (TG). Twenty specimens were made in a metallic mold (8 mm diameter × 1 mm thick) from each of 2 cements, Panavia® F2.0 (Kuraray) and RelyX™ Unicem Applicap (3M/ESPE). Each specimen was cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/cm2 for 30 s. Immediately after curing, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days DC was determined. For each time interval 5 specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR. The TG measurements were performed in Netzsch TG 209 under oxygen atmosphere and heating rate of 10°C/min from 25 to 700°C. A two-way ANOVA showed DC (%) mean values statistically significance differences between two cements ( p < 0.05). The Tukey’s test showed no significant difference only for the 24 and 48 h after light irradiation for both resin cements ( p > 0.05). The Relx-Y™ Unicem mean values were significantly higher than Panavia® F 2.0. The degree of conversion means values increasing with the storage time and the filler content showed similar for both resin cements.

Cardiometabolic Risk in US Army Recruits and the Effects of Basic Combat Training

PubMed Central

Lutz, Laura J.; Murphy, Nancy E.; Margolis, Lee M.; Rood, Jennifer C.; Cable, Sonya J.; Williams, Kelly W.; Young, Andrew J.; McClung, James P.

2012-01-01

Background Cardiometabolic disease risk in US military recruits and the effects of military training have not been determined. This study examined lifestyle factors and biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic risk in US Army recruits (209; 118 male, 91 female, 23±5 yr) before, during, and after basic combat training (BCT). Methodology/Principal Findings Anthropometrics; fasting total (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; triglycerides (TG); glucose; and insulin were measured at baseline and every 3 wks during the 10 wk BCT course. At baseline, 14% of recruits were obese (BMI>30 kg/m2), 27% were cigarette smokers, 37% were sedentary, and 34% reported a family history of cardiometabolic disease. TC was above recommended levels in 8%, LDL in 39%, TG in 5%, and glucose in 8% of recruits, and HDL was below recommended levels in 33% of recruits at baseline. By week 9, TC decreased 8%, LDL 10%, TG 13%, glucose 6% and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) 40% in men (P<0.05). In women, TC, LDL, glucose and HOMA-IR were decreased from baseline at weeks 3 and 6 (P<0.05), but were not different from baseline levels at week 9. During BCT, body weight declined in men but not women, while body fat percentage declined in both men and women (P<0.05). Conclusions/Significance At the start of military service, the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk in US military recruits is comparable to that reported in similar, college-aged populations. Military training appears to be an effective strategy that may mitigate risk in young people through improvements in lipid profiles and glycemic control. PMID:22384004

Synthesis of metal complexes involving Schiff base ligand with methylenedioxy moiety: spectral, thermal, XRD and antimicrobial studies.

PubMed

Sundararajan, M L; Jeyakumar, T; Anandakumaran, J; Karpanai Selvan, B

2014-10-15

Metal complexes of Zn(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Mn(II) Hg(II), and Ag(I) have been synthesized from Schiff base ligand, prepared by the condensation of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)aniline and 5-bromo salicylaldehyde. All the compounds have been characterized by using elemental analysis, molar conductance, FT-IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass spectra, powder XRD and thermal analysis (TG/DTA) technique. The elemental analysis suggests the stoichiometry to be 1:1 (metal:ligand). The FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and UV-Vis spectral data suggest that the ligand coordinate to the metal atom by imino nitrogen and phenolic oxygen as bidentate manner. Mass spectral data further support the molecular mass of the compounds and their structure. Powder XRD indicates the crystalline state and morphology of the ligand and its metal complexes. The thermal behaviors of the complexes prove the presence of lattice as well as coordinated water molecules in the complexes. Melting point supports the thermal stability of all the compounds. The in vitro antimicrobial effects of the synthesized compounds were tested against five bacterial and three fungal species by well diffusion method. Antioxidant activities have also been performed for all the compounds. Metal complexes show more biological activity than the Schiff base. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Topological phases in (Na2O)x (P2O5)100-x glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, Chandi; Chbeir, Ralph; Czaja, Andrew; Chen, Ping; Boolchand, Punit

We have synthesized titled glasses in the 0 20%), Tg(x) increased steadily, but with appearance of a local maximum near x = 37.5%. On the other hand ΔHnr term, revealed a Trapezoidal-like minimum in the 32.5 % 42.5% in the flexible phase while those in the 20%

Tanshinone I alleviates insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats through IRS-1 pathway.

PubMed

Wei, Ying; Gao, Jiaqi; Qin, Lingling; Xu, Yunling; Wang, Dongchao; Shi, Haoxia; Xu, Tunhai; Liu, Tonghua

2017-09-01

Tanshinone I from tanshen has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory diseases. Given the link between inflammation and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we suspect that tanshinone I may have a beneficial effect on T2DM. This study was to investigate the potential effects of tanshinone I on T2DM and its underlying mechanism. T2DM was thus induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet. It was observed that T2DM rats had higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), total triglyceride (TG) and total low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared with normal, healthy SD rats. Treatment with tanshinone I decreased these levels and lowered blood glucose level in T2DM rats. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis showed that T2DM rats had elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that T2DM rats had enhanced nuclear translocation of NF-κB as well as elevated phosphorylation of Ser307 in IRS-1(insulin receptor substrate 1). Treatment by tanshinone I lowered the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB as well as phosphorylation of Ser307 in IRS-1. These results demonstrated that tanshinone I could alleviate T2DM syndrome in rats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Structural characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of racemic baclofen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maniukiewicz, Waldemar; Oracz, Monika; Sieroń, Lesław

2016-11-01

The crystal structure of baclofen, (R,S) [4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)butanoic acid], (C10H12ClNO2, Mr = 213.66) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The title compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (No. 61) with a = 9.2704(5), b = 7.0397(4), c = 30.4015(15) Å, V = 1984.0(2) Å3 and Z = 8. The molecules exist as zwitterions, adopting a gauche conformation with respect to the Cαsbnd Cβ bond, and held in a cross-linked chain arrangement by strong Nsbnd H⋯O hydrogen bonds and Csbnd Cl⋯π interactions. The electrostatic molecular potential as well as the intermolecular interactions of the title compound were analyzed by the Hirshfeld surfaces. The FT-IR spectrum is also reported. The DTA, TG and DTG results indicate that baclofen is stable up to 205 °C.

Syntheses and characterization of Ru(III) with chelating containing ONNO donor quadridentate Schiff bases.

PubMed

Refat, Moamen S; El-Korashy, Sabry A; Kumar, Deo Nandan; Ahmed, Ahmed S

2008-09-01

Complexes of ruthenium(III) with N,N'-disalicylidene-l,2-phenylenediamine (H2dsp), N,N'-disalicylidene-3,4-diaminotoluene (H2dst), 4-nitro-N,N'-disalicylidene-1,2-phenylenediamine (H2ndsp) and N,N'-disalicylidene ethylenediamine (H2salen) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, spectral methods (mid-infrared, 1H NMR and UV-vis spectra) and simultaneous thermal analysis (TG and DTG) techniques. The molar conductance measurements proved that all these complexes are non-electrolytes. The electronic spectra measurements were used to infer the structures. The IR spectra of the ligands and their complexes are used to identify the type of bonding. The kinetic thermodynamic parameters such as: E*, DeltaH*, DeltaS* and DeltaG* are estimated from the DTG curves. The four ligands and their complexes have been studied for their possible biological antifungal activity.

Sleep Duration and Media Time Have a Major Impact on Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Risk Factors in Obese Children and Adolescents.

PubMed

Sayin, Fatma Kubra; Buyukinan, Muammer

2016-08-01

Lifestyle factors sleep duration and media time during childhood differ between countries. This study examined whether sleep duration and media time affect metabolic risk factors insulin resistance (IR), blood lipid profile, and liver enzymes, and whether there is a relationship between sleep time and media time in Turkish obese children and adolescents. Subjects included 108 obese children and adolescents (aged 10-15 years) whose lifestyle factors were assessed using a survey containing questions about sleep durations, television viewing, media use, and demographic factors. Metabolic risk factors were compared among groups categorized according to sleep and media duration. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglyceride (TG) levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were higher in subjects who spent >5 hours/day on media. Children 10-13 years old who slept <9 hours/day were more likely to have higher insulin and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05) levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared with subjects who slept 9-10 hours/day and >10 hours/day. Correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between sleep time and media time (r = -0.471, p = 0.000). Short sleep duration was associated with IR and an elevated plasma lipoprotein profile in children and adolescents. Our results suggest that insufficient sleep and excessive media exposure may contribute to metabolic risk in the context of obesity, and therefore, working to improve sleep duration and limit media time could help reduce metabolic risk in obese children and adolescents.

TU-B-304-01: The Aftermath of TG-142

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klein, E.

2015-06-15

Although published in 2009, the AAPM TG-142 report on accelerator quality assurance still proves a challenge for full clinical implementation. The choice of methodologies to satisfy TG-142 requirements is critical to a successful application. Understanding the philosophy of TG-142 can help in creating an institution-specific QA practice that is both efficient and effective. The concept of maintaining commissioned beam profiles is still found confusing. The physicist must also consider technologies not covered by TG-142 (i.e. arc therapy techniques). On the horizon is TG-198 report on implementing TG-142. Although the community still lacks a final TG-100 report, performing a failure-mode -and-effectsmore » analysis and statistical process control analysis to determine the institution-specific clinical impact of each TG-142 test may be useful for identifying trends for pro-active surveillance. Learning Objectives: To better understand the confusing and controversial aspects of TG-142. To understand what is still missing from TG-142 and how to account for these tests in clinical practice To describe which QA tests in TG-142 yield the largest potential clinical result if not discovered.« less

TU-B-304-02: Quantitative FMEA of TG-142

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O’Daniel, J.

2015-06-15

Although published in 2009, the AAPM TG-142 report on accelerator quality assurance still proves a challenge for full clinical implementation. The choice of methodologies to satisfy TG-142 requirements is critical to a successful application. Understanding the philosophy of TG-142 can help in creating an institution-specific QA practice that is both efficient and effective. The concept of maintaining commissioned beam profiles is still found confusing. The physicist must also consider technologies not covered by TG-142 (i.e. arc therapy techniques). On the horizon is TG-198 report on implementing TG-142. Although the community still lacks a final TG-100 report, performing a failure-mode -and-effectsmore » analysis and statistical process control analysis to determine the institution-specific clinical impact of each TG-142 test may be useful for identifying trends for pro-active surveillance. Learning Objectives: To better understand the confusing and controversial aspects of TG-142. To understand what is still missing from TG-142 and how to account for these tests in clinical practice To describe which QA tests in TG-142 yield the largest potential clinical result if not discovered.« less

TU-B-304-00: The Aftermath of TG-142

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

2015-06-15

Although published in 2009, the AAPM TG-142 report on accelerator quality assurance still proves a challenge for full clinical implementation. The choice of methodologies to satisfy TG-142 requirements is critical to a successful application. Understanding the philosophy of TG-142 can help in creating an institution-specific QA practice that is both efficient and effective. The concept of maintaining commissioned beam profiles is still found confusing. The physicist must also consider technologies not covered by TG-142 (i.e. arc therapy techniques). On the horizon is TG-198 report on implementing TG-142. Although the community still lacks a final TG-100 report, performing a failure-mode -and-effectsmore » analysis and statistical process control analysis to determine the institution-specific clinical impact of each TG-142 test may be useful for identifying trends for pro-active surveillance. Learning Objectives: To better understand the confusing and controversial aspects of TG-142. To understand what is still missing from TG-142 and how to account for these tests in clinical practice To describe which QA tests in TG-142 yield the largest potential clinical result if not discovered.« less

[Effect of Jinlida on DGAT1 in Skeletal Muscle in Fat-Induced Insulin Resistance ApoE -/- Mice].

PubMed

Jin, Xin; Zhang, Hui-xin; Cui, Wen-wen

2015-06-01

To investigate the effect of Jinlida on DGAT1 in skeletal muscle in fat-induced insulin resistance ApoE-/- mice. Eight male C57BL/6J mice were used as normal group. 40 male ApoE -/- mice were fed high-fat diet for 16 weeks and divided into five groups: control group, rosiglitazone group, and Jinlida low, middle and high dose groups. Then corresponding drugs were administrated intragastrically for eight weeks. TG content in skeletal muscle was measured by enzymic enzymatic, Glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to evaluate the degree of insulin resistance in mice. The mRNA and protein expression of insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) in skeletal muscle were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)and Western blot. Jinlida particles reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA)and fasting insulin (FIns) levels, raised insulin sensitive index (ISI), improved glucose tolerance, and reduced skeletal muscle lipid deposition in ApoE -/- mice significantly. Jinlida particles increased the expression of IRS-1 mRNA and protein, and reduced DGAT1. Jinlida can alleviate the expression of DGAT in skeletal muscle in fat-induced insulin resistance ApoE-/- mice.

The association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and metabolic risk factors in black and white South African women: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

George, Cindy; Evans, Juliet; Micklesfield, Lisa K; Olsson, Tommy; Goedecke, Julia H

2018-01-01

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is associated with metabolic risk, however it is unclear whether the relationship is confounded by racial/ethnic differences in socioeconomic status (SES), lifestyle factors or central adiposity. The aims of the study was, (1) to investigate whether hsCRP levels differ by race/ethnicity; (2) to examine the race/ethnic-specific associations between hsCRP, HOMA-IR and serum lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C)]; and (3) to determine whether race/ethnic-specific associations are explained by SES, lifestyle factors or waist circumference (WC). The convenience sample comprised 195 black and 153 white apparently health women, aged 18-45 years. SES (education, assets and housing density) and lifestyle factors (alcohol use, physical activity and contraceptive use) were collected by questionnaire. Weight, height and WC were measured, and fasting blood samples collected for hsCRP, glucose, insulin, and lipids. Black women had higher age- and BMI-adjusted hsCRP levels than white women ( p  = 0.047). hsCRP was associated with HOMA-IR ( p  < 0.001), TG (p < 0.001), TC ( p  < 0.05), HDL-C (p < 0.05), and LDL-C ( p  < 0.05), independent of age and race/ethnicity. The association between hsCRP and lipids differed by race/ethnicity, such that hsCRP was positively associated with TG and LDL-C in white women, and inversely associated with HDL-C in black women. Higher hsCRP was also associated with higher TC in white women and lower TC in black women. Furthermore, when adjusting for SES and lifestyle factors, the associations between hsCRP, and TC and TG, remained, however the associations between hsCRP, and HDL-C and LDL-C, were no longer significant. Although circulating hsCRP may identify individuals at increased metabolic risk, the heterogeneity in these associations between racial/ethnic groups highlights the need for prospective studies investigating the role of hsCRP for risk prediction in different populations.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, thermal and structural properties of [M(3-aminopyridine)2Ni(μ-CN)2(CN)2]n (M(II) = Co and Cu) heteropolynuclear cyano-bridged complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartal, Zeki

2016-01-01

Two novel cyano-bridged heteropolynuclear complexes, [Co(3-aminopyridine)2Ni(μ-CN)2(CN)2]n and [Cu(3-aminopyridine)2Ni(μ-CN)2(CN)2]n have been synthesized and characterized by elemental, thermal, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopies. The structures of complexes have been determined by X-ray powder diffraction. The FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of complexes have been recorded in the region of 3500-400 cm-1 and 3500-100 cm-1, respectively. General information was acquired about structural properties of these complexes from FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra by considering changes at characteristic peaks of the cyano group and 3AP. The splitting of the ν(Ctbnd N) stretching bands in the FT-IR spectra for complexes indicates the presence of terminal and bridging cyanides. The thermal behaviors of these complexes have been also investigated in the range of 25-950 °C using TG and DTG methods. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were made at room temperature using Gouy-balance.

Residual transglutaminase in collagen - effects, detection, quantification, and removal.

PubMed

Schloegl, W; Klein, A; Fürst, R; Leicht, U; Volkmer, E; Schieker, M; Jus, S; Guebitz, G M; Stachel, I; Meyer, M; Wiggenhorn, M; Friess, W

2012-02-01

In the present study, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for microbial transglutaminase (mTG) from Streptomyces mobaraensis to overcome the lack of a quantification method for mTG. We further performed a detailed follow-on-analysis of insoluble porcine collagen type I enzymatically modified with mTG primarily focusing on residuals of mTG. Repeated washing (4 ×) reduced mTG-levels in the washing fluids but did not quantitatively remove mTG from the material (p < 0.000001). Substantial amounts of up to 40% of the enzyme utilized in the crosslinking mixture remained associated with the modified collagen. Binding was non-covalent as could be demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Acidic and alkaline dialysis of mTG treated collagen material enabled complete removal the enzyme. Treatment with guanidinium chloride, urea, or sodium chloride was less effective in reducing the mTG content. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of counterions of colorful sandwich-type zinc(II) 4‧-phenyl-terpyridine compounds on photoluminescent and thermal properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yongqiang; Zhou, Peng; Liang, Baohuan; Huang, Ling; Zhou, Yanling; Ma, Zhen

2017-10-01

Reactions between 4‧-phenyl-terpyridine (L) and several Zn(II) salts (p-toluenesulfonate, nitrate, trifluoromethane sulfonate or hexafluoroantimonate) led to the formation of the complexes [ZnL2](p-OSO2PhCH3)2 (1), [ZnL2](NO3)2 (2), [ZnL2](SO3CF3)2 (3) and [ZnL2](SbF6)2 (4), which were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis, UV-vis spectroscopies and single crystal X-ray diffraction, along with their TG-DTA thermal and photoluminescent properties. The four compounds show mononuclear Zn(II) structures with hexacoordinated, irregular ZnN6 octahedron geometries. Their colours and photo-luminescent properties have changed regularly depending on the counterions of the compounds.

Selective removal of monoterpenes from bergamot oil by inclusion in deoxycholic acid.

PubMed

Fantin, Giancarlo; Fogagnolo, Marco; Maietti, Silvia; Rossetti, Stefano

2010-05-12

A new approach for removing monoterpenes (MTs) from bergamot oil by selective inclusion in deoxycholic acid (DCA) is proposed. The inclusion process is very efficient, the included fraction being composed mainly of limonene (71.7%) and gamma-terpinene (19.8%). On the other hand, the deterpenated bergamot oil fraction showed for the linalool and linalyl acetate derivatives significant increases from 16.6 and 21.4% to 18.3 and 42.2%, respectively. The major advantages of this methodology are its simplicity, the mild conditions employed, and the quantitative recovery of both host (DCA) and guest (monoterpenes) compounds. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetry (TG), powder X-ray diffractometry (XRPD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and proton magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) analysis were used to investigate and characterize the inclusion compounds.

Synthesis, spectral, thermal, X-ray single crystal of new RuCl₂(dppb)diamine complexes and their application in hydrogenation of Cinnamic aldehyde.

PubMed

Warad, Ismail; Al-Hussain, Hanan; Al-Far, Rawhi; Mahfouz, Refaat; Hammouti, Belkheir; Hadda, Taibi Ben

2012-09-01

The preparation of new three trans-[RuCl(2)(dppb)(N-N)] with mixed diamine (N-N) and 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) ligands, starting from RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3) as precursor is presented. The complexes are characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, (1)H, (13)C and (31)P{(1)H}NMR, FAB-MS, TG/DTA and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Complex (2L(1)) crystallizes in the monoclinic unit cells with the space group P2(1). The catalysts are evaluated for their Cinnamic aldehyde hydrogenation. The catalysts show excellent activity and selectivity for the unsaturated carbonyl compound under mild conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical characterisation of natural K-clinoptilolite and heavy-metal forms from Gördes (Manisa, western Turkey)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ünaldı, Tevfik; Mızrak, İbrahim; Kadir, Selahattin

2013-12-01

Physicochemical characterisation of natural K-clinoptilolite and heavy-metal (Ag+, Cd2+, Cr3+ and Co3+) forms was accomplished through ion exchange by batch, X-ray diffractometric (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), infrared-spectral (FT-IR), differential thermal analysis-thermal gravimetric (DTA-TG) and scanning-electron microscopic (SEM) methods. Increasing the normality in the cases of heavy-metal forms resulted in decrease in crystallinity and increases in unit-cell volume, rate of ion exchange, and percentage of ion selectivity. In this study, the order of ion-selectivity percentages (rather than ion selectivity) of heavy-metal forms was determined to be Ag+ > Cd2+ > Cr3+ > Co3+. This finding is consistent with the results of worldwide research on the order of ion selectivity in modified clinoptilolite.

Bridging cobalt-calixarene subunits into a Co8 entity or a chain with 4,4‧-bipyridyl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wei; Liu, Mei; Du, Shangchao; Li, Yafeng; Liao, Wuping

2014-02-01

Two novel calixarene-based compounds, {[Co4Cl(TC4A)(HCOO)3]2(4,4‧-bpy)2} (CIAC-206) and {[Co3(H2O)(SC4A-SO2)(HCOO)2]2(4,4‧-bpy)}n (CIAC-207) (H4TC4A = p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene, SC4A-SO2 = p-tert-butylsulfonylcalix[4]arene, 4,4‧-bpy = 4,4‧-bipyridyl) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions, and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, TG-DSC analysis, elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. These two structures are featured with isolated Z-shaped Co8 entities containing two Co4-TC4A subunits bridged by two parallel 4,4‧-bpy (CIAC-206) and some zigzag chains with [Co3-SC4A-SO2]2 dimers bridged by single 4,4‧-bpy (CIAC-207), respectively. In order to evaluate their properties, the N2 sorption behavior and magnetic property were examined.

Synthesis, growth, structure and nonlinear optical properties of a semiorganic 2-carboxy pyridinium dihydrogen phosphate single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagapandiselvi, P.; Baby, C.; Gopalakrishnan, R.

2015-09-01

A new semiorganic compound namely, 2-carboxy pyridinium dihydrogen phosphate (2CPDP) was synthesised and grown as single crystals by slow evaporation solution growth technique. Single crystal XRD showed that 2CPDP belongs to monoclinic crystal system with space group P21/n. The molecular structure was further confirmed by modern spectroscopic techniques like FT-NMR (1H, 13C &31P), FT-IR, UV-Vis-NIR and Fluorescence. The UV-Vis-NIR analysis revealed suitability of the crystal for nonlinear optical applications. The photo active nature of the material is established from fluorescence studies. TG-DSC analysis showed that 2CPDP was thermally stable up to 170 °C. The dependence of dielectric properties on frequency and temperature were also studied. Nonlinear optical absorption determined from open aperture Z-Scan analysis by employing picosecond Nd-YAG laser, revealed that 2CPDP can serve as a promising candidate for optical limiting applications.

Effect of thiolated polymers to textural and mucoadhesive properties of vaginal gel formulations prepared with polycarbophil and chitosan.

PubMed

Cevher, Erdal; Sensoy, Demet; Taha, Mohamed A M; Araman, Ahmet

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to design and evaluate of mucoadhesive gel formulations for the vaginal application of clomiphene citrate (CLM) for local treatment of human papilloma virus (HPV) infections. Chitosan (CHI) and polycarbophil (PC) were covalently modified using the thioglycolic acid and L-cysteine, respectively. The formation of thiol conjugates of chitosan (CHI-TG) and polycarbophil (PC-CYS) were confirmed by FT-IR analysis and PC-CYS and CHI-TG were found to have 148.42 +/- 4.16 and 41.17 +/- 2.34 micromol of thiol groups per gram of polymer, respectively. One percent CLM gels were prepared by combination of various concentrations of PC and CHI with thiolated conjugates of these polymers. Hardness, compressibility, elasticity, adhesiveness and cohesiveness of the gels were measured by Texture profile analysis and the vaginal mucoadhesion was investigated by mucoadhesion test. The increasing in the amount of the thiol conjugates was found to enhance the elasticity, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and mucoadhesion of the gel formulations but not their hardness and compressibility when compared to gels prepared using their respective parent formulations. Slower release rate of CLM from gels was achieved when the polymer concentrations were increased in the gel formulations. PC and its thiol conjugate were found to prolong the release of CLM longer than 70 h unlike gel formulations prepared using CHI and its thiol conjugate which were able to release CLM up to 12 h. Stability of CLM was preserved during the 3 month stability analysis under controlled room temperature and accelerated conditions.

Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of composite resins with CQ and PPD as photo-initiators photoactivated by QTH and LED units.

PubMed

Brandt, William Cunha; Silva, Cristina Gomes; Frollini, Elisabete; Souza-Junior, Eduardo Jose Carvalho; Sinhoreti, Mário Alexandre Coelho

2013-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermal and mechanical properties of the composite resins containing the photo-initiators camphorquinone (CQ) and/or phenyl-propanodione (PPD) when photoactivated with halogen lamp (XL2500/3M-ESPE), monowave (UltraBlueIS/DMC) and polywave (UltraLume5/Ultradent) LED units. A blend of BisGMA, UDMA, BisEMA and TEGDMA was prepared with the same wt% of photo-initiators CQ and/or PPD and 65wt% of silaneted filler particles. Compression strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS) and diametral modulus (DM) were tested. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was made and the lost residual monomer were verified. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was used for to analyze the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the storage modulus in 37°C. Degree of conversion (DC) was accomplished in the same samples of DMA using middle-infrared spectroscopy (mid-IR). CQ, CQ/PPD and PPD obtained the same results for all mechanical properties (CS, DTS and DM), lost residual monomer and storage modulus in 37°C, regardless LCU used. The results of Tg showed that the combination PPD-UltraLume5 produced the highest values. DC showed that the combination CQ-UltraLume5 resulted in the highest values and PPD-XL2500 in the lowest DC values. The study shows that PPD is not only effective photosensitizers, but also photocrosslinking agents for dental composite resins with a similar efficiency to CQ. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regulation and mechanism of leptin on lipid metabolism in ovarian follicle cells from yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco.

PubMed

Zhang, Li-Han; Tan, Xiao-Ying; Wu, Kun; Zhuo, Mei-Qin; Song, Yu-Feng; Chen, Qing-Ling

2015-10-01

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of leptin on lipid metabolism in ovarian follicle cells of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. For that purpose, primary ovarian follicle cells were isolated from yellow catfish, cultured and subjected to different treatments (control, 0.1% DMSO, 500ng/ml leptin, 500ng/ml leptin plus 100μM wortmannin, 500ng/ml leptin plus 50nM AG490, respectively) for 48h. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) content, the activities (CPT I, FAS, G6PD, and 6PGD) and/or expression level of several enzymes (CPT I, FAS, G6PD, 6PGD, ACCa and ACCb), as well as the mRNA expression of transcription factors (PPARα, PPARγ and SREBP-1) involved in lipid metabolism were determined. Recombinant human leptin (rt-hLEP) incubation significantly reduced intracellular TG content, activities and mRNA levels of FAS, G6PD and 6PGD, SREBP-1 and PPARγ, but enhanced activity and mRNA level of CPT I, PPARα and ACCa. Specific inhibitors AG490 and wortmannin of JAK-STAT and IRS-PI3K signaling pathways prevented leptin-induced changes, indicating that JAK-STAT and IRS-PI3K signaling pathways were involved in the process of leptin-induced changes of lipid metabolism. Based on these observations above, for the first time, our study indicated that leptin reduced lipid deposition by activating lipolysis and suppressing lipogenesis in ovarian follicles of yellow catfish, and both JAK-STAT and IRS-PI3K signaling pathways were involved in the changes of leptin-induced lipid metabolism. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of direct measures of adiposity with indirect measures for assessing cardiometabolic risk factors in preadolescent girls.

PubMed

Hetherington-Rauth, Megan; Bea, Jennifer W; Lee, Vinson R; Blew, Robert M; Funk, Janet; Lohman, Timothy G; Going, Scott B

2017-02-23

Childhood overweight and obesity remains high, contributing to cardiometabolic risk factors at younger ages. It is unclear which measures of adiposity serve as the best proxies for identifying children at metabolic risk. This study assessed whether DXA-derived direct measures of adiposity are more strongly related to cardiometabolic risk factors in children than indirect measures. Anthropometric and DXA measures of adiposity and a comprehensive assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors were obtained in 288, 9-12 year old girls, most being of Hispanic ethnicity. Multiple regression models for each metabolic parameter were run against each adiposity measure while controlling for maturation and ethnicity. In addition, regression models including both indirect and direct measures were developed to assess whether using direct measures of adiposity could provide a better prediction of the cardiometabolic risk factors beyond that of using indirect measures alone. Measures of adiposity were significantly correlated with cardiometabolic risk factors (p < 0.05) except fasting glucose. After adjusting for maturation and ethnicity, indirect measures of adiposity accounted for 29-34% in HOMA-IR, 10-13% in TG, 14-17% in HDL-C, and 5-8% in LDL-C while direct measures accounted for 29-34% in HOMA-IR, 10-12% in TG, 13-16% in HDL-C, and 5-6% in LDL-C. The addition of direct measures of adiposity to indirect measures added significantly to the variance explained for HOMA-IR (p = 0.04). Anthropometric measures may perform as well as the more precise direct DXA-derived measures of adiposity for assessing most CVD risk factors in preadolescent girls. The use of DXA-derived adiposity measures together with indirect measures may be advantageous for predicting insulin resistance risk. NCT02654262 . Retrospectively registered 11 January 2016.

The role of plasma triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio to predict cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Sonmez, Alper; Yilmaz, Mahmut Ilker; Saglam, Mutlu; Unal, Hilmi Umut; Gok, Mahmut; Cetinkaya, Hakki; Karaman, Murat; Haymana, Cem; Eyileten, Tayfun; Oguz, Yusuf; Vural, Abdulgaffar; Rizzo, Manfredi; Toth, Peter P

2015-04-16

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is substantially increased in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Triglycerides (TG) to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio is an indirect measure of insulin resistance and an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. No study to date has been performed to evaluate whether the TG/HDL-C ratio predicts CVD risk in patients with CKD. A total of 197 patients (age 53±12 years) with CKD Stages 1 to 5, were enrolled in this longitudinal, observational, retrospective study. TG/HDL-C ratio, HOMA-IR indexes, serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorous, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albumin levels were measured. Flow mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery was assessed by using high-resolution ultrasonography. A total of 11 cardiovascular (CV) deaths and 43 nonfatal CV events were registered in a mean follow-up period of 30 (range 9 to 35) months. Subjects with TG/HDL-C ratios above the median values (>3.29) had significantly higher plasma ADMA, PTH, and phosphorous levels (p=0.04, p=0.02, p=0.01 respectively) and lower eGFR and FMD values (p=0.03, p<0.001 respectively). The TG/HDL-C ratio was an independent determinant of FMD (β=-0.25 p=0.02) along with TG, HDL-C, hsCRP, serum albumin, phosphate levels, systolic blood pressure, PTH, eGFR and the presence of diabetes mellitus. The TG/HDL-C ratio was also a significant independent determinant of cardiovascular outcomes [HR: 1.36 (1.11-1.67) (p=0.003)] along with plasma ADMA levels [HR: 1.31 (1.13-1.52) (p<0.001)] and a history of diabetes mellitus [HR: 4.82 (2.80-8.37) (p<0.001)]. This study demonstrates that the elevated TG/HDL-C ratio predicts poor CVD outcome in subjects with CKD. Being a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible marker of CVD risk, the TG/HDL-C ratio may emerge as a novel and reliable indicator among the many well-established markers of CVD risk in CKD. Clinical trial registration number and date: NCT02113462 / 10-04-2014.

Effects of probiotics supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

PubMed

Hu, Yi-Meng; Zhou, Feng; Yuan, Yin; Xu, Yan-Cheng

2017-04-21

To objectively evaluate the effects of probiotics supplement on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with regard to the probiotics or synbiotics for the treatment of T2DM were collected through retrieving 5 databases from their establishment to March 2016. After study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were performed by 2 authors independently; and STATA software was used for statistical analysis. The level of evidence was evaluated by applying the GRADE system. Twelve RCTs involving 770 participants were enrolled. The results of the meta-analysis showed that probiotics could significantly reduce fasting blood glucose by -11.27mg/dL (95% CI -21.76 to -0.79; P<.001) and serum insulin concentration by -2.36μU/mL (95% CI -4.01 to -0.72; P=.005), but with no significant reduction on HbA 1c (-0.19%; 95% CI -0.49 to 0.12; P=.23). Probiotics could significantly reduce HOMA-IR of T2DM patients (-1.05; 95% CI -1.52 to -0.59; P<.001). Nevertheless, the effect on QUICKI was negligible (0.00; 95% CI -0.00 to 0.01; P=.27). Results also confirmed the significant lowering effect of probiotics on total cholesterol (-8.49mg/dL; 95% CI -15.24 to -1.73; P=.014) and triglycerides (TG; -23.66mg/dL; 95% CI -40.26 to -7.05; P<.001), as well as the elevating effect on HDL-c (3.92mg/dL; 95% CI 2.14 to5.7; P<.01). However, there was no significant change on LDL-c (-0.84mg/dL; 95% CI -5.84 to 4.17; P=.75). Subgroup analysis was conducted for 2 outcomes, that is, serum insulin concentration and TG, whose heterogeneity was too high. The results showed multiple species of probiotics had stronger reduction effect on serum insulin concentration (-3.32μU/mL; 95% CI -5.89 to-0.75; P=.001) and TG (-25.94mg/dL; 95% CI -65.33 to 13.44; P<.001). In addition, it also suggested that only the duration of treatment for≥8 weeks could significantly reduce TG by -24.47mg/dL (95% CI -40.15 to -8.78; P=.001). The duration of treatment for<8 weeks didn't result in significant reduction on TG (-4.31mg/dL; 95% CI -37.69 to 29.06; P=.8). Finally, all the evidences were at moderate and low levels according to the GRADE system. As a kind of the potential biotherapeutics in the management of T2DM, probiotics can improve glucose control and lipid metabolism. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Non-Insulin-Requiring Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) Autoantibody-Positive Diabetes: A Nationwide Survey in Japan

PubMed Central

Yasui, Junichi; Kawasaki, Eiji; Tanaka, Shoichiro; Awata, Takuya; Ikegami, Hiroshi; Imagawa, Akihisa; Uchigata, Yasuko; Osawa, Haruhiko; Kajio, Hiroshi; Kawabata, Yumiko; Shimada, Akira; Takahashi, Kazuma; Yasuda, Kazuki; Yasuda, Hisafumi; Hanafusa, Toshiaki; Kobayashi, Tetsuro

2016-01-01

Aims Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADAb) differentiate slowly progressive insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus (SPIDDM) from phenotypic type 2 diabetes, but many GADAb-positive patients with diabetes do not progress to insulin-requiring diabetes. To characterize GADAb-positive patients with adult-onset diabetes who do not require insulin therapy for >5 years (NIR-SPIDDM), we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Japan. Methods We collected 82 GADAb-positive patients who did not require insulin therapy for >5 years (NIR-SPIDDM) and compared them with 63 patients with insulin-requiring SPIDDM (IR-SPIDDM). Clinical and biochemical characteristics, HLA-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes, and predictive markers for progression to insulin therapy were investigated. Results Compared with the IR-SPIDDM group, the NIR-SPIDDM patients showed later diabetes onset, higher body mass index, longer duration before diagnosis, and less frequent hyperglycemic symptoms at onset. In addition, C-peptide, LDL-cholesterol, and TG were significantly higher in the NIR-SPIDDM compared to IR-SPIDDM patients. The NIR-SPIDDM group had lower frequency of susceptible HLA-DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01 and a higher frequency of resistant HLA-DRB1*15:01-DQB1*06:02 haplotype compared to IR-SPIDDM. A multivariable analysis showed that age at diabetes onset (OR = 0.82), duration before diagnosis of GADAb-positive diabetes (OR = 0.82), higher GADAb level (≥10.0 U/ml) (OR = 20.41), and fasting C-peptide at diagnosis (OR = 0.07) were independent predictive markers for progression to insulin-requiring diabetes. An ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off points for discriminating two groups was the GADAb level of 13.6 U/ml, age of diabetes onset of 47 years, duration before diagnosis of 5 years, and fasting C-peptide of 0.65 ng/ml. Conclusions Clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics of patients with NIR-SPIDDM are different from those of IR-SPIDDM patients. Age of diabetes onset, duration before GADAb-positivity, GADAb level, and fasting C-peptide at diagnosis must be carefully considered in planning prevention trials for SPIDDM. PMID:27177031

Lithium-ion battery electrolyte emissions analyzed by coupled thermogravimetric/Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertilsson, Simon; Larsson, Fredrik; Furlani, Maurizio; Albinsson, Ingvar; Mellander, Bengt-Erik

2017-10-01

In the last few years the use of Li-ion batteries has increased rapidly, powering small as well as large applications, from electronic devices to power storage facilities. The Li-ion battery has, however, several safety issues regarding occasional overheating and subsequent thermal runaway. During such episodes, gas emissions from the electrolyte are of special concern because of their toxicity, flammability and the risk for gas explosion. In this work, the emissions from heated typical electrolyte components as well as from commonly used electrolytes are characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and FT-IR coupled with thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, when heating up to 650 °C. The study includes the solvents EC, PC, DEC, DMC and EA in various single, binary and ternary mixtures with and without the LiPF6 salt, a commercially available electrolyte, (LP71), containing EC, DEC, DMC and LiPF6 as well as extracted electrolyte from a commercial 6.8 Ah Li-ion cell. Upon thermal heating, emissions of organic compounds and of the toxic decomposition products hydrogen fluoride (HF) and phosphoryl fluoride (POF3) were detected. The electrolyte and its components have also been extensively analyzed by means of infrared spectroscopy for identification purposes.

Synthesis and selective IR absorption properties of iminodiacetic-acid intercalated MgAl-layered double hydroxide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang Lijing; Xu Xiangyu; Evans, David G.

2010-05-15

An MgAl-NO{sub 3}-layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursor has been prepared by a method involving separate nucleation and aging steps (SNAS). Reaction with iminodiacetic acid (IDA) under weakly acidic conditions led to the replacement of the interlayer nitrate anions by iminodiacetic acid anions. The product was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TG-DTA, ICP, elemental analysis and SEM. The results show that the original interlayer nitrate anions of LDHs precursor were replaced by iminodiacetic acid anions and that the resulting intercalation product MgAl-IDA-LDH has an ordered crystalline structure. MgAl-IDA-LDH was mixed with low density polyethylene (LDPE) using a masterbatch method. LDPE films filledmore » with MgAl-IDA-LDH showed a higher mid to far infrared absorption than films filled with MgAl-CO{sub 3}-LDH in the 7-25 {mu}m range, particularly in the key 9-11 {mu}m range required for application in agricultural plastic films. - Graphical abstract: Intercalation of iminodiacetic acid (IDA) anions in a MgAl-NO{sub 3}-layered double hydroxide host leads to an enhancement of its infrared absorbing ability for application in agricultural plastic films.« less

Theoretical and experimental evaluation of a new organic proton transfer crystal aminoguanidinium p-nitrobenzoate monohydrate for optical limiting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanmugavadivu, T.; Senthilkumar, K.; Dhandapani, M.; Muthuraja, P.; Balachandar, S.; Sethu Raman, M.

2017-12-01

Aminoguanidinium p-nitrobenzoate monohydrate (AGPNB), an organic third order nonlinear crystal, was successfully grown by the slow evaporation technique. Single crystal XRD analysis reveals that the grown crystal belongs to monoclinic system with P21/n space group. FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies were carried out to confirm the proton transfer. Optical and thermal suitability were assessed by UV-NIR and TG-DTA studies. Hirshfeld surface analysis predicts that the O⋯H/H⋯O interactions dominated over the crystal structure. Third order nonlinearity was studied by Z-scan analysis and it is found that AGPNB can be used as a reverse satuarble absorption (RSA) based optical limiter at 632.8 nm. Computational studies, such as geometry optimization, Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, Mulliken population analysis and Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) were performed at B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated first order hyperpolarizability of AGPNB is found to be 35 times that of urea.

[Rhein promotes the expression of SIRT1 in kidney tissues of type 2 diabetic rat].

PubMed

Chen, Weidong; Chang, Baochao; Zhang, Yan; Yang, Ping; Liu, Lei

2015-05-01

To observe the effect of rhein on the expression of SIRT1(Sirtuin 1) in kidney of diabetic rats, and to explore the role of rhein in protecting rat kidney against diabetic nephropathy and possible mechanism. The type 2 diabetic rats were induced by high-glucose and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body mass). Seventy-five eight-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal group, diabetic group, low-, medium- and high-dose (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) rhein treatment groups and 10 mg/kg pioglitazone treatment group. The rats were given corresponding substances intragastrically once a day. At the end of the 16th week, the fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum creatinine (Scr) and 24 hours urine protein (24 h U-PRO) were determined. The renal hypertrophy index (KM/BM), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. The pathological changes in renal tissues were examined by PAS staining under a light microscopy. The mean glomerular area (MGA) and mean glomerular volume (MGV) were measured by pathological image analysis system. Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR were used to determine the expression of SIRT1 in renal tissues at protein and mRNA levels, respectively. The expression of SIRT1 was down-regulated in the kidney of diabetic rats. The levels of FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, Scr, 24 h U-PRO, KM/BM, MGA and MGV significantly decreased and the histopathology of renal tissues were significantly improved in all treatment groups compared with diabetic group. The expression of SIRT1 mRNA and protein markedly increased in rhein treatment groups and pioglitazone treatment group compared with diabetic group. The indicators in high-dose rhein treatment group were improved more significantly than those in the other groups. Correlation analysis showed that the expression of SIRT1 was negatively correlated with 24 h U-PRO and MGV. The expression of SIRT1 was reduced in kidney tissues of diabetic rats. Rhein could attenuate kidney damage in diabetic rats by improving the insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, and increasing the SIRT1 expression.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xie, Yu, E-mail: xieyu_121@163.com; Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, TIPC, CAS, Beijing 100190; Hong, Xiaowei

Graphical abstract: Due to combining different functions and characteristics of individual materials, hybrid nanocomposite materials can strengthen their applications. Magnetic-conductive nanocomposites are the promising materials with electromagnetic loss, which have synergetic behavior between magnetic and conductive materials. It is the first time to report the synthesis of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide (BF/TD) composites by the gel-precursor self-propagating combustion process. The influence of mass ratio of BF and TD on the electromagnetic properties of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites was studied. The tgδ{sub μ} and tgδ{sub ε} of BF–TD composites. - Highlights: • It is the first time tomore » report BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites. • The composites are prepared by the gel-precursor self-propagating combustion. • The electromagnetic properties could be adjusted by the mass ratio of BF and TD. • The introduction of TD enhances the dielectric loss and widens the frequency bands. • BF/TD composites will be microwave absorption materials with wide frequency band. - Abstract: Doped BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites have been prepared by the gel-precursor self-propagating combustion process. The characterization of the composites are performed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential thermal analysis-thermo gravimetry (DTA–TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and network analyzer. Both XRD and FT-IR indicate that the doped BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites are successfully synthesized and there are some interactions between BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide. DTA–TG analysis of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide composites shows that the composite gel decomposition process mainly includes two stages: the first stage is the crystallized water and the residual moisture evaporation; the second stage is the nitrate and citric acid decomposition reaction. SEM demonstrates that the doped BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19}/titanium dioxide solid solution has formed. The magnetic parameters indicate that the electromagnetic properties of the composites could be well adjusted by the mass ratio of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide. When the mass ratio of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide is 4:5, the composites have the best magnetic loss. The composites with the mass ratio 6:5 of BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide. BaFe{sub 11.92}(LaNd){sub 0.04}O{sub 19} and titanium dioxide possess good dielectric loss. The introduction of titanium dioxide enhances the dielectric loss and widens the frequency bands. The composites will be promising microwave absorption materials with wide frequency band.« less

On the use of a novel Ferrous Xylenol-orange gelatin dosimeter for HDR brachytherapy commissioning and quality assurance testing.

PubMed

Pappas, Eleftherios P; Peppa, Vasiliki; Hourdakis, Costas J; Karaiskos, Pantelis; Papagiannis, Panagiotis

2018-01-01

To evaluate a commercially available Ferrous-Xylenol Orange-Gel (FXG) dosimeter (TrueView™) coupled with Optical-Computed Tomography (OCT) read out, for 3D dose verification in an Ir-192 superficial brachytherapy application. Two identical polyethylene containers filled with gel from the same batch were used. One was irradiated with an 18 MeV electron field to examine the dose-response linearity and obtain a calibration curve. A flap surface applicator was attached to the other to simulate treatment of a skin lesion. The dose distribution in the experimental set up was calculated with the TG-43 and the model based dose calculation (MBCA) algorithms of a commercial treatment planning system (TPS), as well as Monte Carlo (MC) simulation using the MCNP code. Measured and calculated dose distributions were spatially registered and compared. Apart from a region close to the container's neck, where gel measurements exhibited an over-response relative to MC calculations (probably due to stray light perturbation), an excellent agreement was observed between measurements and simulations. More than 97% of points within the 10% isodose line (80 cGy) met the gamma index criteria established from uncertainty analysis (5%/2 mm). The corresponding passing rates for the comparison of experiment to calculations using the TG-43 and MBDCA options of the TPS were 57% and 92%, respectively. TrueView™ is suitable for the quality assurance of demanding radiotherapy applications. Experimental results of this work confirm the advantage of the studied MBDCA over TG-43, expected from the improved account of scatter radiation in the treatment geometry. Copyright © 2017 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isosteviol Has Beneficial Effects on Palmitate-Induced α-Cell Dysfunction and Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaoping; Hermansen, Kjeld; Xiao, Jianzhong; Bystrup, Sara Kjaergaard; O'Driscoll, Lorraine; Jeppesen, Per Bendix

2012-01-01

Background Long-term exposure to high levels of fatty acids impairs insulin secretion and exaggerates glucagon secretion. The aim of this study was to explore if the antihyperglycemic agent, Isosteviol (ISV), is able to counteract palmitate-induced α-cell dysfunction and to influence α-cell gene expression. Methodology/Principal Findings Long-term incubation studies with clonal α-TC1–6 cells were performed in the presence of 0.5 mM palmitate with or without ISV. We investigated effects on glucagon secretion, glucagon content, cellular triglyceride (TG) content, cell proliferation, and expression of genes involved in controlling glucagon synthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and insulin signal transduction. Furthermore, we studied effects of ISV on palmitate-induced glucagon secretion from isolated mouse islets. Culturing α-cells for 72-h with 0.5 mM palmitate in the presence of 18 mM glucose resulted in a 56% (p<0.01) increase in glucagon secretion. Concomitantly, the TG content of α-cells increased by 78% (p<0.01) and cell proliferation decreased by 19% (p<0.05). At 18 mM glucose, ISV (10−8 and 10−6 M) reduced palmitate-stimulated glucagon release by 27% (p<0.05) and 27% (p<0.05), respectively. ISV (10−6 M) also counteracted the palmitate-induced hypersecretion of glucagon in mouse islets. ISV (10−6 M) reduced α-TC1–6 cell proliferation rate by 25% (p<0.05), but ISV (10−8 and 10−6 M) had no effect on TG content in the presence of palmitate. Palmitate (0.5 mM) increased Pcsk2 (p<0.001), Irs2 (p<0.001), Fasn (p<0.001), Srebf2 (p<0.001), Acaca (p<0.01), Pax6 (p<0.05) and Gcg mRNA expression (p<0.05). ISV significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated Insr, Irs1, Irs2, Pik3r1 and Akt1 gene expression in the presence of palmitate. Conclusions/Significance ISV counteracts α-cell hypersecretion and apparently contributes to changes in expression of key genes resulting from long-term exposure to palmitate. ISV apparently acts as a glucagonostatic drug with potential as a new anti-diabetic drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. PMID:22479612

PEDIATRIC VISCERAL ADIPOSITY INDEX ADAPTATION CORRELATES WITH HOMA-IR, MATSUDA, AND TRANSAMINASES.

PubMed

Hernández, María José Garcés; Klünder, Miguel; Nieto, Nayely Garibay; Alvarenga, Juan Carlos López; Gil, Jenny Vilchis; Huerta, Samuel Flores; Siccha, Rosa Quispe; Hernandez, Joselin

2018-03-01

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a mathematical model associated with cardiometabolic risk in adults, but studies on children failed to support this association. Our group has proposed a pediatric VAI model using pediatric ranges, but it has not yet been evaluated and needs further adjustments. The objective of this study was to further adjust the proposed pediatric VAI by age, creating a new pediatric metabolic index (PMI), and assess the correlation of the PMI with insulin resistance indexes and hepatic enzymes. A cross-sectional design with data from 396 children (age 5 to 17 years) was analyzed with a generalized linear model to find the coefficients for triglycerides, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist circumference-body mass index quotient. The model was constructed according to sex and age and designated PMI. A cross-validation analysis was performed and a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine cut-off points. Significant moderate correlation was found between PMI and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ( r = 0.452; P = .003), Matsuda ( r = -0.366; P = .019), alanine aminotransferase ( r = 0.315, P = .045), and γ-glutamyltransferase ( r = 0.397; P = .010). A PMI score >1.7 was considered as risk. PMI correlates with HOMA-IR, Matsuda, and hepatic enzymes. It could be helpful for identifying children at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. ALT = alanine transaminase BMI = body mass index GGT = γ-glutamyltransferase HDL-C = high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol HOMA-IR = homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance hs-CRP = high sensitivity C-reactive protein ISI = insulin sensitivity index NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease PMI = pediatric metabolic index QUICKI = quantitative insulin sensitivity check index ROC = receiver operating characteristic TG = triglyceride TNF-α = tumor necrosis factor-alpha VAI = visceral adiposity index VAT = visceral adipose tissue WC = waist circumference.

