Preparation of Naphthalenediimide-Decorated Electron-Deficient Photochromic Lanthanide (III)-MOF and Paper Strip as Multifunctional Recognition and Ratiometric Luminescent Turn-On Sensors for Amines and Pesticides.

Detecting toxic amine and pesticide contamination in the environment is one of the most pressing issues for environmental sustainability. In this work, two 3D Ln-BINDI complexes [Ln = Eu (1), Sm (2); H4BINDI (N, N'-bis(5-isophthalic acid)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide)] have been designed and synthesized. Crystal structure of [Eu2(BINDI) (NO3)2(DMA)4]·2DMA (complex 1) featuring the lvt topology was determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. A multi-functional ratiometric luminescence sensor benefitting from π-electron-deficient NDI moieties and f-f transition characteristics of lanthanide Eu3+ ions for complex 1 has been investigated. Markedly, complex 1 exhibit completely different selective fluorescence ratiometric turn-on responses and pretty high sensitivity behaviors to aromatic amines (OPD), aliphatic amines (n-BA), and pesticides (TBZ), respectively, which are driven by interactions between the electron-donating amino group and acceptor NDI site, contributing to complex 1 as a potential ratiometric luminescent turn-on sensor for practical environmental applications. A PVA/1@paper strip can be used as a potential size selectivity sensor for the practical detection of aliphatic amine vapors in the environment through visual chromic fluorescence enhancement. Because NDIs can undergo one-electron reduction to form stable NDI· free radicals, solid complex 1 can visually distinguish different kinds of amines by selective amine-specific color changes and has the photochromic property of erasable inkless printing.

Effects of lutein on jejunal mucosal barrier function and inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-challenged yellow-feather broilers.

Broilers are frequently exposed to various immunological stresses, which lead to intestinal damage, weakened immunity, and even growth retardation. Lutein, as a kind of carotenoid, possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of lutein on jejunal mucosal barrier function and inflammatory responses of yellow-feather broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of two hundred eight-eight 1-day-old yellow-feather broilers were randomly allocated to 3 groups with 8 replicate cages containing 12 birds each. Birds were fed broken-rice-soybean basal diet containing 0, 20 and 40 mg/kg lutein (CON, LU20 and LU40) for 26 d. On days 21, 23, and 25 of the trial, broilers were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (1 mg/kg body weight). The results showed that, compared with CON group, LU40 supplementations significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) of broilers at 1 to 21 and 22 to 26 d of age (P < 0.05), significantly decreased the ratio of feed to gain (F/G) of broilers at 22 to 26 d of age (P < 0.05). LU20 and LU40 supplementations increased goblet cell density in jejunum of broilers under LPS challenge, and LU20 supplementation elevated the villus area (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy of jejunal mucosa revealed significant villi damage, while transmission electron microscopy demonstrated severe enterocyte damage and loss of cellular integrity in CON group. In particular, mitochondria were morphologically altered, appearing irregular or swollen. Apical junctional complexes between adjacent enterocytes were obviously shorter and saccular in CON group. LU20 and LU40 supplementations increased the mRNA expressions of Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1 in the jejunal mucosa of broilers under LPS challenge (P < 0.05), restrained TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway activation in the jejunal mucosa, decreased the mRNA expressions of IL-1ß and IL-6, and strengthened the mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IL-10 (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the protein expressions of p38 and JNK in LU40 group were lower than CON group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that 40 mg/kg lutein supplementation improved LPS-induced jejunal mucosal barrier function and tamed inflammation of yellow-feather broilers.

Chemodivergent Synthesis of One-Carbon-Extended Alcohols via Copper-Catalyzed Hydroxymethylation of Alkynes with Formic Acid.

The development of selective catalytic reactions that utilize easily available reagents for the efficient synthesis of alcohols is a long-standing goal of chemical research. Here an intriguing strategy for the chemodivergent copper-catalyzed hydroxymethylation of alkynes with formic acid and hydrosilane has been developed. By simply tuning the amount of formic acid and reaction temperature, distinct one-carbon-extended primary alcohols, that is, allylic alcohols and ß-branched alkyl alcohols, were produced with high levels of Z/E-, regio-, and enantioselectivity.

Copper-Catalyzed and Proton-Directed Selective Hydroxymethylation of Alkynes with CO2.

