Metabolomic Profiling of Plasma from Melioidosis Patients Using UHPLC-QTOF MS Reveals Novel Biomarkers for Diagnosis

To identify potential biomarkers for improving diagnosis of melioidosis, we compared plasma metabolome profiles of melioidosis patients compared to patients with other bacteremia and controls without active infection, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the metabolomic profiles of melioidosis patients are distinguishable from bacteremia patients and controls. Using multivariate and univariate analysis, 12 significant metabolites from four lipid classes, acylcarnitine (n = 6), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPE) (n = 3), sphingomyelins (SM) (n = 2) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (n = 1), with significantly higher levels in melioidosis patients than bacteremia patients and controls, were identified. Ten of the 12 metabolites showed area-under-receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) >0.80 when compared both between melioidosis and bacteremia patients, and between melioidosis patients and controls. SM(d18:2/16:0) possessed the largest AUC when compared, both between melioidosis and bacteremia patients (AUC 0.998, sensitivity 100% and specificity 91.7%), and between melioidosis patients and controls (AUC 1.000, sensitivity 96.7% and specificity 100%). Our results indicate that metabolome profiling might serve as a promising approach for diagnosis of melioidosis using patient plasma, with SM(d18:2/16:0) representing a potential biomarker. Since the 12 metabolites were related to various pathways for energy and lipid metabolism, further studies may reveal their possible role in the pathogenesis and host response in melioidosis.     

MicroRNA-214 and MicroRNA-126 Are Potential Biomarkers for Malignant Endothelial Proliferative Diseases

Malignant endothelial proliferative diseases including human angiosarcoma (AS) and canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) are serious diseases with a grave prognosis. Establishing liquid biopsy-based biomarkers for screening has definite clinical utility; however, plasma miRNAs up- or down-regulated in these sarcomas have been unclear. For identifying possible diagnostic plasma miRNAs for these sarcomas, we investigated whether plasma miR-214 and miR-126, which miRNAs play important roles in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, were elevated in malignant endothelial proliferative diseases. For this investigation, human angiosarcoma and canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines and clinical plasma samples of canine hemangiosarcoma were examined by performing miRNA qRT-PCR. We report here that human angiosarcoma and canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines over-secreted miR-214 and miR-126 via microvesicles; in addition, their levels in the plasma samples from canines with hemangiosarcoma were increased. Moreover, the surgical resection of primary tumors decreased the levels of plasma miR-214 and miR-126. Our findings suggest that these malignant endothelial proliferative diseases over-secreted miR-214 and miR-126, thus suggesting that these miRNAs have potential as diagnostic biomarkers for malignant endothelial proliferative diseases in canine and possible in human angiosarcoma.     

Energy Metabolites as Biomarkers in Ischemic and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

With more than 25 million people affected, heart failure (HF) is a global threat. As energy production pathways are known to play a pivotal role in HF, we sought here to identify key metabolic changes in ischemic- and non-ischemic HF by using a multi-OMICS approach. Serum metabolites and mRNAseq and epigenetic DNA methylation profiles were analyzed from blood and left ventricular heart biopsy specimens of the same individuals. In total we collected serum from n = 82 patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and n = 51 controls in the screening stage. We identified several metabolites involved in glycolysis and citric acid cycle to be elevated up to 5.7-fold in DCM (p = 1.7 × 10⁻⁶). Interestingly, cardiac mRNA and epigenetic changes of genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes of these pathways could also be found and validated in our second stage of metabolite assessment in n = 52 DCM, n = 39 ischemic HF and n = 57 controls. In conclusion, we identified a new set of metabolomic biomarkers for HF. We were able to identify underlying biological cascades that potentially represent suitable intervention targets.     

Reactions of conjugated fatty acids. V. Preparation and properties of diels-alder adducts and their esters fromtrans,trans-conjugated fatty acids derived from soybean oil

Summary Soybean fatty acids were conjugated with alkali, and the contained, conjugated dienoic acids were isomerized with iodine to thetrans,trans configuration. Adducts were prepared from thesetrans,trans-conjugated acids by condensation with maleic anhydride and acrylic acid. The adducts were isolated, purified, and converted to esters by using a variety of alcohols, including methyl, ethyl,n-propyl,n-butyl, and allyl alcohols. Esters made from saturated alcohols were converted into the corresponding epoxy derivatives. All of the esters (except allyl) and all of the epoxy esters were compatible with an equal weight of polyvinyl chloride and appeared to be primary plasticizers for this plastic. The epoxy esters were effective in inhibiting heat deterioration of polyvinyl chloride. Presented at fall meeting. American Oil Chemists' Society, September 23–26, 1956, Chicago, Ill.     

