Degradation, adsorption and leaching of phenazine-1-carboxamide in agricultural soils.

Phenazines, a large group of nitrogen-containing heterocycles with promising bioactivities, can be widely used as medicines and pesticides. But phenazines also generate toxicity risks due to their non-selective DNA binding. The environmental fate of phenazines in soils is the key to assess their risks; however, hitherto, there have been very few related studies. Therefore in the present study, the degradation, adsorption and leaching behaviors of a typical natural phenazine-phenazine-1-carboxamide (PCN) in agricultural soils from three representative places in China with different physicochemical properties were, for the first time, systematically studied in laboratory simulation experiments. Our results indicated that the degradation of PCN in all the tested soils followed the first order kinetics, with half-lives ranging from 14.4 to 57.8 d under different conditions. Soil anaerobic microorganisms, organic matter content and pH conditions are important factors that regulating PCN degradation. The adsorption data of PCN were found to be well fitted using the Freundlich model, with the r2 values above 0.978. Freundlich adsorption coefficient Kf of PCN ranged from 5.75 to 12.8 [(mg/kg)/(mg/L)1/n] in soils. The retention factor Rf values ranged from 0.0833 to 0.354, which means that the mobility of PCN in the three types of soil is between immobile to moderately mobile. Our results demonstrate that PCN is easily degraded, has high adsorption affinity and low mobility in high organic matter content and clay soils, thus resulting in lower risks of contamination to groundwater systems. In contrast, it degraded slowly, has low adsorption affinity and moderately mobile in soils with low organic matter and clay content, therefore it has higher polluting potential to groundwater systems. Overall, these findings provide useful insights into the future evaluation of environmental as well as health risks of PCN.

Discovery of nitropyridyl-based dichloropropene ethers as insecticides.

A series of nitropyridyl-based dichloropropene ethers were prepared and evaluated for their insecticidal activities against main lepidopteran pests such as M. separate, P. xylostella and P. litura. The compounds showed a broad-spectrum of remarkable insecticidal activities. Especially 4a (2,6-dichloro-4-(3,3-dichloroallyloxy)phenyl 3-[5-nitro-2-pyridyloxy]propyl ether) and 11a (2-(4-(3-(2,6-dichloro-4-((3,3-dichloroallyl)oxy)phenoxy)propoxy)phenoxy)-5-nitropyridine) displayed potent activities comparable to that of Pyridalyl, the only commercialized dichloropropene ether insecticide thus far. The structure-activity relationship was also discussed.

Up-Regulation of PKR Signaling Pathway by Ethanol Displays an Age of Onset-Dependent Relationship.

BACKGROUND: Ethanol (EtOH) neurotoxicity can result in devastating effects on brain and behavior by disrupting homeostatic signaling cascades and inducing cell death. One such mechanism involves double-stranded RNA activated protein kinase (PKR), a primary regulator of protein translation and cell viability in the presence of a virus or other external stimuli. EtOH-mediated up-regulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ; the oxidative stress-inducible regulator of PKR), PKR, and its target, p53, are still being fully elucidated. METHODS: Using Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and linear regression analyses, changes in the IFN-γ-PKR-p53 pathway following chronic EtOH treatment in the frontal cortex of rodents were examined. The role of PKR on cell viability was also assessed in EtOH-treated cells using PKR overexpression vector and PKR inhibitor (PKRI). RESULTS: In rats chronically fed EtOH, PKR, phosphorylated PKR (p-PKR), IFN-γ, and p53 were significantly increased following chronic EtOH exposure. Linear regression revealed a significant correlation between IFN-γ and p-PKR protein levels, as well as p-PKR expression and age of EtOH exposure. Overexpression of PKR resulted in greater cell death, while use of PKRI enhanced cell viability in EtOH-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic EtOH exposure activates the IFN-γ-PKR-p53 pathway in the frontal cortex of rodents. p-PKR expression is greater in brains of rodents exposed to EtOH at earlier ages compared to later life, suggesting a mechanism by which young brains could be more susceptible to EtOH-related brain injury. PKR and p-PKR were also colocalized in neurons and astrocytes of rats. This study provides additional insight into biochemical mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder related neuropathology and warrants further investigation of PKR as a potential pharmacotherapeutic target to combat EtOH-related neurotoxicity, loss of protein translation and brain injury.

