Use of MR spectroscopy and functional imaging in the treatment planning of gliomas

Routine anatomical imaging with CT and MRI does not reliably indicate the true extent or the most malignant areas of gliomas and cannot identify the functionally critical parts of the brain. The aim of the study was to see if the use of MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) along with functional MRI (fMRI) can better define both the target and the critical structures to be avoided to improve radiation delivery in gliomas. 12 patients with gliomas underwent multivoxel MRS and functional imaging using GE processing software. The choline to creatine ratio (Cho:Cr), which represents the degree of abnormality for each individual voxel on MRSI, was derived, converted into a grayscale grading system, fused to the MRI images and then transferred to the planning CT images. An intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan was developed using the dose constraints based on both the anatomical and the functionally critical regions. Cho:Cr consistently identified the gross tumour volume (GTV) within the microscopic disease (clinical target volume, CTV) and allowed dose painting using IMRT. No correlation between MRSI based Cho:Cr > or =2 and MR defined CTV nor their location was noted. However, MRSI defined Cho:Cr > or =3 was smaller by 40% compared with post-contrast T1 weighted MRI defined GTV volumes. fMRI helped in optimizing the orientation of the beams. In conclusion, both MRSI and fMRI provide additional information to conventional imaging that may guide dose painting in treatment planning of gliomas. A Phase I IMRT dose intensification trial in gliomas using this information is planned.

Coherent control of plasma dynamics

Coherent control of a system involves steering an interaction to a final coherent state by controlling the phase of an applied field. Plasmas support coherent wave structures that can be generated by intense laser fields. Here, we demonstrate the coherent control of plasma dynamics in a laser wakefield electron acceleration experiment. A genetic algorithm is implemented using a deformable mirror with the electron beam signal as feedback, which allows a heuristic search for the optimal wavefront under laser-plasma conditions that is not known a priori. We are able to improve both the electron beam charge and angular distribution by an order of magnitude. These improvements do not simply correlate with having the 'best' focal spot, as the highest quality vacuum focal spot produces a greatly inferior electron beam, but instead correspond to the particular laser phase front that steers the plasma wave to a final state with optimal accelerating fields.

MiR-133b ameliorates axon degeneration induced by MPP(+) via targeting RhoA

Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). MiR-133b, which is significantly decreased in the PD midbrain, has recently been shown to promote neurite outgrowth and enhance neural functional recovery. However, the role of miR-133b in PD has not been clearly established. Here, using a well-established PD model culture based on the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP(+)), we demonstrated that miR-133b could promote axon outgrowth in dopaminergic neurons (DNs) and ameliorated MPP(+)-induced axon degeneration. Additional experiments suggested that the mechanisms of this miR-133b-mediated effect might rely on RhoA inhibition. We demonstrated that RhoA, an inhibitor of axonal growth, was increased in DNs under MPP(+) treatment, and this increase could be attenuated by miR-133b overexpression. Moreover, we demonstrated that the induced expression of miR-133b could inhibit α-synuclein, which is critically involved in the pathological process of PD. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of miR-133b abrogated the MPP(+)-induced decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and upregulated phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), which is a pro-survival kinase. Together these findings reveal novel roles for miR-133b in the pathogenesis of PD and provide new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of the disease.

Amino-Nogo-A antagonizes reactive oxygen species generation and protects immature primary cortical neurons from oxidative toxicity

Nogo-A is originally identified as an inhibitor of axon regeneration from the CNS myelin. Nogo-A is mainly expressed by oligodendrocytes, and also by some neuronal subpopulations, particularly in the developing nervous system. Although extensive studies have uncovered regulatory roles of Nogo-A in neurite outgrowth inhibition, precursor migration, neuronal homeostasis, plasticity and neurodegeneration, its cell-autonomous functions in neurons are largely uncharacterized. Here, we show that HIV-1 trans-activating-mediated amino-Nogo-A protein transduction into cultured primary cortical neurons achieves an almost complete neuroprotection against oxidative stress induced by exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Endogenously expressed neuronal Nogo-A is significantly downregulated upon H(2)O(2) treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of Nogo-A results in more susceptibility to acute oxidative insults and markedly increases neuronal death. Interacting with peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2), amino-Nogo-A reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation to exert neuroprotective effects. Structure-function mapping experiments reveal that, out of NiG-Δ20, a novel region comprising residues 290-562 of amino-Nogo-A is indispensable for preventing oxidative neuronal death. Moreover, mutagenesis analysis confirms that cysteine residues 424, 464 and 559 are involved in the inhibition of ROS generation and neuroprotective role of amino-Nogo-A. Our data suggest that neuronal Nogo-A might play a cell-autonomous role in improving neuronal survival against oxidative insult through interacting with Prdx2 and scavenging of ROS.

