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High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a preferential omental metastasis malignancy. Since omental adipose tissue is an endocrine organ, we used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to compare the peptides secreted from omental adipose tissues of HGSOC and benign serous ovarian cysts (BSOC). Among the differentially secreted peptides, we detected 58 upregulated peptides, 197 downregulated peptides, 24 peptides that were only in the HGSOC group and 20 peptides that were only in the BSOC group (absolute fold change ≥ 2 and P < 0.05). Then, the basic characteristics of the differential peptides were analyzed, such as lengths, molecular weights, isoelectric points, and cleavage sites. Furthermore, we summarized the possible functions according to the precursor protein functions of the differentially expressed peptides by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis with the Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database and canonical pathway analysis with IPA. For the GO analysis, the differentially secreted peptides were mainly associated with binding in molecular function and cellular processes in biology process. For the canonical pathways, the differentially secreted peptides were related to calcium signaling, protein kinase A signaling, and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling. We also identified 67 differentially secreted peptides that located in the functional domains of the precursor proteins. These functional domains were mainly related to energy metabolism and immunoregulation. Our study might provide drugs that could potentially treat HGSOC or omental metastases of HGSOC cells.

Phase shuttling of Pb3O4 leads to the reconstructed β-PbO2 phase and significantly enhances the electrochemical ozone production (EOP) through water oxidation.

This article presents a study on the effect of the hydroxyl group position on the electro-oxidation of butanediols, including 1,2-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and 1,4-butanediol. The effect of the hydroxyl group position in butanediols on their electro-oxidation reactivities is investigated by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and chronoamperometry in 1.0 M KOH. The results show that the closer the two hydroxyl groups are, the higher the reactivity, and the lower the anodic potential butanediol has. Moreover, the oxidation products from chronoamperometry are analyzed by means of HPLC and NMR. Some value-added products, such as 3-hydroxypropionic acid/3-hydroxypropionate, are produced. The DFT calculation indicates that the oxidation of vicinal diols responds to the conversion from a hydroxyl group to a carboxylate group, followed by C-C bond cleavage, where the carbon charge decreases. These results provide an insight into reactant selection for the electrochemical synthesis of value-added chemicals. Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Ministry of Education (MOE) Nanyang Technological University National Research Foundation (NRF) Published version This work was supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education Tier 2 Grants (MOE-T2EP10220-0001), the Singapore National Research Foundation under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme and NRF Fellowship (NRF-NRFF2017-04), the Centre of Advanced Catalysis Science and Technology, Nanyang Technological University, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (Central Research Fund Award).

Glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel production and can be a low-cost source for some high-value C1-C3 chemicals. The conversion can be achieved by photo-, thermo-, and electro-catalysis methods. The electrocatalytic oxidation method is attractive due to its moderate reaction conditions and high electron to product efficiency. Most reported catalysts are based on noble metals, while metal oxides are rarely reported. Here, we investigated the electro-oxidation of glycerol on a series of ZnFexCo2-xO4 (x = 0, 0.4, 1.0, 1.4, and 2.0) spinel oxides. Seven types of value-added C1-C3 products including formate, glycolate, lactate, and glycerate can be obtained by this approach. The selectivity and Faraday efficiency toward these products can be tuned by adjusting the Fe/Co ratio and other experimental parameters, such as the applied potential, glycerol concentration, and electrolyte pH. Ministry of Education (MOE) We acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51773144 and 21938006), Basic Research Project of leading Technology in Jiangsu Province (BK20202012), and China Scholarship Council (No. 201906920027). The experimental work was supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education Tier 1 Grant (2019-T1-002-125).