Cognitive deficits and disruption of neurogenesis in a mouse model of apolipoprotein E4 domain interaction.

Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) allele is the major genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) due to the higher prevalence and earlier onset of AD in apoE4 carriers. Accumulating data suggest that the interaction between the N- and the C-terminal domains in the protein may be the main pathologic feature of apoE4. To test this hypothesis, we used Arg-61 mice, a model of apoE4 domain interaction, by introducing the domain interaction feature of human apoE4 into native mouse apoE. We carried out hippocampus-dependent learning and memory tests and related cellular and molecular assays on 12- and 3-month-old Arg-61 and age-matched background C57BL/6J mice. Learning and memory task performance were impaired in Arg-61 mice at both old and young ages compared with C57BL/6J mice. Surprisingly, young Arg-61 mice had more mitotic doublecortin-positive cells in the subgranular zone; mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB were also higher in 3-month-old Arg-61 hippocampus compared with C57BL/6J mice. These early-age neurotrophic and neurogenic (proliferative) effects in the Arg-61 mouse may be an inadequate compensatory but eventually detrimental attempt by the system to "repair" itself. This is supported by the higher cleaved caspase-3 levels in the young animals that not only persisted, but increased in old age, and the lower levels of doublecortin at old age in the hippocampus of Arg-61 mice. These results are consistent with human apoE4-dependent cognitive and neuro-pathologic changes, supporting the principal role of domain interaction in the pathologic effect of apoE4. Domain interaction is, therefore, a viable therapeutic/prophylactic target for cognitive impairment and AD in apoE4 subjects.

The IFNγ-PKR pathway in the prefrontal cortex reactions to chronic excessive alcohol use.

BACKGROUND: Brain cell death is a major pathological consequence of alcohol neurotoxicity. However, the molecular cascades in alcohol-induced brain tissue injury are unclear. METHODS: Using Western blot and double immunofluorescence, we examined the expression of interferon (IFN)-induced protein kinase R (PKR), phosphorylated-PKR (p-PKR), and IFN gamma (IFNγ) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of postmortem brains from subjects with alcohol use disorders (AUD). RESULTS: The protein levels of PKR, p-PKR, and IFNγ were significantly increased in subjects with AUD compared with control subjects without AUD, and a younger age of onset of AUD was significantly correlated with higher protein levels of p-PKR. In addition, elevated PKR- and p-PKR-IR were observed in both neurons and astrocytes in the PFC of subjects with AUD compared to subjects without AUD. CONCLUSIONS: The activation of the IFNγ-PKR pathway in PFC of humans is associated with chronic excessive ethanol use with an age of onset dependent manner, and activation of this pathway may play a pivotal role in AUD-related brain tissue injury. This study provides insight into neurodegenerative key factors related to AUD and identifies potential targets for the treatment of alcohol-induced neurotoxicity.

The expression of KLF11 (TIEG2), a monoamine oxidase B transcriptional activator in the prefrontal cortex of human alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND: The biochemical pathways underlying alcohol abuse and dependence are not well understood, although brain cell loss and neurotoxicity have been reported in subjects with alcohol dependence. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO B; an enzyme that catabolizes neurotransmitters such as dopamine) is consistently increased in this psychiatric illness. MAO B has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence and alcohol-induced brain neurotoxicity. Recently, the cell growth inhibitor protein, Kruppel-like factor 11 (KLF11), has been reported to be an MAO transcriptional activator. KLF11 is also known as TIEG2 (transforming growth factor-beta-inducible early gene 2) and mediates apoptotic cell death. This study investigates the protein expression of KLF11 and its relationship with MAO B using human postmortem prefrontal cortex from subjects with alcohol dependence. METHODS: Twelve subjects with alcohol dependence and the respective psychiatrically normal control subjects were investigated. Expression of KLF11 and MAO B proteins in the prefrontal cortex was measured by Western blot analysis. Correlation studies involving KLF11 and MAO B protein expression were performed. Localization of KLF11 in the human prefrontal cortex was also determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Levels of KLF11 protein were significantly increased by 44% (p < 0.03) in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of subjects with alcohol dependence as compared to age- and gender-matched, psychiatrically normal control subjects. Furthermore, KLF11 levels were significantly and positively correlated with both the increased MAO B protein levels and blood alcohol content in alcohol-dependent subjects. In addition, KLF11 protein expression was visualized in both neuronal and glial cells. CONCLUSIONS: This novel study shows the important role of KLF11, an MAO transcriptional activator, in human alcohol dependence. It further supports that the KLF11-MAO B cell death cascade may contribute to chronic alcohol-induced brain damage. This argues a case for KLF11-MAO B inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy that may impact this highly prevalent illness.