An intriguing strategy for copper-catalyzed hydroxymethylation of alkynes with CO2 and hydrosilane was developed. Switched on/off a proton source, for example, t BuOH, direct hydroxymethylation and reductive hydroxymethylation could be triggered selectively, delivering a series of allylic alcohols and homobenzylic alcohols, respectively, with high levels of Z/E, regio- and enantioselectivity. Such a selective synthesis is attributed to the differences in response of vinylcopper intermediate to proton and CO2 . The protonation of vinylcopper species is demonstrated to be prior to hydroxymethylation, thus allowing a diversion from direct alkyne hydroxymethylation to reductive hydroxymethylation in the presence of suitable proton.

DFT study on the mechanism of bimetallic Pd-Zn-catalyzed cycloaddition of alkynyl aryl ethers with internal alkynes.

The reaction mechanism of bimetallic Pd-Zn-catalyzed cycloaddition of alkynyl aryl ethers with internal alkynes has been studied theoretically. Besides cycloaddition reaction, the dimerization of alkynyl aryl ethers was also considered. Both C6H5OC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3 and C6H5OC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3 were chosen as the substrates. The reactions involve C-H activation of the substrate, acetic acid rotation, H transformation, MeC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CMe or substrate insertion into the Pd-phenyl bond and reductive elimination steps. It is found that cycloaddition is favored for C6H5OC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3, while dimerization is preferred for C6H5OC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3, because the steric repulsion between two bulky SiiPr3 groups is relatively large and the steric repulsion between two small SiMe3 groups is relatively small. In addition, besides C6H5OC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3, four other substrates C6H5CH2C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3, C6H5C(O)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3, C6H5SC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3 and C6H5N(H)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3 have been calculated as the substrates for cycloaddition reaction with MeC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CMe. Among the five substrates, C6H5OC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3 has the lowest energy barrier (29.9 kcal mol-1), consistent with the experimental observation that C6H5OC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiiPr3 is the appropriate substrate for successful cycloaddition.

The Effect of Carbonic Maceration during Winemaking on the Color, Aroma and Sensory Properties of 'Muscat Hamburg' Wine.

This is the first study on the effect of carbonic maceration on the quality (color, aroma profile and sensory properties) of Muscat Hamburg, contrasting two winemaking procedures used in Tianjin (classical white and red-winemaking techniques). The values of C* (psychometric chroma), a* (measure of redness) and b* (measure of yellowness) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the carbonic macerated wine than in red wine. However, there were no visual differences in color, and classical red wine and carbonic macerated wine had similar h (hue angle) values and located in the red region. Thirty-two aromatic compounds were identified and quantified in Muscat Hamburg wines. The content of volatile compounds (6384.97 µg/L) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the carbonic macerated Muscat Hamburg wine than in the other kinds of wine. This result led to the carbonic macerated wine having the highest odor activity values (OAVs) and sensory evaluation scores (86.8 points), which correlates with an "excellent" sensory perception. This study demonstrated that carbonic maceration significantly improved the quality of Muscat Hamburg wine based on volatile analysis and sensory evaluation compared with other conventional methods. Therefore, carbonic maceration could be well suited for making Muscat Hamburg wine.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel N-aryl-ω-(benzoazol-2-yl)-sulfanylalkanamides as dual inhibitors of α-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B.

α-Glucosidase is known to catalyze the digestion of carbohydrates and release free glucose into the digestive tract. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is engaged in the dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor and regulation of insulin sensitivity. Therefore, dual antagonists by targeting both α-glucosidase and PTP1B may be potential candidates for type 2 diabetes therapy. In this work, three series of novel N-aryl-ω-(benzoazol-2-yl)-sulfanylalkanamides were synthesized and assayed for their α-glucosidase and PTP1B inhibitory activities, respectively. Compound 3l, exhibiting the most effective α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50  = 10.96 µm (3l), IC50  = 51.32 µm (Acarbose), IC50  = 18.22 µm (Ursolic acid)) and potent PTP1B inhibitory activity (IC50  = 13.46 µm (3l), IC50  = 14.50 µm (Ursolic acid)), was identified as a novel dual inhibitor of α-glucosidase and PTP1B. Furthermore, 3l is a highly selective PTP1B inhibitor because no inhibition was showed by 3l at 100 µm against PTP-MEG2, TCPTP, SHP2, or SHP1. Subsequent kinetic analysis revealed 3l inhibited α-glucosidase in a reversible and mixed manner. Molecular docking study indicated that hydrogen bonds, van der Waals, charge interactions and Pi-cation interactions all contributed to affinity between 3l and α-glucosidase/PTP1B.

