Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): Diagnostic routes using novel biomarkers

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis is still the diagnosis of exclusion. Differentiating from other forms of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) is essential, given the various therapeutic approaches. The IPF course is now unpredictable for individual patients, although some genetic factors and several biomarkers have already been associated with various IPF prognoses. Since its early stages, IPF may be asymptomatic, leading to a delayed diagnosis. The present review critically examines the recent literature on molecular biomarkers potentially useful in IPF diagnostics. The examined biomarkers are grouped into breath and sputum biomarkers, serologically assessed extracellular matrix neoepitope markers, and oxidative stress biomarkers in lung tissue. Fibroblasts and complete blood count have also gained recent interest in that respect. Although several biomarker candidates have been profiled, there has yet to be a single biomarker that proved specific to the IPF disease. Nevertheless, various IPF biomarkers have been used in preclinical and clinical trials to verify their predictive and monitoring potential.

Recent advances using MXenes in biomedical applications

An MXene is a novel two-dimensional transition metal carbide or nitride, with a typical formula of Mn+1XnTx (M = transition metals, X = carbon or nitrogen, and T = functional groups). MXenes have found wide application in biomedicine and biosensing, owing to their high biocompatibility, abundant reactive surface groups, good conductivity, and photothermal properties. Applications include photo- and electrochemical sensors, energy storage, and electronics. This review will highlight recent applications of MXene and MXene-derived materials in drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial activity, and biosensors (optical and electrochemical). We further elaborate on recent developments in utilizing MXenes for photothermal cancer therapy, and we explore multimodal treatments, including the integration of chemotherapeutic agents or magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The high surface area and reactivity of MXenes provide an interface to respond to the changes in the environment, allowing MXene-based drug carriers to respond to changes in pH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and electrical signals for controlled release applications. Furthermore, the conductivity of MXene enables it to provide electrical stimulation for cultured cells and endows it with photocatalytic capabilities that can be used in antibiotic applications. Wearable and in situ sensors incorporating MXenes are also included. Major challenges and future development directions of MXenes in biomedical applications are also discussed. The remarkable properties of MXenes will undoubtedly lead to their increasing use in the applications discussed here, as well as many others.

Upconversion nanoparticle-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensing of programmed death ligand 1 using sandwich epitope-imprinted polymers

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been shown to suppress the anti-tumor immune response of some lung cancer patients, and thus PD-L1 expression may be a valuable predictor of the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal therapy in such patients. In this work, a sandwich approach to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used with green-emitting Yb3+/Ho3+-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and a rhodamine-conjugated conductive polymer as donor and acceptor, respectively. Yb3+/Ho3+-doped UCNPs were synthesized and then coated with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol), pEVAL, imprinted with PD-L1 peptide. Epitope-imprinted composite nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, superconducting quantum interference magnetometry, and atomic force microscopy. Poly(triphenylamine rhodamine-3-acetic acid-co-3,4-ethoxylenedioxythiophene)s copolymers (p(TPAR-co-EDOT)) were imprinted with various epitopes of PD-L1 by in situ electrochemical polymerization. The epitope-imprinted polymer-coated electrodes were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally, the sandwich sensing of various PD-L1 concentrations with peptide-imprinted p(TPAR-co-EDOT)-coated substrate and UCNP-containing magnetic peptide-imprinted pEVAL nanoparticles by FRET was conducted to measure the concentration of PD-L1 in A549 lung cancer cell lysate.

Clonal hematopoiesis related TET2 loss-of-function impedes IL1β-mediated epigenetic reprogramming in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is defined as a single hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) gaining selective advantage over a broader range of HSPCs. When linked to somatic mutations in myeloid malignancy-associated genes, such as TET2-mediated clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential or CHIP, it represents increased risk for hematological malignancies and cardiovascular disease. IL1β is elevated in patients with CHIP, however, its effect is not well understood. Here we show that IL1β promotes expansion of pro-inflammatory monocytes/macrophages, coinciding with a failure in the demethylation of lymphoid and erythroid lineage associated enhancers and transcription factor binding sites, in a mouse model of CHIP with hematopoietic-cell-specific deletion of Tet2. DNA-methylation is significantly lost in wild type HSPCs upon IL1β administration, which is resisted by Tet2-deficient HSPCs, and thus IL1β enhances the self-renewing ability of Tet2-deficient HSPCs by upregulating genes associated with self-renewal and by resisting demethylation of transcription factor binding sites related to terminal differentiation. Using aged mouse models and human progenitors, we demonstrate that targeting IL1 signaling could represent an early intervention strategy in preleukemic disorders. In summary, our results show that Tet2 is an important mediator of an IL1β-promoted epigenetic program to maintain the fine balance between self-renewal and lineage differentiation during hematopoiesis.

Activation of Insulin Gene Expression via Transfection of a CRISPR/dCas9a System Using Magnetic Peptide-Imprinted Nanoparticles

A CRISPRa transcription activation system was used to upregulate insulin expression in HEK293T cells. To increase the delivery of the targeted CRISPR/dCas9a, magnetic chitosan nanoparticles, imprinted with a peptide from the Cas9 protein, were developed, characterized, and then bound to dCas9a that was complexed with a guide RNA (gRNA). The adsorption of dCas9 proteins conjugated with activators (SunTag, VPR, and p300) to the nanoparticles was monitored using both ELISA kits and Cas9 staining. Finally, the nanoparticles were used to deliver dCas9a that was complexed with a synthetic gRNA into HEK293T cells to activate their insulin gene expression. Delivery and gene expression were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and staining of insulin. Finally, the long-term release of insulin and the cellular pathway related to stimulation by glucose were also investigated.