Diagnostic value of Tg and TgAb for metastasis following ablation in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma coexistent with Hashimoto thyroiditis.

PubMed

Chai, Hong; Zhu, Zhao-Jin; Chen, Ze-Quan; Yu, Yong-Li

2016-08-01

This study was designed to investigate the clinical value of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) measurements and the cutoff value after ablation in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) complicated by Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) with metastasis. We measured serum Tg and TgAb levels and evaluated the disease status in 164 cases of DTC coexistent with HT in pathologically confirmed patients after surgery and post-remnant ablation during a 3-year follow-up. All Tg and TgAb levels were assessed by chemiluminescent immunoassay (IMA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic value of Tg and TgAb for disease metastasis. The relationship between Tg and TgAb was analyzed using the scatter diagram distribution method. We found that the cutoff values of Tg and TgAb were 1.48 µg/L and 45 kIU/L, respectively. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of Tg and TgAb was 0.907 and 0.650, respectively. In DTC coexistent with HT patients, the optimal cutoff value correlated with metastasis in Tg and TgAb was 1.48 µg/L and 45 kIU/L, respectively.

Ezetimibe improves hepatic steatosis in relation to autophagy in obese and diabetic rats.

PubMed

Chang, Eugene; Kim, Lisa; Park, Se Eun; Rhee, Eun-Jung; Lee, Won-Young; Oh, Ki-Won; Park, Sung-Woo; Park, Cheol-Young

2015-07-07

To investigate whether ezetimibe ameliorates hepatic steatosis and induces autophagy in a rat model of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Male age-matched lean control LETO and obese and diabetic OLETF rats were administered either PBS or ezetimibe (10 mg/kg per day) via stomach gavage for 20 wk. Changes in weight gain and energy intake were regularly monitored. Blood and liver tissue were harvested after overnight fasting at the end of study. Histological assessment was performed in liver tissue. The concentrations of glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), and total cholesterol (TC) in blood and TG, FFA, and TG in liver tissue were measured. mRNA and protein abundance involved in autophagy was analyzed in the liver. To investigate the effect of ezetimibe on autophagy and reduction in hepatic fat accumulation, human Huh7 hepatocytes were incubated with ezetimibe (10 μmol/L) together with or without palmitic acid (PA, 0.5 mmol/L, 24 h). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to demonstrate effect of ezetimibe on autophagy formation. Autophagic flux was measured with bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of autophagy and following immunoblotting for autophagy-related protein expression. In the OLETF rats that received ezetimibe (10 mg/kg per day), liver weight were significantly decreased by 20% compared to OLETF control rats without changes in food intake and body weight (P < 0.05). Lipid parameters including TG, FFA, and TC in liver tissue of ezetimibe-administrated OLETF rats were dramatically decreased at least by 30% compared to OLETF controls (P < 0.01). The serum glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and lipid profiles were also improved by ezetimibe (P < 0.05). In addition, autophagy-related mRNA expression including ATG5, ATG6, and ATG7 and the protein level of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were significantly increased in the liver in rats that received ezetimibe (P < 0.05). Likewise, for hepatocytes cultured in vitro, ezetimibe treatment significantly decreased PA-induced fat accumulation and increased PA-reduced mRNA and protein expression involved in autophagy (P < 0.05). Ezetimibe-increased autophagosomes was observed in TEM analysis. Immunoblotting analysis of autophagy formation with an inhibitor of autophagy demonstrated that ezetimibe-increased autophagy resulted from increased autophagic flux. The present study demonstrates that ezetimibe-mediated improvement in hepatic steatosis might involve the induction of autophagy.

Spectroscopic characterization of metal complexes of novel Schiff base. Synthesis, thermal and biological activity studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, M. M.; Mohamed, Gehad G.; Ibrahim, Amr A.

2009-07-01

Novel Schiff base (HL) ligand is prepared via condensation of 4-aminoantipyrine and 2-aminobenzoic acid. The ligand is characterized based on elemental analysis, mass, IR and 1H NMR spectra. Metal complexes are reported and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance and thermal analyses (TGA, DrTGA and DTA). The molar conductance data reveal that all the metal chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that HL is coordinated to the metal ions in a uninegatively tridentate manner with NNO donor sites of the azomethine N, amino N and deprotonated caroxylic-O. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, it is found that the geometrical structures of these complexes are octahedral. The thermal behaviour of these chelates shows that the hydrated complexes losses water molecules of hydration in the first step followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligand molecules in the subsequent steps. The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as, E*, ΔH*, ΔS* and ΔG* are calculated from the DrTG curves using Coats-Redfern method. The synthesized ligands, in comparison to their metal complexes also were screened for their antibacterial activity against bacterial species, Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus Pyogones and Fungi (Candida). The activity data show that the metal complexes to be more potent/antibacterial than the parent Shciff base ligand against one or more bacterial species.

Metabolically healthy/unhealthy components may modify bone mineral density in obese people.

PubMed

Mirzababaei, Atieh; Mirzaei, Khadijeh; Khorrami-Nezhad, Leila; Maghbooli, Zhila; Keshavarz, Seyed Ali

2017-10-29

Link between obesity and bone health is controversial. It seems that maybe the difference in metabolic status leads to this difference. We studied relation between metabolically healthy/unhealthy components with bone mineral density. Results showed metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO) phenotypes have better bone status at hip site than metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Also, component metabolic can effect on BMD in different sites. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare total BMD and L-L4 BMD in MHO and MUHO base on Karelis criteria. We enrolled 272 Iranian obese women and men (BMI ≥ 30). According to Karelis criteria, the participants were grouped base to MHO and MUHO. The body composition and BMD were assessed for all cases. Serum HDL-C, LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were quantified by ELISA method. Our results demonstrate MUHO phenotype have high total BMD more than MHO (P = 0.01, CI = 0.12 to 0.21). Also, the results of logistic regression analysis showed MUHO have strongly associated with total BMD (β = -0.42, CI = - 0.31 to - 0.04, P = 0.009), but did not affected L2-L4 BMD (β = - 0.09, CI = - 0.14 to 0.08, P = 0.578); this represents that there was discordance in MUHO subjects. Our evidence implicated that HOMA-IR, high level serum TG, hs-CRP, and low level serum HDL had mediatory effect on relationship between obesity and high BMD at the hip region in MUHO subjects (P < 0.05). Present evidence indicates that, could be a novel link between difference in MUH phenotype and MH phenotype with bone status. Also, component metabolic can effect on BMD in different sites.

Simple solvothermal synthesis of hydrophobic magnetic monodispersed Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Jing; Wang, Lu; Wang, Jing, E-mail: Jingwang@home.ipe.ac.cn

Graphical abstract: A facile method to produce monodispersed magnetite nanoparticles is based on the solvothermal reaction of iron acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) decomposition. The sizes ranged from 7 to 12 nm, which could be controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of oleylamine to n-hexane. Display Omitted Highlights: ► The solvethermal reaction of Fe(acac){sub 3} decomposition was carried out at mild temperature in the presence of oleylamine and n-hexane. ► The size of nanocrystals is controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of oleylamine to n-hexane. ► The low-boiling-point solvent n-hexane offered autogenous pressure parameter after gasified in the reaction temperature. ► The asmore » prepared hydrophobic monodisperse Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs can be used to prepare the magnetic micelles for future biomedical applications. -- Abstract: A new solvothermal method is proposed for the preparation of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (NPs) from iron acetylacetonate in the presence of oleylamine and n-hexane. The products are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometery. The new procedure yields superparamagnetic monodispersed Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles with sizes ranging from 7 nm to 12 nm. The nanocrystal sizes are controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of oleylamine to n-hexane. IR and TG/DTG analyses indicate that the oleylamine molecules, as stabilizers, are adsorbed on the surface of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs as bilayer adsorption models. The surface adsorption quantities of oleylamine on 7.5 and 10.4 nm-diameter Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs are 18% and 11%, respectively. The hydrophobic surface of the obtained nanocrystals is passivated by adsorbed organic solvent molecules. These molecules provide stability against agglomeration, enable solubility in nonpolar solvents, and allow the formation of magnetic polymer micelles.« less

The ergogenic supplement β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) attenuates insulin resistance through suppressing GLUT-2 in rat liver.

PubMed

Sharawy, Maha H; El-Awady, Mohammed S; Megahed, Nirmeen; Gameil, Nariman M

2016-05-01

This study investigates the effect of the ergogenic supplement β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on insulin resistance induced by high-fructose diet (HFD) in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed 60% HFD for 12 weeks and HMB (320 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1), orally) for 4 weeks. HFD significantly increased fasting insulin, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C), liver glycogen content, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, while it decreased glucose and insulin tolerance. Furthermore, HFD significantly increased serum triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels, while it significantly decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Moreover, HFD significantly increased mRNA expression of glucose transporter type-2 (GLUT-2), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) but decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) in liver. Aortic relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) was impaired and histopathology showed severe hepatic steatosis. HMB significantly increased insulin tolerance and decreased fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HBA1C, hepatic glycogen content, serum TG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C. Additionally, HMB enhanced ACh-induced relaxation, ameliorated hepatic steatosis, and decreased mRNA expression of GLUT-2. In conclusion, HMB may attenuate insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis through inhibiting GLUT-2 in liver.

Structure, glass transition temperature and spectroscopic properties of 10Li2O-xP2O5-(89-x)TeO2-1CuO (5≤x≤25 mol%) glass system.

PubMed

Upender, G; Babu, J Chinna; Mouli, V Chandra

2012-04-01

X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR), Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optical absorption studies on 10Li2O-xP2O5-(89-x)TeO2-1CuO glasses (where x=5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%) have been carried out. The amorphous nature of the glasses was confirmed using XRD and FESEM measurements. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of glass samples have been estimated from DSC traces and found that the Tg increases with increasing P2O5 content. Both the IR and Raman studies have been showed that the present glass system consists of [TeO3], [TeO4], [PO3] and [PO4] units. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters such as g∥, g⊥, and A∥ have been determined from EPR spectra and it was found that the Cu2+ ion is present in tetragonal distorted octahedral site with [Formula: see text] as the ground state. Bonding parameters and bonding symmetry of Cu2+ ions have been calculated by correlating EPR and optical data and were found to be composition dependent. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental assessment of the Advanced Collapsed-cone Engine for scalp brachytherapy treatments.

PubMed

Cawston-Grant, Brie; Morrison, Hali; Sloboda, Ron S; Menon, Geetha

To experimentally assess the performance of the Advanced Collapsed-cone Engine (ACE) for 192 Ir high-dose-rate brachytherapy treatment planning of nonmelanoma skin cancers of the scalp. A layered slab phantom was designed to model the head (skin, skull, and brain) and surface treatment mold using tissue equivalent materials. Six variations of the phantom were created by varying skin thickness, skull thickness, and size of air gap between the mold and skin. Treatment planning was initially performed using the Task Group 43 (TG-43) formalism with CT images of each phantom variation. Doses were recalculated using standard and high accuracy modes of ACE. The plans were delivered to Gafchromic EBT3 film placed between different layers of the phantom. Doses calculated by TG-43 and ACE and those measured by film agreed with each other at most locations within the phantoms. For a given phantom variation, average TG-43- and ACE-calculated doses were similar, with a maximum difference of (3 ± 12)% (k = 2). Compared to the film measurements, TG-43 and ACE overestimated the film-measured dose by (13 ± 12)% (k = 2) for one phantom variation below the skull layer. TG-43- and ACE-calculated and film-measured doses were found to agree above the skull layer of the phantom, which is where the tumor would be located in a clinical case. ACE appears to underestimate the attenuation through bone relative to that measured by film; however, the dose to bone is below tolerance levels for this treatment. Copyright © 2017 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulation of transglutaminase 2 activity in H9c2 cells by PKC and PKA signalling: a role for transglutaminase 2 in cytoprotection

PubMed Central

Almami, Ibtesam; Dickenson, John M; Hargreaves, Alan J; Bonner, Philip L R

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) has been shown to mediate cell survival in many cell types. In this study, we investigated whether the role of TG2 in cytoprotection was mediated by the activation of PKA and PKC in cardiomyocyte-like H9c2 cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH H9c2 cells were extracted following stimulation with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and forskolin. Transglutaminase activity was determined using an amine incorporating and a protein crosslinking assay. The presence of TG isoforms (TG1, 2, 3) was determined using Western blot analysis. The role of TG2 in PMA- and forskolin-induced cytoprotection was investigated by monitoring H2O2-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. KEY RESULTS Western blotting showed TG2 >> TG1 protein expression but no detectable TG3. The amine incorporating activity of TG2 in H9c2 cells increased in a time and concentration-dependent manner following stimulation with PMA and forskolin. PMA and forskolin-induced TG2 activity was blocked by PKC (Ro 31-8220) and PKA (KT 5720 and Rp-8-Cl-cAMPS) inhibitors respectively. The PMA- and forskolin-induced increases in TG2 activity were attenuated by the TG2 inhibitors Z-DON and R283. Immunocytochemistry revealed TG2-mediated biotin-X-cadaverine incorporation into proteins and proteomic analysis identified known (β-tubulin) and novel (α-actinin) protein substrates for TG2. Pretreatment with PMA and forskolin reversed H2O2-induced decrease in MTT reduction and release of LDH. TG2 inhibitors R283 and Z-DON blocked PMA- and forskolin-induced cytoprotection. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS TG2 activity was stimulated via PKA- and PKC-dependent signalling pathways in H9c2 cells These results suggest a role for TG2 in cytoprotection induced by these kinases. PMID:24821315

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Studies of New Linear Thermally Stable Schiff Base Polymers with Flexible Spacers.

PubMed

Qureshi, Farah; Khuhawar, Muhammad Yar; Jahangir, Taj Muhammad; Channar, Abdul Hamid

2016-01-01

Five new linear Schiff base polymers having azomethine structures, ether linkages and extended aliphatic chain lengths with flexible spacers were synthesized by polycondensation of dialdehyde (monomer) with aliphatic and aromatic diamines. The formation yields of monomer and polymers were obtained within 75-92%. The polymers with flexible spacers of n-hexane were somewhat soluble in acetone, chloroform, THF, DMF and DMSO on heating. The monomer and polymers were characterized by melting point, elemental microanalysis, FT-IR, (1)HNMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), fluorescence emission, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and viscosities and thermodynamic parameters measurements of their dilute solutions. The studies supported formation of the monomer and polymers and on the basis of these studies their structures have been assigned. The synthesized polymers were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Elaboration of the hydroxyapatite with different precursors and application for the retention of the lead.

PubMed

Meski, S; Ziani, S; Khireddine, H; Yataghane, F; Ferguene, N

2011-01-01

Carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHAP) was synthesized from different precursors; synthetic (CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2) and natural (egg shell before and after calcinations at 900 degrees C) under different conditions and characterized by using TG/DTG analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) method and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy techniques. The results of these analyses indicate that the four powders present the same structure of hydroxyapatite. Furthermore the four powders obtained were used for the retention of lead. The results obtained indicated that all powders present high adsorption capacity for lead, but from environmental and economic views, the hydroxyapatite synthesized from eggshell no calcined (HA2) is most advantageous. The influence of different sorption parameters, such as: initial metal concentration, equilibration time, solution pH and sorbent dosage was studied and discussed.

Synthesis and performance characterization of 2-(dinitromethylene)-1-nitro-1, 3-diazacyclopentane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Pan; Qin, Weiyan

2018-04-01

The present paper described an new effort to synthesis 2-(dinitromethylene)-l-nitro-1, 3-diaza-cyclopentane (iv), characterization an thermal studies of (iv) are also reported. 2-(dinitromethylene)-1, 3-diazacyclo-pentane (i) was synthesized from the nucleophilic substitution of ethylenediamine and 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) catalyzed by Mg(OAc)2. Then i was transformed to iv through reactions of nitration, reduction and hydrolysis. The structure of iv was characterized by IR, NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Thermal stability of iv was investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) which revealed that decomposed at 131 °C. The experimentally determined sensitivity parameters indicated that iv is sensitive towards external stimuli. The performance of iv had been calculated using VLW equation and its crystal morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Assessment of triglyceride and cholesterol in overweight people based on multiple linear regression and artificial intelligence model.

PubMed

Ma, Jing; Yu, Jiong; Hao, Guangshu; Wang, Dan; Sun, Yanni; Lu, Jianxin; Cao, Hongcui; Lin, Feiyan

2017-02-20

The prevalence of high hyperlipemia is increasing around the world. Our aims are to analyze the relationship of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) with indexes of liver function and kidney function, and to develop a prediction model of TG, TC in overweight people. A total of 302 adult healthy subjects and 273 overweight subjects were enrolled in this study. The levels of fasting indexes of TG (fs-TG), TC (fs-TC), blood glucose, liver function, and kidney function were measured and analyzed by correlation analysis and multiple linear regression (MRL). The back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) was applied to develop prediction models of fs-TG and fs-TC. The results showed there was significant difference in biochemical indexes between healthy people and overweight people. The correlation analysis showed fs-TG was related to weight, height, blood glucose, and indexes of liver and kidney function; while fs-TC was correlated with age, indexes of liver function (P < 0.01). The MRL analysis indicated regression equations of fs-TG and fs-TC both had statistic significant (P < 0.01) when included independent indexes. The BP-ANN model of fs-TG reached training goal at 59 epoch, while fs-TC model achieved high prediction accuracy after training 1000 epoch. In conclusions, there was high relationship of fs-TG and fs-TC with weight, height, age, blood glucose, indexes of liver function and kidney function. Based on related variables, the indexes of fs-TG and fs-TC can be predicted by BP-ANN models in overweight people.

The associations between metabolic variables and NT-proBNP are blunted at pathological ranges: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Sanchez, Otto A.; Duprez, Daniel A.; Bahrami, Hossein; Daniels, Lori B.; Folsom, Aaron R.; Lima, Joao A.; Maisel, Alan; Peralta, Carmen A.; Jacobs, David R.

2014-01-01

Objective Under physiological conditions brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is inversely associated with metabolic risk factors, but under pathological conditions these associations may tend to plateau. Material end methods 5597 individuals in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), 45–84 years of age, free of overt cardiovascular disease in 2000–02 and then again in 2003–05 participated in this study. Associations between NT-proBNP and BMI, blood lipids, homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) using linear regression models were adjusted for age, race, sex, BMI, % of energy from saturated fats, intentional exercise, statin use, antihypertensive medication use, diabetes and glomerular filtration rate. The inflection points (IP) at which these associations became nonlinear were determined using linear splines with knots at different levels of NT-proBNP. Results Participants with NT-proBNP ≥100 pg/mL (29%) tended to be older, on statins and anti-hypertensive medications vs. those with NT-proBNP <100 pg/mL. The IP point varies among variables and ranged from 50–120 pg/mL. NT-proBNP

Expression of the transient receptor potential channels TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 in mouse trigeminal primary afferent neurons innervating the dura

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Migraine and other headache disorders affect a large percentage of the population and cause debilitating pain. Activation and sensitization of the trigeminal primary afferent neurons innervating the dura and cerebral vessels is a crucial step in the “headache circuit”. Many dural afferent neurons respond to algesic and inflammatory agents. Given the clear role of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of channels in both sensing chemical stimulants and mediating inflammatory pain, we investigated the expression of TRP channels in dural afferent neurons. Methods We used two fluorescent tracers to retrogradely label dural afferent neurons in adult mice and quantified the abundance of peptidergic and non-peptidergic neuron populations using calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity (CGRP-ir) and isolectin B4 (IB4) binding as markers, respectively. Using immunohistochemistry, we compared the expression of TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels in dural afferent neurons with the expression in total trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. To examine the distribution of TRPM8 channels, we labeled dural afferent neurons in mice expressing farnesylated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFPf) from a TRPM8 locus. We used nearest-neighbor measurement to predict the spatial association between dural afferent neurons and neurons expressing TRPA1 or TRPM8 channels in the TG. Results and conclusions We report that the size of dural afferent neurons is significantly larger than that of total TG neurons and facial skin afferents. Approximately 40% of dural afferent neurons exhibit IB4 binding. Surprisingly, the percentage of dural afferent neurons containing CGRP-ir is significantly lower than those of total TG neurons and facial skin afferents. Both TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels are expressed in dural afferent neurons. Furthermore, nearest-neighbor measurement indicates that TRPA1-expressing neurons are clustered around a subset of dural afferent neurons. Interestingly, TRPM8-expressing neurons are virtually absent in the dural afferent population, nor do these neurons cluster around dural afferent neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that TRPV1 and TRPA1 but not TRPM8 channels likely contribute to the excitation of dural afferent neurons and the subsequent activation of the headache circuit. These results provide an anatomical basis for understanding further the functional significance of TRP channels in headache pathophysiology. PMID:22971321

SU-E-T-212: Comparison of TG-43 Dosimetric Parameters of Low and High Energy Brachytherapy Sources Obtained by MCNP Code Versions of 4C, X and 5

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zehtabian, M; Zaker, N; Sina, S

2015-06-15

Purpose: Different versions of MCNP code are widely used for dosimetry purposes. The purpose of this study is to compare different versions of the MCNP codes in dosimetric evaluation of different brachytherapy sources. Methods: The TG-43 parameters such as dose rate constant, radial dose function, and anisotropy function of different brachytherapy sources, i.e. Pd-103, I-125, Ir-192, and Cs-137 were calculated in water phantom. The results obtained by three versions of Monte Carlo codes (MCNP4C, MCNPX, MCNP5) were compared for low and high energy brachytherapy sources. Then the cross section library of MCNP4C code was changed to ENDF/B-VI release 8 whichmore » is used in MCNP5 and MCNPX codes. Finally, the TG-43 parameters obtained using the MCNP4C-revised code, were compared with other codes. Results: The results of these investigations indicate that for high energy sources, the differences in TG-43 parameters between the codes are less than 1% for Ir-192 and less than 0.5% for Cs-137. However for low energy sources like I-125 and Pd-103, large discrepancies are observed in the g(r) values obtained by MCNP4C and the two other codes. The differences between g(r) values calculated using MCNP4C and MCNP5 at the distance of 6cm were found to be about 17% and 28% for I-125 and Pd-103 respectively. The results obtained with MCNP4C-revised and MCNPX were similar. However, the maximum difference between the results obtained with the MCNP5 and MCNP4C-revised codes was 2% at 6cm. Conclusion: The results indicate that using MCNP4C code for dosimetry of low energy brachytherapy sources can cause large errors in the results. Therefore it is recommended not to use this code for low energy sources, unless its cross section library is changed. Since the results obtained with MCNP4C-revised and MCNPX were similar, it is concluded that the difference between MCNP4C and MCNPX is their cross section libraries.« less

Tg.rasH2 Mice and not CByB6F1 Mice Should Be Used for 28-Day Dose Range Finding Studies Prior to 26-Week Tg.rasH2 Carcinogenicity Studies.

PubMed

Paranjpe, Madhav G; Belich, Jessica; Vidmar, Tom J; Elbekai, Reem H; McKeon, Marie; Brown, Caren

Our recent retrospective analysis of data, collected from 29 Tg.rasH2 mouse carcinogenicity studies, determined how successful the strategy of choosing the high dose for the 26-week studies was based on the estimated maximum tolerated dose (EMTD) derived from earlier 28-day dose range finding (DRF) studies conducted in CByB6F1 mice. Our analysis demonstrated that the high doses applied at EMTD in the 26-week Tg.rasH2 studies failed to detect carcinogenic effects. To investigate why the dose selection process failed in the 26-week carcinogenicity studies, the initial body weights, terminal body weights, body weight gains, food consumption, and mortality from the first 4 weeks of 26-week studies with Tg.rasH2 mice were compared with 28-day DRF studies conducted with CByB6F1 mice. Both the 26-week and the earlier respective 28-day studies were conducted with the exact same vehicle, test article, and similar dose levels. The analysis of our results further emphasizes that the EMTD and subsequent lower doses, determined on the basis of the 28-day studies in CByB6F1 mice, may not be an accurate strategy for selecting appropriate dose levels for the 26-week carcinogenicity studies in Tg.rasH2 mice. Based on the analysis presented in this article, we propose that the Tg.rasH2 mice and not the CByB6F1 mice should be used in future DRF studies. The Tg.rasH2 mice demonstrate more toxicity than the CByB6F1 mice, possibly because of their smaller size compared to CByB6F1 mice. Also, the Tg.rasH2 males appear to be more sensitive than the female Tg.rasH2 mice.

Effect of radiation induced crosslinking and degradation of ETFE films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zen, H. A.; Ribeiro, G.; Geraldes, A. N.; Souza, C. P.; Parra, D. F.; Lugão, A. B.

2013-03-01

In this study the ETFE film with 125 μm of thickness was placed inside a nylon bag and filled with either acetylene, nitrogen or oxygen. Following the procedure, the samples were irradiated at 5, 10 and 20 kGy. The physical and chemical properties of the modified and pristine films were evaluated by rheological and thermal analyses (TG and DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR-ATR). In rheological analysis the storage modulus (G') indicates opposite profiles when the atmospheres (acetylene and oxygen) are evaluated according to the absorbed dose. For the samples submitted to radiation under oxygen atmosphere it is possible to observe the degradation process with the low levels of the storage modulus. The changes in the degree of crystallinity were verified in all modified samples when compared to the pristine polymer and this behavior was confirmed by DSC analysis. A decrease in the intensity of crystalline peak by X-ray diffraction was observed.

Synthesis, characterization and tin/copper-nitrogen substitutional effect on photocatalytic activity of honeycomb ordered P2-Na2Ni2TeO6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadari, Ramaswamy; Velchuri, Radha; Sreenu, K.; Ravi, Gundeboina; Munirathnam, Nagegownivari R.; Vithal, Muga

2016-11-01

We have successfully prepared visible light active tin/copper-nitrogen co-doped honeycomb ordered P2-Na2Ni2TeO6 photocatalysts by solid state/ion exchange methods. Powder XRD, TG analysis, SEM, surface area, O-N-H analysis, ICP-OES, FT-IR and UV-DRS measurements are employed to characterize all the samples. All the doped compositions adopted hexagonal lattice with space group P63/mcm. The photocatalytic activity of all the samples was studied against the degradation of methyl violet (MV) and methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The variation of the photocatalytic activity due to the substitution of cation, anion and co-doping in Na2Ni2TeO6 is investigated. Co-doped samples have exhibited higher activity compared to rest of the materials. The role of reactive intermediate species in the photocatalytic degradation of dyes is also studied using appropriate scavengers.

In situ immobilization on the silica gel surface and adsorption capacity of polymer-based azobenzene on toxic metal ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savchenko, Irina; Yanovska, Elina; Sternik, Dariusz; Kychkyruk, Olga; Ol'khovik, Lidiya; Polonska, Yana

2018-03-01

In situ immobilization of poly[(4-methacryloyloxy-(4'-carboxy)azobenzene] on silica gel surface has been performed by radical polymerization of monomer. The fact of polymer immobilization is confirmed by IR spectroscopy. TG and DSC-MS analysis showed that the mass of the immobilized polymer was 10.61%. The SEM-microphotograph-synthesized composite analysis showed that the immobilized polymer on the silica gel surface is placed in the form of fibers. It has been found that the synthesized composite exhibits the sorption ability in terms of microquantities of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Mn(II) and Fe(III) ions in a neutral aqueous medium. The quantitative sorption of microquantities of Pb(II) and Fe(III) ions has been recorded. It has been found that immobilization of the silica gel surface leads to an increase in its sorption capacitance for Fe(III), Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions by half.

Charge-transfer interaction of drug quinidine with quinol, picric acid and DDQ: Spectroscopic characterization and biological activity studies towards understanding the drug-receptor mechanism.

PubMed

Eldaroti, Hala H; Gadir, Suad A; Refat, Moamen S; Adam, Abdel Majid A

2014-04-01

Investigation of charge-transfer (CT) complexes of drugs has been recognized as an important phenomenon in understanding of the drug-receptor binding mechanism. Structural, thermal, morphological and biological behavior of CT complexes formed between drug quinidine (Qui) as a donor and quinol (QL), picric acid (PA) or dichlorodicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) as acceptors were reported. The newly synthesized CT complexes have been spectroscopically characterized via elemental analysis; infrared (IR), Raman, 1 H NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopy; powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD); thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the obtained complexes are nanoscale, semi-crystalline particles, thermally stable and spontaneous. The molecular composition of the obtained complexes was determined using spectrophotometric titration method and was found to be 1:1 ratios (donor:acceptor). Finally, the biological activities of the obtained CT complexes were tested for their antibacterial activities. The results obtained herein are satisfactory for estimation of drug Qui in the pharmaceutical form.

Molecular diversity of tuliposide A-converting enzyme in the tulip.

PubMed

Nomura, Taiji; Tsuchigami, Aya; Ogita, Shinjiro; Kato, Yasuo

2013-01-01

Tuliposide A-converting enzyme (TCEA) catalyzes the conversion of 6-tuliposide A to its lactonized aglycon, tulipalin A, in the tulip (Tulipa gesneriana). The TgTCEA gene, isolated previously from petals, was transcribed in all tulip tissues but not in the bulbs despite the presence of TCEA activity, which allowed prediction of the presence of a TgTCEA isozyme gene preferentially expressed in the bulbs. Here, the TgTCEA-b gene, the TgTCEA homolog, was identified in bulbs. TgTCEA-b polypeptides showed approximately 77% identity to the petal TgTCEA. Functional characterization of the recombinant enzyme verified that TgTCEA-b encoded the TCEA. Moreover, the TgTCEA-b was found to be localized to plastids, as found for the petal TgTCEA. Transcript analysis revealed that TgTCEA-b was functionally transcribed in the bulb scales, unlike the TgTCEA gene, whose transcripts were absent there. In contrast, TgTCEA-b transcripts were in the minority in other tissues where TgTCEA transcripts were dominant, indicating a tissue preference for the transcription of those isozyme genes.

Analyses of risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Zhang, Jianhai; Hu, Jian; Zhang, Chunxia; Jiao, Yanni; Kong, Xiang; Wang, Wei

2018-05-01

The risk factors related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were investigated. A total of 188 PCOS patients treated in Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital (Dongying, China) from February 2014 to February 2015 were retrospectively analyzed as PCOS group, and PCOS group was further divided into NAFLD group and non-NAFLD (N-NAFLD) group according to the liver B ultrasound. In the same time-period, 65 healthy people were selected as normal control group. The differences of clinical, biochemical and metabolic indexes were compared. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), free androgen index (FAI), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in PCOS group were higher than those in normal control group, but the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) level was lower than that in normal control group (P<0.05); there were no statistically significant differences in comparisons of age, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), FSH, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) between the two groups (P>0.05). The prevalence rate of NAFLD in PCOS group (44.68%) was significantly higher than that in control group (24.62%) (P<0.05). The proportion of NAFLD in PCOS patients in obesity group (63.51%) was significantly higher than that in non-obesity group (15.79%) (P<0.05). In PCOS group, NAFLD patients had more obvious metabolic abnormalities [high BMI, WHR, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR index, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG), and low high-density lipoprotein HDL and SHBG] and androgen excess compared with those in N-NAFLD patients (P<0.05). The levels of LH, LH/FSH, FINS and HOMA-IR index in PCOS group complicated with NAFLD were higher than those in control group complicated with NAFLD (P<0.05), but the differences in age, BMI, WHR, FSH and FBG levels were not statistically significant between the two groups (P>0.05). HOMA-IR index, BMI, WHR and TG were independent risk factors for PCOS complicated with NAFLD (P<0.05).

Transgenic Expression of Osteoactivin/gpnmb Enhances Bone Formation In Vivo and Osteoprogenitor Differentiation Ex Vivo.

PubMed

Frara, Nagat; Abdelmagid, Samir M; Sondag, Gregory R; Moussa, Fouad M; Yingling, Vanessa R; Owen, Thomas A; Popoff, Steven N; Barbe, Mary F; Safadi, Fayez F

2016-01-01

Initial identification of osteoactivin (OA)/glycoprotein non-melanoma clone B (gpnmb) was demonstrated in an osteopetrotic rat model, where OA expression was increased threefold in mutant bones, compared to normal. OA mRNA and protein expression increase during active bone regeneration post-fracture, and primary rat osteoblasts show increased OA expression during differentiation in vitro. To further examine OA/gpnmb as an osteoinductive agent, we characterized the skeletal phenotype of transgenic mouse overexpressing OA/gpnmb under the CMV-promoter (OA-Tg). Western blot analysis showed increased OA/gpnmb in OA-Tg osteoblasts, compared to wild-type (WT). In OA-Tg mouse femurs versus WT littermates, micro-CT analysis showed increased trabecular bone volume and thickness, and cortical bone thickness; histomorphometry showed increased osteoblast numbers, bone formation and mineral apposition rates in OA-Tg mice; and biomechanical testing showed higher peak moment and stiffness. Given that OA/gpnmb is also over-expressed in osteoclasts in OA-Tg mice, we evaluated bone resorption by ELISA and histomorphometry, and observed decreased serum CTX-1 and RANK-L, and decreased osteoclast numbers in OA-Tg, compared to WT mice, indicating decreased bone remodeling in OA-Tg mice. The proliferation rate of OA-Tg osteoblasts in vitro was higher, compared to WT, as was alkaline phosphatase staining and activity, the latter indicating enhanced differentiation of OA-Tg osteoprogenitors. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed increased TGF-β1 and TGF-β receptors I and II expression in OA-Tg osteoblasts, compared to WT. Together, these data suggest that OA overexpression has an osteoinductive effect on bone mass in vivo and stimulates osteoprogenitor differentiation ex vivo. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Analytical and clinical performance of thyroglobulin autoantibody assays in thyroid cancer follow-up.

PubMed

Katrangi, Waddah; Grebe, Stephan K G; Algeciras-Schimnich, Alicia

2017-10-26

While thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAb) can result in false low serum thyroglobulin (Tg) immunoassay (IA) measurements, they might also be indicators of disease persistence/recurrence. Hence, accurate TgAb measurement, in addition to Tg quantification, is crucial for thyroid cancer monitoring. We compared the analytical and clinical performance of four commonly used TgAb IAs. We measured Tg by mass spectrometry (Tg-MS) and by four pairs of Tg and TgAb IAs (Beckman, Roche, Siemens, Thermo) in 576 samples. Limit of quantitation (LOQ) and manufacturers' upper reference interval cut-off (URI) were used for comparisons. Clinical performance was assessed by receiving operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Quantitative and qualitative agreement between TgAb-IAs was moderate with R2 of 0.20-0.70 and κ from 0.41-0.66 using LOQ and 0.47-0.71 using URI. In samples with TgAb interference, detection rates of TgAb were similar using LOQ and URI for Beckman, Siemens, and Thermo, but much lower for the Roche TgAb-IA when the URI was used. In TgAb positive cases, the ROC areas under the curve (AUC) for the TgAb-IAs were 0.59 (Beckman), 0.62 (Siemens), 0.59 (Roche), and 0.59 (Thermo), similar to ROC AUCs achieved with Tg. Combining Tg and TgAb measurements improved the ROC AUCs compared to Tg or TgAb alone. TgAb-IAs show significant qualitative and quantitative differences. For 2 of the 4 TgAb-IAs, using the LOQ improves the detection of interfering TgAbs. All assays showed suboptimal clinical performance when used as surrogate markers of disease, with modest improvements when Tg and TgAb were combined.

Molecular docking, TG/DTA, molecular structure, harmonic vibrational frequencies, natural bond orbital and TD-DFT analysis of diphenyl carbonate by DFT approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xavier, S.; Periandy, S.; Carthigayan, K.; Sebastian, S.

2016-12-01

Vibrational spectral analysis of Diphenyl Carbonate (DPC) is carried out by using FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopic techniques. It is found that all vibrational modes are in the expected region. Gaussian computational calculations were performed using B3LYP method with 6-311++G (d, p) basis set. The computed geometric parameters are in good agreement with XRD data. The observation shows that the structure of the carbonate group is unsymmetrical by ∼5° due to the attachment of the two phenyl rings. The stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjugative interaction and charge delocalization are analyzed by Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) study and the results show the lone pair transition has higher stabilization energy compared to all other. The 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts are calculated using the Gauge-Including Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method with B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) method. The chemical shifts computed theoretically go very closer to the experimental results. A study on the electronic and optical properties; absorption wavelengths, excitation energy, dipole moment and frontier molecular orbital energies and Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) exhibit the high reactivity nature of the molecule. The non-linear optical property of the DPC molecule predicted theoretically found to be good candidate for NLO material. TG/DTA analysis was made and decomposition of the molecule with respect to the temperature was studied. DPC having the anthelmintic activity is docked in the Hemoglobin of Fasciola hepatica protein. The DPC has been screened to antimicrobial activity and found to exhibit antibacterial effects.

Flavonoid-rich cocoa consumption affects multiple cardiovascular risk factors in a meta-analysis of short-term studies.

PubMed

Shrime, Mark G; Bauer, Scott R; McDonald, Anna C; Chowdhury, Nubaha H; Coltart, Cordelia E M; Ding, Eric L

2011-11-01

A growing body of evidence suggests that the consumption of foods rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly cocoa, may have cardioprotective effects. No review, however, has yet examined the effect of flavonoid-rich cocoa (FRC) on all major cardiovascular risk factors or has examined potential dose-response relationships for these effects. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials was performed to evaluate the effect of FRC on cardiovascular risk factors and to assess a dose-response relationship. Inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as dependent and independent variables were determined a priori. Data were collected for: blood pressure, pulse, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, TG, BMI, C-reactive protein, flow-mediated vascular dilation (FMD), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, serum isoprostane, and insulin sensitivity/resistance indices. Twenty-four papers, with 1106 participants, met the criteria for final analysis. In response to FRC consumption, systolic blood pressure decreased by 1.63 mm Hg (P = 0.033), LDL cholesterol decreased by 0.077 mmol/L (P = 0.038), and HDL cholesterol increased by 0.046 mmol/L (P = 0.037), whereas total cholesterol, TG, and C-reactive protein remained the same. Moreover, insulin resistance decreased (HOMA-IR: -0.94 points; P < 0.001), whereas FMD increased (1.53%; P < 0.001). A nonlinear dose-response relationship was found between FRC and FMD (P = 0.004), with maximum effect observed at a flavonoid dose of 500 mg/d; a similar relationship may exist with HDL cholesterol levels (P = 0.06). FRC consumption significantly improves blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and FMD. These short-term benefits warrant larger long-term investigations into the cardioprotective role of FRC.

Evaluation of glass transition temperature and dynamic mechanical properties of autopolymerized hard direct denture reline resins.

PubMed

Takase, Kazuma; Watanabe, Ikuya; Kurogi, Tadafumi; Murata, Hiroshi

2015-01-01

This study assessed methods for evaluation of glass transition temperature (Tg) of autopolymerized hard direct denture reline resins using dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry in addition to the dynamic mechanical properties. The Tg values of 3 different reline resins were determined using a dynamic viscoelastometer and differential scanning calorimeter, and rheological parameters were also determined. Although all materials exhibited higher storage modulus and loss modulus values, and a lower loss tangent at 37˚C with a higher frequency, the frequency dependence was not large. Tg values obtained by dynamic mechanical analysis were higher than those by differential scanning calorimetry and higher frequency led to higher Tg, while more stable Tg values were also obtained by that method. These results suggest that dynamic mechanical analysis is more advantageous for characterization of autopolymerized hard direct denture reline resins than differential scanning calorimetry.

Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with insulin resistance and lipid profiles.

PubMed

Dai, Chia-Yen; Yeh, Ming-Lun; Huang, Chung-Feng; Hou, Chen-Hsiu; Hsieh, Ming-Yen; Huang, Jee-Fu; Lin, I-Ling; Lin, Zu-Yau; Chen, Shinn-Chern; Wang, Liang-Yen; Chuang, Wan-Long; Yu, Ming-Lung; Tung, Hung-Da

2015-05-01

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been suggested to be associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and lipid profiles. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationships of insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients in Taiwan. We enrolled 160 hospital-based CHC patients with liver biopsy and the 480 controlled individuals without CHC and chronic hepatitis B from communities without known history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), alanine aminotransferase, and serum insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) were tested. When comparing factors between CHC patients, and sex- and age-matched controls who had no HCV infection, patients with HCV infection had a significantly higher alanine aminotransferase level, fasting plasma glucose level, insulin level, and HOMA-IR (P < 0.001, P = 0.023, P = 0.017, and P = 0.011, respectively), and significantly lower TG level (P = 0.023), total cholesterol, and HDL-C and LDL-C levels (all P < 0.001) than 480 controls. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, a low total cholesterol, a low TGs, and a high HOMA-IR are independent factors significantly associated with chronic HCV infection. In the 160 CHC patients (41 patients with high HOMA-IR [> 2.5]), a high body mass index, TGs, and HCV RNA level are independent factors significantly associated with high HOMA-IR in multivariate logistic analyses. Chronic HCV infection was associated with metabolic characteristics including IR and lipid profile. IR was also associated with virological characteristics. © 2013 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Associations between Body Composition Indices and Metabolic Disorders in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rong; Dong, Sheng-Yong; Wang, Fei; Ma, Cong; Zhao, Xiao-Lan; Zeng, Qiang; Fei, Ao

2018-01-01

Background: Obesity induces dyslipidemia, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and inflammatory state, which results in atherogenic processes, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. We usually use body composition indices, such as body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist circumference-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) to reflect the obesity. The aim of this large population-based cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between body composition indices and metabolic parameters in Chinese adults. Methods: A total of 12,018 Chinese adults were included. Body composition indices, such as BMI, BFP, WHtR, and WHR, and metabolic parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h postprandial blood glucose (2h PBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC), were measured and analyzed. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results: All body composition indices and metabolic parameters except 2h PBG differed significantly between males and females (all P < 0.001). BMI was positively associated with SBP, DBP, LDL-C, TC, TG, FBG, 2h PBG, HbA1c, FINS, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, and WBC, and inversely associated with HDL-C; similar relationships were identified between the metabolic parameters and BFP, WHtR, and WHR. In the multivariate analysis, the odds of impaired glucose regulation, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and increased hs-CRP were 1.36, 1.92, 3.44, and 1.27 times greater in the overweight group than those in the normal weight group, respectively, and 1.66, 3.26, 7.53, and 1.70 times greater in the obese group than those in the normal weight group, respectively. The odds of dyslipidemia and hs-CRP were 1.29 and 1.38 times greater in the BFP ≥28.0% group than in the BFP <28.0% group, respectively. The odds of dyslipidemia, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were 1.55, 1.26, and 1.48 times greater in the WHtR ≥0.96 group than in the WHtR <0.96 group, respectively. Among males, the odds of HOMA-IR were 1.46 times greater in the WHR ≥0.54 group than in the WHR <0.54 group. Similar results were observed in females. Conclusions: This study identified positive associations between all evaluated body composition indices and metabolic parameters in Chinese adults. Among the body composition indices, BMI predicted four of the five evaluated metabolic disorders in both gender groups. PMID:29451141

Synthesis of novel Schiff's bases of highly potential biological activities and their structure investigation.

PubMed

Zayed, Ehab M; Zayed, M A

2015-05-15

Novel bisaldehyde-hydrazide Schiff's bases AS1 (2,2'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))dibenzaldehyde terephthalohydrazide) and AS2 (N',N'″-(((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(methanylylidene))di(benzohydrazide)) were prepared as new macrocyclic compounds via condensation reactions. AS1 had been prepared by condensation between (2,2'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))dibenzaldehyde) bisaldehyde and terephthalohydrazide in a ratio1:1. AS2 had been obtained by condensation between (2,2'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))dibenzaldehyde) bisaldehyde and benzohydrazide in ratio 1:2. The structures of AS1 and AS2 were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), mass (MS), FT-IR and (1)H-NMR spectra, and thermal analyses (TG, DTG). The activation thermodynamic parameters such as ΔE(∗), ΔH(∗), ΔS(∗) and ΔG(∗) were calculated from the TG curves using Coats-Redfern method. It is important to investigate their molecular structures to know the active groups and weak bonds responsible for their biological activities. Consequently in the present work, the obtained thermal (TA) and mass (MS) practical results are confirmed by semi-empirical MO-calculations (MOCS) using PM3 procedure. Their biological activities had been tested in vitro against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aurous bacteria in order to assess their anti-microbial potential. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of novel Schiff's bases of highly potential biological activities and their structure investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zayed, Ehab M.; Zayed, M. A.

2015-05-01

Novel bisaldehyde-hydrazide Schiff's bases AS1 (2,2‧-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))dibenzaldehyde terephthalohydrazide) and AS2 (N‧,N‧″-(((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(methanylylidene))di(benzohydrazide)) were prepared as new macrocyclic compounds via condensation reactions. AS1 had been prepared by condensation between (2,2‧-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))dibenzaldehyde) bisaldehyde and terephthalohydrazide in a ratio1:1. AS2 had been obtained by condensation between (2,2‧-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))dibenzaldehyde) bisaldehyde and benzohydrazide in ratio 1:2. The structures of AS1 and AS2 were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), mass (MS), FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectra, and thermal analyses (TG, DTG). The activation thermodynamic parameters such as ΔE∗, ΔH∗, ΔS∗ and ΔG∗ were calculated from the TG curves using Coats-Redfern method. It is important to investigate their molecular structures to know the active groups and weak bonds responsible for their biological activities. Consequently in the present work, the obtained thermal (TA) and mass (MS) practical results are confirmed by semi-empirical MO-calculations (MOCS) using PM3 procedure. Their biological activities had been tested in vitro against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aurous bacteria in order to assess their anti-microbial potential.

