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Surface properties are an essential feature in a wide range of functional materials. In this article, we summarize strategies developed in our group that employ nanoparticles and proteins as nanobricks to create thin-film coatings on surfaces. These coatings contain tailorable surface functionality based on the properties of the predesigned nanobricks, parlaying both the chemical and structural features of the precursor particles and proteins. This strategy is versatile, providing the rapid generation of both uniform and patterned coatings that provide "plug-and-play" customizable surfaces for materials and biomedical applications.

Multidrug-resistant biofilms are highly resistant to current antimicrobial therapies. We have developed an antimicrobial platform that integrates the bacteria-killing phytochemical carvacrol into dynamically crosslinked polymer nanocomposites (DCPNs). Taking advantage of a reversibly crosslinked Schiff-base scaffold throughout the engineered emulsions, DCPNs exhibited long-term shelf-life and good stability in serum, while readily disassembling in acidic microenvironments. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DCPNs efficiently penetrate the biofilm matrix, eradicating both Gram-negative/positive bacteria enclosed within. Moreover, DCPNs showed no observable toxicity to fibroblast mammalian cells within the same antimicrobial concentrations necessary to eradicate MDR biofilms. Given their potent antimicrobial and stimuli-responsive dissociation characteristics in a biofilm setting, DCPNs are a suitable therapeutic platform for combating MDR bacterial infections.

Protein-based materials provide an inherently biocompatible and sustainable platform for the generation of functional materials. Translating protein properties into protein films resistant to aqueous degradation is crucial for most applications such as tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery. Current methods to stabilize protein films use three main strategies: employing the relatively limited variety of naturally self-assembling proteins, using added cross-linkers or heat curing. While the cross-linking strategy generates functionally diverse structures, unreacted additives retained in cross-linked protein films can adversely affect their final behavior. Traditional heat curing results in hydrophobic surface and loss of protein inherent properties. We demonstrate here a scalable, additive-free, fluorous media assisted thermal treatment for the fabrication of stable, hydrophilic protein films. This approach is general in terms of protein building block, retaining much of their native structure and surface properties upon heating. We demonstrate the versatility of this strategy through fabrication of antifouling coatings on complex three-dimensional surfaces. The utility of these films as biomaterials is highlighted through the generation of highly biocompatible non-fouling surfaces and regulation of cellular adhesion through choice of protein precursor.

A phosphorus flame retardant named resorcinol bis(cyclic 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol phosphate) (RCDMPP) was synthesized and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), elemental analysis (EA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectra (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Its thermal stability was evaluated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the fusion enthalpy and melting point of RCDMPP were detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The solubilities of RCDMPP in selected solvents at T = 293.15 to 333.15 K and atmospheric pressure were measured via a static-analytic method. The solubility data were correlated with modified Apelblat, Scatchard–Hildebrand, Buchowski-Ksiazczak (λh), nonrandom two liquid (NRTL), Wilson, and universal quasichemical (UNIQUAC) equations. The calculated results obtained from these models showed good agreement with the experimental data, and the NRTL, Wilson, and UNIQUAC models give better correlation results compar...

High-photostability fluorescent (XZn)Fe2O4 (X = Mg, Mn or Ni) embedded in BiFeO3 spinel-perovskite nanocomposites were successfully fabricated via a novel bio-induced phase transfer method using shewanella oneidensis MR-1. These nanocomposites have the near-infrared fluorescence response (XZn or Fe)-O-O-(Bi) interfaces (785/832 nm), and the (XZn)Fe2O4/BiFeO3 lattices with high/low potentials (572.15–808.77 meV/206.43–548.1 meV). Our results suggest that heavy metal ion (Cr3+, Cd2+, Co2+ and Pb2+) d↓ orbitals hybridize with the paired-spin X-Zn-Fe d↓-d↓-d↑↓ orbitals to decrease the average polarization angles (−29.78 to 44.71°), qualitatively enhancing the photovoltage response selective potentials (39.57–487.84 meV). The fluorescent kinetic analysis shows that both first-order and second-order equilibrium adsorption isotherms are in line and meet the Langmuir and Freundlich modes. Highly selective fluorescence detection of Co2+, Cr3+ and Cd2+ can be achieved using Fe3O4-BiFeO3 (Langmuir mode), (MgZn)Fe2O4-BiFeO3 and (MnZn)Fe2O4-BiFeO3 (Freundlich mode), respectively. Where the corresponding max adsorption capacities (qmax) are 1.5–1.94, 35.65 and 43.7 multiple, respectively, being more competitive than that of other heavy metal ions. The present bio-synthesized method might be relevant for high-photostability fluorescent spinel-perovskite nanocomposites, for design of heavy metal ion sensors.

In this work, the group contribution method of Chickos et al. was applied to estimate the fusion enthalpy of isonicotinic acid, and the obtained result (29.2 kJ·mol − 1 ) showed a large difference with the value (135 kJ·mol − 1 ) as reported from literatures and as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results of DSC/TG measurement showed that the phase transition of isonicotinic acid from 187.27 °C to 277.47 °C underwent a sublimation process, with a sublimation enthalpy of 128.03 kJ·mol − 1 . An efficient analytical technique combining pyrolysis and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used to prove this conclusion.

A phosphorus flame retardant named N,N′-piperazinebis(neopentylglycol)phosphoramidate (PBNGP) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectra, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Its thermal properties were evaluated via thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The solubilities of PBNGP in selected solvents at T = (293.15 to 333.15) K and atmospheric pressure were measured via a static-analytic method. The experimental data were correlated with Scatchard–Hildebrand, Buchowski-Ksiazczak, Wilson, nonrandom two liquid, and universal quasichemical equations. The calculated results showed that all of these models can reproduce the experimental data well, and the Wilson model gives the best correlation, with an overall relative standard deviation of 0.70%. The solubility parameter of PBNGP was calculated using the Scatchard–Hildebrand methodology.