The relationships among Muslim Uyghur and Kazakh disabled elders' life satisfaction, activity of daily living, and informal family caregiver's burden, depression, and life satisfaction in far western China: A structural equation model.

1 Hypothesis Disabled elders' activities of daily living, caregiver burden, caregiver depression, and caregivers' life satisfaction are significantly related to the life satisfaction of elderly people with disability. 2 Hypothesis There are direct and indirect effects between the life satisfaction of elders, disabled elders' activities of daily living, and family caregivers' factors. This study explored the interrelationships of disabled elders' life satisfaction and activities of daily living, caregivers' factors (burden, depression, and life satisfaction) through a structural equation model. In total, 621 dyads of disabled elders and informal family caregivers completed questionnaires during face-to-face interviews in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region from September 2013 to January 2014. Activity of daily living exerted a direct effect on life satisfaction of disabled elders and 30.4% indirect effect through caregivers' factors. Caregiver burden had a 60.0% direct effect on life satisfaction of disabled elders and a 40.0% indirect effect through the caregiver depression. Caregiver depression showed 76% direct effect on life satisfaction of disabled elders and 24% indirect effect through caregivers' life satisfaction. Direct relationships between activity of daily living and caregiver burden, caregiver burden and caregiver depression, and caregiver depression and caregivers' life satisfaction were observed. Activity of daily living had a 91.3% indirect effect on caregiver depression mediated by caregiver burden; caregiver burden had a 40.0% indirect effect on caregivers' life satisfaction mediated by caregiver depression. Results provide useful information for nurses and policymakers and shed light on the need to consider caregivers' factors in improving care recipients' life satisfaction.

In†Situ Generated Zinc(II) Catalyst for Incorporation of CO2 into 2-Oxazolidinones with Propargylic Amines at Atmospheric Pressure.

Incorporation of CO2 into heterocyclic compounds (i.e., 2-oxazolidinones) under mild conditions, especially at atmospheric pressure still remains challenging. The mononuclear ZnII complex ZnCl2 (TBD)2 , where TBD=1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene, in this study was demonstrated as a robust catalyst for the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2 to exclusively afford various 2-oxazolidinones in excellent yields. Notably, the ZnII catalytic species is readily generated in situ from ZnCl2 and TBD without pre-preparation and further isolation. Such a CO2 fixation protocol could proceed smoothly under atmospheric pressure at mild temperature in an atom economic and environmentally benign manner. 13 C NMR and control experiments were performed to explore the possible interaction between ZnII and the carbon-carbon triple bond of propargylic amine. The dual catalytic role of the Zn catalyst to enhance O-nucleophilicity of the carbamate anion intermediate and activate the carbon-carbon triple bond is proposed based on mechanistic investigations.

Thermodynamically Favorable Synthesis of 2-Oxazolidinones through Silver-Catalyzed Reaction of Propargylic Alcohols, CO2, and 2-Aminoethanols.

Development of catalytic routes to incorporate CO2 into carbonyl compounds at mild conditions remains attractive and challenging. Herein, a one-pot three-component cascade reaction of terminal propargylic alcohols, CO2 , and 2-aminoethanols through Ag(I) -based catalysis is reported for the synthesis of carbonyl compounds through C-O/C-N bond formation. This thermodynamically favorable route can be ingeniously regulated to afford a wide range of 2-oxazolidinones along with concurrent production of α-hydroxyl ketone derivatives in excellent yields and selectivity. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that such a process proceeds through successive formation of α-alkylidene cyclic carbonate, ß-oxopropylcarbamate, and 2-oxazolidinones.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and 3D-QSAR studies of imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as novel protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays a vital role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor, so PTP1B inhibitors may be potential agents to treat type 2 diabetes. In this work, a series of novel imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives were designed, synthesized and assayed for their PTP1B inhibitory activities. These compounds exhibited potent activities with IC50 values at 0.57-172 µM. A 3D-QSAR study using CoMFA and CoMSIA techniques was carried out to explore structure activity relationship of these molecules. The CoMSIA model was more predictive with q(2) = 0.777, r(2) = 0.999, SEE = 0.013 and r(2)pred = 0.836, while the CoMFA model gave q(2) = 0.543, r(2) = 0.998, SEE = 0.029 and r(2)pred = 0.754. The contour maps derived from the best CoMFA and CoMSIA models combined with docking analysis provided good insights into the structural features relevant to the bioactivity, and could be used in the molecular design of novel imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives.

