A selective N,N-dithenoyl-rhodamine based fluorescent probe for Fe3+ detection in aqueous and living cells.

A novel N,N-dithenoyl-rhodamine based fluorescent and colorimetric Fe3+ probe 1 was designed and synthesized by only one step from Rhodamine B hydrazide and 2-thiophenecarbonyl chloride. The structure of probe 1 was characterized by 1H NMR/13C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and HRMS spectrometry. Accompanying with significant changes in visual color and fluorescent spectrum, probe 1 displayed good sensitivity for Fe3+ with an abroad pH span. The detection limit (3.76 µmol/L, 0.2 mg/L) for Fe3+ was lower than WHO recommended value (0.3 mg/L) for drinking water. Using two thiophene carbonyl groups as coordinating functional recognition group, probe 1 showed excellent selectivity towards Fe3+ over diverse coexistent metal ions and anions. The sensing mechanism between dithenoyl-substituted probe 1 and Fe3+ was further confirmed by 1H NMR and IR titration experiments, binding constants study, and Job's plot analysis. Furthermore, probe 1 also exhibited good cell membrane permeability and could be used as an efficient Fe3+ probe in living human cells.

Exposure to HBCD promotes adipogenesis both in vitro and in vivo by interfering with Wnt6 expression.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant, and a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. However, effects and mechanisms underlying HBCD and the development of obesity remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of HBCD on adipogenesis. Our results firstly disclosed that both murine 3T3-L1 and human HPA-V preadipocyte exposed to HBCD displayed markedly enhanced adipogenesis, manifesting with increase of triglyceride accumulation and expression of adipogenic marker genes. HBCD was further identified to play roles mainly during early-stage adipogenesis and increased expression of Pparγ, a key adipogenic regulator. Interestingly, HBCD didn't affect early key event mitotic clonal expansion (MCE), expression and activation of early pivotal factor C/EBPß. In virtue of RNA sequencing, HBCD was further demonstrated to specially block Wnt6 gene expression and inhibited the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway at an early stage of adipogenesis. Consistent with cellular finding, C57BL/6 male mice chronically exposed to HBCD exhibited specially increased epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) weight gain, elevated expression of master adipogenic genes and down-regulated expression of Wnt6 in eWAT. Taking together, our findings firstly revealed that HBCD promotes adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo by specifically inhibiting Wnt6 expression, presumably connecting exposure of HBCD to the development of obesity.

[Effects of jingtian tongmai recipe on atherosclerotic plaque in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inhibiting effects of Jingtian Tongmai Recipe (JTTMR) in different dosages on atherosclerotic plaque using the arteriosclerosis rabbit model induced by high cholesterol diet supplemented with immunological injury. METHODS: Fifty-four healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into six groups: the normal control group, the model group, the Xuezhikang (XZK) treated group and the three JTTMR treated groups treated respectively with low (1.29 g/kg/day), medium (2.57 g/kg/day) and high (5.14 g/kg/day) dosage of JTTMR. Indexes including serum lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), and area ratio of aortic plaque/intima (PIR), and intima-media thickness ratio (IMT) were examined. RESULTS: Comparison of blood lipids showed that serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were higher significantly in the model group than in the normal group (P<0.05); TC and LDL-C were lower in the XZK group and the JTTMR groups than in the model group (P<0.05); and these indexes were significantly lower in the medium dose JTTMR group than those in the low and high dose JTTMR groups (P<0.05); while no significant difference of TG between the model group, the JTTMR groups and the XZK group were observed (P>0.05). As for level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), that in the XZK group and high dose JTTMR group was higher than that in the other 4 groups (P<0.05). Comparison of CRP showed that it was higher in the model group than in the normal group (P<0.05), while the difference among the other 4 groups was insignificant (P>0.05). No plaque and increase of intima/media thickness was found in the normal group; either PIR or IMT were lesser in the JTTMR groups than those in the model group (P<0.05), and comparison among the three JTTMR groups showed those in the medium dose group was the least (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: JTTMR has arteriosclerosis inhibiting effect, which might be realized through its anti-inflammatory and lipids regulating actions, but the effects are not dose-dependent. The optimal effect is showed by using medium dose of JTTMR, equivalent to the dose used for human adult.

