FasL gene -844T/C mutation of esophageal cancer in South China and its clinical significance

Overview of Risk Factors for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in China

(1) Background: China has the highest esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) incidence areas in the world, with some areas of incidence over 100 per 100,000. Despite extensive public health efforts, its etiology is still poorly understood. This study aims to review and summarize past research into potential etiologic factors for ESCC in China. (2) Methods: Relevant observational and intervention studies were systematically extracted from four databases using key terms, reviewed using Rayyan software, and summarized into Excel tables. (3) Results: Among the 207 studies included in this review, 129 studies were focused on genetic etiologic factors, followed by 22 studies focused on dietary-related factors, 19 studies focused on HPV-related factors, and 37 studies focused on other factors. (4) Conclusions: ESCC in China involves a variety of factors including genetic variations, gene-environment interactions, dietary factors like alcohol, tobacco use, pickled vegetables, and salted meat, dietary behavior such as hot food/drink consumption, infections like HPV, poor oral health, gastric atrophy, and socioeconomic factors. Public health measures should prioritize genetic screening for relevant polymorphisms, conduct comprehensive investigations into environmental, dietary, and HPV influences, enhance oral health education, and consider socioeconomic factors overall as integral strategies to reduce ESCC in high-risk areas of China.

Application of femtosecond laser microfabrication in the preparation of advanced bioactive titanium surfaces

The surface activation of titanium plays a key role in the biological properties of titanium implants as bone repair materials. Improving the ability to induce apatite precipitation on the surface was a well-accepted titanium bioactivation route. In this study, advanced femtosecond laser microfabrication was applied to modify titanium surfaces, and the effect of femtosecond laser etching on apatite precipitation was investigated and compared with popular titanium modification methods. Meanwhile, the mechanism of apatite formation after femtosecond laser modification was interpreted from the point of materials science. The surface physical-chemical characterization results showed that femtosecond laser etching can improve the surface hydrophilicity and increase the surface energy. Compared with traditional abrasive paper and acid-alkali treatment, this method increased the contents of active sites including titanium oxide and titanium-hydroxyl on titanium surfaces. TiO2 on the surface was transformed to TiO after femtosecond laser treatment. The samples etched with 0.3 W and 0.5 W femtosecond lasers had a better ability to induce apatite deposition than those treated with traditional mechanical treatment and popular acid-alkali modification, which would lead to better bioactivity and osteointegration. Considering the technical advantages of femtosecond lasers in microfabrication, it provides a more efficient and controllable scheme for the bioactivation of titanium. This research would improve the application potential of femtosecond laser treatment, such as micropattern preparation and surface activation, in the field of biomaterials.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of titania-amorphous carbon nanotubes/amorphous nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes nanohybrids for photocatalytic degradation of textile wastewater

The synthesis of TiO2 nanohybrids fabricated using amorphous carbon nanotubes (aCNTs) and amorphous nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (aNCNTs) via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method is reported. The photocatalytic removal of Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) and organics from industrial textile wastewater using these nanohybrids is discussed. The synthesis process was shown to promote the removal of nano graphitic flakes from the outer walls of the aNCNTs and aCNTs and subsequent incorporation of these carbonaceous materials into TiO2 nanocrystals as such enabling a stronger interaction between the TiO2 and the carbonaceous material. This enabled the production of a surface plasmon resonance on the TiO2 and NTiO2 nanocrystals. The carbon residue was confirmed to be aCNTs and aNCNTs by TGA and DTA analyses. XPS analysis for the TiO2-aNCNT nanohybrids confirmed the C and N doping of TiO2 due to the amorphous residues from the aNCNTs. In addition, XPS and FTIR spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of surface oxygen-based groups. TEM micrograph analysis showed that aCNTs and aNCNTs promote the formation of monodispersed and small TiO2 particles; all below 7.4 nm. The NTiO2-aNCNT nanohybrids have the lowest energy band gap at 2.97 eV and the lowest PL intensity. The TiO2-aNCNT nanohybrids had superior adsorptive (98.2%) and photocatalytic (99%) removal for 20 ppm RR 120 dye solution at k 1app 3.44 × 10-2 min-1. Lastly, all the nanohybrids demonstrate the formation of visible-light absorbing intermediates from VAT-dyed textile wastewater. The work demonstrates the possibility of the use of these nanohybrids to derive new products through photocatalytic nanohybrids.