The Use of Sensors in Blood-Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip Devices: Current Practice and Future Directions

The application of lab-on-a-chip technologies in in vitro cell culturing swiftly resulted in improved models of human organs compared to static culture insert-based ones. These chip devices provide controlled cell culture environments to mimic physiological functions and properties. Models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) especially profited from this advanced technological approach. The BBB represents the tightest endothelial barrier within the vasculature with high electric resistance and low passive permeability, providing a controlled interface between the circulation and the brain. The multi-cell type dynamic BBB-on-chip models are in demand in several fields as alternatives to expensive animal studies or static culture inserts methods. Their combination with integrated biosensors provides real-time and noninvasive monitoring of the integrity of the BBB and of the presence and concentration of agents contributing to the physiological and metabolic functions and pathologies. In this review, we describe built-in sensors to characterize BBB models via quasi-direct current and electrical impedance measurements, as well as the different types of biosensors for the detection of metabolites, drugs, or toxic agents. We also give an outlook on the future of the field, with potential combinations of existing methods and possible improvements of current techniques.

Nanoparticle-mediated CRISPR/dCas9a activation of multiple transcription factors to engineer insulin-producing cells

Insulin may help to control blood glucose levels in diabetes; however, the long-term release of insulin is important for therapy. In this work, four guide RNAs (gRNA) for factors that promote specification and maturation of insulin-producing cells were synthesized: pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), protoendocrine factor (neurogenin 3, NGN3), NK6 homeobox 1 (NKX6.1), and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family A (MAFA). These gRNAs were used to form ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) with tracRNA and dCas9-VPR, and were then immobilized on magnetic peptide-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles, which enhanced transfection. The production and release of insulin from transfected cells were then measured using ELISA and staining with anti-insulin antibodies. The expression of the genes was evaluated using qRT-PCR; this was also used to investigate the cascade of additional transcriptional regulators. The magnitude and duration of insulin production were evaluated for single and repeated transfections (using different transfection schedules) to identify the most promising protocol.

Biocompatibility of a Ti-Rich Medium-Entropy Alloy with Glioblastoma Astrocytoma Cells

Titanium and titanium alloys are widely used in medical devices and implants; thus, the biocompatibility of these metals is of great importance. In this study, glioblastoma astrocytoma cellular responses to Ti₆₅-Zr₁₈-Nb₁₆-Mo₁ (Ti65M, metastable medium-entropy alloy), Ti-13Nb-7Sn-4Mo (TNSM, titanium alloy), and commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) were studied. Several physical parameters (crystal phase structure, surface roughness and hardness) of the titanium alloys were measured, and the correlation with the cellular viability was investigated. Finally, the relative protein expression in cellular proliferation pathways was measured and compared with mRNA expression assessed with quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay (qRT-PCR).

Peptide Selection of MMP-1 for Electrochemical Sensing with Epitope-Imprinted Poly(TPARA-co-EDOT)s

Instead of molecularly imprinting a whole protein molecule, imprinting protein epitopes is gaining popularity due to cost and solubility issues. Belonging to the matrix metalloproteinase protein family, MMP-1 is an interstitial collagenase that degrades collagen and may be involved in cell migration, cell proliferation, the pro-inflammatory effect, and cancer progression. Hence, it can serve as a disease protein biomarker and thus be useful in early diagnosis. Herein, epitopes of MMP-1 were identified by screening its crystal structure. To identify possible epitopes for imprinting, MMP-1 was cleaved in silico with trypsin, pepsin at pH = 1.3, and pepsin at pH > 2.0 using Peptide Cutter, generating peptide fragments containing 8 to 12 amino acids. Five criteria were applied to select the peptides most suitable as potential epitopes for MMP-1. The triphenylamine rhodanine-3-acetic acid (TPARA) functional monomer was synthesized to form a stable pre-polymerization complex with a selected template epitope. The complexed functional monomer was then copolymerized with 3,4-ethoxylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) using potentiodynamic electropolymerization onto indium−tin−oxide (ITO) electrodes. The composition of the molecularly imprinted poly(TPARA-co-EDOT) (MIP) was optimized by maximizing the film’s electrical conductivity. Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine MMP-1 concentration in the presence of the Fe(CN)63−/Fe(CN)64− redox probe actuating the “gate effect.” A calibration curve was constructed and used to determine the usable concentration range and the limit of detection as ca. 0.001 to 10.0 pg/mL and 0.2 fg/mL MMP-1, respectively. Finally, the MMP-1 concentration in the A549 human lung (carcinoma) culture medium was measured, and this determination accuracy was confirmed using an ELISA assay.

Cellular Therapy Using Epitope-Imprinted Composite Nanoparticles to Remove α-Synuclein from an In Vitro Model

Several degenerative disorders of the central nervous system, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), are related to the pathological aggregation of proteins. Antibodies against toxic disease proteins, such as α-synuclein (SNCA), are therefore being developed as possible therapeutics. In this work, one peptide (YVGSKTKEGVVHGVA) from SNCA was used as the epitope to construct magnetic molecularly imprinted composite nanoparticles (MMIPs). These composite nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) analysis. Finally, the viability of brain endothelial cells that were treated with MMIPs was measured, and the extraction of SNCA from CRISPR/dCas9a-activated HEK293T cells from the in vitro model system was demonstrated for the therapeutic application of MMIPs.

NIR-Triggered Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Photodynamic Therapy Based on Mesoporous Silica-Coated LiYF4 Upconverting Nanoparticles

To date, the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production for effectual photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment still remains challenging. In this study, a facile and effective approach is utilized to coat mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) shell on the ligand-free upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) based on the LiYF₄ host material. Two kinds of mesoporous silica-coated UCNPs (UCNP@mSiO₂) that display green emission (doped with Ho³⁺) and red emission (doped with Er³⁺), respectively, were successfully synthesized and well characterized. Three photosensitizers (PSs), merocyanine 540 (MC 540), rose bengal (RB), and chlorin e6 (Ce6), with the function of absorption of green or red emission, were selected and loaded into the mSiO₂ shell of both UCNP@mSiO₂ nanomaterials. A comprehensive study for the three UCNP@mSiO₂/PS donor/acceptor pairs was performed to investigate the efficacy of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), ROS generation, and in vitro PDT using a MCF-7 cell line. ROS generation detection showed that as compared to the oleate-capped and ligand-free UCNP/PS pairs, the UCNP@mSiO₂/PS nanocarrier system demonstrated more pronounced ROS generation due to the UCNP@mSiO₂ nanoparticles in close vicinity to PS molecules and a higher loading capacity of the photosensitizer. As a result, the three LiYF₄ UCNP@mSiO₂/PS nanoplatforms displayed more prominent therapeutic efficacies in PDT by using in vitro cytotoxicity tests.