In recent years, light-emitting Mn2+-doped nanocrystals (NCs) have been widely studied because of their strong and stable Mn2+ d–d emission. Herein, highly efficient colloidal Mn2+-doped Cd–In–S NCs were prepared by a hot injection strategy. The as-prepared NCs have a cubic crystal structure of CdS host and exhibit strong Mn2+ emission. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity, PL position, and PL lifetime of this Mn2+ emission can be adjusted by changing the doping level of Mn2+. In particular, by tuning the amount of dopant, the emission color can be varied in the range of 601 nm to 643 nm, which is due to the coordination field environment of Mn2+ ions changed by the doping concentration. The PL intensity of Mn2+ is significantly enhanced by the ZnS shell coating, and the highest PL quantum yield can reach 56%, which is attributed to the removal of NCs surface-related defects by shell modification. A prototype LED was fabricated as well by using the as-prepared highly efficient Mn2+-doped Cd–In–S NCs as a color conversion material. The Mn2+-doped multicomponent semiconductor NCs reported here extend the availability of classical Mn2+-doped luminescent materials and provide alternatives for other applications requiring orange-red colloidal NCs.

IrO2 and RuO2 are known as two of the best catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic electrolyte. It is reported that RuO2 has higher OER catalytic activity, while IrO2 possesses better electrochemical stability during the OER process in acid. Therefore, many combined strategies have been proposed to utilize the advantages of both IrO2 and RuO2 catalysts in water electrolysis applications. In this article we describe how, by tuning the wet-chemical synthesis process in which the Ir precursor is added after the synthesis of RuO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (two-step), the Ru0.5Ir0.5O2 NPs have been synthesized to improve the OER catalytic activity in both acidic and alkaline media. In detail, the specific OER activity of the Ru0.5Ir0.5O2 NPs (with a particle size of ca. 10 nm) is 48.9 μA cm−2 at an overpotential ŋ = 0.22 V (vs. RHE) and 21.7 μA cm−2 at ŋ = 0.27 V (vs. RHE) in 0.1 M HClO4 and 0.1 M KOH, respectively. These values are higher than those for the one-step (Ir0.5+Ru0.5)O2 NPs (obtained by contemporaneously adding both Ru and Ir precursors), which are 19.5 and 15.5 μA cm−2 at the same measuring conditions, respectively. Additionally, with more IrO2 component distributed on the particle surface, the two-step Ru0.5Ir0.5O2 NPs show better OER catalytic stability than RuO2 NPs.

The present investigation aimed at providing a novel approach to promote the rapid granulation and stability of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in a continuous-flow membrane bioreactor (MBR). By operating two identical MBRs with or with no bio-carrier for 125 days, it was found that the combination of multi-ionic matrix and bio-carrier could promote the rapid formation and maintain the long-term stability of AGS. The primary AGS was first observed inside the reactor on day 14, and the mature AGS appeared soon and kept stable for more than 4 months (its average size still was about 800 μm on day 125). Suitable filling ratio of bio-carrier was beneficial to form a stable and regular circulating water flow inside, and adding divalent metal ions quickly reduced the negative charges of tiny sludge particles, which were two essential factors leading to the rapid granulation of AGS and maintaining its stability. The multi-ionic matrix not only enhanced the biological aggregation process, but also facilitated the expansion of the cultivated AGS into a new multi-habitat system of Mn-AGS, in which, complex microbial communities with rich bio-diversity robustly promoted the efficient removal of organic pollutants and nutrients.

Objective: The aim was to investigate the lncRNA KB-1471A8.2 function in ovarian cancer progression and paclitaxel resistance. Methods: The expression and distribution of KB-1471A8.2 was detected by qRT-PCR. The cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and chemoresistance were analyzed by CCK8 assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay. The expression of DEPTOR, whose sequence is reverse overlapped with KB-1471A8.2 was analyzed by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. The cell cycle and the cell cycle related gene expression were analyzed by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR, respectively. Results: KB-1471A8.2 was significantly downregulated in both ovarian cancer tissues and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. Overexpression of KB-1471A8.2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and paclitaxel resistance, and increased the apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. KB-1471A8.2 was mainly distributed in the nucleus of ovarian cancer cells. KB-1471A8.2 overexpression significantly decreased the S phase cell ratio, increased the G0/G1 phase cell ratio, but not affected the expression and distribution of DEPTOR. However, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), which is an important regulator of G1/S transition, was significantly decreased in KB-1471A8.2-overexpressed ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion: KB-1471A8.2 could significantly inhibit the development and paclitaxel resistance of ovarian cancer cells, at least partly, by suppressing CDK4 expression.

