1
|
Sheitman A, Bello I, Montague E, Scodes J, Dambreville R, Wall M, Nossel I, Dixon L. Observed Trajectories of Cannabis Use and Concurrent Longitudinal Outcomes in Youth and Young Adults Receiving Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:313-321. [PMID: 38608418 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis use is present and persistent in young adults with early psychosis receiving Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) in the United States. While CSC programs are effective in improving quality of life, helping individuals reach goals, and promoting recovery, cannabis use may limit the extent of these improvements. This study extended upon previous findings to examine trajectories of cannabis use among individuals with early psychosis. The sample consisted of 1325 CSC participants enrolled for more than one year at OnTrackNY and followed up to two years, categorized into three groups: no use, reduced use, and persistent use. Baseline demographic and clinical differences were compared across groups and associations between clinical and psychosocial outcomes at 12 months and 24 months were examined across groups. Of the sample, 40 % remained persistent users over two years while 12.8 % reduced their use. At baseline, persistent users were younger (p = 0.011), more likely to be male (p < 0.001), had lower education levels (p = 0.019), and were more likely to have had past legal issues prior to admission (p < 0.001) than non-users. At 2 years, persistent users had significantly worse symptom scores than non-users (p = 0.0003) and reduced users (p = 0.0004). These findings highlight the presence of persistent cannabis use being common in this population and the need to improve substance use treatment offered to allow more CSC participants to achieve improved outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Sheitman
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York 10032, NY, USA.
| | - I Bello
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York 10032, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - E Montague
- Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, 75-59 263rd St, Queens, NY 11004, USA
| | - J Scodes
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York 10032, NY, USA
| | - R Dambreville
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York 10032, NY, USA
| | - M Wall
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York 10032, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - I Nossel
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York 10032, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - L Dixon
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York 10032, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saviano A, Schettino A, Iaccarino N, Mansour AA, Begum J, Marigliano N, Raucci F, Romano F, Riccardi G, Mitidieri E, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Bello I, Panza E, Smimmo M, Vellecco V, Rimmer P, Cheesbrough J, Zhi Z, Iqbal TH, Pieretti S, D'Amore VM, Marinelli L, La Pietra V, Sorrentino R, Costa L, Caso F, Scarpa R, Cirino G, Randazzo A, Bucci M, McGettrick HM, Iqbal AJ, Maione F. A reverse translational approach reveals the protective roles of Mangifera indica in inflammatory bowel disease. J Autoimmun 2024; 144:103181. [PMID: 38522129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic intestinal disorders often characterized by a dysregulation of T cells, specifically T helper (Th) 1, 17 and T regulatory (Treg) repertoire. Increasing evidence demonstrates that dietary polyphenols from Mangifera indica L. extract (MIE, commonly known as mango) mitigate intestinal inflammation and splenic Th17/Treg ratio. In this study, we aimed to dissect the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of MIE using a reverse translational approach, by initially using blood from an adult IBD inception cohort and then investigating the mechanism of action in a preclinical model of T cell-driven colitis. Of clinical relevance, MIE modulates TNF-α and IL-17 levels in LPS spiked sera from IBD patients as an ex vivo model of intestinal barrier breakdown. Preclinically, therapeutic administration of MIE significantly reduced colitis severity, pathogenic T-cell intestinal infiltrate and intestinal pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-22). Moreover, MIE reversed colitis-induced gut permeability and restored tight junction functionality and intestinal metabolites. Mechanistic insights revealed MIE had direct effects on blood vascular endothelial cells, blocking TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced up-regulation of COX-2 and the DP2 receptors. Collectively, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of MIE to reverse the immunological perturbance during the onset of colitis and dampen the systemic inflammatory response, paving the way for its clinical use as nutraceutical and/or functional food.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anella Saviano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Schettino
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Adel Abo Mansour
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jenefa Begum
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Noemi Marigliano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Raucci
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Riccardi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Emma Mitidieri
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Ivana Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Smimmo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Peter Rimmer
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan Cheesbrough
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Department of Gastroenterology, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhaogong Zhi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Tariq H Iqbal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Microbiology and Infection (IMI), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria D'Amore
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sorrentino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Costa
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Caso
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Helen Michelle McGettrick
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing (IIA), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Asif Jilani Iqbal
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Francesco Maione
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Casertano M, Esposito E, Bello I, Indolfi C, Putra MY, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Menna M, Sorrentino R, Cirino G, d’Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Imperatore C, Panza E, Mitidieri E. Searching for Novel Sources of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors: Chemical Profiling of Polycarpa aurata Extract and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:641. [PMID: 38132963 PMCID: PMC10744941 DOI: 10.3390/md21120641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a signaling molecule endogenously produced within mammals' cells that plays an important role in inflammation, exerting anti-inflammatory effects. In this view, the research has shown a growing interest in identifying natural H2S donors. Herein, for the first time, the potential of marine extract as a source of H2S-releasing agents has been explored. Different fractions obtained by the Indonesian ascidian Polycarpa aurata were evaluated for their ability to release H2S in solution. The main components of the most active fraction were then characterized by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and NMR spectroscopy. The ability of this fraction to release H2S was evaluated in a cell-free assay and J774 macrophages by a fluorimetric method, and its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo by using carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by inhibiting the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), coupled with a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) and IL-6 levels. Thus, this study defines the first example of a marine source able to inhibit inflammatory responses in vivo through the release of H2S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Casertano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Erika Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Ivana Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Chiara Indolfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Masteria Yunovilsa Putra
- Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, Research Organisation for Healths, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor KM. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia;