Plasma miR-9-3p and miR-136-3p as Potential Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers for Experimental and Human Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Noninvasive, affordable circulating biomarkers for difficult-to-diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are an unmet medical need. Although blood microRNA (miRNA) levels are reportedly altered after traumatic brain injury (TBI), their diagnostic potential for mTBI remains inconclusive. We hypothesized that acutely altered plasma miRNAs could serve as diagnostic biomarkers both in the lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) model and clinical mTBI. We performed plasma small RNA-sequencing from adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 31) at 2 days post-TBI, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based validation of selected candidates. miR-9a-3p, miR-136-3p, and miR-434-3p were identified as the most promising candidates at 2 days after lateral FPI. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) revealed 4.2-, 2.8-, and 4.6-fold elevations in miR-9a-3p, miR-136-3p, and miR-434-3p levels (p < 0.01 for all), respectively, distinguishing rats with mTBI from naïve rats with 100% sensitivity and specificity. DdPCR further identified a subpopulation of mTBI patients with plasma miR-9-3p (n = 7/15) and miR-136-3p (n = 5/15) levels higher than one standard deviation above the control mean at <2 days postinjury. In sTBI patients, plasma miR-9-3p levels were 6.5- and 9.2-fold in comparison to the mTBI and control groups, respectively. Thus, plasma miR-9-3p and miR-136-3p were identified as promising biomarker candidates for mTBI requiring further evaluation in a larger patient population.     

Altered Follicular Fluid Metabolic Pattern Correlates with Female Infertility and Outcome Measures of In Vitro Fertilization

Nearly 40–50% of infertility problems are estimated to be of female origin. Previous studies dedicated to the analysis of metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) produced contrasting results, although some valuable indexes capable to discriminate control groups (CTRL) from infertile females (IF) and correlate with outcome measures of assisted reproduction techniques were in some instances found. In this study, we analyzed in blind FF of 35 control subjects (CTRL = patients in which inability to obtain pregnancy was exclusively due to a male factor) and 145 IF (affected by: endometriosis, n = 19; polycystic ovary syndrome, n = 14; age-related reduced ovarian reserve, n = 58; reduced ovarian reserve, n = 29; unexplained infertility, n = 14; genetic infertility, n = 11) to determine concentrations of 55 water- and fat-soluble low molecular weight compounds (antioxidants, oxidative/nitrosative stress-related compounds, purines, pyrimidines, energy-related metabolites, and amino acids). Results evidenced that 27/55 of them had significantly different values in IF with respect to those measured in CTRL. The metabolic pattern of these potential biomarkers of infertility was cumulated (in both CTRL and IF) into a Biomarker Score index (incorporating the metabolic anomalies of FF), that fully discriminated CTRL (mean Biomarker Score value = 4.00 ± 2.30) from IF (mean Biomarker Score value = 14.88 ± 3.09, p < 0.001). The Biomarker Score values were significantly higher than those of CTRL in each of the six subgroups of IF. Posterior probability curves and ROC curve indicated that values of the Biomarker Score clustered CTRL and IF into two distinct groups, based on the individual FF metabolic profile. Furthermore, Biomarker Score values correlated with outcome measures of ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, number and quality of blastocysts, clinical pregnancy, and healthy offspring. These results strongly suggest that the biochemical quality of FF deeply influences not only the effectiveness of IVF procedures but also the following embryonic development up to healthy newborns. The targeted metabolomic analysis of FF (using empowered Redox Energy Test) and the subsequent calculation of the Biomarker Score evidenced a set of 27 low molecular weight infertility biomarkers potentially useful in the laboratory managing of female infertility and to predict the success of assisted reproduction techniques.     