Diabetes-causing gene, kruppel-like factor 11, modulates the antinociceptive response of chronic ethanol intake.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol (EtOH [ethanol]) is an antinociceptive agent, working in part, by reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli. The transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 11 (KLF11), a human diabetes-causing gene that also regulates the neurotransmitter metabolic enzymes monoamine oxidase (MAO), has recently been identified as an EtOH-inducible gene. However, its role in antinociception remains unknown. Consequently, we investigated the function of KLF11 in chronic EtOH-induced antinociception using a genetically engineered knockout mouse model. METHODS: Wild-type (Klf11(+/+) ) and KLF11 knockout (Klf11(-/-) ) mice were fed a liquid diet containing EtOH for 28 days with increasing amounts of EtOH from 0% up to a final concentration of 6.4%, representing a final diet containing 36% of calories primarily from EtOH. Control mice from both genotypes were fed liquid diet without EtOH for 28 days. The EtOH-induced antinociceptive effect was determined using the tail-flick test before and after EtOH exposure (on day 29). In addition, the enzyme activity and mRNA levels of MAO A and MAO B were measured by real-time RT-PCR and enzyme assays, respectively. RESULTS: EtOH produced an antinociceptive response to thermal pain in Klf11(+/+) mice, as expected. In contrast, deletion of KLF11 in the Klf11(-/-) mice abolished the EtOH-induced antinociceptive effect. The mRNA and protein levels of KLF11 were significantly increased in the brain prefrontal cortex of Klf11(+/+) mice exposed to EtOH compared with control Klf11(+/+) mice. Furthermore, MAO enzyme activities were affected differently in Klf11 wild-type versus Klf11 knockout mice exposed to chronic EtOH. Chronic EtOH intake significantly increased MAO B activity in Klf11(+/+) mice. CONCLUSIONS: The data show KLF11 modulation of EtOH-induced antinociception. The KLF11-targeted MAO B enzyme may contribute more significantly to EtOH-induced antinociception. Thus, this study revealed a new role for the KLF11 gene in the mechanisms underlying the antinociceptive effects of chronic EtOH exposure.

Convergent effects of acute stress and glucocorticoid exposure upon MAO-A in humans.

Monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), a key brain enzyme which metabolizes monoamines, is implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-related illnesses, including major depressive disorder, addiction, and violent behavior. Chronic stressors and glucocorticoid-administration typically associate with elevated MAO-A levels/activity. However, the relationship of shorter stress or glucocorticoid exposures and MAO-A levels/activity is not well established. Our objectives are to assess effects of acute stress upon MAO-A V(T,) an index of MAO-A density, in human brain and acute glucocorticoid exposure upon MAO-A levels in human neuronal and glial cell lines. Twelve healthy, non-smoking participants aged 18-50 underwent [(11)C]harmine positron emission tomography to measure brain MAO-A V(T) on two different days: One under acute psychosocial stress (via Trier Social Stress and Montreal Imaging Stress Tasks) and one under a non-stress condition. MAO-A density (by Western blot) and activity (by [(14)C]-5-HT metabolism and liquid scintillation spectroscopy) were measured in human neuronal and glial cell lines after 4 h exposure to dexamethasone. We observed a significant reduction in whole-brain MAO-A binding as reflected by reductions in 10 of 11 brain regions. Acute dexamethasone exposure in neuronal and glial cells significantly decreased MAO-A activity and protein levels. We observed a highly consistent relationship between acute stressors and glucocorticoid administration and decreased MAO-A binding, activity and protein levels. Since MAO-A metabolizes monoamines, this phenomenon may explain why acute stressors benefit healthy animals even though chronic stress is associated with illness.

