Formononetin Enhances Autophagy Flux in The Penumbra of Cerebral Ischemia and Improves Nerve Damage

Objective Formononetin(FOR),a traditional Chinese medicine,has been widely used for nerve protection and nerve function rehabilitation after cerebral stroke.However,the role of FOR in autophagic lysosome function in cerebral ischemiareperfusion damage has not been investigated.This study aimed to explore whether the therapeutic benefits of FOR were influenced by the regulation of autophagy flux.Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into sham,model,and MCAO+FOR(30 mg/kg)groups after undergoing middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)and ischemia-reperfusion(I/R).Then,the brain tissues in the ischemic penumbra were obtained to detect the proteins in autophagic/lysosomal pathway with antibodies of Beclin-1,LC3,SQSTM1/P62,Ubiquitin,LAMP-2,Cathepsin B(CTSB)and Cathepsin D(CTSD)by Western blot and immunofluorescence,respectively.Meanwhile,the therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated by measuring infarct volume,neurological impairments,and neuronal necrosis.Results The findings of this study demonstrate that FOR treatment exhibits a dual effect by enhancing the autophagic activities of Beclin-1 and LC3 in neurons,while simultaneously improving the autophagic clearance function,as evidenced by reinforced lysosomal activities of LAMP-2,CTSB,and CTSD,as well as reduced autophagic accumulation of Ubiquitin and P62 in the MCAO+FOR group compared to the MCAO group.Additionally,7 d of FOR treatment dramatically reduced neurological deficits,infarct volume,and neuronal death caused by cerebral ischemia.Conclusion These findings suggest that the neuroprotective mechanism of FOR therapy in accelerating recovery from ischemic stroke may involve the increase of autophagy flux in the penumbra.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents in a southern province of Vietnam

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms among children and adolescents who have recovered from COVID-19.Methods:This study applied a cross-sectional approach within community settings in a southern province of Vietnam.A structured questionnaire featuring socio-demographic information and common long COVID symptoms was employed.Phi correlation coefficients assessed associations among pairs of long COVID symptoms.Additionally,multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the risk factors of long COVID in recovered COVID-19 children and adolescents.Results:Among 422 participants,39.3%reported long COVID symptoms,with a prevalence of 45.2%(SD=0.5)in children and 22.2%(SD=0.4)in adolescents.Common symptoms reported were cough 34.6%(SD=0.5),fatigue 20.6%(SD=0.4),shortness of breath 10.9%(SD=0.3),and lack of appetite 6.6%(SD=0.3).Concerning risk factors of long COVID,a higher risk was observed among demographic groups,including girls(OR 1.25,95%CI 1.15-1.37;P<0.001,reference:boys),children compared to adolescents(OR 1.24,95%CI 1.12-1.37;P<0.001),overweight individuals(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.02-1.27;P=0.018,reference:healthy weight),and participants without any COVID-19 vaccination(OR 1.36,95%CI 1.20-1.54;P<0.001),or have received only one single dose(OR 1.35,95%CI 1.10-1.64;P=0.004)compared to those who have received two doses.Besides,patients with a COVID-19 treatment duration exceeding two weeks also had a higher risk of long COVID(OR 1.32,95%CI 1.09-1.60;P=0.003)than those who recovered less than seven days.Conclusions:The insights from this study provide crucial guidance for predicting the factors associated with the occurrence of long COVID in pediatric patients,contributing to strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the long COVID risks among children and adolescents in Vietnam.

Assessement of Nutritional Status of Households Using Weighed Food Intake in North West Region of Cameroon

This study determined the nutritional status of households in North western region of Cameroon using weighed food intake. Twenty–two rural and 106 urban households were randomly selected for weighed food intake Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data and significance at p < 0.05 accepted. Corn fufu with huckleberry was the most frequently consumed meal with little or no animal-source protein. Protein and B group vitamins intake of respondents in both communities were below the FAO/WHO recommended values while energy, iron, and vitamins A and C were in excess for most age groups. Adolescents 10 - 19 years and adults 20 years and above failed to meet at least 85% of RNI for calcium.

