Detection of cytochrome P450 substrates by using a small-molecule droplet array on an NADH-immobilized solid surface

Seeing below the surface: A small-molecule droplet array platform on an NADH-immobilized solid surface and a biotinylated acetophenone derivative were developed to identify the substrate candidates for soluble P450 enzymes of interest. This methodology is thought to be easily applicable to other class I P450 systems, including those that use NADPH as cofactor.     

Biohydrogen production from biomass and industrial wastes by dark fermentation

Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier which has a great potential to be an alternative fuel. Abundant biomass from various industries could be a source for biohydrogen production where combination of waste treatment and energy production would be an advantage. This article summarizes the dark fermentative biohydrogen production from biomass. Types of potential biomass that could be the source for biohydrogen generation such as food and starch-based wastes, cellulosic materials, dairy wastes, palm oil mill effluent and glycerol are discussed in this article. Moreover, the microorganisms, factors affecting biohydrogen production such as undissociated acid, hydrogen partial pressure and metal ions are also discussed.     

主链电荷型高分子与表面活性剂复合物的形成及结构研究

合成了主链带电荷的阳离子高分子聚N,N二甲十二烷基溴化铵（以下简单称12,12-ionene),研究了它与阳离子表面活性剂之间的相互作用及复合物的形成过程,研究结果表明,表面活性对高分子的吸附存在两种形式：一种是等化学量的1：1复合物沉淀的形成;另一种是非等化学量的可溶的复合物的形成,复合物的形成机理被认为活性剂与高分子间的静电相互作用和疏水性相互作用二者的协同,通过X射线衍射分析方法对复合物结构研究表明,复合物可形成规整的分子及超分子结构排列。     

Relationship between NAFLD and Periodontal Disease from the View of Clinical and Basic Research,and Immunological Response

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by pathogenic oral microorganisms that leads to the destruction of alveolar bone and connective tissues around the teeth. Although many studies have shown that periodontal disease is a risk factor for systemic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and periodontal disease has not yet been clarified. Thus, the purpose of this review was to reveal the relationship between NAFLD and periodontal disease based on epidemiological studies, basic research, and immunology. Many cross-sectional and prospective epidemiological studies have indicated that periodontal disease is a risk factor for NAFLD. An in vivo animal model revealed that infection with periodontopathic bacteria accelerates the progression of NAFLD accompanied by enhanced steatosis. Moreover, the detection of periodontopathic bacteria in the liver may demonstrate that the bacteria have a direct impact on NAFLD. Furthermore, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induces inflammation and accumulation of intracellular lipids in hepatocytes. Th17 may be a key molecule for explaining the relationship between periodontal disease and NAFLD. In this review, we attempted to establish that oral health is essential for systemic health, especially in patients with NAFLD.     

Facet joint asymmetry as a radiologic feature of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in children and adolescents

STUDY DESIGN: This study compared the incidence of facet joint asymmetry between adult and juvenile patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. OBJECTIVES: To determine the different distribution of the facet joint asymmetry between the adult and juvenile patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: As early as 1967, it was suggested that asymmetry of the facet joints is correlated with the development of disc herniation. There have been numerous arguments for and against Farfan's hypothesis, however, most studies were carried out on adult patients, and this hypothesis has not been verified in juvenile patients. METHODS: The study group consisted of 29 levels of 25 patients aged 12-20 years (juvenile group) and 50 levels of 33 patients aged 30-49 years (adult group) who underwent posterior discectomy. The shape of facet joints, the facet joint angle, and the moment arm angle and length were measured for each facet joint using computed tomography. Facet joint asymmetry was defined as the difference in facet joint shape or a difference of more than 10 degrees in facet joint angles between the right and left sides. The incidence of facet joint asymmetry and the relationships among the facet joint asymmetry and the location, type of disc herniation, and disc degeneration were examined in juvenile and adult groups. RESULTS: The overall incidence of facet joint asymmetry was significantly higher in the juvenile group (12 levels, 41%) than in the adult group (four levels, 8%; P < 0.01). There were no significant relationships among the facet joint asymmetry, the location, type of disc herniation, and disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the frequency of facet joint asymmetry in the juvenile group was five times higher than that in the adult group. This result indicates that facet joint asymmetry is a radiologic feature of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in children and adolescents.     

Effects of the anion ordering superlattice on ''the rapid oscillations'' in (TMTSF)2X

A novel type of magnetic oscillatory phenomenon, so-called 'the rapid oscillations', has been observed in quasi-one dimensional organic conductors (TMTSF)₂X. To clarify the effects of the anion ordering superlattice on the rapid oscillations in ClO₄ salt, we made magnetotransport studies under high pressures. We found that the rapid oscillations disappear above a threshold pressure about 5kbar above which the anion ordering is thought to be suppressed. Furthermore, we found another oscillations with a longer period under high pressures. This may be ascribed to a possible change of the anion ordering superlattice wave vector.