Purpose 4-[4′′-(2′′, 2′′, 6′′, 6′′-tetramethyl-l′′-piperidinyloxy) amino]–4′-demethyl-epipodophyllotoxin (GP7) is a new semi-synthesized nitroxyl spin-labeled derivative of podophyllotoxin with anti-leukemic and anti-osteosarcoma effects. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the anti-gastric cancer (GC) effects of GP7 and the possible involvement of caspase pathway in GP7-induced apoptotic DNA fragmentation in human GC cells. Materials and methods Effects of GP7 on the proliferation of human GC cell lines MKN28, AGS, BGC-823 and HGC-27 in different degrees of differentiation and normal human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 were studied by MTT assay and compared with the effects of etoposide. Effects of GP7 on cell viability and heat shock protein 90 expression of BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells were analyzed by trypan blue exclusion test and western blotting, respectively. Effects of GP7 on apoptotic DNA fragmentation and caspase pathway of BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis, colorimetric assay and western blotting. Caspase-3 inhibitor was used to manipulate the activity of caspase-3. Results GP7 inhibited concentration- and time-dependently the proliferation of human GC cells, and the inhibitory effect of GP7 on the proliferation of BGC-823 or HGC-27 cells was 1.15- or 1.21-fold higher than that of etoposide. GP7 downregulated heat shock protein 90, improved the anti-GC effects of adriamycin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and their combinations, induced apoptotic DNA fragmentation, activations of caspase-9 and -3 but not -8, cytochrome-c release and BID cleavage in BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells. Caspase-3 inhibitor abrogated GP7-induced BID cleavage, decreased cytochrome-c release, caspase-9 and -3 activities and apoptotic DNA fragmentation but increased cell viability in BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells. Conclusion Our findings indicate that GP7 is a promising anti-GC derivative of podophyllotoxin, and GP7-induced apoptosis in human GC cells may be mediated by mitochondrial pathway with caspase-3-dependent BID cleavage.

We present here a highly efficient sensor for bacteria that provides an olfactory output, allowing detection without the use of instrumentation, and with a modality that does not require visual identification. The sensor platform uses nanoparticles to reversibly complex and inhibits lipase. These complexes are disrupted in the presence of bacteria, restoring enzyme activity and generating scent from odorless pro-fragrance substrate molecules. This system provides rapid (15 min) sensing and very high sensitivity (102 cfu/mL) detection of bacteria using the human sense of smell as an output.

Previous reports show that miR-34a suppressed K-562 cell proliferation and contributed to megakaryocytic differentiation of K-562 cells. Here, we reported that miR-34a, a tumor suppressor gene, is down-regulated in the K-562 cells and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients due to aberrant DNA hypermethylation. c-SRC is a target of miR-34a. Restoring miR-34a expression resulted in down-regulation of c-SRC and phosphorylated (Tyr416) c-SRC protein in K-562 cells, which consequently triggered suppression of the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway to decrease cell proliferation.

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the role of close homolog of L1 (CHL1) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the correlation with the balance of Th17/Treg. Methods Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced IBD mice model was established. CHL1 knockout (KO) mice and CHL1 wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to DSS. CHL1 expression was detected using qRT-PCR. Weight was recorded daily, and disease activity index (DAI) score was assessed. The colon length and histological changes were measured. The number of neutrophils, macrophages and T cells was observed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and the proportion of Th17/Treg cells were detected by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. The expression of RORγt, STAT3 and Foxp3 was detected by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results CHL1 expression was upregulated in DSS-induced IBD mice. DSS-CHLl-KO mice exhibited less weight loss than the DSS-CHLl-WT mice. The DAI score and histological score were decreased in DSS-CHLl-KO mice compared with DSS-CHLl-WT mice, while colon length was increased. Number of neutrophils, macrophages and T cells, and expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21 and IL-23 were decreased in DSS-CHLl-KO mice, while IL-10 expression was increased. Moreover, CHL1-deficient inhibited Th17 cells differentiation and promoted Treg cells differentiation in IBD mice. CHL1-deficient also inhibited the expression of RORγt and STAT3, and promoted the expression of Foxp3 in IBD mice. Conclusion CHL1-deficient reduces the inflammatory response by regulating the balance of Th17/Treg in mice with IBD. CHL1 is expected to be a new target for the treatment of IBD.

There have been marked changes in the field of stem cell therapeutics in recent years, with many clinical trials having been conducted to date in an effort to treat myriad diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the cell type most frequently utilized in stem cell therapeutic and tissue regenerative strategies, and have been used with excellent safety to date. Unfortunately, these MSCs have limited ability to engraft and survive, reducing their clinical utility. MSCs are able to secrete growth factors that can support the regeneration of tissues, and engineering MSCs to express such growth factors can improve their survival, proliferation, differentiation, and tissue reconstructing abilities. As such, it is likely that such genetically modified MSCs may represent the next stage of regenerative therapy. Indeed, increasing volumes of preclinical research suggests that such modified MSCs expressing growth factors can effectively treat many forms of tissue damage. In the present review, we survey recent approaches to producing and utilizing growth factor gene-modified MSCs in the context of tissue repair and discuss its prospects for clinical application.

BACKGROUND Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a promising therapeutic modality for esophageal achalasia worldwide. However, clinical failure and adverse events of POEM have still been concerned. AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel mark-guided POEM with standard POEM. METHODS A total of 133 patients with esophageal achalasia who underwent POEM from May 2013 to May 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Of the 133 patients, there were 64 patients in the mark-guided POEM group and 69 patients in the standard POEM group. The clinical success, procedural duration and adverse events were compared between the two groups at 3 mo, 12 mo and 24 mo postoperatively. RESULTS Characteristic baseline was similar in the mark-guided POEM group and standard POEM group. The clinical success was comparable between the two groups, ranging from 92% to 98%, at 3 mo, 12 mo and 24 mo postoperatively (all P > 0.5). Eckart score, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire score and SF-36 score were not different between the two groups after treatment (all P > 0.05). No severe adverse events occurred in the two groups. However, mark-guided POEM required shorter procedural duration, and less use of proton pump inhibitors and lower incidence of reflux symptoms than the standard POEM (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Mark-guided POEM and standard POEM were both effective and safe for the treatment of esophageal achalasia. However, the mark-guided POEM was characterized by shorter procedural duration, less use of proton pump inhibitors and lower incidence of reflux symptoms.