Decreased Attraction of Anastrepha ludens to Combinations of Two Types of Synthetic Lures in a Citrus Orchard

Combinations of the previously developed attractants CEHO from host fruit aroma and AMPu from volatile metabolites of amino acids were evaluated for attractiveness to gamma-irradiated Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens, in a citrus orchard. In one experiment, McPhail traps with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) lures loaded with CEHO (10:1:1:50 mixture of 1,8-cineole, ethyl hexanoate, hexanol, and ethyl octanoate) were more attractive than blank traps. McPhail traps with AMPu (10:10:1 mixture of ammonium bicarbonate, methylamine HCl, and putrescine) were more attractive than blank and CEHO traps. Traps containing both AMPu and CEHO lures were less attractive than traps containing AMPu alone. In another experiment, sticky yellow panels and spheres were used to compare attractiveness of the same two attractants in different formulations. Sticky traps baited with membrane formulations of CEHO (10:1:1:10 mixture of the chemicals listed above) were not significantly attractive. Sticky traps with polypropylene tubes containing an agar formulation of AMPu (6:10:1 mixture of ammonium carbonate, methylamine HCl, and putrescine) were more attractive than blank and CEHO baited traps. As in the first experiment, traps with both AMPu and CEHO lures were less attractive than traps with AMPu alone. Results indicate that attractive host-odor volatiles and attractive amino-acid metabolites interact negatively with regard to attractiveness to the Mexican fruit fly.     

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Response in a Preclinical Alcohol Model of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Injury

Background and Aims: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 has recently been shown to play a potential role in bile acid metabolism. We aimed to investigate the FGF21 response in an ethanol-induced acute-on-chronic liver injury (ACLI) model in Abcb4^−/− mice with deficiency of the hepatobiliary phospholipid transporter. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from wild-type (WT, C57BL/6J) and Abcb4⁻/⁻ (KO) mice, which were either fed a control diet (WT-Cont and KO-Cont groups; n = 28/group) or ethanol diet, followed by an acute ethanol binge (WT-EtOH and KO-EtOH groups; n = 28/group). A total of 58 human subjects were recruited into the study, including patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD; n = 31) and healthy controls (n = 27). The hepatic and ileal expressions of genes involved in bile acid metabolism, plasma FGF levels, and bile acid and its precursors 7α- and 27-hydroxycholesterol (7α- and 27-OHC) concentrations were determined. Primary mouse hepatocytes were isolated for cell culture experiments. Results: Alcohol feeding significantly induced plasma FGF21 and decreased hepatic Cyp7a1 levels. Hepatic expression levels of Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (Fgfr1), Fgfr4, Farnesoid X-activated receptor (Fxr), and Small heterodimer partner (Shp) and plasma FGF15/FGF19 levels did not differ with alcohol challenge. Exogenous FGF21 treatment suppressed Cyp7a1 in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. AALD patients showed markedly higher FGF21 and lower 7α-OHC plasma levels while FGF19 did not differ. Conclusions: The simultaneous upregulation of FGF21 and downregulation of Cyp7a1 expressions upon chronic plus binge alcohol feeding together with the invariant plasma FGF15 and hepatic Shp and Fxr levels suggest the presence of a direct regulatory mechanism of FGF21 on bile acid homeostasis through inhibition of CYP7A1 by an FGF15-independent pathway in this ACLI model. Lay Summary: Alcohol challenge results in the upregulation of FGF21 and repression of Cyp7a1 expressions while circulating FGF15 and hepatic Shp and Fxr levels remain constant both in healthy and pre-injured livers, suggesting the presence of an alternative FGF15-independent regulatory mechanism of FGF21 on bile acid homeostasis through the inhibition of Cyp7a1.     

Control of main chain structure and possibility of molecular weight control of polymer on polymerization of vinyl chloride with tert-butyllithium

The controlled polymerization of vinyl chloride (VC) with tert-butyllithium (tert-BuLi) was investigated. The polymerization of VC with tert-BuLi at −30 °C proceeded to give a high molecular weight polymer in good yield. In the polymerization of VC −30 to 0 °C under nearly bulk, the relationship between the M_n of polymers and polymer yields gave a straight line passed through the origin, but the M_w/M_n of PVC was not narrow. When CH₂Cl₂ was used as polymerization solvent, the M_n of PVC increased with the polymer yield, and the M_w/M_n of 1.25 was obtained. Structure analysis of the resulting polymers indicates that the main chain structure could be regulated in the polymerization of VC with tert-BuLi. Accordingly, a control of molecular weight of polymer and main chain structure is possible in the polymerization of VC with tert-BuLi.     