Bacterial proteins carrying twin-R signal peptides are specifically targeted by the delta pH-dependent transport machinery of the thylakoid membrane system

Glucose-fructose oxidoreductase (GFOR), a periplasmic protein of Zymomonas mobilis, is synthesized as a precursor polypeptide with a twin-R signal peptide for Sec-independent protein export in bacteria. In higher plant chloroplasts, twin-R signal peptides are specific targeting signals for the Sec-independent delta pH pathway of the thylakoid membrane system. In agreement with the assumed common phylogenetic origin of the two protein transport mechanisms, GFOR can be efficiently translocated by the delta pH-dependent pathway when analyzed with isolated thylakoid membranes. Transport is sensitive to the ionophore nigericin and competes with specific substrates for the delta pH-dependent transport route. In contrast, neither sodium azide nor enzymatic destruction of the nucleoside triphosphates in the assays affects thylakoid transport of GFOR indicating that the Sec apparatus is not involved in this process. Mutagenesis of the twin-R motif in the GFOR signal peptide prevents membrane translocation of the protein emphasizing the importance of these residues for the transport process.

Vasopressin autoreceptors and nitric oxide-dependent glutamate release are required for somatodendritic vasopressin release from rat magnocellular neuroendocrine cells responding to osmotic stimuli

Magnocellular neuroendocrine cells of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) release vasopressin (VP) systemically and locally during osmotic challenge. Although both central VP and nitric oxide (NO) release appear to reduce osmotically stimulated systemic VP release, it is unknown whether they interact locally in the SON to enhance somatodendritic release of VP, a phenomenon believed to regulate systemic VP release. In this study, we examined the contribution of VP receptor subtypes and NO to local VP release from the rat SON elicited by systemic injection of 3.5 m saline. Treatment of SON punches with VP receptor antagonists decreased osmotically stimulated intranuclear VP release. Similarly, blockade of NO production, or addition of NO scavengers, reduced stimulated VP, glutamate, and aspartate release, suggesting that local NO production and activity are critical for osmotically induced intranuclear VP and excitatory amino acid release. An increase in endogenous NO release from SON punches in response to hyperosmolality was confirmed by enzymatic NO assay. Consistent with enhanced glutamate and VP release from stimulated rat SON punches, the ionotropic glutamate receptor blocker kynurenate decreased stimulated local VP release without affecting NO release. These data suggest that NO enhances local VP release in part by facilitating local release of glutamate/aspartate and that glutamate receptor activity is required for the stimulation of local VP release by osmotic challenge. Collectively, these results suggest that local VP receptors, NO, and glutamatergic signaling mediate the amplification of intranuclear VP release during hyperosmolality and may contribute to efficient, but not exhaustive, systemic release of VP during osmoregulatory challenge.

The role of platelet MyD88 in host response during gram-negative sepsis

BACKGROUND

Beside their role in hemostasis, platelets serve as sentinel cells in host defense during infection. In sepsis, platelets have been implicated in both beneficial (antibacterial) and detrimental responses (thrombosis and organ damage). Toll-like receptors and their common adaptor, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), are essential for pathogen recognition and protective immunity. Platelets express functional Toll-like receptors and MyD88, which participate in platelet responsiveness to bacterial agonists.

OBJECTIVE

Considering the pivotal involvement of platelets and MyD88 in the host response to bacteria, we studied the role of platelet MyD88 in gram-negative sepsis using intravenous and airway infections with the common human sepsis pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae.

METHODS

Platelet-specific Myd88(-/-) mice were generated by crossing mice with a conditional Myd88 flox allele with mice expressing Cre recombinase controlled by the platelet factor 4 promoter. In a reverse approach, full Myd88(-/-) mice were transfused with wild-type platelets.

RESULTS

In both settings, platelet MyD88 did not impact on bacterial growth or dissemination. In addition, platelet MyD88 did not influence hallmark sepsis responses such as thrombocytopenia, coagulation or endothelial activation, or distant organ injury. Platelet MyD88 played no role in lung pathology during pneumonia-derived sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Despite known literature, platelet MyD88-dependent TLR signaling does not contribute to the host response during gram-negative sepsis.