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ZEB1-AS1 is reported overexpressed in sensitive ovarian cancer cells A2780 compared with paclitaxel (PTX)—and cisplatin (DDP)- resistant. However, the function and mechanism of ZEB1-AS1 in EOC cells still unknown. We used quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to detect ZEB1-AS1 expression in A2780 and A2780/R cells. A combination of siRNA, plasmids, CCK8 and flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of ZEB1-AS1 on ovarian cancer cell A2780 PTX and DDP resistance. Transcriptome sequencing, qPCR, and western blot were used for further mechanistic studies. ZEB1-AS1 depletion using siRNA in chemosensitive A2780 cells significantly increased PTX and DDP resistance. In contrast, ZEB1-AS1 overexpression in PTX- and DDP-resistant A2780/resistant (A2780/R) cells reversed the observed drug resistance. Thus, ZEB1-AS1 plays an important role in PTX and DDP resistance in EOC cells. However, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot results suggested that ZEB1-AS1 did not regulate chemoresistance through regulation of ZEB1 protein. We used sequencing to detect mRNA expression changes in A2780 cells after ZEB1-AS1 silencing. The results indicated that MMP19 was the likely downstream factor of ZEB1-AS1. We further examined whether ZEB1-AS1 played an important role in chemoresistance by silencing MMP19 in ZEB1-AS1-overexpressing cells. CCK8 assay results suggested that MMP19 knockdown promoted ZEB1-AS1-induced chemoresistance to PTX and DDP in A2780 cells. This study is the first to reveal that ZEB1-AS1 plays a pivotal role in cancer chemoresistance.

The development of methanol-tolerate oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) electrocatalysts is of special significance to direct methanol fuel cells system. Iridium is known for its better methanol tolerance than platinum and able to survive in harsh acidic environment. However, its activity is relatively low and thus the approach to improve Ir’s ORR is desired. Herein, bimetallic Ir-Cu nanoparticles(NPs) with controllable Ir/Cu compositions(ca. 1:2 to 4:1, atomic ratio) are synthesized via a galvanic replacement-based chemical method. The as-synthesized Ir-Cu NPs are investigated as ORR catalysts after electrochemically leaching out the surface Cu and forming Ir-skinned structures. Around 2- to 3-fold enhancement in the intrinsic activity has been observed in these Ir-skinned Ir-Cu catalysts compared to Ir counterpart. The approach is demonstrated to be a promising way to prepare efficient Ir ORR catalysts and lower catalyst cost. Ministry of Education (MOE) National Research Foundation (NRF) This research was supported by the Project of the Singapore Ministry of Education Tier 2(No.MOE2017-T2-1-009) and the Singapore National Research Foundation Under Its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise(CREATE) Programme.

Nitrates are widely used as fertilizer and oxidizing agents. Commercial nitrate production from nitrogen involves high-temperature-high-pressure multi-step processes. Therefore, an alternative nitrate production method under ambient environment is of importance. Herein, an electrochemical nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) approach is developed to produce nitrate catalyzed by ZnFex Co2-x O4 spinel oxides. Theoretical and experimental results show Fe aids the formation of the first N-O bond on the *N site, while high oxidation state Co assists in stabilizing the absorbed OH- for the generation of the second and third N-O bonds. Owing to the concerted catalysis, the ZnFe0.4 Co1.6 O4 oxide demonstrates the highest nitrate production rate of 130±12 μmol h-1 gMO -1 at an applied potential of 1.6 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Ministry of Education (MOE) This work was supported by Singapore Ministry of Education Tier2 Grant (MOE2018-T2-2-027) and Tier1 Grant (RG99/19).

