Flake (NH4)6Mo7O24/Polydopamine as a High Performance Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

Ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate ((NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄) (AMT) is commonly used as the precursor to synthesize Mo-based oxides or sulfides for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the electrochemical lithium storage ability of AMT itself is unclear so far. In the present work, AMT is directly examined as a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries with good capacity and cycling stability. To further improve the electrochemical performance of AMT, AMT/polydopamine (PDA) composite was simply synthesized via recrystallization and freeze drying methods. Unlike with block shape for AMT, the as-prepared AMT/PDA composite shows flake morphology. The initial discharge capacity of AMT/PDA is reached up to 1471 mAh g⁻¹. It delivers a reversible discharge capacity of 702 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 300 mA g⁻¹, and a stable reversible capacity of 383.6 mA h g⁻¹ is retained at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ after 400 cycles. Moreover, the lithium storage mechanism is fully investigated. The results of this work could potentially expand the application of AMT and Mo-based anode for LIBs.     

Effects of Moisture on NH3 Capture Using Activated Carbon and Acidic Porous Polymer Modified by Impregnation with H3PO4: Sorbent Material Characterized by Synchrotron XRPD and FT-IR

The performances of reactive adsorbents, H₃PO₄/C (activated carbon) and H₃PO₄/A (Amberlyst 35), in removing NH₃ from a waste-gas stream were investigated using a breakthrough column. Accelerated aging tests investigated the effects of the water content on the performance of the adsorbents. Results of breakthrough tests show that the adsorption capacity greatly decreased with the drying time of H₃PO₄/C preparation. Synchrotron XRPD indicated increased amorphous phosphorus species formation with drying time. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms results further suggested that the evaporation of water accommodated in macropores decreases adsorption capacity besides the formation of the amorphous species. Introducing water moisture to the NH₃ stream increases the adsorption capacity concomitant with the conversion of some NH₄H₂PO₄ to (NH₄)₂HPO₄. Due to the larger pore of cylindrical type and more hydrophilic for acidic porous polymer support, as opposed to slit-type for the activated carbon, the adsorption capacity of H₃PO₄/A is about 3.4 times that of H₃PO₄/C. XRPD results suggested that NH₃ reacts with aqueous H₃PO₄ to form NH₄H₂PO_4, and no significant macropore-water evaporation was observed when acidic porous polymer support was used, as evidenced by N₂ isotherms characterizing used H₃PO₄/A.     

Dual role of CO in the stability of subnano Pt clusters at the Fe3O4(001) surface

Interactions between catalytically active metal particles and reactant gases depend strongly on the particle size, particularly in the subnanometer regime where the addition of just one atom can induce substantial changes in stability, morphology, and reactivity. Here, time-lapse scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations are used to study how CO exposure affects the stability of Pt adatoms and subnano clusters at the Fe₃O₄(001) surface, a model CO oxidation catalyst. The results reveal that CO plays a dual role: first, it induces mobility among otherwise stable Pt adatoms through the formation of Pt carbonyls (Pt₁–CO), leading to agglomeration into subnano clusters. Second, the presence of the CO stabilizes the smallest clusters against decay at room temperature, significantly modifying the growth kinetics. At elevated temperatures, CO desorption results in a partial redispersion and recovery of the Pt adatom phase.Subnanometer metal particles exhibit a range of interesting electronic or catalytic properties that can vary substantially with the removal or addition of a single atom (1–6). Understanding the mechanistic details underlying the rearrangement of the active phase is important because changes in cluster size and shape are known to be commonplace under the conditions used in heterogeneous catalysis (7, 8), and because such processes are associated with deactivation phenomena such as sintering. Although sintering is usually regarded as a thermally activated process, there is increasing evidence that adsorbates influence sintering rates in a reactive environment by formation of mobile metal-molecule intermediates (2, 8–30). Indeed, in a previous study we demonstrated that the formation of highly mobile Pd₁–CO species led to enhanced sintering in the Pd/Fe₃O₄(001) system (31). Here, we turn our attention to Pt. Mobility is induced in the form of Pt₁–CO. In addition, CO stabilizes the smallest clusters. When it desorbs, Pt dimers break up into single atoms; thus, the CO is necessary for preserving nuclei that act as seeds for further growth. Using room-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), complemented by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory with an on-site Hubbard U (DFT+U), we follow the CO-induced diffusion and coalescence of Pt atom-by-atom, creating catalytically active (32) subnano clusters with a well-defined size distribution. On heating, desorption of CO leads to significant redispersion of Pt into the adatom phase.     