Synthesis and investigation of proton conductivity for intercalated kaolinite with 4-amidinopyridinium chloride

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Li-Te; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009; Li, Xiao-Pei

2015-12-15

The proton-conducting materials have potential application in devices such as fuel cells. In this study, a mineral kaolinite-based proton conducting material, kaolinite-4-amidinopyridinium hydrochloride (K-4-APy–HCl), was synthesized by the intercalated compound kaolinite-4-amidinopyridine (K-4-APy) adsorbing volatilizing HCl. The thermogravimetric analysis (TG), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and IR spectrum confirmed the HCl successfully inserting into the interlayer space of kaolinite and the 4-aminopyridine being protonated. The intercalation efficiency is estimated to be ca. 85.6%. With respect to K-4-APy, the interlayer space expends by 1.53 Å. The thermal decomposition mechanism was studied by PXRD and TG techniques. The K-4-APy–HCl shows proton conductivity with σ=3.379×10{supmore » −8} S cm{sup −1} at 373 K and E{sub a}=1.159 eV in the anhydrous condition, which are comparable to MOFs-based proton conducting materials. - Graphical abstract: The intercalated hybrid of mineral kaolinite with 4-amidinopyridinium hydrochloride is prepared to use as proton conducting material. - Highlights: • A new strategy is proposed for preparation of kaolinite-based proton conductor. • Intercalatied hybrid was prepared by sequentially inserting 4-amidinopyridine and adsorbing HCl. • The proton conductivity of intercalated hybrid is comparable to MOFs-based proton-conductors.« less

SU-F-BRA-11: An Experimental Commissioning Test of Brachytherapy MBDCA Dosimetry, Based On a Commercial Radiochromic Gel/optical CT System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pappas, E; Karaiskos, P; Zourari, K

2015-06-15

Purpose: To implement a 3D dose verification procedure of Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithms (MBDCAs) for {sup 192}Ir HDR brachytherapy, based on a novel Ferrous Xylenol-orange gel (FXG) and optical CT read-out. Methods: The TruView gel was employed for absolute dosimetry in conjunction with cone-beam optical CT read-out with the VISTA scanner (both from Modus Medical Inc, London, ON, Canada). A multi-catheter skin flap was attached to a cylindrical PETE jar (d=9.6cm, h=16cm) filled with FXG, which served as both the dosimeter and the water equivalent phantom of bounded dimensions. X- ray CT image series of the jar with flap attachedmore » was imported to Oncentra Brachy v.4.5. A treatment plan consisting of 8 catheters and 56 dwell positions was generated, and Oncentra-ACE MBDCA as well as TG43 dose results were exported for further evaluation. The irradiation was carried out with a microSelecton v2 source. The FXG dose-response, measured via an electron irradiation of a second dosimeter from the same batch, was linear (R2>0.999) at least up to 12Gy. A MCNP6 input file was prepared from the DICOM-RT plan data using BrachyGuide to facilitate Monte Carlo (MC) simulation dosimetry in the actual experimental geometry. Agreement between experimental (reference) and calculated dose distributions was evaluated using the 3D gamma index (GI) method with criteria (5%-2mm applied locally) determined from uncertainty analysis. Results: The TG-43 GI failed, as expected, in the majority of voxels away from the flap (pass rate 59% for D>0.8Gy, corresponding to 10% of prescribed dose). ACE performed significantly better (corresponding pass rate 92%). The GI evaluation for the MC data (corresponding pass rate 97%) failed mainly at low dose points of increased uncertainty. Conclusion: FXG gel/optical CT is an efficient method for level-2 commissioning of brachytherapy MBDCAs. Target dosimetry is not affected from uncertainty introduced by TG43 assumptions in 192Ir skin brachytherapy. Research co-financed by the ESF and Greek funds through the Operational Program Education and Lifelong Learning Investing in Knowledge Society of the NSRF. Research Funding Program: Aristeia. Modus Medical Devices Inc. provided a TruView dosimeter batch and Nucletron, and Elekta company, provided access to Oncentra Brachy v4.5, for research purposes.« less

Syntheses, Structural Characterization and Thermoanalysis of Transition-Metal Compounds Derived from 3,5-Dinitropyridone

PubMed Central

Fan, Rong; Zhou, Qiu-Ping; Zhang, Guo-Fang; Cai, Mei-Yu; Li, Ping; Gan, Li-Hua; Zhao, Feng-Qi; Li, Ji-Zhen; Fan, Xue-Zhong; Ng, Seik Weng

2010-01-01

Nine metal compounds of Mn(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) derived from dinitropyridone ligands (3,5-dinitro-pyrid-2-one, 2HDNP; 3,5-dinitropyrid-4-one, 4HDNP and 3,5-dinitropyrid-4-one-N- hydroxide, 4HDNPO) were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and partly by TG-DSC. Three of which were further structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The structures of the three compounds, Mn(4DNP)2(H2O)4, 4, Zn(4DNPO)2(H2O)4, 8, and Cd(4DNPO)2(H2O)4, 9, crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n and Z = 2, with a = 8.9281(9), b = 9.1053(9), c = 10.6881(11) Å, β = 97.9840(10)° for 4; a = 8.4154(7), b = 9.9806(8), c = 10.5695(8) Å, β = 97.3500(10)° for 8; a = 8.5072(7), b = 10.2254(8), c = 10.5075(8) Å, β 96.6500(10)° for 9. All three complexes are octahedral consisting of four equatorial water molecules, and two nitrogen or oxygen donor ligands (DNP or DNPO). The abundant hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions seem to contribute to stabilization of the crystal structures of the compounds. The TG-DTG results revealed that the complexes showed a weight loss sequence corresponding to all coordinated water molecules, nitro groups, the breaking of the pyridine rings and finally the formation of metal oxides. PMID:20526459

Syntheses, Structural Characterization and Thermoanalysis of Transition-Metal Compounds Derived from 3,5-Dinitropyridone.

PubMed

Fan, Rong; Zhou, Qiu-Ping; Zhang, Guo-Fang; Cai, Mei-Yu; Li, Ping; Gan, Li-Hua; Zhao, Feng-Qi; Li, Ji-Zhen; Fan, Xue-Zhong; Ng, Seik Weng

2009-09-28

Nine metal compounds of Mn(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) derived from dinitropyridone ligands (3,5-dinitro-pyrid-2-one, 2HDNP; 3,5-dinitropyrid-4-one, 4HDNP and 3,5-dinitropyrid-4-one-N- hydroxide, 4HDNPO) were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and partly by TG-DSC. Three of which were further structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The structures of the three compounds, Mn(4DNP)(2)(H(2)O)(4), 4, Zn(4DNPO)(2)(H(2)O)(4), 8, and Cd(4DNPO)(2)(H(2)O)(4), 9, crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n and Z = 2, with a = 8.9281(9), b = 9.1053(9), c = 10.6881(11) A, beta = 97.9840(10) degrees for 4; a = 8.4154(7), b = 9.9806(8), c = 10.5695(8) A, beta = 97.3500(10) degrees for 8; a = 8.5072(7), b = 10.2254(8), c = 10.5075(8) A, beta 96.6500(10) degrees for 9. All three complexes are octahedral consisting of four equatorial water molecules, and two nitrogen or oxygen donor ligands (DNP or DNPO). The abundant hydrogen-bonding and pi-pi stacking interactions seem to contribute to stabilization of the crystal structures of the compounds. The TG-DTG results revealed that the complexes showed a weight loss sequence corresponding to all coordinated water molecules, nitro groups, the breaking of the pyridine rings and finally the formation of metal oxides.

Elevated Plasma SPARC Levels Are Associated with Insulin Resistance, Dyslipidemia, and Inflammation in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Xu, Lu; Ping, Fan; Yin, Jinhua; Xiao, Xinhua; Xiang, Hongding; Ballantyne, Christie M.; Wu, Huaizhu; Li, Ming

2013-01-01

Objective Recent studies suggested that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a novel adipokine, is a key player in the pathology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether concentrations of SPARC were altered in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) controls and to investigate the relationships between SPARC and metabolic parameters in pregnant women. Design/Methods Cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women with GDM and 60 controls with NGT, in a university hospital setting. Plasma levels of SPARC, adiponectin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), insulin and proinsulin were determined by ELISA. Results GDM women had higher SPARC and lower adiponectin than NGT subjects; no difference was found in FGF21. SPARC levels were the lowest in subjects in the third tertile of insulin sensitivity index (ISIOGTT) and correlated positively with pre-pregnant BMI, insulin and 3 h glucose during 100-g OGTT, HOMA-IR, fasting proinsulin, hsCRP and white blood cells count, and negatively with ISIOGTT, when adjusting for gestational age. Triglyceride (TG), Apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) correlated with SPARC in partial Pearson correlation. Correlations between SPARC with adiponectin, systolic blood pressure and TG were marginally significant in partial Spearman correlation analysis. In multivariate regression analysis, SPARC was an independent negative indicator of ISIOGTT. Conclusions SPARC levels are correlated significantly with inflammation and may also be correlated with dyslipidemia and represent an independent determinant of insulin resistance in late pregnancy, indicating a potential role of SPARC in the pathophysiology of GDM. PMID:24349098

Elevated plasma SPARC levels are associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Xu, Lu; Ping, Fan; Yin, Jinhua; Xiao, Xinhua; Xiang, Hongding; Ballantyne, Christie M; Wu, Huaizhu; Li, Ming

2013-01-01

Recent studies suggested that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a novel adipokine, is a key player in the pathology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether concentrations of SPARC were altered in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) controls and to investigate the relationships between SPARC and metabolic parameters in pregnant women. Cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women with GDM and 60 controls with NGT, in a university hospital setting. Plasma levels of SPARC, adiponectin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), insulin and proinsulin were determined by ELISA. GDM women had higher SPARC and lower adiponectin than NGT subjects; no difference was found in FGF21. SPARC levels were the lowest in subjects in the third tertile of insulin sensitivity index (ISIOGTT) and correlated positively with pre-pregnant BMI, insulin and 3 h glucose during 100-g OGTT, HOMA-IR, fasting proinsulin, hsCRP and white blood cells count, and negatively with ISIOGTT, when adjusting for gestational age. Triglyceride (TG), Apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) correlated with SPARC in partial Pearson correlation. Correlations between SPARC with adiponectin, systolic blood pressure and TG were marginally significant in partial Spearman correlation analysis. In multivariate regression analysis, SPARC was an independent negative indicator of ISIOGTT. SPARC levels are correlated significantly with inflammation and may also be correlated with dyslipidemia and represent an independent determinant of insulin resistance in late pregnancy, indicating a potential role of SPARC in the pathophysiology of GDM.

Conformations of n-butyl imidazole: matrix isolation infrared and DFT studies.

PubMed

Ramanathan, N; Sundararajan, K; Sankaran, K

2015-03-15

Conformations of n-butyl imidazole (B-IMID) were studied using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy by trapping in argon, xenon and nitrogen matrixes using an effusive nozzle source. The experimental studies were supported by DFT computations performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. Computations identified nine unique minima for B-IMID, corresponding to conformers with tg(±)tt, tg(±)g(∓)t, tg(±)g(±)t, tg(±)tg(±), tg(±)tg(∓), tg(±)g(∓)g(∓), tg(±)g(±)g(±), tg(±)g(∓)g(±) and tg(±)g(±)g(∓) structures, given in order of increasing energy. Computations of the transition state structures connecting the higher energy conformers to the global minimum, tg(±)tt structure were carried out. The barriers for the conformer inter-conversion were found to be ∼2 kcal/mol. Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis was performed to understand the reasons for conformational preferences in B-IMID. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface modification of calcium-copper hydroxyapatites using polyaspartic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othmani, Masseoud; Aissa, Abdallah; Bachoua, Hassen; Debbabi, Mongi

2013-01-01

Mixed calcium-copper hydroxyapatite (Ca-CuHAp), with general formula Ca(10-x)Cux(PO4)6(OH)2, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75 was prepared in aqueous medium in the presence of different concentrations of poly-L-aspartic acid (PASP). XRD, IR, TG-DTA, TEM-EDX, AFM and chemical analyses were used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the products. All techniques show the formation of new hybrid compounds Ca-CuHAp-PASP. The presence of the grafting moiety on the apatitic material is more significant with increasing of copper amount and/or organic concentration in the starting solution. These increases lead to the affectation of apatite crystallinity. The IR spectroscopy shows the conservation of (Psbnd OH) band of (HPO4)2- groups, suggesting that PASP acid was interacted only with metallic cations of hydroxyapatite.

Selective sensing of two novel coordination polymers based on tris(4-carboxylphenyl)phosphine oxide for organic molecules and Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Liangqin; Zhang, Jie; Gao, Lingling; Wang, Xiaoqing; Fan, Liming; Fang, Kegong; Hu, Tuoping

2017-12-01

Two novel coordination polymers, formulated as {[Zn(HTPO)(bib)]·4H2O}n (1), {[Cu3(TPO)2 (bib)3]·2DMF·0.5EtOH·0.5H2O}n (2) (H3TPO = tris(4-carboxylphenyl)phosphine oxide; bib = 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-4-yl) benzene), have been synthesized under solvothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis (EA), IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Structural analysis reveals that complex 1 is a 2D 4-connected sheet with an intriguing 2D + 2D→2D network. Complex 2 displays a 3D 3,4-connected net with the point symbol of {103}2{106}3. Furthermore, the photoluminescence properties of 1 and 2 were investigated in the solid state and various solvent emulsions, the results show that 1 and 2 have better fluorescent recognition for organic molecules, Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions.

Vibrational spectroscopic study, structural analysis, photophysical properties and theoretical calculations of cis-(±)-2,4,5-tris(pyridin-2-yl)imidazoline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldenebro-López, Jesús; Báez-Castro, Alberto; Glossman-Mitnik, Daniel; Höpfl, Herbert; Cruz-Enríquez, Adriana; Miranda-Soto, Valentín; Parra-Hake, Miguel; Campos-Gaxiola, José J.

2017-02-01

cis-(±)-2,4,5-tris(pyridin-2-yl)imidazoline has been fully characterized by FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy (1H, 1H-1H gCOSY, 1H-1H gNOESY,13C{1H} ATP, 1H-13C and 1H-15N gHSQC and 1H-13C gHMBC), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-FAB+), TG-DSC analysis and low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, the molecular geometry and the vibrational infrared and Raman frequencies were calculated by density functional theory using the M06/6-31G(d) level of theory, showing good agreement with the experimental results. The title compound showed interesting photophysical properties, which were studied experimentally in solution and in the solid state by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and compared to the theoretically obtained parameters using TD-DFT calculations. Natural and Mulliken atomic charges and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) have been mapped.

Inflammation occurs early during the Abeta deposition process in TgCRND8 mice.

PubMed

Dudal, Sherri; Krzywkowski, Pascale; Paquette, Julie; Morissette, Céline; Lacombe, Diane; Tremblay, Patrick; Gervais, Francine

2004-08-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline leading to dementia and involves the deposition of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides into senile plaques. Other neuropathological features that accompany progression of the disease include a decrease in synaptic density, neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites, inflammation, and neuronal cell loss. In this study, we report the early kinetics of brain amyloid deposition and its associated inflammation in an early onset transgenic mouse model of AD (TgCRND8) harboring the human amyloid precursor protein gene with the Indiana and Swedish mutations. Both diffuse and compact plaques were detected as early as 9-10 weeks of age. Abeta-immunoreactive (Abeta-IR) plaques (4G8-positive) appeared first in the neocortex and amygdala, then in the hippocampal formation, and lastly in the thalamus. Compact plaques (ThioS-positive) with an amyloid core were observed as early as diffuse plaques were detected, but in lower numbers. Amyloid deposition increased progressively with age. The formation of plaques was concurrent with the appearance of activated microglial cells and shortly followed by the clustering of activated astrocytes around plaques at 13-14 weeks of age. This TgCRND8 mouse model allows for a rapid, time-dependent study of the relationship between the fibrillogenic process and the inflammatory response during the brain amyloidogenic process.

A novel cetyltrimethyl ammonium silver bromide complex and silver bromide nanoparticles obtained by the surfactant counterion.

PubMed

Liu, Xian-Hao; Luo, Xiao-Hong; Lu, Shu-Xia; Zhang, Jing-Chang; Cao, Wei-Liang

2007-03-01

A novel cetyltrimethyl ammonium silver bromide (CTASB) complex has been prepared simply through the reaction of silver nitrate with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) in aqueous solution at room temperature by controlling the concentration of CTAB and the molar ratio of CTAB to silver nitrate in the reaction solution, in which halogen in CTAB is used as surfactant counterion. The structure and thermal behavior of cetyltrimethyl ammonium silver bromide have been investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV/vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TG-DTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the complex possesses a metastable layered structure. Upon heating the CTASB aqueous dispersion to above 80 degrees C, the structure change of the complex took place and CTAB-capped nanosized silver bromide particles further formed.

PET-modified red mud as catalysts for oxidative desulfurization reactions.

PubMed

do Prado, Nayara T; Heitmann, Ana P; Mansur, Herman S; Mansur, Alexandra A; Oliveira, Luiz C A; de Castro, Cinthia S

2017-07-01

This work describes the synthesis of catalysts based on red mud/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composites and their subsequent heat treatment under N 2 atmosphere. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and N 2 adsorption/desorption. The catalysts were evaluated in the oxidative desulfurization reaction of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in a biphasic system. The results indicated that the PET impregnation on red mud increased the affinity of the catalyst with the nonpolar phase (fuel), in which the contaminant was dissolved, allowing a higher conversion (up to 80%) and selectivity to the corresponding dibenzothiophene sulfone. The sulfone compound is more polar than DBT and diffused into the polar solvent as indicated by the data obtained via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Crystal growth and physical characterization of picolinic acid cocrystallized with dicarboxylic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somphon, Weenawan; Haller, Kenneth J.

2013-01-01

Pharmaceutical cocrystals are multicomponent materials containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient with another component in well-defined stoichiometry within the same unit cell. Such cocrystals are important in drug design, particularly for improving physicochemical properties such as solubility, bioavailability, or chemical stability. Picolinic acid is an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan and is widely used for neuroprotective, immunological, and anti-proliferative effects within the body. In this paper we present cocrystallization experiments of a series of dicarboxylic acids, oxalic acid, succinic acid, DL-tartaric acid, pimelic acid, and phthalic acid, with picolinic acid. Characterization by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, DSC and TG/DTG analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction show that new compounds are formed, including a 1:1 picolinium tartrate monohydrate, a 2:1 monohydrate adduct of picolinic acid and oxalic acid, and a 2:1 picolinic acid-succinic acid monohydrate cocrystal.

Spectral and thermal study of the ternary complexes of nickel with sulfasalazine and some amino acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soliman, Ahmed A.

2006-12-01

The ternary complexes of Ni(II) with sulfasalazine (H 3SS) as a primary ligand and alanine (ala), aspartic acid (asp), histidene (hist), methionine (meth) and serine (ser) amino acids as secondary ligands have been synthesized. Characterization of the complexes was based on elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, mass spectra, magnetic moment and thermal analysis (TG). The isolated complexes were found to have the general formula [M(HSS)(AA)]4H 2O (AA = ala, asp, hist, meth, or ser amino acid) where nickel is tetra-coordinated. The thermal stability of the complexes was studied and the weight losses for the decomposition of the complexes were calculated and correlated with the mass fragmentation pattern. In most cases, the amino acid moiety is removed along with the Schiff base moiety leaving NiO as a metallic residue. The metallic residue was confirmed by powder XRD measurements.

Hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of a novel three-dimensional supramolecular framework constructed by zinc salt and pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xinlong; Qin, Chao; Wang, Enbo; Hu, Changwen; Xu, Lin

2004-07-01

A novel metal-organic coordination polymer, [Zn(PDB)(H 2O) 2] 4 n (H 2PDB=pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Colorless crystals crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P-1, a=7.0562(14) Å, b=7.38526(15) Å, c=18.4611(4) Å, α=90.01(3)°, β=96.98(3)°, γ=115.67(3)°, V=859.1(3) Å 3, Z=1 and R=0.0334. The structure of the compound exhibits a novel three-dimensional supramolecular network, mainly based on multipoint hydrogen bonds originated from within and outside of a large 24-membered ring. Interestingly, the three-dimensional network consists of one-dimensional parallelogrammic channels in which coordinated water molecules point into the channel wall.

A novel metal-organic coordination polymer with unprecedented floor-like structural configuration consisting of two kinds of independent building blocks of triple- and double-stranded braids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che, Yun-Xia; Luo, Feng; Zheng, Ji-Min

2007-02-01

This paper presents a novel and distinctive metal-organic compound, {[Cd 4(bet) 4Cl 6(H 2O) 4][Cd 2Cl 6]} n (bet=(CH 3) 3NCH 2CO 2, namely betaine) 1, assembled from two independent building blocks of triple- and double-stranded braids, and characterized by an unprecedented floor-like structural configuration. Furthermore, IR, element analysis, and TG-DTA were employed to characterize it. Compound 1 belongs to triclinic system, space group P-1, a = 6.704(2) Å, b = 9.338(3) Å, c = 20.056(7) Å, α = 101.409(5)°, β = 96.650(5)°, γ = 93.148(5)°, V = 1218.5(7) Å 3, Z = 1, R1 = 0.0340, ωR2 = 0.1017.

Relation of fat-mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism to fat mass content and body mass index in obese children.

PubMed

Pyrzak, Beata; Wisniewska, Alicja; Majcher, Anna; Tysarowski, Andrzej; Demkow, Urszula

2013-01-01

Fat mass content, fat distribution, and fat-mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene have been reported among a broad spectrum of genetic variation connected with body weight. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the T/A rs9939609 polymorphism of the FTO gene may influence obesity and metabolic indices in children. A 160 children were examined (136 obese and 24 non-obese). The anthropometric measurements and calculations included: height, weight, waist and hip circumference, sum of the thickness of 3 and 10 skin folds, % of fat content, % FAT- BIA , % LBM-BIA. BMI, SDS of BMI, WHR, and WHtR. Fasting plasma total cholesterol (TC), HDL and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and HOMA-IR were analyzed and the blood pressure were measured. The rs9939609 polymorphism of FTO gene was genotyped by allele-specific real-time polymerase chain- reaction (RT-PCR). We found that the mean concentrations of TC, TG, LDLC, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher, and HDL was lower in the obese than in non-obese children. The presence of TT, but not AA alleles, related to the percentage of fat content, BMI, and z-score of BMI. None of the other anthropometric indices did differ between the children with gene polymorphism and wild homozygous. In conclusion, rs9939609 polymorphism in the fat-mass and obesity-associated gene is associated with BMI and the percent of fat content in children.

Thermal and rheological properties of a family of botryosphaerans produced by Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05.

PubMed

Fonseca, Paulo R M S; Dekker, Robert F H; Barbosa, Aneli M; Silveira, Joana L M; Vasconcelos, Ana F D; Monteiro, Nilson K; Aranda-Selverio, Gabriel; da Silva, Maria de Lourdes Corradi

2011-09-02

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses were performed to investigate changes in the physico-chemical properties of botryosphaerans, a family of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by the fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05 grown on glucose (EPS(GLC)), sucrose (EPS(SUC)) and fructose (EPS(FRU)). A slight endothermic transition and small mass loss attributable to the removal of water of hydration were observed in the DSC and TG analyses, respectively, for the three EPS samples. The FT-IR spectra confirmed no structural changes occurred during thermal treatment. Viscometry was utilized to obtain information on the rheological behaviour of the EPS in aqueous solutions. The Power Law and Cross Equations determined the natural pseudoplastic characteristics of the EPS. Comparatively, results obtained for EPS produced when B. rhodina MAMB-05 was grown on each of the three carbohydrate sources demonstrated similar apparent viscosity values for EPS(GLC) and EPS(SUC), while EPS(FRU) displayed the lowest apparent viscosity of the three botryosphaerans, suggesting a higher degree of ramification and lower Mw. EPS(GLC) and EPS(SUC) possessed similar degrees of ramification. The slight differences found in their viscosities can be explained by the differences in the type of branching among the three botryosphaerans, thus varying the strength of intermolecular interactions and consequently, consistency and viscosity. The physico-chemical studies of botryosphaerans represent the originality of this work, and the knowledge of these properties is an important criterion for potential applications.

The Short-term Prognostic Value of the Triglyceride-to-high-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Acute Ischemic Stroke

PubMed Central

Wang, Huan; Lei, Leix; Zhang, Han-Qing; Gu, Zheng-Tian; Xing, Fang-Lan; Yan, Fu-Ling

2018-01-01

The triglyceride (TG)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TG/HDL-C) is a simple approach to predicting unfavorable outcomes in cardiovascular disease. The influence of TG/HDL-C on acute ischemic stroke remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the precise effect of TG/HDL-C on 3-month mortality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients with AIS were enrolled in the present study from 2011 to 2017. A total of 1459 participants from a single city in China were divided into retrospective training and prospective test cohorts. Medical records were collected periodically to determine the incidence of fatal events. All participants were followed for 3 months. Optimal cutoff values were determined using X-tile software to separate the training cohort patients into higher and lower survival groups based on their lipid levels. A survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and a Cox proportional hazards regression model. A total of 1459 patients with AIS (median age 68.5 years, 58.5% male) were analyzed. Univariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that TG/HDL-C was a significant prognostic factor for 3-month survival. X-tile identified 0.9 as an optimal cutoff for TG/HDL-C. In the univariate analysis, the prognosis of the TG/HDL-C >0.9 group was markedly superior to that of TG/HDL-C ≤0.9 group (P<0.001). A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was independently correlated with a reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.62; P<0.001). These results were confirmed in the 453 patients in the test cohort. A nomogram was constructed to predict 3-month case-fatality, and the c-indexes of predictive accuracy were 0.684 and 0.670 in the training and test cohorts, respectively (P<0.01). The serum TG/HDL-C ratio may be useful for predicting short-term mortality after AIS. PMID:29896437

The Short-term Prognostic Value of the Triglyceride-to-high-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Deng, Qi-Wen; Li, Shuo; Wang, Huan; Lei, Leix; Zhang, Han-Qing; Gu, Zheng-Tian; Xing, Fang-Lan; Yan, Fu-Ling

2018-06-01

The triglyceride (TG)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TG/HDL-C) is a simple approach to predicting unfavorable outcomes in cardiovascular disease. The influence of TG/HDL-C on acute ischemic stroke remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the precise effect of TG/HDL-C on 3-month mortality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients with AIS were enrolled in the present study from 2011 to 2017. A total of 1459 participants from a single city in China were divided into retrospective training and prospective test cohorts. Medical records were collected periodically to determine the incidence of fatal events. All participants were followed for 3 months. Optimal cutoff values were determined using X-tile software to separate the training cohort patients into higher and lower survival groups based on their lipid levels. A survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and a Cox proportional hazards regression model. A total of 1459 patients with AIS (median age 68.5 years, 58.5% male) were analyzed. Univariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that TG/HDL-C was a significant prognostic factor for 3-month survival. X-tile identified 0.9 as an optimal cutoff for TG/HDL-C. In the univariate analysis, the prognosis of the TG/HDL-C >0.9 group was markedly superior to that of TG/HDL-C ≤0.9 group (P<0.001). A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was independently correlated with a reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.62; P<0.001). These results were confirmed in the 453 patients in the test cohort. A nomogram was constructed to predict 3-month case-fatality, and the c-indexes of predictive accuracy were 0.684 and 0.670 in the training and test cohorts, respectively (P<0.01). The serum TG/HDL-C ratio may be useful for predicting short-term mortality after AIS.

Comparative kinetic analysis on thermal degradation of some cephalosporins using TG and DSC data

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The thermal decomposition of cephalexine, cefadroxil and cefoperazone under non-isothermal conditions using the TG, respectively DSC methods, was studied. In case of TG, a hyphenated technique, including EGA, was used. Results The kinetic analysis was performed using the TG and DSC data in air for the first step of cephalosporin’s decomposition at four heating rates. The both TG and DSC data were processed according to an appropriate strategy to the following kinetic methods: Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, Friedman, and NPK, in order to obtain realistic kinetic parameters, even if the decomposition process is a complex one. The EGA data offer some valuable indications about a possible decomposition mechanism. The obtained data indicate a rather good agreement between the activation energy’s values obtained by different methods, whereas the EGA data and the chemical structures give a possible explanation of the observed differences on the thermal stability. A complete kinetic analysis needs a data processing strategy using two or more methods, but the kinetic methods must also be applied to the different types of experimental data (TG and DSC). Conclusion The simultaneous use of DSC and TG data for the kinetic analysis coupled with evolved gas analysis (EGA) provided us a more complete picture of the degradation of the three cephalosporins. It was possible to estimate kinetic parameters by using three different kinetic methods and this allowed us to compare the Ea values obtained from different experimental data, TG and DSC. The thermodegradation being a complex process, the both differential and integral methods based on the single step hypothesis are inadequate for obtaining believable kinetic parameters. Only the modified NPK method allowed an objective separation of the temperature, respective conversion influence on the reaction rate and in the same time to ascertain the existence of two simultaneous steps. PMID:23594763

Conversion of Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols to Triacylglycerols in Ozone-Fumigated Spinach Leaves

PubMed Central

Sakaki, Takeshi; Saito, Kazuki; Kawaguchi, Akihiko; Kondo, Noriaki; Yamada, Mitsuhiro

1990-01-01

Molecular species and fatty acid distribution of triacylglycerol (TG) accumulated in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves fumigated with ozone (0.5 microliter per liter) were compared with those of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG). Analysis of positional distribution of the fatty acids in MGDG and the accumulated TG by the enzymatic digestion method showed that hexadecatrienoate (16:3) was restricted to sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone in both MGDG and TG, whereas α-linolenate (18:3) was preferentially located at sn-1 position in MGDG, and sn-1 and/or sn-3 positions in TG, suggesting that 1,2-diacylglycerol moieties of MGDG are the direct precursor of TG in ozonefumigated leaves. Further analysis of TG molecular species by argentation chromatography and mass spectrometry showed that TG increased with ozone fumigation consisted of approximately an equal molar ratio of sn-1,3-18:3-2-16:3 and sn-1,2,3-18:3. Because the molecular species of MGDG in spinach leaves is composed of a similar molar ratio of sn-1-18:3-2-16:3 and sn-1,2-18:3, we concluded that MGDG was converted to 1,2-diacylglycerol and acylated with 18:3 to TG in ozone-fumigated spinach leaves. Images Figure 1 PMID:16667777

Rapid discrimination of Herba Cistanches by multi-step infrared macro-fingerprinting combined with soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Changhua; Jia, Xiaoguang; Xu, Rong; Wang, Yang; Zhou, Qun; Sun, Suqin

2013-10-01

Herba Cistanche, an important Chinese herbal medicine, has common four species, Cistanche deserticola (CD), Cistanche tubulosa (CT), Cistanche salsa (CS) and Cistanche sinensis (CSN) which have been frequent mixed used. To clarify the sources of Herba Cistanches and ensure the clinical efficacy and safety, a method combing IR macro-fingerprinting with statistical pattern recognition was developed to analyze and discriminate the four species of Herba Cistanche. By comparing FT-IR, second derivative spectral fingerprints via group-peak matching, the similarity to CD and total saccharides (TS) followed an increasing sequence, CT < CSN < CS < CD, whereas that to total glycosides (TG) followed a decreasing order, CT > CSN > CS > CD. Characteristic fingerprints of their 2D-IR correlation spectra in 1750-1000 cm-1 have confirmed the above findings in a more intuitive way. In terms of sources for phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), CT can be an ideal alternative species. However, in terms of using them as a whole, more pharmacological study should be conducted due to the different ratios of their chemical constituents, which is also applicable to CSN and CS. Moreover, the four species (179 samples) has been objectively classified by SIMCA based on IR macro-fingerprints.

Effects of oral contraceptives on metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis comparing products containing cyproterone acetate with third generation progestins.

PubMed

Amiri, Mina; Ramezani Tehrani, Fahimeh; Nahidi, Fatemeh; Kabir, Ali; Azizi, Fereidoun; Carmina, Enrico

2017-08-01

Although oral contraceptives (OCs) are the most common treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), their effects and safety on the metabolic profiles of these patients are relatively unknown. In this meta-analysis the effects of the different durations (from 3months to 1year) of OC treatment using cyproterone acetate (CA) or third generation progestins on metabolic profile of patients with PCOS were assessed. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases (2001-2015) were searched to identify clinical trials investigating the effects of OC containing CA or third generation progestins on metabolic profiles of women with PCOS. Both fixed and random effect models were used. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the progestin compounds used and on duration of treatment. Oral contraceptive (OC) use was found to be associated with a worsening in lipid profiles but no changes were observed in other metabolic outcomes, including body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, homeostatic model for measuring insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and in blood pressure (BP) values. All studied OCs showed similar effects on lipid profiles but with different timings, with products containing CA, requiring 6months to raise high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and 12months to increase triglycerides (TG). On the contrary, products containing drospirenone (DRSP) or desogestrel (DSG) increased HDL-C after only 3months but determined elevations of TG after 6months. All OCs induced an increase in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) after 12months of use. The study shows that, in women with PCOS, OC use is associated with significant changes in lipid profiles, including elevation not only in HDL-C but also in TG and LDL-C. All OCs studied showed similar effects but with different timings, with products containing CA generally requiring more prolonged use to increase serum lipids. Instead, OC use does not affect body weight, BP or glucose levels, with only some minor increase of fasting insulin levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Higher schizotypy predicts better metabolic profile in unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Atbasoglu, E Cem; Gumus-Akay, Guvem; Guloksuz, Sinan; Saka, Meram Can; Ucok, Alp; Alptekin, Koksal; Gullu, Sevim; van Os, Jim

2018-04-01

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is more frequent in schizophrenia (Sz) than in the general population. This association is partly accounted for by shared susceptibility genetic variants. We tested the hypotheses that a genetic predisposition to Sz would be associated with higher likelihood of insulin resistance (IR), and that IR would be predicted by subthreshold psychosis phenotypes. Unaffected siblings of Sz patients (n = 101) were compared with a nonclinical sample (n = 305) in terms of IR, schizotypy (SzTy), and a behavioural experiment of "jumping to conclusions". The measures, respectively, were the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Structured Interview for Schizotypy-Revised (SIS-R), and the Beads Task (BT). The likelihood of IR was examined in multiple regression models that included sociodemographic, metabolic, and cognitive parameters alongside group status, SIS-R scores, and BT performance. Insulin resistance was less frequent in siblings (31.7%) compared to controls (43.3%) (p < 0.05), and negatively associated with SzTy, as compared among the tertile groups for the latter (p < 0.001). The regression model that examined all relevant parameters included the tSzTy tertiles, TG and HDL-C levels, and BMI, as significant predictors of IR. Lack of IR was predicted by the highest as compared to the lowest SzTy tertile [OR (95%CI): 0.43 (0.21-0.85), p = 0.015]. Higher dopaminergic activity may contribute to both schizotypal features and a favourable metabolic profile in the same individual. This is compatible with dopamine's regulatory role in glucose metabolism via indirect central actions and a direct action on pancreatic insulin secretion. The relationship between dopaminergic activity and metabolic profile in Sz must be examined in longitudinal studies with younger unaffected siblings.

Tissue transglutaminase regulates focal adhesion kinase/AKT activation by modulating PTEN expression in pancreatic cancer cells.

PubMed

Verma, Amit; Guha, Sushovan; Wang, Huamin; Fok, Jansina Y; Koul, Dimpy; Abbruzzese, James; Mehta, Kapil

2008-04-01

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progresses rapidly and exhibits profound resistance to treatment. We recently reported that a great majority of PDAC tumors and tumor cell lines express elevated levels of tissue transglutaminase (TG2). Here, we provide first evidence that TG2 expression in PDAC cells results in constitutive activation of focal adhesion kinase/AKT by modulating the expression of the tumor suppressor phosphatase PTEN. Using PDAC cell lines, we determined the effect of TG2 overexpression on PTEN stability and functions. We confirmed the correlation between TG2 expression and PTEN levels in a few (n=51) PDAC tumor samples. We observed that expression of TG2 is inversely correlated with PTEN expression in PDAC cells. Ectopic expression of TG2 inhibited PTEN phosphorylation and promoted its degradation by ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. Conversely, down-regulation of TG2 by small interfering RNA up-regulated PTEN expression. Clinical relevance of these results was evident in an athymic nude mouse model where down-regulation of endogenous TG2 caused a significant retardation in PDAC xenograft growth. Importantly, the analysis of 51 tumor samples from patients with stage II PDAC revealed that overexpression of TG2 was associated with loss of PTEN expression (P=0.023; odds ratio, 4.1). In multivariate analysis, TG2-mediated loss of PTEN was a prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with stage II pancreatic ductal carcinoma independent of tumor stage/lymph node status and tumor differentiation (P=0.01). TG2 expression in PDAC promotes degradation of PTEN by ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway and results in constitutive activation of focal adhesion kinase/AKT cell survival signaling.

Ezetimibe improves hepatic steatosis in relation to autophagy in obese and diabetic rats

PubMed Central

Chang, Eugene; Kim, Lisa; Park, Se Eun; Rhee, Eun-Jung; Lee, Won-Young; Oh, Ki-Won; Park, Sung-Woo; Park, Cheol-Young

2015-01-01

AIM: To investigate whether ezetimibe ameliorates hepatic steatosis and induces autophagy in a rat model of obesity and type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Male age-matched lean control LETO and obese and diabetic OLETF rats were administered either PBS or ezetimibe (10 mg/kg per day) via stomach gavage for 20 wk. Changes in weight gain and energy intake were regularly monitored. Blood and liver tissue were harvested after overnight fasting at the end of study. Histological assessment was performed in liver tissue. The concentrations of glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), and total cholesterol (TC) in blood and TG, FFA, and TG in liver tissue were measured. mRNA and protein abundance involved in autophagy was analyzed in the liver. To investigate the effect of ezetimibe on autophagy and reduction in hepatic fat accumulation, human Huh7 hepatocytes were incubated with ezetimibe (10 μmol/L) together with or without palmitic acid (PA, 0.5 mmol/L, 24 h). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to demonstrate effect of ezetimibe on autophagy formation. Autophagic flux was measured with bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of autophagy and following immunoblotting for autophagy-related protein expression. RESULTS: In the OLETF rats that received ezetimibe (10 mg/kg per day), liver weight were significantly decreased by 20% compared to OLETF control rats without changes in food intake and body weight (P < 0.05). Lipid parameters including TG, FFA, and TC in liver tissue of ezetimibe-administrated OLETF rats were dramatically decreased at least by 30% compared to OLETF controls (P < 0.01). The serum glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and lipid profiles were also improved by ezetimibe (P < 0.05). In addition, autophagy-related mRNA expression including ATG5, ATG6, and ATG7 and the protein level of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were significantly increased in the liver in rats that received ezetimibe (P < 0.05). Likewise, for hepatocytes cultured in vitro, ezetimibe treatment significantly decreased PA-induced fat accumulation and increased PA-reduced mRNA and protein expression involved in autophagy (P < 0.05). Ezetimibe-increased autophagosomes was observed in TEM analysis. Immunoblotting analysis of autophagy formation with an inhibitor of autophagy demonstrated that ezetimibe-increased autophagy resulted from increased autophagic flux. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that ezetimibe-mediated improvement in hepatic steatosis might involve the induction of autophagy. PMID:26167075

Probing thyroglobulin in undiluted human serum based on pattern recognition and competitive adsorption of proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ran; Huang, Shuai; Li, Jing; Chae, Junseok

2014-10-01

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a sensitive indicator of persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer of follicular cell origin. Detection of Tg in human serum is challenging as bio-receptors, such as anti-Tg, used in immunoassay have relatively weak binding affinity. We engineer sensing surfaces using the competitive adsorption of proteins, termed the Vroman Effect. Coupled with Surface Plasmon Resonance, the "cross-responsive" interactions of Tg on the engineered surfaces produce uniquely distinguishable multiple signature patterns, which are discriminated using Linear Discriminant Analysis. Tg-spiked samples, down to 2 ng/ml Tg in undiluted human serum, are sensitively and selectively discriminated from the control (undiluted human serum).

Preparation and catalytic activities of LaFeO3 and Fe2O3 for HMX thermal decomposition.

PubMed

Wei, Zhi-Xian; Xu, Yan-Qing; Liu, Hai-Yan; Hu, Chang-Wen

2009-06-15

Perovskite-type LaFeO(3) and alpha-Fe(2)O(3) with high specific surface areas were directly prepared with appropriate stearic acid-nitrates ratios by a novel stearic acid solution combustion method. The obtained powders were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and XPS techniques. The catalytic activities of perovskite-type LaFeO(3) and alpha-Fe(2)O(3) for the thermal decomposition of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) were investigated by TG and TG-EGA techniques. The experimental results show that the catalytic activity of perovskite-type LaFeO(3) was much higher than that of alpha-Fe(2)O(3) because of higher concentration of surface-adsorbed oxygen (O(ad)) and hydroxyl of LaFeO(3). The study points out a potential way to develop new and more active perovskite-type catalysts for the HMX thermal decomposition.

Transglutaminase 2 expression in acute myeloid leukemia: Association with adhesion molecule expression and leukemic blast motility

PubMed Central

Meyer, Stefan; Ravandi-Kashani, Farhad; Borthakur, Gautam; Coombes, Kevin R.; Zhang, Nianxiang; Kornblau, Steven

2016-01-01

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous disease with differential oncogene association, outcome and treatment regimens. Treatment strategies for AML have improved outcome but despite increased molecular biological information AML is still associated with poor prognosis. Proteomic analysis on the effects of a range of leukemogenic oncogenes showed that the protein transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is expressed at greater levels as a consequence of oncogenic transformation. Further analysis of this observation was performed with 511 AML samples using reverse phase proteomic arrays, demonstrating that TG2 expression was higher at relapse than diagnosis in many cases. In addition elevated TG2 expression correlated with increased expression of numerous adhesion proteins and many apoptosis regulating proteins, two processes related to leukemogenesis. TG2 has previously been linked to drug resistance in cancer and given the negative correlation between TG2 levels and peripheral blasts observed increased TG2 levels may lead to the protection of the leukemic stem cell due to increased adhesion/reduced motility. TG2 may therefore form part of a network of proteins that define poor outcome in AML patients and potentially offer a target to sensitize AML stem cells to drug treatment. PMID:23576428

Mechanism of lipid mobilization by the small intestine after transport blockade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Halpern, J.; Tso, P.; Mansbach, C.M. II

1988-07-01

The nonionic detergent, Pluronic L-81 (L-81) has been shown to block the transport of intestinal mucosal triacylglycerol (TG) in chylomicrons. This results in large lipid masses within the enterocyte that are greater in diameter than chylomicrons. On removal of L-81, mucosal TG is rapidly mobilized and appears in the lymph. We questioned whether the blocked TG requires partial or complete hydrolysis before its transport. Rats were infused intraduodenally with (3H)glyceryl, (14C)oleoyl trioleate (TO) and 0.5 mg L-81/h for 8 h, followed by 120 mumol/h linoleate for 18 h. Mesenteric lymph was collected and analyzed for TG content and radioactivity. Anmore » HPLC method was developed to separate TG on the basis of its acyl group species. The assumed acyl group composition was confirmed by gas liquid chromatography analysis. TG lymphatic output was low for the first 8 h but increased to 52 mumol/h at the 11th h of infusion (3 h after stopping L-81). 38% of the infused TO was retained in the mucosa after the 8-h infusion. 95% of mucosal TG was TO, 92% of the radioactivity was in TG, and 2.4% of the 14C disintegrations per minute was in fatty acid. HPLC analysis of lymph at 6, 10, 12, and 14.5 h of infusion showed a progressive rise in TG composed of one linoleate and two oleates, to 39%; and in TG composed of two linoleates and one oleate to 20% at 14.5 h of infusion. On a mass basis, however, 80% of the TG acyl groups were oleate. 3H/14C ratios in the various TG acyl group species reflected the decrease in oleate. We conclude that first, unlike liver, most mucosal TG is not hydrolyzed before transport. The mechanism of how the large lipid masses present in mucosal cells after L-81 infusion are converted to the much smaller chylomicrons is unknown. Second, the concomitant infusion of linoleate did not impair lymph TG delivery after L-81 blockade.« less

Pretreatment TG/HDL-C Ratio Is Superior to Triacylglycerol Level as an Independent Prognostic Factor for the Survival of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients.

PubMed

Dai, Danian; Chen, Bo; Wang, Bin; Tang, Hailin; Li, Xing; Zhao, Zhiping; Li, Xuan; Xie, Xiaoming; Wei, Weidong

2016-01-01

Previous studies have reported that the triacylglycerol (TG) level and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are connected with breast cancer. However, the prognostic utility of the TG level and the TG/HDL-C ratio (THR) as conventional biomarkers in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been elucidated. In this research, we investigate and compare the predictive value of the pretreatment serum TG level and THR in TNBC patients. We evaluated 221 patients with TNBC who had pretreatment conventional blood biochemical examinations and calculated the THR. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of the TG level and the THR on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The optimal cutoff values of the TG level and the THR were determined to be 0.935 mmol/L and 0.600, respectively. As shown in a Kaplan-Meier analysis, TNBC patients with a high TG level and THR had shorter OS and DFS than patients in the low-level groups ( p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis suggested that the pretreatment THR level is an independent prognostic factor of OS (HR: 1.935; 95%CI: 1.032-3.629; p = 0.040) in TNBC patients. In conclusion, our data indicate that a high THR is an independent predictor and is superior to the TG level for predicting poor clinical outcomes in TNBC patients.

[Stability of physical state on compound hawthorn dropping pills].

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Chen, Hong-Yan; Jiang, Jian-Lan

2008-11-01

To evaluate the stability of physical state with accelerate test and dropping in process before and after on compound hawthorn dropping pills. Scanning electron microscope, TG-DTA, FT-IR and XRD were used. The active components presented amorphous, tiny crystal and molecular state in dropping pills, and it had no obvious reaction between PEG 4000 and active components. With time prolonging, a little of active components changed from amorphous state to tiny crystal or molecular state. Solid dispersion improved the stability and dissolution of compound hawthorn dropping pills.

Lycopene Protects against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury by Alleviating ER Stress Induced Apoptosis in Neonatal Mouse Cardiomyocytes

PubMed Central

Xu, Jiqian; Hu, Houxiang; Chen, Bin; Yue, Rongchuan; Zhou, Zhou; Liu, Yin; Zhang, Shuang; Xu, Lei; Wang, Huan; Yu, Zhengping

2015-01-01

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced apoptosis plays a pivotal role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-injury. Inhibiting ER stress is a major therapeutic target/strategy in treating cardiovascular diseases. Our previous studies revealed that lycopene exhibits great pharmacological potential in protecting against the I/R-injury in vitro and vivo, but whether attenuation of ER stress (and) or ER stress-induced apoptosis contributes to the effects remains unclear. In the present study, using neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes to establish an in vitro model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to mimic myocardium I/R in vivo, we aimed to explore the hypothesis that lycopene could alleviate the ER stress and ER stress-induced apoptosis in H/R-injury. We observed that lycopene alleviated the H/R injury as revealed by improving cell viability and reducing apoptosis, suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and improved the phosphorylated AMPK expression, attenuated ER stress as evidenced by decreasing the expression of GRP78, ATF6 mRNA, sXbp-1 mRNA, eIF2α mRNA and eIF2α phosphorylation, alleviated ER stress-induced apoptosis as manifested by reducing CHOP/GADD153 expression, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, caspase-12 and caspase-3 activity in H/R-treated cardiomyocytes. Thapsigargin (TG) is a potent ER stress inducer and used to elicit ER stress of cardiomyocytes. Our results showed that lycopene was able to prevent TG-induced ER stress as reflected by attenuating the protein expression of GRP78 and CHOP/GADD153 compared to TG group, significantly improve TG-caused a loss of cell viability and decrease apoptosis in TG-treated cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that the protective effects of lycopene on H/R-injury are, at least in part, through alleviating ER stress and ER stress-induced apoptosis in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. PMID:26291709

Physical transformation of niclosamide solvates in pharmaceutical suspensions determined by DSC and TG analysis.

PubMed

de Villiers, M M; Mahlatji, M D; Malan, S F; van Tonder, E C; Liebenberg, W

2004-07-01

This study reports the preparation of four niclosamide solvates and the determination of the stability of the crystal forms in different suspension vehicles by DSC and TG analysis. Thermal analysis showed that the niclosamide solvates were extremely unstable in a PVP-vehicle and rapidly changed to monohydrated crystals. A suspension in propylene glycol was more stable and TG analysis showed that crystal transformation was less rapid. In this vehicle, the crystals transformed to the anhydrate, rather than the monohydrate, since the vehicle was non-aqueous. The TEG-hemisolvate was the most stable in suspension and offered the best possibility of commercial exploitation.

The serum level of soluble CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 increases in response to acute hyperglycemia after an oral glucose load in healthy subjects: association with high-molecular weight adiponectin and hepatic enzymes.