Thermo-chemo-radiotherapy of esophageal cancer. A preliminary report of 34 cases

Thirty-four cases of esophageal cancer were treated by radiation combined with chemotherapy and hyperthermia (triple therapy) from September 1985 to January 1986. Hyperthermia was performed by an intracavitary microwave applicator of 915 MHz. The temperature at the tumor margin was 43 degrees C to 44 degrees C, whereas at the middle luminal surface of tumor it reached at 44 degrees C to 48.5 degrees C. Chemotherapy was with bleomycin (PYM) 20 mg/session, intramuscularly (IM) and cisplatin (DDP) 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg/session intravenously (IV). Hyperthermia and chemotherapy were given simultaneously within 30 minutes after 500 cGy of radiation. Three modalities were given on the same day once a week for six sessions. The total response rate (complete + partial response [CR + PR]) was 94% (32/34) and 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 74% (25/34) and 44% (15/34), respectively. Among them were 23 patients primarily treated by triple therapy with the 1-year and 2-year survival rates of 83% (19/23) and 48% (11/23), respectively. No serious side effects were seen. The average microwave power consumption during the hyperthermic treatment and its prognostic significance are discussed.

Relativistic generation of isolated attosecond pulses in a lambda 3 focal volume

Lasers that provide an energy encompassed in a focal volume of a few cubic wavelengths (lambda(3)) can create relativistic intensity with maximal gradients, using minimal energy. With particle-in-cell simulations we found, that single 200 attosecond pulses could be produced efficiently in a lambda(3) laser pulse reflection, via deflection and compression from the relativistic plasma mirror created by the pulse itself. An analytical model of coherent radiation from a charged layer confirms the pulse compression and is in good agreement with simulations. The novel technique is efficient (approximately 10%) and can produce single attosecond pulses from the millijoule to the joule level.

Interindividual reaction time variability is related to resting-state network topology: an electroencephalogram study

Both anatomical and functional brain network studies have drawn great attention recently. Previous studies have suggested the significant impacts of brain network topology on cognitive function. However, the relationship between non-task-related resting-state functional brain network topology and overall efficiency of sensorimotor processing has not been well identified. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between non-task-related resting-state functional brain network topology and reaction time (RT) in a Go/Nogo task using an electroencephalogram (EEG). After estimating the functional connectivity between each pair of electrodes, graph analysis was applied to characterize the network topology. Two fundamental measures, clustering coefficient (functional segregation) and characteristic path length (functional integration), as well as "small-world-ness" (the ratio between the clustering coefficient and characteristic path length) were calculated in five frequency bands. Then, the correlations between the network measures and RT were evaluated in each band separately. The present results showed that increased overall functional connectivity in alpha and gamma frequency bands was correlated with a longer RT. Furthermore, shorter RT was correlated with a shorter characteristic path length in the gamma band. This result suggested that human RTs were likely to be related to the efficiency of the brain integrating information across distributed brain regions. The results also showed that a longer RT was related to an increased gamma clustering coefficient and decreased small-world-ness. These results provided further evidence of the association between the resting-state functional brain network and cognitive function.

Effective corrosion inhibition of mild steel by eco-friendly thiourea functionalized glucosamine derivatives in acidic solution

In the view of environmental protection and sustainable development, the application of green effective inhibitors for metal corrosion in industry field is of great significance. In this work, two thiourea functionalized glucosamine derivatives, 5-hydroxy-1-phenyl-4-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)imidazolidine-2-thione (GA-1) and 1-phenyl-3-(2,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl)thiourea (GA-2), were synthesized as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl solution, and their inhibition performance were evaluated by electrochemical tests and surface analyses. The electrochemical tests and surface analyses indicate that both GA-1 and GA-2 have high inhibition performance. Especially for GA-2, the inhibition efficiency reaches 97.7% with a concentration of 0.64 mM. Theoretical calculations were also conducted to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of GA-1 and GA-2 on MS surface.