Molecularly imprinted polymer-based extended-gate field-effect transistor (EG-FET) chemosensor for selective determination of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) protein

A conducting molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film was integrated with an extended-gate field-effect transistor (EG-FET) transducer to determine epitopes of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) protein biomarker of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) selectively. Most suitable epitopes for imprinting were selected with Basic Local Alignment Search Tool software. From a pool of MMP-1 epitopes, the two, i.e., MIAHDFPGIGHK and HGYPKDIYSS, the relatively short ones, most promising for MMP-1 determination, were selected, mainly considering their advantageous outermost location in the protein molecule and stability against aggregation. MIPs templated with selected epitopes of the MMP-1 protein were successfully prepared by potentiodynamic electropolymerization and simultaneously deposited as thin films on electrodes. The chemosensors, constructed of MIP films integrated with EG-FET, proved useful in determining these epitopes even in a medium as complex as a control serum. The limit of detection for the MIAHDFPGIGHK and HGYPKDIYSS epitope was ∼60 and 20 nM, respectively. Moreover, the chemosensors selectively recognized whole MMP-1 protein in the 50-500 nM concentration range in buffered control serum samples.

Doping of MXenes enhances the electrochemical response of peptide-imprinted conductive polymers for the recognition of C-Reactive protein

The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum is frequently used to evaluate risk of coronary heart disease, and its concentration is related to cardiovascular disease, fibrosis and inflammation, cancer, and viral infections. In this work, three novel peptides, never previously used as imprinted templates, were selected, synthesized, and employed for epitope imprinting. Various imprinting concentrations of the template and various ratios of aniline (AN) to m-aminobenzenesulfonic acid (MSAN) were used in electropolymerization to form molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The imprinting template and functional monomer concentrations were optimized to maximize the electrochemical response to target peptides. The surface morphologies of peptide- and non-imprinting poly(AN-co-MSAN) were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). Moreover, the effect of doping of MIPs with a very small percentage of an MXene (e.g. Ti₂C at 0.1 wt% in the preparation solution) on the electrochemical response was also studied. Ti₂C doping dramatically increased sensing range from 0.1 to 100 fg/mL to 10000 fg/mL, and electrochemical responses were amplified by a factor of approximately 1.3 within the sensing range. Finally, commercially available serum was diluted and then measured using the MXene-doped PIP-coated electrodes to estimate the accuracy compared with ELISA results.

Synthesis of Ginsenoside Rb1-imprinted magnetic polymer nanoparticles for the extraction and cellular delivery of therapeutic ginsenosides

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Sensing of C-Reactive Protein Using an Extended-Gate Field-Effect Transistor with a Tungsten Disulfide-Doped Peptide-Imprinted Conductive Polymer Coating

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific biomarker of inflammation and may be associated with cardiovascular disease. In recent studies, systemic inflammatory responses have also been observed in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been developed to replace natural antibodies with polymeric materials that have low cost and high stability and could thus be suitable for use in a home-care system. In this work, a MIP-based electrochemical sensing system for measuring CRP was developed. Such a system can be integrated with microfluidics and electronics for lab-on-a-chip technology. MIP composition was optimized using various imprinting template (CRP peptide) concentrations. Tungsten disulfide (WS₂) was doped into the MIPs. Doping not only enhances the electrochemical response accompanying the recognition of the template molecules but also raises the top of the sensing range from 1.0 pg/mL to 1.0 ng/mL of the imprinted peptide. The calibration curve of the WS₂-doped peptide-imprinted polymer-coated electrodes in the extended-gate field-effect transistor platform was obtained and used for the measurement of CRP concentration in real human serum.

Embedded Upconversion Nanoparticles in Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Photodynamic Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In this work, high-temperature pyrolysis was used to prepare both the core and shell of lantha-nide-doped UCNPs with lithium yttrium tetrafluoride (LiYF4) to enhance the green luminescence. Merocyanine 540 (MC540)-grafted magnetic nanoparticles were incorporated in the PD-L1 pep-tide-imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) particles, which were formed by precipitation in a non-solvent. UCNPs in the non-solvent bath were thus entrapped in the imprinted particles to generate composite nanoparticles for the targeting and photodynamic therapy of PD-L1 in tumor cells. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles in HepG2 human liver cancer cells was evaluated with the continuous administration of MC540/MNPs@MIPs/UCNPs under irradiation by an NIR laser. To understand the delivery of the UCNP-embedded molecularly imprinted pol-ymers, the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were also investigated.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Treatment of Porous Silicon Increases Biocompatibility with Cardiomyocytes

Porous silicon is of current interest for cardiac tissue engineering applications. While porous silicon is considered to be a biocompatible material, it is important to assess whether post-etching surface treatments can further improve biocompatibility and perhaps modify cellular behavior in desirable ways. In this work, porous silicon was formed by electrochemically etching with hydrofluoric acid, and was then treated with oxygen plasma or supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). These processes yielded porous silicon with a thickness of around 4 μm. The different post-etch treatments gave surfaces that differed greatly in hydrophilicity: oxygen plasma-treated porous silicon had a highly hydrophilic surface, while scCO2 gave a more hydrophobic surface. The viabilities of H9c2 cardiomyocytes grown on etched surfaces with and without these two post-etch treatments was examined; viability was found to be highest on porous silicon treated with scCO2. Most significantly, the expression of some key genes in the angiogenesis pathway was strongly elevated in cells grown on the scCO2-treated porous silicon, compared to cells grown on the untreated or plasma-treated porous silicon. In addition, the expression of several apoptosis genes were suppressed, relative to the untreated or plasma-treated surfaces.