Electrical and Structural Properties of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3—Based Ceramics Prepared with the Addition of Li4SiO4

The currently studied materials considered as potential candidates to be solid electrolytes for Li-ion batteries usually suffer from low total ionic conductivity. One of them, the NASICON-type ceramic of the chemical formula Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃, seems to be an appropriate material for the modification of its electrical properties due to its high bulk ionic conductivity of the order of 10⁻³ S∙cm⁻¹. For this purpose, we propose an approach concerning modifying the grain boundary composition towards the higher conducting one. To achieve this goal, Li₄SiO₄ was selected and added to the LATP base matrix to support Li⁺ diffusion between the grains. The properties of the Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃−xLi₄SiO₄ (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) system were studied by means of high-temperature X-ray diffractometry (HTXRD); ⁶Li, ²⁷Al, ²⁹Si, and ³¹P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR); thermogravimetry (TG); scanning electron microscopy (SEM); and impedance spectroscopy (IS) techniques. Referring to the experimental results, the Li₄SiO₄ additive material leads to the improvement of the electrical properties and the value of the total ionic conductivity exceeds 10⁻⁴ S∙cm⁻¹ in most studied cases. The factors affecting the enhancement of the total ionic conductivity are discussed. The highest value of σ_tot = 1.4 × 10⁻⁴ S∙cm⁻¹ has been obtained for LATP–0.1LSO material sintered at 1000 °C for 6 h.     

The Highly Expressed and Inducible Endogenous NAD(P)H:quinone Oxidoreductase 1 in Cardiovascular Cells Acts as a Potential Superoxide Scavenger

It has recently been demonstrated that purified NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is able to scavenge superoxide (O₂^•−) though the rate of reaction of O₂^•− with NQO1 is much lower than the rate of enzymatic dismutation catalyzed by superoxide dismutase (SOD). This study was undertaken to determine if the endogenously expressed NQO1 in cardiovascular cells could scavenge O₂^•−. We observed that NQO1 was highly expressed in cardiovascular cells, including rat aortic smooth muscle A10 and cardiac H9c2 cells, as well as normal human aortic smooth muscle and endothelial cells. NQO1, but not SOD in the cardiovascular cells was highly inducible by 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T). Cytosols from H9c2 and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were isolated to determine the O₂^•− scavenging ability of the endogenously expressed NQO1 by using pyrogallol autooxidation assay. We showed that cytosols from the above cells inhibited pyrogallol autooxidation in an NADPH or NADH-dependent manner. The NADH/NADPH-dependent inhibition of pyrogallol autooxidation by the cytosols was completely abolished by the NQO1-specific inhibitor, ES936, suggesting that the endogenously expressed NQO1 could scavenge O₂^•−. In the presence of NADH/NADPH, cytosols from D3T-treated cells showed increased ability to scavenge O₂^•− as compared to cytosols from untreated cells. This increased ability to scavenge O₂^•− was also completely reversed by ES936. 5-(Diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide spin-trapping experiments using potassium superoxide as a O₂^•− generator further confirmed the ability of NQO1 from HASMCs to scavenge O₂^•−. The spin-trapping experiments also showed that induction of NQO1 by D3T in HASMCs augmented the O₂^•− scavenging ability. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the highly expressed and inducible endogenous NQO1 in cardiovascular cells may act as a potential O₂^•− scavenger.     

