RESEARCH ON PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINER SAFETY

No abstrac

Cucurbitacin-I (JSI-124) activates the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway independent of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in B Leukemic Cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cucurbitacin-I (JSI-124) is potent inhibitor of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and has anti-tumor activity in a variety of cancer including B cell leukemia. However, other molecular targets of JSI-124 beyond the JAK/STAT3 pathway are not fully understood.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>BJAB, I-83, NALM-6 and primary CLL cells were treated with JSI-124 as indicated. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry for accumulation of sub-G1 phase cells (indicator of apoptosis) and Annexin V/PI staining. Cell cycle was analyzed by FACS for DNA content of G1 and G2 phases. Changes in phosphorylation and protein expression of p38, Erk1/2, JNK, c-Jun, and XIAP were detected by Western blot analysis. STAT3 and c-Jun genes were knocked out using siRNA transfection. VEGF expression was determined by mRNA and protein levels by RT-PCR and western blotting. Streptavidin Pull-Down Assay was used to determine c-Jun binding to the AP-1 DNA binding site.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Herein, we show that JSI-124 activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and increases both the expression and serine phosphorylation of c-Jun protein in the B leukemic cell lines BJAB, I-83 and NALM-6. JSI-124 also activated MAPK p38 and MAPK Erk1/2 albeit at lower levels than JNK activation. Inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway failed to effect cell cycle arrest or apoptosis induced by JSI-124 but repressed JSI-124 induced c-Jun expression in these leukemia cells. The JNK pathway activation c-Jun leads to transcriptional activation of many genes. Treatment of BJAB, I-83, and NALM-6 cells with JSI-124 lead to an increase of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) at both the mRNA and protein level. Knockdown of c-Jun expression and inhibition of JNK activation significantly blocked JSI-124 induced VEGF expression. Pretreatment with recombinant VEGF reduced JSI-124 induced apoptosis.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Taken together, our data demonstrates that JSI-124 activates the JNK signaling pathway independent of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, leading to increased VEGF expression.</p

Energy band engineering of complex metal oxides

This doctoral studies focused on the development of new materials for efficient use of solar energy for environmental applications. The research investigated the engineering of the band gap of semiconductor materials to design and optimise visible-light-sensitive photocatalysts. Experimental studies have been combined with computational simulation in order to develop predictive tools for a systematic understanding and design on the crystal and energy band structures of multi-component metal oxides

The Precious metals (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh) adsorption on the Silicon – organic sorbents

Sorption activity of two types of Silicon-organic sorbents for the previous metals has been studied. A polymer – poly (3- silsesquioxanilpropylthiocarbamate) - 3- silsesquioxanilpropylammonium which was obtained by the hydrolytic poly-condensation reaction and has been determined its physical, chemical characteristics and its sorption activity for the Ag(I), Au(III), Pt(IV), Pd(II), Rh(III). It has been found out that the sorbent shows high static sorption of Gold (III), Mercury (II) at acidic condition. The second a net structured silicon-organic copolymer {SiO2*2[O1.5Si(CH2)3NHC5H4N}n was synthesized by hydrolytic co-poly-condensation reaction. It likely to react as an anionit that adsorbs chloro-complex anion of the Au (III), Pt(IV), Pd(II), Rh(III).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.167 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 29-3

Studies of kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of cashmere dyeing with bio-preparation of Urtica Cannabina L,

In this study, dyeing Mongolian cashmere with bio-preparation extracted from Urtica cannabina L. was investigated. Dyeing experiments were carried out under varying pH, temperature and contact time. The results have been used to investigate the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of dyeing cashmere. This process is pH dependent and it has been found that the most suitable condition is pH 4.5. Increase in adsorption capacity with increase in temperature indicates that the dyeing process is endothermic. Thermodynamic parameters like standard affinity (∆µ), standard enthalpy (∆H) and standard entropy (∆S) were evaluated

Catalase, protease and urease activity in some types of soil

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.153 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 16-1

Voltammetric detection of potassium ferricyanide mediated by multi walled carbon nanotube titanium dioxide composite modified glassy carbon electrode.