Transition metal dichalcogenides to optimize the performance of peptide-imprinted conductive polymers as electrochemical sensors

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical sensors for the protein α-synuclein (a marker for Parkinson's disease) were developed using a peptide epitope from the protein. MIPs doped with various concentrations and species of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to enhance conductivity were electropolymerized with and without template molecules. The current during the electropolymerization was compared with that associated with the electrochemical response (at 0.24~0.29 V vs. ref. electrode) to target peptide molecules in the finished sensor. We found that this relationship can aid in the rational design of conductive MIPs for the recognition of biomarkers in biological fluids. The sensing range and limit of detection of TMD-doped imprinted poly(AN-co-MSAN)-coated electrodes were 0.001-100 pg/mL and 0.5 fg/mL (SNR = 3), respectively. To show the potential applicability of the MIP electrochemical sensor, cell culture medium from PD patient-specific midbrain organoids generated from induced pluripotent stem cells was analyzed. α-Synuclein levels were found to be significantly reduced in the organoids from PD patients, compared to those generated from age-matched controls. The relative standard deviation and recovery are less than 5% and 95-115%, respectively. Preparation of TMD-doped α-synuclein (SNCA) peptide-imprinted poly(AN-co-MSAN)-coated electrodes.

Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles for the Combination of Photodynamic Therapy and Immunotherapy

Programmed death-ligand 1 protein (PD-L1) has been posited to have a major role in suppressing the immune system during pregnancy, tissue allografts, autoimmune disease and other diseases, such as hepatitis. Photodynamic therapy uses light and a photosensitizer to generate singlet oxygen, which causes cell death (phototoxicity). In this work, photosensitizers (such as merocyanine) were immobilized on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. One peptide sequence from PD-L1 was used as the template and imprinted onto poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) to generate magnetic composite nanoparticles for the targeting of PD-L1 on tumor cells. These nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering, high-performance liquid chromatography, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis and superconducting quantum interference magnetometry. Natural killer-92 cells were added to these composite nanoparticles, which were then incubated with human hepatoma (HepG2) cells and illuminated with visible light for various periods. The viability and apoptosis pathway of HepG2 were examined using a cell counting kit-8 and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, treatment with composite nanoparticles and irradiation of light was performed using an animal xenograft model.

Epitope recognition of magnetic peptide-imprinted chitosan composite nanoparticles for the extraction of CRISPR/dCas9a proteins from transfected cells

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas9) technology is a powerful method for genetic modification (and regulation) that is of great current interest. The development of new, economical methods of detecting and extracting Cas9 (and/or dCas9) from transfected cells is thus an important advance. In this work, we employed molecular imprinting, using two peptides from the Cas9 protein, to make magnetic peptide-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles. dCas9 was encoded in a plasmid which was then transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells. The expression of dCas9 protein was measured by using total protein kits. Finally, the imprinted nanoparticles were used to extract dCas9 from transfected cell homogenates.

Cellular reprogramming with multigene activation by the delivery of CRISPR/dCas9 ribonucleoproteins via magnetic peptide-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles

Induced pluripotent stem cells are usually derived by reprogramming transcription factors (OSKM), such as octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and cellular proto-oncogene (c-Myc). However, the genomic integration of transcription factors risks the insertion of mutations into the genome of the target cells. Recently, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system has been used to edit genomes. In this work, dCas9-VPR (dCas9 with a gene activator, VP64-p65-Rta (VPR), fused to its c-terminus) and guide RNA (gRNA) combined to form ribonucleoproteins, which were immobilized on magnetic peptide-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles. These were then used to activate OSKM genes in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells. Four pairs of gRNAs were used for the binding site recognition to activate the OSKM genes. Transfected HEK293T cells were then prescreened for the high expression of OSKM proteins by immunohistochemistry images. The optimal gRNAs for OSKM expression were identified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the staining of OSKM proteins. Finally, we found that the activated expression of one of the OSKM genes is up to three-fold higher than that of the other genes, enabling precise control of the cell differentiation.

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Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles were used to deliver dCas9 ribonucleoproteins to activate OSKM genes.

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Two-guide RNAs for each OSKM gene were studied.

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Transfected HEK293T cells were then screened using immunohistochemistry.

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The optimal-guide RNAs for OSKM expression were also identified using qRT-PCR.

Epitope imprinting of alpha-synuclein for sensing in Parkinson's brain organoid culture medium

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, whose early signs may be mild and unnoticed. α-Synuclein has been identified as the major component of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which are the characteristic proteinaceous deposits that are the hallmarks of PD. In this work, three alpha-synuclein peptides were synthesized as templates for the molecular imprinting of conductive polymers to enable recognition of alpha-synuclein via ultrasensitive electrochemical measurements. The peptide sequences encompassed specific residues where mutations are known to accelerate PD (though the target sequences, in this study, were wild-type.) The different peptide targets were all successfully imprinted, but with differing imprinting effectiveness, probably owing to differences in target carboxylic acids (which can bind to the aniline (AN) m-aminobenzenesulfonic acid (MSAN) MIP polymers.) Composition of the imprinted polymer, (the mole proportions of AN and MSAN), and the concentrations and sequences of imprinted peptide templates were optimized by measuring the electrochemical responses to target peptides. The imprinted electrode can detect alpha-synuclein at fg/mL levels, and was therefore used to measure alpha-synuclein in the culture medium of human brain organoids generated from normal and idiopathic PD patients.

Weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, cetuximab, and cetuximab, docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil, followed by local therapy in previously untreated, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The survival advantage of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by locoregional treatment is controversial in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC). We previously showed feasibility and safety of cetuximab-based IC (paclitaxel/carboplatin/cetuximab-PCC, and docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil/cetuximab-C-TPF) followed by local therapy in LAHNSCC. The primary end point of this phase II clinical trial with randomization to PCC and C-TPF followed by combined local therapy in patients with LAHNSCC stratified by human papillomavirus (HPV) status and T-stage was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) compared with historical control.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were ≥18 years with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, oral cavity, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx with measurable stage IV (T0-4N2b-2c/3M0) and known HPV by p16 status. Stratification was by HPV and T-stage into one of the two risk groups: (i) low-risk: HPV-positive and T0-3 or HPV-negative and T0-2; (ii) intermediate/high-risk: HPV-positive and T4 or HPV-negative and T3-4. Patient reported outcomes were carried out.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients were randomized in the study, 68 to each arm. With a median follow up of 3.2 years, the 2-year PFS in the PCC arm was 89% in the overall, 96% in the low-risk and 67% in the intermediate/high-risk groups; in the C-TPF arm 2-year PFS was 88% in the overall, 88% in the low-risk and 89% in the intermediate/high-risk groups.

