Search

Background: Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) has been identified as a biomarker in various cancer types. However, its biological function in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains unknown. Methods: LPAR1 was identified as a key regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PTC cells through bioinformatics analysis of TCGA and GEO datasets. PPI analysis and correlation with immune infiltrates were also conducted. LPAR1 expression was evaluated using Gepia2 and GTEx, and miRNA target gene prediction was done with multiMiR. To assess the expression of LPAR1, we extracted total RNA from both the BCPAP cell line and the normal human thyroid epithelial cell line Nthy-ori 3-1. The levels of LPAR1 expression were then measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the BCPAP cell line, with a comparison to the Nthy-ori 3-1 cell line. Results: 1081 genes were upregulated, and 544 were downregulated compared to normal tissue. LPAR1 was identified as a key candidate by analyzing the TCGA and GEO datasets. PPI data analysis showed interactions with metastasis-related proteins. Functional enrichment analysis indicated involvement in signaling pathways like phospholipase D and actin cytoskeleton regulation. LPAR1 expression correlated positively with immune infiltrates such as CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid dendritic cells but negatively with B cells. Additionally, miR-221-5p was predicted to target LPAR1 in PTC. Furthermore, our experimental data demonstrated that LPAR1 was under-expressed in the PTC cell line compared to the nonmalignant one (P <.01). Conclusion: LPAR1 suppresses metastasis and is linked to EMT, as evidenced by the decreased LPAR1 expression and increased miR-221-5p in PTC. This suggests its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis and as a therapeutic target for EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new strategy for a catalytic C−C bond forming cascade reaction comprising acetal hydrolysis and Knoevenagel condensation is presented here. The heterogeneous nanocatalyst is prepared by immobilizing an ionic liquid on the surface of highly monodisperse silica nanoparticles. This work is the first example of showing that there is no need to use bifunctional acid‐base catalysts for a cascade reaction including the hydrolysis of benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal to benzaldehyde and the subsequent Knoevenagel condensation of the resulting benzaldehyde with malononitrile. It is shown here that these reactions can proceed smoothly with a mono‐functional heterogeneous catalyst that contains a neutral ionic liquid. It has been proposed that such a neutral ionic liquid can "switch on" to an acidic catalyst in conjunction with water. The selected ionic liquid has potentially biodegradability characteristics, which is an important issue to achieve a sustainable catalyst. The simple procedure for preparing both the ionic liquid and the monodisperse silica nanoparticles provides opportunities for a large‐scale synthesis of the catalyst. This work introduces a breakthrough in the design and synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts for acid/base catalyzed cascade organic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The best methods for preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases are preventive behaviours. Aim: The purpose of the current study is to ascertain how educational intervention affects cardiovascular disease prevention. Methods: The current investigation is a quasi-experimental study conducted in Shiraz, Iran, in the year 2022, focusing on 200 hypertension patients (by sample random sampling) that were divided into two groups: a control group consisting of 100 participants (63 males and 37 females) and an intervention group also consisting of 100 participants (58 males and 42 females). The data collection instrument comprises inquiries pertaining to demographic factors as well as constructs of the health belief model (HBM) and preventive behaviours for cardiovascular diseases. The participants in both groups completed the questionnaire prior to and three months after the intervention. The intervention group underwent a total of six training sessions, each lasting 55 min. Results: The results showed that after the intervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in all cues of the HBM model except for the perceived barriers. Following a period of three months subsequent to the educational intervention, the experimental group also exhibited a notable reduction in blood pressure in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the utilisation of the HBM demonstrated positive outcomes in facilitating the promotion of cardiovascular disease prevention among patients diagnosed with hypertension. The promotion of health among individuals with high blood pressure can be both beneficial and feasible. Moreover, this particular model can be utilised as a comprehensive framework for the development, execution, and evaluation of advantageous and effective healthcare initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic lead compounds have recently been classified as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In this light and given the capability of ion selective electrodes for potentiometric measurements of heavy metal ions, a novel lead ion membrane electrode was prepared based on a novel synthesized compound, and was used for the determination of lead content in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues.  The selectivity of the electrode response to lead ions was good in the presence of many commonly occurring interfering species such as alkali, alkaline earth, transition and other heavy metal ions, as further reflected by conductance studies. The optimal membrane composition was 7 % wt. of the ion carrier, 30 % wt. of PVC powder, 60 % wt. of NPOE, and 3% wt. KTCPB. The response of the sensor was linear in the concentration window of 1.0×10−7 to 1.0×10−1 M with a detection limit of 8.5 ×10−8 M, and the slope of the calibration plot was determined to be 29.4 ± 0.3mV per decade of concentration. The electrode response was pH-independent in the wide range of 2.2–8.9, and it offered merits of quick response, further to its low detection limit, selectivity profile, and broad linear response range. The sensor showed a fairly fast response ~30 s and could be reliably used for over 4 months. The membrane electrode was used in the determination of Pb2+ concentration in healthy and cancerous oral tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]