Optimizing the hydrogen adsorption on electrodes is one of the most effective strategies to promote the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In recent years, cobalt phosphides (CoP) have been identified as a promising catalyst for HER in acid. However, the hydrogen adsorption on CoP is strong and a considerable overpotential has to be applied to enable HER. Here, we report a strategy to weaken the hydrogen adsorption on CoP through an electron deficiency in CoP induced by Au@CoP core/shell structure. A weakened hydrogen adsorption is confirmed by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Au@CoP gave an overpotential (η) of 160 mV at the current density of 1 mA cm−2CoP, which is about 50 mV less than pure CoP. It also exhibited a turn-over frequency (TOF) value of 0.68 s−1 per active site at η = 150 mV, which is more than 4 times higher than CoP. The strategy reported here holds potential to be extended to other electrodes for optimizing their hydrogen adsorption for HER. NRF (Natl Research Foundation, S’pore) MOE (Min. of Education, S’pore)

In this work, a facile approach to synthesize the Ag- and Mn-codoped Zn-In-S nanocrystals (NCs) with dual emissions as ratiometric temperature sensors is reported. The as-synthesized codoped Zn-In-S NCs have a uniform size distribution and exhibit a zinc blende ZnS phase structure. Moreover, the as-produced codoped NCs show dual emission peaks which center at green and orange-red regions and have a photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) up to 45%. The time-resolved PL spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations reveal that the dual emissions of these NCs are derived from the intrinsic emission of Ag+ and Mn2+, respectively. Moreover, the relative intensity ratio of dual emissions can be tailored by adjusting the Ag and Mn doping concentrations. The as-built ratiometric temperature sensors based on the codoped NCs exhibit a thermometric sensitivity of ~ 0.17% K-1 over a broad window of 80–200 K, suggesting that these codoped Zn-In-S NCs are promisingly used for bio-optical ratiometric temperature sensing.

The production of valuable chemicals from relatively inexpensive feedstocks utilizing electrochemical methods has been attracting widespread attention in recent years since it is highly efficient, decentralized, environmental-friendly and can operate in room temperature and pressure. Currently, the industrial production of lactic acid is mainly based on bio-fermentation, leading to drawbacks including severe conditions, unfriendliness to environment, low efficiency and requirement of expensive equipment, which can potentially overcome by electrochemical methods. Herein, we report for the first time the preparation of lactic acid at room temperature and pressure from the one-pot electro-oxidation of glycerol, a byproduct from biodiesel production. AuPt nanoparticles with different surface compositions were employed in this work to optimize the catalysis performance, and the glycerol oxidation was operated at a series of applied potentials, pH and glycerol concentration. The optimal lactic acid selectivity was 73%, obtained with Au-enriched surface at applied potential of 0.45 V vs. RHE.

// Chencheng Dai 1, 2, * , Jian Cao 1, 3, * , Yu Zeng 4 , Sujuan Xu 4 , Xuemei Jia 3 and Pengfei Xu 1 1 Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Institute, Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China 2 The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China 3 Department of Gynecology, Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China 4 Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Pengfei Xu, email: pengfeixu@njmu.edu.cn Xuemei Jia, email: xmjia@njmu.edu.cn Keywords: E-cadherin, ovarian cancer, prognosis, meta-analysis, hazard ratio Received: February 27, 2017 Accepted: June 12, 2017 Published: June 30, 2017 ABSTRACT The prognostic role of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) downregulation in ovarian cancer has been assessed for years while the results remain inconclusive. The aim of our study was to assess this issue. Eligible studies were identified through searches of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Database. In total, 1562 patients from 17 studies were included to assess the association between E-cadherin expression and overall survival/progression-free survival and clinicopathological characteristics of ovarian cancer patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to estimate the effect. The quality of 17 studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. We also performed subgroup analysis, publication bias and sensitivity analysis in this meta-analysis. The results showed that negative E-cadherin expression significantly predicted poor overall survival of ovarian cancer patients (HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.50–2.40). However, negative E-cadherin was not associated with poor progression-free survival (HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.86–1.64). Moreover, Negative E-cadherin expression was distinctly associated with FIGO stage (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31–0.57), tumor grade (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.34–0.67), metastasis (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.07–0.26) and recurrence (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.29–0.79). This meta-analysis revealed that negative E-cadherin expression might be a predicative factor of poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients.