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-NEUROFARBA-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-NEUROFARBA-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Marialuisa Menna
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Raffaella Sorrentino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Roberta d’Emmanuele di Villa Bianca
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Concetta Imperatore
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Emma Mitidieri
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (E.E.); (I.B.); (M.M.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (E.P.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh S, Numan A, Khalid M, Bello I, Panza E, Cinti S. Facile and Affordable Design of MXene-Co 3 O 4 -Based Nanocomposites for Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Cancer Cells: Toward Portable Tool for Cancer Management. Small 2023; 19:e2208209. [PMID: 37096900 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202208209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) is a primary reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can act as a chemical signal in developing and progressing serious and life-threatening diseases like cancer. Due to the stressful nature of H2 O2 , there is an urgent need to develop sensitive analytical approaches to be applied to various biological matrices. Herein, a portable point-of-care electrochemical system based on MXene-Co3 O4 nanocomposites to detect H2 O2 in different cancer cell-lines is presented. The developed sensor is affordable, disposable, and highly selective for H2 O2 detection. This approach achieves a dynamic linear range of 75 µm with a LOD of 0.5 µm and a LOQ of 1.6 µm. To improve the practical application, the level of ROS is evaluated both in cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and DU145, respectively, to breast and prostate cancers, and in healthy HaCat cells. Moreover, the same cancer cells are treated with transforming growth factor-β1, and MXene-Co3 O4 modified strip is capable to monitorROS variation. The results are satisfactory compared with the cellular ROS fluorescent assay based on DCFH/DCFH-DA. These results open new perspectives for real-time monitoring of cancer progression and the efficacy of the therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sima Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Arshid Numan
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering Research Cluster (SMS2E), Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering Research Cluster (SMS2E), Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Ivana Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Stefano Cinti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
- BAT Center- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80055, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force at University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, Naples, 80126, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Esposito V, Benigno D, Bello I, Panza E, Bucci M, Virgilio A, Galeone A. Structural and Biological Features of G-Quadruplex Aptamers as Promising Inhibitors of the STAT3 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119524. [PMID: 37298475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the structural and biological features of G-quadruplex (G4) aptamers as promising antiproliferative compounds affecting the STAT3 signalling pathway. Targeting the STAT3 protein through high-affinity ligands to reduce its levels or activity in cancer has noteworthy therapeutic potential. T40214 (STAT) [(G3C)4] is a G4 aptamer that can influence STAT3 biological outcomes in an efficient manner in several cancer cells. To explore the effects of an extra cytidine in second position and/or of single site-specific replacements of loop residues in generating aptamers that can affect the STAT3 biochemical pathway, a series of STAT and STATB [GCG2(CG3)3C] analogues containing a thymidine residue instead of cytidines was prepared. NMR, CD, UV, and PAGE data suggested that all derivatives adopt dimeric G4 structures like that of unmodified T40214 endowed with higher thermal stability, keeping the resistance in biological environments substantially unchanged, as shown by the nuclease stability assay. The antiproliferative activity of these ODNs was tested on both human prostate (DU145) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells. All derivatives showed similar antiproliferative activities on both cell lines, revealing a marked inhibition of proliferation, particularly at 72 h at 30 µM. Transcriptomic analysis aimed to evaluate STAT's and STATB's influence on the expression of many genes in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggested their potential involvement in STAT3 pathway modulation, and thus their interference in different biological processes. These data provide new tools to affect an interesting biochemical pathway and to develop novel anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Benigno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ivana Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Virgilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Galeone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bello I, Smimmo M, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Bucci M, Cirino G, Panza E, Brancaleone V. Erucin, an H 2S-Releasing Isothiocyanate, Exerts Anticancer Effects in Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Triggering Autophagy-Dependent Apoptotic Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076764. [PMID: 37047736 PMCID: PMC10095418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer occurring in women of any age. Among the different types, the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is recognized as the most severe form, being associated with the highest mortality rate. Currently, there are no effective treatments for TNBC. For this reason, the research of novel therapeutics is urgently needed. Natural products and their analogs have historically made a major contribution to pharmacotherapy and the treatment of various human diseases, including cancer. In this study, we explored the potential anti-cancer effects of erucin, the most abundant H2S-releasing isothiocyanate present in arugula (Eruca sativa) in MDA-MB-231 cells, a validated in vitro model of TNBC. We found that erucin, in a concentration-dependent manner, significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, erucin prevented intracellular ROS generation promoting the expression of key antioxidant genes and halted MDA-MB-231 cell migration, invasion, and colony formation. In conclusion, using a cellular and molecular biology approach, we show that the consumption of erucin could represent a novel and promising strategy for intervention against TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Smimmo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Montandon S, Win S, Jones S, Bello I, Amin A, Khan S, Biswas S, Aperios G, Gibson M, Yahia G. 1255 IMPROVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN NEXT OF KIN AND MEDICAL STAFF FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE PATIENTS: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. Age Ageing 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac322.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This project was completed by a team of junior doctors working across two general medical wards at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
Introduction
Due to persistently high bed occupancy, patients are increasingly subject to multiple moves, increasing the risk of missed or delayed communication (Toye C et al, Clin interv aging, 2019, 14, 2223-2237). Importantly, families who receive good communication from staff are more likely to feel satisfied with the care of their loved one (Ersek M et al, J pain symptom manage, 2021, 62(2), 213–222). Our aim was to increase the occurrence and comprehensiveness of documented discussions between next of kin (NOK) and the medical team, especially in vulnerable patients who may be unable to advocate for themselves.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of patient notes across two PDSA cycles. NICE guidelines NG27, NG97 and NG96 provided an audit standard. Patients were identified as at-risk of poor communication if diagnosed with dementia, cognitive impairment, addiction, learning difficulties or needing an interpreter. Targeted intervention prior to re-audit included education of the medical team and introduction of a written prompt within the patient’s notes.