Alterations in Metabolome and Microbiome Associated with an Early Stress Stage in Male Wistar Rats: A Multi-Omics Approach

Stress disorders have dramatically increased in recent decades becoming the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the United States and Europe. However, the diagnosis of stress disorders is currently based on symptom checklist and psychological questionnaires, thus making the identification of candidate biomarkers necessary to gain better insights into this pathology and its related metabolic alterations. Regarding the identification of potential biomarkers, omic profiling and metabolic footprint arise as promising approaches to recognize early biochemical changes in such disease and provide opportunities for the development of integrative candidate biomarkers. Here, we studied plasma and urine metabolites together with metagenomics in a 3 days Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (3d CUMS) animal approach that aims to focus on the early stress period of a well-established depression model. The multi-omics integration showed a profile composed by a signature of eight plasma metabolites, six urine metabolites and five microbes. Specifically, threonic acid, malic acid, alpha-ketoglutarate, succinic acid and cholesterol were proposed as key metabolites that could serve as key potential biomarkers in plasma metabolome of early stages of stress. Such findings targeted the threonic acid metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle as important pathways in early stress. Additionally, an increase in opportunistic microbes as virus of the Herpesvirales was observed in the microbiota as an effect of the primary stress stages. Our results provide an experimental biochemical characterization of the early stage of CUMS accompanied by a subsequent omic profiling and a metabolic footprinting that provide potential candidate biomarkers.     

Global Metabolic Regulation of the Snow Alga Chlamydomonas nivalis in Response to Nitrate or Phosphate Deprivation by a Metabolome Profile Analysis

In the present work, Chlamydomonas nivalis, a model species of snow algae, was used to illustrate the metabolic regulation mechanism of microalgae under nutrient deprivation stress. The seed culture was inoculated into the medium without nitrate or phosphate to reveal the cell responses by a metabolome profile analysis using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS). One hundred and seventy-one of the identified metabolites clustered into five groups by the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model. Among them, thirty of the metabolites in the nitrate-deprived group and thirty-nine of the metabolites in the phosphate-deprived group were selected and identified as “responding biomarkers” by this metabolomic approach. A significant change in the abundance of biomarkers indicated that the enhanced biosynthesis of carbohydrates and fatty acids coupled with the decreased biosynthesis of amino acids, N-compounds and organic acids in all the stress groups. The up- or down-regulation of these biomarkers in the metabolic network provides new insights into the global metabolic regulation and internal relationships within amino acid and fatty acid synthesis, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and the Calvin cycle in the snow alga under nitrate or phosphate deprivation stress.     

Histone Methylation Marks on Circulating Nucleosomes as Novel Blood-Based Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer

Circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) are under investigation as a liquid biopsy in cancer as potential non-invasive biomarkers, as stable structure in circulation nucleosomes could be valuable sources for detection of cancer-specific alterations in histone modifications. Our interest is in histone methylation marks with a focus on colorectal cancer, one of the leading cancers respective the incidence and mortality. Our previous work included the analysis of trimethylations of lysine 9 on histone 3 (H3K9me3) and of lysine 20 on histone 4 (H4K20me3) by chromatin immuno- precipitation-related PCR in circulating nucleosomes. Here we asked whether global immunologic measurement of histone marks in circulation could be a suitable approach to show their potential as biomarkers. In addition to H3K9me3 and H4K20me3 we also measured H3K27me3 in plasma samples from CRC patients (n = 63) and cancer free individuals (n = 40) by ELISA-based methylation assays. Our results show that of three marks, the amounts of H3K27me3 (p = 0.04) and H4K20me3 (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in CRC patients than in healthy controls. For H3K9me3 similar amounts were measured in both groups. Areas under the curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicating the power of CRC detection were 0.620 for H3K27me3, 0.715 for H4K20me3 and 0.769 for the combination of both markers. In conclusion, findings of this preliminary study reveal the potential of blood-based detection of CRC by quantification of histone methylation marks and the additive effect of the marker combination.     