Effects of a serotonin 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist SB-207266 on gastrointestinal motor and sensory function in humans

BACKGROUND: Serotonin 5-HT(4) receptors are located on enteric cholinergic neurones and may regulate peristalsis. 5-HT(4) receptors on primary afferent neurones have been postulated to modulate visceral sensation. While 5-HT(4) agonists are used as prokinetic agents, the physiological role of 5-HT(4) receptors in the human gut is unknown. AIMS: Our aim was to characterise the role of 5-HT(4) receptors in regulating gastrointestinal motor and sensory function in healthy subjects under baseline and stimulated conditions with a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist. METHODS: Part A compared the effects of placebo to four doses of a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist (SB-207266) on the cisapride mediated increase in plasma aldosterone (a 5-HT(4) mediated response) and orocaecal transit in 18 subjects. In part B, 52 healthy subjects received placebo, or 0.05, 0.5, or 5 mg of SB-207266 for 10-12 days; gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit were measured by scintigraphy on days 7-9, and fasting and postprandial colonic motor function, compliance, and sensation during distensions were assessed on day 12. RESULTS: Part A: 0.5, 5, and 20 mg doses of SB-207266 had significant and quantitatively similar effects, antagonising the cisapride mediated increase in plasma aldosterone and acceleration of orocaecal transit. Part B: SB-207266 tended to delay colonic transit (geometric centre of isotope at 24 (p=0.06) and 48 hours (p=0.08)), but did not have dose related effects on transit, fasting or postprandial colonic motor activity, compliance, or sensation. CONCLUSION: 5-HT(4) receptors are involved in the regulation of cisapride stimulated orocaecal transit; SB 207266 tends to modulate colonic transit but not sensory functions or compliance in healthy human subjects.     

Hypoadiponectinaemia and high risk of type 2 diabetes are associated with adiponectin-encoding (ACDC) gene promoter variants in morbid obesity: evidence for a role of ACDC in diabesity

Aims/hypothesis Morbid obesity (BMI>40 kg/m²) affecting 0.5–5% of the adult population worldwide is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. We aimed to elucidate the genetic bases of diabetes associated with obesity (diabesity), and to analyse the impact of corpulence on the effects of diabetes susceptibility genes.Methods We genotyped known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin-encoding adipocyte C1q and collagen-domain-containing (ACDC) gene (–11,391G>A, –11,377C>G, +45T>G and +276G>T), the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) Pro12Ala SNP and ACDC exon 3 variants in 703 French morbidly obese subjects (BMI 47.6±7.4 kg/m²), 808 non-obese subjects (BMI<30 kg/m²) and 493 obese subjects (30BMI<40 kg/m²).Results Two 5-ACDC SNPs –11,391G>A, –11,377C>G were associated with adiponectin levels (p=0.0003, p=0.008) and defined a low-level haplotype associated with decreased adiponectin levels (p=0.0002) and insulin sensitivity (p=0.01) and with a risk of type 2 diabetes that was twice as high (p=0.002). In contrast, the prevalence of the PPARG Pro12Ala was identical in diabetic and normoglycaemic morbidly obese subjects. The PPARG Pro12 allele only displayed a trend of association with type 2 diabetes in the non-obese group. ACDC exon 3 variants were associated with type 2 diabetes in the non-obese group only (odds ratio 7.85, p<0.0001). In contrast, the 5-ACDC low-level haplotype was associated with type 2 diabetes in obese and morbidly obese subjects (odds ratio 1.73 and 1.92) but not in non-obese individuals.Conclusions/interpretation These data clarify the contribution of the 5-ACDC SNPs to the risk of diabesity. Their interaction with corpulence suggests for the first time a different genetic profile of type 2 diabetes in morbidly obese patients compared with in less obese individuals.     

Increased expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits,NOX4 and p22phox,in the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its reversibity by interventive insulin treatment

Aim/hypothesis An increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy. NAD(P)H oxidase might be an important source of ROS production in kidney as reported in blood vessels. In this study, we show the increased expression of essential subunits of NAD(P)H oxidase, NOX4 and p22phox, in the kidney of diabetic rats.Methods The levels of mRNA of both NOX4 and p22phox were evaluated in kidney from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and age-matched control rats at 4 and 8 weeks after onset of diabetes by Northern blot analysis. The localization and expression levels of these components and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which is a marker of ROS-induced DNA damage, were also evaluated by immunostaining.Results The levels of both NOX4 and p22phox mRNA were increased in the kidney of diabetic rats as compared with control rats. Immunostaining analysis showed that the expression levels of NOX4 and p22phox were clearly increased in both distal tubular cells and glomeruli from diabetic rats. Both the localization and the expression levels of these components were in parallel with those of 8-OHdG. Interventive insulin treatment for 2 weeks completely restored the increased levels of these components in the diabetic kidney to control levels in parallel with those of 8-OHdG.Conclusions/interpretation This study provides evidence that NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, NOX4 and p22phox, were increased in the kidney of diabetic rats. Thus, NAD(P)H-dependent overproduction of ROS could cause renal tissue damage in diabetes. This might contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy.Abbreviations ROS reactive oxygen species - NAD(P)H oxidase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase - 8-OHdG 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine - STZ streptozotocin - mtDNA mitochondrial DNA - PKC protein kinase C     

