Poly[[tetra­aqua­di-μ4-oxalato-μ2-oxalato-dineo­dymium(III)] dihydrate]

The title compound, {[Nd2(C2O4)3(H2O)4]·2H2O}n, was synthesized hydro­thermally in the presence of bis­(carb­oxy­ethyl­germanium) sesquioxide. It is isostructural with the corresponding Pr compound [Yang et al. (2009). Acta Cryst. E65, m1152–m1153]. The Nd3+ cation is nine-coordinated and its coordination polyhedron can be described as a distorted tricapped trigonal prism. Two Nd3+ ions are connected by two O atoms from two oxalate ions to give a dinuclear Nd2 unit. The unit is further linked to four others via four oxalate ions yielding a layerparallel to (0-11). The linkages between the layers by neighbouring oxalate anions lead to a three-dimensional framework with channels along the c axis. The coordinating and free water mol­ecules are located in the channels and make contact with each other and the host framework by weak O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds

Methodological reporting of randomized controlled trials in major hepato-gastroenterology journals in 2008 and 1998: a comparative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It was still unclear whether the methodological reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in major hepato-gastroenterology journals improved after the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement was revised in 2001.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>RCTs in five major hepato-gastroenterology journals published in 1998 or 2008 were retrieved from MEDLINE using a high sensitivity search method and their reporting quality of methodological details were evaluated based on the CONSORT Statement and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of interventions. Changes of the methodological reporting quality between 2008 and 1998 were calculated by risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 107 RCTs published in 2008 and 99 RCTs published in 1998 were found. Compared to those in 1998, the proportion of RCTs that reported sequence generation (RR, 5.70; 95%CI 3.11-10.42), allocation concealment (RR, 4.08; 95%CI 2.25-7.39), sample size calculation (RR, 3.83; 95%CI 2.10-6.98), incomplete outecome data addressed (RR, 1.81; 95%CI, 1.03-3.17), intention-to-treat analyses (RR, 3.04; 95%CI 1.72-5.39) increased in 2008. Blinding and intent-to-treat analysis were reported better in multi-center trials than in single-center trials. The reporting of allocation concealment and blinding were better in industry-sponsored trials than in public-funded trials. Compared with historical studies, the methodological reporting quality improved with time.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although the reporting of several important methodological aspects improved in 2008 compared with those published in 1998, which may indicate the researchers had increased awareness of and compliance with the revised CONSORT statement, some items were still reported badly. There is much room for future improvement.</p

Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic and expression analysis of the heat shock transcription factor family in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

BackgroundEnvironmental toxicity from non-essential heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), which is released from human activities and other environmental causes, is rapidly increasing. Wheat can accumulate high levels of Cd in edible tissues, which poses a major hazard to human health. It has been reported that heat shock transcription factor A 4a (HsfA4a) of wheat and rice conferred Cd tolerance by upregulating metallothionein gene expression. However, genome-wide identification, classification, and comparative analysis of the Hsf family in wheat is lacking. Further, because of the promising role of Hsf genes in Cd tolerance, there is need for an understanding of the expression of this family and their functions on wheat under Cd stress. Therefore, here we identify the wheat TaHsf family and to begin to understand the molecular mechanisms mediated by the Hsf family under Cd stress.ResultsWe first identified 78 putative Hsf homologs using the latest available wheat genome information, of which 38 belonged to class A, 16 to class B and 24 to class C subfamily. Then, we determined chromosome localizations, gene structures, conserved protein motifs, and phylogenetic relationships of these TaHsfs. Using RNA sequencing data over the course of development, we surveyed expression profiles of these TaHsfs during development and under different abiotic stresses to characterise the regulatory network of this family. Finally, we selected 13 TaHsf genes for expression level verification under Cd stress using qRT-PCR.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of the genome organization, evolutionary features and expression profiles of the wheat Hsf gene family. This work therefore lays the foundation for targeted functional analysis of wheat Hsf genes, and contributes to a better understanding of the roles and regulatory mechanism of wheat Hsfs under Cd stress

Chlorido(5-formyl-2-hydroxy­phenyl-κC 1)mercury(II)

In the planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.027 Å) title compound, [Hg(C7H5O2)Cl], the HgII atom shows a typical linear coordination by a C atom of the benzene ring and a Cl atom. Inter­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present in the crystal structure, resulting in chains propagating along the b axis. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin, with a twin ratio of 0.802 (2):0.198 (2)

The Silencing of RECK Gene is Associated with Promoter Hypermethylation and Poor Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: To evaluate the promoter methylation status of RECK gene and mRNA expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)