Cuticular Hydrocarbons of the Dampwood Termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis: Caste Differences and Role of Lipophorin in Transport of Hydrocarbons and Hydrocarbon Metabolites

The epicuticular and internal hydrocarbons (HC) from different castes of the dampwood termite Zootermopsis nevadensis were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The epicuticular HC profiles of workers and alates contained large proportions of n-heneicosane (n-C21), 5-methylheneicosane (5-MeC21), and 5,17- and 5,15-dimethylheneicosane (5,17-, 5,15-diMeC21). Sixty-three HC peaks were identified as normal-, monomethyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethylalkanes up to 41 carbons long. The HC content of the internal tissues was significantly greater than on the epicuticle in all castes examined (2.8-fold in female alates, 5.7-fold in male alates, and 13.7-fold in workers). The hemolymph of all castes, including workers, soldiers, nymphs, and female and male alates, contained large amounts of HC and all hemolymph samples had nearly identical HC profiles. However, the hemolymph profile was remarkably different from the cuticular profile. KBr equilibrium gradient ultracentrifugation of worker hemolymph showed that all HC were associated with a high-density lipophorin (density of 1.12 ± 0.005 g/ml) consisting of two subunits, apolipophorin-I (220 kDa) and apolipophorin-II (82 kDa). After topical application of radiolabeled 3,11-dimethylnonacosane, a HC that is closely related to a native HC, all the internalized HC and radiolabeled lipid metabolites that were recovered from the hemolymph were associated with lipophorin. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that lipophorin transports HC and some HC metabolites through the hemolymph from the sites of synthesis to the integument and from the integument to metabolic and excretory tissues. In many social insects, different castes have different relative proportions of the same HC and lipophorin appears to play an important role in regulation of the externalization and internalization of HC and, therefore, in the attainment of caste-specific chemical profiles.     

Processing aids for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride

Comparative studies of melt processability showed that chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) had low melt index and high Brabender melt temperature and torque, as compared with conventional rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Of 3 processing aids at 10 percent concentration, triphenyl phosphate increased melt index 30-fold, fusion rate 10-fold, melt temperature 20°C, and torque 31 percent in CPVC. Two other processing aids, an acrylic and a styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer, were less effective. Improvements in PVC were less dramatic than in CPVC. Overall, use of processing aids made CPVC processability equal or even superior to conventional rigid PVC.     

Bulk polymerization of vinyl chloride with half-titanocene/MAO catalyst

Bulk polymerization of vinyl chloride (VC) with Cp^∗Ti(OPh)₃/MAO catalyst was investigated. The bulk polymerization of VC with Cp^∗Ti(OPh)₃/MAO catalyst proceeded to give poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with high molecular weight in good yields. The M_n of the polymer increased in direct proportion to polymer yields and the line passed through the origin. The M_w/M_n of the polymer decreased with an increase of polymer yield. The GPC elution curves were unimodal and the whole curves shifted clearly to the higher molecular weight as a function of reaction time. This indicates that the control of molecular weight can be achieved in the polymerization of VC with Cp^∗Ti(OPh)₃/MAO catalyst even in bulk. The structure of PVC obtained from the bulk polymerization of VC with Cp^∗Ti(OPh)₃/MAO catalyst consists of a regular structure. The thermal stability of the polymer obtained with Cp^∗Ti(OPh)/MAO catalyst was higher than that of PVC obtained from radical polymerization and depended on the molecular weight of the polymer. In contrast to that, the initial decomposition temperature of the polymer obtained from a radical polymerization did not depend on the molecular weight. We presumed that the decomposition of the polymer obtained with Cp^∗Ti(OPh)₃/MAO catalyst initiated at the chain end.     