Mechanistic role for a novel glucocorticoid-KLF11 (TIEG2) protein pathway in stress-induced monoamine oxidase A expression.

Chronic stress is a risk factor for psychiatric illnesses, including depressive disorders, and is characterized by increased blood glucocorticoids and brain monoamine oxidase A (MAO A, which degrades monoamine neurotransmitters). This study elucidates the relationship between stress-induced MAO A and the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 11 (KLF11, also called TIEG2, a member of the Sp/KLF- family), which inhibits cell growth. We report that 1) a glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) increases KLF11 mRNA and protein levels in cultured neuronal cells; 2) overexpressing KLF11 increases levels of MAO A mRNA and enzymatic activity, which is further enhanced by glucocorticoids; in contrast, siRNA-mediated KLF11 knockdown reduces glucocorticoid-induced MAO A expression in cultured neurons; 3) induction of KLF11 and translocation of KLF11 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus are key regulatory mechanisms leading to increased MAO A catalytic activity and mRNA levels because of direct activation of the MAO A promoter via Sp/KLF-binding sites; 4) KLF11 knockout mice show reduced MAO A mRNA and catalytic activity in the brain cortex compared with wild-type mice; and 5) exposure to chronic social defeat stress induces blood glucocorticoids and activates the KLF11 pathway in the rat brain, which results in increased MAO A mRNA and enzymatic activity. Thus, this study reveals for the first time that KLF11 is an MAO A regulator and is produced in response to neuronal stress, which transcriptionally activates MAO A. The novel glucocorticoid-KLF11-MAO A pathway may play a crucial role in modulating distinct pathophysiological steps in stress-related disorders.

Expression of autophagy and UPR genes in the developing brain during ethanol-sensitive and resistant periods.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) results from ethanol exposure to the developing fetus and is the leading cause of mental retardation. FASD is associated with a broad range of neurobehavioral deficits which may be mediated by ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in the developing brain. An immature brain is more susceptible to ethanol neurotoxicity. We hypothesize that the enhanced sensitivity of the immature brain to ethanol is due to a limited capacity to alleviate cellular stress. Using a third trimester equivalent mouse model of ethanol exposure, we demonstrated that subcutaneous injection of ethanol induced a wide-spread neuroapoptosis in postnatal day 4 (PD4) C57BL/6 mice, but had little effect on the brain of PD12 mice. We analyzed the expression profile of genes regulating apoptosis, and the pathways of ER stress response (also known as unfolded protein response, UPR) and autophagy during these ethanol-sensitive and resistant periods (PD4 versus PD12) using PCR microarray. The expression of pro-apoptotic genes, such as caspase-3, was much higher on PD4 than PD12; in contrast, the expression of genes that regulate UPR and autophagy, such as atf6, atg4, atg9, atg10, beclin1, bnip3, cebpb, ctsb, ctsd, ctss, grp78, ire1α, lamp, lc3 perk, pik3c3, and sqstm1 was significantly higher on PD12 than PD4. These results suggest that the vulnerability of the immature brain to ethanol could result from high expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and a deficiency in the stress responsive system, such as UPR and autophagy.

Synthesis and antifungal activities of trichodermin derivatives as fungicides on rice.

