Solid-Phase Extraction of Sulfur Mustard Metabolites Using an Activated Carbon Fiber Sorbent.

A novel solid-phase extraction method using activated carbon fiber (ACF) was developed and validated. ACF has a vast network of pores of varying sizes and microporous structures that result in rapid adsorption and selective extraction of sulfur mustard metabolites according to the pH of eluting solvents. ACF could not only selectively extract thiodiglycol and 1-methylsulfinyl-2-[2-(methylthio)-ethylsulfonyl]ethane eluting a 9:1 ratio of dichloromethane to acetone, and 1,1'-sulfonylbis[2-(methylsulfinyl)ethane] and 1,1'-sulfonylbis- [2-S-(N-acetylcysteinyl)ethane] eluting 3% hydrogen chloride in methanol, but could also eliminate most interference without loss of analytes during the loading and washing steps.

Obesity resistance and increased energy expenditure by white adipose tissue browning in Oga(+/-) mice.

Aims/hypothesis: O-GlcNAcylation plays a role as a metabolic sensor regulating cellular signalling, transcription and metabolism. Transcription factors and signalling pathways related to metabolism are modulated by N-acetyl-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification. Aberrant regulation of O-GlcNAcylation is closely linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Enhancement of the Power Conversion Efficiency in the Inverted Organic Solar Cells Fabricated Utilizing a CeO2 Interlayer Between the Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-Phenyl C6 Butyric Acid Methyl Ester and the Cathode.

CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by using a precipitation method. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, X-ray diffraction patterns, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra, and UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy spectra showed that the formed samples were CeO2 polycrystalline nanoparticles. Inverted organic solar cells with a structure of indium-tin-oxide/CeO2/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/MoO3/Ag were fabricated.

O-GlcNAc cycling enzymes control vascular development of the placenta by modulating the levels of HIF-1α.

Introduction: Placental vasculogenesis is essential for fetal growth and development, and is affected profoundly by oxygen tension (hypoxia). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is stabilized at the protein level in response to hypoxia, is essential for vascular morphogenesis in the placenta. Many studies suggested that responses to hypoxia is influenced by O-GlcNAcylation.

Strong Photocurrent Amplification in Perovskite Solar Cells with a Porous TiO2 Blocking Layer under Reverse Bias.

We investigate two different types of TiO2 blocking layer (BL) deposition techniques commonly used in solid-state methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite (MaPbI3)-based solar cells. Although these BLs lead to similar photovoltaic device performance, their structure and blocking capability is actually very different. In one case, the "blocking" layer is porous, allowing an intimate contact of the perovskite with the fluorine-doped tin-dioxide (FTO)-covered glass substrate serving as transparent electron collector.

Pelvic Castleman's disease presenting as an adnexal tumor in a young woman.

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare benign disorder of unknown etiology characterized by proliferation of lymphoid tissues. Seventy percent of this tumor occurs in the mediastinum and it is seldom found in neck, pancreas or pelvis. We report a case of asymptomatic pelvic CD initially presenting as an adnexal tumor in a 27-year-old woman.

Semicircular Horizontal Approach in Breast Reduction: Clinical Experience in 38 Cases.

Background: Various techniques are used for performing breast reduction. Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques are the most commonly employed approaches. However, a vertical scar in the mid-lower breast is prominent and aesthetically less pleasant.

Comparison of Needle Insertion and Guidewire Placement Techniques During Internal Jugular Vein Catheterization: The Thin-Wall Introducer Needle Technique Versus the Cannula-Over-Needle Technique.

Objectives: For needle insertion and guidewire placement during central venous catheterization, a thin-wall introducer needle technique and a cannula-over-needle technique have been used. This study compared these two techniques regarding the success rates and complications during internal jugular vein catheterization.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Changes in puffing behavior among smokers who switched from tobacco to electronic cigarettes.

Introduction: Nicotine intake from electronic cigarette (e-cigarettes) increases with user's experience. This suggests that smokers who switched from tobacco to electronic cigarettes compensate for nicotine over time to get as much nicotine as they need. One of the mechanisms by which smokers may compensate for nicotine is by modifying their puffing behavior.

Elevated O-GlcNAcylation promotes colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis by modulating NF-κB signaling.

O-GlcNAcylation is a reversible post-translational modification. O-GlcNAc addition and removal is catalyzed by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), respectively. More recent evidence indicates that regulation of O-GlcNAcylation is important for inflammatory diseases and tumorigenesis.

Subglutinol A, an immunosuppressive α-pyrone diterpenoid from Fusarium subglutinans, acts as an estrogen receptor antagonist.

Subglutinol A is an immunosuppressive α-pyrone diterpenoid isolated from Fusarium subglutinans that exhibits osteogenic activity. Several non-steroid mycotoxins isolated from various strains of Fusarium fungi exhibit female steroid hormone activities. In this study, we characterized the estrogenic activity of subglutinol A (1).

EEG Source Imaging in Partial Epilepsy in Comparison with Presurgical Evaluation and Magnetoencephalography.

Background And Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) scalp EEG source imaging (ESI) in partial epilepsy in comparison with the results of presurgical evaluation, magnetoencephalography (MEG), and electrocorticography (ECoG).

Methods: The epilepsy syndrome of 27 partial epilepsy patients was determined by presurgical evaluations. EEG recordings were made using 70 scalp electrodes, and the 3D coordinates of the electrodes were digitized.

Nicotine levels in electronic cigarette refill solutions: A comparative analysis of products from the U.S., Korea, and Poland.