PubMed

Aso, Yoshimasa; Terasawa, Tomoko; Kato, Kanako; Jojima, Teruo; Suzuki, Kunihiro; Iijima, Toshie; Kawagoe, Yoshiaki; Mikami, Shigeru; Kubota, Yoshiro; Inukai, Toshihiko; Kasai, Kikuo

2013-11-01

A soluble form of CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (sCD26/DPP4) is found in serum and it has DPP4 enzymatic activity. We investigated whether the serum level of sCD26/DPP4 was influenced by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in healthy subjects. The serum sCD26/DPP4 level increased significantly from 824.5 ng/mL (interquartile range, from 699.0 to 1050 ng/mL) at baseline to a peak of 985.0 ng/mL (interquartile range, from 796.5 to 1215 ng/mL) during the OGTT (P < 0.0001). The peak sCD26/DPP4 level correlated positively with the baseline age and body mass index, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels whereas it correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and the serum levels of total and high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin. Stepwise regression analysis was done with forward selection of variables, including age, FPG, HOMA-IR, TG, HDL cholesterol, uric acid, GGT, C-reactive protein, and HMW adiponectin. In a model that explained 57.5% of the variation of the peak sCD26/DPP4 level, GGT (β = 0.382, P = 0.007) and HOMA-IR (β = 0.307, P = 0.034) were independent determinants of the peak serum level of sCD26/DPP4. Serum HMW adiponectin decreased significantly from 4.43 μg/mL (interquartile range, from 2.80 to 6.65 μg/mL) at baseline to 4.17 μg/mL (interquartile range, from 2.48 to 6.96 μg/mL) 120 minutes after the oral glucose load (P < 0.0001). The baseline serum level of sCD26/DPP4 showed a significant negative correlation with the percent change of HMW adiponectin during the OGTT. In conclusion, the serum level of sCD26/DPP4 increased acutely after an oral glucose load in apparently healthy subjects. The abrupt increase of serum sCD26/DPP4 after a glucose load may be a marker of insulin resistance that could come from liver or muscle. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Predictors of metabolic syndrome persistence 1 year after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

PubMed

Martini, Francesco; Anty, Rodolphe; Schneck, Anne-Sophie; Casanova, Vincent; Iannelli, Antonio; Gugenheim, Jean

2015-01-01

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is effective in reversing the metabolic syndrome (MS) in up to 90% of patients. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of MS persistence 1 year after LRYGB. University Hospital, France. Ninety-one patients with a mean age of 44.4 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 43.1 kg/m² meeting the criteria for MS were enrolled in this prospective study. Anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory biological parameters were assessed before and 1 year after LRYGB. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the persistence (MS nonresponders) or resolution of MS (MS responders) 1 year after LRYGB and a comparison was performed at baseline and 1 year after surgery. Sixty-nine patients (75.8%) underwent remission, while 22 (24.2%) showed persistence of MS 1 year after LRYGB. At baseline the MS nonresponders group presented significantly higher values of fasting plasma glucose (7.8 versus 5.3 mmol/L, P = .004), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c, 7.3% versus 5.9%, P = .0004), triglycerides (TG, 2.37 versus 1.33 mmol/L, P = .006), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, 442.5 versus 256, P = .006). The rate of diabetes was significantly higher in this group (68.2% versus 36.8%, P = .0086), as well as the number of MS components per patient. One year after LRYGB, the MS nonresponders showed a significantly lower excess BMI lost (EBMIL) (56.1% versus 82.4%, P = .00008). On multivariate analysis, baseline levels of TG, glucose metabolism markers and EBMIL were associated with the persistence of MS. Baseline levels of TG, plasma fasting glucose, and HbA1c, as well as history of type 2 diabetes and EBMIL, represent predictors of MS persistence 1 year after LRYGB. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Insulin resistance, obesity, hypofibrinolysis, hyperandrogenism, and coronary heart disease risk factors in 25 pre-perimenarchal girls age < or =14 years, 13 with precocious puberty, 23 with a first-degree relative with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Glueck, Charles J; Morrison, John A; Wang, Ping

2008-10-01

Pre-peri-menarchal diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is important, because intervention with metformin-diet may prevent progression to full blown PCOS. In 25 girls age < or =14 years with probable familial PCOS, 10 pre-, 15 post-menarchal, 13 with precocious puberty, 23 with a first-degree relative with PCOS, we hypothesized that reversible coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, insulin resistance, clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism, and hypofibrinolysis were already established. Fasting measures: insulin, glucose, total, LDL- (LDL-C), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), plasminogen activator inhibitor activity (PAI-Fx), total (T) and free testosterone (FT), androstenedione, and DHEAS. Clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism was present in all 25 girls, with elevations of T or FT, or androstenedione in seven of ten pre-menarchal girls and in all 15 post-menarche. PAI-Fx was high in 28% of the 25 girls vs 6.5% in age-gender-race matched controls (p = 0.013). Categorized by race-age-specific distributions in 870 schoolgirls, the 25 girls with probable familial PCOS were more likely to have top decile body mass index (BMI), insulin, HOMA-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), SBP, DBP, and TG, and bottom decile HDL-C. By analysis of variance, adjusting for race, age and BMI, PCOS girls had higher FT and waist circumference than controls, but did not differ for SBP, DBP, HDL-C, or TG (p>0.05). Pre-peri-menarchal acquisition of centripetal obesity amplifies CHD risk factors and hypofibrinolysis in hyperandrogenemic girls with probable familial PCOS and precocious puberty. When schoolgirls become as obese as girls with probable familial PCOS, they acquire the same CHD risk factors, and differ only by lower free T and less centripetal obesity.

Production of transgenic pigs using a pGFAP-CreERT2/EGFP LoxP inducible system for central nervous system disease models.

PubMed

Hwang, Seon-Ung; Eun, Kiyoung; Yoon, Junchul David; Kim, Hyunggee; Hyun, Sang-Hwan

2018-05-31

Transgenic (TG) pigs are important in biomedical research and are used in disease modeling, pharmaceutical toxicity testing, and regenerative medicine. In this study, we constructed two vector systems by using the promoter of the pig glial fibrillary acidic protein ( pGFAP ) gene, which is an astrocyte cell marker. We established donor TG fibroblasts with pGFAP-CreER T2 /LCMV-EGFP LoxP and evaluated the effect of the transgenes on TG-somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo development. Cleavage rates were not significantly different between control and transgene-donor groups. Embryo transfer was performed thrice just before ovulation of the surrogate sows. One sow delivered 5 TG piglets at 115 days after pregnancy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with genomic DNA isolated from skin tissues of TG pigs revealed that all 5 TG pigs had the transgenes. EGFP expression in all organs tested was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and PCR. Real-time PCR analysis showed that pGFAP promoter-driven Cre fused to the mutated human ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor ( CreER T2 ) mRNA was highly expressed in the cerebrum. Semi-nested PCR analysis revealed that CreER T2 -mediated recombination was induced in cerebrum and cerebellum but not in skin. Thus, we successfully generated a TG pig with a 4-hydroxytamoxifen (TM)-inducible pGFAP-CreER T2 /EGFP LoxP recombination system via SCNT.

Clinical applicability of Tokyo guidelines 2018/2013 in diagnosis and severity evaluation of acute cholangitis and determination of a new severity model.

PubMed

Gravito-Soares, Elisa; Gravito-Soares, Marta; Gomes, Dário; Almeida, Nuno; Tomé, Luís

2018-03-01

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Tokyo guidelines (TG) 2018/2013 (TG18/TG13) and predictors of poor prognosis in acute cholangitis. Retrospective 1-year study of consecutive hospital admissions for acute cholangitis. Prognosis was defined in terms of 30 d in-hospital mortality. Of the 183 patients with acute cholangitis, diagnostic accuracy based on Charcot's triad, TG07 and TG18/TG13 was 67.8, 86.9 and 92.3% (p < .001), respectively. Regarding severity based on TG18/TG13, 30.6% of cases were severe. A poor prognosis was found in 10.9% of patients. After multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg (OR 11.010; p < .001), serum albumin <3 g/dL (OR 1.355; p = .006), active oncology disease (OR 3.818; p = .006) and malignant aetiology of obstructive jaundice (OR 2.224; p = .021) were independent predictors of poor prognosis. The discriminative ability of the model with these four variables was high (AUROC 0.842; p < .001), being superior to TG18/TG13 (AUROC 0.693; p = .005). TG18/TG13 showed high diagnostic accuracy in acute cholangitis. Compared with TG18/TG13, the simplified severity model ≥2 allows easy selection of patients who will benefit from admission to the intensive care unit and early biliary decompression.

Brain and Brown Adipose Tissue Metabolism in Transgenic Tg2576 Mice Models of Alzheimer Disease Assessed Using 18F-FDG PET Imaging

PubMed Central

Coleman, Robert A.; Liang, Christopher; Patel, Rima; Ali, Sarah

2017-01-01

Objective: Imaging animal models of Alzheimer disease (AD) is useful for the development of therapeutic drugs and understanding AD. Transgenic Swedish hAPPswe Tg2576 mice are a good model of β-amyloid plaques. We report 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of brain and intrascapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) in transgenic mice 2576 (Tg2576) and wild-type (WT) mice. Methods: Transgenic Tg2576 mice and WT mice, >18 months were injected intraperitonally with ≈ 25 to 30 MBq 18F-FDG while awake. After 60 minutes, they were anesthetized with isoflurane (2.5%) and imaged with Inveon MicroPET. Select mice were killed, imaged ex vivo, and 20 µm sections cut for autoradiography. 18F-FDG uptake in brain and IBAT PET and brain autoradiographs were analyzed. Results: Fasting blood glucose levels averaged 120 mg/dL for WT and 100 mg/dL for Tg2576. Compared to WT, Tg2576 mice exhibited a decrease in SUVglc in the various brain regions. Average reductions in the cerebrum regions were as high as −20%, while changes in cerebellum were −3%. Uptake of 18F-FDG in IBAT decreased by −60% in Tg2576 mice and was found to be significant. Intrascapular brown adipose tissue findings in Tg2576 mice are new and not previously reported. Use of blood glucose for PET data analysis and corpus callosum as reference region for autoradiographic analysis were important to detect change in Tg2576 mice. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 18F-FDG uptake in the Tg2576 mice brain show 18F-FDG deficits only when blood glucose is taken into consideration. PMID:28654383

The use of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove indices based on joint size in lower limb evaluation.

PubMed

Ferlic, Peter Wilhelm; Runer, Armin; Dirisamer, Florian; Balcarek, Peter; Giesinger, Johannes; Biedermann, Rainer; Liebensteiner, Michael Christian

2018-05-01

The correlation between tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and joint size, taking into account several different parameters of knee joint size as well as lower limb dimensions, is evaluated in order to assess whether TT-TG indices should be used in instead of absolute TT-TG values. This study comprised a retrospective analysis of knee CT scans, including 36 cases with patellofemoral instability (PFI) and 30 controls. Besides TT-TG, five measures of knee joint size were evaluated in axial CT slices: medio-lateral femur width, antero-posterior lateral condylar height, medio-lateral width of the tibia, width of the patella and the proximal-distal joint size (TT-TE). Furthermore, the length of the femur, the tibia and the total leg length were measured in the CT scanogram. Correlation analysis of TT-TG and the other parameters was done by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. In the PFI group lateral condylar height (r = 0.370), tibia width (r = 0.406) and patella width (r = 0.366) showed significant moderate correlations (p < 0.03) with TT-TG. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between TT-TG and tibia length (r = 0.371) and total leg length (r = 381). The control group showed no significant correlation between TT-TG and knee joint size or between TT-TG and measures of lower limb length. Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance correlates with several parameters of knee joint size and leg length in patients with patellofemoral instability. Application of indices determining TT-TG as a ratio of joint size could be helpful in establishing the indication for medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity in patients with PFI. Level III.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xia Shengjie; Ni Zheming; Xu Qian

Zn/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were intercalated with the anionic antihypertensive drugs Enalpril, Lisinopril, Captopril and Ramipril by using coprecipitation or ion-exchange technique. TG-MS analyses suggested that the thermal stability of Ena{sup -}, Lis{sup -} (arranged with monolayer, resulted from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) analysis was enhanced much more than Cap{sup -} and Ram{sup -} (arranged with bilayer). The release studies show that the release rate of all samples markedly decreased in both pH 4.25 and 7.45. However, the release time of Ena{sup -}, Lis{sup -} were much longer compared with Cap{sup -}, Ram{sup -}more » in both pH 4.25 and 7.45, it is possible that the intercalated guests, arranged with monolayer in the interlayer, show lesser repulsive force and strong affinity with the LDH layers. And the release data followed both the Higuchi-square-root law and the first-order equation well. Based on the analysis of batch release, intercalated structural models as well as the TG-DTA results, we conclude that for drug-LDH, stronger the affinity between intercalated anions and the layers is, better the thermal property and the stability to the acid attack of drug-LDH, and the intercalated anions are easier apt to monolayer arrangement within the interlayer, were presented. - Graphical abstract: A series of antihypertensive drugs including Enalpril, Lisinopril, Captopril and Ramipril were intercalated into Zn/Al-NO{sub 3}-LDHs successfully by coprecipitation or ion-exchange technique. We focus on the structure, thermal property and low/controlled release property of as-synthesized drug-LDH composite intended for the possibility of applying these LDH-antihypertensive nanohybrids in drug delivery and controlled release systems.« less

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, electrochemistry and biological evaluation of some binuclear transition metal complexes of bicompartmental ONO donor ligands containing benzo[b]thiophene moiety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahendra Raj, K.; Vivekanand, B.; Nagesh, G. Y.; Mruthyunjayaswamy, B. H. M.

2014-02-01

A series of new binucleating Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes of bicompartmental ligands with ONO donor were synthesized. The ligands were obtained by the condensation of 3-chloro-6-substituted benzo[b]thiophene-2-carbohydrazides and 4,6-diacetylresorcinol. The synthesized ligands and their complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques. Elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, ESI-mass, UV-Visible, TG-DTA, magnetic measurements, molar conductance and powder-XRD data has been used to elucidate their structures. The bonding sites are the oxygen atom of amide carbonyl, azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen for ligands 1 and 2. The binuclear nature of the complexes was confirmed by ESR spectral data. TG-DTA studies for some complexes showed the presence of coordinated water molecules and the final product is the metal oxide. All the complexes were investigated for their electrochemical activity, only the Cu(II) complexes showed the redox property. Cu(II) complexes were square planar, whereas Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes were octahedral. Powder-XRD pattern have been studied in order to test the degree of crystallinity of the complexes and unit cell calculations were made. In order to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial activity of metal ions upon chelation, both the ligands and their metal complexes were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The results showed that the metal complexes were found to be more active than free ligands. The DNA cleaving capacities of all the complexes were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis method against supercoiled plasmid DNA. Among the compounds tested for antioxidant capacity, ligand 1 displayed excellent activity than its metal complexes.

Study of the chemical chelates and anti-microbial effect of some metal ions in nanostructural form on the efficiency of antibiotic therapy "norfloxacin drug"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Refat, Moamen S.; El-Hawary, W. F.; Mohamed, Mahmoud A.

2012-04-01

This paper has reviewed the chemical and biological impact resulting from the interaction between norfloxacin (norH) antibiotic drug and two lanthanide (lanthanum(III) and cerium(III)) metal ions, which prepared in normal and nano-features. La(III) and Ce(III) complexes were synthesized with chemical formulas [La(nor)3]·3H2O and [Ce(nor)3]·2H2O. Lanthanum and cerium(III) ions coordinated toward norH with a hexadentate geometry. The norH acts as deprotonated bidentate ligand through the oxygen atom of carbonyl group and the oxygen atom of carboxylic group. Elemental analysis, FT-IR spectral, electrical conductivity, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements have been used to characterize the mentioned isolated complexes. The Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger integral methods are used to estimate the kinetic parameters for the major successive steps detectable in the TG curve. The brightness side in this study is to take advantage for the preparation and characterization of single phases of La2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles using urea as precursors via a solid-state decomposition procedure. The norH ligand in comparison with both cases (normal and nano-particles) of lanthanide complexes were screened against for antibacterial (Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal (Aspergillus Flavus and Candida Albicans) activities. The highest antibacterial and antifungal activities data of the nano-particles complexes were observed with more potent than the free norH and normal lanthanide complexes.

A case-control study on reduced HDL2b in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PubMed

Hu, Weihong; Chen, Lin; Mao, Sha; Qiao, Jie

2016-10-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an important factor associated with the increasing risk of future ischaemic heart disease. In this study, we analyzed serum HDL2b level in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Total of 60 female patients with PCOS was enrolled for assessment and another 60 non-PCOS females with matched age and weight were selected as control. A highly sensitive microfluidic chip was employed to analyze the serum HDL subfractions. Serum HDL2b and HDL2b/HDL ratio were decreased in PCOS group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that serum HDL2b level was negatively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, INS0, HOMA-IR, T, estradiol, triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C; and the ratio of HDL2b/HDL was negatively correlated with T, TG and LDL-C. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed a reverse correlation for HDL2b and its ratio to HDL with hyperandrogenism. The results suggested that a reduction of serum HDL2b and its ratio to total serum HDL in PCOS patients by using the microfluidic chip method assessment. Hyperandrogenism was the main factor to affect HDL2b and its ratio to total HDL in PCOS patients, and it might increase the incidence of atherosclerosis as well as the risk of coronary heart disease.

Cost-utility analysis of a telehealth programme for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with long-term oxygen therapy.

PubMed

Jódar-Sánchez, Francisco; Ortega, Francisco; Parra, Carlos; Gómez-Suárez, Cristina; Bonachela, Patricia; Leal, Sandra; Pérez, Pablo; Jordán, Ana; Barrot, Emilia

2014-09-01

We conducted a cost-utility analysis of a telehealth programme for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with usual care. A randomized controlled trial was carried out over four months with 45 patients treated with long-term oxygen therapy, 24 in the telehealth group (TG) and 21 in the control group (CG). The analysis took into account whether the severity of comorbidity (defined as the presence of additional chronic diseases co-occurring with COPD) was associated with differences in costs and/or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Results of cost-utility analysis were expressed in terms of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The average total cost was €2300 for the TG and €1103 for the CG, and the average QALY gain was 0.0059 for the TG and 0.0006 for the CG (resulting an ICER of 223,726 €/QALY). For patients without comorbidity, the average total cost was €855 for the TG and €1354 for the CG, and the average QALY gain was 0.0288 for the TG and 0.0082 for the CG (resulting in the telehealth programme being the dominant strategy). For patients with comorbidity, the average total cost was €2782 for the TG and €949 for the CG, and the average QALY gain was -0.0017 for the TG and -0.0041 for the CG (resulting an ICER of 754,592 €/QALY). The telehealth programme may not have been cost-effective compared to usual care, although it could be considered cost-effective for patients without comorbidity. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Thioredoxin-1 attenuates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy after cecal ligation and puncture in mice.

PubMed

Wilson, Rickesha L; Selvaraju, Vaithinathan; Lakshmanan, Rajesh; Thirunavukkarasu, Mahesh; Campbell, Jacob; McFadden, David W; Maulik, Nilanjana

2017-12-01

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality among patients in intensive care units across the USA. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is an essential 12 kDa cytosolic protein that, apart from maintaining the cellular redox state, possesses multifunctional properties. In this study, we explored the possibility of controlling adverse myocardial depression by overexpression of Trx-1 in a mouse model of severe sepsis. Adult C57BL/6J and Trx-1 Tg/+ mice were divided into wild-type sham (WTS), wild-type cecal ligation and puncture (WTCLP), Trx-1 Tg/+ sham (Trx-1 Tg/+ S), and Trx-1 Tg/+ CLP groups. Cardiac function was evaluated before surgery, 6 and 24 hours after CLP surgery. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis were performed after 24 hours in heart tissue sections. Echocardiography analysis showed preserved cardiac function in the Trx-1 Tg/+ CLP group compared with the WTCLP group. Similarly, Western blot analysis revealed increased expression of Trx-1, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), survivin (an inhibitor of apoptosis [IAP] protein family), and decreased expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), caspase-3, and 3- nitrotyrosine in the Trx-1 Tg/+ CLP group compared with the WTCLP group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed reduced 4-hydroxynonenal, apoptosis, and vascular leakage in the cardiac tissue of Trx-1 Tg/+ CLP mice compared with mice in the WTCLP group. Our results indicate that overexpression of Trx-1 attenuates cardiac dysfunction during CLP. The mechanism of action may involve reduction of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and vascular permeability through activation of Trx-1/HO-1 and anti-apoptotic protein survivin. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detection of Celiac Disease and Lymphocytic Enteropathy by Parallel Serology and Histopathology in a Population-Based Study

PubMed Central

Walker, Marjorie M.; Murray, Joseph A.; Ronkainen, Jukka; Aro, Pertti; Storskrubb, Tom; D’Amato, Mauro; Lahr, Brian; Talley, Nicholas J.; Agreus, Lars

2010-01-01

Background & Aims Although serological analysis is used in diagnosis of celiac disease, histopathology is considered most reliable. We performed a prospective study to determine the clinical, pathological and serological spectrum of celiac disease in a general population (Kalixanda study). Methods A random sample of an adult general population (n=1000) was analyzed by upper endoscopy, duodenal biopsy, and serological analysis of tissue transglutaminase (tTg) levels; endomysial antibody (EMA) levels were analyzed in samples that were tTg+. The cutoff values for diagnosis of celiac disease were villous atrophy with 40 intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs)/100 enterocytes (ECs). Results Samples from 33 subjects were tTg+ and 16 were EMA+. Histological analysis identified 7/1000 subjects (0.7%) with celiac disease; all were tTg+ and 6/7 were EMA+. Another 26 subjects were tTg+ (7/26 EMA+). This was addressed by a second quantitative pathology study, (nested case-control design) using a threshold of 25 IELS/100 ECs. In this analysis, all 13 samples that were tTg+ and EMA+ had ≥25 IELs/100ECs. In total, 16 subjects (1.6%) had serological and histological evidence of gluten-sensitive enteropathy. IELs were quantified in duodenal biopsy samples from seronegative individuals (n=500); 19 (3.8%) had >25 IELs and lymphocytic duodenosis (LD). Conclusions Measurement of ≥25 IELs/100 ECs correlated with serological indicators of celiac disease; a higher IEL threshold could miss 50% of cases. Quantification of tTg is a sensitive test for celiac disease; diagnosis can be confirmed by observation of ≥25 IELs/100ECs in duodenal biopsies. Lymphocytic enteropathy (celiac disease and LD) is common in the population (5.4%). PMID:20398668

Evidence for a gene influencing the TG/HDL-C ratio on chromosome 7q32.3-qter: a genome-wide scan in the Framingham study.

PubMed

Shearman, A M; Ordovas, J M; Cupples, L A; Schaefer, E J; Harmon, M D; Shao, Y; Keen, J D; DeStefano, A L; Joost, O; Wilson, P W; Housman, D E; Myers, R H

2000-05-22

Some studies show that plasma triglyceride (TG) levels are a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). TG levels are inversely correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and their metabolism may be closely interrelated. Therefore, the TG/HDL-C ratio may be a relevant CVD risk factor. Our analysis of families in the Framingham Heart Study gave a genetic heritability estimate for log(TG) of 0.40 and for log(TG/HDL-C) of 0.49, demonstrating an important genetic component for both. A 10 cM genome-wide scan for log(TG) level and log(TG/HDL-C) was carried out for the largest 332 extended families of the Framingham Heart Study (1702 genotyped individuals). The highest multipoint variance component LOD scores obtained for both log(TG) and log(TG/HDL-C) were on chromosome 7 (at 155 cM), where the results for the two phenotypes were 1.8 and 2.5, respectively. The 7q32.3-qter region contains several candidate genes. Four other regions with multipoint LOD scores greater than one were identified on chromosome 3 [LOD score for log(TG/HDL-C) = 1.8 at 140 cM], chromosome 11 [LOD score for log(TG/HDL-C) = 1.1 at 125 cM], chromosome 16 [LOD score for log(TG) = 1.5 at 70 cM, LOD score for log(TG/HDL-C) = 1.1 at 75 cM] and chromosome 20 [LOD score for log(TG/HDL-C) = 1.7 at 35 cM, LOD score for log(TG) = 1.3 at 40 cM]. These results identify loci worthy of further study.

Structural influence of mixed transition metal ions on lithium bismuth borate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Arti; Dahiya, Manjeet S.; Hooda, A.; Chand, Prem; Khasa, S.

2017-08-01

Lithium bismuth borate glasses containing mixed transition metals having composition 7CoO·23Li2O·20Bi2O3·50B2O3 (CLBB), 7V2O5·23Li2O·20Bi2O3·50B2O3 (VLBB) and x(2CoO·V2O5)·(30 - x)Li2O·20Bi2O3·50B2O3 (x = 0.0 (LBB) and x = 2.0, 5.0, 7.0, 10.0 mol% (CVLBB1-4)) are synthesized via melt quench route. The synthesized compositions are investigated for their physical properties using density (D) and molar volume (Vm), thermal properties by analyzing DSC/TG thermo-graphs, structural properties using IR absorption spectra in the mid-IR range and optical properties using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra of vanadyl and cobalt ion have been analyzed to study compositional effects on spin-Hamiltonian parameters. The non linear variations in physical properties depict a strong structural influence of Co/V- oxides on the glassy matrix. The compositional variations in characteristic temperatures (glass transition temperature Tg, glass crystallization temperature Tp and glass melting temperature Tm) reveals that Tg for glass samples CLBB is relatively less than that of pure lithium bismuth borate (LBB) glass sample wherein Tg for sample VLBB is higher than that of LBB. The increase in Tg (as compared with LBB) with an enhanced substitution of mixed transition metal oxides (2CoO·V2O5) shows a progressive structure modification of bismuth borate matrix. These predictions are very well corroborated by corresponding compositional trends of Tp and Tm. FTIR studies reveal that Co2+& VO2+ ions lead to structural rearrangements through the conversion of three-coordinated boron into four coordinated boron and thereby reducing number of non-bridging oxygen atoms. Bismuth is found to exist in [BiO6] octahedral units only, whereas boroxol rings are not present in the glass network. The theoretical values of optical basicity (Λth) and corresponding oxide ion polarizability (αo2-) have also been calculated to investigate oxygen covalency of glass matrix. Trends in both these parameters suggested an increase in ionic bonding on substitution of divalent transition metal cations causing a more bonding compaction in glass structure. The UV-Vis-NIR spectra suggest that cobalt ions exist as Co2+ states in octahedral coordination in glass network. Inter-electronic repulsion parameter and crystal field splitting energy were evaluated to understand the site symmetry around Co2+-ion in glass. X-band EPR spectra suggest that vanadium ions (V4+) exists as VO2+-ions in octahedral coordination with tetragonal compression. Spin Hamiltonian parameters g-values and A-values of VO2+ ions in glass were calculated. For sample CLBB two resonance lines in EPR spectrum attribute to octahedral symmetry around Co2+-ions were observed.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Simple Glucose Metabolism Parameters may Reliably Predict Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Features.

PubMed

Cazzo, Everton; Jimenez, Laísa Simakawa; Gestic, Martinho Antonio; Utrini, Murillo Pimentel; Chaim, Fábio Henrique Mendonça; Chaim, Felipe David Mendonça; Pareja, José Carlos; Chaim, Elinton Adami

2018-01-01

This study aims to investigate the correlation between features of NAFLD among individuals with morbid obesity and the surrogate IR markers homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), product of triglycerides and glucose (TyG), and triglyceride-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio (TG/HDL-c). A cross-sectional study, which enrolled 89 individuals who consecutively underwent bariatric surgery from February through December 2015, was conducted. NAFLD was assessed through histological examination of liver biopsies and correlated with the values of HOMA, TyG, and TG/HDL-c and their respective cutoff points for insulin resistance (IR). xThe prevalence of liver steatosis was 68.5%; the affected individuals presented significantly higher fasting glucose levels (p < 0.01) and hemoglobin A1c (p < 0.01), and a significantly higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (p < 0.001). Fibrosis occurred in 66.3% of the individuals and was significantly associated with higher levels of HbA1c (p < 0.05) and a higher prevalence of T2DM (p < 0.05). Steatohepatitis was present in 64% of the individuals and was significantly associated with older age (p < 0.05), higher levels of fasting glucose (p < 0.05), and a higher prevalence of T2DM (p < 0.001). After Bonferroni's adjustment, T2DM was significantly correlated with fibrosis (p < 0.01) and steatohepatitis (p < 0.001) and older age was significantly correlated with fibrosis (p < 0.05). T2DM was the only variable independently associated with fibrosis and steatohepatitis (p < 0.05 in both cases). T2DM was a significant predictor of NAFLD features among individuals undergoing bariatric surgery; higher Hb A1c was correlated with fibrosis. T2DM was independently associated with fibrosis and steatohepatitis. HOMA, TyG, and TG/HDL-c ratio did not present significant associations with NAFLD.

Effects of recombinant human leptin administration on hepatic lipid metabolism in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco: in vivo and in vitro studies.

PubMed

Song, Yu-Feng; Wu, Kun; Tan, Xiao-Ying; Zhang, Li-Han; Zhuo, Mei-Qin; Pan, Ya-Xiong; Chen, Qi-Liang

2015-02-01

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects and mechanism of leptin influencing lipid metabolism in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. To this end, hepatic lipid (in vivo experiment) and intracellular triglyceride (TG) (in vitro experiment) content, the activities and/or expression level of several enzymes (CPT-1, 6PGD, G6PD, FAS, ME and ICDH) as well as the mRNA expression of transcription factors (PPARα, PPARγ and SREBP-1) involved in lipid metabolism were determined. Using the primary hepatocytes of yellow catfish, specific inhibitors AG490 (JAK-STAT inhibitor) and wortmannin (IRS-PI3K inhibitor) were used to explore the signaling pathways of leptin effects on lipid metabolism. Intraperitoneal injection of recombinant human leptin (rt-hLEP) significantly reduced hepatic lipid content, activities of lipogenic enzymes (6PGD, G6PD, ME, ICDH and FAS) as well as mRNA levels of 6PGD, G6PD, FAS, PPARγ and SREBP-1 genes, but up-regulated activity and mRNA level of CPT-1 and PPARα. Using primary hepatocytes, rt-hLEP incubation also reduced intracellular TG content, mRNA levels of G6PD and PPARγ genes, but enhanced mRNA levels of PPARα, CPT-1 and SREBP-1. Leptin-induced effects could partially be reversed by specific inhibitors AG490, suggesting that JAK-STAT signaling pathways played important roles in the process of leptin-induced changes in lipid metabolism. Wortmannin significantly suppressed the decrease of TG content induced by leptin, reflecting that IRS-PI3K was involved in the leptin-mediate changes as well. To our knowledge, the present study provides, for the first time, evidence that rt-hLEP can increase lipolysis and reduce lipogenesis at the both enzymatic and molecular levels in fish with the combination of in vivo with in vitro studies, which serves to increase our understanding into the roles and mechanisms of leptin regulating lipid metabolism in fish. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Relationship between the Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Shin, Hyun-Gyu; Kim, Young-Kwang; Kim, Yong-Hwan; Jung, Yo-Han; Kang, Hee-Cheol

2017-11-01

Metabolic syndrome is associated with cardiovascular diseases and is characterized by insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest that the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDLC) ratio predicts insulin resistance better than individual lipid levels, including TG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), or HDLC. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between the TG/HDLC ratio and metabolic syndrome in the general Korean population. We evaluated the data of adults ≥20 years old who were enrolled in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013 and 2014. Subjects with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer were excluded. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the harmonized definition. We examined the odds ratios (ORs) of metabolic syndrome according to TG/HDLC ratio quartiles using logistic regression analysis (SAS ver. 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Weighted complex sample analysis was also conducted. We found a significant association between the TG/HDLC ratio and metabolic syndrome. The cutoff value of the TG/HDLC ratio for the fourth quartile was ≥3.52. After adjustment, the OR for metabolic syndrome in the fourth quartile compared with that of the first quartile was 29.65 in men and 20.60 in women (P<0.001). The TG/HDLC ratio is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.

Antidiabetic effects of Morus alba fruit polysaccharides on high-fat diet- and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in rats.

PubMed

Jiao, Yukun; Wang, Xueqian; Jiang, Xiang; Kong, Fansheng; Wang, Shumei; Yan, Chunyan

2017-03-06

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming a serious threat to human health. The fruit of Morus alba L. is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of DM, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, and premature graying, as well as to protect the liver and kidneys. Several studies have demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of the roots bark, leaves, and ramuli of mulberry, which are known to contain polyphenols and polysaccharides, have antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the active polysaccharides from M. alba fruit by evaluating the antidiabetic activities of different fractions on T2DM rats and elucidate the mechanism underlying these activities. Diabetic rats were treated with two fractions of M. alba fruit polysaccharides (MFP50 and MFP90). The disease models were induced by a high-fat diet and low dose injection of streptozotocin and were compared to normal rats and metformin-treated diabetic rats. After seven weeks, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting serum insulin (FINS) levels, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycated serum protein (GSP), and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, as well as serum lipid profiles and histopathological changes in the pancreas were measured. Next, the expressions of the insulin signaling pathway were measured by western blot analysis to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying these antidiabetic activities. After seven weeks of treatment, a significant reduction in the FBG levels, OGTT-area under the curve (OGTT-AUC), FINS, HOMA-IR, ALT, and triglyceride (TG) values of the MFP50 group was observed. On the other hand, in the MFP90 group, the FBG, OGTT-AUC, FINS, HOMA-IR, GSP, and TG levels were significantly reduced. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and the proportion of HDL-c to total cholesterol (TC) significantly increased in the MFP50 group. Moreover, MFP50 and MFP90 induced repair of damaged pancreatic tissues of the diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic effect of MFP50 was more stable than MFP90, whereas the hypolipidemic effect of MFP90 was slightly better than MFP50. Moreover, the expression levels of InsR, IRS-2, Akt and GLUT4 in the MFP90 group significantly increased relative to that of the T2DM group. MFP50 and MFP90 have markedly antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects and can clearly relieve diabetes symptoms in the T2DM rat model. The M. alba fruit polysaccharides may potentially be utilized as an effective treatment for T2DM. Further research into the structures of active M. alba fruit polysaccharides and their mechanisms in promoting antidiabetic effects are underway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A medical image-based graphical platform -- features, applications and relevance for brachytherapy.

PubMed

Fonseca, Gabriel P; Reniers, Brigitte; Landry, Guillaume; White, Shane; Bellezzo, Murillo; Antunes, Paula C G; de Sales, Camila P; Welteman, Eduardo; Yoriyaz, Hélio; Verhaegen, Frank

2014-01-01

Brachytherapy dose calculation is commonly performed using the Task Group-No 43 Report-Updated protocol (TG-43U1) formalism. Recently, a more accurate approach has been proposed that can handle tissue composition, tissue density, body shape, applicator geometry, and dose reporting either in media or water. Some model-based dose calculation algorithms are based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. This work presents a software platform capable of processing medical images and treatment plans, and preparing the required input data for MC simulations. The A Medical Image-based Graphical platfOrm-Brachytherapy module (AMIGOBrachy) is a user interface, coupled to the MCNP6 MC code, for absorbed dose calculations. The AMIGOBrachy was first validated in water for a high-dose-rate (192)Ir source. Next, dose distributions were validated in uniform phantoms consisting of different materials. Finally, dose distributions were obtained in patient geometries. Results were compared against a treatment planning system including a linear Boltzmann transport equation (LBTE) solver capable of handling nonwater heterogeneities. The TG-43U1 source parameters are in good agreement with literature with more than 90% of anisotropy values within 1%. No significant dependence on the tissue composition was observed comparing MC results against an LBTE solver. Clinical cases showed differences up to 25%, when comparing MC results against TG-43U1. About 92% of the voxels exhibited dose differences lower than 2% when comparing MC results against an LBTE solver. The AMIGOBrachy can improve the accuracy of the TG-43U1 dose calculation by using a more accurate MC dose calculation algorithm. The AMIGOBrachy can be incorporated in clinical practice via a user-friendly graphical interface. Copyright © 2014 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The protective effect of lycopene on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in H9C2 cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Gao, Yang; Jia, Pengyu; Shu, WenQi; Jia, Dalin

2016-03-05

Nowadays, drugs protecting ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) myocardium become more suitable for clinic. It has been confirmed lycopene has various protections, but lacking the observation of its effect on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated apoptosis caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). This study aims to clarify the protective effect of lycopene on ERS induced by H/R in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Detect the survival rate, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, apoptosis ratio, glucose-regulated proteins 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), c-Jun-N-terminal protein Kinase (JNK) and Caspase-12 mRNA and protein expression and phosphorylation of JNK (p-JNK) protein expression. LDH activity, apoptosis ratio and GRP78 protein expression increase in the H/R group, reduced by lycopene. The survival rate reduces in the H/R and thapsigargin (TG) groups; lycopene and 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) can improve it caused by H/R, lycopene also can improve it caused by TG. The apoptosis ratio, the expression of GRP78, CHOP and Caspase-12 mRNA and protein and p-JNK protein increase in the H/R and TG groups, weaken in the lycopene+H/R, 4-PBA+H/R and lycopene+TG groups. There is no obvious change in the expression of JNK mRNA or protein. Hence, our results provide the evidence that 10 μM lycopene plays an obviously protective effect on H/R H9C2 cardiomyocytes, realized through reducing ERS and apoptosis. The possible mechanism may be related to CHOP, p-JNK and Caspase-12 pathways. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Fasting Lipoprotein Lipase Protein Levels Can Predict a Postmeal Increment of Triglyceride Levels in Fasting Normohypertriglyceridemic Subjects.

PubMed

Tsuzaki, Kokoro; Kotani, Kazuhiko; Yamada, Kazunori; Sakane, Naoki

2016-09-01

Although a postprandial increment in triglyceride (TG) levels is considered to be a risk factor for atherogenesis, tests (e.g., fat load) to assess postprandial changes in TG levels cannot be easily applied to clinical practice. Therefore, fasting markers that predict postprandial TG states are needed to be developed. One current candidate is lipoprotein lipase (LPL) protein, a molecule that hydrides TGs. This study investigated whether fasting LPL levels could predict postprandial TG levels. A total of 17 subjects (11 men, 6 women, mean age 52 ± 11 years) with normotriglyceridemia during fasting underwent the meal test. Several fasting parameters, including LPL, were measured for the area under the curve of postprandial TGs (AUC-TG). The subjects' mean fasting TG level was 1.30 mmol/l, and their mean LPL level was 41.6 ng/ml. The subjects' TG levels increased after loading (they peaked after two postprandial hours). Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that fasting TG levels were a predictor of the AUC-TG. In addition, fasting LPL mass levels were found to be a predictor of the AUC-TG (β = 0.65, P < 0.01), and this relationship was independent of fasting TG levels. Fasting LPL levels may be useful to predict postprandial TG increment in this population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis, structural and spectral characterization of a novel NLO crystal N,N‧-diphenylguanidinium picrate: diacetone solvate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanmugavadivu, T.; Dhandapani, M.; Naveen, S.; Lokanath, N. K.

2017-09-01

An organic NLO active material N,N‧-diphenylguanidinium picrate: diacetone solvate (C13H14N3+. C6H2N3O7-. 2C3H6O) (DPGPD) was synthesized and single crystals were grown by slow evaporation-solution growth technique at room temperature. DPGPD crystallizes in monoclinic crystal system with noncentrosymmetric space group, Cc confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The presence of various functional groups was identified from FT-IR spectral analysis and the proton transfer during the formation of compound was confirmed by NMR spectroscopic techniques. The thermal stability was investigated by TG/DTA analyses. Optical transmittance was measured by UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and band gap energy was calculated. Photoluminescence spectrum was used to explore its applicability towards laser diodes. Dielectric property of the material was ascertained at different temperatures and it is found that the grown crystal has higher dielectric constant in low frequencies. Photoconductivity study revealed that DPGPD exhibits positive photoconductivity. SHG property was found to be 0.6 times higher than that of KDP.

Construction, Structural Diversity and Properties of Five Coordination Polymers Based on 5-Nitroisophthalate and Bis(imidazole) Linkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arıcı, Mürsel

2018-06-01

Five coordination polymers, namely, [Cd(μ3-5-nip)(μ-obix)]n (1), [Co(μ3-5-nip)(μ-obix)]n (2), [Zn(μ-5-nip)(μ-obix)]n (3 and 4) and [Cd(μ-5-nip)(μ-bisobix)]n (5) (5-nip: 5-nitroisophthalate, obix: 1,2-bis(imidazol-1ylmethyl)benzene, bisobix: 1,2-bis(2-isopropylimidazol-1ylmethyl)benzene) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis (TG/DTA). X-ray results showed that the complexes displayed structural diversity depending on metal ions and conformations of bis(imidazole) linkers. Complexes 1 and 2 were 1D structures and obix ligand displayed cis-conformation. Complexes 3 and 4 exhibited 2D and 3D structures with same components depending on obix conformation. In complex 5, 3D+3D→3D interpenetrated structure was obtained with dia topology when bisobix having sterically hindered groups on imidazole rings was used. Moreover, thermal, photoluminescence and optical properties of the complexes were also investigated.

Utilization of charge-transfer complexation for the detection of carcinogenic substances in foods: Spectroscopic characterization of ethyl carbamate with some traditional π-acceptors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Abdel Majid A.; Refat, Moamen S.; Saad, Hosam A.

2013-04-01

The study of toxic and carcinogenic substances in foods represents one of the most demanding areas in food safety, due to their repercussions for public health. One potentially toxic compound for humans is ethyl carbamate (EC). EC is a multi-site genotoxic carcinogen of widespread occurrence in fermented foods and alcoholic beverages. Structural and thermal stability of charge-transfer complexes formed between EC as a donor with quinol (QL), picric acid (PA), chloranilic acid (CLA), p-chloranil (p-CHL) and 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB) as acceptors were reported. Elemental analysis (CHN), electronic absorption spectra, photometric titration, IR, and 1H NMR spectra show that the interaction between EC and acceptors was stabilized by hydrogen bonding, via a 1:1 stoichiometry. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis indicates that the formation of molecular CT complexes was stable, exothermic and spontaneous. Finally, the CT complexes were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The results indicated that the [(EC)(QL)] complex exhibited strong antimicrobial activities against various bacterial and fungal strains compared with standard drugs.

Synthesis, characterization and solid-state properties of [Zn(Hdmmthiol)2]\\cdot2H2O complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dagdelen, Fethi; Aydogdu, Yildirim; Dey, Kamalendu; Biswas, Susobhan

2016-05-01

The zinc(II) complex with tridentate thiohydrazone ligand have been prepared by metal template reaction. The metal template reaction was used to prepare the zinc (II) complex with tridentate thiohydrazone ligand. The reaction of diacetylmonoxime and, morpholine N-thiohydrazidewith Zn(OAc)2 \\cdot2H2O under reflux yielded the formation of the [Zn(Hdmmthiol )2]\\cdot2H2O complex. The complex was characterized by a combination of protocols including elemental analysis, UV+vis, FT-IR, TG and PXRD. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity and the optical property of the [Zn(Hdmmthiol )2] \\cdot2H2O complex is called H2dammthiol was studied. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) method was used to investigate the crystal structure of the sample. The zinc complex was shown to be a member of the triclinic system. The zinc complex was determined to have n-type conductivity as demonstrated in the hot probe measurements. The complex was determined to display direct optical transition with band gaps of 2.52eV as determined by the optical absorption analysis.

Interfacial enhancement of carbon fiber/nylon 12 composites by grafting nylon 6 to the surface of carbon fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, Chen; Qingyu, Cai; Jing, Wu; Xiaohong, Xia; Hongbo, Liu; Zhanjun, Luo

2018-05-01

Nylon 6 (PA6) grafted onto carbon fiber (CF) after chemical oxidation treatment was in an attempt to reinforce the mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared analysis (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) were selected to characterize carbon fibers with different surface treated. Experimental results showed that PA6 was grafted uniformly on the fiber surface through the anionic polymerization. A large number of functional groups were introduced to the fiber surface and the surface roughness was increased. After grafting PA6 on the oxidized carbon fibers, it played an important role on improving the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrix by improving PA12 wettability, increasing chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking. Compared with the desized CF composites, the tensile strength of PA6-CF/PA12 composites was increased by 30.8% from 53.9 MPa to 70.2 MPa. All results indicated that grafting PA6 onto carbon fiber surface was an effective method to enhance the mechanical strength of carbon fiber/nylon 12 composites.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biasotto, G.; Simoes, A.Z., E-mail: alezipo@yahoo.com; Foschini, C.R.

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer BiFeO{sub 3} (BFO) nanoparticles were grown by hydrothermal microwave method (HTMW). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The soaking time is effective in improving phase formation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rietveld refinement reveals an orthorhombic structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The observed magnetism of the BFO crystallites is a consequence of particle size. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The HTMW is a genuine technique for low temperatures and short times of synthesis. -- Abstract: Hydrothermal microwave method (HTMW) was used to synthesize crystalline bismuth ferrite (BiFeO{sub 3}) nanoparticles (BFO) in the temperature of 180 Degree-Sign C with times ranging from 5 min to 1 h. BFO nanoparticles were characterized by means of X-raymore » analyses, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, TG-DTA and FE-SEM. X-ray diffraction results indicated that longer soaking time was benefit to refraining the formation of any impurity phases and growing BFO crystallites into almost single-phase perovskites. Typical FT-IR spectra for BFO nanoparticles presented well defined bands, indicating a substantial short-range order in the system. TG-DTA analyses confirmed the presence of lattice OH{sup -} groups, commonly found in materials obtained by HTMW process. Compared with the conventional solid-state reaction process, submicron BFO crystallites with better homogeneity could be produced at the temperature as low as 180 Degree-Sign C. These results show that the HTMW synthesis route is rapid, cost effective, and could be used as an alternative to obtain BFO nanoparticles in the temperature of 180 Degree-Sign C for 1 h.« less

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

PubMed

Mozaffari, Hadis; Daneshzad, Elnaz; Surkan, Pamela J; Azadbakht, Leila

2018-05-01

Measurement of dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) is considered a new holistic dietary approach and assesses total antioxidants present in the overall diet. Our aim was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature on the association between DTAC and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used to conduct a comprehensive search for articles published on this topic through September 2017. There was no limit on earliest year of publication. The search was based on the following keywords: dietary total antioxidant capacity, nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter, ferric reducing ability of plasma, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), waist circumference (WC), insulin resistance, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, obesity, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood pressure (BP), and body mass index. In total, 16 papers were identified for inclusion in the present systematic review. Most well-designed studies that evaluated associations between DTAC and CVD risk factors showed inverse associations for fasting blood glucose, CRP, BP, and WC and positive associations for HDL-C. However, there was no association between DTAC and LDL-C or TC in any of the studies. Results regarding the association of DTAC with insulin, HOMA-IR, high-sensitivity CRP, and TG in the published literature were inconsistent. Findings indicated a substantial association between high DTAC and most CVD-related risk factors.

Crystal structure determination of new antimitotic agent bis(p-fluorobenzyl)trisulfide.

PubMed

An, Haoyun; Hu, Xiurong; Gu, Jianming; Chen, Linshen; Xu, Weiming; Mo, Xiaopeng; Xu, Wanhong; Wang, Xiaobo; Xu, Xiao

2008-01-01

The purpose of this research was to investigate the physical characteristics and crystalline structure of bis(p-fluorobenzyl)trisulfide, a new anti-tumor agent. Methods used included X-ray single crystal diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. The findings obtained with X-ray single crystal diffraction showed that a monoclinic unit cell was a = 12.266(1) A, b = 4.7757(4) A, c = 25.510(1) A, beta = 104.25(1) degrees ; cell volume = 1,448.4(2) A(3), Z = 4, and space group C2/c. The XRPD studies of the four crystalline samples, obtained by recrystallization from four different solvents, indicated that they had the same diffraction patterns. The diffraction pattern stimulated from the crystal structure data is in excellent agreement with the experimental results. In addition, the identical FT-IR spectra of the four crystalline samples revealed absorption bands corresponding to S-S and C-S stretching as well as the characteristic aromatic substitution. Five percent weight loss at 163.3 degrees C was observed when TG was used to study the decomposition process in the temperature range of 20-200 degrees C. DSC also allowed for the determination of onset temperatures at 60.4(1)-60.7(3) degrees C and peak temperatures at 62.1(3)-62.4(3) degrees C for the four crystalline samples studied. The results verified that the single crystal structure shared the same crystal form with the four crystalline samples investigated.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang Hui; Zou Kang; Guo Shaohuan

A nanostructural drug-inorganic clay composite involving a pharmaceutically active compound captopril (Cpl) intercalated Mg-Al-layered double hydroxides (Cpl-LDHs) with Mg/Al molar ratio of 2.06 has been assembled by coprecipitation method. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and Raman spectra analysis indicate a successful intercalation of Cpl between the layers with a vertical orientation of Cpl disulphide-containing S-S linkage. SEM photo indicates that as-synthesized Cpl-LDHs possess compact and non-porous structure with approximately and linked elliptical shape particles of ca. 50 nm. TG-DTA analyses suggest that the thermal stability of intercalated organic species is largely enhanced due to host-guest interactionmore » involving the hydrogen bond compared to pure form before intercalation. The in vitro release studies show that both the release rate and release percentages markedly decrease with increasing pH from 4.60 to 7.45 due to possible change of release mechanism during the release process. The kinetic simulation for the release data, and XRD and FT-IR analyses for samples recovered from release media indicate that the dissolution mechanism is mainly responsible for the release behaviour of Cpl-LDHs at pH 4.60, while the ion-exchange one is responsible for that at pH 7.45. - Graphical abstract: Based on XRD, FT-IR and Raman spectra analyses, it is suggested that captopril (Cpl) exists as its disulphide metabolites in the interlayer of Mg-Al-LDHs via hydrogen bonding between guest carboxylate function and hydroxyl group of the host layers. A schematic supramolecular structure of Cpl intercalates involving a vertical orientation of Cpl disulphide-containing S-S bond between the layers with carboxylate anions pointing to both hydroxide layers is presented.« less

Preparation, characterization and biological activity of novel metal-NNNN donor Schiff base complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Gehad G.; Omar, M. M.; Ibrahim, Amr A.