[Comparative study on the acute toxicity of pulmonary caused by nanosized and microsized powders of silicon dioxide].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the acute pulmonary toxicities of nanosized and microsized silicon dioxide particles. METHODS: All 125 healthy male Wistar rats were divided into 25 groups randomly according to the weight. Experimental animals were exposed to microsized SiO2 at the doses of 100 mg/m3 (group A) and 300 mg/m3 (group B), and to the nanosized SiO2 at the same dose levels (group A' and B') by inhalation for 2 hours. Compositions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) and contents of hydroxyproline in blood sera and lung tissues were detected and then compared at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours after administration. RESULTS: The total cellular score (TCS) in BALF of group A'[(55.00 +/- 8.30) x 10(4)/ ml] and B'[(52.50 +/- 9.02) x 10(4)/ml] at 6 hours were significantly higher than those in control groups [(34.88 +/- 12.53) x 10(4)/ml]; TCS in BALF of group A' [(55.00 +/- 8.30) x 10(4)/ml]at 6 hours and group A' [(39.75 +/- 12.08) x 10(4)/ml] at 24 hours were significantly higher than those in isodose group of microsized SiO2 [(32.38 +/- 13.07) x 10(4)/ml, (24.13 +/- 10.97) x 10(4)/ml) ]; total protein (TPr) in BALF of group A' [(0.34 +/- 0.09)g/L] and B' [(0.38 +/- 0.16) g/L] at 48 hours were significantly higher than those in isodose group of microsized SiO2 [(0.20 +/- 0.07) g/L, (0.21 +/- 0.05) g/L]. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF of group A' [(1.66 +/- 0.22) x 10(3) U/L] at 72 hours were significantly higher than those in isodose group of microsized SiO2 [(1.38 +/- 0.17) x 10(3) U/L]. Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in BALF of group B' [(5.14 +/- 1.47) U/100 ml] at 6 hours and group B' [(5.86 +/- 2.41) U/100 ml] at 24 hours were significantly higher than those in isodose group of microsized SiO2 [(3.64 +/- 0.36) U/100 ml, (3.30 +/- 2.19) U/100 ml]. Hydroxyproline (HyP) in tissues of lung of group A' [(0.532 +/- 0.053) microg/mg, (0.484 +/- 0.046) microg/mg, (0.591 +/- 0.096) microg/mg, (0.551 +/- 0.084) microg/mg] at 6, 12, 48, 72 hours and group B' [(0.508 +/- 0.081) microg/mg, (0.565 +/- 0.053) microg/mg ] at 12, 72 hours were significantly higher than those in isodose group of microsized SiO2 [(0.345 +/- 0.074) microg/mg, (0.368 +/- 0.095) microg/mg, (0.431 +/- 0.036) microg/mg, (0.399 +/- 0.080) microg/mg, (0.396 +/- 0.039) microg/mg, (0.465 +/- 0.062) microg/mg]. CONCLUSION: Nanosized and microsized SiO2 should have some differences on acute pulmonary toxicities in our experiment condition.

[Comparative study of the effect on oxidative damage in rats inhaled by nano-sized and micro-sized silicon dioxide].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the changes of oxidative damage in rats inhaled by nano-sized and micro-sized silicon dioxide. METHODS: 36 male rats were randomly divided into two control groups and four experimental groups which was inhaled by nano-sized and micro-sized silicon dioxide respectively at the concentration of 300 mg/m3 for 2 hours and the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px and the contents of H2O2, GSH and MDA of the liver, kidney, brain were determinated 24h and 48h after inhalation. RESULTS: The contents of H2O2 in all organs in nano-sized groups increased significantly while increased in micro-size groups only in liver and kidney at 24h and in brain at 48h. On the contrary, the activities of CAT in nano-sized group were lower than those in micro-sized group. Superoxide anion contents increased only in the brain of nano-sized group. The activities of SOD decreased significantly in nano-sized groups in kidney at 24h and brain but not in micro-sized groups. The content of GSH decreased only in liver at 24h. The activities of GSH-PX decreased significantly in nano-sized compared with control group and were lower significantly in brain than those in micro-sized group. The contents of MDA increased in all nano-sized groups but only in liver and brain in micro-sized group. The total anti-oxygen activities decreased in all nano-sized groups, but only in kidney at 24h and brain in micro-sized group, especially more significantly in brain at 48h in nano-sized than micro-sized group. While the activity in kidney in nano-sized group increased at 48h comparing to at 24h. CONCLUSION: Nano-sized silicon dioxide could induce oxidative damage more easily than micro-sized silicon dioxide. Through comparing different interval, it was found that the degree of oxidative damage at 48h after inhalation inferior to that at 24h after inhalation, which could be associated with the repair of the body against the oxidative damage.

Suffering a Loss Is Good Fortune: Myth or Reality?