To explore the optimal treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy. In total, 86 women diagnosed with a cesarean scar pregnancy were divided into three groups according to treatment. The human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) decline percentage, intraoperative blood loss and success rate were analyzed in Group A [combination of uterine arterial embolization (UAE), local methotrexate (MTX) injection and dilation & curettage (D&C)], Group B (combination of UAE and local MTX injection) and Group C (D&C). Then, the best treatment was carefully analyzed, and recommendations were provided. The success rate was highest in Group A (97.5%) compared with Group B (76%) and Group C (63.15%). The reduction in hCG was greatest in Group A (86.62%, 44.0–99.97%) compared with group B (67.83%, 18.0–98.03%) and Group C (68.21%, 27.0–93.24%). The intraoperative blood loss was lowest in Group A (44.881, 5–200 ml) compared with Group C (224.737, 10–1000 ml). Additionally, we found that the best time to perform D&C in group A depended on the hCG reduction percentage, and a 35% reduction after UAE and local MTX injection could be used as the indicator to perform D&C. The combination of UAE, local MTX injection and D&C for CSP patients is the optimal treatment strategy. A 35% reduction in hCG after UAE and local MTX injection can be recommended as the indicator to perform D&C.

Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in many types of human malignant cancers. However, the function of lncRNAs in benign tumors remains poorly understood. In the present study, to explored the potential roles of lncRNAs in benign epithelial ovarian cysts (BEOCs) which commonly occur in young women and possess malignant potential, we described the expression profile of the lncRNAs between BEOC and normal ovarian tissues using lncRNA microarray techniques. The results showed that 1,325 transcripts of lncRNAs (1,014 upregulated and 311 downregulated) were differentially expressed in the BEOCs compared with the normal controls [absolute fold-change ≥2, false discovery rate (FDR)

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is one of the major pelvic floor disorders affecting postmenopausal women. To investigate the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiling of SUI in postmenopausal women, we used a microarray analysis to examine the differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the periurethral vaginal wall of postmenopausal women with SUI. A total of 8840 lncRNAs and 7102 mRNAs were dysregulated in the two groups (absolute fold change ≥ 2 and P

AimThe aim was to attach importance to the hazards of ventricular pre-excitation on left ventricular systolic function and size.MethodWe analysed the clinical, electrophysiological, and echocardiographic characteristics of the 25 cases with abnormal ventricular wall motion, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or dilation with co-existing right-sided overt accessary pathways before and after ablation or medication during March 2011 and June 2017. Moreover, we compared the therapy effect between patients with ventricular pre-excitation-induced dilated cardiomyopathy and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy without ventricular pre-excitation.ResultAbnormal ventricular wall motion was demonstrated using M-mode echocardiography in 23 cases. The basal segments of the interventricular septum became thin and moved similarly to an aneurysm with typical bulging during end-systole, which was observed in 16 cases. Dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 14 cases. A total of 23 patients underwent successful ablations and received medications, and the other two patients received only oral medications because of young age. The prognosis of pre-excitation-induced dilated cardiomyopathy is better than idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. All the cases with abnormal ventricular wall motion demonstrated recovery of normal left ventricular ejection fraction and decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter through ablation.ConclusionVentricular pre-excitation caused by right-sided accessory pathways may result in abnormal ventricular wall motion, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilation, and even dilated cardiomyopathy. In some cases with dilated cardiomyopathy, ventricular pre-excitation may not be the cause of disease but a harmful factor which hampered the recovering of left ventricular systolic function. These conditions are indications for ablation with good prognosis.

Carbon paste electrodes modified by various dihydroxyquinone derivatives are investigated using both cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry in order to ascertain suitability as voltammetric pH sensors. These electrodes show a Nernstian response to the change of pH, with a potential shift close to the theoretical value, 59.2 mV per pH unit at 298 K. Moreover, their capability of measuring the pH of the unbuffered solution with less than 5% error can be attributed to the occurrence of both inter- and intra- molecular hydrogen bonding present within the system. The efficacy of the compounds to be used as materials for solid state pH sensors is discussed.

This investigation demonstrated that aerobic granular sludge (AGS) could be cultivated rapidly in a single continuous-flowing membrane bioreactor (MBR) by introducing freely moved bio-carriers with a filling ratio of 10%. By operating the bioreactor for 28 days, AGS was successfully cultivated and kept stable for >2 months with a compact structure and clear shape, in which, extracellular polymeric substances played a key role in maintaining the stability of granular sludge structure. The microbial composition between AGS and attached biofilm was quite different, which indicated that the introduced bio-carriers improved the biodiversity within the bioreactor. Additionally, an explicit internal circulation was formed by the introduced bio-carriers, which was the main reason leading to the rapid formation of AGS. This is an interesting discovery and a novel approach to promote the rapid granulation of biomass in an MBR. Moreover, combining the biodegradation of AGS and filtration of membrane module, the bio-reactor achieved an excellent performance in removing CODCr (>90%) and TN (>85%) during the whole process.