CONCLUSION

The observed 2-year PFS of PCC in the low-risk group and of C-TPF in the intermediate/high-risk group showed a 20% improvement compared with the historical control derived from RTOG-0129, therefore reaching the primary end point of the trial.

Doping of transition metal dichalcogenides in molecularly imprinted conductive polymers for the ultrasensitive determination of 17β-estradiol in eel serum

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been developed to replace antibodies for the recognition of target molecules (such as antigens), and have been integrated into electrochemical sensing approaches by polymerization onto an electrode. Electrochemical sensing is inexpensive and flexible, and has demonstrated utility in point-of-care devices. In this work, several 2D (conductive) materials were employed to improve the performance of MIP sensors. Screen-printed electrodes were coated by the electropolymerization of aniline and metanilic acid, commingled with target molecules and various 2D materials. Tungsten disulfide (WS₂) with an average particle size of 2 μm was found to increase the sensitivity of detection of molecularly imprinted conductive polymer-coated electrodes to 17β-estradiol. As estradiol concentrations are important to eel aquaculture, we screened eel serum samples to determine their 17β-estradiol concentrations, which were found to be in the range 28.2 ± 3.6 to 73.0 ± 11.6 pg/mL after dilution. These results were in agreement with measurements using commercial immunoanalysis.

Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Magnetic PD-1 Peptide-Imprinted Polymer Nanocomposite and Natural Killer Cells

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a biomarker on the surface of cells with a role in promoting self-tolerance by suppressing the inflammatory activity of T cells. In this work, one peptide of PD-1 was used as the template for molecular imprinting to form magnetic peptide-imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) composite nanoparticles (MPIP NPs). The nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) analysis. Natural killer 92 (NK-92) cells were added to these composite nanoparticles and then incubated with human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. The viability and the apoptosis pathway of HepG2 were then studied using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. These nanoparticles were found to significantly enhance the activity of natural killer cells toward HepG2 cells by increasing the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), caspase 8, and especially caspase 3.

A multichannel system integrating molecularly imprinted conductive polymers for ultrasensitive voltammetric determination of four steroid hormones in urine

This work reports on a modularized electrochemical method for the determination of the hormones cortisol, progesterone, testosterone and 17β-estradiol in urine. These hormones were employed as templates when generating molecular imprints from aniline and metanilic acid by electropolymerization on the surface of screen-printed electrodes. The electrically conductive imprint was characterized by SEM, AFM and cyclic voltammetry. A four-channel system was then established to enable simultaneous determination of the hormones by cyclic voltammetry. The detection limits for cortisol, progesterone, testosterone and 17β-estradiol are as low as 2, 2.5, 10 and 9 ag·mL^-1 (for S/N = 3). Graphical abstract A four-channel system was established to enable simultaneous determination of 4 steroid hormones by cyclic voltammetry and by using moleculalry imprinted polymers.

A DNA-based two-way thermometer to report high and low temperatures

Precise description of temperature at the microscale level is essential in many biological applications. In this study, we prepared a DNA-based thermometer that reports low and high temperatures by providing two distinct optical signals. The system is a molecular beacon that carries a loop and a stem, whose conformation is subject to change from a hairpin to a random coil when the temperature changes from low to high. A fluorophore, Cy5, and a quencher, BHQ3, are terminally labeled at the stem ends. Moreover, perylene is included in the middle of the 3'-end stem. The signaling state of Cy5 relies on the relative distance to BHQ3. However, the perylene emission is regulated by its microenvironment (i.e., the oligonucleotide or duplex state). With a temperature variation, the designed thermometer undergoes a change in conformation that leads to two signal patterns with Cy5/off and perylene/on at low temperature and Cy5/on and perylene/off at high temperature. The reversibility and biocompatibility of the thermometer design were examined for potential applications in biological systems.

[Clinical evaluation of two transalveolar methods for sinus augmentation with placing 1 204 implants immediately]

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of posterior maxillary implant surgery when using the regular transalveolar approach or with the crestal approach-sinus (CAS-KIT), a device for maxillary sinus membrane elevation by the crestal approach using a special drilling system and hydraulic pressure. Methods: In this retrospective study 887 patients during Jan 2012 to July 2015 in Hangzhou Dental Hospital with underwent either regular transalveolar approach or CAS-KIT approach for maxillary augmentation; whereas 11 patients dropped out for the reason of serious membrane perforations. Totally, 876 patients with 1 204 plants, placed immediately after transalveolar maxillary augmentation, were included in this study. The data analysis was performed by radiological measures to assess the changes in height of maxillary sinus floor after the transalveolar augmentation at different time points. In addition, the complications after surgery, failure rates, osseointegration condition and the performance of rehabilitation were evaluated as well. Results: Five hundred and three patients were experienced with regular transalveolar approach, and 7 patients were drop out for the serious membrane perforations. Thus, 496 patients received 653 implants in this group; the average lifted range in maxillary sinus floor height changes was (4.08±3.45) mm. The complications were minor membrane perforations during procedure in 64 patients, postoperative maxillary sinus infection happening in 2 patients and 13 patients experienced rehabilitation failure. Three hundred and eighty-four patients had CAS-KIT approach with 4 patients dropped out. Three hundred and eighty patients get 551 implants with the mean lifted range of (8.36±4.07) mm in maxillary sinus floor height changes. Minor membrane perforations during procedure occurred in 31 people and 2 got postoperative maxillary sinus infection. The 4 year overall survival rate of 1 204 implants was 97.26%, with four implants fell off after 3 months of rehabilitation and one implant occurred after one year of rehabilitation. Conclusions: The regular transalveolar sinus lift technique is easier and time saving, but the compromised lifting range in maxillary sinus floor height and the comparatively high occurrence of intraoperative membrane perforations should be concerned. Using CAS-KIT could be an alternative method to perform maxillary sinus augmentation with a reduced incidence of complications. There was no statistically difference in implant failure rates and incidence of postoperative maxillary sinus infection between two groups.