Evaluation of Ear and Facial Indices of Ibibio and Efik Female Children of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria

Background: The ear and face are indispensable and distinctive features for hearing and identification. Objectives: This study was designed to generate anthropometric data of the ear and facial indices of females of Efik and Ibibio children in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, show morphological and aesthetic differences and ethnicity. Methods: A total of 600 female children (300 Efiks and 300 Ibibios) aged 2 to 10 years that met the inclusion criteria were chosen from selected primary schools in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South of Cross River State and from Uyo, Itu of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Standardized measurements of face length, face width, ear length, and ear width were taken with a spreading caliper;the facial (proscopic) and ear (auricular) indices were determined. Results: Efik subjects presented a mean face length of 8.36 ± 0.06 cm, face width of 11.04 ± 0.04 cm, ear length of 4.92 ± 0.02 cm, and ear width of 3.06 ± 0.01 cm. Ibibio subjects had mean values for face length, face width, ear length, and ear width as 8.17 ± 0.05 cm, 10.75 ± 0.05 cm, 4.77 ± 0.03 cm, and 2.94 ± 0.02 cm respectively. The mean facial index and ear index for Efik subjects were 75.68 ± 0.31 and 62.16 ± 0.27 respectively;while the mean facial and ear indices for Ibibio subjects were 74.79 ± 0.36 and 61.80 ± 0.34 respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in face length, ear length, ear width and facial index, with the Efik subjects having higher values than Ibibio subjects (p Conclusion: The results showed hypereuryproscopic face as the prevalent face type among females of both ethnic groups, therefore can be of importance in sex, ethnic, and racial differentiation, and in clinical practice, aesthetics and forensic medicine.

Antimicrobial Activities of Plant Extracts against Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated from Pediatric Patients at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Antibiotic-resistant genes have become a threat to synthetic or conventional medications and because of this much work has been done on using plants and plants part to treat disease caused by bacteria, Herbal medicine has served as effective treatment against various diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria and multi drug-resistant strains of bacteria which made it advantageous over synthetic medications. This study aimed to reveal the sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae from clinical isolate and perform antibacterial assay on the organism using plants leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Sida acuta, Newbouldia laevia and Mimosa pudica. Gram staining and various biochemical test were used for the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The plants leaves were aseptically washed, dried and ground into fine powder and diluted in varying concentration and agar well diffusion method was used to test for the antimicrobial properties of this plants on Streptococcus pneumoniae at various concentrations as follows 0.1 g/ml, 0.4 g/ml, 0.6 g/ml and 1 g/ml. The plants extract of Ocimum gratissimum showed a greater antibacterial effects on Streptococcus pneumoniae in high concentration more than other plant extracts while Sida acuta and Newbouldia laevia plant extract showed weak antibacterial properties to the organism. This proves that Ocimum gratissimum and Mimosa pudica leaves have good and strong antibacterial properties against Streptococcus pneumoniae than Sida acuta and Newbouldia laevia and can be used as antibacterial agent at adequate concentrations.

Genetic Disposition: Susceptibility of Human Blood Groups and Abo Analysis to Malaria and Typhoid Infections

Background: Malaria and typhoid have remained major infectious tropical diseases. Clinically, whenever there is severe malaria, cough is always an associating symptom owing to typhoid infection arising from poor hygiene in respect to drinking water and food. There is a strong association between human blood group and disease. Residual malaria transmission, effect of climate change on malaria vector composition, environmental management targeted at malaria breeding control as an intervention strategy are areas of interest to WHO in malaria control in Sub-saharan Africa. A body of data is been built on susceptibility of human blood groups to malaria, HIV and HBV and presently malaria and typhoid. If climate change warrants a change in composition of vectors and as well resistance to ACT therapy, the susceptibility or vulnerability of the human blood group is also called to question. The link between susceptibility of human blood group to malaria and typhoid has not been previously investigated. Purpose: The present study assesses the genetic disposition (susceptibility of human blood groups and abo analysis) to malaria and typhoid infections. Patients and Methods: One hundred (100) patients were screened for malaria and typhoid infections in a tertiary health facility—His glory hospital Lagos, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected by venu-puncture from 53 females and 47 males adults aged between 15 – 47 years, who were infected either singly or coinfected with malaria and typhoid. Microscopic detection of P. falciparum, widal serological technique for salmonella antibody presence and genotypic determination were all done using standard WHO methods. Human material or data were analyzed or performed in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki (2000). Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethic and research committee of the Ministry of Health via the Faculty of the Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar (Ethical Certificate number CRS/MOH/HRP/2023/396). Results: The results obtained expressed in percentage frequency show that genotype AA were more susceptible to typhoid and malaria infections compared to AS and SS, also blood group O was more susceptible to malaria and typhoid infection compared to blood groups A, AB and B, although, there is no significant difference between male and female gender, susceptibility to malaria infection, the female gender is more susceptible to typhoid than the male. The finding may be relevant to malaria susceptibility and genetics and thus provide baseline information on management of the scourge. Conclusion: We conclude that genotype AA and blood group 0+ are more susceptible to malaria and typhoid infection in humans.

Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Tuberculosis Patients Attending Hospital within Izzi-Abakaliki in Ebonyi State

The Antibiogram of the bacterial isolates from Tuberculosis (TB) patients attending hospitals within Izzi-Abakaliki was evaluated. The bacterial isolates were isolated and identified from the sputum samples according to microbiological principles while the antibiotics susceptibility test was done by disc diffusion method using Ofloxacin, Pefloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, Gentamycin, Streptomycin, Cephalosporin, Cotrimoxazole, Nalidixic acid and Ampicillin. Bacteria isolated include 5 E. coli (25%), 3 Streptococcus pyogenes (15%), 2 Streptococcus pneumoniae (10%), 1 Klebsiella spp. (5%), 3 Haemophilus influenza (15%), 2 Pseudomonas (10%), 3 Proteus spp. (15%), 1 Staphylococcus aureus (10%). The result of Antibiogram shows that E. coli was 100% resistant to Amoxicillin/clavulanate and cotrimoxazole, followed by Streptomycin (80%) and 100% susceptible to Pefloxacin with inhibition zone diameter of 18 mm and 18 mm for Ofloxacin (60%). S. pneumoniae and Klebsiella spp. were highly resistant to Amoxicillin/clavulanate (100%), Gentamycin (100%) and Ampicillin (100%) and 100% susceptible to Pefloxacin with inhibition zone 18 mm, Ciprofloxacin (17 mm). S. pyogenes was resistant to streptomycin and Ceporex, with 100% sensitivity to Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Pefloxacin. Pseudomonas spp. and S. aureus were both 100% resistant to all antibiotics except Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Pefloxacin respectively. Proteus spp. was susceptible to Pefloxacin (100%), Ofloxacin (66.7%) and Ciprofloxacin (66.7%) but highly resistant to Streptomycin (100%) and Ampicillin (100%). Haemophilus influenzae were susceptible to Ofloxacin (100%) and Pefloxacin (100%), with high resistance to Amoxicillin/clavulanate (100%) and Ceporex (100%). From the study, Ofloxacin and Pefloxacin are susceptible to all bacteria isolated and are recommended for treatment of the bacterial infection with TB patient.

Investigating the genetic diversity of several varieties of Iranian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers

Background:Numerous studies have demonstrated the existence of approximately 7,500 genetic tomato varieties worldwide.Hence,it is crucial to assess the genetic diversity among tomato cultivars.This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of selected Iranian tomato cultivars(Solanum lycopersicum)using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers.Method:Ten RAPD primers and ten ISSR primers were employed to assess the genetic diversity among 10 tomato cultivars:Matin,RFT 112,Hirad,Golsar,Raha,Hengam,Hedah,Fasa,JS12,and Emerald.Data analysis involved the UPGMA algorithm and NTYSYSpc software.Results:RAPD analysis revealed close genetic proximity between Fasa and JS12,as well as between Raha and Hadieh.Conversely,the RFT 112,Hengam,Hirad,and Emerald cultivars exhibited significant genetic diversity within this group.ISSR primer analysis identified Hengam as the most diverse variety,while Matin,Emerald,and Vibrid,as well as Raha and JS12,displayed genetic similarities with minimal observed diversity.Furthermore,the overall analysis of the cultivars using RAPD and ISSR markers indicated that Hengam exhibited the highest diversity among all the varieties.Notably,Raha and JS12 demonstrated limited diversity in this analysis.Conclusion:This research demonstrates substantial genetic diversity among the investigated tomato varieties,with Hengam displaying the highest diversity within this group.Furthermore,ISSR markers proved more effective in determining genetic diversity in tomato plants.