OBJECTIVE Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC). However, post-ESD bleeding remains a serious issue, particularly in patients treated with an antithrombotic agent or those have had a large mucosal resection (≥4 cm). Whether covering the ulcer bed induced by ESD with polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets can prevent post-ESD bleeding remains to be questioned. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of PGA sheets on preventing post-ESD bleeding in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) at a high risk of post-ESD bleeding. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched for studies on the effect of PGA sheets shielding on inpatients with EGC and at a high risk of bleeding using post-ESD bleeding rate as the primary outcome. RESULTS Among the four included studies (212 lesions in the PGA sheet group and 208 in the control group), post-ESD bleeding rate was significantly lower in the PGA sheet group than in the control group (4.9% vs 13.7%, risk ratio [RR] 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.72, P = 0.004). A subgroup analysis showed that the application of PGA sheets effectively reduced the post-ESD bleeding rate in patients receiving antithrombotic agents (5.5% vs 15.2%; RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.79, P = 0.01). Although the application of PGA sheets tended to decrease the post-ESD bleeding rate in patients who had undergone large mucosal resections, the difference was not significant (4.5% vs 9.6%; RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.15-1.78, P = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS PGA sheets can effectively prevent post-ESD bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic agents. Further studies are needed to confirm whether PGA sheets can decrease post-ESD bleeding in patients underwent large mucosal resection.

To obtain induced pluripatent stem cells (iPSC) from peripheral blood mononucleated cells and further induce differentiation into mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and to compare the biological characteristics of iPSC-derived MSC and other-derived MSC.Peripheral blood mononucleated cells were obtained and transduced with reprogramming factors by sendai virus vector. Induced differentiation of MSC was performed in 1 strain of iPSC that completed all identification, and their cell morphology and immunophenotype were identified by immu-nohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Adipogenic and osteogenic media were used to induce the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. The expression of immune-related transcription factors was identified by PCR to systematically elucidate the biological characteristics of iPSC-induced MSC.After transfection with sendai virus with reprogramming factor, the fate of peripheral blood mononucleated cells was reversed, initiating the expression of stem cell characteristics, the iPSC was successfully cloned, amplified, and purified, and finally the stable proliferation of iPSC was obtained. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from iPSC, had morphology consistent with other-derived MSC, and the immunophenotypes met the standard. iPSC-MSC possessed the ability of lipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. RT-PCR showed that iPSC-MSC was high expression to PDL1, and low expression to A20; besides, the expression level of STAT3 was equal to BM-MSC; and also as to the expression level of HIF1α and UC-MSC, which was lower than BM-MSC.Peripheral blood mononucleated cells successfully initiated the expression of stem cell characteristics after the transduction of sendai virus vector with reprogramming factors, and obtained multi-competent iPSC. iPSC can successfully be induced to the differentiation of MSC, and the iPSC-MSC have standard cell morphology, immunophenotype and differentiation ability. High expression of PDL1 and low expression of A20 in iPSC-MSC suggest that iPSC-derived cells have different biological characteristics in cell proliferation and immune regulation.诱导多能干细胞来源的间充质干细胞的生物学特性.利用外周血单个核细胞获得诱导多能干细胞（iPSC）并进一步诱导分化为间充质干细胞(MSC)，观察iPSC来源MSC的生物学特性，并与其他来源MSC的相关生物学特性进行对比.获取外周血单个核细胞并使用仙台病毒载体对其进行重编程因子的转导，鉴定其细胞形态和多能性因子的免疫荧光表达水平。对1株完成所有鉴定的iPSC进行MSC的诱导分化，并利用免疫组织化学和流式细胞术对其细胞形态、免疫表型进行鉴定。使用成脂、成骨培养液进行成脂成骨的诱导分化，以鉴定其分化能力。利用PCR鉴定其转录因子的表达，以系统阐明iPSC诱导分化所得的MSC的生物学特性.外周血单个核细胞经过携带重编程因子的仙台病毒转染后，命运发生转归。通过启动干性基因表达，成功地获得iPSC克隆，经扩增、纯化，最后获得了可稳定增殖的iPSC。免疫荧光定位证明，其多能性因子分别在胞膜和胞内得到表达。经鉴定，利用iPSC诱导获得了间充质干细胞，其形态与其它来源的MSC一致，免疫表型检测也相符。iPSC-MSC的成脂成骨诱导分化与UC-MSC结果一致，表明iPSC-MSC具有分化（成脂成骨）能力，也表明了其具备MSC的多项基本特征。RT-PCR检测显示，iPSC-MSC高表达PDL1，低表达A20；其STAT3表达水平与BM-MSC相当，但高于UC-MSC； 而HIF1α的表达水平与UC-MSC相当，但低于BM-MSC.外周血单个核细胞在携带重编程因子的仙台病毒载体的转导后，成功地启动了细胞的干性表达，获得了具有多能干性的iPSC。iPSC可成功诱导分化为MSC，且分化后的MSC具备标准的MSC形态、免疫表型和分化能力。iPSC 来源的MSC与脐带MSC相比，高表达免疫抑制分子PDL1并低表达A20等转录因子，提示iPSC来源细胞在细胞增殖和免疫调节等方面具有不同的生物学特性.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are reported to play critical roles in various cancers. Recently, mounting miRNAs are found to exert oncogenic or tumor inhibitory role in gastric cancer (GC), however, their potential molecular mechanism in GC remains ill-defined. Currently, we aimed to elucidate the functional and mechanistic impacts of a novel miRNA on GC cellular process. The significant down-regulation of miR-876-5p in GC cells attracted our attention. In function, we performed gain-of-function assays and found that miR-876-5p overexpression repressed proliferative, anti-apoptotic and migratory abilities and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GC cells. By applying bioinformatics prediction and mechanism experiments, we verified that miR-876-5p could double-bind to the 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of Wnt family member 5A (WNT5A) and melanogenesis associated transcription factor (MITF), thus regulating their mRNA and protein levels. Both WNT5A and MITF were highly expressed in GC cells. Additionally, we conducted loss-of-function assays and confirmed the oncogenic roles of WNT5A and MITF in GC. Finally, rescue assay uncovered a fact that miR-876-5p suppressed GC cell viability and migration, but induced cell apoptosis via targeting WNT5A and MITF. Taken together, we might offer a valuable evidence for miR-876-5p role in GC development.