Results
25/55 patients were identified as at-risk in cycle one, with 39/71 patients at-risk in cycle two. Post-intervention, the number of at-risk patients with a documented NOK discussion increased from 74% to 82%. Patient treatment plan discussions increased from 81% to 97%. Discussions, where applicable, regarding escalation of care, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), capacity and Mental Health Act (MHA) slightly decreased. Conversations regarding patient consent for data sharing were rarely documented.
Conclusion
Our intervention increased the proportion of documented patient discussions; however, it did highlight the need to improve the frequency of documented conversations surrounding escalation of care, DoLS, capacity and MHA. This has provided impetus for further improvement projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Montandon
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - S Win
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - S Jones
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - I Bello
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - A Amin
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - S Khan
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - S Biswas
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - G Aperios
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - M Gibson
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| | - G Yahia
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Department of General Internal Medicine, , Portsmouth
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Panza E, Bello I, Smimmo M, Brancaleone V, Mitidieri E, Bucci M, Cirino G, Sorrentino R, D Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R. Endogenous and exogenous hydrogen sulfide modulates urothelial bladder carcinoma development in human cell lines. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113137. [PMID: 35605291 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of H2S in urothelial carcinoma (UC) is still unclear. Here we have evaluated the expression of H2S producing enzymes as well as the effect of endogenous and exogenous H2S on human bladder UC cells. In human UC cells the expression of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST); is significantly lower as compared to healthy cells. A modulatory role for the H2S pathway is supported by the finding that, the overexpression of CSE or CBS, but not 3-MST, inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. A similar effect is obtained by using exogenous H2S. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), which is a fully characterized H2S donor, inhibits the proliferation of UC cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner as well as promotes apoptosis. Moreover, DATS also induces autophagy, as determined by transcriptomic and western blot analysis. Finally, DATS inhibits mRNA expression levels of canonical markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by limiting migration and clonogenic ability of human UC cells in vitro. In conclusion, in urothelial carcinoma, there is an impairment of H2S pathway that involves CSE and CBS- derived hydrogen sulfide. Thus, targeting H2S signaling pathway in urothelial carcinoma could represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Ivana Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Smimmo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Emma Mitidieri
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples, Federico II, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Musa M, Olowosulu A, Murana A, Kaura J, Bello I, Yusuf M, Ahmad A. Evaluation of reliability index and probability of failure for the improvement of the Nigerian empirical mechanistic flexible pavement analysis and design system (Nempads). Nig J Tech 2021. [DOI: 10.4314/njt.v40i4.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate reliability index (RI) with respect to fatigue and rutting within the different seasons peculiar to Nigeria, in order to improve Empirical-Mechanistic flexible pavement design approach, using First Order Reliability Method (FORM). Flexible pavement design involves many uncertainties, variabilities, and approximations regarding the input parameters like material properties, traffic loads. Others include subgrade strength, drainage conditions, construction, compaction procedures and climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and snowfall, etc. The combination of the variances associated with input parameters contributes to components and system uncertainty, and this combination of variances can have a significant effect on the predicted performance of the pavement. Reliability in pavement design is introduced to consider these uncertainties. Layers thicknesses, material properties, and Equivalent Standard Axle Load (ESAL) were entered into a multi-layer elastic theory software, ELSYM-5, which in turn were used to calculate strains and stresses for different seasons. The results obtained were entered into Nigerian fitted transfer function distress models to compute allowable ESALS. Miner’s hypothesis theory equation was used to calculate the cumulative damage due to stress and strains generated. A Framework was generated for finding individual reliability index (RI), systemic reliability index (SRI), and probability of failure. The findings showed that Season I (Winter) recorded the highest component reliability index for fatigue (5.63 for Normal Distribution). Season II (Summer) recorded the lowest component reliability index (β) for rutting (5.4 for Normal Distribution). Season III (Spring) recorded the lowest component reliability index for fatigue (1.85 for Normal Distribution)
Collapse
|
10
|
Otuoze H, Shuaibu A, Ahmed H, Suleiman I, Bello I, Yusuf K. Creep and morphological evaluation of polypropylene waste modified asphalt for pavement applications. Nig J Tech 2020. [DOI: 10.4314/njt.v39i3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synoptic findings by researchers have revealed tremendous physic-chemical improvements of polymer modified mixes over the conventional asphalt. Traditionally, laboratory mechanical properties were carried out for asphalt testing, but cannot calibrate simple performance test (SPTs) criteria for fatigue and field performance. Marshall test-sized specimens of polymer asphalt mixtures were engineered with arbitrary contents of 0 to 3.0% polypropylene waste admixed with 4.5 to 6.5% bitumen contents based on relevant literature. Creep deformation involves uniaxial static creep (USC) test using BS 598-111. Morphological examinations were test with Hitachi S-4700 field-emission scan-electron-microscope (FE-SEM). Thirdly, thermal degradation was determined using Shimadzu TGA-50 thermo-gravimetric analyzer. The results showed creep resistivity with fatigue recovery of 23.2% and 28.9% strain reduction at 10oC and 60oC respectively from the optimal 2.0% polypropylene and 6.0% bitumen compared to the control mix. Also, the same mix produced well dispersed and better enhanced pore packaging micro-structure capable of resisting ageing volatization under severe traffic and environmental loading conditions considered.