Twenty new trichodermin derivatives, 2a-5, containing alkoxy, acyloxy, and Br groups in 4-, 8-, 9-, 10- and 16-positions were synthesized and characterized. The antifungal activities of the new compounds against rice false smut (Ustilaginoidea virens), rice sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), and rice blast (Magnaporthe grisea) were evaluated. The results of bioassays indicated that the antifungal activities were particularly susceptible to changes at 4-, 8-, and 16-positions, but low to changes at 9- and 10-positions. Most of these target compounds exhibited good antifungal activities at the concentration of 50 mg l(-1) . Compound 4 (9-formyltrichodermin; EC50 0.80 mg l(-1) ) with an CHO group at 9-position displayed nearly the same level of antifungal activity against Ustilaginoidea virens as the commercial fungicide prochloraz (EC50 0.82 mg l(-1) ), while compound 3f ((8R)-8-{[(E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoyl]oxy}trichodermin; EC50 3.58 and 0.74 mg l(-1) ) with a cinnamyloxy group at C(8) exhibited much higher antifungal activities against Rhizoctonia solani and Magnaporthe grisea than the commercial fungicides prochloraz (EC50 0.96 mg l(-1) ) and propiconazole (EC50 5.92 mg l(-1) ), respectively. These data reveal that compounds 3f and 4 possess high antifungal activities and may serve as lead compounds for the development of fungicides in the future.

Synthesis and fungicidal activity of novel 2,3-disubstituted-1,3-benzoxazines.

A series of new 2,3-disubstituted-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazines were prepared in moderate to excellent yields by aza-acetalizations of aromatic aldehydes with 2-(N-substituted aminomethyl)phenols in the presence of TMSCl. Their structures were confirmed by IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The fungicidal activities of the target compounds were preliminarily evaluated, and some compounds exhibited good activity against Rhizoctonia solani.

Transcription factor E2F-associated phosphoprotein (EAPP), RAM2/CDCA7L/JPO2 (R1), and simian virus 40 promoter factor 1 (Sp1) cooperatively regulate glucocorticoid activation of monoamine oxidase B.

Glucocorticoid steroid hormones play important roles in many neurophysiological processes such as responses to stress, behavioral adaption, and mood. One mechanism by which glucocorticoids exert functions in the brain is via the modulation of neurotransmission systems. Glucocorticoids are capable of inducing the activities of monoamine oxidases (MAOs), which degrade monoamine neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, phenylethylamine, and dopamine. However, the molecular mechanisms for such induction are not yet fully understood. Here, we report that dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid hormone, stimulates MAO B (an isoform of MAOs) promoter and catalytic activities via both the fourth glucocorticoid response element (GRE) and simian virus 40 promoter factor 1 (Sp1) binding sites in MAO B promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that glucocorticoid receptor binds to the fourth GRE in vitro and in vivo. Using Sp1-binding motifs as bait in a yeast one-hybrid system, we identified two novel transcriptional repressors of MAO B, E2F-associated phosphoprotein (EAPP) and R1 (RAM2/CDCA7L/JPO2), that down-regulate MAO B via MAO B core promoter, which contains Sp1 sites. EMSA suggested that EAPP and R1 competed with Sp1 for binding to the Sp1 site in vitro. Moreover, EAPP and R1 reduced Sp1-activated glucocorticoid activation of MAO B promoter. In response to dexamethasone, lower occupancy by EAPP and R1 and higher occupancy by Sp1 were shown at the natural MAO B core promoter. Together, this study uncovers for the first time the molecular mechanisms for glucocorticoid activation of MAO B gene and provides new insights into the hormonal regulation of MAO.

Cyanidin-3-glucoside ameliorates ethanol neurotoxicity in the developing brain.