Background and aim Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common complication of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP), which impairs the quality of life for patients. This study aimed to identify risk factors and develop nomogram for DM in ICP to help early diagnosis. Methods Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis patients admitted to our center from January 2000 to December 2013 were included. Cumulative rates of DM were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, to the training and validation cohort. Based on training cohort, risk factors for DM were identified through Cox proportional hazards regression model, and nomogram was developed. Internal and external validations were performed based on the training and validation cohort, respectively. Results Totally, 1633 patients with ICP were finally enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 9.8 years. DM was found in 26.3% (430/1633) of patients after the onset of CP. Adult at onset of ICP, biliary stricture at/before diagnosis of CP, steatorrhea at/before diagnosis of CP, and complex pathologic changes in main pancreatic duct were identified risk factors for DM development. The nomogram achieved good concordance indexes in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, with well-fitted calibration curves. Conclusions Risk factors were identified, and nomogram was developed to determine the risk of DM in ICP patients. Patients with one or more of the risk factors including adult at onset of ICP, biliary stricture at/before diagnosis of CP, steatorrhea at/before diagnosis of CP, and complex pathologic changes in main pancreatic duct have higher incidence of DM.

As most composite failures are caused by matrix failures, the detection on the latter is of fundamentally importance. This can be achieved only when the homogenized stresses of the matrix obtained from a micromechanics theory are converted into true values. Based on the true stress concept established by the author, the matrix induced composite failures are predicted in this paper. There are essentially two kinds of matrix failures, i.e., tensile or compressive failures, depending on whether the normal stress of the matrix on its failure surface is positive or negative. It has been found that the two kinds of failures correspond to different failure mechanisms. A matrix tensile failure takes place as though the matrix were without any fiber reinforcement, and a quadratic failure criterion developed from Mohr's law suffices to detect such a failure. On the other hand, a compressive failure surface of the matrix can only occur in parallel to the fiber direction, and a matrix compressive failure is controlled by its shear strength. A slippage failure criterion based on the maximum equivalent true shear stress is developed to assess a matrix compression induced composite failure. The input required has been reduced to minimum. Good correlation between predicted and measured failure envelopes of a number of composite systems confirms the efficiency of the proposed failure criteria.

Large areas of high-photostability fluorescent X-Zn-ferrite (XZn)Fe2O4 (X = Mg, Mn or Ni) nanoparticles embedded in a bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) membrane were successfully fabricated via a facile bio-approach using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. The results revealed that the perovskite BiFeO3 enhances the fluorescent intensity (at 635 and 795 nm) and surface potential difference (14 meV and −40 meV) of the embedded spinel (XZn)Fe2O4. This mechanism is attributed to the interfacial coupling of the Fe O O Bi and Fe O Fe interfaces. Such a system could open up new ideas in the design of environmentally friendly fluorescent sensors for water environments.

A chip-based platform for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) analysis of small molecules was developed by utilizing layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of MoS2 nanoflakes and polyallylamine on an arbitrary substrate. The LDI-MS efficiency of small molecules on MoS2 films increased as a function of LBL assembly cycles until reaching a saturation point. The optimized MoS2 nanoflake film exhibits high LDI-MS efficiency, salt tolerance, reusability and uniform ionic signal distribution, and its performance was further enhanced by surface modification with perfluoroalkanes mimicking a clathrate nanostructure.

Bacteria attach to the surfaces of medical devices and implants, resulting in life-threatening infections. Nonfouling coatings can be used to prevent adhesion of bacteria on the surface, while biocidal coatings kill the microbes. Combining nonfouling and biocidal properties can yield highly effective antimicrobial coatings. We demonstrate here a nanoimprint lithography (NIL)-based method to generate antibacterial coatings that both resist bacterial attachment and kill bacteria. In this strategy nanoimprint lithography was used to create water-stable films of bovine serum albumin (BSA) that are nonadhesive toward bacteria because of their negative/zwitterionic surface potential. Biocidal activity was then imparted through chlorination of cysteine sulfurs, providing slow release of chlorine and potent antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria.

Liposarcoma(LPS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma accounting for 20 % of all adult sarcomas. However, the molecular pathogenesis of this malignancy is still poorly understood. Here, we showed that GPS2 expression was downregulated in LPS and correlated with the prognosis of this disease. In vitro study showed that knockdown of GPS2 resulted in enhanced proliferation and migration of LPS cell line SW872, without significant influence of cell death. Conclusively, our results suggest that GPS2 may act as a tumor suppressor in LPS and serve as a potential prognosis marker for this disease.

We elucidated a number of facets regarding arginine–glycine–aspartate (RGD)–bismuth ferrite (BFO)-(1 1 1) membrane interactions and reactivity that have previously remained unexplored on a molecular level. Results demonstrate the intra-molecular interaction facilitates a “horseshoe” structure of RGD adsorbed onto the BFO-(1 1 1) membrane, through the electrostatic (Asp-cation-Fe) and water-bridge (O H 2 O and H 2 O NH 2 ) interactions. The effect of structural and electron-transfer interactions is attributed to the cation-valences, indicating that the divalent cations are electron-acceptors and the monovalent cations as electron-donors. Notably, the strongly bound Ca 2+ ion exerts a “gluing” effect on the Asp-side-chain, indicating a tightly packed RGD–BFO configuration. Thus, modulating the biological response of BFO-(1 1 1) membrane will allow us to design more appropriate interfaces for implantable diagnostic and therapeutic perovskite-type micro-devices.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-based cell differentiation therapy has been successful in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, a unique subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, other subtypes of AML display resistance to ATRA-based treatment. In this study, we screened natural, plant-derived vibsane-type diterpenoids for their ability to induce differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, discovering that vibsanin A potently induced differentiation of AML cell lines and primary blasts. The differentiation-inducing activity of vibsanin A was mediated through direct interaction with and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Consistent with these findings, pharmacological blockade of PKC activity suppressed vibsanin A–induced differentiation. Mechanistically, vibsanin A–mediated activation of PKC led to induction of the ERK pathway and decreased c-Myc expression. In mouse xenograft models of AML, vibsanin A administration prolonged host survival and inhibited PKC-mediated inflammatory responses correlated with promotion of skin tumors in mice. Collectively, our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for vibsanin A as a myeloid differentiation-inducing compound, with potential application as an antileukemic agent. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2698–709. ©2016 AACR.