Keywords: Asphalt pavement, polypropylene, creep deformation, age volatization and microstructure
Collapse
|
11
|
Sandiumenge A, Bello I, Coll E, Franco C, Pérez M, Crowley S, Miñambres E, Naranjo S, Peñafiel S, Sacanell J, Mazo C, Ribas M, Mosteiro F, Dueñas J, Deu M, Jauregui A, Pont T. Multicenter Study of Inflammation Markers in Lung Transplant (LT): Comparison of Donation after Cardiac Death (cDCD) and Brain Death (DBD) DACMECITOS Study. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.01.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
12
|
Bello I, Coll E, Sandiumenge A, Romero L, Jauregui A, Pérez J, Ochoa J, Peñafiel S, Sánchez L, Ascanio F, Montoya M, Ginés ES, Sacanell J, Berastegui C, Vázquez C, Arcos IL, Deu M. Do the Pretransplant Use of Statins in a Recipient Reduce the Incidence of Primary Graft Dysfunction after Lung Transplant? J Heart Lung Transplant 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2019.01.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
13
|
Bello I, Romero L, Deu M, Jauregui A, Pérez J, Ochoa J, Díaz V, Sanchez L, Ascanio F, Solé J. Obese Recipients of Lung Transplant Have an Increased Risk of Primary Graft Dysfunction. J Heart Lung Transplant 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2016.01.902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
|
14
|
Raposo M, Piqueras M, Martínez I, Galdámez A, Gil A, Murcia J, Belmar A, Rodríguez A, Manzur P, Bello I, Bravo S, Ivanov V, García C. Mapping vulnerability to bipolar disorders. Eur Psychiatry 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAlthough early interventions in individuals with bipolar disorder may reduce the associated personal and economic burden, the neurobiologic markers of enhanced risk are unknown.ObjectivesThe objective of this paper is to analyze the existence of neurobiological abnormalities in individuals with genetic risk for developing bipolar disorder (HR)Material and methodsA literature search was performed in the available scientific literature on the subject study object, by searching MEDLINE.ResultsThere were 37 studies included in this systematic review. The overall sample for the systematic review included 1258 controls and 996 HR individuals. No significant differences were detected between HR individuals and controls in the selected ROIs (regions of interest): striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, pituitary and frontal lobe. The HR group showed increased grey matter volume compared with patients with established bipolar disorder. The HR individuals showed increased neural response in the left superior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus and left insula compared with controls. The overall results found no significant differences between individuals at high genetic risk and controls since the magnitude of the association as corresponds to an OR < 1.5 (low association)ConclusionThere is accumulating evidence for the existence of neurobiologic abnormalities in individuals at genetic risk for bipolar disorder at various scales of investigation. The etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder will be better elucidated by future imaging studies investigating larger and more homogeneous samples and using longitudinal designs to dissect neurobiologic abnormalities that are underlying traits of the illness from those related to psychopathologic states, such as episodes of mood exacerbation or pharmacologic treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Collapse
|
15
|
Raposo M, Ivanov V, Murcia J, Piqueras M, Martínez I, González A, Busaileh A, Manzur P, Belmar A, Bello I, Bravo S, Gil A, Rodríguez A. Cocaine use and employment. Eur Psychiatry 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionCocaine use is prevalent in mental health consultations in both sexes. However, in men and women there are differences in the frequency of use of substances and on the employment situation.ObjectivesShow the differences for the use of cocaine and employment status of men and women, in a sample of patients followed at the Mental Health Center in Drug Dependency Unit.Material and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study and analyze the differences according to sex for cocaine use and the employment situation, in a sample of patients who are undergoing treatment at the Mental Health Center for a year diagnosed with dual pathology.ResultsIn men in active employment status, the percentage of cocaine use is 19.5% and if we compare with women in the same job situation, the percentage of cocaine use is 0%.Men who are unemployed use more cocaine than women in the same job situation. For retirees, the highest percentage of cocaine is found in women.Hundred percent of women use cocaine by sniffing. Men use different ways of cocaine consume.Snorted way 67.7%, 14.9% smoked and snorted, smoked 8% and 2.3% intravenous.ConclusionMen use cocaine more frequently unemployed while women do more it often being retired.The route most used cocaine consume in both sexes is snorted.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Collapse
|
16
|
Bello I, Boboye BE, Akinyosoye FA. Phytochemical screening and antibacterial properties of selected Nigerian long pepper (Capsicum frutescens) fruits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5897/ajmr2014.7286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
17
|
Santos FPS, Puga R, Helman R, Pereira W, Datoguia T, Lisboa B, Miyaji M, da Mata E, Nakashima S, Bello I, Diniz M, Perini G, Gusmao B, Velloso E, Hamerschlak N, Campregher P. 163 MUTATIONAL PROFILING IN CHRONIC MYELOMONOCYTIC LEUKEMIA COMPARED TO PRIMARY MYELOFIBROSIS. Leuk Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(15)30164-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
18
|
Ramirez-Estrada S, Riera J, Baldirà J, Mazo C, Maldonado C, Berastegui C, Bello I, Pont T, Rello J. EFFECTS OF DIAPHRAGMATIC PARESIS FOLLOWING LUNG TRANSPLANTATION. Intensive Care Med Exp 2015. [PMCID: PMC4796763 DOI: 10.1186/2197-425x-3-s1-a894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
19
|
Lopez I, Jauregui A, Sole J, Deu M, Romero L, Perez J, Bello I, Wong M, Canela M. B-003 * LUNG TRANSPLANTATION WITH DONORS 60 YEARS AND OLDER. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivu167.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