We sometimes decide to take an offered option that results in apparent loss (e.g., unpaid overtime). Mainstream decision theory does not predict or explain this as a choice we want to make, whereas such a choice has long been described and highly regarded by the traditional Chinese dogma "" (suffering a loss is good fortune). To explore what makes the dogma work, we developed a celebrity anecdote-based scale to measure "Chikui" (suffering a loss) likelihood and found that:(i) people with higher scores on the Chikui Likelihood Scale (CLS) were more likely to report higher scores on subjective well-being and the Socioeconomic Index for the present and (ii) the current Socioeconomic Index could be positively predicted not only by current CLS scores but also by retrospective CLS scores recalled for the past, and the predictive effect was enhanced with increasing time intervals. Our findings suggest that "suffering a loss is good fortune" is not a myth but a certain reality.

[Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate on Glu, PKC and PKA activities in mouse brain].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on contents of glutamate and activity of protein kinase C (PKC) and A (PKA) and ultrastructure injury in the brain of male mice and to explore the mechanism of neurotoxicity and patho-alteration resulted from PFOS. METHODS: 44 male mice were randomly divided into four groups, who were respectively orally given 0, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg PFOS for 10 days. The Glu consents in the brain of the mice was measured with spectrophotometer and protein kinases activity were measured with non-radioactive assay of protein kinase and the changes of cerebral cortex ultrastructure were observed. RESULTS: Contents of Glu in 10 and 20 mg/kg groups were (1.57 +/- 0.11) and (1.62 +/- 0.16) mmol/g prot respectively,which was significantly increased compared with the corresponding controlled group [(1.45 +/- 0.13) mmol/g prot] (F = 39.59, P < 0.05). PKC activity in 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW groups were (29.05 +/- 2.89), (33.65 +/- 3.82) and (34.20 +/- 3.16) pmol x min(-1) x (mg prot)-1 respectively, which was significantly increased compared with the corresponding control group [(24.53 +/- 2.88) pmol x min(-1) x (mg prot)-1] (F = 7.75, P < 0.05). Compared with the corresponding control group, PKA in 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW groups increased by (24.12 +/- 3.86)%, (34.02 +/- 3.04)% and (33.42 +/- 3.71)% with a statistical significance (F = 26.27, P < 0.01). The exposed mice had cerebral cortex ultrastructure injury of cell nucleus envelope hollow. CONCLUSION: Exposure to PFOS increases Glu contents and activity of PKC and PKA in mouse brain and induce the cerebral cortex ultrastructural injury, a possible mechanism of the neurotoxicity caused by PFOS.

[Comparative study of effects of nanosized and microsized silicon dioxide dust on mouse embryos].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of mouse embryonic toxicity between nanosized and microsized dioxide silicon, and detect the point mutation of Cx32 and Cx40 genes after the interference with nm-SiO2 and microm-SiO2 on pregnant mice. METHODS: Twenty-five male mice in 5 groups (control, microm-SiO2 50mg/m3, microm-SiO2 200mg/m3, nm-SiO2 50mg/m3, nm-SiO2 200mg/m3 groups) were treated through respiration from E0 to E17, study pregnant mice weights change trend, take out the embryos on E18, observe embryonic development circumstance and detect the point mutation of Cx32 and Cx40 genes with general PCR, PCR-SSCP methods. RESULTS: Pregnant mice weights in all interfered groups were lower than that in control group on E18. Embryo numbers, living embryo numbers and embryo weights in all experimental groups had decreased in contrast with control. Living embryo numbers in nm-SiO2 200mg/m3 group had lessened comparing with nm-SiO2 50 mg/m3 and microm-SiO2 200mg/m3 groups. Embryo weights in nm-SiO2 200mg/m3 group reduced as compared with microm-SiO2 200mg/m3 group. Dead fetus frequency and absorbed fetus frequency in nm-SiO2 200mg/m3 group was higher statistically than control. Cx32 and Cx40 genes hadn't been found any point mutation. CONCLUSION: Dioxide silicon had embryonic toxic effects on mouse, which was severe with nanosized diameter Nanosized dioxide silicon was also wondered to have embryonic mortality toxicity impact on mouse. There was no found point mutation toxicity on Cx32 and Cx40 genes for the two kind of researched material.

The hidden opportunity cost of time effect on intertemporal choice.

An interesting phenomenon called "hidden opportunity cost of time effect" was detected in intertemporal choices. The majority of our participants preferred the smaller but sooner (SS) option to the larger but later (LL) option if opportunity cost was explicit. However, a higher proportion of participants preferred the LL to SS option if opportunity cost was hidden. This shift violates the invariance principle and opens a new way to encourage future-oriented behavior. By simply mentioning the "obvious" opportunity cost of alternatives, decision makers can be more informed in prioritizing their long-term goals rather than short-term goals.