Gold-decorated magnetic nanoparticles modified with hairpin-shaped DNA for fluorometric discrimination of single-base mismatch DNA

The authors describe the use of gold-decorated magnetic nanoparticles (Au/MNPs) in discriminating DNA sequences with a single-base (guanine) mismatch. The Au/MNPs were characterized through dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, superconducting quantum interference device, and UV/visible spectroscopy. They were then conjugated to a probe oligomer consisting of a hairpin-shaped DNA sequence carrying two signalling fluorophores: fluorescein at its 3' end and pyrene in the loop region. When interacting with the target DNA sequences, the hybridized probe-target duplex renders the pyrene signal (at excitation/emission wavelengths of 345/375 nm) either quenched or unquenched. Quenching (or nonquenching) of the pyrene fluorescence depends on the presence of a guanine (or a nonguanine) nucleotide at the designated polymorphic site. The linear range of hybridization in these Au/MNPs is from 0.1 nM to 1.0 μM of ssDNA. Conceivably, this system may serve as a single-nucleotide polymorphism probe. Graphical Abstract Schematic presentation of probe-conjugated Au/MNP preparation (upper panel) and working principle to discriminate DNA with or without single-base (guanine) mismatch sequences at the polymorphic sites (lower panel). Py denotes pyrene-hooked pyrrolocytidine; F denotes fluorescein.

A haplotype of the dopamine transporter gene modulates regional homogeneity, gray matter volume, and visual memory in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

The dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) and visual memory deficits have been consistently reported to be associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to examine whether a DAT1 haplotype affected functional and structural brain alterations in children with ADHD and whether those alterations were associated with visual memory.

METHOD

We recruited a total of 37 drug-naïve children with ADHD (17 with the DAT1 rs27048 (C)/rs429699 (T) haplotype and 20 without the CT haplotype) and 37 typically developing children (17 with the CT haplotype and 20 without the CT haplotype). Visual memory was assessed by the pattern recognition memory (PRM) and spatial recognition memory (SRM) tasks. We analyzed functional and structural brain architecture with regional homogeneity (ReHo) and gray matter volume (GMV).

RESULTS

The CT haplotype was associated with decreased ReHo in the left superior occipital gyrus, cuneus, and precuneus; and decreased GMV in the left superior occipital gyrus, cuneus, and precuneus, and in the right angular gyrus. Significant interactions of ADHD and the CT haplotype were found in the right postcentral gyrus for ReHo and in the right supplementary motor area for GMV. For the ADHD-CT group, we found negative correlations of total correct responses in PRM and SRM and positive correlations of mean latency of correct responses in PRM with the GMV in the left superior occipital gyrus, cuneus, and precuneus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the DAT1-related GMV alterations in the posterior cortical regions may contribute to visual memory performance in children with ADHD.

[Effect of traditional Chinese medicine on osseointegration and bone absorption of implants]

Implantation of the base bone in the implant after effective and rapid bone binding and prevention and treatment of bone resorption, to ensure the success of planting surgery is of great significance. This article reviews the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine promoting bone integration and the etiopathological mechanism of bone resorption, and expounds the influence of traditional Chinese medicine on osseointegration and bone resorption.

Investigation of the antiphase dynamics of the orthogonally polarized passively Q-switched Nd:YLF laser

The antiphase dynamics of Q-switched orthogonally polarized emissions have been thoroughly investigated. A Nd:YLF crystal with the anisotropic thermal lensing effect is used as the gain medium for achieving dual polarized laser. By using the Cr⁴⁺:YAG saturable absorber, the passively Q-switched output shows intriguing switching dynamics, where the number of pulses for both polarized components within one switching period is directly determined by the power ratio between the orthogonally polarized emissions. Experimental results reveal that the pulse energies of every single pulse for both orthogonally polarized states are equal with the maximum value of 223 μJ. The pulse durations for π- and σ-polarization are measured to be 15 ns and 11 ns and the corresponding peak power levels are up to 15.0 kW and 20.3 kW, respectively.

Obesity-associated cardiac pathogenesis in broiler breeder hens: Pathological adaption of cardiac hypertrophy

Broiler hens consuming feed to appetite (ad libitum; AL) show increased mortality. Feed restriction (R) typically improves reproductive performance and livability of hens. Rapidly growing broilers can exhibit increased mortality due to cardiac insufficiency but it is unknown whether the increased mortality of non-R broiler hens is also due to cardiac compromise. To assess cardiac growth and physiology in fully mature birds, 45-week-old hens were either continued on R rations or assigned to AL feeding for 7 or 21 days. AL hens exhibited increased bodyweight, adiposity, absolute and relative heart weight, ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac protein/DNA ratio by d 21 (P < 0.05). Increased heart weights due to hypertrophic growth was attributed to enhanced IGF-1-Akt-FoxO1 signaling and its downstream target, translation initiation factor 4E-BP1 in conjunction with down-regulation of ubiquitin ligase atrogin-1/MAFbx (P < 0.05). Reduced activation of cardiac AMPK and downstream activation of ACC-1 in parallel with increased cardiac nitric oxide levels, calcineurin activity, and MAPK activation in AL hens (P < 0.05) suggested that metabolic derangement develops along the cardiovascular remodeling. These indictors of cardiac maladaptive hypertrophic growth were further supported by uregulation of heart failure markers, BNP and MHC-β (P < 0.05). Hens allowed AL feeding for 70 d exhibited a higher incidence of mortality (40% vs. 10%) in association with ascites, pericardial effusion, and ventricle dilation. A higher incidence of irregular ECG patterns and rhythmicity consistent with persistently elevated systolic blood pressure and ventricle fibrosis were observed in AL hens (P < 0.05). These observations support the conclusion that AL feeding in broiler hens results in maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy that progresses to overt pathogenesis in contractility and thereby increases mortality. Feed restriction provides clear physiological benefit to heart function of adult broiler hens.