20
|
Jauregui A, Lopez I, Sole J, Deu M, Romero L, Perez J, Bello I, Canela M. O-102 * DONOR-TO-HOST TRANSMISSION OF INFECTION IN LUNG TRANSPLANTATION. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivu167.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
21
|
Wang CD, Jha SK, Chen ZH, Ng TW, Liu YK, Yuen MF, Lu ZZ, Kwok SY, Zapien JA, Bello I, Lee CS, Zhang WJ. Construction and evaluation of high-quality n-ZnO nanorod/p-diamond heterojunctions. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2012; 12:4560-4563. [PMID: 22905500 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2012.6211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Vertically-aligned ZnO nanorods (NRs) arrays were synthesized by a low-temperature solution method on boron-doped diamond (BDD) films. The morphology, growth direction, and crystallinity of the ZnO NRs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and cathodoluminescence. Electrical characterization of the ZnO NR/BBD heterostructures revealed characteristic p-n junction properties with an on/off ratio of about 50 at +/- 4 V and a small reverse leakage current approximately 1 microA. Moreover, the junctions showed an ideality factor around 1.0 at a low forward voltage from 0 to 0.3 V and about 2.1 for an increased voltage ranging from 1.2 to 3.0 V, being consistent with that of an ideal diode according to the Sah-Noyce-Shockley theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C D Wang
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen ZH, Yeung SY, Li H, Qian JC, Zhang WJ, Li YY, Bello I. Controlled growth of ZnO/Zn₁-xPbxSe core-shell nanowires and their interfacial electronic energy alignment. Nanoscale 2012; 4:3154-3161. [PMID: 22491746 DOI: 10.1039/c2nr12089e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ZnO/Zn(1-x)Pb(x)Se core-shell nanowires (NWs) have been synthesized by a solution based surface ion transfer method at various temperatures. The energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) mapping of single NWs suggests that the Zn, Pb and Se atoms are uniformly distributed in their shell layers. The ternary Zn(1-x)Pb(x)Se layers with tunable bandgaps extend the band-edge of optical absorption from 450 nm to 700 nm contrasting with the binary ZnSe layers. The ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopic (UPS) analysis reveals a transition from the type I to type II band alignment when the x fraction decreases from 0.66 to the value of 0.36 in the nanoshell layers. This quantitative investigation of electronic energy levels at ZnO and Zn(1-x)Pb(x)Se interfaces indicates that the proper type II band alignment is well suited for photovoltaic energy conversion. The photovoltaic cells comprising a ZnO/Zn(1-x)Pb(x)Se nano-heterojunction with the optimized Pb content are expected to be more efficient than the devices sensitized by binary ZnSe or PbSe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z H Chen
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang HE, Lu ZG, Xi LJ, Ma RG, Wang CD, Zapien JA, Bello I. Facile and rapid synthesis of highly porous wirelike TiO2 as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2012; 4:1608-1613. [PMID: 22360340 DOI: 10.1021/am2017738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Highly porous wirelike TiO(2) nanostructures have been synthesized by a simple two-step process. The morphological and structural characterizations reveal that the TiO(2) wires typically have diameters from 0.4 to 2 μm, and lengths from 2 to 20 μm. The TiO(2) wires are highly porous and comprise of interconnected nanocrystals with diameters of 8 ± 2 nm resulting in a high specific surface area of 252 m(2) g(-1). The effects of experimental parameters on the structure and morphology of the porous wirelike TiO(2) have been investigated and the possible formation processes of these porous nanostructures are discussed. Galvanostatic charge/discharge tests indicate that the porous wirelike TiO(2) samples exhibit stable reversible lithium ion storage capacities of 167.1 ± 0.7, 152.1 ± 0.8, 139.7 ± 0.3, and 116.1 ± 1.1 mA h g(-1) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C rates, respectively. Such improved performance could be ascribed to their unique porous and 1D nanostructures facilitating better electrolyte penetration, higher diffusion rate of electrons and lithium ion, and variation of accommodated volumes during the charge/discharge cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H E Wang
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zou YS, Yang Y, Zhou YL, Li ZX, Yang H, He B, Bello I, Zhang WJ. Surface nanostructuring of boron-doped diamond films and their electrochemical performance. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2011; 11:7914-7919. [PMID: 22097505 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2011.4742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Uniform and vertically aligned nanocone and nanopillar arrays were successfully constructed on heavily boron-doped nanocrysatlline diamond films by carrying out bias-assisted reactive ion etching in hydrogen/argon plasmas. The electrochemical properties of the nanostructured boron-doped diamond films were investigated by cyclic voltammetry using 1 mM [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) as redox couple. Compared to the planar boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond film electrode, the surface nanostructuring of boron-doped diamond film electrodes demonstrate enhanced sensitivity due to their enlarged electro-active surface areas. The results indicated that boron-doped diamond nanocones and nanopillars are promising electrode materials which benefit to improve the efficiency, sensitivity and reproducibility of biomedical and chemical sensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y S Zou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Santos F, Bley C, Helman R, Perini G, Esteves I, Silva L, Bello I, Ribeiro M, Araujo S, Kassab C, Esposito B, Nomura C, Kay F, Baroni R, Velloso E, Hamerschlak N. 349 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection of iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Leuk Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(11)70351-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