[Cochlear implantation with pericanal electrode insertion technique].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical technique of the pericanal electrode insertion technique for ies cochlear implantation. METHOD: Forty cases of sensorineural deafness were subjected to the ies cochlear implants. Cochleostomy was performed through the external auditory canal with a microdrill anterior to the round window. The electrode impedance and electrically auditory brainstem responses(EABR) were tested during the operation. The X-ray photographs were taken after the operation. The cochlear implant was activated in all 40 cases 4 weeks following surgery. RESULT: All of the electrodes were inserted and all of the implants worked well. No electrode extrusions or serious surgical complications happened during postoperative observation for 6 months. CONCLUSION: The pericanal electrode insertion technique is a safe approach for ies cochlear implantation.

[Analysis of abnormality of the middle ear in infant and young children].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the diagnosis of middle ear abnormality in infants and young children. METHODS: To analyze retrospectively the data of audiology (including ABR, tympanometry) and CT scanning in 31 infants and young children who presented middle ear abnormality. RESULTS: Wave I latencies of ABR were delayed in 38 of 62 ears and not delayed in 15 ears, but CT scanning showed high density in 6 ears of these 15 ears. Wave I could not be elicited in 9 ears. Tympanometries were tested in 16 cases and were abnormal in 17 ears. CT scanning was carried out in 15 cases who's ABR and tympanometries showed abnormal. High signal intensity was present in mastoids and middle ear cavities in both ears of 12 cases and unilateral ear of 3 cases. Wave I latency of ABR was delayed and High signal intensity was present in mastoids and middle ear cavities in CT scanning of 13 ears. Wave I latency of ABR was normal, but high signal intensity was present in mastoids and middle ear cavities in CT scanning of 4 ears, there was no any ear which Wave I latency was delayed but CT scanning was normal. And disaccord among ABR, Tympanometry and CT scanning were showed. A typical case was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The most abnormality of the middle ear could be found used the tympanometry and I latency of ABR in infant and young children, but still there were some abnormality of the middle ear could not be showed. Some quandaries were existed and more sensitivity tests were needed in the diagnosis of abnormality in middle ears of infant and young children.

[Adjuvant treatment of anisodamine to acute serous otitis media].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adjuvant treatment of anisodamine to acute serous otitis media. METHOD: Sixty-one acute otitis media patients were divided randomly into two groups. Group A with 30 patients were treated with 1% ephedrine nosedrop, antibiotic and antihistamine. Group B with 30 patients were treated with 1% ephedrine nose drops, antibiotic, antihistamine and anisodamine. They took anisodamine 10 mg twice a day. Then the treating efficiency of group A was compared with that of group B in 5 days and 10 days respectively. RESULT: The symptoms including hearing loss, tinnitus, hydrotympanum and eustachian tube function of group B recover more guickly than that of group A. CONCLUSION: Anisodamine adjuvant treatment of acute serous otitis media by improving the function of eustachian tube and microcirculation.

[Study on distortion product otoacoustic emissions and expanded high frequency audiometry in noise exposure workers].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relationship of distortion product otoacoustic emissions(DPOAE), conventional pure tone audiometry and expanded high frequency audiometry, and discuss the originated mechanism of DPOAE and value in early diagnosis and detection noise-induced deafness. METHOD: DPOAE, conventional pure tone audiometry and expanded high frequency audiometry were performed in 42 young adults with normal hearing of control group and 20 noise exposure workers of test group. DPOAE amplitudes, conventional pure tone hearing thresholds and expanded high frequency hearing thresholds were compared. RESULT: In noise exposure workers against young adults with normal hearing, the pure tone hearing thresholds at 6.0 kHz and expanded high frequency area declined significantly(P < 0.05), DPOAE amplitudes at frequency from 4.0 to 6.0 kHz and 11.2 kHz declined significantly too(P < 0.05), but there existed no significantly difference at frequency from 12.5 to 16.0 kHz between the two groups(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DPOAE is potential implement to early diagnose and detect noise-induced deafness. It seems likely that the origination of DPOAE not limited to the outer hair cell in corresponding cochlear area. The originated area and mechanism of DPOAE should be solved by further studies.

[Effects of nonnutritive sucking on gastric emptying and gastroesophageal reflux in premature infants].

