Bacterial-cellulose-derived carbon nanofiber@MnO₂ and nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber electrode materials: an asymmetric supercapacitor with high energy and power density

A new kind of high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor is designed with pyrolyzed bacterial cellulose (p-BC)-coated MnO₂ as a positive electrode material and nitrogen-doped p-BC as a negative electrode material via an easy, efficient, large-scale, and green fabrication approach. The optimal asymmetric device possesses an excellent supercapacitive behavior with quite high energy and power density.

WITHDRAWN: Corrigendum to "Ring chromosome 21 presenting with sacrococcygeal teratoma: Prenatal diagnosis, molecular cytogenetic characterization and literature review" [Gene 522 (2013) 111-116]

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Prenatal diagnosis of ring chromosome 2 with lissencephaly and 2p25.3 and 2q37.3 microdeletions detected using array comparative genomic hybridization

We present rapid aneuploidy diagnosis of ring chromosome 2 with 2p25.3 and 2q37.3 microdeletions by aCGH using uncultured amniocytes in a fetus with IUGR, microcephaly, lissencephaly and ambiguous external genitalia. Our case adds lissencephaly to the list of CNS abnormalities in ring chromosome 2 with 2p25.3 and 2q37.3 microdeletions. We discuss the consequence of haploinsufficiency of HDAC4, KIF1A, PASK, HDLBP, FRAP2 and D2HGDH on 2q37.3, and haploinsufficiency of MYT1L, SNTG2 and TPO on 2p25.3 in this case.

Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of de novo partial trisomy 12q (12q24.21→qter) and partial monosomy 6q (6q27→qter) associated with coarctation of the aorta, ventriculomegaly and thickened nuchal fold

We present rapid aneuploidy diagnosis of de novo partial trisomy 12q (12q24.21→qter) and partial monosomy 6q (6q27→qter) by aCGH using uncultured amniocytes in a fetus with coarctation of the aorta, ventriculomegaly and thickened nuchal fold. We discuss the association of TBX3, TBX5 and MED13L gene duplication with coarctation of the aorta, and the association of RNASET2 gene haploinsufficiency with ventriculomegaly in this case.

Synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors

Supercapacitors (also known as ultracapacitors) are considered to be the most promising approach to meet the pressing requirements of energy storage. Supercapacitive electrode materials, which are closely related to the high-efficiency storage of energy, have provoked more interest. Herein, we present a high-capacity supercapacitor material based on the nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers synthesized by carbonization of macroscopic-scale carbonaceous nanofibers (CNFs) coated with polypyrrole (CNFs@polypyrrole) at an appropriate temperature. The composite nanofibers exhibit a reversible specific capacitance of 202.0 F g(-1) at the current density of 1.0 A g(-1) in 6.0 mol L(-1) aqueous KOH electrolyte, meanwhile maintaining a high-class capacitance retention capability and a maximum power density of 89.57 kW kg(-1). This kind of nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber represents an alternative promising candidate for an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.

Rapid aneuploidy diagnosis of partial trisomy 7q (7q34→qter) and partial monosomy 10q (10q26.12→qter) by array comparative genomic hybridization using uncultured amniocytes

OBJECTIVE

To present rapid aneuploidy diagnosis (RAD) of partial trisomy 7q (7q34→qter) and partial monosomy 10q (10q26.12→qter) by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) using uncultured amniocytes.

CASE REPORT

A 34-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, woman underwent amniocentesis at 20 weeks of gestation because of a previous mentally retarded child with an unbalanced reciprocal translocation inherited from the carrier father who had a karyotype of 46,XY,t(7;10) (q34;q26.12). Her first child was initially found to have a normal karyotype by routine cytogenetic analysis, but a cryptic chromosomal abnormality was subsequently diagnosed by aCGH. During this pregnancy, RAD by oligonucleotide-based aCGH using uncultured amniocytes revealed a 16.4-Mb duplication of 7q34-q36.3 and a 12.7-Mb deletion of 10q26.12-q26.3. Conventional cytogenetic analysis using cultured amniocytes revealed a karyotype of 46,XX,der(10)t(7;10)(q34;q26.12)pat. The parents elected to terminate the pregnancy. A malformed female fetus was delivered with a high prominent forehead, hypertelorism, epicanthic folds, a broad depressed nasal bridge, a prominent nose with anteverted nostrils, micrognathia, a short neck, large low-set ears, clinodactyly, small big toes, and normal female external genitalia.