26
|
Abstract
AbstractQuasi one-dimensional materials have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of its potential to both fundamental physics and nanoelectronic applications. More recently, we have achieved large scale synthesis of silicon nanowires (SINW) at a high growth rate by laser ablation of Si target at 1200 °C. The laser source was a pulsed KrF excimer laser and the Si targets were made by pressing Si powder of 5 microns in size. 50 sccm Ar was used as a carrying gas flowing from the side near the Si target towards a water-cooled copper finger. Si nanowires have been grown with diameters ranging from 3 to 43 nm and several hundreds microns in length after 2 hours of laser ablation of Si target. The SLNWs were analyzed by XRD, Raman, EDS, TEM and HRTEM. Successful large scale synthesis of SINW by laser ablation extends the pulsed laser ablation method from depositing thin films to synthesis of nanowires.
Collapse
|
27
|
Yuan GD, Zhou YB, Guo CS, Zhang WJ, Tang YB, Li YQ, Chen ZH, He ZB, Zhang XJ, Wang PF, Bello I, Zhang RQ, Lee CS, Lee ST. Tunable electrical properties of silicon nanowires via surface-ambient chemistry. ACS Nano 2010; 4:3045-3052. [PMID: 20565140 DOI: 10.1021/nn1001613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
p-Type surface conductivity is a uniquely important property of hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces. In this work, we report similar surface-dominated electrical properties in silicon nanowires (SiNWs). Significantly, we demonstrate tunable and reversible transition of p(+)-p-i-n-n(+) conductance in nominally intrinsic SiNWs via changing surface conditions, in sharp contrast to the only p-type conduction observed on diamond surfaces. On the basis of Si band energies and the electrochemical potentials of the ambient (pH value)-determined adsorbed aqueous layer, we propose an electron-transfer-dominated surface doping model, which can satisfactorily explain both diamond and silicon surface conductivity. The totality of our observations suggests that nanomaterials can be described as a core-shell structure due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. Consequently, controlling the surface or shell in the core-shell model represents a universal way to tune the properties of nanostructures, such as via surface-transfer doping, and is crucial for the development of nanostructure-based devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G D Yuan
- Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Song HS, Zhang WJ, Tang YB, He ZB, Yuan GD, Fan X, Lee CS, Bello I, Lee ST. Field electron emission of ZnO nanowire pyramidal bundle arrays. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2010; 10:2360-5. [PMID: 20355434 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2010.1916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A facile hydrothermal method was adopted to in situ grow ZnO nanowire pyramidal bundle arrays on zinc substrates at low growth temperature without the assistance of catalysts and templates. The bundle arrays were shown to form by sticking of nanowires at their tips. Field electron emission characterization of nanowires bundle arrays revealed a very low turn-on electric field of about 2.3 V/microm and a threshold electric field (corresponding to the field electron emission current density of 10 mA/cm2) of 6.8 V/microm, which are comparable to those observed in carbon nanotube arrays. The bundle arrays also show pronounced long-term field electron emission stability at a high current density. In addition, the formation mechanism of the pyramidal bundled arrays and the origin of the peculiar field electron emission properties were discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H S Song
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zou YS, Chong YM, Ji AL, Yang Y, Ye Q, He B, Zhang WJ, Bello I, Lee ST. The fabrication of cubic boron nitride nanocone and nanopillar arrays via reactive ion etching. Nanotechnology 2009; 20:155305. [PMID: 19420547 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/15/155305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
High-density (2 x 10(9) cm(-2)) uniform arrays of cubic boron nitride (cBN) nanocones and nanopillars with a high aspect ratio were fabricated by employing sequential growth and bias-assisted reactive ion etching using gold nano-dots as an etching mask. The mechanism of formation of the nanopillar and nanocone morphologies was discussed in terms of the relative action of ion bombardment etching and chemical etching due to activated hydrogen plasma constituents. The presented method enabled nanostructuring of cBN surfaces over large areas with great uniformity and reproducibility with a controlled aspect ratio. The unique morphology of the nanostructures offers diverse application opportunities in microelectromechanical devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y S Zou
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, and Department of Physics and Materials Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tang YB, Lee CS, Chen ZH, Yuan GD, Kang ZH, Luo LB, Song HS, Liu Y, He ZB, Zhang WJ, Bello I, Lee ST. High-quality Graphenes via a facile quenching method for field-effect transistors. Nano Lett 2009; 9:1374-7. [PMID: 19301858 DOI: 10.1021/nl803025e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Single- and few-layer graphene sheets with sizes up to 0.1 mm were fabricated by simply quenching hot graphite in an ammonium hydrogen carbonate aqueous solution. The identity and thickness of graphene sheets were characterized with transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. In addition to its simplicity and scalability, the present synthesis can produce graphene sheets with excellent qualities in terms of sizes, purity, and crystal quality. The as-produced graphene sheets can be easily transferred to solid substrates for further processing. Field-effect transistors based on individual graphenes were fabricated and shown to have high ambipolar carrier mobilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y B Tang