OBJECTIVE: Although nonnutritive sucking (NNS) during tube feeding has some benefits on the physiology and development of premature infants, the effect on gastrointestinal function remains controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of NNS on the gastric emptying and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in premature infants. METHODS: Thirty eight healthy appropriate-for-gestational-age premature infants (birth weight ranged from 1050 g to 1790 g, gestational age ranged from 28 weeks to 35 weeks) accepting intermittent nasogastric feeding (INGF) were randomized into NNS group and N-NNS group according to INGF with and without NNS and fed with the same milk formula. Group NNS (n = 18) received oral stimulation by means of a pacifier immediately before feeding, during feeding and then after feeding for 5 min. Group N-NNS (n = 20) served as control and received INGF alone. The following data were collected and recorded, the fluid intake (including both intravenous and oral), milk intake, caloric intake, time of caloric intake reaching 418.4 kJ/(kg x d) by enteral feeding and relevant condition to feeding. Gastric emptying was measured when oral intake reaching above 8 ml/kg while concurrently measuring 24 hour esophageal pH. Real time ultrasonic images of the gastric antrum were obtained and the antral cross sectional area (ACSA) was measured and the half emptying time (50% DeltaACSA) was calculated. Using 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring for evaluation of GER, the five parameters of esophageal pH were recorded: number of reflux episodes during 24 hours, reflux index, number of episodes lasting > 5 min, the duration of longest episode and the total time of pH < 4.0. RESULTS: Within two weeks after feeding, there was no significant difference in the fluid intake, caloric intake between the two groups (P > 0.05). Gastric emptying was measured on day 13.26, milk intake had no difference between the two groups and there was no difference in prefeed ACSA. The half gastric emptying time in NNS group was significantly shorter than that in N-NNS group [(58.33 +/- 22.94) min vs. (73.75 +/- 17.76) min, P < 0.05]. Thirty-two of the 38 infants developed GER, the morbidity was 84.2%; the number of reflux episodes during 24 hours was significantly fewer in NNS group than that in N-NNS group [9 (2 - 31) vs. 14 (5 - 31), P < 0.05]; the total time pH < 4.0 and reflux index was lower in NNS than that in N-NNS, but the difference was not statistically significant. The time of reaching 418.4 kJ/(kg x d) by enteral feeding in NNS group was significantly shorter than that in N-NNS group [(12.36 +/- 4.29) d vs. (15.50 +/- 4.58) d, P < 0.05]. The incidence of feeding intolerance such as vomiting and abdominal distension was lower in NNS group than that in N-NNS group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the morbidity of gastric residue in NNS was significantly lower than that in N-NNS (16.7% vs 50.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NNS used during intermittent nasogastric tube feeding is an easy and safe intervention. NNS can improve gastric emptying and decrease the number of reflux episodes, has a positive improving effect on the development of gastrointestinal motility, is beneficial to premature infants for establishing postnatal enteral nutrition.

[Effects of intermittent nasogastric feeding with nonnutritive sucking on nutrient and gastrointestinal tract transit time in premature infants].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of nonnutritive sucking (NNS) on the nutrient intake, physical growth, feeding-related complications and whole gastrointestinal transit time (WGTT) in premature infants. METHODS: Thirty eight healthy appropriate for gestational age premature infants (birth weights ranged from 1 050 g to 1 790 g) accepting intermittent nasogastric feeding (INGF) were randomized into NNS group and N-NNS group according to INGF with and without NNS and fed with the same milk formula. The following data were collected and recorded, the physical growth parameters (e.g, body weight, length and head circumference) and the birth-weight regaining time, the fluid intake (including both intravenous and oral), caloric intake, time of reaching 418.4 kJ/(kg.d) by enteral feeding, time of putting nasogastric tube, stool frequency and characters, and relevant complications. WGTT were monitored. RESULTS: The birth-weight regaining time in NNS group was significantly shorter than that in N-NNS group [(8.8 +/- 3.7) d vs (11.1 +/- 3.0) d, P < 0.05]. Within two weeks after feeding, there was no significant difference in the increase of body weight, length and head circumference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The time of reaching 418.4 kJ/(kg.d) by enteral feeding in NNS group was significantly shorter than that in N-NNS group [(12.3 +/- 5.1) d vs (15.7 +/- 5.2) d, P < 0.05]; the times of putting nasogastric tube were respectively (13 +/- 10) d and (17 +/- 12) d, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The morbidity of such complications as vomiting and abdominal distension was lower in NNS group than that in N-NNS group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the morbidity of gastric residue in NNS was significantly lower than that in N-NNS (P < 0.05). WGTT of the second week in NNS group was significantly shorter than that in N-NNS [(33 +/- 13) h vs (45 +/- 20) h, P < 0.05]. Stool frequencies of the second week in NNS group were significantly more than those in N-NNS group [(2.26 +/- 0.17) times/d vs (1.79 +/- 0.58) times/d, P < 0.05]. However, there were no significantly differences in WGTT and stool frequencies of the first week between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: NNS was recommended as a beneficial intervention for premature infants during intermittent nasogastric tube feeding.