Ethanol exposure induces neurodegeneration in the developing central nervous system (CNS). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are caused by ethanol exposure during pregnancy and are the most common nonhereditary cause of mental retardation. It is important to identify agents that provide neuroprotection against ethanol neurotoxicity. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed for ethanol-induced neurodegeneration, and oxidative stress is one of the most important mechanisms. Recent evidence indicates that glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) is a potential mediator of ethanol-mediated neuronal death. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a member of the anthocyanin family, is a potent natural antioxidant. Our previous study suggested that C3G inhibited GSK3ß activity in neurons. Using a third trimester equivalent mouse model of ethanol exposure, we tested the hypothesis that C3G can ameliorate ethanol-induced neuronal death in the developing brain. Intraperitoneal injection of C3G reduced ethanol-meditated caspase-3 activation, neurodegeneration, and microglial activation in the cerebral cortex of 7-day-old mice. C3G blocked ethanol-mediated GSK3ß activation by inducing phosphorylation at serine 9 while reducing the phosphorylation at tyrosine 216. C3G also inhibited ethanol-stimulated expression of malondialdehyde (MDA) and p47phox, indicating that C3G alleviated ethanol-induced oxidative stress. These results provide important insight into the therapeutic potential of C3G.

Retinoic acid activates monoamine oxidase B promoter in human neuronal cells.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) B deaminates a number of biogenic and dietary amines and plays an important role in many biological processes. Among hormonal regulations of MAO B, we have recently found that retinoic acid (RA) significantly activates both MAO B promoter activity and mRNA expression in a human neuroblastoma BE(2)C cell line. RA activates MAO B promoter in both concentration- and time-dependent manners, which is mediated through retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha) and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha). There are four retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) as identified in the MAO B 2-kb promoter, and mutation of the third RARE reduced RA-induced MAO B promoter activation by 50%, suggesting this element is important. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that RARalpha specifically binds to the third RARE both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, transient transfection and luciferase assays revealed that Sp1 enhances but not essentially required for the RA activation of MAO B through two clusters of Sp1-binding sites in the MAO B promoter. RARalpha physically interacts with Sp1 via zinc finger domains in Sp1 as determined by co-immunoprecipitation assay. Further, RARalpha was shown to be recruited by Sp1 and to form a transcriptional regulation complex with Sp1 in the Sp1-binding sites of natural MAO B promoter. Taken together, this study provides evidence for the first time showing the stimulating effect of RA on MAO B and new insight into the molecular mechanisms of MAO B regulation by hormones.

Pretilachlor Releasable Polyurea Microcapsules Suspension Optimization and Its Paddy Field Weeding Investigation.

In this study, pretilachlor was encapsulated into polyurea microcapsules prepared by water-initiated polymerization of polyaryl polymethylene isocyanate and eventually made into pretilachlor microcapsules suspension (PMS). We used response surface methodology (RSM) combined with the Box-Behnken design (BBD) model to optimize the formulation of PMS. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of PMS was investigated with respect to three independent variables including wall material dosage (X1), emulsifier dosage (X2), and polymerization stirring speed (X3). The results showed that the regression equation model had a satisfactory accuracy in predicting the EE of PMS. To achieve an optimal condition for PMS preparation, the dose of wall material was set to 5%, the dose of emulsifier was set to 3.5% and the polymerization stirring speed was set to 200 rpm. The EE of PMS was up to 95.68% under the optimized condition, and the spherical shape with smooth surface morphology was observed. PMS was also proven to have delayed release capability and in vivo herbicidal activity against barnyard grass [Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv.] with an LC50 value of 274 mg/L. Furthermore, PMS had efficient weed management compared to commercially available 30% pretilachlor emulsifier (PE), showing a promising potential application for weeding paddy fields.

The discovery of HNPC-A3066: a novel strobilurin acaricide.

BACKGROUND: Although more than ten strobilurin analogues have been commercialized since 1996 as fungicides, only one was available as an acaricide as of 2003. To search for novel strobilurin analogues with unique biological activities, a synthetic screening programme was carried out. RESULTS: Syntheses of compounds analogous to the commercialized fungicide metominostrobin and the acaricide fluacrypyrim led to the discovery of a lead compound, (E)-2-[2-[[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]methyl]phenyl]-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methylacetamide (3b), that showed moderate acaricidal activity against Tetranychus urticae Koch. Compound 3b has a 3,5-(CF(3))(2)-phenoxymethyl group instead of the unsubstituted phenoxy substituent in metominostrobin. Optimization of compound 3b was achieved by introducing an oxime ether bridge along with an alkylthio(alkyl) branch in place of the oxymethylene chain between two aromatic moieties, as well as by replacing the methoxyiminoacetamide group with a methoxyacrylate structure, leading to (E)- methyl 2-[2-[[[(Z)[1-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2-methylthioethylidene]amino]oxy] methyl]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate (6c) and (E)- methyl 2-[2-[[[(Z)[1-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1-methylthiomethylidene]amino]oxy]methyl]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate (9a, HNPC-A3066). CONCLUSION: The above two compounds (6c, 9a) were shown to exhibit potent acaricidal and fungicidal activity. Compound 9a (HNPC-A3066) also exhibits larvicidal and ovicidal activities against various acarids. The acaricidal potency is comparable with those of commercial acaricides such as fluacrypyrim, tebufenpyrad and chlorfenapyr.