Purpose: To establish an efficient new risk index for screening patients with endometrial cancer from patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. Method: A total of 254 patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge were included in this study. Several candidate markers, including HE4, CA125, CA199, CA153, AFP, CEA, d-dimer, and fibrinogen, were employed. A new risk index for endometrial cancer screening was established by binary logistic regression. The diagnostic value of the candidate markers and the new risk index were assessed by a receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: The most valuable diagnostic indicator for endometrial cancer was HE4, followed by d-dimer and then fibrinogen (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: HE4 = 0.794, d-dimer = 0.717, fibrinogen = 0.690). The new risk index was superior to a single application of markers and a widely used combination (HE4 and CA125). At the ideal cutoff level, the sensitivity and specificity were 91.34% and 70.08%, respectively. In addition, only patients without organic disease served as controls, which further increase its performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.932, sensitivity = 94.49%, and specificity = 77.42%). Conclusions: The new risk index combining HE4, d-dimer, fibrinogen, and CA199 was the ideal combination for the screening of endometrial cancer. As a simple, rapid, nondestructive detection method, the new risk index is worth promotion in clinical practice, especially in primary medical institutions.

Most ovarian cancer patients are chemosensitive initially, but finally relapse with acquired chemoresistance. Multidrug-resistance is the extremely terrible situation. The mechanism for the acquired chemoresistance of ovarian cancer patients is still not clear. LncRNAs have been recognized as the important regulator of a variety of biological processes, including the multidrug-resistant process. Here, we carried out the lncRNA sequencing of the ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and the paxitaxel resistant cell line A2780/PTX which is also cross resistant to the cisplatin and epirubicin. Through integrating the published data with the cisplatin resistant lncRNAs in ovarian cancer cell line or ovarian cancer patients, 5 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated lncRNAs are considered as the multidrug-resistant lncRNAs. By real-time PCR analysis, we confirmed the 5 up-regulated and 4 down-regulated multidrug resistant lncRNAs were similarly changed in both the multidrug resistant ovarian cancer cell lines and the multidrug resistant colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we conducted the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network to predict the potential multidrug resistant lncRNAs' targets. Interestingly, the multidrug resistant genes ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCC3, and ABCG2 are all co-expressed with lncRNA CTD-2589M5.4. Our results provide the valuable information for the understanding of the lncRNA function in the multidrug resistant process.

An alizarin based voltammetric pH sensor is introduced. This device is fabricated by screen printing the alizarin, which is a pH-sensitive redox compound, mixed with carbon ink onto the carbon aluminum (aluminum foil coated with carbon paste). This electrode shows a Nernst response to both the buffered and unbuffered media, with a potential shift by 55.8 mV/pH unit and a working range up to pH 10. This approach suggests a disposable, reproducible, low-cost method for pH sensing with the possibility of miniaturization. A further study of this type of sensor coated with nafion reveals a possible method to expand the working range and improve the stability.

This work summarizes the electrochemical response of a range of substituted phenols, including salicylaldehyde and salicylic acid, for use as a voltammetric pH sensor for the determination of pH in both buffered and unbuffered media. Suitable candidates are identified and mechanistic insights into oxidation mechanism of the electro-polymerization by comparing with other substituted phenols are given. Square wave voltammetry measurements suggest the peak achieved through the electrochemical polymerization directly after the 1-electron 1-proton oxidation for both salicylaldehyde and salicylic acid shows a Nernstian response with good definition through a pH range from 2 to 10. In addition, hydrogen bonding enables the compound to sense the pH of unbuffered solutions with an error of less than 1%.