Cell-based strategies for IVD repair: clinical progress and translational obstacles

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain, a prevalent and chronic condition that has a striking effect on quality of life. Currently, no approved pharmacological interventions or therapies are available that prevent the progressive destruction of the IVD; however, regenerative strategies are emerging that aim to modify the disease. Progress has been made in defining promising new treatments for disc disease, but considerable challenges remain along the entire translational spectrum, from understanding disease mechanism to useful interpretation of clinical trials, which make it difficult to achieve a unified understanding. These challenges include: an incomplete appreciation of the mechanisms of disc degeneration; a lack of standardized approaches in preclinical testing; in the context of cell therapy, a distinct lack of cohesion regarding the cell types being tested, the tissue source, expansion conditions and dose; the absence of guidelines regarding disease classification and patient stratification for clinical trial inclusion; and an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underpinning therapeutic responses to cell delivery. This Review discusses current approaches to disc regeneration, with a particular focus on cell-based therapeutic strategies, including ongoing challenges, and attempts to provide a framework to interpret current data and guide future investigational studies.

1D materials from ionic self-assembly in mixtures containing chromonic liquid crystal mesogens

Ionic self-assembly is a simple yet powerful method to obtain robust nanostructures. Herewith, we use mixtures of oppositely-charged porphyrins that can act as mesogens to form chromonic liquid crystals in water, i.e., molecular stacks with orientational (nematic) or positional (hexagonal) order. Electrostatic locking coupled with π-π interactions between aromatic groups within the stacks, together with inter-stack hydrogen bonding induce formation of all-organic crystalline nanofibers with high aspect ratio (a few tenths of nanometers in width but several tenths of micrometers in length) and that display branching. The nanofibers prepared from metal-free porphyrin units feature interesting optical properties, including an absorption spectrum that is different from the simple sum of the individual spectra of the components, which is attributed to a striking aggregation-induced chromism. When in contact with some polar organic solvents the materials become fluorescent, as a result of disaggregation. In a proof-of-concept, the obtained self-assembled one-dimensional (1D) materials were carbonized (yield ca. 60%) to produce nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers that can be used as active electrode materials for energy storage applications.

Algae-meditated route to cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticle: differential expression profile of MALAT1 and GAS5 LncRNAs and cytotoxic effect in human breast cancer

Background

Breast cancer (BC), as the most widely recognized disease in women worldwide, represents about 30% of all cancers impacting women. This study was aimed to synthesize Cu2O nanoparticles from the cystoseira myrica algae (CM-Cu2O NPs) assess their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. We evaluated the expression levels of lncRNAs (MALAT1 and GAS5) and apoptosis genes (p53, p27, bax, bcl2 and caspase3), their prognostic roles.

Methods

In this study, CM-Cu2O NPs synthesized by cystoseira myrica algae extraction used to evaluate its cytotoxicity and apoptotic properties on MDA-MB-231, SKBR3 and T-47D BC cell lines compared to HDF control cell line. The CM-Cu2O NPs was characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antimicrobial activity of CM-Cu2O NPs was assessed against pathogenic bacteria, staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) PTCC 1112 bacteria as a standard gram-positive bacteria and pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) PTCC 1310 as a standard gram-negative bacterium. Expression profile of MALAT1 and GAS5 lncRNAs and apoptosis genes, i.e., p27, bax, bcl2 and caspase3 genes, were calculated utilizing qRT-PCR. The changes in the expression levels were determined using the DDCT method.

Results

MALAT1 was upregulated in MDA-MB-231, SKBR3 and T-47D BC (p < 0.01), while GAS5 was downregulated in SKBR3 and T-47D cell lines tested compared with HDF control cell line (p < 0.05) was found. The results revealed that, p27, bax and caspase3 were significantly upregulated in BC cell lines as compared with normal cell line. Bcl2 expression was also significantly increased in MDA-MB-231 and T47D cell lines compared with normal cell line, but bcl2 levels were downregulated in SKBR3 cell line.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the beneficial cytotoxic effects of green-synthesized CM-Cu2O NPs on BC cell lines. This nanoparticle decreased angiogenesis and induces apoptosis, so we conclude that CM-Cu2O NPs can be used as a supplemental drug in cancer treatments. Significantly, elevated circulating lncRNAs were demonstrated to be BC specific and could differentiate BC cell lines from the normal cell lines. It was demonstrated that lncRNAs used in this study and their expression profiles can be created as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of BC. Further studies utilizing patients would give recognizable identification of lncRNAs as key players in intercellular interactions.

Long non-coding RNA dysregulation is a frequent event in non-small cell lung carcinoma pathogenesis

Background

Long non-coding RNAs compose an important level of epigenetic regulation in normal physiology and disease. Despite the plethora of publications of lncRNAs in human cancer, the landscape is still unclear.

Methods

Microarray analysis in 44 NSCLC paired specimens was followed by qPCR-based validation in 29 (technical) and 38 (independent) tissue pairs. Cross-validation of the selected targets was achieved in 850 NSCLC tumours from TCGA datasets.