Effect of Ecdysterone on the Hepatic Transcriptome and Lipid Metabolism in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats

Conflicting reports exist with regard to the effect of ecdysterone, the predominating representative of steroid hormones in insects and plants, on hepatic and plasma lipid concentrations in different rodent models of obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes, indicating that the effect is dependent on the rodent model used. Here, the hypothesis was tested for the first time that ecdysterone causes lipid-lowering effects in genetically obese Zucker rats. To test this hypothesis, two groups of male obese Zucker rats (n = 8) were fed a nutrient-adequate diet supplemented without or with 0.5 g ecdysterone per kg diet. To study further if ecdysterone is capable of alleviating the strong lipid-synthetic activity in the liver of obese Zucker rats, the study included also two groups of male lean Zucker rats (n = 8) which also received either the ecdysterone-supplemented or the non-supplemented diet. While hepatic and plasma concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol were markedly higher in the obese compared to the lean rats (p < 0.05), hepatic and plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations did not differ between rats of the same genotype fed the diets without or with ecdysterone. In conclusion, the present study clearly shows that ecdysterone supplementation does not exhibit lipid-lowering actions in the liver and plasma of lean and obese Zucker rats.     

Characterization of New Proteomic Biomarker Candidates in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) gene. Skeletal dysplasia and the related clinical features of MPS IVA are caused by disruption of the cartilage and its extracellular matrix, leading to a growth imbalance. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human GALNS has yielded positive results in activity of daily living and endurance tests. However, no data have demonstrated improvements in bone lesions and bone grow thin MPS IVA after ERT, and there is no correlation between therapeutic efficacy and urine levels of keratan sulfate, which accumulates in MPS IVA patients. Using qualitative and quantitative proteomics approaches, we analyzed leukocyte samples from healthy controls (n = 6) and from untreated (n = 5) and ERT-treated (n = 8, sampled before and after treatment) MPS IVA patients to identify potential biomarkers of disease. Out of 690 proteins identified in leukocytes, we selected a group of proteins that were dysregulated in MPS IVA patients with ERT. From these, we identified four potential protein biomarkers, all of which may influence bone and cartilage metabolism: lactotransferrin, coronin 1A, neutral alpha-glucosidase AB, and vitronectin. Further studies of cartilage and bone alterations in MPS IVA will be required to verify the validity of these proteins as potential biomarkers of MPS IVA.     

Abnormalities in Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profiles of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to profile the possible changes in plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition of HCC patients, and to identify the fatty acid biomarkers that could distinguish HCC patients from healthy controls. A total of 37 plasma samples from healthy controls and HCC patients were collected and their phospholipid fatty acid profiles were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Twenty‐five fatty acids were identified and quantified, their proportions varied greatly between two groups, suggesting each group has its own fatty acid pattern. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis in terms of fatty acid profiles showed that HCC patients could be clearly distinguished from healthy controls. More importantly, linoleic acid (18:2n‐6), oleic acid (18:1n‐9), arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6) and palmitic acid (16:0) were identified as the potential fatty acid biomarkers of HCC patients. Additionally, to further identify the major cause of the abnormality of plasma fatty acid profile, fatty acid distributions of cancerous tissue and its surrounding tissue from 42 HCC patients were also examined. Due to have similar variation trend of major fatty acid biomarkers, linoleic acid (18:2n‐6), oleic acid (18:1n‐9), abnormalities in plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles of HCC patients may be mainly attributed to the alternation of intrinsic fatty acid metabolism caused by cancer per se, but not to the differences in dietary factors.     

Properties of Blends Prepared from Surface-modified Low-density Polyethylene and Poly(vinyl chloride)

Improvement of adhesion between low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in their blends was attempted by plasma modification of their surfaces. A series of different plasma treatments, vinyl chloride or carbon tetrachloride plasma for PE and acetylene plasma for PVC, were employed. In addition, an oligomeric copolymer of PE–VC was also tested in the blend. After modification, different degrees of improvement were obtained in mechanical properties, ranging from slight for acetylene plasma-modified samples to high for the vinyl chloride plasma-modified samples and samples with added oligomeric copolymer. © of SCI.     

合成氯乙烯单体非汞触媒的发展现状及存在的问题

目前氯乙烯单体的工业合成方法主要有乙炔氢氯化法和乙烯氧氯化法。在我国,大约70%氯乙烯单体采用乙炔氢氯化法生产。这是由我国的特殊能源结构所决定的。而乙炔氢氯化法工艺路线一直采用剧毒的氯化汞/活性炭为催化剂,该催化剂易挥发流失,对工人健康及当地环境造成了严重的危害。如何消除汞触媒污染,现乙炔氢氯化合成氯乙烯清洁工艺路线,是摆在化学工艺工作者面前关于氯碱行业的函待解决的问题。