Angiogenesis is one of the most important components of embryonic organ formation and vessel growth after birth. Sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) and S1P has been confirmed to participate in various cell signaling pathways and physiological processes including neovascularisation. However, the mechanisms that Sphk1/S1P regulates neovascularisation remain unclear. In this study, we elucidated that Sphk1/S1P upregulates sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD+ dependent deacetylases protease which exerts multiple cellular functions, to regulate the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. By using CCK8 and Transwell assays, we demonstrated that Sphk1 and SIRT1 knockdown could significantly decrease proliferation and migration of HUVEC cells. Sphk1 inhibition results in SIRT1 downregulation which could be reversed by exogenous S1P in HUVEC cells. Treatment of HUVECs with S1P reverses the impaired proliferation and migration caused by SIRT1 knockdown. Furthermore, Sphk1 knockdown inhibits the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, ERK and AKT. Treatment of HUVECs with PD98059, SB203580 and Wortmannin, which are the inhibitors of ERK, P38 MAPK and AKT respectively, resulted in decreased SIRT1 expression and reduced migration of HUVEC cells. Thus, we conclude that Sphk1/S1P induces SIRT1 upregulation through multiple pathways including P38 MAPK, ERK and AKT signals. This is the first report to disclose the existence and roles of Sphk1/S1P/SIRT1 axis in regulation of endothelial cell proliferation and migration, which may provide a theoretical basis for angiogenesis.

To improve the water solubility of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin(HP-β-CD, 500–800 mg/mL), a novel hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin polymer (HP-β-CDP) was firstly synthesized and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) comprehensively. The solubility of HP-β-CDP was determined as 40.2 g/mL, which is about 46.6 times more than HP-β-CD. The inclusion complexes were prepared with HP-β-CD and HP-β-CDP by saturated solution method to improve the solubility and in vitro release behavior of insoluble drug AZM. The formulation was optimized by orthogonal design with three factors and three levels L9 (34). Solubility, FT-IR, XRD and scanning electron microscope investigations demonstrated that both HP-β-CD and HP-β-CDP effectively formed the inclusion complex. The resultant HP-β-CDP complex presented an increased AZM solubility (628.5 ± 0.25 μg/mL) than HP-β-CD (311.3 ± 0.26 μg/mL) compared with AZM (34.2 ± 0.30 μg/mL) in water. The in vitro accumulative release studies revealed that more than 90 % of AZM could be released from HP-β-CDP inclusion complex within 1 h, which is far more than free AZM (27.5 %) and HP-β-CD inclusion complex (46.5 %). The studies indicated that HP-β-CDP with better water solubility could improve remarkably the solubility and release properties of AZM than HP-β-CD.

Hypoxia provokes metabolism misbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in both human and animal cells. However, the mechanisms which hypoxia causes mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism misbalance still remain unclear. In this study, we presented evidence that mitochondrial phosphatase Ptpmt1 is a hypoxia response molecule that regulates cell proliferation, survival and glucose metabolism in human erythroleukemia TF-1 cells. Exposure to hypoxia or DFO treatment results in upregulation of HIF1-α, HIF-2α and Ptpmt1. Only inhibition of HIF-2α by shRNA transduction reduces Ptpmt1 expression in TF-1 cells under hypoxia. Ptpmt1 inhibitor suppresses the growth and induces apoptosis of TF-1 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Ptpmt1 inhibition reduces the Glut1 and Glut3 expression and decreases the glucose consumption in TF-1 cells. In additional, Ptpmt1 knockdown also results in the mitochondrial dysfunction determined by JC1 staining. These results delineate a key role for HIF-2α-induced Ptpmt1 upregulation in proliferation, survival and glucose metabolism of erythroleukemia cells. It is indicated that Ptpmt1 plays important roles in hypoxia-induced cell metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Background aims Specific and effective therapy for prevention or reversal of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene modified mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on BO. Methods A mouse model of experimental BO was established by subcutaneously transplanting the tracheas from C57BL/6 mice into Balb/C recipients, which were then administered saline, Ad-HGF-modified human umbilical cord-MSCs (MSCs-HGF) or Ad-Null-modified MSCs (MSCs-Null). The therapeutic effects of MSCs-Null and MSCs-HGF were evaluated by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for lymphocyte immunophenotype of spleen, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) for cytokine expression, and histopathological analysis for the transplanted trachea. Results The histopathologic recovery of allograft tracheas was improved significantly after MSCs-Null and MSCs-HGF treatment and the beneficial effects were particularly observed in MSCs-HGF–treated mice. Furthermore, the allo-transplantation–induced immunophenotype disorders of the spleen, including regulatory T (Treg), T helper (Th)1, Th2 and Th17, were attenuated in both cell-treated groups. MSCs-HGF treatment reduced expression and secretion of inflammation cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10. It also decreased the expression level of the profibrosis factor transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Conclusion Treatment of BO with HGF gene modified MSCs results in reduction of local inflammation and promotion in recovery of allograft trachea histopathology. These findings might provide an effective therapeutic strategy for BO.

BACKGROUND Local endoscopic resection is an effective method for the treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumors, but remnant tumor at the margin after resection remains to be an issue. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of resection of small rectal carcinoid tumors by endoloop ligation after cap-endoscopic mucosal resection (LC-EMR) using a transparent cap. METHODS Thirty-four patients with rectal carcinoid tumors of less than 10 mm in diameter were treated by LC-EMR (n = 22) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) (n = 12) between January 2016 and December 2017. Demographic data, complete resection rates, pathologically complete resection rates, operation duration, and postoperative complications were collected. All cases were followed for 6 to 30 mo. RESULTS A total of 22 LC-EMR cases and 12 ESD cases were enrolled. The average age was 48.18 ± 12.31 and 46.17 ± 12.57 years old, and the tumor size was 7.23 ± 1.63 mm and 7.50 ± 1.38 mm, respectively, for the LC-EMR and ESD groups. Resection time in the ESD group was longer than that in the LC-EMR group (15.67 ± 2.15 min vs 5.91 ± 0.87 min; P < 0.001). All lesions were completely resected at one time. No perforation or delayed bleeding was observed in either group. Pathologically complete resection (P-CR) rate was 86.36% (19/22) and 91.67% (11/12) in the LC-EMR and ESD groups (P = 0.646), respectively. Two of the three cases with a positive margin in the LC-EMR group received transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and tumor cells were not identified in the postoperative specimens. The other case with a positive margin chose follow-up without further operation. One case with remnant tumor after ESD received further local ligation treatment. Neither local recurrence nor lymph node metastasis was found during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION LC-EMR appears to be an efficient and simple method for the treatment of small rectal carcinoid tumors, which can effectively avoid margin remnant tumors.