2010-02-01

Novel Schiff base (H 2L) ligand is prepared via condensation of benzil and triethylenetetraamine. The ligand is characterized based on elemental analysis, mass, IR and 1H NMR spectra. Metal complexes are reported and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, and thermal analyses (TG, DTG and DTA). 1:1 [M]:[H 2L] complexes are found from the elemental analyses data having the formulae [M(H 2L)Cl 2]· yH 2O (M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II)), [Fe(H 2L)Cl 2]Cl·H 2O, [Th(H 2L)Cl 2]Cl 2·3H 2O and [UO 2(H 2L)](CH 3COO) 2·2H 2O. The metal chelates are found to be non-electrolytes except Fe(III), Th(IV) and UO 2(II) complexes are electrolytes. IR spectra show that H 2L is coordinated to the metal ions in a neutral tetradentate manner with 4Ns donor sites of the two azomethine N and two NH groups. The geometrical structures of these complexes are found to be octahedral. The thermal behaviour of these chelates is studied where the hydrated complexes lose water molecules of hydration in the first step followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligand molecules in the subsequent steps. The activation thermodynamic parameters are calculated using Coats-Redfern method. The ligand (H 2L), in comparison to its metal complexes, is screened for its antibacterial activity. The activity data show that the metal complexes have antibacterial activity more than the parent Schiff base ligand and cefepime standard against one or more bacterial species.

Identification of the key molecules involved in chronic copper exposure-aggravated memory impairment in transgenic mice of Alzheimer's disease using proteomic analysis.

PubMed

Yu, Jun; Luo, Xiaobin; Xu, Hua; Ma, Quan; Yuan, Jianhui; Li, Xuling; Chang, Raymond Chuen-Chung; Qu, Zhongsen; Huang, Xinfeng; Zhuang, Zhixiong; Liu, Jianjun; Yang, Xifei

2015-01-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive impairment of cognitive functions including spatial learning and memory. Excess copper exposure accelerates the development of AD; however, the potential mechanisms by which copper exacerbates the symptoms of AD remain unknown. In this study, we explored the effects of chronic copper exposure on cognitive function by treating 6 month-old triple AD transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice with 250 ppm copper sulfate in drinking water for 6 months, and identified several potential key molecules involved in the effects of chronic copper exposure on memory by proteomic analysis. The behavioral test showed that chronic copper exposure aggravated memory impairment of 3xTg-AD mice. Two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) coupled with mass spectrometry revealed a total of 44 differentially expressed proteins (18 upregulated and 26 down-regulated) in hippocampus between the wild-type (WT) mice and non-exposed 3xTg-AD mice. A total of 40 differentially expressed proteins were revealed (20 upregulated and 20 down-regulated) in hippocampus between copper exposed and non-exposed 3xTg-AD mice. Among these differentially expressed proteins, complexin-1 and complexin-2, two memory associated proteins, were significantly decreased in hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice compared with the WT mice. Furthermore, the expression of these two proteins was further down-regulated in 3xTg-AD mice when exposed to copper. The abnormal expression of complexin-1 and complexin-2 identified by proteomic analysis was verified by western blot analysis. Taken together, our data showed that chronic copper exposure accelerated memory impairment and altered the expression of proteins in hippocampus in 3xTg-AD mice. The functional analysis on the differentially expressed proteins suggested that complexin-1 and complexin-2 may be the key molecules involved in chronic copper exposure-aggravated memory impairment in AD.

Comparative studies on P-vanillin and O-vanillin of 2-hydrazinyl-2-oxo-N-phenylacetamide and their Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousef, T. A.; El-Reash, G. M. Abu; El-Tabai, M. N.

2018-05-01

Synthesis of complexes derived from hydrazones derived from both P-vanillin (H2L1) and its isomer O-vanillin (H2L2) of 2-hydrazinyl-2-oxo-N-phenylacetamide that coordinated with high magnetic metal ions of both Mn(II) and Co(II) were performed and characterized by different physicochemical methods, elemental analysis, (1H NMR, IR, and UV-visible spectra), also thermal analysis (TG and DTG) techniques and magnetic measurements. The molecular structures of the ligands and their Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes were optimized theoretically and the quantum chemical parameters were calculated. IR spectra suggest that the H2L1 behaved in a mononegative bidentate manner with both but H2L2 coordinated as mononegative tridentate with both Mn(II) and Co(II). The electronic spectra of the complexes as well as their magnetic moments suggested octahedral geometries for all the isolated complexes. The calculated values of binding energies indicated the stability of complexes is higher than that of ligand. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the different decomposition steps in complexes were calculated using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger equations. Moreover, the prepared ligands and their Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes were individually tested against a panel of gram positive Bacillus Subtilis and negative Escherichia coli microscopic organisms. Additionally cytotoxicity assay of two human tumor cell lines namely; hepatocellular carcinoma (liver) HePG-2, and mammary gland (breast) MCF-7 were tested.

Hydrogen bonded supra-molecular framework in inorganic-organic hybrid compounds: Syntheses, structures, and photoluminescent properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Li; Liu, Wei; Li, Chuanbi; Wang, Yifei; Ma, Li; Dong, Qinqin

2013-03-01

Two novel compounds constructed from aromatic acid and N-Heterocyclic ligands have been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction: [Cd(mip)(1,8-NDC)(H2O)]2 (1) [mip = 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, 1,8-NDC = naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic acid] and Cd(mip)2(NTC)2 (2) [NTC = nicotinic acid]. Compounds 1 and 2 are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Single-crystal X-ray investigation reveals that compounds 1-2 are 0 dimensional (0D) structures, and the existence of hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions lead the 0D to 2D novel framework. Hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions are powerful non-covalent intermolecular interactions for directing supra-molecular architectures. TG analysis shows clear courses of weight loss, which corresponds to the decomposition of different ligands. At room temperature, compound 1 exhibits emission at 449 nm upon excitation at 325 nm, and compound 2 shows a strong emission at 656 nm upon excitation at 350 nm. Fluorescent spectrum displays that compounds 1 and 2 are potential luminescent materials.

X-ray powder diffraction, spectroscopic study, dielectric properties and thermal analysis of new doped compound TiGa0.67Te2.33O8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smaoui, S.; Ben Aribia, W.; Kabadou, A.; Abdelmouleh, M.

2017-04-01

A novel mixed valence tellurium oxide, TiGa0.67Te2.33O8, was synthesized and its crystal structure determined using the X-ray powder diffraction technique. The obtained oxide was found to crystallize in a cubic unit-cell, Ia 3 bar space group, with the lattice parameter a = 10.9557(1) Å. Rietveld refinement of the structure led to ultimate confidence factors Rp = 7.63 and Rwp = 6.71. This structure was based on slabs containing groups of (Te/Ga)O4 joined by the metal cations Ti4+. The structure analysis showed a cation ordering of Te4+ and Te6+ yielding a TiGa2/3Te7/3O8 formula. The IR and RAMAN spectra confirmed the presence of the TiO6 and (Te/Ga)O4 groups. The dielectric anomalies observed at 500 K were attributed to the mixed valence structure, arising from the mixed-valence Te6+/Te4+. We detected only one peak in thermal behavior by the DTA/TG analysis; which implied a melting reaction.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and thermogravimetric analysis of two series of substituted (metallo)tetraphenylporphyrins

PubMed Central

Al-Shewiki, Rasha K; Mende, Carola; Buschbeck, Roy; Siles, Pablo F; Schmidt, Oliver G; Lang, Heinrich

2017-01-01

Subsequent treatment of H2TPP(CO2H)4 (tetra(p-carboxylic acid phenyl)porphyrin, 1) with an excess of oxalyl chloride and HNR2 afforded H2TPP(C(O)NR2)4 (R = Me, 2; iPr, 3) with yields exceeding 80%. The porphyrins 2 and 3 could be converted to the corresponding metalloporphyrins MTPP(C(O)NR2)4 (R = Me/iPr for M = Zn (2a, 3a); Cu (2b, 3b); Ni (2c, 3c); Co (2d, 3d)) by the addition of 3 equiv of anhydrous MCl2 (M = Zn, Cu, Ni, Co) to dimethylformamide solutions of 2 and 3 at elevated temperatures. Metalloporphyrins 2a–d and 3a–d were obtained in yields exceeding 60% and have been, as well as 2 and 3, characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) and IR and UV–vis spectroscopy. Porphyrins 2, 2a–d and 3, 3a–d are not suitable for organic molecular beam deposition (OMBD), which is attributed to their comparatively low thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) of selected representatives. PMID:28685120

Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies novel gender specific loci associated with thyroid antibodies level in Croatians.

PubMed

Matana, Antonela; Popović, Marijana; Boutin, Thibaud; Torlak, Vesela; Brdar, Dubravka; Gunjača, Ivana; Kolčić, Ivana; Boraska Perica, Vesna; Punda, Ante; Polašek, Ozren; Hayward, Caroline; Barbalić, Maja; Zemunik, Tatijana

2018-04-18

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are multifactorial endocrine diseases most frequently accompanied by Tg and TPO autoantibodies. Both antibodies have a higher prevalence in females and act under a strong genetic influence. To identify novel variants underlying thyroid antibody levels, we performed GWAS meta-analysis on the plasma levels of TgAb and TPOAb in three Croatian cohorts, as well as gender specific GWAS and a bivariate analysis. No significant association was detected with the level of TgAb and TPOAb in the meta-analysis of GWAS or bivariate results for all individuals. The bivariate analysis in females only revealed a genome-wide significant association for the locus near GRIN3A (rs4457391, P = 7.76 × 10 -9 ). The same locus had borderline association with TPOAb levels in females (rs1935377, P = 8.58 × 10 -8 ). In conclusion, we identified a novel gender specific locus associated with TgAb and TPOAb levels. Our findings provide a novel insight into genetic and gender differences associated with thyroid antibodies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genomic and transcriptomic predictors of triglyceride response to regular exercise

PubMed Central

Sarzynski, Mark A; Davidsen, Peter K; Sung, Yun Ju; Hesselink, Matthijs K C; Schrauwen, Patrick; Rice, Treva K; Rao, D C; Falciani, Francesco; Bouchard, Claude

2015-01-01

Aim We performed genome-wide and transcriptome-wide profiling to identify genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the response of triglycerides (TG) to exercise training. Methods Plasma TG levels were measured before and after a 20-week endurance training programme in 478 white participants from the HERITAGE Family Study. Illumina HumanCNV370-Quad v3.0 BeadChips were genotyped using the Illumina BeadStation 500GX platform. Affymetrix HG-U133+2 arrays were used to quantitate gene expression levels from baseline muscle biopsies of a subset of participants (N=52). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis was performed using MERLIN, while transcriptomic predictor models were developed using the R-package GALGO. Results The GWAS results showed that eight SNPs were associated with TG training-response (ΔTG) at p<9.9×10−6, while another 31 SNPs showed p values <1×10−4. In multivariate regression models, the top 10 SNPs explained 32.0% of the variance in ΔTG, while conditional heritability analysis showed that four SNPs statistically accounted for all of the heritability of ΔTG. A molecular signature based on the baseline expression of 11 genes predicted 27% of ΔTG in HERITAGE, which was validated in an independent study. A composite SNP score based on the top four SNPs, each from the genomic and transcriptomic analyses, was the strongest predictor of ΔTG (R2=0.14, p=3.0×10−68). Conclusions Our results indicate that skeletal muscle transcript abundance at 11 genes and SNPs at a number of loci contribute to TG response to exercise training. Combining data from genomics and transcriptomics analyses identified a SNP-based gene signature that should be further tested in independent samples. PMID:26491034

Association between ADIPOQ +45T>G Polymorphism and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Fan, Yaofu; Wang, Kun; Xu, Shuhang; Chen, Guofang; Di, Hongjie; Cao, Meng; Liu, Chao

2014-01-01

Recently, a number of studies have reported the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) +45T>G polymorphism in the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, though the results are inconsistent. In order to obtain a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. In this current study, the Medline, Embase, Pubmed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Ovid, Science Citation Index Expanded Database, Wanfang Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for eligible studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of association. Forty-five publications were included in the final meta-analysis with 9986 T2DM patients and 16,222 controls for ADIPOQ +45T>G polymorphism according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The +45T>G polymorphism was associated with an overall significantly increased risk of T2DM (G vs. T: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.06–1.32; The dominant model: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03–1.33; The recessive model: OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.20–1.78; The homozygous model: OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.25–2.09; Except the heterozygous model: OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.98–1.24). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between the +45T>G polymorphism and T2D in an Asian population. Thus, this meta-analysis indicates that the G allele of the ADIPOQ +45T>G polymorphisms associated with a significantly increased risk of T2DM in the Asian population. PMID:25561226

In vivo determination of triglyceride (TG) secretion in rats fed different dietary saturated fats using (2- sup 3 H)-glycerol

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lai, H.C.; Yang, H.; Lasekan, J.

1990-02-26

Male, Sprague-Dawley rats (154{plus minus}1 g) were fed diets containing 2% corn oil (CO) + 14% butterfat (BF), beef tallow (BT), olive oil (OO) or coconut oil (CN) vs a 16% CO control diet for 5 weeks. Changes in plasma TG specific activity (dpm/mg TG) were determined in individual unanesthetized rats after injection of 100 {mu}Ci (2-{sup 3}H)-glycerol via a carotid cannula. Fractional rate constants were obtained using a 2-compartment model and nonlinear regression analysis. Results demonstrated no difference in the fractional rate constants among dietary groups; but, differences in the rates of hepatic TG secretion were noted. Rats fedmore » BT showed a higher rate of hepatic TG secretion than rats fed CO. Rats fed BF, OO or CN showed somewhat higher rates of hepatic TG secretion than CO. VLDL TG, phospholipid, and apolipoprotein B and E levels were higher with saturated fats vs CO. The data suggest that the higher plasma TG levels noted in response to feeding saturated fats vs corn oil can be explained, in part, by an increased flux of hepatic TG secretion.« less

New Nanomedicine Approaches Using Gold-thioguanine Nanoconjugates as Metallo-ligands

PubMed Central

Sleightholm, Lee; Zambre, Ajit; Chanda, Nripen; Afrasiabi, Zahra; Katti, Kattesh; Kannan, Raghuraman

2011-01-01

Gold-thioguanine nanoconjugates (AuNP-TG) of size 3–4 nm were synthesized and the ratio between gold and 6-Thioguanine (TG) was estimated as ~1:1.5 using a cyanide digestion method and confirmed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. AuNP-TG constructs showed high in vitro stability under different pH conditions and biologically relevant solutions for a period of 24 hours. Reaction of AuNP-TG with europium or platinum salts resulted in the formation of organized self-assembled metallo-networks. PMID:21709763

Structural and Functional Divergence of the Aldolase Fold in Toxoplasma gondii

DOE PAGES

Tonkin, Michelle L.; Halavaty, Andrei S.; Ramaswamy, Raghavendran; ...

2014-10-02

Parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa are highly successful pathogens of humans and animals worldwide. As obligate intracellular parasites, they have significant energy requirements for invasion and gliding motility that are supplied by various metabolic pathways. Aldolases have emerged as key enzymes involved in these pathways, and all apicomplexans express one or both of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (F16BP) aldolase and 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate (dR5P) aldolase (DERA). Intriguingly, Toxoplasma gondii, a highly successful apicomplexan parasite, expresses F16BP aldolase (TgALD1), d5RP aldolase (TgDERA), and a divergent dR5P aldolase-like protein (TgDPA) exclusively in the latent bradyzoite stage. While the importance of TgALD1 in glycolysis is wellmore » established and TgDERA is also likely to be involved in parasite metabolism, the detailed function of TgDPA remains elusive. Here, to gain mechanistic insight into the function of different T. gondii aldolases, we first determined the crystal structures of TgALD1 and TgDPA. Structural analysis revealed that both aldolases adopt a TIM barrel fold accessorized with divergent secondary structure elements. Structural comparison of TgALD1 and TgDPA with members of their respective enzyme families revealed that, while the active-site residues are conserved in TgALD1, key catalytic residues are absent in TgDPA. Consistent with this observation, biochemical assays showed that, while TgALD1 was active on F16BP, TgDPA was inactive on dR5P. In conclusion, intriguingly, both aldolases are competent to bind polymerized actin in vitro. Altogether, structural and biochemical analyses of T. gondii aldolase and aldolase-like proteins reveal diverse functionalization of the classic TIM barrel aldolase fold.« less

Structural and functional divergence of the aldolase fold in Toxoplasma gondii.

PubMed

Tonkin, Michelle L; Halavaty, Andrei S; Ramaswamy, Raghavendran; Ruan, Jiapeng; Igarashi, Makoto; Ngô, Huân M; Boulanger, Martin J

2015-02-27

Parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa are highly successful pathogens of humans and animals worldwide. As obligate intracellular parasites, they have significant energy requirements for invasion and gliding motility that are supplied by various metabolic pathways. Aldolases have emerged as key enzymes involved in these pathways, and all apicomplexans express one or both of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (F16BP) aldolase and 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate (dR5P) aldolase (DERA). Intriguingly, Toxoplasma gondii, a highly successful apicomplexan parasite, expresses F16BP aldolase (TgALD1), d5RP aldolase (TgDERA), and a divergent dR5P aldolase-like protein (TgDPA) exclusively in the latent bradyzoite stage. While the importance of TgALD1 in glycolysis is well established and TgDERA is also likely to be involved in parasite metabolism, the detailed function of TgDPA remains elusive. To gain mechanistic insight into the function of different T. gondii aldolases, we first determined the crystal structures of TgALD1 and TgDPA. Structural analysis revealed that both aldolases adopt a TIM barrel fold accessorized with divergent secondary structure elements. Structural comparison of TgALD1 and TgDPA with members of their respective enzyme families revealed that, while the active-site residues are conserved in TgALD1, key catalytic residues are absent in TgDPA. Consistent with this observation, biochemical assays showed that, while TgALD1 was active on F16BP, TgDPA was inactive on dR5P. Intriguingly, both aldolases are competent to bind polymerized actin in vitro. Altogether, structural and biochemical analyses of T. gondii aldolase and aldolase-like proteins reveal diverse functionalization of the classic TIM barrel aldolase fold. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analytical and between-subject variation of thrombin generation measured by calibrated automated thrombography on plasma samples.

PubMed

Kristensen, Anne F; Kristensen, Søren R; Falkmer, Ursula; Münster, Anna-Marie B; Pedersen, Shona

2018-05-01

The Calibrated Automated Thrombography (CAT) is an in vitro thrombin generation (TG) assay that holds promise as a valuable tool within clinical diagnostics. However, the technique has a considerable analytical variation, and we therefore, investigated the analytical and between-subject variation of CAT systematically. Moreover, we assess the application of an internal standard for normalization to diminish variation. 20 healthy volunteers donated one blood sample which was subsequently centrifuged, aliquoted and stored at -80 °C prior to analysis. The analytical variation was determined on eight runs, where plasma from the same seven volunteers was processed in triplicates, and for the between-subject variation, TG analysis was performed on plasma from all 20 volunteers. The trigger reagents used for the TG assays included both PPP reagent containing 5 pM tissue factor (TF) and PPPlow with 1 pM TF. Plasma, drawn from a single donor, was applied to all plates as an internal standard for each TG analysis, which subsequently was used for normalization. The total analytical variation for TG analysis performed with PPPlow reagent is 3-14% and 9-13% for PPP reagent. This variation can be minimally reduced by using an internal standard but mainly for ETP (endogenous thrombin potential). The between-subject variation is higher when using PPPlow than PPP and this variation is considerable higher than the analytical variation. TG has a rather high inherent analytical variation but considerable lower than the between-subject variation when using PPPlow as reagent.

Evaluation of the effects of electrical stimulation on cartilage repair in adult male rats.

PubMed

Zuzzi, Denise Cristina; Ciccone, Carla de Campos; Neves, Lia Mara Grosso; Mendonça, Josué Sampaio; Joazeiro, Paulo Pinto; Esquisatto, Marcelo Augusto Marretto

2013-08-01

This study describes the organization of mature hyaline xiphoid cartilage during repair in animals submitted to electrical current stimulation. Twenty male Wistar rats, 90 days old, were divided into a control group (CG) and a treated group (TG). A cylindrical full-thickness cartilage defects were created with a 3-mm punch in anesthetized animals. After 24h, TG received daily applications of a continuous electrical current (1Hz/20μA) for 5min. The animals were sacrificed after 7, 21 and 35 days for structural analysis. In CG, the repair tissue presented fibrous characteristics, with fibroblastic cells being infiltrated and permeated by blood vessels. Basophilic foci of cartilage tissue were observed on day 35. In TG, the repair tissue also presented fibrous characteristics, but a larger number of thick collagen fibers were seen on day 21. A large number of cartilaginous nests were observed on day 35. Cell numbers were significantly higher in TG. Calcification points were detected in TG on day 35. There was no difference in elastic fibers between groups. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of chondrocyte-like cells in CG at all time points, but only on days 21 and 35 in TG. The amount of cuprolinic blue-stained proteoglycans was higher in TG on day 35. Microcurrent stimulation accelerates the repair process in non-articular hyaline cartilage. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dietary Factors Associated with Plasma Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin Antibodies.

PubMed

Matana, Antonela; Torlak, Vesela; Brdar, Dubravka; Popović, Marijana; Lozić, Bernarda; Barbalić, Maja; Perica, Vesna Boraska; Punda, Ante; Polašek, Ozren; Hayward, Caroline; Zemunik, Tatijana

2017-10-28

The knowledge about dietary habits and their influence in the development of autoimmune thyroid disease is insufficient. The aim of this study was to analyse the association of dietary factors and plasma thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and/or thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab). The study enrolled 1887 participants originating from the South Croatia. Participants with elevated plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab were defined as cases ( n = 462) and those with TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab within referent values were defined as controls ( n = 1425). Dietary intake was evaluated according to a food frequency questionnaire containing 58 food items. Principal component analysis was used to group food items into dietary groups. We used logistic regression analysis to examine dietary groups associated with positive plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab. The results indicate that the dietary group with frequent consumption of animal fats and butter is associated with positive plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab ( p = 0.01). The dietary group with frequent consumption of vegetables as well as the dietary group with high consumption of dried fruit, nuts, and muesli are associated with negative findings of TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab ( p = 0.048 and p = 0.02, respectively). We showed that the anti-inflammatory dietary groups are associated with the negative findings of plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab.

Rapid identification of lettuce seed germination mutants by bulked segregant analysis and whole genome sequencing.

PubMed

Huo, Heqiang; Henry, Isabelle M; Coppoolse, Eric R; Verhoef-Post, Miriam; Schut, Johan W; de Rooij, Han; Vogelaar, Aat; Joosen, Ronny V L; Woudenberg, Leo; Comai, Luca; Bradford, Kent J

2016-11-01

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds exhibit thermoinhibition, or failure to complete germination when imbibed at warm temperatures. Chemical mutagenesis was employed to develop lettuce lines that exhibit germination thermotolerance. Two independent thermotolerant lettuce seed mutant lines, TG01 and TG10, were generated through ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis. Genetic and physiological analyses indicated that these two mutations were allelic and recessive. To identify the causal gene(s), we applied bulked segregant analysis by whole genome sequencing. For each mutant, bulked DNA samples of segregating thermotolerant (mutant) seeds were sequenced and analyzed for homozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Two independent candidate mutations were identified at different physical positions in the zeaxanthin epoxidase gene (ABSCISIC ACID DEFICIENT 1/ZEAXANTHIN EPOXIDASE, or ABA1/ZEP) in TG01 and TG10. The mutation in TG01 caused an amino acid replacement, whereas the mutation in TG10 resulted in alternative mRNA splicing. Endogenous abscisic acid contents were reduced in both mutants, and expression of the ABA1 gene from wild-type lettuce under its own promoter fully complemented the TG01 mutant. Conventional genetic mapping confirmed that the causal mutations were located near the ZEP/ABA1 gene, but the bulked segregant whole genome sequencing approach more efficiently identified the specific gene responsible for the phenotype. © 2016 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Multicentre clinical evaluation of the new highly sensitive Elecsys® thyroglobulin II assay in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

PubMed

Trimboli, P; Imperiali, M; Piccardo, A; CampennÌ, A; Giordani, I; Ruggeri, R M; Baldari, S; Orlandi, F; Giovanella, L

2018-02-01

A highly sensitive thyroglobulin assay (Elecsys® Tg II, Roche Diagnostics, Penzberg, Germany) has become available for monitoring patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Here, we evaluated the clinical performance of Elecsys® Tg II assay in a multicentre patients series and compare it with the established Access® Tg assay (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA). Retrospective analysis on prospectively selected patients in four thyroid cancer referral centres with uniform DTC management. All DTC cases diagnosed, treated and followed up in four tertiary referral centres for thyroid cancer since January 2005 (n = 1456) were retrieved, and predefined selection criteria were applied to prevent relevant enrolment biases. A series of 204 patients was finally selected for this study. Samples had been stored at -80°C. Tg was measured by fully automated immunometric Elecsys® Tg II and Access® Tg assays in a centralized laboratory. Two hundred and four DTC were finally included. Of these, 10.8% had structural recurrence (sREC), and 81.4% showed no evidence of disease (NED) at the end of follow-up. There was a significant analytical bias between methods that cannot be used interchangeably. Using ROC curve analysis, the best basal and rhTSH-stimulated Tg cut-offs to detect sREC were 0.41 μg/L and 1.82 μg/L for Elecsys® and 0.36 μg/L and 1.62 μg/L for Access® assay, respectively. Using Cox proportional hazard regression, Tg was the only independent predictor of cancer relapse. Using appropriate assay-specific cut-offs, the clinical performance of the Elecsys® Tg II assay was comparable to that provided by the well-established Access® Tg assay. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Production of novel microbial flocculants by Klebsiella sp. TG-1 using waste residue from the food industry and its use in defecating the trona suspension.

PubMed

Liu, Zhan-Ying; Hu, Zhi-Quan; Wang, Tao; Chen, Yan-Ying; Zhang, Jianbin; Yu, Jing-Ran; Zhang, Tong; Zhang, Yong-Feng; Li, Yong-Li

2013-07-01

A microbial-flocculants-producing (MBF-producing) bacterium, named TG-1, was isolated from waste water of a starch factory, and identified as Klebsiella sp. TG-1. The microbial flocculants (MBF) produced by TG-1, named as MBF-TG-1, was applied to defecating the strong basic trona suspension in the trona industry. After optimizing medium and culturing conditions with single-factor and orthogonal designs, the highest flocculation rate of 86.9% was achieved. Chemical analysis showed that the purified microbial flocculants (MBF-TG-1) was mainly composed of polysaccharides (84.6%), with a small amount of protein or amino acid (11.1%). Bridging mechanism was supposed as the main flocculation mechanism by analyzing the flocculation process and the biochemistry properties of MBF-TG-1. The high flocculation rate (84%) was also achieved with a low-cost medium (the solid residue of tofu production from food industry). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alzheimer disease in a mouse model: MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound targeted to the hippocampus opens the blood-brain barrier and improves pathologic abnormalities and behavior.

PubMed

Burgess, Alison; Dubey, Sonam; Yeung, Sharon; Hough, Olivia; Eterman, Naomi; Aubert, Isabelle; Hynynen, Kullervo

2014-12-01

To validate whether repeated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided focused ultrasound treatments targeted to the hippocampus, a brain structure relevant for Alzheimer disease ( AD Alzheimer disease ), could modulate pathologic abnormalities, plasticity, and behavior in a mouse model. All animal procedures were approved by the Animal Care Committee and are in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care. Seven-month-old transgenic (TgCRND8) (Tg) mice and their nontransgenic (non-Tg) littermates were entered in the study. Mice were treated weekly with MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound in the bilateral hippocampus (1.68 MHz, 10-msec bursts, 1-Hz burst repetition frequency, 120-second total duration). After 1 month, spatial memory was tested in the Y maze with the novel arm prior to sacrifice and immunohistochemical analysis. The data were compared by using unpaired t tests and analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc analysis. Untreated Tg mice spent 61% less time than untreated non-Tg mice exploring the novel arm of the Y maze because of spatial memory impairments (P < .05). Following MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound, Tg mice spent 99% more time exploring the novel arm, performing as well as their non-Tg littermates. Changes in behavior were correlated with a reduction of the number and size of amyloid plaques in the MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound-treated animals (P < .01). Further, after MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound treatment, there was a 250% increase in the number of newborn neurons in the hippocampus (P < .01). The newborn neurons had longer dendrites and more arborization after MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound, as well (P < .01). Repeated MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound treatments led to spatial memory improvement in a Tg mouse model of AD Alzheimer disease . The behavior changes may be mediated by decreased amyloid pathologic abnormalities and increased neuronal plasticity. © RSNA, 2014.

Osteoblast-Specific Overexpression of Human WNT16 Increases Both Cortical and Trabecular Bone Mass and Structure in Mice

PubMed Central

Alkhouli, Mohammed; Gerard-O'Riley, Rita L.; Wright, Weston B.; Acton, Dena; Gray, Amie K.; Patel, Bhavmik; Reilly, Austin M.; Lim, Kyung-Eun; Robling, Alexander G.; Econs, Michael J.

2016-01-01

Previous genome-wide association studies have identified common variants in genes associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of fracture. Recently, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (WNT)16 that were associated with peak BMD in premenopausal women. To further identify the role of Wnt16 in bone mass regulation, we created transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing human WNT16 in osteoblasts. We compared bone phenotypes, serum biochemistry, gene expression, and dynamic bone histomorphometry between TG and wild-type (WT) mice. Compared with WT mice, WNT16-TG mice exhibited significantly higher whole-body areal BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) at 6 and 12 weeks of age in both male and female. Microcomputer tomography analysis of trabecular bone at distal femur revealed 3-fold (male) and 14-fold (female) higher bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), and significantly higher trabecular number and trabecular thickness but lower trabecular separation in TG mice compared with WT littermates in both sexes. The cortical bone at femur midshaft also displayed significantly greater bone area/total area and cortical thickness in the TG mice in both sexes. Serum biochemistry analysis showed that male TG mice had higher serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), OPG to receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (tumor necrosis family ligand superfamily, number 11; RANKL) ratio as compared with WT mice. Also, lower carboxy-terminal collagen cross-link (CTX) to tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5, isoform b (TRAPc5b) ratio was observed in TG mice compared with WT littermates in both male and female. Histomorphometry data demonstrated that both male and female TG mice had significantly higher cortical and trabecular mineralizing surface/bone surface and bone formation rate compared with sex-matched WT mice. Gene expression analysis demonstrated higher expression of Alp, OC, Opg, and Opg to Rankl ratio in bone tissue in the TG mice compared with WT littermates. Our data indicate that WNT16 is critical for positive regulation of both cortical and trabecular bone mass and structure and that this molecule might be targeted for therapeutic interventions to treat osteoporosis. PMID:26584014

Understanding of carbon-based supercapacitors ageing mechanisms by electrochemical and analytical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yinghui; Soucaze-Guillous, Benoît; Taberna, Pierre-Louis; Simon, Patrice

2017-10-01

In order to shed light on ageing mechanisms of Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC), two kinds of activated carbons are studied in tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate (Et4NBF4) in acetonitrile. In floating mode, it turns out that two different ageing mechanisms are observed, depending on the activated carbon electrode materials used. On one hand, carbon A exhibits a continuous capacitance and series resistance fall-off; on the other hand, for carbon B, only the series resistance degrades after ageing while the capacitance keeps unchanged. Additional electrochemical characterizations (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy - EIS - and diffusion coefficient calculations) were carried out showing that carbon A's ageing behavior is suspected to be primarily related to the carbon degradation while for carbon B a passivation occurs leading to the formation of a Solid Electrolyte Interphase-Like (SEI-L) film. These hypotheses are supported by TG-IR and Raman spectroscopy analysis. The outcome forms the latter is an increase of carbon defects on carbon A on positive electrode.

Spectroscopic, and thermal studies of some new binuclear transition metal(II) complexes with hydrazone ligands containing acetoacetanilide and isoxazole.

PubMed

Chen, Zhimin; Wu, Yiqun; Gu, Donghong; Gan, Fuxi

2007-11-01

A new chelating ligand, 2-(2-(5-tert-butylisoxazol-3-yl)hydrazono)-N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-oxobutanamide (HL), and its four binuclear transition metal complexes, M(2)(L)(2) (micro-OCH(3))(2) [M=Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)], were synthesized using the procedure of diazotization, coupling and metallization. Their structures were postulated based on elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, MALDI-MS, FT-IR spectra and UV-vis electronic absorption spectra. Smooth films of these complexes on K9 glass substrates were prepared using the spin-coating method and their absorption properties were evaluated. The thermal properties of the metal(II) complexes were investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Different thermodynamic and kinetic parameters namely activation energy (E*), enthalpy of activation (DeltaH*), entropy of activation (DeltaS*) and free energy change of activation (DeltaG*) are calculated using Coats-Redfern (CR) equation.

Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity of a Cd(II) complex with in situ formation of (E)-1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy-benzylideneamino)-pyrrolidin-2-one ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Qiu-Ying; Zheng, Ze-Bao; Diao, Yun-Peng

2015-05-01

A new complex of Cd(II) with (E)-1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-pyrrolidin-2-one [Cd(L)2ṡ2DMF] was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Where the HL ligand is formed in situ by the intramolecular nucleophilic substitution of (E)-N‧-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzyli-dene)-4-(quinolin-8-yloxy)butanehydrazide (H2L‧). The cadmium(II) ion is hexacoordinated by two tridentate L- ligands and giving a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. A cytotoxicity of [Cd(L)2ṡ2DMF] against liver (SMMC-7721) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells have been studied. The results revealed that this cadmium(II) complex exhibited an effective and selective anticancer activity against HeLa over SMMC-7721 cell line with IC50 of 1.54 ± 0.25 and 31.02 ± 3.76 μmol/dm-3.

Synthesis, thermogravimetric, spectroscopic and theoretical characterization of copper(II) complex with 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzenosulfonamide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camí, G.; Chacón Villalba, E.; Di Santi, Y.; Colinas, P.; Estiu, G.; Soria, D. B.

2011-05-01

4-Chloro-2-nitrobenzenesulfonamide (ClNbsa) was purified and characterized. A new copper(II) complex, [Cu(ClNbsa) 2(NH 3) 2], has been prepared using the sulfonamide as ligand. The thermal behavior of both, the ligand and the Cu(II) complex, was investigated by thermogravimetric analyses (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DT), and the electronic characteristics analyzed by UV-VIS, FTIR, Raman and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The experimental IR, Raman and UV-VIS spectra have been assigned on the basis of DFT calculations at the B3LYP level of theory using the standard (6-31 + G ∗∗) basis set. The geometries have been fully optimized in vacuum and in modeled dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solvent, using for the latter a continuum solvation model that reproduced the experimental conditions of the UV-VIS spectroscopy. The theoretical results converged to stable conformations for the free sulfonamide and for the complex, suggesting for the latter a distorted square planar geometry in both environments.

Investigation of optical properties and the photocatalytic activity of synthesized YbYO4 nanoparticles and YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites by polymeric capping agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pourmasoud, Saeid; Sobhani-Nasab, Ali; Behpour, Mohsen; Rahimi-Nasrabadi, Mehdi; Ahmadi, Farhad

2018-04-01

YbVO4 nanoparticles YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites were synthesized by simple and new method. The effect of various polymeric capping agents such as Tween 80, Tween 20 and PEG on the shape and size of YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites were investigated. YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites were analyzed through some techniques including, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). This attempt is the first study on the photocatalytic performance of the YbVO4/NiWO4 nanocomposites in various conditions such as size of particles and kind of dyes (rhodamine B (Rh B), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and phenol red (Ph R)), under visible light.

Synthesis, optical properties and efficient photocatalytic activity of CdO/ZnO hybrid nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reddy, Ch Venkata; Babu, B.; Shim, Jaesool

2018-01-01

Pure CdO, ZnO and CdO/ZnO hybrid nanocomposite photocatalyst were synthesized using simple co-precipitation technique and studied in detail. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using several measurements such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), surface analysis (BET), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, TG-DTA and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD results revealed that the hexagonal and cubic crystal structure of CdO and ZnO nanoparticles. The optical response for the composite showed the presence of separate absorption signature for CdO and ZnO in the visible region at about 510 nm and 360 nm respectively. The CdO/ZnO hybrid nanocomposite photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity compared to pristine CdO and ZnO. The enhanced photocatalytic activity may be due to the higher specific surface area and significantly reduced the electron-hole recombination rate.

Physicochemical Characterization of Functional Lignin–Silica Hybrid Fillers for Potential Application in Abrasive Tools

PubMed Central

Strzemiecka, Beata; Klapiszewski, Łukasz; Jamrozik, Artur; Szalaty, Tadeusz J.; Matykiewicz, Danuta; Sterzyński, Tomasz; Voelkel, Adam; Jesionowski, Teofil

2016-01-01

Functional lignin–SiO2 hybrid fillers were prepared for potential application in binders for phenolic resins, and their chemical structure was characterized. The properties of these fillers and of composites obtained from them with phenolic resin were compared with those of systems with lignin or silica alone. The chemical structure of the materials was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C CP MAS NMR). The thermal stability of the new functional fillers was examined by thermogravimetric analysis–mass spectrometry (TG-MS). Thermo-mechanical properties of the lignin–silica hybrids and resin systems were investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The DMTA results showed that abrasive composites with lignin–SiO2 fillers have better thermo-mechanical properties than systems with silica alone. Thus, fillers based on lignin might provide new, promising properties for the abrasive industry, combining the good properties of lignin as a plasticizer and of silica as a filler improving mechanical properties. PMID:28773639

Achillea millefolium L. extract mediated green synthesis of waste peach kernel shell supported silver nanoparticles: Application of the nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of a variety of dyes in water.

PubMed

Khodadadi, Bahar; Bordbar, Maryam; Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud

2017-05-01

In this paper, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are synthesized using Achillea millefolium L. extract as reducing and stabilizing agents and peach kernel shell as an environmentally benign support. FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize peach kernel shell, Ag NPs, and Ag NPs/peach kernel shell. The catalytic activity of the Ag NPs/peach kernel shell was investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), Methyl Orange (MO), and Methylene Blue (MB) at room temperature. Ag NPs/peach kernel shell was found to be a highly active catalyst. In addition, Ag NPs/peach kernel shell can be recovered and reused several times with no significant loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The synthesis and characterization of azocalix[4]arene based chemosensors and investigation of their properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elçin, Serkan; Çılgı, Gülbanu Koyundereli; Bayrakdar, Alpaslan; Deligöz, Hasalettin

2015-05-01

In the present study, azocalix[4]arenes were prepared by linking 4-methoxy, 4-methyl, 4-ethyl, 4-chloro, 4-bromo and 4-nitroaniline to calix[4]arene through a diazo-coupling reaction. A new family of azocalix[4]arene tetraester derivatives, (4a-f), have been prepared with the incorporation of ethyl ester units to azocalix[4]arene. Characterization of the synthesized azocalix[4]arenes was carried using elemental analyses, UV-vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The effect of varying pH levels and solvent types on the absorption ability of azocalix[n]arenes substituted with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups was examined. Thermal decomposition of azocalix[4]arene derivatives (4a-f) was investigated by means of thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) analyses. In conclusion of the examination of the extraction we found a selectivity characteristic of these compounds toward Ag+, Hg+ and Hg2+ cations.

Preparation, characterization, and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Bi3+-Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide complex.

PubMed

Zhu, Yang; Chen, Yao; Li, Qian; Zhao, Ting; Zhang, Ming; Feng, Weiwei; Takase, Mohammed; Wu, Xueshan; Zhou, Zhaoxiang; Yang, Liuqing; Wu, Xiangyang

2014-09-22

Two new Bi3+-Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (BiHEP) complexes were prepared using Bi3+ and two purified polysaccharides from H. erinaceus (HEPs), respectively. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, CD, SEM, AFM, XRD, and TG. The anti-Helicobacter pylori (Hp) activities in vitro by agar dilution assay of the complexes were evaluated. The molecular weights of HEPs were 197 and 20 kDa, respectively. All the analyses confirmed the formation of new BiHEP complexes with lower content of Bi3+ compared with colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), the most utilized bismuth preparation clinically. Furthermore, HEPs themselves have definite inhibition effects on Hp, and BiHEP complexes have lower content of Bi exhibited strong inhibition effects on Hp (MIC=20 μg/mL), similar to that of CBS with higher content of Bi. The study provides a basis for further development of multiple treatments of Hp infection or new medicines. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bile acid signaling in lipid metabolism: Metabolomic and lipidomic analysis of lipid and bile acid markers linked to anti-obesity and anti-diabetes in mice

PubMed Central

Qi, Yunpeng; Jiang, Changtao; Cheng, Jie; Krausz, Kristopher W.; Li, Tiangang; Ferrell, Jessica M.; Gonzalez, Frank J.; Chiang, John Y.L.

2014-01-01

Bile acid synthesis is the major pathway for catabolism of cholesterol. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the bile acid biosynthetic pathway in the liver and plays an important role in regulating lipid, glucose and energy metabolism. Transgenic mice overexpressing CYP7A1 (CYP7A1-tg mice) were resistant to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes. However the mechanism of resistance to HFD-induced obesity of CYP7A1-tg mice has not been determined. In this study, metabolomic and lipidomic profiles of CYP7A1-tg mice were analyzed to explore the metabolic alterations in CYP7A1-tg mice that govern the protection against obesity and insulin resistance by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analyses. Lipidomics analysis identified seven lipid markers including lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and ceramides that were significantly decreased in serum of HFD-fed CYP7A1-tg mice. Metabolomics analysis identified 13 metabolites in bile acid synthesis including taurochenodeoxycholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, and tauro-β-muricholic acid (T-β-MCA) that differed between CYP7A1-tg and wild-type mice. Notably, T-β-MCA, an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was significantly increased in intestine of CYP7A1-tg mice. This study suggests that reducing 12α-hydroxylated bile acids and increasing intestinal T-β-MCA may reduce high fat diet-induced increase of phospholipids, sphingomyelins and ceramides, and ameliorate diabetes and obesity. PMID:24796972

Two novel transition metal-organic frameworks based on 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate ligand: Syntheses, structures and thermal properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Ying; Li, Guobao; Liao, Fuhui; Xiong, Ming; Lin, Jianhua

2011-10-01

Two novel transition metal-organic frameworks, [Zn 6(OH) 3(BTC) 3(H 2O) 3]ṡ7H 2O ( 1) and [Cd(BTC)(H 2O)]ṡ[HIM] ( 2) (H 3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal and variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction (VTPXRD), IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, ICP measurements, and coupled TG-MS analyses. Compound 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3 c, and could be described as a 3D porous network consisting of (Zn 2O 8) n zigzag chains and bridging BTC ligands with 1D channels along c axis. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/ c, and exhibits a 2D framework made up of CdO 6 octahedra and BTC ligands parallel the bc plane. TG-MS and VTPXRD studies reveal that 1 is stable up to 320 °C under air, and 2 stable up to 220 °C.

Postprandial lipemia in men with metabolic syndrome, hypertensives and healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Kolovou, Genovefa D; Anagnostopoulou, Katherine K; Pavlidis, Antonis N; Salpea, Klelia D; Iraklianou, Stella A; Tsarpalis, Konstantinos; Damaskos, Dimitris S; Manolis, Athanasios; Cokkinos, Dennis V

2005-01-01

Background The metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, is associated with coronary heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the postprandial lipemia after oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) in subjects with MetS and compare them to hypertensive (HTN) and healthy subjects. Results OFTT was given to 33 men with MetS (defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III), 17 HTN and 14 healthy men. The MetS group was further divided according to fasting triglycerides (TG) into TG ≥ 150 [MetS+TG, (n = 22)] or <150 mg/dl [MetS-TG (n = 11)], and into those with or without hypertension [MetS+HTN (n = 24), MetS-HTN (n = 9), respectively]. TG concentrations were measured before and at 4, 6 and 8 h after OFTT and the postprandial response was quantified using the area under the curve (AUC) for TG. The postprandial response was significantly higher in MetS compared to HTN and healthy men [AUC (SD) in mg/dl/h; 2534 ± 1016 vs. 1620 ± 494 and 1019 ± 280, respectively, p ≤ 0.001]. The TG levels were increased significantly in MetS+TG compared to MetS-TG subjects at 4 (p = 0.022), 6 (p < 0.001) and 8 hours (p < 0.001). The TG were increased significantly in MetS-TG compared to healthy subjects at 4 (p = 0.011), 6 (p = 0.001) and 8 hours (p = 0.015). In linear regression analysis only fasting TG levels were a significant predictor of the AUC (Coefficient B = 8.462, p < 0.001). Conclusion Fasting TG concentration is the main determinant of postprandial lipemia. However, an exaggeration of TG postprandialy was found in normotriglyceridemic MetS and HTN compared to healthy subjects. This suggests that intervention to lower fasting TG levels should be recommended in MetS subjects. PMID:16197542

Postprandial lipemia in men with metabolic syndrome, hypertensives and healthy subjects.

PubMed

Kolovou, Genovefa D; Anagnostopoulou, Katherine K; Pavlidis, Antonis N; Salpea, Klelia D; Iraklianou, Stella A; Tsarpalis, Konstantinos; Damaskos, Dimitris S; Manolis, Athanasios; Cokkinos, Dennis V

2005-09-30

The metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, is associated with coronary heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the postprandial lipemia after oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) in subjects with MetS and compare them to hypertensive (HTN) and healthy subjects. OFTT was given to 33 men with MetS (defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III), 17 HTN and 14 healthy men. The MetS group was further divided according to fasting triglycerides (TG) into TG > or = 150 [MetS+TG, (n = 22)] or < 150 mg/dl [MetS-TG (n = 11)], and into those with or without hypertension [MetS+HTN (n = 24), MetS-HTN (n = 9), respectively]. TG concentrations were measured before and at 4, 6 and 8 h after OFTT and the postprandial response was quantified using the area under the curve (AUC) for TG. The postprandial response was significantly higher in MetS compared to HTN and healthy men [AUC (SD) in mg/dl/h; 2534 +/- 1016 vs. 1620 +/- 494 and 1019 +/- 280, respectively, p < or = 0.001]. The TG levels were increased significantly in MetS+TG compared to MetS-TG subjects at 4 (p = 0.022), 6 (p < 0.001) and 8 hours (p < 0.001). The TG were increased significantly in MetS-TG compared to healthy subjects at 4 (p = 0.011), 6 (p = 0.001) and 8 hours (p = 0.015). In linear regression analysis only fasting TG levels were a significant predictor of the AUC (Coefficient B = 8.462, p < 0.001). Fasting TG concentration is the main determinant of postprandial lipemia. However, an exaggeration of TG postprandialy was found in normotriglyceridemic MetS and HTN compared to healthy subjects. This suggests that intervention to lower fasting TG levels should be recommended in MetS subjects.

An analysis of the carbon balance of the Arctic Basin from 1997 to 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGuire, A.D.; Hayes, D.J.; Kicklighter, D.W.; Manizza, M.; Zhuang, Q.; Chen, M.; Follows, M.J.; Gurney, K.R.; McClelland, J.W.; Melillo, J.M.; Peterson, B.J.; Prinn, R.G.

2010-01-01

This study used several model-based tools to analyse the dynamics of the Arctic Basin between 1997 and 2006 as a linked system of land-ocean-atmosphere C exchange. The analysis estimates that terrestrial areas of the Arctic Basin lost 62.9 Tg C yr-1 and that the Arctic Ocean gained 94.1 Tg C yr-1. Arctic lands and oceans were a net CO2 sink of 108.9 Tg C yr-1, which is within the range of uncertainty in estimates from atmospheric inversions. Although both lands and oceans of the Arctic were estimated to be CO2 sinks, the land sink diminished in strength because of increased fire disturbance compared to previous decades, while the ocean sink increased in strength because of increased biological pump activity associated with reduced sea ice cover. Terrestrial areas of the Arctic were a net source of 41.5 Tg CH4 yr-1 that increased by 0.6 Tg CH4 yr-1 during the decade of analysis, a magnitude that is comparable with an atmospheric inversion of CH4. Because the radiative forcing of the estimated CH4 emissions is much greater than the CO2 sink, the analysis suggests that the Arctic Basin is a substantial net source of green house gas forcing to the climate system.