Incidence and Management of Early Postoperative Hypoxemia after Abdominal Surgery at Teaching Hospital

Background: Oxygen saturation refers to the quantity of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, that is to say the level of oxygen measurable in the red blood cells when they have passed through the lungs. The aim of this study was to describe the management of early postoperative hypoxemia after abdominal surgery at the Yaounde General Hospital (YGH). Method: This is a quantitative, observational study, with a descriptive aim, which took place in the anesthesiology department of the YGH, over a period of 2 months from August 1st to October 1st, 2023. The study included all the patients ≥18 years, of both sexes who had abdominal surgery under general anesthesia and were willing to participate during the time of data collection. The variables studied were the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors for oxygen desaturation, postoperative variations in SPO2 and therapeutic tools. Results: We collected 30 patients among whom 11 presented with early postoperative hypoxemia i.e. a frequency of 36.7%. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 63 years and the mean was 42.47 ± 13.5 years on average. The sex ratio was 0.5. Hysterectomy was the most commonly performed surgery (23.3%). The most common comorbidity was high blood pressure (30%). Half of the patients had midline incision. Supra-umbilical surgery predominated (56.7%), intraoperative blood loss ≥500 ml in 46.7% of cases. Upper abdominal surgery with, subcostal incision and blood loss ≥500 ml are statistically significant risk factors for the occurrence of early postoperative hypoxemia (P Conclusion: Hypoxemia is the result of impaired respiratory function favored by the conditions encountered during the early postoperative period.

Epidemiology of Mpox Outbreaks and Implications for Surveillance in Imo State, Nigeria

Mpox disease is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days while symptoms and signs may persist for 2 to 5 weeks. Although, the clinical features are usually less severe when compared to the deadly smallpox, the disease can be fatal with case fatality rate between 1% and 10%. In Imo State, Nigeria, there has been a changing epidemiology of the disease in the last 6 years and the frequency and geographic distribution of cases have progressively increased. This study aims to conduct a review of the disease epidemiology between 2017 and 2023 and implications for surveillance in Imo State. Surveillance data from the Surveillance Outbreak Response and Management System (SORMAS) was extracted between January 2017 and December 2023 across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State. A line list of 231 suspected cases was downloaded into an excel template and analyzed using SPSS® version 20 software. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and associations were tested using Fischer’s exact at 0.05 level of significance. Of the 231 suspected cases, 57.1% (132) were males, 42.9% (99) were females and the modal age group was between the ages of 0 - 4 (32.5%). Eight (8) LGAs (districts) accounted for 71% (n = 164) of all the suspected cases. 21.2% (49) were confirmed positive, 27 males (55.1%) and 22 females (44.9%) (p > 0.05). Modal age group was 20 - 24 (22.4%, n = 11), 18% (9) were children under 14 years, p > 0.05. Case fatality rate was 8% (n = 4). There was no significant association between mortality and age group. Five (5) LGAs accounted for about 60% (29) of all confirmed cases. These LGAs contribute only 20% to the total population in the State. Only 5.6% and 4% of suspected and confirmed cases, respectively, had knowledge of contact with an infectious source. The study described the epidemiology of Mpox outbreaks between 2017 and 2023 and the findings have significant implications on detection and outbreak response activities.