Background: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided biliary drainage (ERCP-BD) with transpapillary stent placement is the standard palliative treatment for malignant distal biliary obstruction. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been evaluated for efficacy and safety as an alternative for failed ERCP. Purpose: we aimed to determine whether ERCP-BD or EUS-BD is the preferred treatment modality for decompressing malignant distal biliary obstruction. Methods: we systematically searched for relevant published, prospective, and randomized trials comparing ERCP-BD with EUS-BD in decompressing malignant distal biliary obstruction in databases (i.e., PubMed and Cochrane). Technical success, treatment success, and procedure duration were primary outcome measurements; overall adverse events, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), and stent reintervention rate were the secondary outcomes. Results: three trials with 220 patients met the inclusion criteria. Technical success, treatment success, procedure duration, and overall adverse event rate were similar between ERCP-BD and EUS-BD. However, ERCP-BD had a significantly higher PEP rate than EUS-BD (9.2% vs. 0%), the difference being significant (risk ratio [RR] = 8.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-69.91, p = 0.05). Similarly, ERCP-BD had a higher stent reintervention rate than EUS-BD (28.4% vs. 4.5%), although the difference was not significant (RR = 1.91; 95% CI: 0.94-3.88, p = 0.07). Conclusion: technical success, treatment success, procedure duration, and overall adverse event rate were comparable between ERCP-BD and EUS-BD in decompressing malignant distal biliary obstruction. Nevertheless, EUS-BD had a significantly lower rate of PEP and a lower tendency toward stent reintervention than ERCP-BD. Therefore, EUS-BD might be a suitable alternative to ERCP-BD when performed by experts.

We report the synthesis of amphiphilic polymers featuring lipophilic stearyl chains and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers that are connected through singlet oxygen-cleavable alkoxyanthracene linkers. These amphiphilic polymers assembled in water to form micelles with diameters of (~)20 nm. Reaction of the alkoxyanthracene linkers with light and O(2) cleaved the ether C-O bonds, resulting in formation of the corresponding 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives and concomitant disruption of the micelles. These micelles were loaded with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin, which was efficiently released upon photo-oxidation. The drug-loaded reactive micelles were effective at killing cancer cells in vitro upon irradiation at 365 nm, functioning through both doxorubicin release and photodynamic mechanisms.

Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EST) is commonly performed during therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but is an independent risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding and duodenal perforation. These are partly ascribed to the electrosurgical current mode used for EST, and currently the optimal current model for EST remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare the rate of complications undergoing EST using the Endocut versus the blended current. A systematic search of databases was performed for relevant published and prospective studies including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to compare Endocut with blended current modes for EST. Data were collected from inception until 1 July 2018, using post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation as primary outcomes. Three RCTs including a total of 594 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis results showed the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis, primarily mild to moderate pancreatitis, was no different between Endocut versus blended current modes [risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25–1.52, P = 0.29]. However, the risk of endoscopically bleeding events, primarily mild bleeding, was lower in studies using Endocut versus blended current (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31–0.95, P = 0.03). Notably, none of the patients experienced perforation in these three trials. The rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was not significantly different when using the Endocut versus blended current during EST. Nevertheless, compared with the blended current, Endocut reduced the incidence of endoscopically evident bleeding; however, the available data were insufficient to assess the perforation risk.

Laparoscopy with peritoneal biopsy is a tool for rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis (TBP). However, laparoscopic procedures are not risk-free; complications include injuries to the gastrointestinal tract and major blood vessels. The purpose of the present study was to introduce a novel method for safe and straightforward laparoscopic diagnosis of TBP. A case series of 12 patients with TBP diagnosed between October 2012 and November 2013 at our hospital is presented. The patients underwent a novel method of laparoscopy involving the use of a central venous catheter (CVC). The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy and histology. The efficacy of the method for TBP diagnosis was evaluated by the time taken for the procedure and the rate of successful completion. The safety of the method was evaluated by recording all intra- and post-operative adverse events encountered. The mean age of the patients was 41 years and 33% were male. The mean operation time was 50.6 min and the median duration of hospital stay was 7 days. In all cases, diagnostic laparoscopy was successfully performed. Targeted biopsies were taken from all of the patients and revealed caseous granulomatous inflammation. All patients tolerated the procedure without significant bleeding or digestive tract perforation. In conclusion, the present case series demonstrated a novel method of diagnostic laparoscopy with CVC that is a feasible and straightforward procedure for TBP diagnosis.

To investigate the effects of exosomes derived from miR-486 gene-modified umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) on biological characteristics of rat cardiomyocytes.The human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were isolated and cultured, then the immunophenotypes and ability of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of UC-MSC were identified. The structure of exosomes was observed by electron microscopy; the effect of exosomes on cell migration was detected by transwell cell migration test; the miR-486 high expression of UC-MSC was mediated by using recombinant adenovirus vector, moreover the UC-MSC with high expression of miR-486 were identified by qPT-PCR. The exosomes were isolated from cell culture supernatant by ultracentrifugation and the miR-486 expression level of UC MSC exosomes was detected by qRT-PCR. The effect of exosomes on the proliferation of cardiomyocytes was evaluated by Dye670 marking. The HThe exosomes derived from UC-MSCs had the diameter between 40-100 nm and double membrane stracture. The recombinant adenovirus could effectively mediate the expression of miR-486 in UC-MSC, and the expression level of miR-486 in exosomes of miR-486-modified UC-MSC significantly increased. The exosomes with miR-486 high expression possessed the pro-proliferation and pro-migration effects on cardiomyocytes, moreover the preventive effect on apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.The exosomes derived from UC-MSC and accompamied by high expression of miR-486 can promote the proliferation and migration of cardio myocytes, yet can prevent the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.