CONCLUSION

aCGH is a useful tool for RAD of subtle chromosomal rearrangements in pregnancy, especially under the circumstance of a previous abnormal child with an unbalanced translocation derived from a parental subtle reciprocal translocation.

Icariin associated with exercise therapy is an effective treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

There are no conclusive studies evaluating the interaction between icariin and exercise for treatment of osteoporosis; the efficacy and safety of this treatment combination remains to be evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of icariin treatment combined with exercise therapy on bone parameters and body weight of ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Ovariectomized rats were used as a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis and were exposed to either icariin treatment, exercise, hormone replacement therapy, or a combination of the above. Untreated, ovariectomized rats and sham operated rats were used as controls. After 3 months of experimental interventions the effects of the treatments on the body and uterine weights, the physical and biomechanical properties of bones, and the expression of the osteoblast-specific gene Osterix (Osx), were assessed.

RESULTS

The weight gain of the ovariectomized rats was greater than that of the treated experimental groups. Uterine weight and serum estradiol levels were significantly greater in sham operated and estrogen-treated ovariectomized rats than in the other groups. Biomechanical parameters were improved significantly in ovariectomized rats treated with exercise alone or treated with exercise and icariin. Osx expression was increased in ovariectomized rats treated with exercise and icariin or treated with just icariin.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise combined with icariin had a synergistic effect in the early prevention of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. The effects of icariin and exercise on osteoporosis are worth further exploration.

Localization and developmental expression patterns of CSPG-cs56 (aggrecan) in normal and dystrophic retinas in two rat strains

Proteoglycans have a number of important functions in the central nervous system. Aggrecan (hyaluronan-binding proteoglycan, CSPG-cs56) is found in the extracellular matrix of cartilage as well as in the developing brain. We compared the postnatal distribution of CSPG-cs56 in Long Evans (LE) and Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat retinas to determine if this proteoglycan played a role in the development of dystrophic retinas. CSPG-cs56 expression was examined in rat retinas aged between birth (postnatal day 0, P0) and P150 using immunofluorescence and Western-blots. Immunofluorescence was quantified using ImageJ. GFAP staining was used to compare Müller cell labeling and the distribution of CSPG-cs56. Both rat strains showed a significant rise in total retinal CSPG-cs56 between P0 and P21; values peaked on P21 in LE rats and P14 in RCS rats. CSPG-cs56 then significantly decreased to lower levels (P35) in both strains before reaching significantly higher levels by P90-P150. CSPG-cs56 positive staining was present in the ganglion cell layer at birth and clear layering of the inner plexiform layer was seen between P7 and P21 due to dendritic staining of retinal ganglion cells. Staining was less intense and diffuse within the outer plexiform over a similar time-course. Light CSPG-cs56 labeling in the region of the outer segments was present at (P14) and became more intense as the retina approached maturity. CSPG-cs56 in the outer segments was the main contributor to the higher expression in older animals. Substantial differences in CSPG-cs56 labeling were not seen between LE and RCS rats. There was no evidence to suggest that Müller cells were the source of CSPG-cs56 in either rat strain, although their staining distributions had a degree of overlap. The lack of significant differences between LE and RCS rats indicates that CSPG-cs56 may not be involved in the degenerative process or the reorganization of the RCS rat retina. We suggest that the main role of CPSG-cs56 is to maintain retinal ganglion cell dendritic structure in the inner plexiform layer and is closely related to providing adequate support and flexibility for the photoreceptor outer segments, which is necessary to maintain their function.

Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaicism for a small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from ring chromosome 4

OBJECTIVE

To present prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaicism for a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from ring chromosome, or r(4) by spectral karyotyping (SKY), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).