Aims The relationship between ventricular pre-excitation and left ventricular dysfunction has been described in the absence of sustained supraventricular tachycardia in a series of case reports. There have been no systematic studies about the effect of ventricular pre-excitation with different accessory pathway locations on ventricular wall motion and left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Methods and results Thirty patients were selected for each of 4 groups, including those with right septal pathways (Group 1), right free-wall pathways (Group 2), left free-wall pathways (Group 3), and non-pre-excited patients undergoing electrophysiological evaluation for supraventricular tachycardia. We analysed the influence of the location of the accessory pathway on ventricular wall motion, systolic function, ventricular synchronism, and LV size. Right-sided accessory pathways were associated with abnormal motion of the interventricular septum, LV dyssynchrony, decreased LV systolic function, and increased LV diameter. Eighteen of 60 cases (30.0%) with right-sided accessory pathways had LV dyssynchrony, and these patients had lower LV ejection fraction and higher LV end-diastolic diameter. Conclusion Right-sided accessory pathways may impair ventricular wall motion and LV systolic function, resulting in decreased LV ejection fraction and increased LV end-diastolic diameter. These effects occurred in patients with LV dyssynchrony. These effects, including LV dyssynchrony, resolved after radiofrequency ablation. A right-sided free-wall accessory pathway may have more detrimental effects than a septal accessory pathway. Left ventricular dyssynchrony and abnormal interventricular septal motion appeared to be responsible for the pathogenesis of LV dysfunction and remodelling.

Background/Aims: Benzotriazole (BTR) and its derivatives, such as intermediates and UV stabilizers, are important man-made organic chemicals found in everyday life that have been recently identified as environmental toxins and a threat to female reproductive health. Previous studies have shown that BTR could act as a carcinogen by mimicking estrogen. Environmental estrogen mimics could promote the initiation and development of female cancers, such as endometrial carcinoma, a type of estrogenic-sensitive malignancy. However, there is little information on the relationship between BTR and endometrial carcinoma. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the biological function of BTR in endometrial carcinoma and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods: The CCK-8 assay was performed to detect cell viability; transwell-filter assay was used to assess cell invasion; gene microarray analysis was employed to determine gene expression patterns in response to BTR treatment; western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were carried out to detect the expression levels of BTR-related genes. Results: Our data showed that BTR could induce the invasion and migration of endometrial carcinoma cells (Ishikawa and HEC-1-B). In addition, BTR increased the expression level of CTBP1, which could enhance the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells. Moreover, CTBP1 silencing reversed the effect of BTR on EMT progression in endometrial carcinoma cells. Conclusion: This study indicates that BTR could act as a carcinogen to promote the development of endometrial carcinoma mainly through CTBP1-mediated EMT, which deserves more attention.

Maintaining energy and water supplies is still a prime global challenge and hydrogen fuels are set to offer a solution to this challenge, as the combination of hydrogen and oxygen as a fuel stock with the generation of pure water as by-product is extremely attractive. However, ensuring that the water supply is clean and contaminant-free is key to ensuring that it can be incorporated into the drinking supply. Contaminants from the fuel cell catalysts or breakdown of materials within the fuel cell over its working life will affect the water quality. The measurement of acidity (pH) is an important indicator for understanding water quality. This article reports a calibration-free, affordable, screen-printed electrode (SPE) capable of measuring pH within these waters. This device is fabricated by screen printing pH-insensitive ferrocene, in conjunction with a pH-active (and redox-active) alizarin compound. This electrode reveals consistent voltammetric response to both buffered and low-buffered media with sufficient supporting electrolytes, achieving a working range from pH 2 to 9.5. This approach provides a disposable, reproducible, low-cost method for pH monitoring in harsh environments, for example in low-buffered water quality monitoring and the food industry.