Serine-385 phosphorylation of inwardly rectifying K+ channel subunit (Kir6.2) by AMP-dependent protein kinase plays a key role in rosiglitazone-induced closure of the KATP channel and insulin secretion in rats

Aims/hypothesis  Rosiglitazone, an insulin sensitiser, not only improves insulin sensitivity but also enhances insulin secretory capacity by ameliorating gluco- and lipotoxicity in beta cells. Rosiglitazone can stimulate insulin secretion at basal and high glucose levels via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent pathway. We hypothesised that regulation of phosphorylation of the ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channel might serve as a key step in the regulation of insulin secretion. Methods  Insulin secretory responses were studied in an isolated pancreas perfusion system, cultured rat islets and MIN6 and RINm5F beta cells. Signal transduction pathways downstream of PI3K were explored to link rosiglitazone to K_ATP channel conductance with patch clamp techniques and insulin secretion measured by ELISA. Results  Rosiglitazone stimulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and induced inhibition of the K_ATP channel conductance in islet beta cells; both effects were blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Following stimulation of AMPK by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), a pharmacological activator, both AICAR-stimulated insulin secretion and inhibition of K_ATP channel conductance were unaffected by LY294002, indicating that AMPK activation occurs at a site downstream of PI3K activity. The serine residue at amino acid position 385 of Kir6.2 was found to be the substrate phosphorylation site of AMPK when activated by rosiglitazone or AICAR. Conclusions/interpretation  Our data indicate that PI3K-dependent activation of AMPK is required for rosiglitazone-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Phosphorylation of the Ser³⁸⁵ residue of the Kir6.2 subunit of the K_ATP channel by AMPK may play a role in insulin secretion. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users. T.-J. Chang and W.-P. Chen contributed equally to this study.     

Age-related changes of P2X(1) receptor mRNA in the bladder detrusor from men with and without bladder outlet obstruction

The urinary bladder purinergic system is reported to change with age and with bladder dysfunction. Here, we examined the expression of purinergic P2X(1) receptors in detrusor and mucosa (urothelium+lamina propria) from male control bladder and investigated age-related P2X(1) receptor mRNA expression in control and obstructed detrusor. Biopsy specimens were obtained at cystoscopy from control patients (n=46, age range 30-86years) and patients diagnosed with outlet obstruction (n=29, 46-88years). Calponin expression (measured by RT-PCR) was similar in control and obstructed detrusor and did not change with age. Quantitative competitive RT-PCR was used to measure P2X(1) receptor and GAPDH mRNA in control and obstructed detrusor. P2X(1) receptor mRNA expression was 9-fold (p<0.0001) higher in the detrusor than in the mucosa. Expression of mRNA for the internal control GAPDH remained stable with age and across control and obstructed detrusor. No difference in P2X(1) receptor expression was observed between control and obstructed detrusor (p=0.35). However, an age-related decrease in P2X(1) mRNA expression was observed in control (n=27; p=0.0054; Spearman coefficient r=-0.520) but not obstructed detrusor (n=19; p=0.093; r=-0.396). Downregulation of P2X(1) mRNA expression might occur as a result of an increased component of neural ATP release in the aging bladder.     