Comparative Analysis of Ki-67 Protein as a Proliferative Expression Index in Cutaneous Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Nigeria

Background: Evaluating the tumor proliferative index helps predict clinical behavior and provides prognostic insights for cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (cBCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Objective: This study aimed to identify differences in the proliferative indices among variants of cBCC and cSCC diagnosed at a tertiary healthcare center. Method: Skin biopsies histologically diagnosed as cBCC and cSCC between 2012 and 2018 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, were analyzed. Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks were retrieved along with clinical data, and were prepared on charged microscope slides and the immunohistochemical staining was carried out. The primary antibody used in this study was clone BioCare CRM325C (RM) and adenotonsillar tissue blocks/slides served as positive controls. Ki-67 immunohistochemistry was performed on fresh 4µm sections of the tumor specimens. Results: The application of Ki-67 immunoperoxidase on both BCC and SCC cohort, yielded an intense observable brownish nuclear stain in areas of dense proliferating tumour cells on both cutaneous tumours. The average Ki-67 index for all cSCC cases was 24.7%, with a range of 2.3% - 80%, while the mean for cBCC was 15.8%, ranging from 1.2% - 45.6%. Variants with high proliferative indices were observed in 11.9% of cBCC cases and 29.1% of cSCC cases. Among the low proliferative index category, cSCC accounted for 5.4%, while cBCC represented 14.3%. For mild proliferative indices, cSCC cases made up 7.3% and cBCC, 11.9%. The majority of cases showed moderate proliferative indices, with 61.9% for cBCC and 58.2% for cSCC. Overall, there was a significant difference in proliferative indices between cSCC, cBCC, and their variants. Conclusion: The study found a significantly higher rate of cell proliferation, measured by Ki-67 immunostaining, in cSCC and its variants compared to cBCC. However, certain variants of cBCC also exhibited high Ki-67 expression, indicating they can be as aggressive as some cSCC variants.

Evaluation of photosynthesis, physiological, and biochemical responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv. Pirouz) under water deficit stress and use of vermicompost fertilizer

One goal in the face of drought stress conditions is to increase growth and yield through the reduction of negative effects of stress. Vermicompost can play an effective role in plant growth and development and in reducing harmful effects of various environmental stresses on plants due to its porous structure, high water storage capacity, having hormone-like substances, plant growth regulators, and high levels of macro and micro nutrients. This study considered the physiological, biochemical, and photosynthetic responses of the chickpea to different combinations of vermicompost and water stress in a greenhouse environment. Two factors were involved, addition of vermicompost to soil at four ratios： control （100 wt% （weight percentage） sol0; 10 wt% vermicompost＋90% soil; 20 wt% vermicompost＋80 wt% soil; 30 wt% vermicompost＋70 wt% soil weight percentage, and treatment of water stress at three levels including 75, 50, and 25% of field capacity. The results showed that vermicompost had a significant effect on all traits under stress and non-stress conditions. Application of vermicompost in soil, especially at the levels of 20 and 30 wt% significantly increased all studied traits under non-stress conditions. Under moderate stress conditions, vermicompost at 30 wt% treatment resulted in a significant increase in the photosynthetic pigments, CO2 assimilation rate, internal leaf CO2 concentration, transpiration, the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II （PSII） photochemistry （FJF）, concentrations of Ca and K in root and leaf tissues, proline and soluble protein contents in root tissues. Peroxidase （POX） and catalase （CAT） enzyme activities decreased significantly with increasing proportions of vermicompost, but the activity of superoxide dismutase was not significantly different. In conclusion, the above results showed that vermicompost fertilizer had a positive effect on physiological, biochemical, and photosynthetic responses of chickpea under non-stress and moderate stress conditions, but no positive effect was determined under severe water stress.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of extract of Vernonia Amygdalina

Objective:To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Vernonia amygdalina (V.A).Methods:Inflammatory response was induced by topical application of croton oil dissolved in suitable vehicle on the rat ear.After 6 hrs,cutting out the ear quantitated the response.The cut ear was weighed and the increase in weight relative to control group was evaluated.Results:When co-applied with croton oil to the rat ear extract of V.A.produced a reduction in the inflammatory response when croton oil alone was applied to the rat ear.The extract produced(69.1 +2.0)%reduction of the inflammatory response produced by croton oil alone,lower than the reduction of the inflammatory response produced by acetyl salicylic acid[(71.1±2.0)%].Conclusions:This finding suggests that extract of V.A.exhibits antiinflammatory activity and may explain the usefulness of the leaves of this plant in the treatment of inflammatory disease conditions by traditional healers.