Biomass Thermogravimetric Analysis: Uncertainty Determination Methodology and Sampling Maps Generation

PubMed Central

Pazó, Jose A.; Granada, Enrique; Saavedra, Ángeles; Eguía, Pablo; Collazo, Joaquín

2010-01-01

The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for the determination of the maximum sampling error and confidence intervals of thermal properties obtained from thermogravimetric analysis (TG), including moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash content. The sampling procedure of the TG analysis was of particular interest and was conducted with care. The results of the present study were compared to those of a prompt analysis, and a correlation between the mean values and maximum sampling errors of the methods were not observed. In general, low and acceptable levels of uncertainty and error were obtained, demonstrating that the properties evaluated by TG analysis were representative of the overall fuel composition. The accurate determination of the thermal properties of biomass with precise confidence intervals is of particular interest in energetic biomass applications. PMID:20717532

Growth, optical, thermal, mechanical and dielectric studies of sodium succinate hexahydrate (β phase) single crystal: A promising third order NLO material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mageshwari, P. S. Latha; Priya, R.; Krishnan, S.; Joseph, V.; Das, S. Jerome

2016-11-01

A third order nonlinear optical (NLO)single crystals of sodium succinate hexahydrate (SSH) (β phase) has been grown by a slow evaporation growth technique using aqueous solution at ambient temperature. The lattice parameters and morphology of SSH were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. SSH crystallizes in centrosymmetric monoclinic system with space group P 21 / c and the crystalline purity was analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The UV-vis-NIR spectrum reveals that the crystal is transparent in the entire visible region. The recorded FT-IR spectrum verified the presence of various functional groups in the material. NMR analysis of the grown crystal confirms the structural elucidation and detects the major and minor functional groups present in the title compound. ICP-OES analysis proved the presence of sodium in SSH. TG-DTA/DSCanalysis was used to investigate the thermal stability of the material. The dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss of SSH were carried out as a function of frequency for different temperatures and the results were discussed. The mechanical stability was evaluated from Vicker's microhardness test. The third order nonlinear optical properties of SSH has been investigated employing Z-scan technique with He-Ne laser operating at 632.8 nm wavelength.

Structural characterization and DFT study of a new optical crystal: 2-amino-3-methylpyridinium-3,5-dinitrobenzoate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathya, K.; Dhamodharan, P.; Dhandapani, M.

2018-05-01

A new proton transfer complex was synthesized by the reaction between 2-amino-3-methyl pyridine with 3,5-dinitro benzoic acid in methanol solvent at room temperature. Chemical composition and stoichiometry of the synthesized complex 2-amino-3-methylpyridinium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (AMPDB) were verified by CHN analysis. The AMPDB crystals were subjected to FT-IR spectral analysis to confirm the functional groups in the compound. UV-Vis-NIR spectral studies revealed that the AMPDB has a large optical transparency window. Single crystal XRD analysis reveals that AMPDB belongs to a monoclinic system with P21/c space group. NMR spectroscopic data indicate the exact carbon skeleton and hydrogen environment in the molecular structure of AMPDB. The thermal stability of the compound was investigated by thermogravimetry (TG). Computational studies such as optimisation of molecular geometry, natural bond analysis (NBO), Mulliken population analysis and HOMO-LUMO analysis were performed using Gaussian 09 software by B3LYP method at 6-311 G(d p) basis set. The first order hyperpolarizability (β) value is 37 times greater than that of urea. The optical nonlinearities of AMPDB have been investigated by Z-scan technique with He-Ne laser radiation of wavelength 632.8 nm. Hirshfeld analysis indicate O⋯H/H⋯O interactions are the superior interactions confirming intensive hydrogen bond net work.

Changes in lipid fluidity and fatty acid composition with altered culture temperature in Tetrahymena pyriformis-NT1.

PubMed

Connolly, J G; Brown, I D; Lee, A G; Kerkut, G A

1985-01-01

Cultures of T. pyriformis-NT1 were grown at 20 degrees C (Tg 20 degrees C) and 38 degrees C (Tg 38 degrees C). G.L.C. analysis and D.P.H. fluorescence polarization measurements in extracted phospholipids indicated that there was increased saturation of fatty acids and relatively reduced fluidity as growth temperature was increased. Breakpoints occurred in the Arrhenius plots of fluorescence polarization at 16 degrees C for Tg 38 degrees C total extracted phospholipids and 9 degrees C for Tg 20 degrees C lipids.

Discovery of Potent and Specific Dihydroisoxazole Inhibitors of Human Transglutaminase 2

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme that catalyzes the posttranslational modification of glutamine residues on protein or peptide substrates. A growing body of literature has implicated aberrantly regulated activity of TG2 in the pathogenesis of various human inflammatory, fibrotic, and other diseases. Taken together with the fact that TG2 knockout mice are developmentally and reproductively normal, there is growing interest in the potential use of TG2 inhibitors in the treatment of these conditions. Targeted-covalent inhibitors based on the weakly electrophilic 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroisoxazole (DHI) scaffold have been widely used to study TG2 biology and are well tolerated in vivo, but these compounds have only modest potency, and their selectivity toward other transglutaminase homologues is largely unknown. In the present work, we first profiled the selectivity of existing inhibitors against the most pertinent TG isoforms (TG1, TG3, and FXIIIa). Significant cross-reactivity of these small molecules with TG1 was observed. Structure–activity and −selectivity analyses led to the identification of modifications that improved potency and isoform selectivity. Preliminary pharmacokinetic analysis of the most promising analogues was also undertaken. Our new data provides a clear basis for the rational selection of dihydroisoxazole inhibitors as tools for in vivo biological investigation. PMID:25333388

IR, 1H NMR, mass, XRD and TGA/DTA investigations on the ciprofloxacin/iodine charge-transfer complex.

PubMed

Refat, Moamen S; El-Hawary, W F; Moussa, Mohamed A A

2011-05-01

The charge-transfer complex (CTC) of ciprofloxacin drug (CIP) as a donor with iodine (I(2)) as a sigma acceptor has been studied spectrophotometrically in CHCl(3). At maximum absorption bands, the stoichiometry of CIP:iodine system was found to be 1:1 ratio according to molar ratio method. The essential spectroscopic data like formation constant (K(CT)), molar extinction coefficient (ɛ(CT)), standard free energy (ΔG°), oscillator strength (f), transition dipole moment (μ), resonance energy (R(N)) and ionization potential (I(D)) were estimated. The spectroscopic techniques such as IR, (1)H NMR, mass and UV-vis spectra and elemental analyses (CHN) as well as TG-DTG and DTA investigations were used to characterize the chelating behavior of CIP/iodine charge-transfer complex. The iodine CT interaction was associated with a presence of intermolecular hydrogen bond. The X-ray investigation was carried out to investigate the iodine doping in the synthetic CT complex. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Energetic basis for selective recognition of T*G mismatched base pairs in DNA by imidazole-rich polyamides.

PubMed

Lacy, Eilyn R; Nguyen, Binh; Le, Minh; Cox, Kari K; OHare, Caroline; Hartley, John A; Lee, Moses; Wilson, W David

2004-01-01

To complement available structure and binding results and to develop a detailed understanding of the basis for selective molecular recognition of T.G mismatches in DNA by imidazole containing polyamides, a full thermodynamic profile for formation of the T.G-polyamide complex has been determined. The amide-linked heterocycles f-ImImIm and f-PyImIm (where f is formamido group, Im is imidazole and Py is pyrrole) were studied by using biosensor-surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) with a T.G mismatch containing DNA hairpin duplex and a similar DNA with only Watson-Crick base pairs. Large negative binding enthalpies for all of the polyamide-DNA complexes indicate that the interactions are enthalpically driven. SPR results show slower complex formation and stronger binding of f-ImImIm to the T.G than to the match site. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the enhanced binding to the T.G site is the result of better entropic contributions. Negative heat capacity changes for the complex are correlated with calculated solvent accessible surface area changes and indicate hydrophobic contributions to complex formation. DNase I footprinting analysis in a long DNA sequence provided supporting evidence that f-ImImIm binds selectively to T.G mismatch sites.

Simultaneous Quantification of Free Cholesterol, Cholesteryl Esters, and Triglycerides without Ester Hydrolysis by UHPLC Separation and In-Source Collision Induced Dissociation Coupled MS/MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardner, Michael S.; McWilliams, Lisa G.; Jones, Jeffrey I.; Kuklenyik, Zsuzsanna; Pirkle, James L.; Barr, John R.

2017-08-01

We demonstrate the application of in-source nitrogen collision-induced dissociation (CID) that eliminates the need for ester hydrolysis before simultaneous analysis of esterified cholesterol (EC) and triglycerides (TG) along with free cholesterol (FC) from human serum, using normal phase liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The analysis requires only 50 μL of 1:100 dilute serum with a high-throughput, precipitation/evaporation/extraction protocol in one pot. Known representative mixtures of EC and TG species were used as calibrators with stable isotope labeled analogs as internal standards. The APCI MS source was operated with nitrogen source gas. Reproducible in-source CID was achieved with the use of optimal cone voltage (declustering potential), generating FC, EC, and TG lipid class-specific precursor fragment ions for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Using a representative mixture of purified FC, CE, and TG species as calibrators, the method accuracy was assessed with analysis of five inter-laboratory standardization materials, showing -10% bias for Total-C and -3% for Total-TG. Repeated duplicate analysis of a quality control pool showed intra-day and inter-day variation of 5% and 5.8% for FC, 5.2% and 8.5% for Total-C, and 4.1% and 7.7% for Total-TG. The applicability of the method was demonstrated on 32 serum samples and corresponding lipoprotein sub-fractions collected from normolipidemic, hypercholesterolemic, hypertriglyceridemic, and hyperlipidemic donors. The results show that in-source CID coupled with isotope dilution UHPLC-MS/MS is a viable high precision approach for translational research studies where samples are substantially diluted or the amounts of archived samples are limited. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Dose calculation for photon-emitting brachytherapy sources with average energy higher than 50 keV: report of the AAPM and ESTRO.

PubMed

Perez-Calatayud, Jose; Ballester, Facundo; Das, Rupak K; Dewerd, Larry A; Ibbott, Geoffrey S; Meigooni, Ali S; Ouhib, Zoubir; Rivard, Mark J; Sloboda, Ron S; Williamson, Jeffrey F

2012-05-01

Recommendations of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) on dose calculations for high-energy (average energy higher than 50 keV) photon-emitting brachytherapy sources are presented, including the physical characteristics of specific (192)Ir, (137)Cs, and (60)Co source models. This report has been prepared by the High Energy Brachytherapy Source Dosimetry (HEBD) Working Group. This report includes considerations in the application of the TG-43U1 formalism to high-energy photon-emitting sources with particular attention to phantom size effects, interpolation accuracy dependence on dose calculation grid size, and dosimetry parameter dependence on source active length. Consensus datasets for commercially available high-energy photon sources are provided, along with recommended methods for evaluating these datasets. Recommendations on dosimetry characterization methods, mainly using experimental procedures and Monte Carlo, are established and discussed. Also included are methodological recommendations on detector choice, detector energy response characterization and phantom materials, and measurement specification methodology. Uncertainty analyses are discussed and recommendations for high-energy sources without consensus datasets are given. Recommended consensus datasets for high-energy sources have been derived for sources that were commercially available as of January 2010. Data are presented according to the AAPM TG-43U1 formalism, with modified interpolation and extrapolation techniques of the AAPM TG-43U1S1 report for the 2D anisotropy function and radial dose function.

Analyse de la dégradation thermique du Poly(éther imide)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Courvoisier, Emilie; Bicaba, Yoann; Colin, Xavier

2018-03-01

La dégradation thermique du PEI a été étudiée dans de larges intervalles de température (entre 180 et 250 °C) et de pression partielle d'oxygène (entre 0,21 et 50 bars). Tout d'abord, les mécanismes de vieillissement thermique ont été analysés et élucidés par spectroscopie IRTF et par calorimétrie différentielle (DSC) sur des films de PEI suffisamment minces (entre 10 et 60 μm d'épaisseur) pour s'affranchir totalement des effets de la diffusion d'oxygène. Comme attendu, et par analogie avec d'autres polymères aromatiques de structure chimique similaire, l'oxydation se produit préférentiellement sur les groupes méthyle de l'unité isopropylidène du motif bisphenol A, causant la disparition de leur bande d'absorption IR caractéristique à 2970 cm-1 et la croissance d'une nouvelle bande d'absorption IR centrée à 3350 cm-1 et attribuée aux groupes alcool. De plus, l'oxydation conduit successivement à une prédominance relative des coupures de chaîne (diminution de Tg) et de la réticulation (augmentation de Tg). Enfin, les conséquences de l'oxydation sur les propriétés élastiques ont été analysées et élucidées par micro-indentation sur des sections droites préalablement polies de plaquettes de PEI de 3 mm d'épaisseur. Cependant, l'augmentation du module d'Young dans la couche superficielle oxydée est principalement due à un vieillissement physique.

Sibutramine and L-carnitine compared to sibutramine alone on insulin resistance in diabetic patients.

PubMed

Derosa, Giuseppe; Maffioli, Pamela; Salvadeo, Sibilla A T; Ferrari, Ilaria; Gravina, Alessia; Mereu, Roberto; D'Angelo, Angela; Palumbo, Ilaria; Randazzo, Sabrina; Cicero, Arrigo F G

2010-01-01

To evaluate the effects of one year of treatment with sibutramine plus L-carnitine compared to sibutramine on body weight, glycemic control, and insulin resistance state in type 2 diabetic patients. Two hundred and fifty-four patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) >8.0%] in therapy with different oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin were enrolled in this study and randomised to take sibutramine 10 mg plus L-carnitine 2 g or sibutramine 10 mg in monotherapy. We evaluated at baseline, and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months these parameters: body weight, body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), post-prandial plasma glucose (PPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (Tg), retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), resistin, visfatin, high sensitivity-C reactive protein (Hs-CRP). There was a decrease in body weight, BMI, HbA(1c), FPI, HOMA-IR, and RBP-4 in both groups, even when the values obtained with sibutramine plus L-carnitine were lower than the values obtained in sibutramine group. There was a faster decrease of FPG, PPG, TC, LDL-C, resistin and Hs-CRP with sibutramine plus L-carnitine even when no differences between the two groups were obtained. Furthermore, only sibutramine plus L-carnitine improved Tg, and visfatin. Sibutramine plus L-carnitine gave a faster improvement of lipid profile, insulin resistance parameters, glycemic control, and body weight compared to sibutramine.

Association between hypertriglyceridemia and protein oxidation and proinflammatory markers in normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic individuals.

PubMed

Klafke, Jonatas Zeni; Porto, Fernando Garcez; Batista, Roselaine; Bochi, Guilherme Vargas; Moresco, Rafael Noal; da Luz, Protásio Lemos; Viecili, Paulo Ricardo Nazário

2015-08-25

Although hypercholesterolemia is a well-established risk factor for coronary heart disease, evidence suggests that increased triglyceride (TG) concentrations are also an independent risk factor. TG concentrations >150mg/dl are observed nearly twice as often in subjects with atherosclerosis. We assessed the association between hypertriglyceridemia and protein oxidation and proinflammatory markers in normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic individuals. We included 127 volunteers enrolled in Cruz Alta, RS, Brazil. The patients were stratified based on total cholesterol and TG concentrations for analysis of associations with inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein - hs-CRP), endothelial dysfunction (nitric oxide - NOx) and oxidative stress (advanced oxidation protein products - AOPPs; ischemia-modified albumin - IMA). Correlations between variables were determined and multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate whether some variables correlate with TG concentrations. Hypertriglyceridemia was related to oxidative stress and proinflammatory markers in individuals independent of total cholesterol concentrations. Moreover, the results indicate a stronger association of tested biomarkers with TG concentrations than with total cholesterol. The results indicate a positive correlation between oxidative stress and TG concentrations in the sera of hypercholesterolemia subjects. AOPPs and IMA concentrations were associated with the presence of hypertriglyceridemia in a manner that was independent of age, gender, hypertension and diabetes mellitus disease, smoking habits, sedentary lifestyle, BMI, waist circumference, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol concentrations. We speculate that TG concentrations can reflect the enhancement of protein oxidation and proinflammation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of motor function in 6-month-old male and female 3xTg-AD mice.

PubMed

Stover, Kurt R; Campbell, Mackenzie A; Van Winssen, Christine M; Brown, Richard E

2015-03-15

The 3xTg-AD mouse has high validity as a model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) because it develops both amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Human patients with AD typically develop motor deficits, which worsen as the disease progresses, but 3xTg-AD mice have been reported to show enhanced motor abilities. We investigated the motor behaviour phenotype of male and female 3xTg-AD and B6129SF2 wildtype mice on a battery of motor behaviours at 6 months of age. Compared to wildtype mice, the 3xTg-AD mice had enhanced motor performance on the Rotarod, but worse performance on the grid suspension task. In gait analysis 3xTg-AD mice had a longer stride length and made more foot slips on the balance beam than wildtype mice. There was no overall difference in voluntary wheel-running activity between genotypes, but there was a disruption in circadian activity rhythm in 3xTg-AD mice. In some motor tasks, such as the Rotarod and balance beam, females appeared to perform better than males, but this sex differences was accounted for by differences in body weight. Our results indicate that while the 3xTg-AD mice show enhanced performance on the Rotarod, they have poorer performance on other motor behaviour tasks, indicating that their motor behaviour phenotype is more complex than previously reported. The presence of the P301L transgene may explain the enhancement of Rotarod performance but the poorer performance on other motor behaviour tasks may be due to other transgenes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bone Mass and Strength are Significantly Improved in Mice Overexpressing Human WNT16 in Osteocytes.

PubMed

Alam, Imranul; Reilly, Austin M; Alkhouli, Mohammed; Gerard-O'Riley, Rita L; Kasipathi, Charishma; Oakes, Dana K; Wright, Weston B; Acton, Dena; McQueen, Amie K; Patel, Bhavmik; Lim, Kyung-Eun; Robling, Alexander G; Econs, Michael J

2017-04-01

Recently, we demonstrated that osteoblast-specific overexpression of human WNT16 increased both cortical and trabecular bone mass and structure in mice. To further identify the cell-specific role of Wnt16 in bone homeostasis, we created transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing human WNT16 in osteocytes using Dmp1 promoter (Dmp1-hWNT16 TG) on C57BL/6 (B6) background. We analyzed bone phenotypes and serum bone biomarkers, performed gene expression analysis and measured dynamic bone histomorphometry in Dmp1-hWNT16 TG and wild-type (WT) mice. Compared to WT mice, Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice exhibited significantly higher whole-body, spine and femoral aBMD, BMC and trabecular (BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th) and cortical (bone area and thickness) parameters in both male and female at 12 weeks of age. Femur stiffness and ultimate force were also significantly improved in the Dmp1-hWNT16 TG female mice, compared to sex-matched WT littermates. In addition, female Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice displayed significantly higher MS/BS, MAR and BFR/BS compared to the WT mice. Gene expression analysis demonstrated significantly higher mRNA level of Alp in both male and female Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice and significantly higher levels of Osteocalcin, Opg and Rankl in the male Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice in bone tissue compared to sex-matched WT mice. These results indicate that WNT16 plays a critical role for acquisition of both cortical and trabecular bone mass and strength. Strategies designed to use WNT16 as a target for therapeutic interventions will be valuable to treat osteoporosis and other low bone mass conditions.

Bone Mass and Strength are Significantly Improved in Mice Overexpressing Human WNT16 in Osteocytes

PubMed Central

Alam, Imranul; Reilly, Austin M.; Alkhouli, Mohammed; Gerard-O’Riley, Rita L.; Kasipathi, Charishma; Oakes, Dana K.; Wright, Weston B.; Acton, Dena; McQueen, Amie K.; Patel, Bhavmik; Lim, Kyung-Eun; Robling, Alexander G.; Econs, Michael J.

2017-01-01

Recently, we demonstrated that osteoblast-specific overexpression of human WNT16 increased both cortical and trabecular bone mass and structure in mice. To further identify the cell-specific role of Wnt16 in bone homeostasis, we created transgenic (TG) mice over-expressing human WNT16 in osteocytes using Dmp1 promoter (Dmp1-hWNT16 TG) on C57BL/6 (B6) background. We analyzed bone phenotypes and serum bone biomarkers, performed gene expression analysis and measured dynamic bone histomorphometry in Dmp1-hWNT16 TG and wild-type (WT) mice. Compared to WT mice, Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice exhibited significantly higher whole body, spine and femoral aBMD, BMC and trabecular (BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th) and cortical (bone area and thickness) parameters in both male and female at 12 weeks of age. Femur stiffness and ultimate force were also significantly improved in the Dmp1-hWNT16 TG female mice, compared to sex-matched WT littermates. In addition, female Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice displayed significantly higher MS/BS, MAR and BFR/BS compared to the WT mice. Gene expression analysis demonstrated significantly higher mRNA level of Alp in both male and female Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice and significantly higher levels of Osteocalcin, Opg and Rankl in the male Dmp1-hWNT16 TG mice in bone tissue compared to sex-matched WT mice. These results indicate that WNT16 plays a critical role for acquisition of both cortical and trabecular bone mass and strength. Strategies designed to use WNT16 as a target for therapeutic interventions will be valuable to treat osteoporosis and other low bone mass conditions. PMID:28013361

Expression profiles of aquaporin homologues and petal movement during petal development in Tulipa gesneriana.

PubMed

Azad, Abul Kalam; Hanawa, Ryosuke; Ishikawa, Takahiro; Sawa, Yoshihiro; Shibata, Hitoshi

2013-07-01

Previously, we have characterized two tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) and four plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) from the 2-day-old petals of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana). In this study, we analyzed the development of tulip petals and stems, temperature-dependent petal movement, the amount of ³H₂O transported into petals and stems during petal movement, and the transcript levels of two TIP (TgTIP1;1 and TgTIP1;2) and four TgPIP genes in petals and stems, from the first day of petal opening to day 12. The development of the petals and stems was completed by days 6 and 9, respectively, after the first day of petal opening. Temperature-dependent petal movement and the amount of ³H₂O that was transported into petals could be detected at significant levels up to day 6 with petal movement reaching a peak at day 3. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that TgTIP1;1 and TgTIP1;2 were expressed ubiquitously in petals, stems, leaves, bulbs and roots. However, the expression level of TgTIP1;2 was very low in bulbs. The expression of both TgTIP1 genes was upregulated in close association with the development of petals but not with that of the stem. The four TgPIP genes were expressed at almost the same level during the development of the petals and the stem. However, the levels of the TgTIP1 and TgPIP transcripts in petals decreased during the course of petal wilting from day 9 onwards. These results suggest that TgTIP1;1 and TgTIP1;2 may contribute to petal development. Copyright © Physiologia Plantarum 2012.

Nanosized IrO2 electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in an SPE electrolyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz, J. C.; Baglio, V.; Siracusano, S.; Ornelas, R.; Ortiz-Frade, L.; Arriaga, L. G.; Antonucci, V.; Aricò, A. S.

2011-04-01

Nanosized IrO2 electrocatalysts ( d 7-9 nm) with specific surface area up to 100 m2 g-1 were synthesized and characterized for the oxygen evolution reaction in a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) electrolyzer. The catalysts were prepared by a colloidal method in aqueous solution and a subsequent thermal treatment. An iridium hydroxide hydrate precursor was obtained at 100 °C, which was, successively, calcined at different temperatures from 200 to 500 °C. The physico-chemical characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). IrO2 catalysts were sprayed onto a Nafion 115 membrane up to a loading of 3 mg cm-2. A Pt catalyst was used at the cathode compartment with a loading of 0.6 mg cm-2. The electrochemical activity for water electrolysis of the membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) was investigated in a single cell SPE electrolyzer by steady-state polarization curves, impedance spectroscopy and chrono-amperometric measurements. A maximum current density of 1.3 A cm-2 was obtained at 1.8 V and 80 °C for the IrO2 catalyst calcined at 400 °C for 1 h. A stable performance was recorded in single cell for this anode catalyst at 80 °C. The suitable catalytic activity and stability of the most performing catalyst were interpreted in terms of proper combination between nanostructure and suitable morphology.

G protein, phosphorylated-GATA4 and VEGF expression in the hearts of transgenic mice overexpressing β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors

PubMed Central

Tae, Hyun-Jin; Petrashevskaya, Natalia; Kim, In Hye; Park, Joon Ha; Lee, Jae-Chul; Won, Moo-Ho; Kim, Yang Hee; Ahn, Ji Hyeon; Park, Jinseu; Choi, Soo Young; Jeon, Yong Hwan

2017-01-01

β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) regulate cardiac contractility, calcium handling and protein phosphorylation. The present study aimed to examine the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and several G proteins, and the phosphorylation of transcription factor GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4), by western blot analysis, using isolated hearts from 6 month-old transgenic (TG) mice that overexpress β1AR or β2AR. Cardiac contractility/relaxation and heart rate was increased in both β1AR TG and β2AR TG mouse hearts compared with wild type; however, no significant differences were observed between the β1- and β2AR TG mouse hearts. Protein expression levels of inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gi) 2, Gi3 and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 were upregulated in both TG mice, although the upregulation of Gi2 was more prominent in the β2AR TG mice. VEGF-A expression levels were also increased in both TG mice, and were highest in the β1AR TG mice. In addition, the levels of phosphorylated-GATA4 expression were increased in β1- and β2AR TG mice. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that cardiac contractility/relaxation and heart rate is increased in β1AR TG and β2AR TG mice, and indicated that this increase may be related to the overexpression of G proteins and G-protein-associated proteins. PMID:28487987

Intravenous lipid infusion and total plasma fatty acids positively modulate plasma acylated ghrelin in vivo.

PubMed

Barazzoni, R; Gortan Cappellari, G; Semolic, A; Ius, M; Dore, F; Giacca, M; Zanetti, M; Vinci, P; Guarnieri, G

2017-06-01

Ghrelin is a gastric orexigenic hormone whose activating acylation plays a relevant role in the regulation of energy balance. Nutritional modulators of ghrelin acylation and plasma acylated ghrelin (AG) concentration remain however largely undefined. We aimed at investigating whether circulating free fatty acids (FFA) contribute to regulate plasma AG and its ratio (AG/TG) to total hormone (TG). Plasma FFA, TG, AG and AG/TG were measured in a primary outpatient care setting in a community-based population cohort of 850 individuals (age 54 ± 10 years, M/F: 408/442) from the North-East Italy MoMa study. 150-min intravenous lipid infusions in rodents (10% lipids, 600 μl/h) were used to investigate the potential causal role of FFA in the regulation of plasma ghrelin profile. Plasma FFA were associated positively with AG and AG/TG while negatively with TG (P < 0.01). Associations between FFA, AG and AG/TG remained statistically significant (P < 0.02) in multiple regression analysis including HOMA insulin resistance and metabolic confounders, and both AG and AG/TG but not TG increased through plasma FFA quartiles (P < 0.01). Consistent with these findings, intravenous lipid infusion with plasma FFA elevation caused elevations of AG and AG/TG (P < 0.05) with no TG modifications. The current findings demonstrate a novel role for circulating FFA availability to up-regulate plasma AG, which could involve FFA-induced stimulation of ghrelin acylation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

A Disposable Tear Glucose Biosensor—Part 4

PubMed Central

Engelschall, Erica; Lan, Kenneth; Shah, Pankti; Saez, Neil; Maxwell, Stephanie; Adamson, Teagan; Abou-Eid, Michelle; McAferty, Kenyon; Patel, Dharmendra R.; Cook, Curtiss B.

2014-01-01

Objective: A prototype tear glucose (TG) sensor was tested in New Zealand white rabbits to assess eye irritation, blood glucose (BG) and TG lag time, and correlation with BG. Methods: A total of 4 animals were used. Eye irritation was monitored by Lissamine green dye and analyzed using image analysis software. Lag time was correlated with an oral glucose load while recording TG and BG readings. Correlation between TG and BG were plotted against one another to form a correlation diagram, using a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) and self-monitoring of blood glucose as the reference measurements. Finally, TG levels were calculated using analytically derived expressions. Results: From repeated testing carried over the course of 12 months, little to no eye irritation was detected. TG fluctuations over time visually appeared to trace the same pattern as BG with an average lag times of 13 minutes. TG levels calculated from the device current measurements ranged from 4 to 20 mg/dL and correlated linearly with BG levels of 75-160 mg/dL (TG = 0.1723 BG = 7.9448 mg/dL; R2 = .7544). Conclusion: The first steps were taken toward preliminary development of a sensor for self-monitoring of tear glucose (SMTG). No conjunctival irritation in any of the animals was noted. Lag time between TG and BG was found to be noticeable, but a quantitative modeling to correlate lag time in this study is unnecessary. Measured currents from the sensors and the calculated TG showed promising correlation to BG levels. Previous analytical bench marking showed BG and TG levels consistent with other literature. PMID:24876546

Tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove distance and its association with patellofemoral osteoarthritis-related structural damage worsening: data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

PubMed

Haj-Mirzaian, Arya; Guermazi, Ali; Hakky, Michael; Sereni, Christopher; Zikria, Bashir; Roemer, Frank W; Tanaka, Miho J; Cosgarea, Andrew J; Demehri, Shadpour

2018-04-30

To determine whether the tibial tuberosity-to-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is associated with concurrent patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (OA)-related structural damage and its worsening on 24-month follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). Six hundred subjects (one index knee per participant) were assessed. To evaluate patellofemoral OA-related structural damage, baseline and 24-month semiquantitative MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) variables for cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), osteophytes, effusion, and synovitis were extracted from available readings. The TT-TG distance was measured in all subjects using baseline MRIs by two musculoskeletal radiologists. The associations between baseline TT-TG distance and concurrent baseline MOAKS variables and their worsening in follow-up MRI were investigated using regression analysis adjusted for variables associated with tibiofemoral and patellofemoral OA. At baseline, increased TT-TG distance was associated with concurrent lateral patellar and trochlear cartilage damages, BML, osteophytes, and knee joint effusion [cross-sectional evaluations; overall odds ratio 95% confidence interval (OR 95% CI): 1.098 (1.045-1.154), p < 0.001]. In the longitudinal analysis, increased TT-TG distance was significantly related to lateral patellar and trochlear cartilage, BML, and joint effusion worsening (overall OR 95% CI: 1.111 (1.056-1.170), p < 0.001). TT-TG distance was associated with simultaneous lateral patellofemoral OA-related structural damage and its worsening over 24 months. Abnormally lateralized tibial tuberosity may be considered as a risk factor for future patellofemoral OA worsening. • Excessive TT-TG distance on MRI is an indicator/predictor of lateral-patellofemoral-OA. • TT-TG is associated with simultaneous lateral-patellofemoral-OA (6-17% chance-increase for each millimeter increase). • TT-TG is associated with longitudinal (24-months) lateral-patellofemoral-OA (5-15% chance-increase for each millimeter).

One-step immunochromatographic visual assay for anti-transglutaminase detection in organ culture system: An easy and prompt method to simplify the in vitro diagnosis of celiac disease.

PubMed

Di Tola, Marco; Marino, Mariacatia; Casale, Rossella; Borghini, Raffaele; Tiberti, Antonio; Donato, Giuseppe; Occhiuzzi, Umberto; Picarelli, Antonio

2018-01-01

Anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and endomysium antibodies (EMA) are detectable in duodenal culture media of celiac disease (CD) patients. To improve the management of this organ culture system, we evaluated the anti-tTG occurrence by immunochromatographic assay (ICA). A total of 103 CD patients and 41 disease controls underwent duodenal biopsy for the organ culture. In culture supernatants, IgA anti-tTG were tested by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ICA, IgA EMA were searched by indirect immunofluorescence analysis (iIFA). Endomysium antibodies and anti-tTG measured by ELISA were positive in culture media of all CD patients, while anti-tTG detected by ICA were positive in culture media of 87/103 CD patients. Anti-tTG ICA scores significantly correlated with anti-tTG ELISA values (r=.71, P<.0001). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of anti-tTG detected by ICA were 84.5%, 100% and 88.9%, respectively. Using ICA, anti-tTG are detectable in duodenal culture media of most CD patients and the intensity of indicative lines depends on the anti-tTG concentration. Sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy achieved with ICA are lower than those obtained with ELISA but, given that the first is a more easy and prompt method, data suggest the possibility of utilizing it in the in vitro diagnosis of CD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

SU-F-T-28: Evaluation of BEBIG HDR Co-60 After-Loading System for Skin Cancer Treatment Using Conical Surface Applicator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Safigholi, H; Soliman, A; Song, W Y

Purpose: To evaluate the possibility of utilizing the BEBIG HDR 60Co remote after-loading system for malignant skin surface treatment using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation technique. Methods: First TG-43 parameters of BEBIG-Co-60 and Nucletron Ir-192-mHDR-V2 brachytherapy sources were simulated using MCNP6 code to benchmark the sources against the literature. Second a conical tungsten-alloy with 3-cm diameter of Planning-Target-Volume (PTV) at surface for use with a single stepping HDR source is designed. The HDR source is modeled parallel to treatment plane at the center of the conical applicator with a source surface distance (SSD) of 1.5-cm and a removable plastic end-cap withmore » a 1-mm thickness. Third, MC calculated dose distributions from HDR Co-60 for conical surface applicator were compared with the simulated data using HDR Ir-192 source. The initial calculations were made with the same conical surface applicator (standard-applicator) dimensions as the ones used with the Ir-192 system. Fourth, the applicator wall-thickness for the Co-60 system was increased (doubled) to diminish leakage dose to levels received when using the Ir-192 system. With this geometry, percentage depth dose (PDD), and relative 2D-dose profiles in transverse/coronal planes were normalized at 3-mm prescription-depth evaluated along the central axis. Results: PDD for Ir-192 and Co-60 were similar with standard and thick-walled applicator. 2D-relative dose distribution of Co-60, inside the standard-conical-applicator, generated higher penumbra (7.6%). For thick-walled applicator, it created smaller penumbra (<4%) compared to Ir-192 source in the standard-conicalapplicator. Dose leakage outside of thick-walled applicator with Co-60 source was approximately equal (≤3%) with standard applicator using Ir-192 source. Conclusion: Skin cancer treatment with equal quality can be performed with Co-60 source and thick-walled conical applicators instead of Ir-192 with standard applicators. These conical surface applicator must be used with a protective plastic end-cap to eliminate electron contamination and over-dosage of the skin.« less

Second-sphere coordination in anion binding: Synthesis, characterization and X-ray structures of bis(diethylenetriamine)cobalt(III) complexes containing benzoates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bala, Ritu; Kaur, Amrinder; Kashyap, Monika; Janzen, Daron E.

2014-04-01

New complexes of composition s-fac-[Co(dien)2]Cl2(Bz)·H2O (1), s-fac-[Co(dien)2]Cl(p-CBz)2·4.5H2O (2) and mer-[Co(dien)2](p-NBz)3·3H2O (3) were obtained by reacting aqueous solutions of bis(diethylenetriamine)cobalt(III) chloride and sodium salts of benzoates ((Bz = benzoate, CBz = p-chlorobenzoate, NBz = p-nitrobenzoate)) in 1:3 molar ratio. These complexes were characterized by TG analysis and spectroscopic studies (IR, NMR and UV-vis). IR and NMR studies were used for the isomeric identification of [Co(dien)2]3+ in new complexes. This cation, contains ligand diethylenetriamine (dien) bearing H-bond donors, capable of forming hydrogen bonds and its binding properties with benzoates have been studied using standard UV-vis spectroscopic titrations in aqueous medium (log k for Bz = 2.11, p-CBz = 3.64 and p-NBz = 3.66). Single crystal X-ray study of complex 2 and 3 reveals that both the structures are dominantly stabilized by second-sphere coordination through H-bonding interactions of type-NH (dien)⋯O (benzoates) and H (water)⋯O (benzoates) in addition to the electrostatic forces of attractions. Further, the NH (dien)⋯Cl- (counter ion) and NH (dien)⋯O (water) types of interactions are also playing a dominant role to stabilize the crystal lattice in complex 2 and 3 respectively.

New copper(II) complexes with dopamine hydrochloride and vanillymandelic acid: Spectroscopic and thermal characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Gehad G.; Nour El-Dien, F. A.; El-Nahas, R. G.

2011-10-01

The dopamine derivatives participate in the regulation of wide variety of physiological functions in the human body and in medication life. Increase and/or decrease in the concentration of dopamine in human body reflect an indication for diseases such as Schizophrenia and/or Parkinson diseases. The Cu(II) chelates with coupled products of dopamine hydrochloride (DO.HCl) and vanillymandelic acid (VMA) with 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) are prepared and characterized. Different physico-chemical techniques namely IR, magnetic and UV-vis spectra are used to investigate the structure of these chelates. Cu(II) forms 1:1 (Cu:DO) and 1:2 (Cu:VMA) chelates. DO behave as a uninegative tridentate ligand in binding to the Cu(II) ion while VMA behaves as a uninegative bidentate ligand. IR spectra show that the DO is coordinated to the Cu(II) ion in a tridentate manner with ONO donor sites of the phenolic- OH, -NH and carbonyl- O, while VMA is coordinated with OO donor sites of the phenolic- OH and -NH. Magnetic moment measurements reveal the presence of Cu(II) chelates in octahedral and square planar geometries with DO and VMA, respectively. The thermal decomposition of Cu(II) complexes is studied using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as, energy of activation, enthalpy, entropy and free energy change of the complexes are evaluated and the relative thermal stability of the complexes are discussed.

Synthesis, characterization, thermal and antimicrobial studies of diabetic drug models: Complexes of vanadyl(II) sulfate with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and nicotinamide (vitamin B3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Refat, Moamen S.

2010-04-01

The oxovanadium(II) complexes of the different vitamins like ascorbic acid (vitamin C; Vit. C), riboflavin (vitamin B2; Vit. B2) and nicotinamide (vitamin B3; Vit. B3) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, IR, electronic, magnetic measurements, thermal studies, XRD and SEM. Conductance measurements indicated that the vanadyl(II) complexes of Vit. B2 and Vit. B3 are 1:2 electrolytes except for [VO(Vit. C) 2(H 2O) 2] complex is non-electrolyte. IR data show that Vit. B2 is bidentate ligand against azomethine nitrogen of pyrazine ring and C dbnd O of pyrimidine-2,4-dione but Vit. B3 and Vit. C acts as a monodentate ligand through pyridine nitrogen and hydroxo oxygen of furan ring, respectively. Electronic spectral measurements indicated that all VO(II) complexes have a square-pyramidal geometry. Magnetic measurements for the new vanadyl(II) complexes are in a good agreement with the proposed formula. Thermal analyses (TG/DSC) of the studied complexes show that the decomposition process takes place in more than two steps. XRD refer that VO(II) complexes have an amorphous behavior. The surface morphology of the complexes was studied by SEM. The antimicrobial activities of the ligands and its complexes indicate that the vanadyl(II) complexes possess high antibacterial and antifungal activities towards the bacterial species and the fungal species than start ligands.

Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and arterial stiffness in Japanese population: a secondary analysis based on a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Chen, Chi; Dai, Jia-Lin

2018-05-29

Previous studies have revealed that triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (henceforth TG/HDL-C) is one of major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance and metabolism syndrome. However, there are fewer scientific dissertations about the correlation between TG/HDL-C and bapWV. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between Triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Japanese. The present study was a cross-sectional study. 912 Japanese men and women, aging 24-84 years old, received a health medical a health check-up program including the results from baPWV inspection and various standardized questionnaire in a health examination Center in Japan. Main outcome measures included TG/HDL-C ratio, baPWV, fatty liver, postmenopausal status. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to diagnose fatty liver. Postmenopausal state was defined as beginning 1 year after the cessation of menses. It was noted that the entire study was completed by Fukuda et al., and uploaded the data to the DATADRYAD website. The author only used this data for secondary analysis. After adjusting potential confounders (age, sex, BMI, SBP, DBP, AST, ALT, GGT, uric acid, fasting glucose, TC, LDL, eGFR, smoking and exercise status, fatty liver, alcohol consumption and ABI), non-linear relationship was detected between TG/HDL-C and baPWV, whose point was 5.6. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals on the left and right sides of inflection point were 12.7 (1.9 to 23.5) and - 16.7 (- 36.8 to 3.3), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed, in participants with excessive alcohol consumption (more than 280 g/week), that TG/HDL-C had a negative correlation with BAPWV (β = - 30.7, 95%CI (- 53.1, - 8.4)), and the P for interaction was less than 0.05, CONCLUSION: The relationship between TG/HDL-C and baPWV is non-linear. TG/HDL-C was positively related with baPWV when TG/HDL-C is less than 5.6. In addition, while the trend is opposite in excessive alcoholic subjects.

Characterization of manganese?gallium mixed oxide powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez Escribano, Vicente; Fernández López, Enrique; Sánchez Huidobro, Paula; Panizza, Marta; Resini, Carlo; Gallardo-Amores, José M.; Busca, Guido

2003-11-01

MnGa mixed oxides have been prepared by coprecipitation of the corresponding oxo-hydroxides as powders and have been characterized in relation to their structural and optical properties. The materials have been characterized by XRD, TG-DTA, skeletal IR and UV-visible-NIR spectroscopies. Large solubility of Mn in the diaspore type α-GaOOH oxo-hydroxide has been found. The spinel related structures of hausmannite Mn 3O 4 and of β-gallia present large reciprocal solubilities at least in a metastable form. At high temperature also bixbyite-type α-Mn 2O 3 solid solutions containing up to 20% at. Ga have been observed.

Preparation, characterization, and catalytic activity of zirconocene bridged on surface of silica gel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Majdoub, Lotfia; Shi, Yasai; Yuan, Yuan; Zhou, Annan; Abutartour, Abubaker; Xu, Qinghong

2015-10-01

Zirconocene catalyst supported on silica gel was prepared for olefin polymerization by surface modification of calcined silica with SiCl4, and the reaction between the modified silica and cyclopentadienyl sodium and ZrCl4. The catalyst was characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, thermogravimetric (TG), and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analytic spectrometer. It was found that the metallocene structure could be formed and connected on silica surface by chemical bond. Initial catalytic tests showed that the supported metallocene was catalytically active (methylaluminoxane as a cocatalyst), producing polymer with higher molecular weight than the metallocene just immobilized on the surface of silica gel.

Synthesis, spectra and X-ray crystallography of dipyridin-2-ylmethanone oxime and its CuX2(oxime)2 complexes: Thermal, Hirshfeld surface and DFT analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warad, Ismail; Abdoh, Muneer; Al Ali, Anas; Shivalingegowda, Naveen; Kumara, Karthik; Zarrouk, Abdelkader; Lokanath, Neartur Krishnappagowda

2018-02-01

Dipyridin-2-ylmethanone oxime (C11H9N3O), was prepared using di-2-pyridyl ketone. The oxime ligand and its neutral CuX2 (oxime)2 (X = Cl or Br) complexes have been identified with the aid of several spectroscopic techniques such as: IR, EI-MS, EA, UV-visible, TG, 1H-NMR and finally the structure of the free oxime ligand was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies. The oxime crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with cell parameters a = 8.8811 (8) Å, b = 10.6362 (8) Å, c = 11.2050 (8) Å, β = 109.085 (4) º, V = 1000.26 (14) Å3 and Z = 4. The molecular conformation is stabilized by a strong intramolecular Osbnd H⋯N hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl group of the oxime moiety and the nitrogen of the pyridine ring. Since the oxime structure was solved by XRD, the ligand structure parameters like bond length and angles were compared to the DFT computed one, the UV-visible to TD-SCF and Hirshfeld surface to MEP analysis.

A water stable europium coordination polymer as fluorescent sensor for detecting Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chen; Zhang, Xiaolei; Gao, Peng; Hu, Ming

2018-02-01

A europium coordination polymer constructed by the 4‧-(4-carboxyphenyl)- 2,2‧:6‧,2″-terpyridine ligand (HL), namely, [EuL(CH3COO)Cl]n (1), has been prepared by the solvothermal method. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by the elemental analysis, FT-IR, powder X-ray diffractions (PXRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 displays a novel linear chain structure, which further extends to the 3D supramolecular structure via π···π and hydrogen bonds interactions. The luminescent properties of 1 were investigated in detail, which exhibit the fluorescent sensing for detecting Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- ions in aqueous solution, respectively. In addition, 1 shows high sensitive and selective sensing for CrO42- and Cr2O72- anions with the great quenching efficiency. Furthermore, the luminescent sensing mechanisms of differentiating analytes are explored in detail. It is worth noting that there exists the weak interaction between Fe3+ ions and carboxylate oxygen atoms of CH3COO- groups through XPS characterization, resulting in the high quenching effect of 1.

Synthesis, crystal structure and catalytic effect on thermal decomposition of RDX and AP: An energetic coordination polymer [Pb{sub 2}(C{sub 5}H{sub 3}N{sub 5}O{sub 5}){sub 2}(NMP)·NMP]{sub n}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Jin-jian; Yancheng Teachers College, Yancheng 224002; Liu, Zu-Liang, E-mail: liuzl@mail.njust.edu.cn

2013-04-15

An energetic lead(II) coordination polymer based on the ligand ANPyO has been synthesized and its crystal structure has been got. The polymer was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, DSC and TG-DTG technologies. Thermal analysis shows that there are one endothermic process and two exothermic decomposition stages in the temperature range of 50–600 °C with final residues 57.09%. The non-isothermal kinetic has also been studied on the main exothermic decomposition using the Kissinger's and Ozawa–Doyle's methods, the apparent activation energy is calculated as 195.2 KJ/mol. Furthermore, DSC measurements show that the polymer has significant catalytic effect on the thermal decompositionmore » of ammonium perchlorate. - Graphical abstract: An energetic lead(II) coordination polymer of ANPyO has been synthesized, structurally characterized and properties tested. Highlights: ► We have synthesized and characterized an energetic lead(II) coordination polymer. ► We have measured its molecular structure and thermal decomposition. ► It has significant catalytic effect on thermal decomposition of AP.« less

Regular square planer bis-(4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione)/copper(II) complex: Trans/cis-DFT isomerization, crystal structure, thermal, solvatochromism, hirshfeld surface and DNA-binding analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hema, M. K.; Karthik, C. S.; Warad, Ismail; Lokanath, N. K.; Zarrouk, Abdelkader; Kumara, Karthik; Pampa, K. J.; Mallu, P.

2018-04-01

Trans-[Cu(O∩O)2] complex, O∩O = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione was reported with high potential toward CT-DNA binder. The solved XRD-structure of complex indicated a perfect regular square-planer geometry around the Cu(II) center. The trans/cis-DFT-isomerization calculation supported the XRD seen in reflecting the trans-isomer as the kinetic-favor isomer. The desired complex structure was also characterized by conductivity measurement, CHN-elemental analyses, MS, EDX, SEM, UV-Vis., FT-IR, HAS and TG/DTG. The Solvatochromism behavior of the complex was evaluated using four different polar solvents. MPE and Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA) come to an agreement that fluoride and thiophene protons atoms are with suitable electro-potential environment to form non-classical H-bonds of type CThsbnd H⋯F. The DNA-binding properties were investigated by viscosity tests and spectrometric titrations, the results revealed the complex as strong calf-thymus DNA binder. High intrinsic-binding constants value ∼1.8 × 105 was collected.

Investigation on structural, thermal, optical and sensing properties of meta-stable hexagonal MoO(3) nanocrystals of one dimensional structure.

PubMed

Chithambararaj, Angamuthuraj; Bose, Arumugam Chandra

2011-01-01

Hexagonal molybdenum oxide (h-MoO(3)) was synthesized by a solution based chemical precipitation technique. Analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the as-synthesized powder had a metastable hexagonal structure. The characteristic vibrational band of Mo-O was identified from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images clearly depicted the morphology and size of h-MoO(3.) The morphology study showed that the product comprises one-dimensional (1D) hexagonal rods. From the electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurement, the elemental composition was investigated and confirmed from the characteristic peaks of molybdenum and oxygen. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis on metastable MoO(3) revealed that the hexagonal phase was stable up to 430 °C and above this temperature complete transformation into a highly stable orthorhombic phase was achieved. The optical band gap energy was estimated from the Kubelka-Munk (K-M) function and was found to be 2.99 eV. Finally, the ethanol vapor-sensing behavior was investigated and the sensing response was found to vary linearly as a function of ethanol concentration in the parts per million (ppm) range.

A meta-analysis of efficacy of Morus alba Linn. to improve blood glucose and lipid profile.

PubMed

Phimarn, Wiraphol; Wichaiyo, Kittisak; Silpsavikul, Khuntawan; Sungthong, Bunleu; Saramunee, Kritsanee

2017-06-01

The previous studies have reported the Morus alba may improve blood glucose and lipid profile. The evidence from these studies is not consistent. This meta-analysis was to evaluate efficacy of products derived from M. alba on blood glucose and lipid levels. Literature was reviewed via international database (PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, and SciSearch) and Thai databases. Thirteen RCTs with high quality, assessed by Jadad score, were included. M. alba expressed a significant reduction in postprandial glucose (PPG) at 30 min (MD -1.04, 95 % CI -1.36, -0.73), 60 min (MD -0.87, 95 % CI -1.27, -0.48) and 90 min (MD -0.55, 95 % CI -0.87, -0.22). The difference was not found in the levels of other glycaemic (FBS, HbA1C, or HOMA-IR) and lipidaemic (TC, TG, LDL, or HDL) markers. Serious adverse effects were found neither in the control nor in the group received M. alba. Products derived from M. alba can effectively contribute to the reduction in PPG levels, but large-scale RCTs would be informative.