Crosslinked Polymer Ionic Liquid/Ionic Liquid Blends Prepared by Photopolymerization as Solid-State Electrolytes in Supercapacitors

A photopolymerization method is used to prepare a mixture of polymer ionic liquid (PIL) and ionic liquid (IL). This mixture is used as a solid-state electrolyte in carbon nanoparticle (CNP)-based symmetric supercapacitors. The solid electrolyte is a binary mixture of a PIL and its corresponding IL. The PIL matrix is a cross-linked polyelectrolyte with an imidazole salt cation coupled with two anions of Br^- in PIL-M-(Br) and TFSI^- in PIL-M-(TFSI), respectively. The corresponding ionic liquids have imidazolium salt cation coupled with two anions of Br^- and TFSI^-, respectively. This study investigates the electrochemical characteristics of PILs and their corresponding IL mixtures used as a solid electrolyte in supercapacitors. Results show that a specific capacitance, maximum power density and energy density of 87 and 58 F·g^-¹, 40 and 48 kW·kg^-¹, and 107 and 59.9 Wh·kg^-¹ were achieved in supercapacitors based on (PIL-M-(Br)) and (PIL-M-(TFSI)) solid electrolytes, respectively.

Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance Using Electropolymerization of Self-Doped Polyaniline on Carbon Film

In this work, we electrochemically deposited self-doped polyanilines (SPANI) on the surface of carbon-nanoparticle (CNP) film, enhancing the superficial faradic reactions in supercapacitors and thus improving their performance. SPANI was electrodeposited on the CNP-film employing electropolymerization of aniline (AN) and o-aminobenzene sulfonic acid (SAN) comonomers in solution. Here, SAN acts in dual roles of a self-doped monomer while it also provides an acidic environment which is suitable for electropolymerization. The performance of SPANI-CNP-based supercapacitors significantly depends upon the mole ratio of AN/SAN. Supercapacitor performance was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge and discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The optimal performance of SPANI-CNP-based supercapacitor exists at AN/SAN ratio of 1.0, having the specific capacitance of 273.3 Fg^-1 at the charging current density of 0.5 Ag^-1.

[Experts consensus on the management of the right heart function in critically ill patients]

To establish the experts consensus on the right heart function management in critically ill patients. The panel of consensus was composed of 30 experts in critical care medicine who are all members of Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaboration Group (CHTC Group). Each statement was assessed based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) principle. Then the Delphi method was adopted by 52 experts to reassess all the statements. (1) Right heart function is prone to be affected in critically illness, which will result in a auto-exaggerated vicious cycle. (2) Right heart function management is a key step of the hemodynamic therapy in critically ill patients. (3) Fluid resuscitation means the process of fluid therapy through rapid adjustment of intravascular volume aiming to improve tissue perfusion. Reversed fluid resuscitation means reducing volume. (4) The right ventricle afterload should be taken into consideration when using stroke volume variation (SVV) or pulse pressure variation (PPV) to assess fluid responsiveness.(5)Volume overload alone could lead to septal displacement and damage the diastolic function of the left ventricle. (6) The Starling curve of the right ventricle is not the same as the one applied to the left ventricle,the judgement of the different states for the right ventricle is the key of volume management. (7) The alteration of right heart function has its own characteristics, volume assessment and adjustment is an important part of the treatment of right ventricular dysfunction (8) Right ventricular enlargement is the prerequisite for increased cardiac output during reversed fluid resuscitation; Nonetheless, right heart enlargement does not mandate reversed fluid resuscitation.(9)Increased pulmonary vascular resistance induced by a variety of factors could affect right heart function by obstructing the blood flow. (10) When pulmonary hypertension was detected in clinical scenario, the differentiation of critical care-related pulmonary hypertension should be a priority. (11) Attention should be paid to the change of right heart function before and after implementation of mechanical ventilation and adjustment of ventilator parameter. (12) The pulmonary arterial pressure should be monitored timingly when dealing with critical care-related pulmonary hypertension accompanied with circulatory failure.(13) The elevation of pulmonary aterial pressure should be taken into account in critical patients with acute right heart dysfunction. (14) Prone position ventilation is an important measure to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance when treating acute respiratory distress syndrome patients accompanied with acute cor pulmonale. (15) Attention should be paid to right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling during the management of right heart function. (16) Right ventricular diastolic function is more prone to be affected in critically ill patients, the application of critical ultrasound is more conducive to quantitative assessment of right ventricular diastolic function. (17) As one of the parameters to assess the filling pressure of right heart, central venous pressure can be used to assess right heart diastolic function. (18). The early and prominent manifestation of non-focal cardiac tamponade is right ventricular diastolic involvement, the elevated right atrial pressure should be noticed. (19) The effect of increased intrathoracic pressure on right heart diastolic function should be valued. (20) Ttricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an important parameter that reflects right ventricular systolic function, and it is recommended as a general indicator of critically ill patient. (21) Circulation management with right heart protection as the core strategy is the key point of the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. (22) Right heart function involvement after cardiac surgery is very common and should be highly valued. (23) Right ventricular dysfunction should not be considered as a routine excuse for maintaining higher central venous pressure. (24) When left ventricular dilation, attention should be paid to the effect of left ventricle on right ventricular diastolic function. (25) The impact of left ventricular function should be excluded when the contractility of the right ventricle is decreased. (26) When the right heart load increases acutely, the shunt between the left and right heart should be monitored. (27) Attention should be paid to the increase of central venous pressure caused by right ventricular dysfunction and its influence on microcirculation blood flow. (28) When the vasoactive drugs was used to reduce the pressure of pulmonary circulation, different effects on pulmonary and systemic circulation should be evaluated. (29) Right atrial pressure is an important factor affecting venous return. Attention should be paid to the influence of the pressure composition of the right atrium on the venous return. (30) Attention should be paid to the role of the right ventricle in the acute pulmonary edema. (31) Monitoring the difference between the mean systemic filling pressure and the right atrial pressure is helpful to determine whether the infusion increases the venous return. (32) Venous return resistance is often considered to be a insignificant factor that affects venous return, but attention should be paid to the effect of the specific pathophysiological status, such as intrathoracic hypertension, intra-abdominal hypertension and so on. Consensus can promote right heart function management in critically ill patients, optimize hemodynamic therapy, and even affect prognosis.