Results

Twelve targets were successfully validated by qPCR (upregulated: FEZF1-AS1, LINC01214, LINC00673, PCAT6, NUTM2A-AS1, LINC01929; downregulated: PCAT19, FENDRR, SVIL-AS1, LANCL1-AS1, ADAMTS9-AS2 and LINC00968). All of them were successfully cross validated in the TCGA datasets. Abnormal DNA methylation was observed in the promoters of FENDRR, FEZF1-AS1 and SVIL-AS1. FEZF1-AS1 and LINC01929 were associated with survival in the TCGA set.

Conclusions

Our study provides through multiple levels of internal and external validation, a comprehensive list of dysregulated lncRNAs in NSCLC. We therefore envisage this dataset to serve as an important source for the lung cancer research community assisting future investigations on the involvement of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of the disease and providing novel biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic stratification.

High-resolution mycobiota analysis reveals dynamic intestinal translocation preceding invasive candidiasis

The intestinal microbiota is a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, protists and fungi^1,2. While the composition of bacterial constituents has been linked to immune homeostasis and to infectious susceptibility^3–7, the role of non-bacterial constituents and of cross-kingdom microbial interactions in these processes is poorly understood^2,8. Fungi represent a major cause of infectious morbidity and mortality in immune-compromised individuals, though the relationship of intestinal fungi (i.e., the mycobiota) with fungal bloodstream infections (BSI) remains undefined⁹. We integrated an optimized bioinformatics pipeline with high-resolution mycobiota sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of fecal and blood specimens from recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT). Patients with Candida BSI experienced a prior marked intestinal expansion of pathogenic Candida species; this expansion consisted of a complex dynamic between multiple species and subspecies with a stochastic translocation pattern into the bloodstream. The intestinal expansion of pathogenic Candida species was associated with a significant loss in bacterial burden and diversity, particularly in the anaerobes. Thus, simultaneous analysis of intestinal fungi and bacteria identifies dysbiosis states across kingdoms that may promote fungal translocation and facilitate invasive disease. These findings support microbiota-driven approaches to identify patients at risk for fungal BSI for pre-emptive therapeutic intervention.

Quantification of Malassezia pachydermatis by real-time PCR in swabs from the external ear canal of dogs

Malassezia pachydermatis is part of the normal microbiota of canine skin and external ear canal, and is also associated with otitis externa in dogs. Laboratory detection of Malassezia otitis relies on the presence of elevated numbers of the yeast on cytologic examination of otic exudate. Although cytology has high specificity, it has low sensitivity, resulting in false-negatives and posing a challenge for clinicians to accurately diagnose Malassezia otitis. We developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect and quantify M. pachydermatis yeasts and validate the method with swabs from external ear canals of dogs. Our qPCR uses the β-tubulin gene, a single-copy gene, as a target. The limit of quantification was established as 0.18 ng/reaction, equivalent to 2.0 × 10⁴ genome equivalents (gEq). Swabs from healthy dogs yielded quantification values of ≤2.7 × 10⁴ gEq in the qPCR, whereas swabs from dogs with otitis yielded quantification values of ≥2.5 × 10⁵ gEq. Our qPCR assay provides accurate quantification of M. pachydermatis yeasts from swab samples from dogs, is more sensitive than cytology, and could be used to monitor response to treatment. Our assay could also be valuable in a research setting to better understand the pathogenesis of M. pachydermatis.

The role of hypoxia-inducible factors in metabolic diseases

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), a family of transcription factors activated by hypoxia, consist of three α-subunits (HIF1α, HIF2α and HIF3α) and one β-subunit (HIF1β), which serves as a heterodimerization partner of the HIFα subunits. HIFα subunits are stabilized from constitutive degradation by hypoxia largely through lowering the activity of the oxygen-dependent prolyl hydroxylases that hydroxylate HIFα, leading to their proteolysis. HIF1α and HIF2α are expressed in different tissues and regulate target genes involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation and inflammation, and their expression is associated with different disease states. HIFs have been widely studied because of their involvement in cancer, and HIF2α-specific inhibitors are being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of kidney cancer. Although cancer has been the major focus of research on HIF, evidence has emerged that this pathway has a major role in the control of metabolism and influences metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Notably increased HIF1α and HIF2α signalling in adipose tissue and small intestine, respectively, promotes metabolic diseases in diet-induced disease models. Inhibition of HIF1α and HIF2α decreases the adverse diet-induced metabolic phenotypes, suggesting that they could be drug targets for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Status of FAS and FAS Ligand Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Breast Cancer in Northeastern IRAN

BACKGROUND

The First apoptosis signal (FAS) and First apoptosis signal ligand (FASL) genes initiate the apoptosis pathway, playing a central role in the tumor growth and metastasis. Gene polymorphisms including -1377 G/A in the promoter region of FAS and -844 C/T in the promoter region of FASL have shown to change the transcription activities of these genes.