Non-isomerizable artificial pigments: implications for the primary light-induced events in bacteriorhodopsin

The primary events in the photosynthetic retinal protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR) are reviewed in light of photophysical and photochemical experiments with artificial bR in which the native retinal polyene is replaced by a variety of chromophores. Focus is on retinals in which the "critical" C13=C14 bond is locked with respect to isomerization by a rigid ring structure. Other systems include retinal oxime and non-isomerizable dyes noncovalently residing in the binding site. The early photophysical events are analyzed in view of recent pump-probe experiments with sub-picosecond time resolution comparing the behavior of bR pigments with those of model protonated Schiff bases in solution. An additional approach is based on the light-induced cleavage of the protonated Schiff base bond that links retinal to the protein by reacting with hydroxylamine. Also described are EPR experiments monitoring reduction and oxidation reactions of a spin label covalently attached to various protein sites. It is concluded that in bR the initial relaxation out of the Franck-Condon (FC) state does not involve substantial C13=C14 torsional motion and is considerably catalyzed by the protein matrix. Prior to the decay of the relaxed fluorescent state (FS or I state), the protein is activated via a mechanism that does not require double bond isomerization. Most plausibly, it is a result of charge delocalization in the excited state of the polyene (or other) chromophores. More generally, it is concluded that proteins and other macromolecules may undergo structural changes (that may affect their chemical reactivity) following optical excitation of an appropriately (covalently or non-covalently) bound chromophore. Possible relations between the light-induced changes due to charge delocalization, and those associated with C13=C14 isomerization (that are at the basis of the bR photocycle), are discussed. It is suggested that the two effects may couple at a certain stage of the photocycle, and it is the combination of the two that drives the cross-membrane proton pump mechanism.

FAM83H overexpression predicts worse prognosis and correlates with less CD8+ T cells infiltration and Ras-PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Family with sequence similarity 83 members H (FAM83H) is one member of Family with sequence similarity 83 (FAM83) family, which possess oncogenic properties in several types of cancer. However, the potential function of FAM83H in pancreatic cancer (PC) still remain unknown.

AIM

This study aims to explore the role of FAM83H during pancreatic carcinogenesis and the regulation of immune infiltration in PC.

METHODS

In the current study, the clinical significance and potential biological of FAM83H were evaluated by bioinformatics analysis. Possible associations between FAM83H expression and tumor immunity were analyzed using ESTIMATE algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA).

RESULTS

FAM83H expression was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues, and positively associated with higher histologic grade, tumor recurrence, and worse prognosis. FAM83H overexpression is notably associated with KRAS activation. And functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that FAM83H may be involved in positive regulation of cell proliferation and migration, Ras protein signal transduction, regulation of cell-matrix adhesion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), TGF-β receptor signaling in EMT, and activated NOTCH transmits signal to the nucleus. ESTIMATE algorithm and ssGSEA demonstrated that FAM83H overexpression suppressed the infiltration and antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), especially for CD8⁺ T cells. Besides, FAM83H overexpression significantly correlated with low expression of TIL-related gene markers (e.g. CD8A, CD8B, CD2, CD3D, and CD3E).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that FAM83H overexpression predicts poor prognosis and correlates with less CD8⁺ T cells infiltration and Ras-PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in PC.

Rapid identification of Sporothrix schenckii in biopsy tissue by PCR

BACKGROUND

The dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii is the etiological agent of sporotrichosis, an important cutaneous mycosis with a worldwide distribution. At present, it is challenging to rapidly discover and identify Sporothrix schenckii in biopsy tissues nowadays.

AIMS

To explore new methods for rapid diagnosis of sporotrichosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened specific primers for Sporothrix schenckii using 50 clinical isolates from patients with sporotrichosis. DNA was extracted from the lesions of 30 cases of clinically suspected sporotrichosis using the Graham s method of CTAB and amplified by PCR using the screened specific primers.

RESULTS

The primer S2-R2 was applicable for the identification of S. schenckii from different geographic areas and clinical types with high specificity and sensitivity. Twenty-five out of the thirty cases (83.3%) amplified using the primer S2-R2 showed positive bands. Further positive bands were observed in 95.6% of cases tested positive by fungal culture.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the PCR technique and specific primers, we developed a new diagnostic method that can rapidly diagnose sporotrichosis with tissues obtained from clinical biopsies.

Positive feedback regulation between microRNA-132 and CREB in spinal cord contributes to bone cancer pain in mice

BACKGROUND

cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-dependent gene expression plays an important role in central sensitization. CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) dramatically increase CREB-mediated transcriptional activity. microRNA-132 (miR-132), which is highly CREB-responsive, functions downstream from CREB/CRTC1 to mediate activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and in turn loops back to amplify CREB/CRTC1 signalling. This study aimed to investigate the positive feedback regulation between miR-132 and CREB in spinal cord in the maintenance of bone cancer pain.