Different water clusters dependent on long-chain dicarboxylates in two Ag(I) coordination polymers: Synthesis, structure and thermal stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Di; Liu, Fu-Jing; Hao, Hong-Jun; Huang, Rong-Bin; Zheng, Lan-Sun

2011-10-01

Two mixed-ligand Ag(I) coordination polymers (CPs), [Ag 2(bipy) 2(sub)·5H 2O] n ( 1), [Ag 2(bipy) 2(aze)·3H 2O] n ( 2), (bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, H 2sub = suberic acid, H 2aze = azelaic acid) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both 1 and 2 are two-dimensional (2D) sheets based on infinite [Ag(bipy)] n double chain incorporating Ag⋯Ag interactions. Interestingly, two different water clusters are encapsulated in the voids between the sheets of 1 and 2. For 1, one water decamer (H 2O) 10 based on a cyclic water tetramer was hydrogen-bonded with the host 2D sheet. While, one water hexamer (H 2O) 6 also based on a cyclic water tetramer was observed in 2. Comparing the experimental results, it is comprehensible that the dicarboxylates play a crucial role in the formation of the different water clusters. Moreover, the thermal stabilities of them were also discussed.

Implications of fullerene-60 upon in-vitro LDPE biodegradation.

PubMed

Sah, Aditi; Kapri, Anil; Zaidi, M G H; Negi, Harshita; Goel, Reeta

2010-05-01

Fullerene-60 nanoparticles were used for studying their influence upon the LDPE biodegradation efficiency of two potential polymer-degrading consortia comprising of three bacterial strains each. At a concentration of 0.01% (w/v) in minimal broth lacking dextrose, fullerene did not have any negative influence upon the consortial growth. However, fullerene was found to be detrimental for bacterial growth at higher concentrations (viz. 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%). Although, addition of 0.01% fullerene into the biodegradation assays containing 5 mg/ml LDPE subsided growth-curves significantly, but subsequent analysis of degraded products revealed enhanced biodegradation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed breakage and formation of chemical bonds along with introduction of nu C-O frequencies into hydrocarbon backbone of LDPE. Further, simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) revealed higher number of decomposition steps along with a 1,000-fold decrease in the heat of reactions (DeltaH) in fullerene-assisted biodegraded LDPE suggesting probable formation of multiple, macromolecular by-products. This is the first report whereby fullerene-60, which is otherwise considered toxic, has helped to alleviate polymer biodegradation process of bacterial consortia.

Optical Features of Efficient Europium(III) Complexes with β-Diketonato and Auxiliary Ligands and Mechanistic Investigation of Energy Transfer Process.

PubMed

Bala, Manju; Kumar, Satish; Taxak, V B; Boora, Priti; Khatkar, S P

2016-09-01

Two new europium (III) complexes have been synthesized with 1,3-[bis(4-methoxyphenyl)]propane-1,3-dionato (HBMPD) as main ligand and 2,2'-bipyridyl (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as an auxiliary ligand. The main ligand HBMPD has been synthesized by ecofriendly microwave approach and complexes by solution precipitation method. The resulting materials are characterized by IR, (1)H-NMR, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, UV-visible and TG-DTG techniques. The photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy depicts the detail analysis of photophysical properties of the complexes, their results show that the ligand interact with Eu (III) ion which act as antenna and transfers the absorbed energy to the central europium(III) ion via sensitization process efficiently. As a consequence of this interaction, these materials exhibit excellent luminescent intensity, long decay time (τ), high quantum efficiency (η) and Judd-Ofelt intensity parameter (Ω2). The CIE coordinates fall under the deep red region, matching well with the NTSC (National Television Standard Committee) standard. Hence, these highly efficient optical materials can be used as a red component in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and full color flat panel displays.

Fabrication method and microstructural characteristics of coal-tar-pitch-based 2D carbon/carbon composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esmaeeli, Mohammad; Khosravi, Hamed; Mirhabibi, Alireza

2015-02-01

The lignin-cellulosic texture of wood was used to produce two-dimensional (2D) carbon/carbon (C/C) composites using coal tar pitch. Ash content tests were conducted to select two samples among the different kinds of woods present in Iran, including walnut, white poplar, cherry, willow, buttonwood, apricots, berry, and blue wood. Walnut and white poplar with ash contents of 1.994wt% and 0.351wt%, respectively, were selected. The behavior of these woods during pyrolysis was investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermo gravimetric (TG) analysis. The bulk density and open porosity were measured after carbonization and densification. The microstructural characteristics of samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that the density of both the walnut and white poplar is increased, and the open porosity is decreased with the increasing number of carbonization cycles. The XRD patterns of the wood charcoal change gradually with increasing pyrolysis temperature, possibly as a result of the ultra-structural changes in the charcoal or the presence of carbonized coal tar pitch in the composite's body.

Citric acid based durable and sustainable flame retardant treatment for lyocell fabric.

PubMed

Mengal, Naveed; Syed, Uzma; Malik, Samander Ali; Ali Sahito, Iftikhar; Jeong, Sung Hoon

2016-11-20

Pyrovatex CP New, is a commonly used organophosphorus based flame retardant (FR) reagent for cellulosic materials. However, it has a drawback of high formaldehyde release when used with methylated melamine (MM) based cross-linker, a known carcinogenous compound. In the present approach, a durable and sustainable flame retarding recipe formulation for lyocell fabrics is developed using citric acid (CA) as a cross-linker. The FR finish was applied by pad-dry-cure process. The treated fabrics were characterized for surface morphology, elemental analysis, TG analysis, char study and FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, flame retardancy, washing durability, formaldehyde release and breaking strength were also assessed, and compared with the conventional MM based FR recipe. The fabric samples treated with 400gL(-1) of FR with either 40 or 80gL(-1) of CA demonstrate flame retardancy even after 10 washing cycles. Furthermore, a 75% reduction in formaldehyde release is achieved. Higher char yield and lower decomposition temperature are found compared to untreated and FR+ MM treated lyocell. Such an improved sustainable recipe formulation can be used for lyocell fabric without any health risk in apparel wear. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of tetrazolone: structurally interesting and excellently thermostable.

PubMed

He, Piao; Wu, Le; Wu, Jin-Ting; Yin, Xin; Gozin, Michael; Zhang, Jian-Guo

2017-07-04

Tetrazolone (5-oxotetrazole) was synthesized by a moderate strategy through three steps (addition, cyclization and catalytic hydrogenation) avoiding the unstable intermediate diazonium, as reported during the previous preparation. Alkali and alkaline earth metal salts with lithium (1), sodium (2), potassium (3), rubidium (4) caesium (5), magnesium (6), calcium (7), strontium (8) and barium (9) were prepared and fully characterized using elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, DSC and TG analysis. All metal salts were characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They crystallize in common space groups with high densities ranging from 1.479 (1) to 3.060 g cm -3 (5). Furthermore, the crystal structures of 7, 8 and 9 reveal interesting porous energetic coordination polymers with strong hydrogen bond interactions. All new salts have good thermal stabilities with decomposition temperature between 215.0 °C (4) and 328.2 °C (7), significantly higher than that of the reported nitrogen-rich salt neutral tetrazolone. The sensitivities towards impact and friction were tested using standard methods, and all the tetrazolone-based compounds investigated can be classified into insensitive. The flame test of these metal salts supports their potential use as perchlorate-free pyrotechnics or eco-friendly insensitive energetic materials.

Characterization of four plasma membrane aquaporins in tulip petals: a putative homolog is regulated by phosphorylation.

PubMed

Azad, Abul Kalam; Katsuhara, Maki; Sawa, Yoshihiro; Ishikawa, Takahiro; Shibata, Hitoshi

2008-08-01

We suggested previously that temperature-dependent tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) petal movement that is concomitant with water transport is regulated by reversible phosphorylation of an unidentified plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP). In this study, four full-length cDNAs of PIPs from tulip petals were identified and cloned. Two PIPs, namely TgPIP1;1 and TgPIP1;2, are members of the PIP1 subfamily, and the remaining two PIPs, namely TgPIP2;1 and TgPIP2;2, belong to the PIP2 subfamily of aquaporins and were named according to the nomenclature of PIP genes in plants. Of these four homologs, only TgPIP2;2 displayed significant water channel activity in the heterologous expression assay using Xenopus laevis oocytes. The water channel activity of this functional isoform was abolished by mercury and was affected by inhibitors of protein kinase and protein phosphatase. Using a site-directed mutagenesis approach to substitute several serine residues with alanine, and assessing water channel activity using the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris expression assay, we showed that Ser35, Ser116 and Ser274 are the putative phosphorylation sites of TgPIP2;2. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that the transcript levels of TgPIP1;1 and TgPIP1;2 in tulip petals, stems, leaves, bulbs and roots are very low when compared with those of TgPIP2;1 and TgPIP2;2. The transcript level of TgPIP2;1 is negligible in roots, and TgPIP2;2 is ubiquitously expressed in all organs with significant transcript levels. From the data reported herein, we suggest that TgPIP2;2 might be modulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation for regulating water channel activity, and may play a role in transcellular water transport in all tulip organs.

A1 adenosine receptor-induced phosphorylation and modulation of transglutaminase 2 activity in H9c2 cells: A role in cell survival.

PubMed

Vyas, Falguni S; Hargreaves, Alan J; Bonner, Philip L R; Boocock, David J; Coveney, Clare; Dickenson, John M

2016-05-01

The regulation of tissue transglutaminase (TG2) activity by the GPCR family is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the modulation of TG2 activity by the A1 adenosine receptor in cardiomyocyte-like H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were lysed following stimulation with the A1 adenosine receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA). Transglutaminase activity was determined using an amine incorporating and a protein cross linking assay. TG2 phosphorylation was assessed via immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. The role of TG2 in A1 adenosine receptor-induced cytoprotection was investigated by monitoring hypoxia-induced cell death. CPA induced time and concentration-dependent increases in amine incorporating and protein crosslinking activity of TG2. CPA-induced increases in TG2 activity were attenuated by the TG2 inhibitors Z-DON and R283. Responses to CPA were blocked by PKC (Ro 31-8220), MEK1/2 (PD 98059), p38 MAPK (SB 203580) and JNK1/2 (SP 600125) inhibitors and by removal of extracellular Ca(2+). CPA triggered robust increases in the levels of TG2-associated phosphoserine and phosphothreonine, which were attenuated by PKC, MEK1/2 and JNK1/2 inhibitors. Fluorescence microscopy revealed TG2-mediated biotin-X-cadaverine incorporation into proteins and proteomic analysis identified known (Histone H4) and novel (Hexokinase 1) protein substrates for TG2. CPA pre-treatment reversed hypoxia-induced LDH release and decreases in MTT reduction. TG2 inhibitors R283 and Z-DON attenuated A1 adenosine receptor-induced cytoprotection. TG2 activity was stimulated by the A1 adenosine receptor in H9c2 cells via a multi protein kinase dependent pathway. These results suggest a role for TG2 in A1 adenosine receptor-induced cytoprotection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New insights into thyroglobulin gene: molecular analysis of seven novel mutations associated with goiter and hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Citterio, Cintia E; Machiavelli, Gloria A; Miras, Mirta B; Gruñeiro-Papendieck, Laura; Lachlan, Katherine; Sobrero, Gabriela; Chiesa, Ana; Walker, Joanna; Muñoz, Liliana; Testa, Graciela; Belforte, Fiorella S; González-Sarmiento, Rogelio; Rivolta, Carina M; Targovnik, Héctor M

2013-01-30

The thyroglobulin (TG) gene is organized in 48 exons, spanning over 270 kb on human chromosome 8q24. Up to now, 62 inactivating mutations in the TG gene have been identified in patients with congenital goiter and endemic or non-endemic simple goiter. The purpose of the present study was to identify and characterize new mutations in the TG gene. We report 13 patients from seven unrelated families with goiter, hypothyroidism and low levels of serum TG. All patients underwent clinical, biochemical and imaging evaluation. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, endonuclease restriction analysis, sequencing of DNA, genotyping, population screening, and bioinformatics studies were performed. Molecular analyses revealed seven novel inactivating TG mutations: c.378C>A [p.Y107X], c.2359C>T [p.R768X], c.2736delG [p.R893fsX946], c.3842G>A [p.C1262Y], c.5466delA [p.K1803fsX1833], c.6000C>G [p.C1981W] and c.6605C>G [p.P2183R] and three previously reported mutations: c.886C>T [p.R277X], c.6701C>A [p.A2215D] and c.7006C>T [p.R2317X]. Six patients from two families were homozygous for p.R277X mutation, four were compound heterozygous mutations (p.Y107X/p.C1262Y, p.R893fsX946/p.A2215D, p.K1803fsX1832/p.R2317X), one carried three identified mutations (p.R277X/p.C1981W-p.P2183R) together with a hypothetical micro deletion and the remaining two siblings from another family with typical phenotype had a single p.R768X mutated allele. In conclusion, our results confirm the genetic heterogeneity of TG defects and the pathophysiological importance of altered TG folding as a consequency of truncated TG proteins and missense mutations located in ACHE-like domain or that replace cysteine. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiple SNPs in Intron 41 of Thyroglobulin Gene Are Associated with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in the Japanese Population

PubMed Central

Ban, Yoshiyuki; Tozaki, Teruaki; Taniyama, Matsuo; Skrabanek, Luce; Nakano, Yasuko; Ban, Yoshio; Hirano, Tsutomu

2012-01-01

Background The etiology of the autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), is largely unknown. However, genetic susceptibility is believed to play a major role. Two whole genome scans from Japan and from the US identified a locus on chromosome 8q24 that showed evidence for linkage with AITD and HT. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between thyroglobulin (Tg) polymorphisms and AITD in Caucasians, suggesting that Tg is a susceptibility gene on 8q24. Objectives The objective of the study was to refine Tg association with AITD, by analyzing a panel of 25 SNPs across an extended 260 kb region of the Tg. Methods We studied 458 Japanese AITD patients (287 GD and 171 HT patients) and 221 matched Japanese control subjects in association studies. Case-control association studies were performed using 25 Tg single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chosen from a database of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (dbSNP). Haplotype analysis was undertaken using the computer program SNPAlyze version 7.0. Principal Findings and Conclusions In total, 5 SNPs revealed association with GD (P<0.05), with the strongest SNP associations at rs2256366 (P = 0.002) and rs2687836 (P = 0.0077), both located in intron 41 of the Tg gene. Because of the strong LD between these two strongest associated variants, we performed the haplotype analysis, and identified a major protective haplotype for GD (P = 0.001).These results suggested that the Tg gene is involved in susceptibility for GD and AITD in the Japanese. PMID:22662162

Polymer brushes: a controllable system with adjustable glass transition temperature of fragile glass formers.

PubMed

Xie, Shi-Jie; Qian, Hu-Jun; Lu, Zhong-Yuan

2014-01-28

We present results of molecular dynamics simulations for coarse-grained polymer brushes in a wide temperature range to investigate the factors that affect the glass transition in these systems. We focus on the influences of free surface, polymer-substrate interaction strength, grafting density, and chain length not only on the change of glass transition temperature Tg, but also the fragility D of the glass former. It is found that the confinement can enhance the dependence of the Tg on the cooling rate as compared to the bulk melt. Our layer-resolved analysis demonstrates that it is possible to control the glass transition temperature Tg of polymer brushes by tuning the polymer-substrate interaction strength, the grafting density, and the chain length. Moreover, we find quantitative differences in the influence range of the substrate and the free surface on the density and dynamics. This stresses the importance of long range cooperative motion in glass formers near the glass transition temperature. Furthermore, the string-like cooperative motion analysis demonstrates that there exists a close relation among glass transition temperature Tg, fragility D, and string length ⟨S⟩. The polymer brushes that possess larger string length ⟨S⟩ tend to have relatively higher Tg and smaller D. Our results suggest that confining a fragile glass former through forming polymer brushes changes not only the glass transition temperature Tg, but also the very nature of relaxation process.

Triacylglycerol secretion in rats: validation of a tracer method employing radioactive glycerol

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bird, M.; Williams, M.A.; Baker, N.

1984-10-01

A two-compartment model was developed to analyze the temporal changes in plasma triacylglycerol (TG)-specific radioactivity after injection of (2-/sup 3/H)glycerol into rats. The analysis, which yielded fractional rate constants of TG secretion, was tested in rats fed diets either adequate or deficient in essential fatty acids (EFA) and containing either glucose, fructose or sucrose as the dietary carbohydrate. The method of analysis appeared valid, first, because of a close agreement between experimental and computer-fitted TG-specific radioactivity curves, and second, because the fractional rate constants obtained were quite similar to fractional rate constants determined previously by the Triton WR-1339 technique inmore » rats maintained on identical diets. The results show that EFA deficiency increased the fractional rate constant of TG secretion 1.7-, 1.8- and 3.3-fold and the rate of TG secretion 1.8-, 1.6- and 1.4-fold when the dietary carbohydrate was glucose, sucrose and fructose, respectively, in comparison with control rats fed diets supplying these same carbohydrates but adequate in EFA. In the latter groups, the rates of plasma TG secretion were in the range of 0.14-0.17 mg/min per 100 g body weight, and the rate of secretion in the fructose-fed rats was only 20% higher than in the glucose-fed rats.« less

A Toxoplasma gondii Class XIV Myosin, Expressed in Sf9 Cells with a Parasite Co-chaperone, Requires Two Light Chains for Fast Motility*

PubMed Central

Bookwalter, Carol S.; Kelsen, Anne; Leung, Jacqueline M.; Ward, Gary E.; Trybus, Kathleen M.

2014-01-01

Many diverse myosin classes can be expressed using the baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell expression system, whereas others have been recalcitrant. We hypothesized that most myosins utilize Sf9 cell chaperones, but others require an organism-specific co-chaperone. TgMyoA, a class XIVa myosin from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is required for the parasite to efficiently move and invade host cells. The T. gondii genome contains one UCS family myosin co-chaperone (TgUNC). TgMyoA expressed in Sf9 cells was soluble and functional only if the heavy and light chain(s) were co-expressed with TgUNC. The tetratricopeptide repeat domain of TgUNC was not essential to obtain functional myosin, implying that there are other mechanisms to recruit Hsp90. Purified TgMyoA heavy chain complexed with its regulatory light chain (TgMLC1) moved actin in a motility assay at a speed of ∼1.5 μm/s. When a putative essential light chain (TgELC1) was also bound, TgMyoA moved actin at more than twice that speed (∼3.4 μm/s). This result implies that two light chains bind to and stabilize the lever arm, the domain that amplifies small motions at the active site into the larger motions that propel actin at fast speeds. Our results show that the TgMyoA domain structure is more similar to other myosins than previously appreciated and provide a molecular explanation for how it moves actin at fast speeds. The ability to express milligram quantities of a class XIV myosin in a heterologous system paves the way for detailed structure-function analysis of TgMyoA and identification of small molecule inhibitors. PMID:25231988

Thioredoxin-1 Selectively Activates Transglutaminase 2 in the Extracellular Matrix of the Small Intestine

PubMed Central

Plugis, Nicholas M.; Palanski, Brad A.; Weng, Chih-Hisang; Albertelli, Megan; Khosla, Chaitan

2017-01-01

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) catalyzes transamidation or deamidation of its substrates and is ordinarily maintained in a catalytically inactive state in the intestine and other organs. Aberrant TG2 activity is thought to play a role in celiac disease, suggesting that a better understanding of TG2 regulation could help to elucidate the mechanistic basis of this malady. Structural and biochemical analysis has led to the hypothesis that extracellular TG2 activation involves reduction of an allosteric disulfide bond by thioredoxin-1 (TRX), but cellular and in vivo evidence for this proposal is lacking. To test the physiological relevance of this hypothesis, we first showed that macrophages exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli released TRX in sufficient quantities to activate their extracellular pools of TG2. By using the C35S mutant of TRX, which formed a metastable mixed disulfide bond with TG2, we demonstrated that these proteins specifically recognized each other in the extracellular matrix of fibroblasts. When injected into mice and visualized with antibodies, we observed the C35S TRX mutant bound to endogenous TG2 as its principal protein partner in the small intestine. Control experiments showed no labeling of TG2 knock-out mice. Intravenous administration of recombinant TRX in wild-type mice, but not TG2 knock-out mice, led to a rapid rise in intestinal transglutaminase activity in a manner that could be inhibited by small molecules targeting TG2 or TRX. Our findings support the potential pathophysiological relevance of TRX in celiac disease and establish the Cys370–Cys371 disulfide bond of TG2 as one of clearest examples of an allosteric disulfide bond in mammals. PMID:28003361

β2-adrenoceptor-induced modulation of transglutaminase 2 transamidase activity in cardiomyoblasts.

PubMed

Vyas, Falguni S; Nelson, Carl P; Freeman, Fiona; Boocock, David J; Hargreaves, Alan J; Dickenson, John M

2017-10-15

Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is modulated by protein kinase A (PKA) mediated phosphorylation: however, the precise mechanism(s) of its modulation by G-protein coupled receptors coupled to PKA activation are not fully understood. In the current study we investigated the potential regulation of TG2 activity by the β 2 -adrenoceptor in rat H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Transglutaminase transamidation activity was assessed using amine-incorporating and protein cross-linking assays. TG2 phosphorylation was determined via immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. The long acting β 2 -adrenoceptor agonist formoterol induced time- and concentration-dependent increases in TG2 transamidation. Increases in TG2 activity were reduced by the TG2 inhibitors Z-DON (Benzyloxycarbonyl-(6-Diazo-5-oxonorleucinyl)-L-valinyl-L-prolinyl-L-leucinmethylester) and R283 ((1,3,dimethyl-2[2-oxo-propyl]thio)imidazole chloride). Responses to formoterol were blocked by pharmacological inhibition of PKA, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) signalling. Furthermore, the removal of extracellular Ca 2+ also attenuated formoterol-induced TG2 activation. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated TG2-induced biotin-X-cadaverine incorporation into proteins. Formoterol increased the levels of TG2-associated phosphoserine and phosphothreonine, which were blocked by inhibition of PKA, ERK1/2 or PI-3K signalling. Subsequent proteomic analysis identified known (e.g. lactate dehydrogenase A chain) and novel (e.g. Protein S100-A6) protein substrates for TG2. Taken together, the data obtained suggest that β 2 -adrenoceptor-induced modulation of TG2 represents a novel paradigm in β 2 -adrenoceptor cell signalling, expanding the repertoire of cellular functions responsive to catecholamine stimulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Disposable Tear Glucose Biosensor-Part 4: Preliminary Animal Model Study Assessing Efficacy, Safety, and Feasibility.

PubMed

La Belle, Jeffrey T; Engelschall, Erica; Lan, Kenneth; Shah, Pankti; Saez, Neil; Maxwell, Stephanie; Adamson, Teagan; Abou-Eid, Michelle; McAferty, Kenyon; Patel, Dharmendra R; Cook, Curtiss B

2014-01-01

A prototype tear glucose (TG) sensor was tested in New Zealand white rabbits to assess eye irritation, blood glucose (BG) and TG lag time, and correlation with BG. A total of 4 animals were used. Eye irritation was monitored by Lissamine green dye and analyzed using image analysis software. Lag time was correlated with an oral glucose load while recording TG and BG readings. Correlation between TG and BG were plotted against one another to form a correlation diagram, using a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) and self-monitoring of blood glucose as the reference measurements. Finally, TG levels were calculated using analytically derived expressions. From repeated testing carried over the course of 12 months, little to no eye irritation was detected. TG fluctuations over time visually appeared to trace the same pattern as BG with an average lag times of 13 minutes. TG levels calculated from the device current measurements ranged from 4 to 20 mg/dL and correlated linearly with BG levels of 75-160 mg/dL (TG = 0.1723 BG = 7.9448 mg/dL; R 2 = .7544). The first steps were taken toward preliminary development of a sensor for self-monitoring of tear glucose (SMTG). No conjunctival irritation in any of the animals was noted. Lag time between TG and BG was found to be noticeable, but a quantitative modeling to correlate lag time in this study is unnecessary. Measured currents from the sensors and the calculated TG showed promising correlation to BG levels. Previous analytical bench marking showed BG and TG levels consistent with other literature. © 2014 Diabetes Technology Society.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Four Loci for Lipid Ratios in the Korean Population and the Constitutional Subgroup.

PubMed

Kim, Taehyeung; Park, Ah Yeon; Baek, Younghwa; Cha, Seongwon

2017-01-01

Circulating lipid ratios are considered predictors of cardiovascular risks and metabolic syndrome, which cause coronary heart diseases. One constitutional type of Korean medicine prone to weight accumulation, the Tae-Eum type, predisposes the consumers to metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc. Here, we aimed to identify genetic variants for lipid ratios using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and followed replication analysis in Koreans and constitutional subgroups. GWASs in 5,292 individuals of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study and replication analyses in 2,567 subjects of the Korea medicine Data Center were performed to identify genetic variants associated with triglyceride (TG) to HDL cholesterol (HDLC), LDL cholesterol (LDLC) to HDLC, and non-HDLC to HDLC ratios. For subgroup analysis, a computer-based constitution analysis tool was used to categorize the constitutional types of the subjects. In the discovery stage, seven variants in four loci, three variants in three loci, and two variants in one locus were associated with the ratios of log-transformed TG:HDLC (log[TG]:HDLC), LDLC:HDLC, and non-HDLC:HDLC, respectively. The associations of the GWAS variants with lipid ratios were replicated in the validation stage: for the log[TG]:HDLC ratio, rs6589566 near APOA5 and rs4244457 and rs6586891 near LPL; for the LDLC:HDLC ratio, rs4420638 near APOC1 and rs17445774 near C2orf47; and for the non-HDLC:HDLC ratio, rs6589566 near APOA5. Five of these six variants are known to be associated with TG, LDLC, and/or HDLC, but rs17445774 was newly identified to be involved in lipid level changes in this study. Constitutional subgroup analysis revealed effects of variants associated with log[TG]:HDLC and non-HDLC:HDLC ratios in both the Tae-Eum and non-Tae-Eum types, whereas the effect of the LDLC:HDLC ratio-associated variants remained only in the Tae-Eum type. In conclusion, we identified three log[TG]:HDLC ratio-associated variants, two LDLC:HDLC ratio-associated variants, and one non-HDLC:HDLC-associated variant in Koreans and the constitutional subgroups.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Four Loci for Lipid Ratios in the Korean Population and the Constitutional Subgroup

PubMed Central

Kim, Taehyeung; Park, Ah Yeon; Baek, Younghwa

2017-01-01

Circulating lipid ratios are considered predictors of cardiovascular risks and metabolic syndrome, which cause coronary heart diseases. One constitutional type of Korean medicine prone to weight accumulation, the Tae-Eum type, predisposes the consumers to metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc. Here, we aimed to identify genetic variants for lipid ratios using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and followed replication analysis in Koreans and constitutional subgroups. GWASs in 5,292 individuals of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study and replication analyses in 2,567 subjects of the Korea medicine Data Center were performed to identify genetic variants associated with triglyceride (TG) to HDL cholesterol (HDLC), LDL cholesterol (LDLC) to HDLC, and non-HDLC to HDLC ratios. For subgroup analysis, a computer-based constitution analysis tool was used to categorize the constitutional types of the subjects. In the discovery stage, seven variants in four loci, three variants in three loci, and two variants in one locus were associated with the ratios of log-transformed TG:HDLC (log[TG]:HDLC), LDLC:HDLC, and non-HDLC:HDLC, respectively. The associations of the GWAS variants with lipid ratios were replicated in the validation stage: for the log[TG]:HDLC ratio, rs6589566 near APOA5 and rs4244457 and rs6586891 near LPL; for the LDLC:HDLC ratio, rs4420638 near APOC1 and rs17445774 near C2orf47; and for the non-HDLC:HDLC ratio, rs6589566 near APOA5. Five of these six variants are known to be associated with TG, LDLC, and/or HDLC, but rs17445774 was newly identified to be involved in lipid level changes in this study. Constitutional subgroup analysis revealed effects of variants associated with log[TG]:HDLC and non-HDLC:HDLC ratios in both the Tae-Eum and non-Tae-Eum types, whereas the effect of the LDLC:HDLC ratio-associated variants remained only in the Tae-Eum type. In conclusion, we identified three log[TG]:HDLC ratio-associated variants, two LDLC:HDLC ratio-associated variants, and one non-HDLC:HDLC-associated variant in Koreans and the constitutional subgroups. PMID:28046027

Proximal gastrectomy versus total gastrectomy for proximal gastric carcinoma. A meta-analysis on postoperative complications, 5-year survival, and recurrence rate.

PubMed

Pu, Yu-Wei; Gong, Wei; Wu, Yong-You; Chen, Qiang; He, Teng-Fei; Xing, Chun-Gen

2013-12-01

To compare proximal gastrectomy (PG) with total gastrectomy (TG) for proximal gastric carcinoma, through the 5-year survival rate, recurrence rate, postoperative complications, and long-term life quality. The meta-analysis was carried out in the General Surgery Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. We searched Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from June to November 2012. The literature searches were carried out using medical subject headings and free-text word: `proximal gastrectomy` `total gastrectomy` `partial gastrectomy` `stomach neoplasms` and `gastric cancer`. Two different reviewers carried out the search and evaluated studies independently. Two randomized controlled trials and 9 retrospective studies were included. A total of 1364 patients were included in our study. Our analysis showed that there is no statistically significant difference in 5-year survival rate between PG and TG (60.9% versus 64.4%). But, the recurrence is higher in the PG group than the TG (38.7% versus 24.4%). The anastomotic stenosis rate is also higher in the PG than the TG (27.4% versus 7.4%). Proximal gastrectomy is an option for upper third gastric cancer in terms of safety. However, it is associated with high risk of reflux symptoms and anastomotic stenosis. Therefore, TG should be the first choice for proximal gastric cancer to prevent reflux symptoms.

Supplementation with n-3, n-6, n-9 fatty acids in an insulin-resistance animal model: does it improve VLDL quality?

PubMed

Lucero, D; Olano, C; Bursztyn, M; Morales, C; Stranges, A; Friedman, S; Macri, E V; Schreier, L; Zago, V

2017-05-24

Insulin-resistance (IR), of increased cardiovascular risk, is characterized by the production of altered VLDL with greater atherogenicity. Dietary fatty acids influence the type of circulating VLDL. But, it is not clear how dietary fatty acids impact VLDL characteristics in IR. to evaluate the effects of n-3, n-6 and n-9 fatty acid supplementation on preventing atherogenic alterations in VLDL, in a diet-induced IR rat model. Male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were fed: standard diet (control, n = 8) and a sucrose rich diet (30% sucrose in water/12 weeks, SRD; n = 24). Simultaneously, SRD was subdivided into SRD-C (standard diet), and three other groups supplemented (15% w/w) with: fish oil (SRD-n3), sunflower oil (SRD-n6) and high oleic sunflower oil (SRD-n9). Lipid profile, free fatty acids, glucose, and insulin were measured. Isolated VLDL (d < 1.006 g ml -1 ) was characterized by chemical composition and size (size exclusion-HPLC). In comparison with SRD-C: SRD-n3 showed an improved lipoprotein profile (p < 0.01), with lower levels of insulin and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). SRD-n6 showed increased levels of HDL-cholesterol and lower insulin levels. SRD-n9 did not exhibit differences in lipid and IR profile, and even favored weight gain and visceral fat. Only SRD-n3 prevented the alterations in VLDL-TG% (54.2 ± 4.4% vs. 68.6 ± 8.2, p < 0.05) and showed lower large VLDL-% (22.5[19.7-35.6] vs. 49.1[15.5-82.0], p < 0.05), while SRD-n6 and SRD-n9 did not show effects. In IR, while n-3 PUFA showed expected favorable effects, supplementation with n-6 PUFA and n-9 MUFA did not prevent atherogenic alterations of VLDL. Thus, the recommendations of supplementation with these fatty acids in general diet should be revised.

Effects of long-term high-saturated and unsaturated fatty acid diets on relaxation and contraction of renal arteries in insulin resistant rats.

PubMed

Gao, Yu; Song, Guang-Yao; Ma, Hui-Juan; Zhang, Wen-Jie; Zhou, Yu

2007-06-25

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of high-saturated and high-unsaturated fatty acid diets on relaxation and contraction of the renal arteries in insulin resistance (IR) rats. Wistar rats were fed normal chow diet (control), high-saturated fatty acid diet or high-unsaturated fatty acid diet for 6 months (n=14 in each group). IR was evaluated by glucose infusion rate (GIR) of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Blood pressure was measured via the tail-cuff method. Body weight (BW), plasma total triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and nitric oxide metabolite (NO2(-)/NO3(-)) were compared among the three groups. The rats were sacrificed and the renal arterial rings were placed in the physiological tissue baths for measurement of vascular response to various agents. After the arterial rings were constricted with 3 mmol/L noradrenaline (NA), endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation to sodium nitroprusside (NTP) were measured. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to ACh was also observed in renal arterial rings incubated with L-arginine (L-Arg), N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and methylene blue (MB), respectively. Arterial contractility was evaluated from concentration-response curves to 10 nmol/L-100 micromol/L NA. Saturated or unsaturated fatty acids led to moderate rises in blood pressure (P<0.05). It was associated with higher levels of plasma lipids and lower whole body insulin sensitivity (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in BW, FBG, TG, insulin and FFA between saturated and unsaturated fatty acid-fed rats. A decrease in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the renal arteries in saturated and unsaturated fatty acid-fed rats was observed (P<0.01), but there was no marked difference between the two high-fatty acid diet groups. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was increased when the arteries were incubated with L-Arg and decreased when incubated with L-NNA and MB in both high-fatty acid diet groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). But no difference was found before and after incubation with L-Arg, L-NNA and MB in the control rats. In the mean time, endothelium-independent maximal vasorelaxation response of renal arteries to NTP and renal arterial contractile responses to cumulative dose of NA were assayed, and there was no difference among the three groups (P>0.05). Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure and TG, and positively correlated with NO2(-)/NO3(-) and GIR. There was a significantly negative correlation between FFA and NO2(-)/NO3(-). The present study suggests that both high-saturated and unsaturated fatty acid diets result in hypertension associated with significantly decreased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, dyslipidemia and IR, and that decreased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation induced by high fatty acid diets is associated with impaired L-Arg-NO-cGMP pathways.

[Effect of FABP2 gene G54A polymorphism on lipid and glucose metabolism in simple obesity children].

PubMed

Xu, Yunpeng; Rao, Xiaojiao; Hao, Min; Hou, Lijuan; Zhu, Xiaobo; Chang, Xiaotong

2016-01-01

To explore the relationship between intestinal fatty acid binding protein (FABP2) gene G54A polymorphism and simple childhood obesity, the effect of mutant 54A FABP2 gene on serum lipids and glucose metabolism. The total of 83 subjects with overweight/obesity and 100 subjects with healthy/normal weight were involved in this study. The G54A FABP2 gene allele and genotype frequencies between control group and overweight/obesity group were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technology, and DNA sequences were confirmed by DNA sequencing. The automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Plasma insulin (Ins) was detected by radiation immune method, free fatty acids (FFA) was tested by ELISA method, insulin resistance index ( HOMA-IR ) was also calculated. The correlation between FABP2 G54A polymorphism and the development of children' obesity was analyzed. The relation between FABP2 G54A polymorphism and abnormal blood lipid and insulin resistance was assessed. The results of study on FABP2 gene polymorphism revealed as followed. In overweight/obese groups, the frequencies of GG, GA, AA genotypes was 33.7%, 49.4% and 16.9%, respectively. In control group, the frequencies of GG, GA, AA genotypes was 51. 0% , 40. 0% and 9. 0% , respectively. The differences between two groups was statistically significant (Χ2 = 6.27, P < 0.05). In overweight/obesity group, the frequencies of alleles were 58.4% for 54G and 41.6% for 54A. In control group, the frequencies of alleles were 71.0% for 54G and 29.0% for 54A. There was significant differences (Χ2 = 6.32, P < 0.05). The plasma biochemical variables results showed that compared with the normal control group, plasma TG (P < 0.01), Ins (P < 0.05), HOMA-IR (P < 0.05) were elevated in overweight/obesity group, the difference between two groups was statistically significant. At the same time, in overweight/obesity group, the carriers of AA homozygous genotypes had significantly higher plasma TG levels than those with GG wild genotypes (P < 0.05). A increased tendency of plasma Ins, FFA levels and HOMA-IR was found in the carriers with AA homozygous genotypes, but no differences compared with those with GG wild genotypes. Compared with those with GG wild genotypes, related plasma biochemical variables in the carriers with GA heterozygous genotypes had no differences (P > 0.05). The FABP2 gene G54A polymorphism is related to simple children obesity and lipid metabolism abnormality. The allele encoding in FABP2 gene may be a potential factor contributing to promoting lipid metabolism abnormality of and insulin resistance.

Molecular analysis of congenital goitres with hypothyroidism caused by defective thyroglobulin synthesis. Identification of a novel c.7006C>T [p.R2317X] mutation and expression of minigenes containing nonsense mutations in exon 7.

PubMed

Machiavelli, Gloria A; Caputo, Mariela; Rivolta, Carina M; Olcese, María C; Gruñeiro-Papendieck, Laura; Chiesa, Ana; González-Sarmiento, Rogelio; Targovnik, Héctor M

2010-01-01

Thyroglobulin (TG) deficiency is an autosomal-recessive disorder that results in thyroid dyshormonogenesis. A number of distinct mutations have been identified as causing human hypothyroid goitre. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize new mutations in the TG gene in an attempt to increase the understanding of the genetic mechanism responsible for this disorder. A total of six patients from four nonconsanguineous families with marked impairment of TG synthesis were studied. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, sequencing of DNA, genotyping, expression of chimeric minigenes and bioinformatic analysis were performed. Four different inactivating TG mutations were identified: one novel mutation (c.7006C>T [p.R2317X]) and three previously reported (c.886C>T [p.R277X], c.6701C>A [p.A2215D] and c.6725G>A [p.R2223H]). Consequently, one patient carried a compound heterozygous for p.R2223H/p.R2317X mutations; two brothers showed a homozygous p.A2215D substitution and the remaining three patients, from two families with typical phenotype, had a single p.R277X mutated allele. We also showed functional evidences that premature stop codons inserted at different positions in exon 7, which disrupt exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) sequences, do not interfere with exon definition and processing. In this study, we have identified a novel nonsense mutation p.R2317X in the acetylcholinesterase homology domain of TG. We have also observed that nonsense mutations do not interfere with the pre-mRNA splicing of exon 7. The results are in accordance with previous observations confirming the genetic heterogeneity of TG defects.

Redox Proteomic Profiling of Specifically Carbonylated Proteins in the Serum of Triple Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mice.

PubMed

Shen, Liming; Chen, Youjiao; Yang, Aochu; Chen, Cheng; Liao, Liping; Li, Shuiming; Ying, Ming; Tian, Jing; Liu, Qiong; Ni, Jiazuan

2016-04-12

Oxidative stress is a key event in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). To investigate the role of oxidative stress in AD and to search for potential biomarkers in peripheral blood, serums were collected in this study from the 3-, 6-, and 12-month-old triple transgenic AD mice (3×Tg-AD mice) and the age- and sex-matched non-transgenic (non-Tg) littermates. The serum oxidized proteins were quantified by slot-blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate the total levels of serum protein carbonyl groups. Western blotting, in conjunction with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-Oxyblot), was employed to identify and quantify the specifically-carbonylated proteins in the serum of 3×Tg-AD mice. The results showed that the levels of serum protein carbonyls were increased in the three month old 3×Tg-AD mice compared with the non-Tg control mice, whereas no significant differences were observed in the six and 12 months old AD mice, suggesting that oxidative stress is an early event in AD progression. With the application of 2D-Oxyblot analysis, (immunoglobin) Ig gamma-2B chain C region (IGH-3), Ig lambda-2 chain C region (IGLC2), Ig kappa chain C region (IGKC), and Ig kappa chain V-V region HP R16.7 were identified as significantly oxidized proteins compared with the control. Among them IGH-3 and IGKC were validated via immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. Identification of oxidized proteins in the serums of 3×Tg-AD mice can not only reveal potential roles of those proteins in the pathogenesis of AD but also provide potential biomarkers of AD at the early stage.

Tulipa gesneriana and Lilium longiflorum PEBP Genes and Their Putative Roles in Flowering Time Control.

PubMed

Leeggangers, Hendrika A C F; Rosilio-Brami, Tamar; Bigas-Nadal, Judit; Rubin, Noam; van Dijk, Aalt D J; Nunez de Caceres Gonzalez, Francisco F; Saadon-Shitrit, Shani; Nijveen, Harm; Hilhorst, Henk W M; Immink, Richard G H; Zaccai, Michele

2018-01-01

Floral induction in Tulipa gesneriana and Lilium longiflorum is triggered by contrasting temperature conditions, high and low temperature, respectively. In Arabidopsis, the floral integrator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), a member of the PEBP (phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding protein) gene family, is a key player in flowering time control. In this study, one PEBP gene was identified and characterized in lily (LlFT) and three PEBP genes were isolated from tulip (TgFT1, TgFT2 and TgFT3). Overexpression of these genes in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in an early flowering phenotype for LlFT and TgFT2, but a late flowering phenotype for TgFT1 and TgFT3. Overexpression of LlFT in L. longiflorum also resulted in an early flowering phenotype, confirming its proposed role as a flowering time-controlling gene. The tulip PEBP genes TgFT2 and TgFT3 have a similar expression pattern in tulip, but show opposite effects on the timing of flowering in Arabidopsis. Therefore, the difference between these two proteins was further investigated by interchanging amino acids thought to be important for the FT function. This resulted in the conversion of phenotypes in Arabidopsis upon overexpressing the substituted TgFT2 and TgFT3 genes, revealing the importance of these interchanged amino acid residues. Based on all obtained results, we hypothesize that LlFT is involved in creating meristem competence to flowering-related cues in lily, and TgFT2 is considered to act as a florigen involved in the floral induction in tulip. The function of TgFT3 remains unclear, but, based on our observations and phylogenetic analysis, we propose a bulb-specific function for this gene. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Impact of antiretroviral therapy on selected metabolic disorders - pilot study.

PubMed

Bociąga-Jasik, Monika; Polus, Anna; Góralska, Joanna; Raźny, Urszula; Siedlecka, Dominika; Zapała, Barbara; Chrzan, Robert; Garlicki, Aleksander; Mach, Tomasz; Dembińska-Kieć, Aldona

2014-01-01

Taking into consideration the aging of HIV infected individuals, changes in the metabolism aggravated by the antiretroviral therapy significantly impact their health. Mechanisms responsible for lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR) occurrence have not been completely understood. Only recently, the free fatty acids (FFAs) metabolic turnover has become considered to be the independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications. We designed the follow-up study in which patients were recruited before the introduction of ARV therapy and then observed up to 1 year. The impact of ARV therapy on the development of metabolic complications, inflammation markers and changes in adipokines secretion was investigated. The fasting and postprandial responses of FFAs, triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) were measured. Changes in body composition were followed by impedance and a CT scan of adipose tissue volume of the abdomen and thighs. Significant impact of ARV therapy on metabolic disturbances was reported. Not only fasting, but also postprandial levels of FFAs and TG were found to increase during the follow up. The increased concentration of FFAs is suggested to be the triggering event in the development of hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance during ARV therapy. Changes in postprandial FFAs and TG during the follow up indicate the increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases. We conclude that modern ARV therapy during the period of 12 months does not induce changes in the fat distribution, although increased limb fat correlated with higher plasma leptin level, which may be the marker of increased risk of metabolic driven cardiovascular complications.

Future methane emissions from animals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anastasi, C.; Simpson, V. J.

1993-04-01

The future global emission of CH4 from enteric fermentation in animals has been estimated for cattle, sheep, and buffalo, which together contribute approximately 91% of the total CH4 emitted from domesticated animals at present. A simple model has been used to relate livestock levels to the national human populations for each country involved in breeding the three species included in this analysis. United Nations population predictions to 2025 were then included in the model to estimate future CH4 emissions. A variational analysis was carried out to investigate the effect of future changes in both the land available for grazing and the nutritional content of feedstocks. Results suggest that the total emission of CH4 from enteric fermentation in domestic animals will increase from 84 Tg CH4 per year (Tg = 1012 g) in 1990 to 119 (±12) Tg CH4 yr-1 by 2025. These values correspond to an average rate of increase over the next 35 years of 1.0 Tg CH4 yr-1.

Local lymph node assay: how testing laboratories apply OECD TG 429 for REACH purposes.

PubMed

Rovida, Costanza

2011-01-01

The Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA) is the official method for assessing the allergic contact dermatitis potential of chemicals for the purposes of REACH regulation. The LLNA went through a validation process that allowed the delineation of a robust protocol for performing new tests. The OECD accepted this method in 2002 and published OECD TG 429. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) recently published data that were submitted in the registration dossiers of chemicals. This database was analysed to determine how testing laboratories apply OECD TG 429. This analysis comes after a detailed analysis of four full study reports that were also prepared for REACH purposes. Although the majority of the tests are fully compliant with OECD TG 429, some showed major deviations, and a number of others used more animals than necessary. This suggests that in vivo tests need to be planned more carefully and consciously to obtain meaningful results with the minimum animal number necessary.

TG study of the Li0.4Fe2.4Zn0.2O4 ferrite synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lysenko, E. N.; Nikolaev, E. V.; Surzhikov, A. P.

2016-02-01

In this paper, the kinetic analysis of Li-Zn ferrite synthesis was studied using thermogravimetry (TG) method through the simultaneous application of non-linear regression to several measurements run at different heating rates (multivariate non-linear regression). Using TG-curves obtained for the four heating rates and Netzsch Thermokinetics software package, the kinetic models with minimal adjustable parameters were selected to quantitatively describe the reaction of Li-Zn ferrite synthesis. It was shown that the experimental TG-curves clearly suggest a two-step process for the ferrite synthesis and therefore a model-fitting kinetic analysis based on multivariate non-linear regressions was conducted. The complex reaction was described by a two-step reaction scheme consisting of sequential reaction steps. It is established that the best results were obtained using the Yander three-dimensional diffusion model at the first stage and Ginstling-Bronstein model at the second step. The kinetic parameters for lithium-zinc ferrite synthesis reaction were found and discussed.

Influence of hydrophobization of fumed oxides on interactions with polar and nonpolar adsorbates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gun'ko, V. M.; Pakhlov, E. M.; Goncharuk, O. V.; Andriyko, L. S.; Marynin, A. I.; Ukrainets, A. I.; Charmas, B.; Skubiszewska-Zięba, J.; Blitz, J. P.

2017-11-01

A variety of unmodified and modified fumed silica A-300 and silica/titania (ST20 and ST76 at 20 and 76 wt.% of titania, respectively) was prepared to analyze features of their interactions with polar and nonpolar adsorbates. The materials were studied using nitrogen adsorption-desorption, ethanol evaporation kinetics, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TG), photon correlation spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), DSC and TG thermoporometry, and quantum chemistry. Changes in surface structure of modified nanooxides with increasing hydrophobization degree (ΘMS) from 20% to 100% have a strong affect on the textural characteristics of the materials and adsorption-desorption of various adsorbates. Confined space effects enhanced due to the location of adsorbates in narrow voids between nanoparticles lead to freezing-melting point depression for bound polar and nonpolar adsorbates. The behavior of particles of modified nanooxides in aqueous and water/ethanol media is strongly altered due to enhanced aggregations with increasing value of ΘMS. All of these change are non-monotonic functions of ΘMS which affects (i) rearrangement of nanoparticles, (ii) interactions with polar and nonpolar adsorbates, (iii) location of adsorbates in voids of different sizes, (iv) the clustering of adsorbates and formation of nearly bulk structures.

Triglyceride-to-high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio is an index of heart disease mortality and of incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men.