The MWCNT/TiO2 composite was homogeneously coated on the surface of GCE and applied in the electrochemical determination of 0.1 mM potassium ferricyanide in 0.1 M Na2HPO4 (pH 8.5). The redox couple of potassium ferricyanide with current enhancements of 3.0-3.1 folds was obtained using the MWCNT/TiO2/GCE when compared with unmodified GCE. A linear calibration plot showed a correlation coefficient of 0.999, with detection limits of 48.6 μM (100 mV/s scan rate) and 1.1 μM (5 mV/s scan rate) in the concentration ranges of 0.01-0.2 mM of potassium ferricyanide. High sensitivity responses of 77.6 µA/mM for the anodic and of 68.9 µA/mM for the cathodic peak currents were also obtained with an excellent correlation coefficient of 0.999. Based on plot of peak current against peak potential, the zero-current potentials were obtained as =209 mV and =189 mV. Diffusion coefficient was found as 1.52x10-5cm 2/s from chronocoulometry study. The effect of temperature study was carried at 10 oC – 80oC and activation energy obtained was 5.8-6 kJ/mol. The morphology of composite surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy

Optimal Timing of Delivery among Low-Risk Women with Prior Caesarean Section: A Secondary Analysis of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health

ObjectiveTo investigate optimal timing of elective repeat caesarean section among low-risk pregnant women with prior caesarean section in a multicountry sample from largely low- and middle-income countries.DesignSecondary analysis of a cross-sectional study.SettingTwenty-nine countries from the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.Population29,647 women with prior caesarean section and no pregnancy complications in their current pregnancy who delivered a term singleton (live birth and stillbirth) at gestational age 37–41 weeks by pre-labour caesarean section, intra-partum caesarean section, or vaginal birth following spontaneous onset of labour.MethodsWe compared the rate of short-term adverse maternal and newborn outcomes following pre-labour caesarean section at a given gestational age, to those following ongoing pregnancies beyond that gestational age.Main Outcome MeasuresSevere maternal outcomes, neonatal morbidity, and intra-hospital early neonatal mortality.ResultsOdds of neonatal morbidity and intra-hospital early neonatal mortality were 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39–0.60) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.16–0.58) times lower for ongoing pregnancies compared to pre-labour caesarean section at 37 weeks. We did not find any significant change in the risk of severe maternal outcomes between pre-labour caesarean section at a given gestational age and ongoing pregnancies beyond that gestational age.ConclusionsElective repeat caesarean section at 37 weeks had higher risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality compared to ongoing pregnancy, however risks at later gestational ages did not differ between groups

Ecology of Argali in Ikh Nartiin Chuluu, Dornogobi Aymag

Argali sheep (Ovis ammon) are listed as threatened in both Mongolia and internationally. Yet, little is known about the biology and ecology of this species. Available data suggests that Argali in Mongolia are declining due to direct poaching and competition with domestic livestock. We initiated several research projects to better understand and conserve the species. In this report we discuss Argali ecology using radio telemetry. We captured and radio-collared 36 Argali using drive-nets, lamb captures, and dating from 2000–2004. Fifteen collared animals have died: 2 due to capture techniques, 8 from predation, 1 from starvation and exposure, 1 from disease, 1 due to maternal neglect, and 2 of unknown causes. In addition, 1 collar ceased working and 4 others dropped off prematurely. We have collected more than 1,040 locations through mid-May 2004. The majority of the Argali were captured in the northern portion of Ikh Nart. Animals have primarily restricted their movements to that area and have not exhibited seasonal movement patterns. Mean home range size for 17 animals with sufficient data (\u3e 45 days with locations) was 57±3.7 km2 (range = 30– 80 km2) using the 100% minimum convex polygon method, with areas of predicted occurrence of 76±5.3km2 for 95% kernel, 32±3.7 km2 for 75% kernel, 11±1.6 km2 for 50% kernel, and 3.8±0.5 km2 for 25% home ranges. Predation was the main cause (72.7%) of mortality in the collared animals for which cause of death could be determined (non-study related)