Emerging evidence suggests that significant left ventricular dysfunction may arise in right-sided septal or paraseptal accessory pathways (APs) with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, even in the absence of recurrent or incessant tachycardia. During 1 year and 9 months, we identified four consecutive female children with median age of 8 years diagnosed as having dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) combined with overt right-sided APs several years ago. Incessant or recurrent tachycardia as the cause of DCM could be excluded. Anti-heart failure chemotherapy did not produce satisfactory effects. The patients underwent radiofrequency ablations (RFCAs). This report describes the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of the cases before and after the ablation. Dyssynchronous ventricular contraction was observed in all patients. The locations of the APs were the right-sided anteroseptum and the free wall (n = 2 each). All patients received successful RFCAs. Their physical activities and growth improved greatly, and the echocardiographic data demonstrated that their left ventricular (LV) contraction recovered to synchrony shortly after the ablation and that their LV function recovered to normal gradually during the follow-up. Conclusions: A causal relationship between overt ventricular preexcitation and the development of DCM is supported by the complete recovery of LV function and reversed LV remodeling after the loss of ventricular preexcitation. Preexcitation-related dyssynchrony was probably the crucial mechanism. Not only right-sided septal or paraseptal but also free wall overt APs may induce LV dysfunction and even DCM. AP-induced DCM is an indication for ablation with a good prognosis.

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been recognized as a regulator of gene expression, and the dysregulation of lncRNAs is involved in the progression of many types of cancer, including epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). To explore the potential roles of lncRNAs in EOC, we performed lncRNA and mRNA microarray profiling in malignant EOC, benign ovarian cyst and healthy control tissues. In this study, 663 transcripts of lncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in malignant EOC compared with benign and normal control tissues. We also selected 18 altered lncRNAs to confirm the validity of the microarray analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses demonstrated that these altered transcripts were involved in multiple biological processes, especially the cell cycle. Furthermore, Series Test of Cluster (STC) and lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network analyses were conducted to predict lncRNA expression trends and the potential target genes of lncRNAs. We also determined that two antisense lncRNAs (RP11-597D13.9 and ADAMTS9-AS1) were associated with their nearby coding genes (FAM198B, ADAMTS9), which participated in cancer progression. This study offers helpful information to understand the initiation and development mechanisms of EOC.

To analyze the adverse effects of type B ventricular pre-excitation on ventricular wall motion and left ventricular function and its clinical characteristic.The clinical, electrophysiological and echocardiographic characteristics of the 9 cases with type B ventricular pre-excitation before and after ablation seen between March 2011 and March 2013 were analyzed. The patients aged from 3 to 16 years. Five of them were female.Dyschronous left ventricular contraction was demonstrated by M-Mode echocardiography in all of the cases. The basal segments of the interventricular septum turned thin and moved in a manner similar to that of an aneurysm, with typical bulging during end-systole, which was observed in six cases. All patients received successful RFCAs. The locations of the accessory pathways (APs) were the right-sided anteroseptum (n = 2) and the free wall (n = 7). Their physical activities and growth improved greatly in the four cases with coexisting dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The echocardiographic data demonstrated that their LV contraction recovered to synchrony shortly after the ablation, LVEF recovered to normal and LVED decreased to almost normal gradually during the follow-up.Overt right-sided APs may have adverse effects on ventricular wall motion and left ventricular function. They can even result in DCM. Dyssynchronous ventricular contraction induced by right-sided overt accessory pathway may be the vital mechanism. Such kinds of cases are indication for ablation with good prognosis.

The optoelectronic properties of four azo dye-sensitized TiO2 interfaces are systematically studied as a function of a changing dye anchoring group: carboxylate, sulfonate, hydroxyl, and pyridyl. The variation in optoelectronic properties of the free dyes and those in dye/TiO2 nanocomposites are studied both experimentally and computationally, in the context of prospective dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. Experimental UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and DSSC device performance testing reveal a strong dependence on the nature of the anchor of the optoelectronic properties of these dyes, both in solution and as dye/TiO2 nanocomposites. First-principles calculations on both an isolated dye/TiO2 cluster model (using localized basis sets) and each dye modeled onto the surface of a 2D periodic TiO2 nanostructure (using plane wave basis sets) are presented. Detailed examination of these experimental and computational results, in terms of light harvesting, electron conversion and photovoltaic device performance characteristics, indicates that carboxylate is the best anchoring group, and hydroxyl is the worst, whereas sulfonate and pyridyl groups exhibit competing potential. Different sensitization solvents are found to affect critically the extent of dye adsorption achieved in the dye-sensitization of the TiO2 semiconductor, especially where the anchor is a pyridyl group.