METHODS

In this study we evaluated association of these polymorphisms with risk of metastasis of breast cancer, in a population selected from Mashhad, Iran. A total of 115 patients with breast cancer and 115 controls were recruited in this case-control study. Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was applied for genotyping on extracted DNA from participant's blood. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate cancer risk by calculating odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

There was no significant association between these genetic polymorphisms and breast cancer risk. Additionally, our results showed no significant influence from the above mentioned gene polymorphisms on metastasis of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the FAS-1377G/A and FASL-844 C/T gene polymorphism don't have much influence on the susceptibility to metastasis of breast cancer in northeastern Iranian population. Therefore, we suggest to investigate impact of other candidate gene polymorphisms on metastasis of breast cancer for future research.

Realization of an ultrathin acoustic lens for subwavelength focusing in the megasonic range

In this study, we report the first experimental realization of an ultrathin (0.14λ, λ = 1.482 mm means wavelength at 1 MHz in the water medium) subwavelength focusing acoustic lens that can surpass the Rayleigh diffraction limit (0.61λ/NA, NA means numerical aperture). It is termed a Super-Oscillatory Acoustic Lens (SOAL), and it operates in the megasonic range. The SOAL represents an interesting feature allowing the achievement of subwavelength focusing without the need to operate in close proximity to the object to be imaged. The optimal layout of the SOAL is obtained by utilizing a systematic design approach, referred to here as topology optimization. To this end, the optimization formulation is newly defined. The optimized SOAL is fabricated using a photo-etching process and its subwavelength focusing performance is verified experimentally via an acoustic intensity measurement system. From these measurements, we found that the proposed optimized SOAL can achieve superior focusing features with a Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of ~0.40λ/NA ≃ 0.84 mm (for our SOAL, NA = 0.707) with the transmission efficiency of 26.5%.

HOXA9 inhibits HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis through interacting with CRIP2 to repress cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma development

Glycolytic reprogramming is a typical feature of many cancers; however, key regulators of glucose metabolism reengineering are poorly understood, especially in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Here, Homeobox A9 (HOXA9), a direct target of onco-miR-365, is identified to be significantly downregulated in cSCC tumors and cell lines. HOXA9 acts as a tumor suppressor and inhibits glycolysis in cSCC in vitro and in vivo by negatively regulating HIF-1α and its downstream glycolytic regulators, HK2, GLUT1 and PDK1. Mechanistic studies show that HOXA9-CRIP2 interaction at glycolytic gene promoters impeds HIF-1α binding, repressing gene expression in trans. Our results reveal a miR-365-HOXA9-HIF-1α regulatory axis that contributes to the enhanced glycolysis in cSCC development and may represent an intervention target for cSCC therapy.

Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF-1α promotes glycolysis allowing cell survival under stress. Here the authors show, using both cell lines and animal models, that in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma HOXA9 acts as a tumor suppressor and inhibits glycolysis by associating with CRIP2 to repress HIF-1α binding to target genes.

Quantitative assessment of the relationship between Fas/FasL genes polymorphisms and head and neck cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Molecular epidemiological studies have demonstrated a closer association between Fas/FasL polymorphisms and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk, and the results of these published studies were inconsistent. We therefore performed this meta-analysis to explore the associations between Fas/FasL polymorphisms and HNC risk.

METHODS

Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang) were searched. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the association between Fas -670A>G, Fas -1377G>A, and FasL -844C>T polymorphisms and HNC risk. In addition, heterogeneity, accumulative/sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were conducted to check the statistical power.

RESULTS

Overall, 9 related publications (20 independent case-control studies) involving 3179 patients and 4217 controls were identified. Significant association of protective effects was observed between FasL -844C>T polymorphism and HNC risk in codominant and dominant model models (CT vs CC: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79-1.00, P = .05, I = 38.3%, CT+TT vs CC: OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79-0.98, P = .02, I = 35.8%). Furthermore, the similar protective effects were observed the subgroup analysis of in Asian population and population-based controls group.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis indicated that FasL -844C>T polymorphism plays a protective role against HNC development, but the Fas -670A>G and Fas -1377G>A polymorphisms maybe not associated with HNC risk.

miR-486 functions as a tumor suppressor in esophageal cancer by targeting CDK4/BCAS2