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yuan G, Zhang W, Yang Y, Tang Y, Li Y, Wang J, Meng X, He Z, Wu C, Bello I, Lee C, Lee S. Graphene sheets via microwave chemical vapor deposition. Chem Phys Lett 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2008.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
32
|
Tang YB, Chen ZH, Song HS, Lee CS, Cong HT, Cheng HM, Zhang WJ, Bello I, Lee ST. Vertically aligned p-type single-crystalline GaN nanorod arrays on n-type Si for heterojunction photovoltaic cells. Nano Lett 2008; 8:4191-4195. [PMID: 19367961 DOI: 10.1021/nl801728d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Vertically aligned Mg-doped GaN nanorods have been epitaxially grown on n-type Si substrate to form a heterostructure for fabricating p-n heterojunction photovoltaic cells. The p-type GaN nanorod/n-Si heterojunction cell shows a well-defined rectifying behavior with a rectification ratio larger than 10(4) in dark. The cell has a high short-circuit photocurrent density of 7.6 mAlcm2 and energy conversion efficiency of 2.73% under AM 1.5G illumination at 100 mW/cm2. Moreover, the nanorod array may be used as an antireflection coating for solar cell applications to effectively reduce light loss due to reflection. This study provides an experimental demonstration for integrating one-dimensional nanostructure arrays with the substrate to directly fabricate heterojunction photovoltaic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y B Tang
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films and Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Caplovicova M, Danis T, Buc D, Caplovic L, Janik J, Bello I. An alternative approach to carbon nanotube sample preparation for TEM investigation. Ultramicroscopy 2007; 107:692-7. [PMID: 17337325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2007.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2006] [Revised: 12/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A two-stage replication technique (positive replica) is shown to be suitable for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other one-dimensional nanostructures in their longitudinal direction. This method enables handling the fragile nanostructures, is fast and simple and allows to study the growth mechanism of nanofeatures, including the early stages of their growth. CNTs may also be examined when the growth layers are very thin, and even when only a few nanotubes are on a substrate. Replicas can be taken from various substrate shapes covered with nanostructures and from minute or specifically selected areas of the substrates. CNTs extracted by the replica are not disturbed, and their nanostructures are preserved. It is demonstrated that using positive replicas, HRTEM images from the nanosized carbon forms can also be obtained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Caplovicova
- Department of Geology of Mineral Deposits, Comenius University, Mlynska dolina, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Buc D, Stuchlikova L, Helmersson U, Chang W, Bello I. Investigation of RuO2/4H–SiC Schottky diode contacts by deep level transient spectroscopy. Chem Phys Lett 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2006.08.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
35
|
Chong YM, Ma KL, Leung KM, Chan CY, Ye Q, Bello I, Zhang W, Lee ST. Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of Cubic Boron Nitride /Nanodiamond Composite Films. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/cvde.200506422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
36
|
Zhang Q, Zhang RQ, Chan KS, Bello I. Ab Initio and Variational Transition State Approach to β-C3N4 Formation: Kinetics for the Reaction of CH3NH2 with H. J Phys Chem A 2005; 109:9112-7. [PMID: 16332019 DOI: 10.1021/jp0531661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The CH3NH2 molecule has been considered as either an important intermediate in methane and ammonia mixtures or a precursor in methylamine and hydrogen mixtures in the synthesis of carbon nitride thin films. The fast Hydrogen (H) abstraction from CH3NH2 is an important process involved in the formation of HCN or CNH in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon nitride thin films. The energetic and kinetic characteristics of the H abstraction reaction from CH3NH2 by atomic H used in CVD of beta-C3N4 were studied using ab initio direct dynamics methods for the first time. Two primary processes were identified for this reaction: H abstraction from the CH3 group and H abstraction from the NH2 group. On the basis of ab initio data, the rate constants of each channel have been deduced by canonical variational transition state theory with small-curvature tunneling correction over a wide temperature range of 200 to approximately 3000 K. The theoretical results were compared with available experimental data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhu Zhang
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films and Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang WJ, Meng XM, Chan CY, Chan KM, Wu Y, Bello I, Lee ST. Interfacial Study of Cubic Boron Nitride Films Deposited on Diamond. J Phys Chem B 2005; 109:16005-10. [PMID: 16853031 DOI: 10.1021/jp0517908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the nucleation and growth of cubic boron nitride (cBN) films deposited on silicon and diamond-coated silicon substrates using fluorine-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These comparative studies substantiate that the incubation amorphous/turbostratic BN layers, essential for the cBN nucleation on silicon, are not vital precursors for cBN nucleation on diamond, and they are inherently eliminated. At vastly reduced critical bias voltage, down to -10 V, cBN growth is still maintained on diamond surfaces, and cBN and underlying diamond crystallites exhibit an epitaxial relationship. However, the epitaxial growth is associated with stress in the cBN-diamond interfacial region. In addition, some twinning of crystallites and small-angle grain boundaries are observed between the cBN and diamond crystallites because of the slight lattice mismatch of 1.36%. The small-angle grain boundaries could be eliminated by imposing a little higher bias voltage during the initial growth stage. The heteroepitaxial growth of cBN films on different substrate materials are discussed in the view of lattice matching, surface-energy compatibility, and stability of the substrate against ion irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W J Zhang