Safety, tolerability and efficacy of indacaterol, a novel once-daily beta(2)-agonist, in patients with COPD: a 28-day randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) classified as moderate onwards, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Guidelines recommend regular treatment with one or more long-acting bronchodilators, such as beta(2)-agonists or anticholinergics. In contrast to currently available long-acting beta(2)-agonists, which have a duration of action of 12 h, indacaterol has demonstrated effective 24-h bronchodilation on once-daily dosing. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study was conducted to compare the safety, tolerability and efficacy of indacaterol with that of placebo, over a 28-day period, in patients with moderate COPD (as defined by GOLD 2001 criteria; equivalent to moderate-to-severe COPD in the GOLD 2005 criteria). Patients were randomised 2:2:1 to receive indacaterol 400 microg or 800 microg or placebo once-daily (between 07:00 and 11:00 h) via a single-dose dry-powder inhaler for 28 days. Assessments included monitoring of adverse events (AEs), blood chemistry (including serum potassium and blood glucose), vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate), electrocardiograms and spirometry. One hundred and sixty-three patients were randomised, with 155 (95%) completing the study. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in the overall incidence of AEs, with AEs reported by 35%, 51% and 25% of patients in the indacaterol 400 microg, 800 microg and placebo groups, respectively. The majority of AEs were mild or moderate in severity, and there were no study-drug related serious AEs. There were no statistically significant differences between indacaterol groups and placebo in mean pulse rate and QTc interval, and isolated statistically significant (p<0.05) treatment-placebo differences in mean blood pressure, blood glucose and serum potassium. There was a statistically significant improvement in FEV(1) vs placebo at all post-baseline timepoints for both indacaterol treatment groups; 30 min post-dose, adjusted mean+/-SE FEV(1) indacaterol-placebo differences were: Day 1, 220+/-36 ml and 210+/-36 ml; Day 14, 320+/-50 ml and 270+/-50 ml; Day 28, 260+/-61 ml and 200+/-61 ml for 400 and 800 microg, respectively (all p<0.01 vs placebo). Bronchodilation was still apparent after 24h, with pre-dose (i.e. trough) adjusted mean+/-SE FEV(1) indacaterol-placebo differences of: Day 14, 230+/-44 ml and 210+/-44 ml; Day 28, 220+/-49 ml and 210+/-49 ml for indacaterol 400 and 800 microg, respectively (all p<0.0001 vs placebo). Once-daily indacaterol was well tolerated at doses up to 800 microg with a good overall safety profile. There was no statistical difference at any dose between the safety of indacaterol and placebo. Furthermore, this study supports the previously demonstrated 24-h bronchodilator efficacy of indacaterol.     

Advanced Biofuels from ABE (Acetone/Butanol/Ethanol) and Vegetable Oils (Castor or Sunflower Oil) for Using in Triple Blends with Diesel: Evaluation on a Diesel Engine

From a technical and economic point of view, our aim is to provide viable solutions for the replacement of fossil fuels which are currently used in internal combustion diesel engines. In this research, two new biofuels composed of second-generation vegetable oils (SVO),used oil sunflower (SO) or castor oil (CO), and the ABE blend (acetone/butanol/ethanol) were evaluated. ABE is an intermediate product from the fermentation of carbohydrates to obtain bio-butanol. Besides, the ABE blend exhibits suitable properties as biofuel, such asvery low kinematic viscosity, reasonable energy density, low autoignition temperature, and broad flammability limits. Diesel/ABE/SVO triple blends were prepared, characterized and then, tested on a diesel engine, evaluating power output, consumption, and exhaust emissions. The power output was slightly reduced due to the low heating values of ABE blend. Also, engine consumed more fuel with the triple blends than with diesel under low engine loads whereas, at medium and high loads, the fuel consumption was very similar to that of diesel. Regarding exhaust gas emissions, soot wasnotably reduced, and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and carbon monoxide (CO₂) emissions were lower or comparable to that of diesel, while the CO emissions increased. The use of these biofuels allows the replacement of high percentagesof diesel without compromising engine power and achievinga significant reduction in pollution emissions. Furthermore, a notable improvement in cold flow properties of the fuel blends is obtained, in comparison with diesel.     

Circulating heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in elderly members of a rural population from Cameroon: association with infection and nutrition

Hsp are highly conserved cytoprotective proteins which have been repeatedly portrayed at elevated levels in various infectious diseases, and there are suggestions that the presence of infectious agents may possibly be the root cause of Hsp induction. As organisms age the vulnerability to illnesses such as infection and inflammation increases and late complications due to infectious agents are mostly observed in the older part of the population. Although it is well known that environmental conditions can modulate the susceptibility to infection, and that poor nutritional status can increase the risk of contracting infection when exposed to an infectious agent, the effects of environmental conditions and nutritional status on the heat shock response have not been investigated. Therefore, we studied the heat shock response in a special elderly population living in a remote area in Cameroon, where infection and parasitosis are endemic. Our results indicate a significant increase in Hsp70 serum levels with increasing degree of inflammation. We found negative correlations between Hsp70 levels and micronutrients including vitamin D, vitamin B₁₂, as well as folate, which could be linked to the immune modulating effects of these vitamins.     