MATERIALS, METHODS, AND RESULTS

A 37-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a de novo ring-shaped sSMC in 16 of 31 amniocyte colonies. The parental karyotypes were normal. Level II ultrasound findings were unremarkable. Repeated amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+mar[17]/46,XX[19]. The sSMC was characterized by SKY and FISH, which showed a chromosome 4 origin of the sSMC. aCGH demonstrated a 21.7-Mb gain in the gene dosage encompassing the region of 4p12→q13.2. The sSMC was r(4)(p12q13.2). The fetal karyotype was 47,XX,+r(4)(p12q13.2)[17]/46,XX[19]. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated. The fetus postnatally manifested hypertelorism, epicanthic folds, a prominent nose, a triangular face, low-set ears, clinodactyly of the fingers, and small big toes. Postnatal cytogenetic analyses of fetal and extraembryonic tissues revealed the karyotypes of 47,XX,+r(4)[18]/46,XX[21] in cord blood, 47,XX,+r(4)[20]/48,XX,+r(4),+r(4)[1]/46,XX[9] in umbilical cord, 47,XX,+r(4)[14]/47,XX,+dic r(4)[1]/46,XX[25] in skin, 47,XX,+r(4)[15]/46,XX[25] in amnion, and 47,XX,+r(4)[12]/47,XX,+dic r(4)[1]/46,XX[2] in placenta.

CONCLUSION

SKY, FISH, and aCGH are helpful in genetic counseling of prenatally detected sSMCs by providing the immediate and thorough information on the origin and genetic component of the sSMC.

Double aneuploidy with Edwards-Klinefelter syndromes (48,XXY,+18) of maternal origin: prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization in a fetus with arthrogryposis of the left wrist and aplasia of the left thumb

OBJECTIVE

To present the prenatal diagnosis and molecular investigation of the parental origin and mechanism of nondisjunction underlying an 48,XXY,+18 karyotype in a fetus with congenital abnormalities, and to review the literature.

MATERIALS, METHODS, AND RESULTS

A 42-year-old woman was referred for amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Prenatal ultrasound revealed bilateral choroid plexus cysts. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 48,XXY,+18. The parental karyotypes were normal. Level II ultrasound revealed a flexion contracture deformity of the left wrist with absence of the thumb. The pregnancy was terminated at 22 weeks of gestation. A 332 g male fetus was delivered with clenched hands, arthrogryposis of the left wrist, aplasia of the left thumb, micrognathia, low-set ears, hypertelorism, rocker-bottom feet, and a normal penis. Quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction assays using polymorphic DNA markers showed a triallelic pattern with a dosage ratio of 1:1:1 (paternal:maternal:maternal) for chromosome 18-specific markers, and a monoallelic pattern of a single maternal allele for chromosome X-specific markers. The fetus inherited two copies of two different maternal alleles on chromosome 18, and two copies of a single maternal allele on chromosome X. The molecular result, along with the karyotype of 48,XXY,+18, was consistent with the occurrence of nondisjunction of chromosome 18 in a maternal meiosis I error and nondisjunction of chromosome X in a maternal meiosis II error or less likely a postzygotic mitotic error.

CONCLUSION

The present case provides evidence that abnormal separation of chromosomes 18 and X resulting in double aneuploidy may occur in different cell divisions, and such an occurrence is related to advanced maternal age.

Synthesis of an attapulgite clay@carbon nanocomposite adsorbent by a hydrothermal carbonization process and their application in the removal of toxic metal ions from water

A new kind of attapulgite clay@carbon (ATP@C) nanocomposite adsorbent has been synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal carbonization process under mild conditions using two cheap, ecofriendly materials (i.e., attapulgite clay (ATP), which is a magnesium aluminum silicate that is abundant in nature, and glucose, which is a green chemical obtained from biomass). Compared to carbon-based materials, this new ATP@C nanocomposite exhibits a high adsorption ability for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions with maximum adsorption capacities of 177.74 and 263.83 mg·g(-1), respectively. The results demonstrate that this nanocomposite is an exceptionally promising candidate as a low-cost, sustainable, and effective adsorbent for the removal of toxic ions from water.