PubMed

Vega, Gloria Lena; Barlow, Carolyn E; Grundy, Scott M; Leonard, David; DeFina, Laura F

2014-02-01

High triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) impart risk for heart disease. This study examines the relationships of TG/HDL-C ratio to mortality from all causes, coronary heart disease (CHD), or cardiovascular disease (CVD). Survival analysis was done in 39,447 men grouped by TG/HDL-C ratio cut point of 3.5 and for metabolic syndrome. National Death Index International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes were used for CVD and CHD deaths occurring from 1970 to 2008. Incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) according to ratio was estimated in 22,215 men. Triglyceride/HDL-C ratio and cross-product of TG and fasting blood glucose (TyG index) were used in analysis. Men were followed up for 581,194 person-years. Triglyceride/HDL-C ratio predicted CHD, CVD, and all-cause mortality after adjustment for established risk factors and non-HDL-C. Mortality rates were higher in individuals with a high ratio than in those with a low ratio. Fifty-five percent of men had metabolic syndrome that was also predictive of CHD, CVD, and all-cause mortality. Annual incidence of DM was 2 times higher in men with high TG/HDL-C ratio than in those with a low ratio. Individuals with high TG/HDL-C ratio had a higher incidence of DM than those with a low ratio. The TyG index was not equally predictive of causes of mortality to TG/HDL-C, but both were equally predictive of diabetes incidence. Triglyceride/HDL-C ratio predicts CHD and CVD mortality as well as or better than do metabolic syndrome in men. Also, a high ratio predisposes to DM. The TyG index does not predict CHD, CVD, or all-cause mortality equally well, but like TG/HDL-C ratio, it predicts DM incidence.

Association of the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with the risk of chronic kidney disease: analysis in a large Japanese population.

PubMed

Tsuruya, Kazuhiko; Yoshida, Hisako; Nagata, Masaharu; Kitazono, Takanari; Hirakata, Hideki; Iseki, Kunitoshi; Moriyama, Toshiki; Yamagata, Kunihiro; Yoshida, Hideaki; Fujimoto, Shouichi; Asahi, Koichi; Kurahashi, Issei; Ohashi, Yasuo; Watanabe, Tsuyoshi

2014-03-01

To investigate the relationship between triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We used data from 216,007 Japanese adults who participated in a nationwide health checkup program. Men (n = 88,516) and women (n = 127,491) were grouped into quartiles based on their TG/HDL-C levels (<1.26, 1.26-1.98, 1.99-3.18, and >3.18 in men; <0.96, 0.96-1.44, 1.45-2.22, and >2.22 in women). We cross-sectionally assessed the association of TG/HDL-C levels with CKD [defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (low eGFR) and/or proteinuria (defined as urinary protein ≥ 1+ on dipstick testing)], low eGFR, and proteinuria. The prevalence of CKD, low eGFR, and proteinuria increased significantly with elevating quartiles of TG/HDL-C in both genders (all P for trend <0.001). Participants in the highest quartile of TG/HDL-C had a significantly greater risk of CKD than those in the lowest quartile after adjustment for the relevant confounding factors (odds ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.49-1.65 in men; 1.41, 1.34-1.48 in women, respectively). Furthermore, there were significant associations with low eGFR and proteinuria. In stratified analysis, the risk of CKD increased linearly with greater TG/HDL-C levels in participants with and without hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Moreover, higher TG/HDL-C levels were relevant for CKD, especially in participants with hypertension and diabetes (P for interaction <0.001, respectively). An elevated TG/HDL-C is associated with the risk of CKD in the Japanese population. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inverse association between triglycerides-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio and alcohol drinking in middle-aged Japanese men.

PubMed

Wakabayashi, Ichiro

2012-11-01

Triglycerides-to-high-density-lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C ratio) has been proposed to be a useful predictor of cardiovascular disease. Habitual alcohol drinking causes elevation of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels. The purpose of this study was to determine how the TG/HDL-C ratio is influenced by alcohol intake. Subjects were 21,572 Japanese men (age range: 35-60 years) who were divided into non-, light (<22 g ethanol/day), heavy (≥22 but <44 g ethanol/day), and very heavy (≥44 g ethanol/day) drinkers. The relationship between alcohol intake and TG/HDL-C ratio was investigated by using analysis of covariance and logistic regression analysis. Log-transformed TG/HDL-C ratio was significantly lower in light, heavy, and very heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers and was lowest in light drinkers. Odds ratios for high TG/HDL-C ratios in light and heavy drinkers versus nondrinkers were significantly lower than a reference level of 1.00 (light drinkers: 0.63, 95% CI [0.57, 0.71],p < .01); heavy drinkers: 0.75, 95% CI [0.69, 0.81],p < .01]). Odds ratios for high waist-to-height ratio of subjects with versus subjects without high TG/HDL-C ratios were significantly higher than the reference level in non-, light, heavy, and very heavy drinkers and were significantly lower in heavy and very heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers (nondrinkers: 3.84 [3.42,4.31]; light drinkers: 3.65 [2.97,4.48]; heavy drinkers: 3.17 [2.84, 3.54],p < .05 compared with nondrinkers; very heavy drinkers: 2.61 [2.29, 2.97],p < .01 compared with nondrinkers). Alcohol drinking is inversely associated with TG/ HDL-C ratio and confounds the relationship between TG/HDL-C ratio and obesity.

Origin of a Fungal Symbiont of Perennial Ryegrass by Interspecific Hybridization of a Mutualist with the Ryegrass Choke Pathogen, Epichloe Typhina

PubMed Central

Schardl, C. L.; Leuchtmann, A.; Tsai, H. F.; Collett, M. A.; Watt, D. M.; Scott, D. B.

1994-01-01

Seed-borne fungal symbionts (endophytes) provide many cool-season grass species with biological protection from biotic and abiotic stresses. The endophytes are asexual, whereas closely related sexual species of genus Epichloe (Clavicipitales) cause grass choke disease. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a host of two endophyte taxa, LpTG-1 (L. perenne endophyte taxonomic grouping one = Acremonium lolii) and LpTG-2, as well as the choke pathogen, Epichloe typhina (represented by isolate E8). Relationships among these fungi and other Epichloe species were investigated by analysis of gene sequences, DNA polymorphisms and allozymes. The results indicate that LpTG-2 is a heteroploid derived from an interspecific hybrid. The LpTG-2 isolates had two copies each of nine out of ten genes analyzed (the exception being the rRNA gene locus), and the profiles for seven of these were composites of those from E. typhina E8 and A. lolii isolate Lp5. Molecular phylogenetic analysis grouped the two β-tubulin genes of LpTG-2 into separate clades. One (tub2-1) was related to that of E. typhina E8, and the other (tub2-2) to that of A. lolii. The mitochondrial DNA profile of LpTG-2 was similar to that of A. lolii, but its rRNA gene sequence grouped it with E. typhina E8. A proposed model for the evolution of LpTG-2 involves infection of a L. perenne-A. lolii symbiotum by E. typhina, followed by hybridization of the two fungi. Such interspecific hybridization may be a common and important mechanism for genetic variation in Epichloe endophytes. PMID:8013907

Dust Transport, Deposition and Radiative Effects Observed from MODIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, Y. J.; Koren, I.; Remer, L. A.; Tanre, D.; Ginoux, P.; Fan, S.

2003-01-01

Carlson (1977) used satellite (AVHRR) observation of dust episodes 3 estimate that 90 tg of dust are emitted from Africa (0-30 N) to the Atlantic Ocean between June and August. MODIS systematic measurements of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and the fraction of the AOT (f) due to the fine mode (see Remer et al abstract), are used to derive the column concentration, flux and deposition of African dust over the Atlantic Ocean. The main data set is for 2001 but the results are consistent with MODIS measurements from 2002. The analysis first determines the properties of maritime baseline aerosol (AOT=0.06, f=0.5); followed by linear scaling of the dust AOT and the anthropogenic AOT, based on MODIS measured values of the fraction "f" being 0.9 for anthropogenic aerosol and 0.5 for dust. NCEP winds are used in the analysis and are evaluated against observed dust movements between the Terra and Aqua passes (see Koren et al. abstract). Monthly values of dust transport and deposition are calculated. Preliminary results show that 280 tg of dust are emitted annually from Africa to the Atlantic Ocean between 20s and 30N, with 40 tg returning to Africa and Europe between 30N and 50N. 85 tg reach the Americas, with 130-150 tg are deposited in the Atlantic Ocean. The results are compared with dust transport models that indicate 110-230 tg of dust being deposited in the Ocean. It is interesting to note that the early estimates of Carlson (1977) and Carlson & Prosper0 (1972) are very close to our estimate from MODIS of 100 tg for the same latitude range and monthly period.

Comprehensive RNA-Seq Expression Analysis of Sensory Ganglia with a Focus on Ion Channels and GPCRs in Trigeminal Ganglia

PubMed Central

Manteniotis, Stavros; Lehmann, Ramona; Flegel, Caroline; Vogel, Felix; Hofreuter, Adrian; Schreiner, Benjamin S. P.; Altmüller, Janine; Becker, Christian; Schöbel, Nicole; Hatt, Hanns; Gisselmann, Günter

2013-01-01

The specific functions of sensory systems depend on the tissue-specific expression of genes that code for molecular sensor proteins that are necessary for stimulus detection and membrane signaling. Using the Next Generation Sequencing technique (RNA-Seq), we analyzed the complete transcriptome of the trigeminal ganglia (TG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult mice. Focusing on genes with an expression level higher than 1 FPKM (fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads), we detected the expression of 12984 genes in the TG and 13195 in the DRG. To analyze the specific gene expression patterns of the peripheral neuronal tissues, we compared their gene expression profiles with that of the liver, brain, olfactory epithelium, and skeletal muscle. The transcriptome data of the TG and DRG were scanned for virtually all known G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as well as for ion channels. The expression profile was ranked with regard to the level and specificity for the TG. In total, we detected 106 non-olfactory GPCRs and 33 ion channels that had not been previously described as expressed in the TG. To validate the RNA-Seq data, in situ hybridization experiments were performed for several of the newly detected transcripts. To identify differences in expression profiles between the sensory ganglia, the RNA-Seq data of the TG and DRG were compared. Among the differentially expressed genes (> 1 FPKM), 65 and 117 were expressed at least 10-fold higher in the TG and DRG, respectively. Our transcriptome analysis allows a comprehensive overview of all ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed in trigeminal ganglia and provides additional approaches for the investigation of trigeminal sensing as well as for the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of pain. PMID:24260241

Behavioural inflexibility in a comorbid rat model of striatal ischemic injury and mutant hAPP overexpression.

PubMed

Levit, Alexander; Regis, Aaron M; Garabon, Jessica R; Oh, Seung-Hun; Desai, Sagar J; Rajakumar, Nagalingam; Hachinski, Vladimir; Agca, Yuksel; Agca, Cansu; Whitehead, Shawn N; Allman, Brian L

2017-08-30

Alzheimer disease (AD) and stroke coexist and interact; yet how they interact is not sufficiently understood. Both AD and basal ganglia stroke can impair behavioural flexibility, which can be reliably modeled in rats using an established operant based set-shifting test. Transgenic Fischer 344-APP21 rats (TgF344) overexpress pathogenic human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) but do not spontaneously develop overt pathology, hence TgF344 rats can be used to model the effect of vascular injury in the prodromal stages of Alzheimer disease. We demonstrate that the injection of endothelin-1 (ET1) into the dorsal striatum of TgF344 rats (Tg-ET1) produced an exacerbation of behavioural inflexibility with a behavioural phenotype that was distinct from saline-injected wildtype & TgF344 rats as well as ET1-injected wildtype rats (Wt-ET1). In addition to profiling the types of errors made, interpolative modeling using logistic exposure-response regression provided an informative analysis of the timing and efficiency of behavioural flexibility. During set-shifting, Tg-ET1 committed fewer perseverative errors than Wt-ET1. However, Tg-ET1 committed significantly more regressive errors and had a less efficient strategy change than all other groups. Thus, behavioural flexibility was more vulnerable to striatal ischemic injury in TgF344 rats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Triglyceride to HDL-C ratio and increased arterial stiffness in children, adolescents, and young adults.

PubMed

Urbina, Elaine M; Khoury, Philip R; McCoy, Connie E; Dolan, Lawrence M; Daniels, Stephen R; Kimball, Thomas R

2013-04-01

Lipid levels are linked to early atherosclerosis. Risk stratification may be improved by using triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), which relates to arterial stiffness in adults. We tested whether TG/HDL-C was an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in youth. Subjects 10 to 26 years old (mean 18.9 years, 39% male, 56% non-Caucasian, n = 893) had laboratory, anthropometric, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness data collected (brachial distensibility, augmentation index, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity). Subjects were stratified into tertiles of TG/HDL-C (low, n = 227; mid, n = 288; high, n = 379). There was a progressive rise in cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and arterial stiffness across TG/HDL-C ratio. The high TG/HDL-C ratio group had the stiffest vessels (all P < .03 by analysis of variance). TG/HDL-C as a continuous variable was an independent determinant of brachial distensibility in CV risk factor adjusted model and for carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity in obese subjects, with trend for higher augmentation index. TG/HDL-C, an estimate of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is an independent determinant of arterial stiffness in adolescents and young adults, especially in obese youth. These data suggest that use of TG/HDL-C may be helpful in identifying young adults requiring aggressive intervention to prevent atherosclerotic CV diseases.

Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio and Increased Arterial Stiffness in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

PubMed Central

Khoury, Philip R.; McCoy, Connie E.; Dolan, Lawrence M.; Daniels, Stephen R.; Kimball, Thomas R.

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Lipid levels are linked to early atherosclerosis. Risk stratification may be improved by using triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), which relates to arterial stiffness in adults. We tested whether TG/HDL-C was an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in youth. METHODS: Subjects 10 to 26 years old (mean 18.9 years, 39% male, 56% non-Caucasian, n = 893) had laboratory, anthropometric, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness data collected (brachial distensibility, augmentation index, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity). Subjects were stratified into tertiles of TG/HDL-C (low, n = 227; mid, n = 288; high, n = 379). RESULTS: There was a progressive rise in cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and arterial stiffness across TG/HDL-C ratio. The high TG/HDL-C ratio group had the stiffest vessels (all P < .03 by analysis of variance). TG/HDL-C as a continuous variable was an independent determinant of brachial distensibility in CV risk factor adjusted model and for carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity in obese subjects, with trend for higher augmentation index. CONCLUSIONS: TG/HDL-C, an estimate of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is an independent determinant of arterial stiffness in adolescents and young adults, especially in obese youth. These data suggest that use of TG/HDL-C may be helpful in identifying young adults requiring aggressive intervention to prevent atherosclerotic CV diseases. PMID:23460684

An analysis of the carbon balance of the Arctic Basin from 1997 to 2006

Treesearch

A.D. McGuire; D.J. Hayes; D.W. Kicklighter; M. Manizza; Q. Zhuang; M. Chen; M.J. Follows; K.R. Gurney; J.W. McClelland; J.M. Melillo; B.J. Peterson; R.G. Prinn

2010-01-01

This study used several model-based tools to analyze the dynamics of the Arctic Basin between 1997 and 2006 as a linked system of land-ocean-atmosphere C exchange. The analysis estimates that terrestrial areas of the Arctic Basin lost 62.9 Tg C yr-1 and that the Arctic Ocean gained 94.1 Tg C yr-1. Arctic lands and oceans...

Maternally derived trypsin may have multiple functions in the early development of turbot (Scopthalmus maximus).

PubMed

Chi, Liang; Liu, Qinghua; Xu, Shihong; Xiao, Zhizhong; Ma, Daoyuan; Li, Jun

2015-10-01

Trypsin is an important serine protease that is considered to be involved in digestion of protein in teleost fish. Nevertheless, studies on trypsin/trypsinogen in fish embryos are very limited. In this study, the trypsinogen of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) (tTG) was identified and the expression patterns and activity of trypsinogen/trypsin were investigated. The results showed that the tTG mRNA was evenly distributed in the oocytes and was also expressed along the yolk periphery in early embryos. At later embryo stages and 1 days after hatching (dph), the tTG mRNA concentrated at the alimentary tract and head. Quantitative expression analysis showed that the tTG transcripts decreased after fertilization until the gastrula stage, then increased with the embryo and larvae development. This result was also confirmed by the specific activity analysis of trypsin and in-situ-hybridization (ISH). All of the results indicated that tTG in early embryo stages was maternally derived and expressed by itself after gastrula stages. Additionally, location of tTG mRNA in embryos and larvae was investigated; we considered that trypsin may have multiple functions during the embryo development process. Based on our results regarding trypsinogen in embryos and early development, we concluded that the trypsin/trypsinogen in turbot embryos was inherited from a maternal source and we suggested that trypsin in early development has multiple functions in the process of development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Probiotics improve insulin resistance status in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Athari Nik Azm, Somayeh; Djazayeri, Abolghassem; Safa, Majid; Azami, Kian; Djalali, Mahmoud; Sharifzadeh, Mohammad; Vafa, Mohammadreza

2017-01-01

Background: Nowadays, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered as Type 3 diabetes in which insulin resistance is the common cause of both diseases. Disruption of insulin signaling cascade and insulin resistance can induce AD; and central insulin resistance causes systemic alterations in serum insulin, FBS levels, and lipid profile. Studies have shown that probiotics ( Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species) can be used as a nutritional approach to improve these metabolic changes. We assessed the probiotic effect (4 species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium ) on insulin resistance biomarkers in an experimental model of AD. Methods: A total of 60 rats were divided into 5 groups: (1) a control group without surgical and dietary intervention; (2) a controlprobiotics group receiving probiotics for 8 weeks, but not receiving any surgical intervention; (3) a group receiving a sham operation in which PBS was injected intrahippocampus but without dietary intervention; (4) an Alzheimer group for which Amyloid-ß (Aß) 1- 42 was injected intrahippocampus but without dietary intervention; (5) and an Alzheimer-probiotics group for which Aß1-42 was injected intrahippocampus and given 2g probiotics for 8 weeks. The FBS levels and lipid profile were measured by a calorimetric method, insulin levels were detected by an ELISA kit, and HOMA-IR was calculated using a formula. ANOVA (one way analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni comparisons post hoc) was used to compare all the variables between groups. Results: Serum glucose, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR index increased in the Alzheimer group compared to the control (p<0.001), while probiotics decreased only insulin level and HOMA-IR index in AP group compared to Alzheimer group (p<0.001). Also, TG levels increased in the Alzheimer group (p<0.001), but no significant difference was detected between Alzheimer and Alzheimerprobiotics group. Conclusion: It seems that probiotics play an effective role in controlling glycemic status of Alzheimer's disease.

Changes in thoracic gas volume with air-displacement plethysmography after a weight loss program in overweight and obese women.

PubMed

Minderico, C S; Silva, A M; Fields, D A; Branco, T L; Martins, S S; Teixeira, P J; Sardinha, L B

2008-03-01

This study was designed to compare measured and predicted thoracic gas volume (V (TG)) after weight loss and to analyze the effect of body composition confounders such as waist circumference (WC) on measured V (TG) changes. Prospective intervention study. Outpatient University Laboratory, Lisbon, Portugal. Eighty-five overweight and obese women (body mass index = 30.0+/-3.5 kg/m(2); age = 39.0+/-5.7 years) participating in a 16-month university-based weight control program designed to increase physical activity and improve diet. Body weight (Wb), body volume (Vb), body density (Db), fat mass (FM), percent fat mass (%FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed by air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) at baseline and at post-intervention (16 months). The ADP assessment included a protocol to measure V (TG) and a software-based predicted V (TG). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Hologic QDR 1500) was also used to estimate FM, %FM and FFM. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2) max) was assessed with a modified Balke cardiopulmonary exercise testing protocol with a breath-by-breath gas analysis. Significant differences between the baseline and post-weight loss intervention were observed for body weight and composition (Vb, Db, %FM, FM and FFM), and measures of V (TG) (measured: Delta=0.2 l, P<0.001; predicted: Delta=0.01 l, P<0.010) variables. Measured V (TG) change was negatively associated with the change in the WC (P=0.008), controlling for VO(2) max and age (P=0.007, P=0.511 and P=0.331). Linear regression analysis results indicated that %FM and FM using the measured and predicted V (TG) explained 72 and 76%, and 86 and 90% respectively, of the variance in %FM and FM changes using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After weight loss, measured V (TG) increased significantly, which was partially attributed to changes is an indicator of body fat distribution such as WC. Consequently, measured and predicted V (TG) should not be used interchangeably when tracking changes in body composition. The mechanisms relating the reduction of an upper body fat distribution with an increase measured V (TG) are worthy of future investigation.

Biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in obese/overweight children: effect of lifestyle intervention.

PubMed

Vrablík, M; Dobiášová, M; Zlatohlávek, L; Urbanová, Z; Češka, R

2014-01-01

Obesity is a strong cardiometabolic (CM) risk factor in children. We tested potential CM risk in obese/overweight children and the effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention using newer CM markers: atherogenic index of plasma AIP [Log(TG/HDL-C)], apoB/apoAI ratio and a marker of insulin resistance HOMA-IR. The participants (194 girls, 115 boys, average age 13) were enrolled in an intensive, one-month, inpatient weight reduction program. The program consisted of individualised dietary changes and the exercise program comprised aerobic and resistance training. Anthropometrical and biochemical parameters in plasma and CM risk biomarkers - (AIP, apoB/apoAI ratio and HOMA-IR) were examined before and after the intervention. AIP and HOMA-IR significantly correlated with BMI while apoB/apoAI ratio did not. Only AIP and HOMA-IR showed systematic increases according to the level of obesity by BMI quartiles. Lifestyle intervention significantly improved anthropometrical and biochemical values and the biomarkers too. The response of lipid parameters to the intervention was considerably higher in boys than in girls. The children were stratified into three risk categories according to AIP, where 13.8 % of boys and 5.3 % of girls fell into high risk category. The monitored biomarkers may complement each other in the prognosis of CM risk. AIP was strongly related to obesity and to lipid and glycid metabolism, while the relationship of the apoB/apoAI ratio to obesity and glycid metabolism was not significant. The obese children benefited from the intensive lifestyle intervention which improved the anthropometrical and biochemical parameters and CM risk biomarkers.

Effect of transglutaminase on some properties of cake enriched with various protein sources.

PubMed

Alp, H; Bilgiçli, N

2008-06-01

The effect of transglutaminase (TG) enzyme addition (0% and 0.09%) on batter and cake properties, prepared with different protein sources (nonfat dry milk [NFDM], soy flour, and soymilk) and flour types (type A with 11.4% protein and type B with 8.6% protein), was investigated. Specific gravity and pH of cake batters were determined, and physical and chemical analysis of the cake samples was performed. Soy products improved cake weight, volume, softness, protein, and fat contents. NFDM increased the crust redness and crumb lightness more than the other protein sources. TG enzyme addition affected the volume, softness, crust, and crumb color of the cake samples significantly (P < 0.05). The combination of TG enzyme and flour B with lower protein gave more puffed, symmetrical, and softer cake samples. TG had a potential application with different protein sources in cake production. Especially interactions between TG with soy flour and TG and wheat flour with high protein content were important in cake formulations due to the softening effect on crumb.

The effect of plant sterols on serum triglyceride concentrations is dependent on baseline concentrations: a pooled analysis of 12 randomised controlled trials.

PubMed

Demonty, Isabelle; Ras, Rouyanne T; van der Knaap, Henk C M; Meijer, Linsie; Zock, Peter L; Geleijnse, Johanna M; Trautwein, Elke A

2013-02-01

Plant sterols (PS) are well known for their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effect. Until recently, they were believed to have little or no impact on blood triglycerides (TG). However, studies taken individually were possibly lacking statistical power to detect modest TG decreases. This study was performed to quantify the TG-lowering effect of PS by pooling individual subject data from 12 randomised controlled trials that investigated the effects of PS on blood lipids. The main outcome variable was the control-adjusted PS effect on relative (%) and absolute (mmol/L) changes in TG. The relative and absolute changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were also assessed. Differences in changes of serum lipid concentrations between PS and control treatments were estimated by an ANCOVA using a random effect model which included PS intake (active or control), study and predefined subject characteristics. The twelve randomised controlled trials included in total 935 hypercholesterolaemic subjects not preselected based on their baseline TG concentrations. In most studies, the PS dose ranged between 1.6 and 2.5 g/day. PS intake significantly lowered serum TG by 6.0% (95% CI: -10.7, -1.2) or 0.12 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.20, -0.04). No significant interaction was observed between PS intake and baseline TG concentrations on relative changes, but, on absolute changes, interaction was significant with larger TG decreases observed with higher TG concentrations at baseline. No effects were observed on HDL-C concentrations. These results show that PS exert a modest TG-lowering effect which is dependent on baseline concentrations.

Ternary metal complexes of guaifenesin drug: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and in vitro anticancer activity of the metal complexes.

PubMed

Mahmoud, W H; Mahmoud, N F; Mohamed, G G; El-Sonbati, A Z; El-Bindary, A A

2015-01-01

The coordination behavior of a series of transition metal ions named Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) with a mono negative tridentate guaifenesin ligand (GFS) (OOO donation sites) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) is reported. The metal complexes are characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, (1)H NMR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, UV-vis spectral studies, mass spectroscopy, ESR, XRD and thermal analysis (TG and DTG). The ternary metal complexes were found to have the formulae of [M(GFS)(Phen)Cl]Cl·nH2O (M=Cr(III) (n=1) and Fe(III) (n=0)), [M(GFS)(Phen)Cl]·nH2O (M=Mn(II) (n=0), Zn(II) (n=0) and Cu(II) (n=3)) and [M(GFS)(Phen)(H2O)]Cl·nH2O (M=Co(II) (n=0), Ni(II) (n=0) and Cd(II) (n=4)). All the chelates are found to have octahedral geometrical structures. The ligand and its ternary chelates are subjected to thermal analyses (TG and DTG). The GFS ligand, in comparison to its ternary metal complexes also was screened for their antibacterial activity on gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and for in vitro antifungal activity against (Candida albicans). The activity data show that the metal complexes have antibacterial and antifungal activity more than the parent GFS ligand. The complexes were also screened for its in vitro anticancer activity against the Breast cell line (MFC7) and the results obtained show that they exhibit a considerable anticancer activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Royal jelly ameliorates diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance by promoting brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in mice.

PubMed

Yoneshiro, Takeshi; Kaede, Ryuji; Nagaya, Kazuki; Aoyama, Julia; Saito, Mana; Okamatsu-Ogura, Yuko; Kimura, Kazuhiro; Terao, Akira

Identification of thermogenic food ingredients is potentially a useful strategy for the prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. It has been reported that royal jelly (RJ) supplementation improves insulin sensitivity; however, its impacts on energy expenditure and adiposity remain elusive. We investigated anti-obesity effects of RJ supplementation and their relation to physical activity levels and thermogenic capacities of brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT). C57BL/6J mice were fed under four different experimental conditions for 17 weeks: normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD), HFD with 5% RJ, and HFD with 5% honey bee larva powder (BL). Spontaneous locomotor activity, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content, and blood parameters were examined. Gene and protein expressions of thermogenic uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX-IV) in BAT and WAT were investigated by qPCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Dietary RJ, but not BL, suppressed HFD-induced accumulations of WAT and hepatic TG without modifying food intake. Consistently, RJ improved hyperglycemia and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Although dietary RJ and BL unchanged locomotor activity, gene and protein expressions of UCP1 and COX-IV in BAT were increased in the RJ group compared to the other experimental groups. Neither the RJ nor BL treatment induced browning of WAT. Our results indicate that dietary RJ ameliorates diet-induced obesity, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis by promoting metabolic thermogenesis in BAT in mice. RJ may be a novel promising food ingredient to combat obesity and metabolic disorders. Copyright © 2016 Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multimarker Analysis for New Biomarkers in Relation to Central Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamics in a Chinese Community-Dwelling Population.

PubMed

Fu, Shihui; Luo, Leiming; Ye, Ping; Xiao, Wenkai

2015-11-01

Central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics independently reflect the risk of cardiovascular events. This Chinese community-based analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships of new biomarkers with central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics by a multimarker method. This analysis consisted of 1540 participants who were fully tested for the new biomarkers including N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, lipid accumulation product, triglyceride-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG-HDL-c) ratio, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and homocysteine. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), central pulse pressure (cPP), and central augmentation index (cAIx) were measured. The median (range) age of entire cohort was 62 years (21-96 years), and 40.5% were males. The median (interquartile range) of cfPWV, cPP, and cAIx was 11.0 m/s (9.6-13.0 m/s), 42 mm Hg (35-52 mm Hg), and 28% (21%-33%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, participants with higher cfPWV had significantly higher age, peripheral pulse pressure, TG, TG-HDL-c ratio, and homocysteine levels compared with others (P < .05 for all). Multimarker analysis in a Chinese community-dwelling population reinforced the potential clinical value of plasma TG-HDL-c ratio and homocysteine levels as the biomarkers of increased arterial stiffness. © The Author(s) 2015.

Relevance of the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as an important lipid fraction in apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men

PubMed Central

Kohli, Aparna; Siddhu, Anupa; Pandey, Ravindra M.; Reddy, K. Srinath

2017-01-01

Context: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of mortality in Indians. Insulin resistance and related dyslipidemia of increased triglyceride (TG), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) particles, and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with increased risk of CVD. TG/HDL-C ratio could be a potential surrogate marker for this South Asian phenotype. Data are scarce on the relevance of TG/HDL-C ratio as a useful lipid marker among Indians. Aims: To study the prevalence of TG/HDL-C ratio among healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men (25–44 years) and its relationship with other lipid and nonlipid factors. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, fasting blood samples from 236 healthy participants recruited from an urban community setting were tested for TG/HDL-C ratio, HDL-C, TG, total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), and body fat. Results: Mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 34.7 (7.7) years; median (interquartile range) TG/HDL-C ratio was 4 (2.85-5.2). More than half (51.3%) the participants (n = 121) recorded abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio (≥4.0). Across tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio, there was a significant trend of higher conventional lipid parameters such as non-HDL-C*, TC/HDL-C ratio*, TG*, HDL-C*, TC**; and non-lipid parameters body-fat* and BMI*** (*P < 0.001, **P = 0.015, ***P = 0.002). LDL-C showed moderate and nonsignificant (P = 0.646) increase across tertiles. Conclusion: In a sample of apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio levels were observed among more than half the participants. The TG/HDL-C ratio was closely associated with other lipid parameters and measures of adiposity, such as BMI and body fat, apart from its previously documented unique association with sd-LDL particles. TG/HDL-C ratio should be evaluated in future for risk prediction of incident CVD among Indians. PMID:28217509

Relevance of the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as an important lipid fraction in apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men.

PubMed

Kohli, Aparna; Siddhu, Anupa; Pandey, Ravindra M; Reddy, K Srinath

2017-01-01

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of mortality in Indians. Insulin resistance and related dyslipidemia of increased triglyceride (TG), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) particles, and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with increased risk of CVD. TG/HDL-C ratio could be a potential surrogate marker for this South Asian phenotype. Data are scarce on the relevance of TG/HDL-C ratio as a useful lipid marker among Indians. To study the prevalence of TG/HDL-C ratio among healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men (25-44 years) and its relationship with other lipid and nonlipid factors. In this cross-sectional analysis, fasting blood samples from 236 healthy participants recruited from an urban community setting were tested for TG/HDL-C ratio, HDL-C, TG, total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), and body fat. Mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 34.7 (7.7) years; median (interquartile range) TG/HDL-C ratio was 4 (2.85-5.2). More than half (51.3%) the participants ( n = 121) recorded abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio (≥4.0). Across tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio, there was a significant trend of higher conventional lipid parameters such as non-HDL-C*, TC/HDL-C ratio*, TG*, HDL-C*, TC**; and non-lipid parameters body-fat* and BMI*** (* P < 0.001, ** P = 0.015, *** P = 0.002). LDL-C showed moderate and nonsignificant ( P = 0.646) increase across tertiles. In a sample of apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio levels were observed among more than half the participants. The TG/HDL-C ratio was closely associated with other lipid parameters and measures of adiposity, such as BMI and body fat, apart from its previously documented unique association with sd-LDL particles. TG/HDL-C ratio should be evaluated in future for risk prediction of incident CVD among Indians.

Ag loading induced visible light photocatalytic activity for pervoskite SrTiO3 nanofibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yeqiu; He, Tao

2018-06-01

The synthesis and photocatalytic activities of Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers were reported in this work. The fabricated Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers were characterized by TG-DSC, XRD, IR, XPS, SEM, TEM, DRS and ESR techniques. The XRD and IR results show that Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers have a perovskite structure after the heat treatment at 700 °C. The XPS result shows that Ag element exists as Ag0 in the fabricated Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers. The SEM and TEM images indicate the obtaining of nanofibers with porous structure. The photocatalytic activity of Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers was evaluated by degrading RhB and MB under visible light irradiation. The Ag-SrTiO3 nanofibers show excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation because of the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag0. In the photocatalysis process of RhB and MB, lots of hydroxyl radicals were generated, which plays the key role in the decomposition of organic pollutants.

Ag loading induced visible light photocatalytic activity for pervoskite SrTiO3 nanofibers.

PubMed

Wu, Yeqiu; He, Tao

2018-06-15

The synthesis and photocatalytic activities of Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers were reported in this work. The fabricated Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers were characterized by TG-DSC, XRD, IR, XPS, SEM, TEM, DRS and ESR techniques. The XRD and IR results show that Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers have a perovskite structure after the heat treatment at 700°C. The XPS result shows that Ag element exists as Ag 0 in the fabricated Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers. The SEM and TEM images indicate the obtaining of nanofibers with porous structure. The photocatalytic activity of Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers was evaluated by degrading RhB and MB under visible light irradiation. The Ag-SrTiO 3 nanofibers show excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation because of the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag 0 . In the photocatalysis process of RhB and MB, lots of hydroxyl radicals were generated, which plays the key role in the decomposition of organic pollutants. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The facile synthesis of a chitosan Cu(II) complex by solution plasma process and evaluation of their antioxidant activities.

PubMed

Ma, Fengming; Li, Pu; Zhang, Baiqing; Wang, Zhenyu

2017-10-01

Synthesis of chitosan-Cu(II) complex by solution plasma process (SPP) irradiation was investigated. The effects of the distance between the electrodes, initial Cu(II) concentration, and initial pH on the Cu(II) adsorption capacity were evaluated. The results showed that narrower distance between the electrodes, higher initial Cu(II) concentration and higher initial pH (at pH<6) were favourable for the adsorption capacity of Cu(II). Characterization of the chitosan-Cu(II) complex by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy revealed that the main structure of chitosan was not changed after irradiation. Thermogravimetry (TG) analysis indicated that Cu(II) ions were well incorporated into the chitosan. The antioxidant activity of the chitosan-Cu(II) complex was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays. The chitosan-Cu(II) complex exhibited greater antioxidant activity than the original chitosan. Thus, SPP could be used for preparation of chitosan-Cu(II) complexes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Syntheses, crystal structures and characterization of nitrogen-rich salts based on bis (1H-tetrazol-5-yl) methanone oxime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xinyu; Guo, Weiming; Zhang, Tianhe; Huang, Jingru; Tong, Yi; Zhang, Tonglai

2017-08-01

Two nitrogen-rich energetic salts (NH4)2(bto) (1) and (NH3OH)2(bto)·H2O (2) [H2bto = Bis (1H-tetrazol-5-yl) methanone oxime] were synthesized by an improved method in which water was used as solvent. These compounds were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Their crystal structures were confirmed to belong to monoclinic system with space group P21 for 1 and Pc for 2, respectively. The detailed thermal behaviours were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric method (TG) (decomposition temperature >250 °C). The enthalpies of formation were calculated through the experimental values of combustion enthalpy. In addition, the sensitivities toward impact and friction were tested with standard methods, and those results indicated that two compounds are all insensitive (impact >40 J and friction >360 N). In short, both of the compounds show potential usages as energetic materials. The improved process opens a door for exploring nitrogen-rich salts based on Bis (1H-tetrazol-5-yl) methanone oxime.

In situ synthesis of TiO2/polyethylene terephthalate hybrid nanocomposites at low temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Xinyan; Ding, Enyong; Xue, Feng

2012-06-01

TiO2 nanoflowers were in situ grown on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven fabric by hydrolysis of TiCl4 in aqueous solution in the presence of nanocrystal cellulose grafted PET fabric (NCC-g-PET) at a low temperature of 70 °C. Nanocrystal cellulose (NCC) pre-grafted on PET fabric acted as hydrophilic substrate and morphology inducing agent to promote the nucleation and crystal growth of TiO2. Detailed information on the synthetic process was presented. The resulting samples were characterized using FE-SEM, EDS, ATR-IR, Raman microscopy, XRD and TG analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the degradation of orange methyl under solar light. Characteristic results indicate that rutile TiO2 nanoflowers have grown abundantly on PET non-woven fabric, and the established hydrogen bonding strengthens the interfacial interaction between the inorganic particles and the polymeric substrates. The methyl orange decoloration test under natural solar light demonstrates that this TiO2/PET hybrid nanocomposites exhibit excellent self-cleaning performance which is expected to have a good potential for commercialization.

Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrakis(2-amino-3-methylpyridine)copper(II) Sulfate Tetrahydrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahardjo, S. B.; Saraswati, T. E.; Masykur, A.; Finantrena, N. N. F.; Syaima, H.

2018-04-01

The complex of Tetrakis(2-amino-3-methylpyridine)copper(II) sulfate tetrahydrate has been synthesized in a ratio of 1: 6 metal to ligand in methanol. The percentage of copper in the complex measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) showed the complex formula was Cu(2-amino-3-metilpyridine)4SO4(H2O)n (n = 3, 4, or 5). The analysis of TG/DTA showed that 1 mole of complex contains 4 moles of H2O. The conductivity measurement indicated that the complex is in 1 to 1 electrolyte. The formula of the complex was estimated as [Cu(2-amino-3-metilpyridine)4]SO4·4H2O. The complex was paramagnetic with µeff of 1.85 BM. The UV-Vis spectra showed a band peak at 730 nm with an electronic transition Eg→T2g. IR spectral data indicated that the functional groups of N-pyridine 2-amino-3-metilpyridine coordinated to ion Cu(II). The geometry of the complex was probably square planar.

Synthesis and property of novel MnO2@polypyrrole coaxial nanotubes as electrode material for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Wei; Zhou, Hui; Lu, Yun

2013-11-01

Novel MnO2@polypyrrole (PPy) coaxial nanotubes have been prepared via a simple and green approach without any surfactant and additional oxidant. Under the acidic condition, MnO2 nanotubes act as both template and oxidant to initiate the polymerization of pyrrole monomers on its fresh-activated surface. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis data (TG) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) suggest the formation of composite structure of MnO2@PPy. Also, FESEM and TEM images intuitively confirm that the PPy shell is coated uniformly on the surface of MnO2 nanotubes. Adjusting the concentrations of sulfuric acid or adding oxidant can modulate the morphology of the products accordingly. Due to the synergic effect between MnO2 core and PPy shell, the MnO2@PPy coaxial nanotubes possess better rate capability, larger specific capacitance of 380 F g-1, doubling the specific capacitance of MnO2 nanotubes, and good capacitance retention of 90% for its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles.

The intra-annular acylamide chelate-coordinated compound: The keto-tautomer of metal (II) milrinone complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Yun; Liu, Jinzhi; Tang, Wang; Hu, Changwen

2008-03-01

In the presence of N, N'-dimethyllformamide (DMF), two isostructural metal (II)-milrinone complexes formulated as M(C 12H 8N 3O) 2 (M = Co 1 and Ni 2) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The two compounds crystallize in the tetragonal system, chiral space group P4 32 12. They exhibit similar two dimensional (2D) square grid-like framework, in which milrinone acts as a ditopic ligand with its terminal pyridine and intra-annular acylamide groups covalently bridging different metal centers. The intra-annular acylamide ligand shows a chelate-coordinated mode. Compounds 1 and 2 are stable under 200 °C. Compound 3 formulated as (C 12H 9N 3O) 4·H 2O was obtained in the presence of water, the water molecule in the structure leads to the racemization of compound 3 and it crystallizes in the monoclinic system, non-chiral space group P2 1/ c. Milrinone exhibits a keto-form in the three compounds and compounds 1- 3 exhibit different photoluminescence properties.

Metal organic frameworks-derived sensing material of SnO2/NiO composites for detection of triethylamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Shouli; Liu, Chengyao; Luo, Ruixian; Chen, Aifan

2018-04-01

The SnO2/NiO composites were synthesized by hydrothermal followed by calcination using metal-organic framework (MOF) consisting of the ligand of p-benzene-dicarboxylic acid (PTA) and the Sn and Ni center ions as sacrificial templates. The structure and morphology of Sn/Ni-based MOF and SnO2/NiO composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, TG, XPS and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. Sensing experiments reveal that the SnO2/NiO composite with the molar ratio of 9:1 not only exhibits the highest response of 14.03 that is 3 times higher than pristine SnO2 to triethylamine at 70 °C, but also shows good selectivity. Such excellent performance is attributed to the MOF-driven strategy and the formation of p-n heterojunctions, because the metal ions can be highly dispersed and separated in the MOFs and can prevent the metal ions aggregation during the MOF decomposition process. The work is a novel route for synthesis of gas sensing material.

Coordination behavior of tetraaza [N4] ligand towards Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cu(I) and Pd(II) complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and anticancer activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Boraey, Hanaa A.

2012-11-01

Novel eight Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cu(I) and Pd(II) complexes with [N4] ligand (L) i.e. 2-amino-N-{2-[(2-aminobenzoyl)amino]ethyl}benzamide have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, spectral, thermal (TG/DTG), magnetic, and molar conductivity measurements. On the basis of IR, mass, electronic and EPR spectral studies an octahedral geometry has been proposed for Co(II), Ni(II) complexes and Cu(II) chloride complex, square-pyramidal for Cu(I) bromide complex. For Cu(II) nitrate complex (6), Pd(II) complex (8) square planar geometry was proposed. The EPR data of Cu(II) complexes in powdered form indicate dx2-y2 ground state of Cu(II) ion. The antitumor activity of the synthesized ligand and some selected metal complexes has been studied. The palladium(II) complex (8) was found to display cytotoxicity (IC50 = 25.6 and 41 μM) against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and human hepatocarcinoma HEPG2 cell line.

Intercalation of cellulase enzyme into a hydrotalcite layer structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, N.; Plank, J.

2015-01-01

A new inorganic-organic hybrid material whereby cellulase enzyme is incorporated into a hydrotalcite type layered double hydroxide (LDH) structure is reported. The Mg2Al-cellulase-LDH was synthesized via co-precipitation from Mg/Al nitrate at pH=9.6. Characterization was performed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and thermogravimetry (TG). From XRD and SAXS measurements, a d-value of ~5.0 nm was identified for the basal spacing of the Mg2Al-cellulase-LDH. Consequently, the cellulase enzyme (hydrodynamic diameter ~6.6 nm) attains a slightly compressed conformation when intercalated. Formation of the LDH hybrid was also confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mg2Al-cellulase-LDH phases appear as ~20 nm thin foils which are intergrown to flower-like aggregates. Activity of the enzyme was retained after deintercalation from the Mg2Al-LDH framework using anion exchange. Accordingly, cellulase is not denatured during the intercalation process, and LDH presents a suitable host structure for time-controlled release of the biomolecule.

Room temperature syntheses, crystal structures and properties of two new heterometallic polymers based on 3-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde ligand

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Shu-Hua, E-mail: zsh720108@163.com; Zhao, Ru-Xiao; Li, Gui

Two new heterometallic coordination polymers [ZnNa(ehbd){sub 2}(N{sub 3})]{sub n} (1) and [Cu{sub 3}Na{sub 2}(ehbd){sub 2}(N{sub 3}){sub 6}]{sub n} (2) (Hehbd is 3-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde) have been synthesized under room temperature and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, showing a one-dimensional (1-D) chain. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group Pī, constructing a heterometallic 2D layer structure. Luminescent properties and magnetic properties have been studied for 1 and 2, respectively and the fluorescence quantum yield of 1 is 0.077. - Highlights: • Two novel complexes 1more » and 2 have been synthesized. • Complex 1 represents a novel qualitative change of luminescence property. • Complex 2 displays ferromagnetic interaction through symmetric μ{sub 1,1}–N{sub 3} bridges. • Complex 2 displays anti-ferromagnetic interaction through asymmetric μ{sub 1,1}–N{sub 3} bridges.« less

Synthesis, characterization and properties of copper(I) complexes with bis(diphenylphosphino)-ferrocene ancillary ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xinfang; Zhang, Songlin; Ding, Yuqiang

2012-06-01

Three copper(I) complexes (2-4) containing dppf ancillary ligand (dppf = bis(diphenylphosphino)-ferrocene) were synthesized when chloride-bridged copper(I) complex 1 reacted with acetanilide and characterized by IR, element analysis and NMR spectrum. And the crystal structures of complexes 2 and 4 have been determined by X-ray diffraction method. Complex 2, an acetate-bridged copper(I) complex, was obtained under N2 atmosphere in un-dried solvent; the acetate ion came from the hydrolysis reaction of acetanilide due to residual water in solvent. Acetanilide was deprotonated and coordinated with the copper(I) centre to form a copper(I) amidate complex 3 when reacted in pre-dried solvent. In addition, a known complex 4, the oxidation product of dppf, was isolated from the same reaction system when reacted in air atmosphere. CV and TG experiments were carried out to check the electron transfer properties and thermal stabilities of complexes 2-3. Finally, the arylation reaction of complex 3 with iodobenzene was performed to study the reaction mechanism of copper(I) catalyzed Goldberg reaction.

Chemical and spectroscopic characterization of humic acids extracted from the bottom sediments of a Brazilian subtropical microbasin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giovanela, M.; Crespo, J. S.; Antunes, M.; Adamatti, D. S.; Fernandes, A. N.; Barison, A.; da Silva, C. W. P.; Guégan, R.; Motelica-Heino, M.; Sierra, M. M. D.

2010-09-01

Humic substances (HS) perform a fundamental role in aquatic environments, exhibiting different levels of reactivity in retaining metal ions and organic pollutants. Also, they control the primary production of these ecosystems and act in the carbon sequestering process. In order to improve our understanding vis-à-vis the structural and functional features of HS from aquatic systems, this study aimed to chemically and spectroscopically characterize humic acids (HA) isolated from bottom sediment samples of a stream in a Brazilian subtropical microbasin by elemental analysis, and infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) and solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS 13C NMR) spectroscopies, thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although all samples originated from the same environment, the data showed that the HA have distinct chemical and spectroscopic properties, and that the location and characteristics of the sampling points from which the sediments were collected played an important role in the differences observed. Furthermore, vascular plant matter is probably the main contributor to these samples.

Preparation, spectroscopic, thermal, antihepatotoxicity, hematological parameters and liver antioxidant capacity characterizations of Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) mononuclear complexes of paracetamol anti-inflammatory drug

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Megharbel, Samy M.; Hamza, Reham Z.; Refat, Moamen S.

2014-10-01

Keeping in view that some metal complexes are found to be more potent than their parent drugs, therefore, our present paper aimed to synthesized Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) complexes of paracetamol (Para) anti-inflammatory drug. Paracetamol complexes with general formula [M(Para)2(H2O)2]·nH2O have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, conductivity, IR and thermal (TG/DTG), 1H NMR, electronic spectral studies. The conductivity data of these complexes have non-electrolytic nature. Comparative antimicrobial (bacteria and fungi) behaviors and molecular weights of paracetamol with their complexes have been studied. In vivo the antihepatotoxicity effect and some liver function parameters levels (serum total protein, ALT, AST, and LDH) were measured. Hematological parameters and liver antioxidant capacities of both Para and their complexes were performed. The Cd2+ + Para complex was recorded amelioration of antioxidant capacities in liver homogenates compared to other Para complexes treated groups.

Aged Tg2576 mice are impaired on social memory and open field habituation tests.

PubMed

Deacon, R M J; Koros, E; Bornemann, K D; Rawlins, J N P

2009-02-11

In a previous publication [Deacon RMJ, Cholerton LL, Talbot K, Nair-Roberts RG, Sanderson DJ, Romberg C, et al. Age-dependent and -independent behavioral deficits in Tg2576 mice. Behav Brain Res 2008;189:126-38] we found that very few cognitive tests were suitable for demonstrating deficits in Tg2576 mice, an amyloid over-expression model of Alzheimer's disease, even at 23 months of age. However, in a retrospective analysis of a separate project on these mice, tests of social memory and open field habituation revealed large cognitive impairments. Controls showed good open field habituation, but Tg2576 mice were hyperactive and failed to habituate. In the test of social memory for a juvenile mouse, controls showed considerably less social investigation on the second meeting, indicating memory of the juvenile, whereas Tg2576 mice did not show this decrement.As a control for olfactory sensitivity, on which social memory relies, the ability to find a food pellet hidden under wood chip bedding was assessed. Tg2576 mice found the pellet as quickly as controls. As this test requires digging ability, this was independently assessed in tests of burrowing and directly observed digging. In line with previous results and the hippocampal dysfunction characteristic of aged Tg2576 mice, they both burrowed and dug less than controls.