Esophageal cancer is a common tumor for which morbidity and mortality are high worldwide. We aimed to study alterations in miR-486 expression in esophageal cancers, and the effect miR-486 on esophageal cancer cell function and behavior. We collected esophageal cancer tissues/corresponding normal tissues from 20 patients and utilized three esophageal cancer cell lines and normal esophageal epithelial cells, and the expression of miR-486, CDK4 and BCAS2 was detected by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of CDK4 and BCAS2 protein. Then, we overexpressed miR-486 in esophageal cancer cell line EC9706. A series of cell functional analyses, including cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion were performed in esophageal cancer cells using colony formation assay, flow cytometry, Transwell and scratch assays, respectively. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the target genes of miR-486. We found that the expression of miR-486 in esophageal cancer tissues and cell lines was significantly lower than that in the normal tissues and normal esophageal epithelial cell line. Overexpression of miR-486 significantly inhibited the colony formation ability, induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis and suppressed cell migration and invasion in the EC9706 cells. Using bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay, we identified that CDK4 and BCAS2 may be target genes of miR-486 and levels of CDK4 and BCAS2 were both significantly higher in the esophageal cancer tissues and cell lines than levels in the normal tissues and cells. Furthermore, knockdown of CDK4/BCAS2 coincided with the suppressive effects of miR-486 in esophageal cancer cells. Expression of apoptotic signaling molecules p21 and caspase-3 was upregulated in the CDK4/BCAS2-knockdown groups. These results suggest that miR-486 may suppress tumor cell growth and metastasis in esophageal cancer by targeting CDK4/BCAS2. The newly identified miR-486/CDK4/BCAS2 pathway provides further insight into the development and progression of esophageal cancer, which is of great significance to the early diagnosis and detection of esophageal cancer.

Smart textiles of MOF/g-C3N4 nanospheres for the rapid detection/detoxification of chemical warfare agents

Smart textiles consisting of cotton, Cu-BTC MOF and oxidized graphitic carbon nitride, g-C₃N₄-ox, nanospheres were synthesized and tested as nerve agent detoxification media and colorimetric detectors. Combining Cu-BTC and g-C₃N₄-ox resulted in a nanocomposite (MOFgCNox) of heterogeneous porosity and chemistry. Upon the deposition of MOFgCNox onto cotton textiles, a stable fabric with a supreme photocatalytic detoxification ability towards the nerve gas surrogate, dimethyl chlorophosphate, was obtained. The detoxification process was accompanied by a visible and gradual color change, which can be used for the selective detection of chemical warfare agents and for monitoring their penetration inside a protective layer. These smart textiles adsorbed almost 7 g of CWA surrogate/its detoxification products per gram of Cu. The superior performance was linked to the high dispersion of the MOF crystals on the fibers, and a specific texture promoting the availability of the active copper centers.

CRISPR/Cas9 editing reveals novel mechanisms of clustered microRNA regulation and function

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes. MiRNA families and clusters are two key features in miRNA biology. Here we explore the use of CRISPR/Cas9 as a powerful tool to delineate the function and regulation of miRNA families and clusters. We focused on four miRNA clusters composed of miRNA members of the same family, homo-clusters or different families, hetero-clusters. Our results highlight different regulatory mechanisms in miRNA cluster expression. In the case of the miR-497~195 cluster, editing of miR-195 led to a significant decrease in the expression of the other miRNA in the cluster, miR-497a. Although no gene editing was detected in the miR-497a genomic locus, computational simulation revealed alteration in the three dimensional structure of the pri-miR-497~195 that may affect its processing. In cluster miR-143~145 our results imply a feed-forward regulation, although structural changes cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, in the miR-17~92 and miR-106~25 clusters no interdependency in miRNA expression was observed. Our findings suggest that CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful gene editing tool that can uncover novel mechanisms of clustered miRNA regulation and function.

Oxidized g-C3 N4 Nanospheres as Catalytically Photoactive Linkers in MOF/g-C3 N4 Composite of Hierarchical Pore Structure

A unique composite of the copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC)) with oxidized graphitic carbon nitride nanospheres is synthesized. For comparison, a hybrid material consisting of g-C₃ N₄ and Cu-BTC is also obtained. Their surface features are analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, sorption of nitrogen, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results suggest that the formed nanospheres of oxidized g-C₃ N₄ act as linkers between the copper sites, playing a crucial role in the composite building process. Their incorporation to the Cu-BTC framework causes the development of new mesoporosity. Remarkable alterations in the optical properties, as a result of the coordination of oxygen containing functional groups of the oxidized graphitic carbon nitride to the copper atoms of the framework, suggest an increase in photoreactivity. On the other hand, for the hybrid material consisting of Cu-BTC and g-C₃ N₄ , the unaltered pore volume and optical properties support the formation of a physical mixture rather than of a composite. The tests on reactive adsorption and detoxification of G-series organophosphate nerve agent surrogate show the enhanced performance of the composite as catalysts and photocatalyst in visible light.