Meta-Analysis-Based Preliminary Exploration of the Connection between ATDILI and Schizophrenia by GSTM1/T1 Gene Polymorphisms.

Anti-tuberculosis drugs have some adverse effects such as anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATDILI) and mental disorders. The involvement of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes in pathogenesis of ATDILI or schizophrenia (SCZ) has been reported. Therefore, GST genes may exemplify molecular connectors between ATDILI and SCZ. However, association studies of GSTM1/T1 polymorphisms with these two diseases have yielded conflicting results. After searching case-control association studies in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, we performed meta-analyses across a total of 20 published association studies on 3146 subjects for the association of GSTM1 and ATDILI, 2587 for the GSTT1-ATDILI association, 2283 for GSTM1-SCZ and 1116 for GSTT1-SCZ to test the associations of GSTM1/T1 polymorphisms with ATDILI and SCZ. The GSTM1 present genotype was significantly associated with decreased risks of ATDILI (risk ratio(RR): 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75-0.88, P < 0.0001) and SCZ (RR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.80-0.96, P = 0.004) according to the fixed-effect model, while the GSTT1 present genotype was significantly associated only with a high risk of SCZ (RR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04-1.32, P = 0.01) according to both the random- and fixed-effect models, but not with ATDILI (P = 0.82) according to the fixed-effect model. Moreover, these significant results were supported with moderate evidence according to the Venice criteria. These results indicate that GSTM1 represents a genetic connection between ATDILI and SCZ, and suggest that ATDILI and SCZ may be co-occurring for the subjects with GSTM1 null genotype.

Association of EGF rs4444903 and XPD rs13181 polymorphisms with cutaneous melanoma in Caucasians.

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a malignant skin cancer with the high incidence in whiteskinned populations. Host genetic factors (such as: genes in nucleotide excision repair system or cell proliferation regulation system) interacted with ultraviolet radiation are potential reasons for CM. Previous studies about associations between CM and the rs4444903 (+61A>G) in the Epidermal growth factor gene (EGF) or rs13181 (+35931 A>C) in the xeroderma pigmentosum group D gene (XPD) have produced inconsistent results. To clarify these associations, metaanalyses of available candidate case-control association studies about Caucasians were performed. Data of each study were gathered according to the "Quality-Evaluation Score" (Ver.1.0). Finally, the meta-analysis with 2167 cases/4211 controls showed that the EGF rs4444903 had no significant association with CM (p>0.05), while the analysis with 3,492 cases/5,381 controls indicated the A allele of XPD rs13181 was significantly associated with CM (odds ratio= 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99; p=0.019). These results are also supported with linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure analysis. The current meta-analyses results suggest that the XPD gene, but not the EGF gene, has contributed to CM susceptibility, and XPD is a possible drug target.

Antifatigue effect of Gracilaria eucheumoides in mice.

Gracilaria eucheumoides Linn (Gracilariaceae; G. eucheumoides) is abundant in dietary fiber, which aids the clearance of excess cholesterol from the blood and maintains stable blood glucose levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antifatigue effect of G. eucheumoides in mice and the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Mice were randomly divided into four groups and three of the groups were administered different doses of G. eucheumoides extract. A loaded swimming test demonstrated that the swimming times of the low-, medium- and high-dose groups were longer than those of the control group. Examinations revealed that the liver and muscle glycogen, lactate dehydrogenase and blood glucose concentration levels of the treatment groups were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). However, this was not the case for lactic acid concentration (P>0.05). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the gene expression levels of glucose transport protein 4 and AMP-activated protein kinase in the medium-dose group exhibited the largest increases, compared with the other treatment groups, and were 3.0- and 1.8-fold higher than those in the control group, respectively. The results of the present study indicated that G. eucheumoides exerts an antifatigue effect on mice.