Synthesis of magnetic cytosine-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles incorporating magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been investigated for their selective adsorption properties. Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of magnetic cytosine-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles (CIPs) for gene delivery. In particular, CIPs carrying the mammalian expression plasmid of enhanced green fluorescent protein were prepared by the co-precipitation of MNPs, chitosan and a template nucleobase (cytosine). The results show that the selective reabsorption of cytosine to magnetic CIPs was at least double that of non-imprinted polymers and other nucleobases (such as adenine and thymine). The gene carrier CIPs were used for the transfection of human embryonic kidney 293 cells showing dramatic increase their efficiency with that of conventional chitosan nanoparticles. Furthermore, the gene carrier magnetic CIPs also exhibit low toxicity compared to that of commercially available cationic lipids.

The potential use of glucose oxidase-imprinted polymer-coated electrodes for biofuel cells

Enzymatic biofuel cells using molecularly imprinted polymer coated electrodes.

Differential effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on intrinsic brain activity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are commonly prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, their therapeutic neural mechanisms remain unclear.

METHOD

After baseline evaluation including cognitive testing of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), drug-naive children with ADHD (n = 46), aged 7-17 years, were randomly assigned to a 12-week treatment with methylphenidate (n = 22) or atomoxetine (n = 24). Intrinsic brain activity, including the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo), was quantified via resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and week 12.

RESULTS

Reductions in inattentive symptoms were related to increased fALFF in the left superior temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobule for ADHD children treated with methylphenidate, and in the left lingual gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus for ADHD children treated with atomoxetine. Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom reductions were differentially related to increased fALFF in the methylphenidate group and to decreased fALFF in the atomoxetine group in bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri. Prediction analyses in the atomoxetine group revealed negative correlations between pre-treatment CANTAB simple reaction time and fALFF change in the left lingual gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus, and positive correlations between pre-treatment CANTAB simple movement time and fALFF change in bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri and left precuneus, with a negative correlation between movement time and the fALFF change in the left lingual gyrus and the inferior occipital gyrus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest differential neurophysiological mechanisms for the treatment effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine in children with ADHD.

Activation of tumor suppressor p53 gene expression by magnetic thymine-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles

Chitosan is a natural biodegradable polysaccharide that has been used to enhance gene delivery, owing to the ease with which chitosan nanoparticles enter the nucleus of cells. To study the effects of nuclear delivery of telomeric gene sequences, which contain thymine, we formed magnetic thymine-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles (TIPs) by the precipitation of chitosan, mixed with thymine and magnetic nanoparticles (to aid in separations). The mean size of the TIPS was 116 ± 18 nm; the dissociation constant for thymine was 21.8 mg mL(-1). We then treated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) with TIPs nanoparticles bearing bound thymine or a bound telomeric DNA sequence. The expression of the tumor suppressor p53 gene increased when TIPs were applied and decreased when telomere-bound TIPs were applied.

Evaluation of salivary function by sialoscintigraphy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer patients after intensity modulated radiotherapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the salivary gland function changes by sialoscintigraphy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Salivary function was assessed by sialoscintigraphy. Quantitative sialoscintigraphy was performed in 24 NPC patients prior to and after IMRT. Results were categorized in four groups according to the duration of treatment. The sialoscintigraphy parameters were examined.

RESULTS

Sialoscintigraphy showed a significant difference in the secretion of each interval groups. The parameters of scintigraphy, except maximum accumulation (MA) of submandibular glands, decreased first after radiotherapy, and then recovered. However, the MA of submandibular glands was continuously downhill after radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The sialoscintigraphy parameters of each gland changed with the different radiation dose and follow-up intervals. The salivary function was influenced after radiotherapy in locally advanced NPC, especially, in the submandibular gland. Strategies to improve the salivary function should be assessed.

Electrochemical sensing of nuclear matrix protein 22 in urine with molecularly imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) coated zinc oxide nanorod arrays for clinical studies of bladder cancer diagnosis

In 1996 and 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) as a monitoring tool for predicting the recurrence/clearing of bladder cancer, and for screening undiagnosed individuals who have symptoms of, or are at risk for, that disease. The fabrication of electrodes for sensing NMP22 and their integration with a portable potentiostat in a homecare system may have great value. This work describes a sensing element comprised of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the specific recognition of NMP22 target molecules. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (214 ± 45 nm in diameter and 1.08 ± 0.11 μm long) were hydrothermally grown on the sensing electrodes to increase the surface area to be coated with MIPs. A portable potentiostat was assembled and a data acquisition (DAQ) card and the Labview program were utilized to monitor electrochemical reaction to sense NMP22 in urine samples. Finally, in phase 0 clinical trials, measurements were made of samples from a few patients with bladder cancer using the NMP22 MIP-coated ZnO nanorods electrodes that were integrated into a portable potentiostat, revealing NMP 22 concentrations in the range 128 ± 19 to 588 ± 53 ng/mL.

Electrochemical sensing of urinary progesterone with molecularly imprinted poly(aniline-co-metanilic acid)s

The sensing of urinary progesterone with molecularly imprinted poly(aniline-co-metanilic acid) coated electrodes.

Optical sensing of phenylalanine in urine via extraction with magnetic molecularly imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) nanoparticles

Incorporation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles into molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) is useful for both bioseparations and for concentration and sensing of biomedically relevant target molecules in physiological fluids, through the application of a magnetic field. In this study, we combined the separation and concentration of a target (phenylalanine) in urine, using magnetic molecularly imprinted polymeric composite nanoparticles, with optical sensing, to improve assay sensitivity. This target is important as a catecholamine precursor, and as an important amino acid constituent of proteins. Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol)s were imprinted with target molecules, and showed a high imprinting effectiveness (target binding compared with binding to non-imprinted polymer particles.) Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to measure binding of the target, and also binding of possible interfering compounds. These measurements suggest that functional groups on phenylalanine dominate the selectivity of the synthesized MIPs. Finally, the composite nanoparticles were used to separate and sense the target molecule in urine by Raman scattering microscopy.