- Center Of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang WJ, Chan CY, Meng XM, Fung MK, Bello I, Lifshitz Y, Lee ST, Jiang X. The Mechanism of Chemical Vapor Deposition of Cubic Boron Nitride Films from Fluorine-Containing Species. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2005; 44:4749-53. [PMID: 15995991 DOI: 10.1002/anie.200500320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W J Zhang
- Center Of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang WJ, Chan CY, Meng XM, Fung MK, Bello I, Lifshitz Y, Lee ST, Jiang X. The Mechanism of Chemical Vapor Deposition of Cubic Boron Nitride Films from Fluorine-Containing Species. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200500320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
40
|
Ma C, Lengyel O, Kovac J, Bello I, Lee C, Lee S. Time-resolved transient electroluminescence measurements of emission from DCM-doped Alq3 layers. Chem Phys Lett 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2004.08.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
41
|
|
42
|
Abstract
Carbon is unique in the variety of configurations it can adopt with itself and other elements. Here we show how ion beams can be used to nanostructure various diamond polytypes, epitaxially aligning them to a silicon substrate. The ready controllability of ion beams, which are already used to manufacture submicrometre-scale devices, means that our findings should enable new carbon and non-carbon materials to be nanostructured for a host of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Lifshitz
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, City University of Hong Kong, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bello I, Rizo MR, Badel CB, Blanco E, Valenzuela C, del Rosario M, Quiroga MR, Bayard RB, Saldivar JC, Lopez-Saura P. In vitro interferon gamma regulation of CCR-3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood leukocytes from atopic asthmatics. Clin Exp Med 2001; 1:75-80. [PMID: 11699731 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-001-8015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) exerts major pro-inflammatory, regulatory, and anti-inflammatory actions in immune defense responses. In asthma the infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes is a critical event. Chemokines stimulate the migration of the susceptible subset of inflammatory cells. The chemokine receptors CCR-3 are mainly expressed in eosinophils, basophils, and Th2 cells. More recently it has been demonstrated that the IFN-gamma downregulates the expression of some chemokine receptors. IgE determinations were performed using an ELISA for total IgE Peripheral blood leukocytes from patients and controls were isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque gradient. The cells were incubated in the absence or presence of 500 IU/ml of recombinant human IFN-gamma for different times. After incubation the cells were washed and lyzed for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. RT-PCR was performed using a Perkin-Elmer kit. The amplified bands were run in 2% agarose gels and quantified. The basal levels of CCR-3 in asthmatic patients with IgE > 150 IU/ml tend to be higher than in controls. IFN-gamma down-regulates the expression of CCR-3 in peripheral blood leukocytes from asthmatics with IgE >150 IU/ml, when compared with the basal levels of expression. In conclusions, through the modification of the expression of CCR-3 in peripheral blood leukocytes from atopic asthmatics, IFN-gamma could exert a beneficial effect in patients with asthma, regulating the migration of some inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Bello
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Clinical Trials Division, La Habana, Cuba.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Recombinant human IFN alpha 2b coupled to a silica support was used for the purification of the IFN alpha-binding proteins from placental cell membrane extracts. The 100-kDa (p100) and 64-kDa (p64) proteins, which bind preferentially to an IFN alpha 2b-silica matrix, were identified. Using a monoclonal antibody (A6) against IFN-gammaR1, it was able to isolate p100 and p70, but only if IFN alpha 2b was present during chromatography. Similar interactions were observed using polyclonal antibody anti-IFN gamma binding proteins, as assayed in Western blot. These interactions were identified as conformation dependent. We speculate that IFN alpha 2b receptor complex shares an IFN gamma receptor complex epitope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Bello
- Center for Biological Research, Havana, Cuba.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhou X, Zhang R, Peng H, Shang N, Wang N, Bello I, Lee C, Lee S. Highly efficient and stable photoluminescence from silicon nanowires coated with SiC. Chem Phys Lett 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0009-2614(00)01145-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
46
|
|
47
|
|
48
|
Abstract
A diamond nucleation site responsible for epitaxial growth of diamond on silicon by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is identified in high-resolution transmission electron microscopic images. Other sites in the same sample leading to polycrystalline growth, but deleterious to epitaxial CVD growth, are also described. A mechanism for the heteroepitaxial growth of diamond is suggested, in which etching of the nondiamond carbon binder exposes and removes nonadherent nanodiamond nuclei, leaving intact only those directly nucleated on the silicon substrate. This work enhances our understanding of diamond nucleation and heteroepitaxial growth and its potential applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ST Lee
- Department of Physics and Materials Science and Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhang WJ, Sun C, Bello I, Lee CS, Lee ST. A new nucleation method by electron cyclotron resonance enhanced microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition for deposition of (001)-oriented diamond films. J Chem Phys 1999. [DOI: 10.1063/1.478343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
50
|
|