METHODS

Osteosarcoma cells were implanted into the intramedullary space of the right femurs of C3H/HeNCrlVr mice to induce bone cancer pain. We further investigated effects of repeated intrathecal administration with Adenoviruses expressing CREB-siRNA or miR-132 antisense locked nucleic acid (LNA), respectively, on nociceptive behaviours and on the activity of CREB/CRTC1 signalling.

RESULTS

Intramedullary inoculation of osteosarcoma cells resulted in up-regulation of spinal p-CREB, CRTC1 and CREB-target genes (NR2B and miR-132). Repeated intrathecal administration with Adenoviruses expressing CREB-siRNA or miR-132 LNA-AS, respectively, attenuated bone cancer-evoked pain behaviours, reduced the activity of CREB/CRTC1 signalling and down-regulated CREB-target gene NR2B expression in spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that activation of spinal CREB/CRTC1 signalling may play an important role in bone cancer pain. Interruption to the positive feedback regulation between CREB/CRTC1 and its target gene miR-132 can effectively relieved the bone cancer-induced mechanical allodynia and spontaneous pain. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: The positive feedback regulation between CREB/CRTC1 and its target gene miR-132 in spinal cord plays an important role in bone cancer pain.

Bacillus licheniformis Zhengchangsheng® attenuates DSS-induced colitis and modulates the gut microbiota in mice

Human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and experimental colitis models in mice are associated with shifts in gut microbiota composition, and several probiotics are widely used to improve gastrointestinal health. Here, we investigated whether the probiotic Bacillus licheniformis Zhengchangsheng® (BL) ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis through alteration of the gut microbiota. Experimental colitis was induced in BALB/C mice by dissolving 3% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days, which were gavaged with 0.2 ml phosphate-buffered saline or BL (3×107 cfu/ml) once a day. Administration of BL attenuated several effects of DSS-induced colitis, including weight loss, increased disease activity index, and disrupted intestinal barrier integrity. In addition, BL mitigated the reduction in faecal microbiota richness in DSS treated mice. Interestingly, BL was found to reduce the elevated circulating endotoxin level in mice with colitis by modulating the microbial composition of the microbiota, and this was highly associated with a proportional decrease in gut Bacteroidetes. Our results demonstrate that BL can attenuate DSS-induced colitis and provide valuable insight into microbiota interactions during IBD.

Diverse bacterial profile in extraradicular biofilms and periradicular lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis

AIM

To characterize the bacterial community present in the extraradicular biofilm and periradicular lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY

Eighteen adult patients who presented with persistent periradicular lesions after root canal treatment and scheduled for endodontic surgery were selected. During surgery, extraradicular samples of biofilms and periradicular lesions were collected. Ten pairs of periradicular lesions and extraradicular biofilm samples were randomly selected for ribosomal 16S rRNA cloning and sequencing. A Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used to compare total bacterial counts and the levels of individual genera and species between the two groups (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Overall, seventy-three phylotypes belonging to six different phyla were identified from 1000 sequenced clones. Mogibacterium timidum, Streptococcus intermedius and Enterococcus faecalis predominated in both extraradicular biofilm and periapical lesions. Propionibacterium propionicus, Abiotrophia adiacens, Peptostreptococcus prevotii, Campylobacter gracilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found in significantly higher levels in the extraradicular biofilm than periapical lesions, whilst Parvimonas micra and Atopobium rimae were more abundant in periapical lesions (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The microbial profile of extraradicular biofilms differed from periapical lesions, indicating the presence of diverse bacterial populations in these regions. Several genera and species were significantly associated with the formation of extraradicular biofilms.

Organic Supramolecular Zippers with Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence by a Dexter Energy Transfer Mechanism

Ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials glow persistently in the dark, which offers new exciting possibilities in the fields of anti-counterfeiting, photoelectric device and biological imaging. However, development of single component UOP materials remains great challenge. Herein, we firstly develop a single component organic supramolecular zipper system with lifetime up to 0.77 s. Owing to introduction of pyrazol ring into diphenylsulfone group, the 'V' shape molecules were artfully self-assembled into supramolecular zippers via π-π and CH•••π interactions, that are not only of significance in highly efficient generation of triplet excitons, but also facilitate Dexter energy transfer process within supramolecular zippers, that are responsible for the alleviating radiative and non-radiative deactivation decay of triplet excitons, to finally boost the UOP. This finding not only gives a new set of guidelines for the design of single component UOP molecules, but also reveals the UOP mechanism from a new perspective.