Application of Ce-V/sol-gel composite coating for corrosion protection of AM60B magnesium alloy

Application of a composite coating on AM60B magnesium alloy consisting of cerium-vanadium conversion coating and a hybrid sol-gel layer was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed a cracked nodular structure for the cerium-vanadium conversion coating which was mainly composed of O, Ce, V, and Mg atoms. All the cracks in the conversion coating were completely sealed by a thin, compact and defect-free hybrid sol？gel film. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments in Harrison’s solution showed that the cerium-vanadium conversion coating provides minimal protection against corrosion while the composite coating significantly increases the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy. Sol-gel film provides protection against corrosion by sealing cracks in the cerium-vanadium conversion coating and acting as a barrier. Scanning electron microscopy analyses after polarization tests confirmed the results obtained by the electrochemical tests.

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extract and chemical composition of the essential oil of Eremostachys laciniata collected from Zagros

Objective: To examine the chemical component of the essential oil of Eremostachys laciniata and evaluate antioxidant activity of the extract.Methods: The hydrodistillated essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Also, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, Folin-Ciocalteu and colorimetric method, respectively.Results: The major components of the essential oil were p-cymene(21.64%), linalool(17.93%), and a-pinene(11.42%). Also, the extract obtained by methanol showed a good antioxidant activity. The same extract also exhibited high phenolic and flavonoid contents.Conclusions: These results indicate that Eremostachys laciniata can be used in dietary applications with a potential to reduce oxidative stress.

Transcriptional down regulation of hTERT and senescence induction in HepG2 cells by chelidonine

AIM： To investigate the potential effects of chelidonine, the main alkaloid of Chelidonium majus, on telomerase activity and its regulation in HepG2 cells. METHODS： Cytotoxicity of chelidonine for HepG2 cells was determined by neutral red assay. A modified polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-based telomerase repeat amplification protocol was used to estimate relative telomerase activity in chelidonine-treated cells in comparison with the untreated control cells. Relative expression level of the catalytic subunit of telomerase （hTERT） gene and P-glycoprotein （pgp） were estimated using semi-quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR （RT-PCR）. Cell senescence in treated cells was demonstrated using a 13-galactosidase test. RESULTS： Cytotoxicity of chelidonine in HepG2 cells was not dose-dependent and tended to reach plateau immediately after the living cells were reduced in number to slightly higher than 50%. However, 12 μmol/L concentration of chelidonine was considered as LD50, where the maximal attainable effects were realized. Real-time RT-PCR data showed that the expression of pgp increased three-fold in chelidonine treated HepG2 cells in comparison with the untreated controls. MoP phologically, treated HepG2 cells showed apoptotic features after 24 h and a small fraction of cells appeared with single blister cell death. The relative expression level of Bcl-2 dropped to less than 50% of control cells at a sub-apoptotic concentration of chelidonine and subsequently increased to higher than 120% at LD50. Telomerase activity was reduced considerably after administration of very low doses of chelidonine, whereas higher concentrations of chelidonine did not remarkably enhance the effect. Real-time RT-PCR experiments indicated a drastic decrease in expression level of hTERT subunit of telomerase under treatment with chelidonine. Repeated treatment of cells with very low doses of chelidonine caused a decline in growth rate by 4 wk and many of the cells appeared to be aged with large volume and dark staining in the β-galactosidase assay. CONCLUSION： Chelidonine reduces telomerase activity through down-regulation of hTERT expression. Senescence induction might not be directly caused by reducing telomerase activity as it occurs after a few population doublings.