Background: Electronic cigarettes vaporize nicotine dissolved in glycerine and/or propylene glycol (e-liquid). Due to a lack of regulations, e-liquids may contain inaccurately labelled nicotine levels. Our aim was to test nicotine levels in samples of e-liquids from three countries.

Genes involved in nutrient competition by Pseudomonas putida JBC17 to suppress green mold in postharvest satsuma mandarin.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying biocontrol activity in biocontrol agents is indispensable to implement biological control. However, the understanding of specific mechanisms for nutrient competition in nutrient limited environments is still limited. This study was performed to control green mold of postharvest satsuma mandarin (mandarin) using Pseudomonas putida JBC17 (JBC17), and identify the genes involved in nutrient competition.

Acute toxicity comparison of single-walled carbon nanotubes in various freshwater organisms.

While the commercialization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is rapidly expanding, the environmental impact of this nanomaterial is not well understood. Therefore, the present study evaluates the acute aquatic toxicity of SWCNTs towards two freshwater microalgae (Raphidocelis subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris), a microcrustacean (Daphnia magna), and a fish (Oryzias latipes) based on OECD test guidelines (201, 202, and 203). According to the results, the SWCNTs inhibited the growth of the algae R.

Green and Red Light Reduces the Disease Severity by Pseudomonas cichorii JBC1 in Tomato Plants via Upregulation of Defense-Related Gene Expression.

Light influences many physiological processes in most organisms. To investigate the influence of light on plant and pathogen interaction, we challenged tomato seedlings with Pseudomonas cichorii JBC1 by flood inoculation and incubated the seedlings under different light conditions. Tomato seedlings exposed to green or red light showed a significant reduction in disease incidence compared with those grown under white light or dark conditions.

Effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on central arterial stiffness and gait velocity in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis.

Objective: The effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on central arterial stiffness and gait velocity in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were investigated.

Design: Twenty-six patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were randomly assigned to either the combined aerobic and resistance exercise group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 12). The exercise intervention group received a combined aerobic and resistance exercise training (1 hr/day, three times/week for 16 wks), whereas the control group received usual care.

Comparison of incidence of intravascular injections during transforaminal epidural steroid injection using different needle types.

Background: Infrequent but serious complications of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) occur due to inadvertent intravascular injections. A few studies reported that the different needle types can influence on the occurrences of intravascular incidence in TFESI. This study prospectively evaluated whether short-bevel needle can reduce the incidences of intravascular injection of TFESI compared to long-bevel needles.

Effects of Acute Active Video Games on Endothelial Function Following a High-Fat Meal in Overweight Adolescents.

Background: We tested the hypothesis that an active video game following a high-fat meal would partially prevent the unfavorable effect of a high-fat meal on vascular function in overweight adolescents.

Methods: Twenty-four overweight adolescents were randomized to either a 60-minute active video game (AVG) group (n = 12) or seated rest (SR) as a control group (n = 12) after a high-fat meal. Blood parameters were measured, and vascular function was measured using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline and 3 hours after a high-fat meal.

An effector gene hopA1 influences on virulence, host specificity, and lifestyles of Pseudomonas cichorii JBC1.

Pseudomonas cichorii is a devastating pathogen which infects a wide range of ornamental as well as agricultural crops worldwide. Characterization of virulence genes helps to understand pathogens' infection processes, which may lead to development of resistant crops. For functional validation of novel genes, we re-constructed pUCP18 vector with λ phage red operon and sacB gene (pUCP18_RedS), which simplified conventional marker exchange system.

Mutations in the primary sigma factor σA and termination factor rho that reduce susceptibility to cell wall antibiotics.

Combinations of glycopeptides and β-lactams exert synergistic antibacterial activity, but the evolutionary mechanisms driving resistance to both antibiotics remain largely unexplored. By repeated subculturing with increasing vancomycin (VAN) and cefuroxime (CEF) concentrations, we isolated an evolved strain of the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis with reduced susceptibility to both antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing revealed point mutations in genes encoding the major σ factor of RNA polymerase (sigA), a cell shape-determining protein (mreB), and the ρ termination factor (rho).

Efficient perovskite solar cells with 13.63 % efficiency based on planar triphenylamine hole conductors.

A new type of hole transporting material (HTMs) with an incorporated planar amine or triphenylamine as a core unit have been prepared. The two amine derivatives were demonstrated to be efficient hole transporting materials in fabricating solid-state organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. Perovskite-based solar cells with a planar amine derivative gave a short circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 20.

DJ-1 contributes to adipogenesis and obesity-induced inflammation.

Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, and the development of systemic inflammation in adipose tissue is closely associated with metabolic diseases, such as obesity and insulin resistance. Accordingly, the fine regulation of the inflammatory response caused by obesity has therapeutic potential for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we analyzed the role of DJ-1 (PARK7) in adipogenesis and inflammation related to obesity in vitro and in vivo.

Non-muscle myosin II regulates neuronal actin dynamics by interacting with guanine nucleotide exchange factors.

Background: Non-muscle myosin II (NM II) regulates a wide range of cellular functions, including neuronal differentiation, which requires precise spatio-temporal activation of Rho GTPases. The molecular mechanism underlying the NM II-mediated activation of Rho GTPases is poorly understood. The present study explored the possibility that NM II regulates neuronal differentiation, particularly morphological changes in growth cones and the distal axon, through guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) of the Dbl family.

Diversity of bacteriophages infecting Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in paddy fields and its potential to control bacterial leaf blight of rice.

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a very serious disease in rice-growing regions of the world. In spite of their economic importance, there are no effective ways of protecting rice plants from this disease.