Tumor-derived exosomal miR-103a-2-5p facilitates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and migration

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the different expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma derived exosomes of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 9 patients with ESCC and 9 patients with benign diseases were involved. miRNA sequencing was performed to screen differential expression of microRNAs in plasma exosomes between patients with ESCC and controls. The function of miRNA on proliferation and migration abilities was determined by CCK-8 analysis, wound scratch and transwell test. Predicted target genes were screened by databases and confirmed by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 10 miRNAs (7 upregulated and 3 downregulated) that were differentially expressed in plasma exosomes between patients with ESCC and control patients (fold change, FC ≥ 2.0 or ≤ -2.0, p ≤ 0.05) by miRNA sequencing. Ten miRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR to verify the results of the miRNA sequencing. MiR-103a-2-5p demonstrated the most significant differential expression in both exosomes of ESCC cell lines and plasma of patients as compared with control patients and was therefore selected for subsequent functional experiments. Overexpression of miR-103a-2-5p promoted proliferation and migration in TE-1 cells, whereas inhibition of miR-103a-2-5p suppressed proliferation and migration in KYSE-150 cells. Exosomes extracted from the cells transfected with miR-103a-2-5p mimics significantly increased the proliferation and migration of two ESCC cell lines. Two genes, CDH11 and NR3C1 were identified as predicted targets of miR-103a-2-5p by the bioinformatics tools TargetScan, MiRanda, and mirDIP and RT-qPCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results shed light on how exosomal miR-103a-2-5p can promote proliferation and migration of ESCC cells and may represent a potential target for ESCC therapies.

NaYF4 :Yb/Er@Mn3 O4 @GOX Nanocomposite for Upconversion Fluorescence Imaging and Synergistic Cascade Cancer Therapy by Apoptosis and Ferroptosis

The cell elimination strategy based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a promising method for tumor therapy. However, its efficacy is significantly limited by ROS deficiency caused by H2 O2 substrate deficiency and up-regulation of cellular antioxidant defense induced by high glutathione (GSH) content in tumor cells. To overcome these obstacles, a multifunctional self-cascaded nanocomposite: glucose oxidase (GOX) loaded NaYF4 :Yb/Er@Mn3 O4 (UC@Mn3 O4 , labeled as UCMn) is constructed. Only in tumor microenvironment, it can be specifically activated through a series of cascades to boost ROS production via a strategy of open source (H2 O2 self-supplying ability). The increased ROS can enhance lipid peroxidation and induce tumor cell apoptosis by activating the protein caspase. More importantly, the nanozyme can consume GSH to inhibit glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, which limits tumor cell resistance to oxidative damage and triggers the tumor cell ferroptosis. Therefore, this strategy is expected to overcome the resistance of tumor to oxidative damage and achieve efficient oxidative damage of tumor. Further, degradation of the Mn3 O4 layer induced by GSH and acidic environment can promote the fluorescence recovery of UC fluorescent nuclear for tumor imaging to complete efficient integration of diagnosis and treatment for tumor.

Bimetallic Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Graphitic Carbon-Coated Small Co/VN Nanoparticles as Advanced Trifunctional Electrocatalysts

The rational design and construction of multifunctional electrocatalysts with high activity, low cost, and outstanding stability are highly desirable for the development of renewable energy but are still a big challenge. Bimetallic catalysts are a kind of promising candidates, like the hybrids of Co and VN nanoparticles (Co/VN). However, the inevitable aggregation during the preparation and electrochemical process lowers their reactivity and durability. Herein, small Co/VN nanoparticles (4-8 nm) embedded in porous graphitic carbon layers (Co/VN NPs@C) were obtained through the pyrolysis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The synergistic effect of in situ generated Co and VN NPs together with fast electron transfer from graphitic carbon layers renders this catalyst to possess excellent trifunctional performance. More attractively, Co/VN NPs@C as both the anode and the cathode shows a low voltage of 1.58 V when the current density is up to 10 mA cm^-2, exceeding most electrocatalysts based on non-noble metals. The rechargeable Zn-air batteries constructed by Co/VN NPs@C deliver high round-trip efficiency together with a peak power density of 130 mW cm^-2, a specific capacity of 757 mAh g^-1, and desirable stability, outperforming the traditional Zn-air batteries based on the Pt/C and RuO₂ pair. This work opens a promising avenue toward constructing highly effective multifunctional electrocatalysts by designing small-sized nanoparticles with various active sites derived from MOFs.