Temperature effect on performance of nanoparticle/surfactant flooding in enhanced heavy oil recovery

Recently,nanoparticles have been used along with surfactants for enhancing oil recovery.Although the recent studies show that oil recovery is enhanced using nanoparticle/surfactant solutions,some effective parameters and mechanisms involved in the oil recovery have not yet been investigated.Therefore,the temperature effect on the stability of nanoparticle/surfactant solutions and ultimate oil recovery has been studied in this work,and the optimal concentrations of both SiO2 nanoparticle and surfactant(sodium dodecyl sulfate)have been determined by the Central Composite Design method.In addition,the simultaneous effects of parameters and their interactions have been investigated.Study of the stability of the injected solutions indicates that the nanoparticle concentration is the most important factor affecting the solution stability.The surfactant makes the solution more stable if used in appropriate concentrations below the CMC.According to the micromodel flooding results,the most effective factor for enhancing oil recovery is temperature compared to the nanoparticle and surfactant concentrations.Therefore,in floodings with higher porous medium temperature,the oil viscosity reduction is considerable,and more oil is recovered.In addition,the surfactant concentration plays a more effective role in reservoirs with higher temperatures.In other words,at a surfactant concentration of 250 ppm,the ultimate oil recovery is improved about 20%with a temperature increase of 20°C.However,when the surfactant concentration is equal to 750 ppm,the temperature increase enhances the ultimate oil recovery by only about 7%.Finally,the nanoparticle and surfactant optimum concentrations determined by Design-Expert software were equal to 46 and 159 ppm,respectively.It is worthy to note that obtained results are validated by the confirmation test.

Influence of the shell effects on evaporation residue cross section of superheavy nuclei

In order to study the influence of the shell effects on the formation and fission of superheavy elements, we applied multidimensional Langevin equations. The evaporation residue cross sections have been calculated for 3n, 4n, and 5n evaporation channels using three(K = 0)-and four(K ≠ 0)-dimensional Langevin equations. Calculations were done for ^(48)Ca + ^(238)U and ^(48)Ca + ^(244)Pu hot fusion reactions with 3n, An evaporation channels and ^(70)Zn+ ^(208)Pb, and ^(54)Cr + ^(209)Bi cold fusion reactions with In and 2n evaporation channels. The calculations were performed for An and 5n evaporation channels of the ^(26)Mg+ ^(238)U reaction, as well. Our results show that with increasing dimension of Langevin equations the residue cross section increases, whereas the fission cross section decreases. The obtained results with four-dimensional Langevin and considering shell effects are in better agreement with experimental data in comparison with three-and four-dimensional Langevin equations without shell effects.

Online evaluation of electroless deposition rate by electrochemical noise method

Continuous noise resistance calculation(CNRC)technique was used for online determination of the electroless nickel deposition rate on zirconium pretreated magnesium alloy.For this purpose,the noise resistance(R_n) variation with time was calculated for the pretreated alloy surface in the electroless plating solution.The CNRC results were described by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)techniques.Also,potentiodynamic polarization and gravimetric measurements were used for determination of the electroless deposition rate at the same time period and the results were compared with the CNRC results.The Rn variation with plating time shows that the electroless plating consists of different stages with various deposition rates.The results of the CNRC and polarization methods were not in acceptable agreement due to the limitations of the polarization method for online monitoring of the deposition rate.However,the results of the gravimetric measurements were in complete agreement with the CNRC technique and so,the CNRC can be considered as suitable tool for online evaluation of the electroless deposition rate.

Fabrication of a Highly Sensitive Hydrazine Electrochemical Sensor Based on Bimetallic Au-Pt Hybrid Nanocomposite onto Modified Electrode

In this research a novel nickel complex was used as electrocatalyst for electrooxidation of hydrazine.A nano-structured nickel-complex was electrodeposited on a bimetallic Au-Pt inorganic-organic hybrid nanocomposite modified electrode.The electrode possesses a three-dimensional(3D) porous network nanoarchitecture,in which the bimetallic Au-Pt NPs serving as metal nanoparticle based microelectrode ensembles are distributed in the matrix of interlaced 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine(TMB) organic nanofibers(NFs).Surface structure and composition of the sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy.Electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine on the surface of modified electrode was investigated with cyclic voltammetry method.The results showed that the nickelcomplex films displayed excellent electrochemical catalytic activities towards hydrazine oxidation.The hydrodynamic amperometry at rotating modified electrode at constant potential versus reference electrode was used for detection of hydrazine.Under optimized conditions the calibration plots were linear in the concentration range of 0.2-85 μM and detection limit was found to be 0.1 μM.The modified electrode exhibited reproducible behavior and a high level stability during the electrochemical experiments,making it particularly suitable for the analytical purposes.