[Effects of gaseous compositions the on simultaneous removal of NO(x) and SO2 from simulated flue gas by ammonia absorption].

The effects of NO(x) oxidation ratio, O2 and SO2 concentrations in simulated flue gas as well as addition of S(IV) oxidation inhibitor NaS2O3 on the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO(x) by ammonia absorption were investigated under the conditions of pH 5.9-6.1 and aqueous S(IV) concentration > or = 1.0 mol x L(-1). The research results showed that NO2 could be effectively absorbed by ammonium sulfite, but the NO absorption was negligible. Therefore, NO oxidation is the premise of NO(x) removal. Aqueous S(IV) concentration is a key factor affecting NO2 absorption removal, the higher the O2 concentration or the lower the SO2 concentration, the faster the aaqueous S(IV) concentration decreased, which resulted in a faster decrease of NO2 removal efficiency. S(IV) oxidation was inhibited to some extent by the addition of oxidation inhibitor S2O3(2-) into the absorption solution. As a result, the decrease of NO2 removal efficiency became slower.

Identification of genetic associations of SP110/MYBBP1A/RELA with pulmonary tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population.

Genetic factors play important roles in the development of tuberculosis (TB). SP110 is a promising candidate target for controlling TB infections. However, several studies associating SP110 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with TB have yielded conflicting results. This may be partly resolved by studying other genes associated with SP110, such as MYBBP1A and RELA. Here, we genotyped 6 SP110 SNPs, 8 MYBBP1A SNPs and 5 RELA SNPs in 702 Chinese pulmonary TB patients and 425 healthy subjects using MassARRAY and SNaPshot methods. Using SNP-based analysis with Bonferroni correction, rs3809849 in MYBBP1A [Pcorrected (cor) = 0.0038] and rs9061 in SP110 (Pcor = 0.019) were found to be significantly associated with TB. Furthermore, meta-analysis of rs9061 in East Asian populations showed that the rs9061 T allele conferred significant risk for TB [P = 0.002, pooled odds ratio (OR), 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-1.43]. The MYBBP1A GTCTTGGG haplotype and haplotypes CGACCG/TGATTG within SP110 were found to be markedly and significantly associated with TB (P = 2.00E-06, 5.00E-6 and 2.59E-4, respectively). Gene-based analysis also demonstrated that SP110 and MYBBP1A were each associated with TB (Pcor = 0.011 and 0.035, respectively). The logistic regression analysis results supported interactions between SP110 and MYBBP1A, indicating that subjects carrying a GC/CC genotype in MYBBP1A and CC genotype in SP110 possessed the high risk of developing TB (P = 1.74E-12). Our study suggests that a combination of SP110 and MYBBP1A gene polymorphisms may serve as a novel marker for identifying the risk of developing TB in the Chinese Han population.

[Removal of NO and Hg0 in flue gas using alkaline absorption enhanced by non-thermal plasma].

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) induced by positive corona discharge was utilized to oxidize NO and Hg0 to more water-soluble NO2 and Hg2+ under the conditions of simulated flue gas. The effects of discharge voltage and inlet SO2 and NO concentrations on NO and Hg0 oxidation and their removals by alkaline absorption were investigated. The results show that the oxidation and removal of NO and Hg0 are enhanced with the increase of discharge voltage. The concentrations of NO and NO2 at the outlet of absorption tower are 0 and 69 mg/m3 with an inlet NO concentration of 134 mg/m3 and a discharge voltage of 12. 8 kV while the outlet concentrations of Hg0 and Hg2+ are 22 microg/m3 and 11 microg/m3 with an inlet Hg0 concentration of 110 microg/m3 and a discharge voltage of 13.1 kV. The presence of SO2 slightly improves the oxidation and removal of Hg0 while it has almost no effect on NO oxidation and its removal. The oxidation and removal of Hg0 are significantly inhibited with the increase of inlet NO concentration. In the coexistence of 800 mg/m3 SO2, 134 mg/m3 NO and 110 microg/m3 Hg0, the removal efficiencies are 57% for NO and 31% for Hg0 with an energy input of 77 J/L.