Curcumin has a therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis, but the underlying mechanism has yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to clarify the possible mechanisms. Dextran sulfate sodium‑induced colitis mice were treated with curcumin via gavage for 7 days. The effects of curcumin on disease activity index (DAI) and pathological changes of colonic tissue in mice were determined. Interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑10, IL‑17 and IL‑23 expression levels were measured by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of mouse spleen regulatory T cells (Treg)/Th17 cells, and western blotting was used to measure the nuclear protein hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‑1α level. The results demonstrated that curcumin can significantly reduce DAI and spleen index scores and improve mucosal inflammation. Curcumin could also regulate the re‑equilibration of Treg/Th17. IL‑10 level in the colon was significantly increased, while inflammatory cytokines IL‑6, IL‑17 and IL‑23 were significantly reduced following curcumin treatment. No significant difference in HIF‑1α was observed between the colitis and the curcumin group. It was concluded that oral administration of curcumin can effectively treat experimental colitis by regulating the re‑equilibration of Treg/Th17 and that the regulatory mechanism may be closely related to the IL‑23/Th17 pathway. The results of the present study provided molecular insight into the mechanism by which curcumin treats ulcerative colitis.

Objective Cancer recurrence is a complicated problem for clinicians that contributes to poor prognosis. This study aimed to use advanced gastric carcinoma genes profiles to predict increased risk of cancer recurrence in order to identify patients in need of adjuvant therapy for prognosis improvement. Methods Differentially expressed genes were identified for advanced gastric carcinoma by analyzing the GSE2685 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) using R package. The candidate genes were then obtained by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction analysis and survival analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between candidate genes and the recurrence of gastric carcinoma. Results Collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) was overexpressed in gastric carcinoma tissue by analyzing the GSE2685 gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. COL4A1 was also overexpressed in gastric carcinoma tissue from the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and further determined that higher COL4A1 expression led to poorer overall survival. A univariate analysis suggested that COL4A1 was strongly correlated with T stage and gastric carcinoma recurrence (P = 0.014 and 0.041, respectively). Moreover, a multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that COL4A1 was significantly associated with gastric carcinoma recurrence (hazard ratio 1.605, 95% confidence interval 1.063-2.677, P = 0.008). Conclusions COL4A1 may promote gastric carcinoma recurrence and could be used as a therapeutic target for gastric carcinoma recurrence.

A series of new oxime and oxime ethers compounds were designed and virtually screened with target using the Molecular Operating Environment（MOE） software. Twelve unreported compounds including 4 oximes and 8 oxime ethers were synthesized with benzene, toluene, methoxybenzene and chlorobenzene as initial raw materials. Structures of compounds were elucidated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS. The results of bioactive screening showed that a part of compounds displayed obviously anti-HBV activities. Inhibitory activities of compounds 4B-2 in secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg were IC50 HBsAg= 81.15 μmol·L-1, SIHBsAg = 9.20 and IC50 HBeAg = 90.66 μmol·L-1, SIHBeAg = 8.24, respectively. Preliminary structure-activity relationship study shows that methyl oxime ethers displayed better anti-HBV activities than the oximes.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and feasibility of performing endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L) after apical mucosal incision (AMI) for the treatment of gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria (SET-MPs). Methods 14 patients with gastric SET-MPs were treated by ESMR-L with AMI between December 2016 and May 2017. The complete resection rate, operation duration, and postoperative complications were collected. All patients were followed for 2 – 6 months. Results The complete resection rate was 100 %, the mean tumor size was 10.71 ± 3.45 mm (7 – 18 mm), and the median operative time was 18.5 minutes. Perforation occurred in four patients, with all lesions being completely repaired endoscopically. No delayed bleeding or peritoneal signs were observed. No residual lesions or recurrence were found during the follow-up period. Conclusions AMI with ESMR-L appears to be an efficient and simple method for the histological diagnosis of gastric SET-MPs, but it carries a high perforation rate and cannot guarantee cure.

Ferroptosis is an iron- and oxidative-dependent form of regulated cell death and may play important roles in maintaining myocardium homeostasis and pathology of cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the regulatory roles of lipid signals in regulating cardiomyocytes ferroptosis has not been explored. In this study, we show that ENPP2, as a lipid kinase involved in lipid metabolism, protects against erastin-induced ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. The classical ferroptosis inducer erastin remarkably inhibits the growth which could be rescued by the small molecule Fer-1 in H9c2 cells. Adenovirus mediated ENPP2 overexpression modestly promotes migration and proliferation and significantly inhibits erastin-induced ferroptosis of H9c2 cells. ENPP2 overexpression leads to increase the LPA level in supernatant of H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells express the LPAR1, LPAR3, LPAR4 and LPAR5 receptors. The supernatant of ENPP2 transduced cardiomyocytes could protects the cells from erastin-induced ferroptosis of H9c2 cells. Furthermore, we observed that ENPP2 overexpression regulates ferroptosis-associated gene GPX4, ACSL4 and NRF2 expression and modulates MAPK and AKT signal in H9c2 cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that ENPP2/LPA protects cardiomyocytes from erastin-induced ferroptosis through modulating GPX4, ACSL4 and NRF2 expression and enhancing AKT survival signal.

A physics-based electron-mobility model including remote Coulomb scattering by fixed charge in high- k dielectric and remote interface-roughness scattering originated from the fluctuation of high- k /interlayer interface is established for InGaAs MOSFET, and the validity of the model is confirmed by good agreement between simulated results and experimental data. Effects of structural and physical parameters of the devices on the electron mobility are analyzed using the model, and the results show that smoother high- k /interlayer interface, reasonably high permittivities for the interlayer and high- k dielectric, and less fixed charge in the high- k dielectric are desired to enhance the electron mobility and simultaneously keep further scaling of equivalent oxide thickness.