Polymorphisms of extrinsic death receptor apoptotic genes (FAS -670 G>A, FASL -844 T>C) in coronary artery disease

Apoptosis plays an important role in atherogenesis and rupture of vulnerable plaques in coronary artery disease. FAS and FAS ligand (FASL) induce apoptosis when FAS binds to FAS-L. However sFas blocks apoptosis by binding to FAS and FASL or sFasL. The present study is sought to examine the role of extrinsic apoptotic genes (FAS, FASL) polymorphism and serum levels of FAS, FASL in the pathogenesis and susceptibility to CAD in south Indian population. The study included 300 CAD patients and 300 healthy controls. Lipid profiles, sFas, sFasL were estimated by commercially available kits. FAS -670 G>A, FASL -844 T>C genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Secondary structures of pre mRNA were analyzed by the Vienna RNA webserver and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions were determined by MDR analysis. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL levels were significantly high in CAD patients compared to the controls. Molecular analysis revealed that the frequency of the AA genotype of FAS (54% vs 27%) and CC genotypes of FASL (10.3% vs 1.3%) were high in CAD patients compared to controls. Secondary structure analysis of FAS and FASL confirmed our molecular analysis. sFas levels were low while serum sFasL were high in CAD patients. MDR analysis revealed synergistic effects of gene polymorphisms and additive effects of epidemiological factors on risk of CAD. Polymorphisms of FAS (-670 G/A), FASL (-844 T/C) and their circulating levels play an important role in the pathology of CAD.

Conjugated assembly of colloidal zinc oxide quantum dots and multiwalled carbon nanotubes for an excellent photosensitive ultraviolet photodetector

Conjugation of highly dense colloidal zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (ZnO QDs@MWCNTs) is achieved for high performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetection. Significant improvement in the photoresponse of the ZnO QDs@MWCNTs photodetector (PD) is established as compared to a pristine ZnO QDs PD. The conjugation of two constituents allows the direct transfer of photoinduced charge carriers in ZnO QDs to MWCNTs for an efficient electrical path that considerably reduces charge recombination during UV exposure. Linearity in the response current with both the UV illumination intensity as well as external bias voltage reveals the photoelastic behavior of the ZnO QDs@MWCNTs PD. Moreover, the PD displays faster response and recovery times of 1.6 s and 1.9 s, respectively, than the most conventional PDs. In addition, spectral photoresponse analysis of the PD presents visible-blind behavior. Overall, conjugation of the hybrid heterostructure presented excellent photoelastic, high performance and visible-blind UV photodetection.

Predicting toxic potencies of metal oxide nanoparticles by means of nano-QSARs

BACKGROUND

The enormous physicochemical and structural diversity of metal oxide nanoparticles (MeONPs) poses significant challenges to the testing of their biological uptake, biodistribution, and effects that can be used to develop understanding of key nano-bio modes of action. This has generated considerable uncertainties in the assessment of their human health and environmental risks and has raised concerns about the adequacy of their regulation. In order to surpass the extremely resource intensive case-by-case testing, intelligent strategies combining testing methods and non-testing predictive modeling should be developed.

METHODS

The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSARs) in silico tools can be instrumental in understanding properties that affect the potencies of MeONPs and in predicting toxic responses and thresholds of effects.

RESULTS

The present study proposes a predictive nano-QSAR model for predicting the cytotoxicity of MeONPs. The model was applied to test the relationships between 26 physicochemical properties of 51 MeONPs and their cytotoxic effects in Escherichia coli. The two parameters, enthalpy of formation of a gaseous cation (▵Hme+) and polarization force (Z/r), were elucidated to make a significant contribution for the toxic effect of these MeONPs. The study also proposed the mechanisms of toxic potency in E. coli through the model, which indicated that the MeONPs as well as their released metal ions could collectively induce DNA damage and cell apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings may provide an alternative method for prioritizing current and future MeONPs for potential in vivo testing, virtual prescreening and for designing environmentally benign nanomaterials.

Quantitative assessment of the association between Fas/FasL gene polymorphism and susceptibility to esophageal carcinoma in a north Chinese population

The case–control study aims to investigate the association of Fas and FasL genetic polymorphisms (Fas‐670A/G (rs1800682), Fas‐1377G/A (rs2234767) and FasL‐844T/C (rs763110)) with esophageal carcinoma susceptibility in a north Chinese population. A total of 204 patients with esophageal carcinoma and 248 healthy controls were enrolled from Henan, China and genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. There were no significant differences in distributions of their genotypes frequencies between patients and controls in Fas‐670A/G, Fas‐1377G/A and FasL‐844T/C polymorphisms (P > 0.05). Stratified analysis showed that no significant association was found between esophageal carcinoma and gene polymorphisms of Fas‐670 A/G, Fas‐1377G/A, and FasL‐844T/C (P > 0.05). Genetic polymorphisms in the death pathway genes Fas and FasL were not associated with risk of developing esophageal carcinoma in a north Chinese population.