The VNTR 2 repeat in MAOA and delinquent behavior in adolescence and young adulthood: associations and MAOA promoter activity.

Genetic studies of delinquent and criminal behavior are rare in spite of the wide recognition that individuals may differ in their propensity for delinquency and criminality. Using 2524 participants in Add Health in the United States, the present study demonstrates a link between the rare 2 repeat of the 30-bp VNTR in the MAOA gene and much higher levels of self-reported serious and violent delinquency. The evidence is based on a statistical association analysis and a functional analysis of MAOA promoter activity using two human brain-derived cell lines: neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and human glioblastoma 1242-MG. The association analysis shows that men with a 2R report a level of serious delinquency and violent delinquency in adolescence and young adulthood that were about twice (CI: (0.21, 3.24), P=0.025; and CI: (0.37, 2.5), P=0.008 for serious and violent delinquency, respectively) as high as those for participants with the other variants. The results for women are similar, but weaker. In the functional analysis, the 2 repeat exhibits much lower levels of promoter activity than the 3 or 4 repeat.

Synthesis and insecticidal evaluation of novel N'-tert-butyl-N'-substitutedbenzoyl-N-5-chloro-6-chromanecarbohydrazide derivatives.

A series of novel N'-tert-butyl- N'-substitutedbenzoyl-N-5-chloro-6-chromanecarbohydrazide derivatives were synthesized, and their larvicidal activities against Oriental armyworm were evaluated. The results of bioassays indicated that most of these title compounds exhibit higher larvicidal activities than RH-5849, and several of them somewhat lower than the commercial insecticide tebufenozide. The larvicidal activities are strongly associated with the types and patterns of substitution on the benzene, and 3,5-dimethyl, 2-nitro-4-chloro and 3-methyl derivatives are most prominent in increasing activity. Toxicity assays indicated that these derivatives could induce a premature, abnormal, and lethal larval moult.

Remediation of organochlorine pesticides contaminated lake sediment using activated carbon and carbon nanotubes.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediment were a potential damage for humans and ecosystems. The aim of this work was to determine the effectiveness of carbon materials remedy hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in sediment. Two different carbon materials including activated carbon (AC) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used in the present research. Sediment treated with 2 wt% AC and MWCNTs after 150 d contact showed 97%, and 75% reduction for HCH, and 93% and 59% decrease for DDTs in aqueous equilibrium concentration, respectively. Similarly, the reduction efficiencies of DDT and HCH uptake by semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) treated with AC (MWCNTs) were 97% (75%) and 92% (63%), respectively under the identical conditions. Furthermore, for 2 wt% AC (MWCNTs) system, a reduction of XAD beads uptake up to 87% (52%) and 73% (67%) was obtained in HCH and DDT flux to overlying water in quiescent system. Adding MWCNTs to contaminated sediment did not significantly decrease aqueous equilibrium concentration and DDTs and HCH availability in SPMDs compared to AC treatment. A series of results indicated that AC had significantly higher remediation efficiency towards HCH and DDTs in sediment than MWCNTs. Additionally, the removal efficiencies of two organic pollutants improved with increasing material doses and contact times. The greater effectiveness of AC was attributed to its greater specific surface area, which was favorable for binding contaminants. These results highlighted the potential for using AC as in-situ sorbent amendments for sediment remediation.