Risk factors for mortality in Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes: evidence of a role for neuropathy and a protective effect of HLA-DR4

Summary To test the hypothesis that interaction between genetic, immunological, clinical and metabolic risk factors influences the outcome of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, we examined which of the above factors present at baseline were associated with mortality in 134 Type II diabetic patients followed for 9 years. Thirty-eight patients (29 %) died during the follow-up period; the majority of whom (68 %) died from cardiovascular disease. At baseline, the deceased patients had higher HbA_{1 c} values (p = 0.002), higher LDL-triglycerides (p = 0.007), lower HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.007), higher non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations (p = 0.014), and higher albumin excretion rate (p < 0.0001) than the patients who survived. In addition, the frequency of HLA-DR4 (21 vs 39 %, p = 0.048) and of parietal cell antibodies (5 vs 14 %, p = 0.016) were decreased in the deceased as compared to the living patients. Patients who died during follow-up also had more retinopathy (42 vs 16 %, p = 0.002), neuropathy (57 vs 23 %, p < 0.001), microalbuminuria (45 vs 6 %, p < 0.0001), coronary heart disease (50 vs 13 %, p < 0.0001), and peripheral vascular disease (27 vs 9 %, p = 0.005) at baseline than patients who survived. In a multiple logistic regression analysis macroangiopathy (p = 0.004), neuropathy (p = 0.007), HbA_{1 c} (p = 0.018) and albumin excretion rate (p = 0.016) were independent risk factors for death. In patients free of cardiovascular disease at baseline, conventional risk factors such as LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.005) and age (p = 0.003) were associated with subsequent development of cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, in addition to coexisting macroangiopathy, increased albumin excretion rate, poor glycaemic control and neuropathy are risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in patients with Type II diabetes. The presence of HLA-DR4 and signs of autoimmunity may be associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 1253–1262] Received: 29 December 1997 and in revised form: 27 April 1998     

Induction of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase in murine hepatoma cells by phenolic antioxidants, azo dyes, and other chemoprotectors: a model system for the study of anticarcinogens.

Exposure of murine hepatoma (Hepa 1c1c7) cells to a variety of chemical agents known to protect animals against the neoplastic, mutagenic, and other toxic effects of chemical carcinogens results in dose- and time-dependent inductions of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (EC 1.6.99.2). This enzyme protects against quinone toxicity by promoting obligatory two-electron reductions that divert quinones from oxidative cycling or direct interactions with critical nucleophiles. Quinone reductase levels are stable in culture, are easily measured, and are useful markers for the inductive effects of chemoprotective agents. The Hepa 1c1c7 system responds to chemoprotective compounds such as phenolic antioxidants (e.g., BHA [3(2)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole], BHT (3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene), and tert-butylhydroquinone), lipophilic azo dyes belonging to the 1,1'-azonaphthalene, Sudan I (1-phenylazo-2-naphthol), and Sudan III [1-(4-phenylazophenylazo)-2-naphthol] families, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, coumarin and various other lactones, flavonoids, and certain sulfur compounds (e.g., benzylisothiocyanate, dithiolthiones, and dithiocarbamates), all of which are recognized enzyme inducers and chemoprotectors in vivo. Quinone reductase induction in Hepa 1c1c7 cells therefore provides a simple, versatile, and reliable system for the evaluation of the potency, kinetics, and mechanism of action of anticarcinogens.     

Detection of Hb A2 and Hb Constant Spring (HBA2: c.427T>C) by Capillary Electrophoresis in a Patient with Hb H-Hb CS Disease

Abstract

Hb A₂ (α2δ2) is one of the key components looked for in hemoglobinopathies screening programs. Therefore, quantitative and accurate method for Hb A₂ value determination is essential for routine screening. Here, we report a case of Hb A₂ and Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS, HBA2: c.427T>C) with Hb H-Hb CS disease that was not detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while Hb A₂ and Hb CS were clearly quantified by capillary electrophoresis (CE).