Significant association between FasL gene -844T/C polymorphism and risk to hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients

Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system is the most critical apoptotic signaling entity in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway; hence mutations affecting this pathway may prevent the immune system from the removal of newly-formed tumor cells, and thus lead to tumor formation. The present study investigated the association between the FasL -844T/C polymorphism and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a cohort of Egyptian patients and explored the relationship of various clinical and pathological parameters with this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Blood samples were withdrawn from hundred HCC patients and 100 age-, sex- and ethnically matched controls. The FasL -844T/C (rs763110) gene polymorphism was typed from genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Genotype distributions and allelic frequencies between patients and control subjects showed that the TT homozygous patients were two times more likely to develop HCC (p=0.011). Also, the T allele was found to be a significant risk factor for the disease (OR 1.970, 95% CI 1.250-3.105, p=0.003). No association was detected between different parameters of the disease and the SNP. For the first time, our results suggest that the -844T/C polymorphism in the FasL gene confers risk to HCC. The alarming increase in the incidence of HCC in Egypt encourages further studies to document our results in a larger sample, and recommends more genetic studies hoping to define a genomic risk prediction specific to this cancer in our population.

FAS rs2234767 and rs1800682 polymorphisms jointly contributed to risk of colorectal cancer by affecting SP1/STAT1 complex recruitment to chromatin

FAS rs2234767 (−1377 G>A), rs1800682 (−670 A>G) and FASLG rs763110 (−844 C>T) promoter polymorphisms can influence transcriptional activities of the genes and thus multiple tumors susceptibility. To investigate their association with risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), the three SNPs were genotyped in 878 cases and 884 controls and the results showed that the FAS rs2234767 and rs1800682 were in a high linkage disequilibrium (LD) with each other (D’ = 0.994) and jointly contributed to an increased risk of CRC (without vs. with rs2234767 GG/rs1800682 AA genotypes, adjusted OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.05 − 1.61). In vivo ChIP assays evaluated the effect of rs2234767 and rs1800682 on recruitment of SP1 and STAT1, respectively, to chromatin. The results showed SP1 interacting specifically with STAT1 recruited to their respective motifs for transcriptional activation. The mutant alleles rs2234767 A and rs1800682 G jointly affected coupled SP1 and STAT1 recruitment to chromatin. The interplay between SP1 and STAT1 was critical for the functional outcome of rs2234767 and rs1800682 in view of their high LD. In conclusion, the FAS rs2234767 and rs1800682 polymorphisms were in high LD with each other, and they jointly contributed to an increased risk of CRC by altering recruitment of SP1/STAT1 complex to the FAS promoter for transcriptional activation.

Dielectric properties of pyridine–ethanol mixtures: density functional theory and experiments

The schematic of the experimental system.

Composition, Electronic and Magnetic Investigation of the Encapsulated ZnFe2O 4 Nanoparticles in Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Containing Ni Residuals

We report investigation on properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes (mCNTs) containing Ni residuals before and after encapsulation of zinc ferrite nanoparticles. The pristine tubes exhibit metallic character with a 0.3 eV reduction in the work function along with ferromagnetic behavior which is attributed to the Ni residuals incorporated during the preparation of tubes. Upon encapsulation of zinc ferrite nanoparticles, 0.5 eV shift in Fermi level position and a reduction in both the π band density of state along with a change in the hybridized sp(2)/sp(3) ratio of the tubes from 2.04 to 1.39 are observed. As a result of the encapsulation, enhancement in the σ bands density of state and coating of the zinc ferrite nanoparticles by the internal layers of the CNTs in the direction along the tube axis is observed. Furthermore, Ni impurities inside the tubes are attracted to the encapsulated zinc ferrite nanoparticles, suggesting the possibility of using these particles as purifying agents for CNTs upon being synthesized using magnetic catalyst particles. Charge transfer from Ni/mCNTs to the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles is evident via reduction of the density of states near the Fermi level and a 0.3 eV shift in the binding energy of C 1 s core level ionization. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that encapsulated zinc ferrite nanoparticles in mCNTs resulted in two interacting sub-systems featured by distinct blocking temperatures and enhanced magnetic properties; i.e., large coercivity of 501 Oe and saturation magnetization of 2.5 emu/g at 4 K.

FAS -670 A/G polymorphism may be associated with the depletion of CD4(+) T lymphocytes in HIV-1 infection

In this study, the polymorphisms in the FAS and FASL genes was investigated in a sample of 198 HIV-1-seropositive individuals and 191 seronegative controls to evaluate a possible association between polymorphisms and the infection. The identification of the A and G alleles of the FAS -670 polymorphism was accomplished through polymerase chain reaction assays followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme MvaI. The identification of the A and G alleles of the FAS -124 polymorphism and the T and delT alleles of the FAS -169 polymorphism were performed using the amplification-created restriction site method followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism reactions. The comparative analysis of allelic and genotypic frequencies between the groups did not reveal any significant differences. However, the quantitative analysis of CD4(+) T lymphocytes suggests that the G allele of the FAS -670 A/G polymorphism can be a protective factor against the depletion of these cells in the course of an HIV-1 infection. Polymorphisms in the FAS and FASL genes were not associated with the number of CD8(+) T lymphocytes or the plasma viral load. Our findings suggest that the FAS -670 polymorphism may be associated with apoptosis of CD4(+) T lymphocytes after infection by HIV-1.