Dissolution trend and solubility data of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O gypsum) in aqueous Na, Ca, Mg, and Al chloride salt solutions have been studied at 278.15 K to 308.15 K. The concentration ranges were up to 4.5 mol·L–1 for NaCl, 3.0 mol·L–1 for MgCl2, 2.0 mol·L–1 for CaCl2, and 1.6 mol·L–1 for AlCl3, respectively. Measurement results show that except for CaCl2, the other three salts allow the solubility of gypsum to rise a lot first and then descend smoothly after attaining the maximum. Because of common ions effect, the solubility of CaSO4·2H2O drops sharply in CaCl2 solution at low concentration and continues to fall almost linearly as concentration exceeds 0.2 mol•kg–1. Impacts of Na, Mg, Al chloride salts on solubility of CaSO4·2H2O are explained on the basis of dissolution and thermodynamic equilibrium. The solubility of CaSO4·2H2O in AlCl3 solution is highest compared with that in NaCl and MgCl2 solution because two sulfur-bearing chemical complex Al(SO4)2–(aq) and AlSO4+(aq) are expect...

Bacterial biofilms are widely associated with persistent infections. High resistance to conventional antibiotics and prevalent virulence makes eliminating these bacterial communities challenging therapeutic targets. We describe here the fabrication of a nanoparticle-stabilized capsule with a multicomponent core for the treatment of biofilms. The peppermint oil and cinnamaldehyde combination that comprises the core of the capsules act as potent antimicrobial agents. An in situ reaction at the oil/water interface between the nanoparticles and cinnamaldehyde structurally augments the capsules to efficiently deliver the essential oil payloads, effectively eradicating biofilms of clinically isolated pathogenic bacteria strains. In contrast to their antimicrobial action, the capsules selectively promoted fibroblast proliferation in a mixed bacteria/mammalian cell system making them promising for wound healing applications.

A phosphorus flame retardant named diphenyl anilinophosphonate (DPAP) was synthesized using diphenyl chlorophosphate and aniline. Its structural features and purity were investigated by mass spectrometry (MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The thermal properties of DPAP were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A static-analytic method was used to measure the solubilities of DPAP in acetonitrile, methanol, chloroform, ethanol, acetone, toluene, i -propanol, n -propanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, 1,2-dichloroethane, and tetrahydrofuran from 293.15 to 333.15 K. Several thermodynamic models were used to correlate the experimental solubility data, such as the van’t Hoff equation, Buchowski–Ksiazczak ( λh ), Scatchard–Hildebrand, Wilson, nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL), and UNIQUAC. The calculated results showed that these models can reproduce the experimental data well, and that the NRTL equation gives the best correlation. The activity coefficients and solubility parameters of the solute were calculated using the Scatchard–Hildebrand methodology.

Using a static analytical method, the solubilities of phosphonic acid, P,P′-(1,4-piperazinediyl)bis-P,P,P′,P′-tetraphenyl ester (PAPBE), N,N′-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(phosphoramidic acid)P,P,P′,P′-tetraphenyl ester (PNBE), and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1-oxido-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (PEPA) were measured from 293.15 K to 343.15 K in four selected organic solvents. Several thermodynamic models were used to correlate the experimental solubility data, such as Scatchard–Hildebrand, Wilson, nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL), and UNIQUAC. The calculated results showed that all the models reproduced the experimental data very well, and the UNIQUAC equation gives the best correlation. Using the group contribution methods, the solubility parameters of phosphorus flame retardants can be calculated, which were compared with the previous values calculated with the Scatchard–Hildebrand model.

A phosphorous flame retardant of phosphoric acid, P, P′-1, 4-phenylene P, P, P′, P′-tetraphenyl ester (PAPTE) was synthesized by diphenyl chlorophosphate and hydroquinone. The structural features of PAPTE were investigated with mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The thermal behavior of PAPTE was carried out with thermogravimetric (TG) analysis instruments. The kinetic parameters, including the activation energy and pre-exponential factor of the decomposition process for the title compound, were calculated through the Friedman method, the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose method and the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method, while the thermal decomposition mechanism was also studied with the invariant kinetic parameters (IKP) method based on a set of TG data obtained at different heating rates. It was shown that the activation energies calculated for the decomposition reaction by different methods were found to be consistent with the conversion functions calculated by means of the IKP method which depend on a set of kinetic methods.

Plasma nitridation is used for nitrogen incorporation in Ga2O3(Gd2O3) (GGO) as interfacial passivation layer for an InGaAs metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitor with a HfTiON gate dielectric. The nitrided GGO (GGON) on InGaAs can improve the interface quality with a low interface-state density at midgap ( $1.0\times 10^{\mathrm {\mathbf {12}}}$ cm $^{\mathrm {\mathbf {-2}}}$ eV $^{\mathrm {\mathbf {-1}}})$ , and result in good electrical properties for the device, e.g., low gate leakage current ( $8.5\times 10^{\mathrm {\mathbf {-6}}}$ A/cm $^{\mathrm {\mathbf {2}}}$ at $V_{g} = 1$ V), small capacitance equivalent thickness (1.60 nm), and large equivalent dielectric constant (24.9). The mechanisms involved lie in the fact that the GGON interlayer can effectively suppress the formation of the interfacial In/Ga/As oxides and remove excess As atoms on the InGaAs surface, thus unpinning the Femi level at the GGON/InGaAs interface and improving the interface quality and electrical properties of the device.

Aim miRNA-486 (miR-486) was first identified from the human fetal liver cDNA library and considered to be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Its roles in regulation of HCC metastasis and chemosensitivity have not been explored yet. Methods miR-486 expression in HCC tissues, cell lines and serum was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. miR-486 overexpression or downregulation in the cell lines SMMC-7721/LM3 was conducted by lentivirus transfection. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were quantitated using commercial assays. Matrix metalloproteinase activity was quantitated by gelatin zymography. The target genes of miR-486 were screened by 3′-untranslated region luciferase report assays and their function was validated by small RNA interference. Results We show here that miR-486 is frequently down-expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Lentivirus-mediated restoration of miR-486 in HCC cell lines resulted in significant reduction in the ability of cell growth, colony formation and migration. However, miR-486 inhibition enhances proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Two genes, CITRON and CLDN10 which regulate cell proliferation and invasion, respectively, were identified as the direct targets of miR-486 in HCC cells. CITRON and CLDN10 knockdown by siRNA results in similar phenotypes of miR-486 restoration in HCC cell lines. In addition, miR-486 enhances the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. Conclusion Our data indicated that miR-486 may function as a novel tumor suppressor in HCC.