Identification of New Candidate Genes and Chemicals Related to Esophageal Cancer Using a Hybrid Interaction Network of Chemicals and Proteins

Cancer is a serious disease responsible for many deaths every year in both developed and developing countries. One reason is that the mechanisms underlying most types of cancer are still mysterious, creating a great block for the design of effective treatments. In this study, we attempted to clarify the mechanism underlying esophageal cancer by searching for novel genes and chemicals. To this end, we constructed a hybrid network containing both proteins and chemicals, and generalized an existing computational method previously used to identify disease genes to identify new candidate genes and chemicals simultaneously. Based on jackknife test, our generalized method outperforms or at least performs at the same level as those obtained by a widely used method - the Random Walk with Restart (RWR). The analysis results of the final obtained genes and chemicals demonstrated that they highly shared gene ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways with direct and indirect associations with esophageal cancer. In addition, we also discussed the likelihood of selected candidate genes and chemicals being novel genes and chemicals related to esophageal cancer.

FasL -844T/C and Fas -1377G/A: mutations of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in South China and their clinical significances

Apoptosis is an important mechanism of malignant tumor formation and progression. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within cell death genes may influence cancer risk. We explored the relationship between FasL −844T/C and/or Fas −1377G/A SNPs and pulmonary adenocarcinoma (AD). Two hundred seventy-five patients with pulmonary AD of South China admitted into Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from July 2007 to October 2011 were randomly selected, and their clinicopathological data were collected at the same time. Two hundred ninety-seven cases of healthy individuals were selected as control. FasL −844T/C and Fas −1377G/A SNPs were detected by PCR-RFLP technique to evaluate the relationships between these two SNPs and pulmonary AD. Age, FasL −844 and Fas −1377 SNPs were associated with increased risk of pulmonary AD susceptibility in main effect analysis. FasL −844CC and Fas −1377 AA were associated with an increased risk for the development of pulmonary AD only in age <60 years people, but not in those ≥60 years. FasL −844CC genotype was associated with an increased risk for pulmonary AD (adjusted OR = 2.010, 95 % CI 1.196–3.379, P = 0.008) compared with TT genotype. However, Fas −1377 AA was a risk factor only when FasL −844 genotype was CC. Fas −1377 genotypes showed significant effect modification of pulmonary AD risk by FasL −844 genotype with test of the interaction term adjusting for age, gender, and FasL −844 SNP. Fas −1377G/A was not associated with the clinicopathological factors, while FasL −844C/T was associated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis in age ≥60 years people and tumor stage in those <60 years. In conclusion, FasL −844 SNP is associated with the susceptibility of pulmonary AD in age <60 years people. Fas −1377 SNP may modify the association of FasL −844 SNP with the risk of pulmonary AD. FasL −844 genotype plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of pulmonary AD.

Effect of sulfur hexafluoride gas and post-annealing treatment for inductively coupled plasma etched barium titanate thin films

Aerosol deposition- (AD) derived barium titanate (BTO) micropatterns are etched via SF6/O2/Ar plasmas using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching technology. The reaction mechanisms of the sulfur hexafluoride on BTO thin films and the effects of annealing treatment are verified through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, which confirms the accumulation of reaction products on the etched surface due to the low volatility of the reaction products, such as Ba and Ti fluorides, and these residues could be completely removed by the post-annealing treatment. The exact peak positions and chemicals shifts of Ba 3d, Ti 2p, O 1 s, and F 1 s are deduced by fitting the XPS narrow-scan spectra on as-deposited, etched, and post-annealed BTO surfaces. Compared to the as-deposited BTOs, the etched Ba 3d 5/2 , Ba 3d 3/2 , Ti 2p 3/2 , Ti 2p 1/2 , and O 1 s peaks shift towards higher binding energy regions by amounts of 0.55, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, and 0.85 eV, respectively. A comparison of the as-deposited film with the post-annealed film after etching revealed that there are no significant differences in the fitted XPS narrow-scan spectra except for the slight chemical shift in the O 1 s peak due to the oxygen vacancy compensation in O2-excessive atmosphere. It is inferred that the electrical properties of the etched BTO film can be restored by post-annealing treatment after the etching process. Moreover, the relative permittivity and loss tangent of the post-annealed BTO thin films are remarkably improved by 232% and 2,695%, respectively.